After getting totally outplayed in their opening week loss to the Vikings, the Packers looked to get back on track against the Bears, who took down the 49ers in their opener. Last season, the Packers took both meetings between the teams and entered with a six-game winning streak against their division rivals.
The Packers took the opening kickoff and methodically drove 53 yards in 13 plays. A 40-yard field goal by Mason Crosby put the Packers up, 3-0. Chicago answered with a seven-play drive covering 71 yards fueled by a 30-yard pass to Equanimeous St. Brown and a 13-yard run by David Montgomery. A 3-yard touchdown run by Justin Fields put the Bears up, 7-3.
The second quarter was all Green Bay. A nine-play, 75-yard drive ended at the beginning of the second quarter with a 15-yard scamper to the end zone by Aaron Jones. The Packers defense stifled the Bears offense, not allowing a first down in the quarter and only three yards on ten plays. Meanwhile, the Packers offense was working on all cylinders. A nine-play drive in the middle of the quarter featuring a mix of Aaron Rodgers in the air and Jones on the ground ending in a touchdown pass from Rodgers to Jones from eight yards out. On the next possession, the Packers steamrolled for their third touchdown with the big play a 20-yard connection from Rodgers to Randall Cobb. Green Bay strutted into the locker room at the half leading 24-7.
The first Lambeau Leap of the year!
TOUCHDOWN @Showtyme_33! 🙌#CHIvsGB | #GoPackGo
📺 NBC pic.twitter.com/ur6WlFdBXj
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 19, 2022
The Bears failed to convert a first down after receiving the second half kickoff. Green Bay looked to add to their lead, but Rodgers fumbled at the Chicago 33, ending the drive. Chicago found some rhythm offensively over the next two drives, but the Packers defense tightened when needed, holding the Bears to a field goal and a loss of downs. Green Bay held a comfortable 24-10 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Green Bay melted the clock midway through the fourth quarter on 10-play, 89-yard drive. The result was a 28-yard field goal by Mason Crosby to put the Packers up, 27-10. Two players later, Jaire Alexander intercepted a deep pass intended for Equanimeous St. Brown. Four plays, ten yards and 2:09 off the clock and the Packers improved to 1-1 with a 27-10 victory.
2️⃣3️⃣ with the INT! @JaireAlexander!!!#CHIvsGB | #GoPackGo
📺 NBC pic.twitter.com/0471ZMzVQI
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 19, 2022
Rodgers completed 19-of-25 for 234 yards and two touchdowns. Eight different Packers caught at least one pass, led by Sammy Watkins, Aaron Jones, Randall Cobb, and Christian Watson, each with three. Aaron Jones tore up the Bears in the running game, covering 132 yards on 15 carries, while AJ Dillon added 61 on 18 attempts. Defensively, Preston Smith recorded two sacks. Note that punter Pat O’Donnell averaged 61 yards on two punts. Justin Fields threw for only 70 yards for the Bears and was intercepted once, while David Montgomery rushed for 122 yards on 15 carries.
The Packers head to Tampa Bay next week for a showdown against the 2-0 Buccaneers.