Long-time Division Rivals Collide

GREEN BAY — The 187th meeting between the longest active rivals in NFL history occurred Nov. 4. The Chicago Bears vs. the Green Bay Packers; it was one for the history books.

Injuries turned out to be the headlines in this battle. Heading into week nine of the Monday Night Football matchup against the Green Bay Packers, the Chicago Bears were missing
their two team captains. Starting quarterback
Jay Cutler, due to an injured groin, and middle linebacker Lance Briggs, with an injured shoulder, both suffered on Oct. 20 against the Washington Redskins.

The Green Bay Packers were also banged up heading into the game with pro bowl middle linebacker, Clay Matthews, who was out with an injured thumb.

The real concern didn’t enter Green Bay’s minds until the first drive of the game when the pocket collapsed on quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Defensive
End Shea McClellin put all 260 pounds on top
of Rodgers driving his shoulder into the ground. Rodgers did not return
to the game and was later diagnosed with a fractured collarbone. Back-up Seneca Wallace was now the one to take the snaps.

Both these injuries were obviously significant to both teams, but this is the NFL and it’s a business. One man goes down; the next guy in line steps up. That is exactly what back-up quarterback Josh McCown did that night. Passing for 272 yards (22-41) and two touchdowns leading the Bears to a 27-20 win over the Green Bay Packers. This was the first time the Bears have defeated Green Bay at Lambeau Field since 2007.

This victory for the Bears made the NFC North a lot closer than most thought it could be. All of the Monday Night Football crew picked the Packers to defeat the Bears, besides of course ex-Chicago Bears and always faithful Coach Mike Ditka.

It is now a three-way tie for first between
the Bears, Packers and Detroit Lions all sitting at 5-3. Sources say that Cutler, who was thought to be out up to four weeks, plans to be ready for the next game. The Bears face off against the Lions on Nov. 10 at Soldier Field.