The Chicago Bears are no longer just a rebuilding team-they’re a real problem, and the Green Bay Packers found that out the hard way in Week 14. Yes, the Packers came away with the win, but it was anything but comfortable.
This wasn’t a game where Green Bay coasted to the finish. It was a four-quarter fight, and the Bears made them earn every inch.
Green Bay pulled off the win thanks to a couple of clutch plays late-Josh Jacobs powered in a touchdown with just over three minutes left, and Keisean Nixon sealed it with a game-ending interception. But let’s be clear: Chicago had them on the ropes. Especially in the fourth quarter, the Bears were throwing punches that connected.
And now, the rematch looms large. In just two weeks, these two teams meet again-this time at Soldier Field.
And if you think that’s going to be an easy trip for the Packers, think again. Chicago is playing with confidence, with toughness, and with a chip on its shoulder.
That’s a credit to first-year head coach Ben Johnson, who’s quickly put his stamp on this team. It’s also a nod to general manager Ryan Poles, whose roster decisions are finally bearing fruit.
Johnson’s impact has been immediate. He’s brought energy, structure, and a clear offensive identity.
The Bears aren't just competing-they’re pushing good teams to the brink. And you better believe Green Bay felt that.
There was even a bit of tension postgame. Johnson and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur exchanged what you could call a "frosty" handshake-though that may have had as much to do with the frigid temperatures as anything else.
Still, there’s some history there. Johnson made a few comments during his introductory press conference that may have stuck in LaFleur’s mind.
After the game, LaFleur said it wasn’t personal. But come on-this is Packers-Bears.
Everything’s personal.
This rivalry has been simmering since 1921, and even when the Bears have been down, the fire never really goes out. But now?
It’s burning hot again. And as strange as it sounds, that’s a good thing for Green Bay.
Iron sharpens iron, right? If the Bears are rising, the Packers have to keep pace.
If Chicago’s front office is making smart moves, Green Bay can’t afford to sit still. That’s how rivalries work-they push both sides to be better.
And let’s be honest: this is great for the NFC North. It’s great for the league.
When the Bears are good, and the Packers are still the Packers, the entire division feels more alive. The stakes are higher, the games are tighter, and the storylines write themselves.
So yes, the Packers drew first blood. They walked out of Week 14 with a hard-fought win.
But this thing is far from over. Round two is coming fast, and the Bears will be waiting at home, looking to return the favor.
The oldest rivalry in the NFL just got a fresh coat of intensity. And if this past weekend was any indication, we’re in for another classic in two weeks.