Bears Fall to Packers, But Show Fight in Week 14 Loss at Lambeau
The final score might read 28-21 in favor of the Packers, but this Week 14 matchup at Lambeau Field told a deeper story-one of a young Bears team still finding its identity, still learning how to close games against the NFL’s elite. And while the loss to their oldest rivals stings, there were enough flashes of promise to keep the optimism alive in Chicago.
Let’s be clear: the Bears didn’t play their cleanest football. The offense sputtered early, and the defense gave up a few too many explosive plays. But what stood out wasn’t just the mistakes-it was how this team responded.
After the game, tight end Cole Kmet put it simply: “It wasn’t our best first half of football, but I thought we responded really well coming back, showing our brand.” That brand, as Kmet described, is fast, physical, and opportunistic-traits that started to show up as the game wore on.
Caleb Williams Shows Growth, Even in Defeat
For rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, it was another step in the learning curve. The accuracy still isn’t where it needs to be on every throw, but when he’s on, he reminds you why he was taken No. 1 overall. His ability to make plays on the move was on full display, highlighted by a sideline strike to Kmet and a jaw-dropping touchdown pass to Olamide Zaccheaus that may go down as one of his best moments yet.
These are the kinds of plays that don’t just show up on highlight reels-they build trust in the locker room. They show that when the pocket breaks down, Williams can still make something happen. That’s a trait you can’t teach.
Ground Game Keeps Bears Balanced
One thing that has quietly become a staple of this Bears team is the run game-and it showed up again on Sunday. Chicago pounded out 138 yards on the ground, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. D’Andre Swift led the way with 63 yards, but Kyle Monangai added 57 of his own, giving the Bears a true one-two punch.
This kind of production on the ground is what allows a young quarterback like Williams to settle in. It keeps defenses honest and opens up the play-action game, which is where Williams can really shine with his arm talent and mobility.
Defense Bends, But Still Makes Plays
Defensively, it wasn’t a perfect outing. The Packers found ways to exploit some holes, especially with key starters like Tremaine Edmunds and Kyler Gordon sidelined.
But even with those absences, the Bears managed to keep their turnover streak alive, thanks to a timely interception from C.J. Gardner-Johnson in the first half.
That takeaway was more than just a stat-it was a tone-setter. It showed that even when the defense isn’t at full strength, they can still make momentum-shifting plays. And with some key players trending toward a return, this unit could be rounding into form at just the right time.
Still in the Hunt
Now sitting at 9-4, the Bears are very much in the playoff conversation. This loss doesn’t derail that, but it does serve as a reminder: to beat the best, you have to play four quarters of clean football.
The good news? The Bears are trending in the right direction.
They’re learning how to respond to adversity, how to battle back, and how to compete with teams that have been here before.
Week 15 brings a tough road test against the Cleveland Browns-a team that brings its own brand of physicality and defensive pressure. But if the Bears can clean up the early-game miscues and build on the positives from Lambeau, they’ll have a real shot at regaining momentum.
The rivalry loss hurts, no doubt. But this Bears team isn’t folding. They’re learning, growing, and inching closer to becoming the team they believe they can be.