Bears players reacts to walk-off win over Packers

Ariana Pensy · Correspondent · 5 hours ago

CHICAGO - Wide receiver DJ Moore has not had too many moments this season, but he had one of the best plays in franchise history with his 44-yard touchdown catch against the Green Bay Packers in overtime to get Chicago to their eleventh win of the season despite being injured early in the game.

“For this game, (there) was no getting out (of) the game. So, I had no desire to get out and stay hurt … It was a lot of chirping back and forth, a lot of pushing back and forth. So, this game meant a lot to both sides, but we came out on top,” Moore said. “Heard the play call and then once I (saw) the defense, it was one-on-one. I knew (quarterback) Caleb (Williams) was going to give me a chance with the ball like he did at practice and we connected on it … It was amazing that we did it against them and it feels great.”

The game looked like it was over with no chance of going to overtime with just a few minutes left. However, the onside kick recovery from Josh Blackwell changed everything. It set up Williams and the Bears' offense for the game-tying touchdown drive.

Undrafted rookie wide receiver Jahdae Walker came down with the touchdown on fourth and goal.

“I love that for Jahdae. He’s a hell of a player and he loves football. I mean, we all love football, but you can see it on his face. He’s a little kid on the playground outside at practice and he deserves that,” Blackwell said. “He’s worked his ass off and for him to have that moment in this crowd with this moment, it was incredible for him.”

With the successful onside kick, the last-minute touchdown from Walker, and the touchdown from Moore, the performance of kicker Cairo Santos may have gone under the radar.

Santos made all three of his field goal attempts, each from over 40 yards, during an incredibly windy game.

“It was super gusty. It was a tough day today. My first 46 (yarder) was against the wind and then all the other ones were with the wind,” Santos said. “So, (in) the fourth quarter, we’re kicking with the wind, but it was more of a cross wind that you just had to play it perfect and the ball, have to trust it.”

Santos has not had his best season. He has missed five field goals this season, the most misses for him since 2019. Jake Moody was also brought in for a few games when Santos was injured.

Nonetheless, Santos came through when the Bears needed him, and players such as tight end Cole Kmet think there is something to be said for Santos’ reliability against Green Bay in the blustery weather conditions.

“For whatever flak he gets, to be able to perform in this weather with the consistency that he does, it’s not easy to do and I’ve seen guys struggle with it,” Kmet said. “You see guys who come in from other teams and they have issues with it, even guys with huge legs. You've got to be able to play the wind, and I think his scratch golf game probably helps that as well.”

For all players on Chicago’s team, including Kmet who is tied with cornerback Jaylon Johnson as the longest-tenured players on the team, this game marked an important milestone. It was the first time these players had beaten the Packers at Soldier Field. If Chicago wins the division, which they will have a chance to do against the San Francisco 49ers on Sun. Dec. 28 (7:20 p.m. / NBC), it will also be the first time all these players have seen the Bears win the division.

The last time Chicago won the division was the same year they beat Green Bay at Soldier Field for the last time - 2018.

“I’ve obviously been through a lot since I’ve been here and this is my first win against them here,” Kmet said. “So, with the implications and what was on the lines for us, it’s a big moment and something I’ll always remember. It was awesome.”