The Green Bay Packers walked out of this one with more than just a win-they walked out with a statement. For a moment, it looked like they might let another lead slip away, with the Chicago Bears clawing back and threatening to flip the NFC North race on its head. But when it mattered most, the Packers delivered, seizing control of the division and showing the kind of resilience that separates playoff contenders from pretenders.
The turning point? It came with just under five minutes left in regulation, on a play that looked dead in the water-until it wasn’t.
Facing 3rd-and-1 from the Bears’ 28-yard line, Green Bay handed the ball to Josh Jacobs. At first glance, it looked like a busted play.
The Bears had it read perfectly, swarming the edge with multiple defenders. Jacobs appeared boxed in, staring down a likely loss that would’ve forced the Packers to settle for a field goal-and a narrow three-point cushion.
But Jacobs had other ideas.
He didn’t just escape. He powered through the chaos, splitting defenders who each thought the other had him wrapped up.
What should’ve been a negative play turned into a 21-yard burst, flipping the field and setting up 1st-and-goal at the Chicago 7. It was the kind of run that doesn’t just move the chains-it shifts momentum.
Even Tom Brady, calling the game for FOX, was stunned. “How did he do that?!”
Brady exclaimed, watching Jacobs somehow outrun and outmuscle a crowd that included Montez Sweat and C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
“There’s four Bears there … and Jacobs just splits it. What a run.”
That run didn’t just keep the drive alive-it changed the complexion of the game. Four plays later, the Packers punched it in, stretching their lead and forcing the Bears into desperation mode on their final possession. Instead of needing a field goal to tie, Chicago had to chase a touchdown-a completely different ballgame.
It’s moments like that Jacobs run that define seasons. The Packers didn’t just survive-they imposed their will when the stakes were highest.
And with the NFC North lead now in hand, they’ve got a clear path ahead. Another matchup with the Bears looms in a couple of weeks, but for now, Green Bay controls its own destiny.
Everything they want is still in front of them. And thanks to a timely burst of power and vision from their running back, the road to the NFC playoffs might just run through Lambeau.