Hamp and O'B Hamp & O’B: Bears enter hibernation on a win over Green Bay
Jan 6, 2025
00:00
Dan Hampton, Ed O’Bradovich, and Andy Masur react to the Chicago Bears’ 24-22 victory over the Green Bay Packers in the 2024-2025 season finale.
The Bears started the game at the frigid Lambeau Field, playing like they had nothing to lose. With star wide receiver DJ Moore back to receive a punt in the first quarter, he drew everybody’s attention, allowing Josh Blackwell to steal a touchdown completely unnoticed.
The historic rivals continued to throw punches at each other as the game continued. Early in the fourth quarter, with the Bears leading 14-13, Caleb Williams hit Moore on a screen pass, which he took 32 yards for a touchdown. Interim Head Coach Thomas Brown kept the offense on the field, looking to go up two scores with a 2-point conversion.
The attempt was unsuccessful, but a penalty against Green Bay gave the Bears another shot at the points, this time from the 1-yard line. Instead, Brown sent out the kicking unit, and Santos kicked the extra point, keeping the contest as just a one-possession difference.
After the teams traded punts, the Packers found the end zone thanks to an impressive drive from backup quarterback Malik Willis, with starter Jordan Love injuring his hand earlier in the game. On Green Bay’s 2-point try, the ball slipped out of Willis’ hand, and the score was held with Chicago still in front.
The Bears’ offense took it down to the 2-minute warning, but a DJ Moore fumble gave the Packers the ball at midfield with a chance to take a late lead. Bears fans were ready to witness another unfathomable loss in this long season. Kicker Brandon McManus drilled a 55-yard field goal in freezing conditions to give his team a 22-21 lead.
Williams and the Bears had just 48 seconds to get into Cairo Santos’ field goal range and attempt to steal the win. The rookie used the spacing on the field well to advance the ball, setting up a 51-yard try with two seconds remaining. Santos knocked it through as time expired, and the Bears’ 10-game drought was washed away.
The Bears finished the 24-25 NFL season with a record of 5-12 (1-5 in Divisional games). Thank you to all the fans, listeners, and callers who contributed to the show. We will see you for the 2025 NFL Draft Special.