Bears Defeat Packers in Overtime on Caleb Williams’ 46-Yard TD Pass
Chicago Wins 22-16 in Overtime at Home
The Chicago Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers 22-16 in overtime in Chicago, securing their 11th win of the season. The game ended when Bears quarterback Caleb Williams completed a 46-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver DJ Moore in overtime.
Decisive Touchdown and Late Rally
The Bears erased a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter. During a span of approximately two minutes in that quarter, Chicago reduced the deficit, recovered an onside kick, and scored a touchdown to force overtime. In overtime, Williams threw the 46-yard pass that Moore caught in the end zone for a walk-off victory.
Key Players and Matchups
Caleb Williams, 24, started at quarterback for Chicago. DJ Moore was targeted a team-high seven times, making five receptions for 97 yards and one touchdown. Green Bay cornerback Keisean Nixon was in coverage on Moore on the final scoring play in overtime.
Previous Meeting Between the Teams
In the first Bears-Packers meeting of the season at Lambeau Field on December 7, Keisean Nixon intercepted a fourth-down pass by Williams, securing a 28-21 victory for Green Bay. In the latest game, Nixon again played a central role on the decisive play, defending Moore on the overtime touchdown catch.
Preparation of the Winning Play
The play that led to the winning touchdown was installed on Thursday before the game. Williams and Bears coach Ben Johnson met one-on-one in Johnson’s office to review details of the play while watching film. The following day, the team practiced the play. Williams later stated that the play in the game worked out as they had discussed and executed in practice.
Impact of Injuries on Receiving Corps
The Bears played without wide receivers Rome Odunze, who was out with a foot injury, and Luther Burden III, who was sidelined with an ankle injury. In their absence, Moore received the highest number of targets on the team.
Records and Historical Marks
Williams now leads the NFL with six comeback wins after trailing in the fourth quarter this season. His six winning drives this season are the most by any Bears starting quarterback since the AFL-NFL merger. He is also the only Bears quarterback in franchise history to throw a touchdown pass in the final 30 seconds of the fourth quarter and in overtime.
Team Milestones for Chicago
The victory over Green Bay was the Bears’ first overtime win since they beat the Baltimore Ravens in 2017. Chicago now has six wins in games where the team trailed in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter, the most such wins in a single season for the Bears since the 1970 merger.