The Green Bay Packers made it out of Lambeau Field with a victory on Sunday evening against the Chicago Bears. Much of it had to do with the solid play of Jordan Love and the continued excellence of their pass rush. However, they may have had additional help. Rumors are circulating that the Packers employed an underhanded tactic to tip the scales in their favor. Those watching the game likely noticed Bears players often slipping on the Lambeau turf, which Green Bay players didn't seem to deal with.
It is believed that the organization intentionally left the field poorly treated, knowing it would lead to the grass being slick and easily torn up. The Packers then instructed their players to wear cleats with longer studs to ensure proper footing, all the while knowing the Bears wouldn't catch on to the trap until it was too late.
Is this cheating? Technically, yes, since all teams are required to properly upkeep their fields in the name of player safety. The problem is there is no way to prove the Packers did it intentionally. In truth, this is not anything new. There is a long-standing legacy of teams intentionally ruining field conditions to slow down their opponents. Pittsburgh was accused of letting its field freeze in 1975 to stop the Oakland Raiders' passing attack. On the other hand, the Raiders were accused of allowing their field to become waterlogged, turning it into a mud pit.
Green Bay only proved that tactic was needed against the Chicago Bears.
Despite tilting the scales in their favor, they still almost let that game slip away. After leading 14-3 at the half, Caleb Williams stormed back to tie it 21-21. If not for a brutal 3rd down failure on defense, the Chicago Bears would've had a chance to win the game. It didn't happen. The Packers got away with it. One thing is certain. They won't be able to use that tactic a second time. The Bears will be ready for them at Soldier Field, itching for some payback. Can Green Bay win without playing dirty?
We will soon find out as they travel to Denver to face the surging 11-2 Broncos and their elite defense. Chicago will regroup and hopefully take care of business against the lowly Cleveland Browns. The meeting next week could determine the NFC North division winner. Nobody will remember the field conditions from this game, but it's something that should at least be archived. The Packers present themselves as a holier-than-thou organization, but in reality, they're just as scheming as everyone else.
