The rivalry is almost as old as the NFL itself. Chicago has played Green Bay over 200 times in their storied history. Chicago, of course, is one of two original teams (the Cardinals are the other). Green Bay came into the league the following year. The teams have played each other in all but two seasons: In 1922, the league revoked the Packers franchise rights when it was discovered that Green Bay was illegally using college players in games.
In 1923, the league transitioned from the American Professional Football Association (APFA) to the National Football League. Green Bay was readmitted into the league.
The rivalry was paused again in 1982 when the NFL players caused a work stoppage after week two. League games from weeks three through 10 were canceled, including both games in this rivalry.
From the first game in 1921 through the end of the 1980s, Chicago dominated the rivalry, winning 75 games. Green Bay's only bright spot was during the Lombardi era when the Packers won 15 of the 20 games played between 1960 and 1969.
The rivalry turned in favor of the Packers in the 90's. Coinciding with the arrival of QB Brett Favre, the Packers have won 49 of the last 68 games and are 23-3 in their last 26 games against the Bears. Chicago has yet to win a game against their long-time rival this decade.
The Time to start year three of the rebuild begins now.
Chicago has turned the corner, winning five of their last 7 games. Green Bay is 4-3 in the same stretch of games. Both teams have been erratic at times this season. The teams have identical 7-8 records since the week one debacle when Green Bay embarrassed Chicago at Soldier Field.
Last week, the Bears had perhaps their best game of the season, burying the playoff-contending Atlanta Falcons 37-17. Fields played well, the running game was on point, and the defense came away with another 4 interceptions. They will need to duplicate that effort this weekend.
Throughout the week, we have been recounting some of the best games of the rivalry. In the last segment, we look back at the best games during the lean years.
11/7/1999 The Walter Payton Game
A few days after legendary RB Walter Payton passed away, the Bears played the Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers had won 10 straight games against the Bears and were heavy favorites to win again. Bears starting QB Cade McNown was injured early on, and Jim Miller threw 3 INTs in a backup role. But the Bears found themselves clinging to a one-point lead at the Two Minute Warning.
Packers QB led the team downfield, and with 7 seconds remaining, the Packers sent out kicker Ryan Longwell to kick a 28-yard chip shot to win the game. Somehow, Bryan Robinson blocked the kick, and the Bears won 14-13.
2007; Just Beat The Packers Twice
After losing the Super Bowl in 2006, the Bears finished last in the NFC North in 2007 with a 7-9 record. Many fans say it doesn't matter the team's record as long as they beat the Packers twice. In what was Brett Favre's last year as their QB, the Packers finished the regular season 13-3 before ultimately losing at home in the NFC Championship game. But the Bears did sweep Green Bay in 2007.
Chicago scored the last 17 points to defeat Green Bay 27-20 at Lambeau Field. During the game, Charles Tillman forced two fumbles with his patented "Peanut Punch," and Favre was intercepted twice in the win.
In the rematch at Soldier Field, the Bears thumped Green Bay 35-7. Brian Urlacher intercepted a Brett Favre pass and returned it 85 yards for the game's final score.
Bears Spoil Favre Celebration; Thanksgiving Night 11/26/2015
The Packers welcomed back Brett Favre that night, adding his name to their "Ring of Honor." And what better way to do that than to face the Bears on national television? However, the Bears decided it was their night to celebrate. A Zach Miller TD reception from Jay Cutler, a TD run by Jeremy Langford, and a Robbie Gould FG accounted for the scoring, and the Bears spoiled the night for all Packer fans in a thrilling 17-13 win.
On December 16, 2018, the Bears Won the NFC NorthNew
In what was the only successful year under Coach Matt Nagy, the Bears defeated the Packers 24-17 to clinch their first division crown since 2010. Mitch Trubisky threw two TDs (Cohen and Burton), and Jordan Howard added another. The Bears would finish thttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVyatTwZn-4he 2018 season 12-4 before losing in the first round of the playoffs.
News and Notes
Join the Bears writers from Sports Mockery on January 9th, starting at 6:00 PM Central. Erik, Dhruv, Stevie, Michael, and Kevin will talk about all things Bears. Did Ryan Poles make any coaching changes? How did the Bears fare up in Green Bay? What's next for Chicago? Log into the show using this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVyatTwZn-4
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