The refs are worse than I remember, and I've said this before, but the raw dollar amount of legal gambling that is going on for every single statistic (e.g., Parsons sacks per game) has got me seriously worried. A ref doesn't need to fix a game to get a payday.

And Nixon was robbed but why walk over there? Just play on man.

Sean Rhyan has found a way to get paid. He is not always in the right or perfect spot, but if he get his mitts on someone, it is over.

This year it seems like every game the Packers are having to go against the refs as well as the opposing team. From blatantly obvious offensive holding that refs just ignore to things like Nixon getting choked and him being called for a penalty. Parson has only drawn a single offensive holding penalty all season (back in week 2) and that was declined as he got a sack. Otherwise we have seen him get tackled and there isn't a penalty. I just think that these refs don't see the game fast enough. There are 8 of them on the field but they miss things all the time. Jvole above said the bit about gambling, yes it is a conspiracy theory, but it feels like the NFL is trying to fix games for Vegas via officiating.

There was paly I think 3rd quarter where Parsons had 3 guys hanging on him like a curtain. What is with refs and their angst against calling holding at least once in a while for Parsons. Just a call here and there and the holding would lessen up!

Fix.
When the Bears player first grabbed Nixon's throat, there was a ref was right there watching.
And how can a pass be called incomplete when it never touches the ground? You tell me.

Thank you, Kalani, for giving the O-Line some love! I'm hoping some other writers do a little bit more of a deep dive this week. I don't think its any coincidence that the current winning streak coincides with the changes up front. Rhyan and Belton have been an upgrade and yesterday was their best yet. Its been a little frustrating reading about the Pack these past few weeks while I think the press is burying the lead. I think these two are the biggest reason for the offence clicking the way it has. I'll be interested to see the PFF grades...I thought Belton in particular had a really good game. Best part?....they're both going to get better.

The run defense should not cget a game ball. It got dominated in the second half by the Bears O-line. It was only because whiz kid genius Ben Johnson decided to pass on the last play rather than run for the yard that the game didn’t go to OT. Reminded me of Pete Carroll blowing the Super Bowl by passing instead of handing off to MarShawn Lynch for the TD. Brilliant!

The one thing I noticed again and I may be wrong but teams come in seeing the films and Nixon is their goat. I'm sure the plan even before the game started was they were going to go to whomever Nixon is convering for the big play they needed. It didnt work this time.

Great article, Kalani, and I'll touch on a couple spots.
Yes! This did seem different with Da Bears getting most of the press all week long, and it was crucial (as I saw it) that the Packers needed to win. Not just to shut up Ben Johnson, but to reestablish (or remind people of) the pecking order as well, two weeks from now will be equally as important, and maybe more!
I'm also happy to see you mention Enagbare, there have been times I've wondered if maybe the FO should consider re-signing him and trading away Gary's big contract? Let the thumbs-down begin on that one!

Was Nixon that bad? In the Snap Counts article, TGR said that PFF credited Nixon with allowing 2 out of 5 completions in coverage for a total of 11 yards. One of them was a TD, but the coverage was tight. It was a great throw and catch and was basically indefensible.

Game: Luke Musgrave had clutch receptions. Looking like a guy worthy of being drafted.

Lame: Valentine is so easily juked. Can the DB position coach work with him on that? Please.

Yes, Enagbare made a couple really key plays, love how he plays the game. However, I thought Gary did a good job of harassing Williams and keeping the edge against the Bears.

Really curious how Hafley plays his defense against the Bears in round 2. It's obvious when Williams gets pressured, his first inclination is to escape to the right. Early in his career, that was the MO on Josh Allen, and the Baltimores and KC's would often send safety help to that side of the field to restrict his throw/run options. Unless Williams learns how to play in the pocket, he's going to be another Russell Wilson who becomes ineffective once he loses a step. Hats off to him though, for making the plays and bringing his team back in to the game. However, THE BEARS STILL SUCK!

I know Nixon didn't have the best day at the office overall, but I love the way he competes. Buy that man as beer. He did a great job on that last play of staying in his zone and making the play.

Shout out to Reed as well. His return will only make the offense even more formidable.

I would scoff at the earlier comments about the refs, but it looks like it's happening in all the games, not just the Packer games. I've always had a bad feeling about the NFL teaming up with the gaming industry. I was worried about the players, but now that I see it, it makes more sense if the refs try to control the spread. I thought 6½ was a little high but try as they might the Packers still covered anyway.

"The combination of Anthony Belton and Sean Rhyan playing out of position has the line looking... rejuvenated? Is that fair to say?... Jordan Love only took one sack in this game"

Compared to Walker, who's played pretty much every snap, Rhyan and Belton are pretty fresh. They should have legs under them for the stretch run. Going to need them this week against Denver--the AFC's complement to the Packers, with the difference being that their pass rush gets home.

Jordan Love took one sack, but he's got a tendency for those "one sack" sacks to cost the Packers points. 2nd and 5 at Chicago's 38 and he drops 15 yards on the sack, leading to the INT and costing the Packers at least a FG attempt. Luckily, the Bears got nothing of the ensuing possession. I think Love has pretty good pocket presence, but sometimes he's trying to do too much.

Pass Defense--Caleb Williams was a dog throwing the ball most of the night. He needed late drives to salvage his stat line, but the Packers only allowed 3 receptions of over 17 yards and two of those were late in the game.

We complain about the holding calls--clearly the Packers are just going to need to find ways to get the rush home, anyway--but Williams was dead in the water multiple times and scooted away. Bo Nix is athletic, but not as fast as Willams. They'll catch him in those situations, but you'd better believe that Sean Payton is watching this film and noting what the Bears did against the Packers shell coverage late.

Micah Parsons--he gets a game ball for getting Enagbare a sack when he was being run off the rush but managed to give RT Darnell Wright a push off his line and open up the underneath route directly to Williams for the sack. Rewatch that play if you get a chance.

Nixon--needs to be smarter. Talk smack? OK, but don't trot halfway across the field after the play to engage in crap talk and contact. The refs can see that.

Ben Johnson--or should I say Matt Nagy 2.0--has his team believing they can win. They generally play their best ball in the first and fourth quarters, and last night it wasn't enough. He hasn't been able to run away from most teams and they play tight games where a single play going against you can cost you a win...he's mostly turned up aces so far, and that's ripe for regression. Trap game for them this week at home against the Browns with the rematch against the Packers coming up in two weeks. Is Cleveland good? Not on the whole, but their defensive front 7 is if their offense can get them breathers. They'll shut down the Bears' run and put the game in scattershot Williams' hands. If the Browns can find a way to score in the 20s, they'll beat the Bears.

All that said, the Bears get 3 of their final 4 at home (while the Packers and Lions play 3 of 4 on the road) with two divisional games, a game against a Browns team with a lame duck coach, and a road game against an SF team who will also be playing for a spot in the playoffs. Last night wasn't a must win for the Packers, but they needed at least a split with the Bears and having that one in hand is a big deal. The Lions can be the Packers' best friends at this point with that final week game in Chicago.

Everything I was going to say was said above. But Nixon, gosh that guy drives me nuts. He's got to keep his head when attacked by a dagum rookie. The flag should've been on Burden's chokehold. How refs can't see something 2 ft in front of their face is beyond me. Nixon was the dog of the game, but came out as the rescue dog on the int in the end zone. The other good news is minimal injuries after this dogfight game. Keep healing up for the final leg of the season which won't be easy. Get everyone back and win out! That should keep Johnson's mouth shut until next year.

Oh, by the way......Da'Bears still suck!

Listening to Kevin Burkhardt & Tom Brady call the game sure makes me long for the Joe Buck & Troy Aikman years, Brady's voice Is super annoying!

Did anyone here mention how the refs never threw a flag, on the Bears, for holding Parsons, on every defensive snap? It's hard enough for a team to beat another team, in this league, but when you have to beat the refs, as well, that is patently unfair.
I agree on the Rhyan comments. He has deserved to start at Center, for a few weeks now. Give it to him and continue to develop Monk, there.
I think Nixon has been playing well at CB for us, for a while. There have been times when he has been beaten, there, but who else on this team has not been beaten, at their position? He made some mental errors yesterday and MLF yelled at him, once as he came off the field, for it. He was a hero of the game with that game winning INT. Corral his headspace issues and let him play.
Josh Jacobs is a stud. Watson is everything I hoped he would be at WR.
On to Denver. GO PACK, GO!!!

I just realized that the Bears Head Coach's initials are BJ...yup old Blow Job Johnson. I'm sure hope Matt had a little smirk on his face during that lightning handshake.

Iv'e always enjoyed Nixon's heart and doggedness but it's unfair to call him a CB #1 and expect him to play that role. He is doing his best but he costs the team as much as he saves it. And, he needs some counseling re: his hot-head-'Straight outta Compton' style.

He's a CB#2. I do relish his heart, though.

Watson's play was pure beauty.

Is Van Ness expected to be back in time for the playoffs? Anyone?

"They didn't allow the Bears any explosive runs."

That bodes well for the next 7 games.

Now, Coach Johnson is getting too much flack. He called a play with options built-in and Caleb made the ultimate decision.

Nowww, I lead a sheltered existence and unfortunately need and rely on others to make my existence spicey. Sooo, letz hope that da Bears somehow get ol' #12 (now #8) on their roster. Could you imagine the smartest guy in the room Coach and the smartest guy in the room Player coexisting?

What theater! Imagine if you will, lean in brothers and sisters. Packers vs Bears for the NFC title next season.

Love ya (some more than others),
Pantzy meeting you Here

Of course it is better to beat the Bears when the game means something. Hardly any fun beating team whose only hope it to play spoiler. Doesn't hurt them when they lose. Yesterdays game made the windy city moan and it was music to my ears.

Good game, fudgepackers. The city didn't moan, we know we are ahead of schedule and came one play and a 2 point conversion from beating you. It's funny reading all your comments of grand delusion. CW is in year 2 of what was a disaster in year one. He will be the best QB in the North by the end of next year. There will likely be many more good games between these rivals in the years to come. Congrats on the W. See you in 2 weeks

Agree with this mostly - especially the Nixon penalty - but I think that he has gotten this from his reputation and he has also taken some dumb PI penalties in other games

As I posted during the game - #1 seems to get held around the neck almost every time he tries to get to the QB

I am not a fan of what our offense does to our defense to start the second half - too many 3 and outs. And some seemingly dumb ones. I mean someone other than Doubs is open and Love throws the long ball. To start the second half and if the D gives up a long grinding series - it behooves the offense to make sure that they run a whole bunch of time consuming drives to let the D catch their wind and scheme it up.

The referees do not know what a catch is or isnt - that TD in the Ravens game - how can a player knock the ball out of the receivers hands when he is about to hold it up celebrating a catch and it is called no catch - and in our game Musgrave had complete control and the tip was on the ground and the Bears receiver had the ball wrestled away from him and it didnt touch the ground when Green bay had it on his body.

I bet you that there are some bettors on these games pretty pissed off.

Where is that doom and gloom lady who only sees the negative? Haven’t seen a comment by her during this win streak.

All good points, Kalini: BUT a couple caveats:
Playing well "more often than not" does describe our O-Line play. But it's not a prescription for a deep playoff run.
Saying the run defense was "perfect." Did you watch the 2nd half?
Player quotes would be better left unsaid. Just supply billboard material for opponents.
But you're spot on about uncoming Denver game. Not a Must Win, but a victory would give us a boost and tell us we can beat a very good (the best?) AFC team.
But 1st, let's beat da Bears. Again.
The Szotman

Lame - Just TERRIBLE OFFICIATING! I've never seen so much holding that wasn't called and strange calls around roughing and turnovers. You'd think the league would put a better crew on for such an important/ game of the week?

Lame - GBs first 2 second half offensive series - both 3 and out. They allowed their defense to get gassed in the second half. Poor play selection on both drives.

Game - The Oline is coming together. I've loved watching Rhyan and Belton getting better each week.