The Chicago Bears did their part. They came back to stun the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night 22-16. That victory pushed them to 11-4 on the season. All that stood between them and their first playoff berth in five years was the Pittsburgh Steelers going into Detroit and beating the Lions. It was asking a lot. Detroit was at home and desperate. Pittsburgh wouldn't have T.J. Watt on defense. They would need a big performance from Aaron Rodgers and the offense. Fortunately, that is what they got.
Rodgers threw for an efficient 266 yards and a touchdown while the Steelers running game exploded for 283 yards and three touchdowns. They led 29-17 with under seven minutes to go in the 4th quarter. Then Detroit scored to make it 29-24. Pittsburgh had a chance to put it away, but missed a field goal. The Lions had a window. They marched down the field to the Steelers' 9-yard line. On 4th down, a hook and ladder play from Amon-Ra St. Brown to Jared Goff appeared to score, but St. Brown was called for offensive pass interference.
Game over. The Bears are headed to the postseason.
Aaron Rodgers finally got some payback.
Winning the game was far more important for other reasons than helping the Bears. Rodgers hadn't forgotten that his last three games against the Lions were all losses, including his final game in Green Bay. There is no question that he viewed this matchup as his last chance to get some revenge on an old rival. The fact that he did it in Detroit when it was a game they absolutely could not afford to lose was fitting. It was also the latest sign that whatever magic the Lions have had the past few years has dimmed considerably.
The Bears, by contrast, have accomplished a mission many thought was impossible this year. They went from 5-12 and a complete dumpster fire to one of the most physical and resilient teams in the league. Thanks to six 4th quarter comebacks, they are in the postseason for only the third time in the last 15 years. They're also on the cusp of winning the NFC North title, finally fulfilling GM Ryan Poles' pledge to take the north. It would guarantee them at least one home game next month.
