Packers Let One Slip Away Against Bears After Late-Game Special Teams Miscue
The Green Bay Packers had a golden opportunity to strengthen their grip on the NFC North in Week 16. Instead, they walked off the field stunned after a costly special teams breakdown paved the way for the Chicago Bears to snatch a dramatic overtime win - one that could have serious playoff implications for both teams.
With just under two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Green Bay looked set to close out a hard-fought divisional matchup. But when the Bears lined up for an onside kick, everything unraveled. Wide receiver Romeo Doubs misplayed the recovery attempt - a moment that will stick with Packers fans - and Chicago’s Josh Blackwell pounced on the loose ball to give the Bears new life.
From there, the momentum completely flipped.
Chicago capitalized on the extra possession, marching downfield and capping the drive with a clutch touchdown reception by Jahdae Walker to force overtime. The Packers’ offense had a chance to respond in the extra period, but a fourth-and-1 miscue - a fumbled snap by Malik Willis - handed the Bears another shot.
That’s all Caleb Williams needed.
The rookie quarterback delivered a dagger, launching a 46-yard strike to D.J. Moore for the walk-off touchdown. Just like that, the Bears walked out with a comeback win and control of the NFC North.
“Fall on the Ball” - A Simple Lesson, a Costly Mistake
The reaction to Doubs’ onside error was swift, especially from those close to the game. Terrence Parsons, brother of injured Packers star Micah Parsons, didn’t hold back on social media.
“All he had to do was do what we were taught at 6 years old - don’t catch it, just fall on the football,” Parsons posted on X, voicing the frustration that many in Green Bay’s camp were likely feeling.
It’s a fundamental play - one drilled into players from the earliest stages of football. And in a game with playoff stakes on the line, that one misstep proved pivotal.
Bears Pull Ahead, Packers Left Chasing
With the win, Chicago improves to 11-4 and extends its lead atop the NFC North. Green Bay, now 9-4-1, finds itself not only trailing in the division but also trying to stop a two-game skid at the worst possible time.
The Packers have little time to regroup. Week 17 brings a heavyweight matchup against the Baltimore Ravens - a team locked in a tight AFC North battle of its own with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
No Parsons, No Margin for Error
Making matters worse, Green Bay will have to navigate the rest of the season without Micah Parsons. The All-Pro edge rusher suffered an ACL injury in Week 15 and is done for the year. His absence leaves a massive void on a defense that’s already under pressure to carry more of the load.
That means Matt LaFleur’s squad will need to tighten up in all three phases - especially on special teams. As we just saw, one miscue can flip a game, and possibly a season.
With playoff positioning on the line and the Ravens up next, the Packers need to regroup fast. The margin for error is gone. Every possession, every play, every detail matters from here on out.