Packers Stumble in Overtime Loss, Face Uncertainty at Quarterback as Playoff Race Tightens
Saturday night at Soldier Field was supposed to be a measuring stick. Instead, it left us with more questions than answers-about both the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers. The Bears escaped with a 22-16 overtime win, but if you're looking for clarity in the NFC playoff picture, you're not going to find much here.
Green Bay controlled much of the game, yet couldn’t seal the deal. And while the loss stings, the bigger concern might be what lies ahead-particularly at quarterback.
Malik Willis Steps In, Shows Poise
When Jordan Love went down with a concussion following a vicious helmet-to-helmet hit from Bears rookie Austin Booker, Malik Willis was thrust into the spotlight. And to his credit, he delivered.
The 26-year-old backup went 9-for-11 for 121 yards, including a beautiful 33-yard touchdown strike to Romeo Doubs late in the third quarter. He added 44 yards on the ground and converted three first downs with his legs, finishing with a 142.8 passer rating.
That’s not just a solid relief effort-that’s a quarterback who looked ready to lead.
Willis has always had the tools: a strong arm, quick feet, and the ability to extend plays. On Saturday, he put it all together in a high-pressure environment.
In a league where 17-game seasons test every roster’s depth, having a backup like Willis is a luxury. Bringing him back this season was a smart move by the Packers front office.
But here’s the problem: now he’s banged up too.
Willis injured his throwing shoulder on the final offensive play of the game. With Love in concussion protocol and Willis now questionable, Green Bay suddenly finds itself in quarterback limbo at the worst possible time.
NFC Wild Card Race: A Tightrope Walk
With the Seahawks, Rams, and 49ers already locking up playoff spots, the final NFC Wild Card is still up for grabs. The Packers (9-5-1) are clinging to a narrow lead over the Lions (8-7), Panthers (8-7), and Buccaneers (7-8). But with two games left, nothing is guaranteed.
What’s remarkable is that Green Bay is even in this position. A few key moments earlier in the season still loom large.
There was the 13-10 loss at Cleveland, where Love’s late interception sealed their fate. The 40-40 tie with Dallas featured a blocked extra point that turned into two points the other way.
And in a 10-7 loss to Philadelphia, the Packers went just 5-for-13 on third down and lost two costly fumbles.
Flip two of those outcomes, and we’re talking about an 11-3-1 team that’s already punched its ticket.
Instead, the Packers are walking a tightrope, and they’re doing it with a roster that’s banged up and a quarterback room in flux.
Love’s Regression and the Offensive Line’s Struggles
Jordan Love’s development this season has been a mixed bag. His deep ball still lacks consistency-often sailing too high and hanging in the air long enough for defenders to close the gap. His footwork under pressure has been erratic, and the offensive line hasn’t done him many favors.
Josh Jacobs’ knee injury, which first flared up in the Giants game, hasn’t improved much either. That’s limited the Packers’ ability to control tempo and stay ahead of the sticks.
What made Love intriguing last season was his mobility-he ran for 247 yards in 2023. This year, he’s sitting at 199 yards, and with his status uncertain, he may not get a chance to add to that total.
Willis Brings a Different Dimension
What stood out about Willis wasn’t just the efficiency-it was the threat he posed on the ground. The Bears had to account for his legs, and when they did, he made them pay through the air. That dual-threat element added a layer to the Packers’ offense that’s been missing for much of the year.
But if he can’t go next week, Green Bay might have to turn to Sean Clifford. And based on what we saw in the preseason, that’s not a move the Packers want to make in a must-win situation.
Emergency Options?
If both Love and Willis are unavailable, Green Bay may need to look outside the building. One name to keep an eye on is Bailey Zappe, currently on the Browns’ practice squad.
Zappe isn’t a gunslinger, but he’s accurate, smart, and holds multiple FBS records from his time at Western Kentucky. He doesn’t have elite arm strength, but neither do several starting QBs in today’s NFL.
In an emergency situation, he could be a viable option.
Bears Still a Work in Progress
As for the Bears, they got the win-but it wasn’t pretty. Caleb Williams made plays late, but for most of the night, he looked overwhelmed. He went 0-for-2 on third down through the first three quarters and was hit with an intentional grounding penalty that stalled a promising drive.
Chicago’s leading rusher finished with just 58 yards, and it’s worth noting the Packers were without their top two defensive players. If these teams meet again in the playoffs, that could change the equation.
Final Stretch: No Room for Error
Injuries have taken their toll on the Packers, and the margin for error is razor-thin. But even with all the adversity, this team has shown flashes of what it could be. There’s still a path to the postseason-but it’s going to take clean football, smart decision-making, and maybe a little bit of luck.
One more misstep, and that playoff door could slam shut.