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Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears - 11/11/01
Game Summary - Packers Win 20-12
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| LB Na'il Diggs and the rest of the defense limited the Bears to 43 yards rushing on the day |
The Green Bay Packers moved into first place in the NFC Central with a 20-12 win over the arch rival Chicago Bears.
For two straight weeks the Bears pulled out miraculous wins in overtime. With under two minutes to play it appeared as if the streak might continue. Driving toward the same end zone that James allen caught a "Hail Mary" pass to tie the game last week, the Bears were faced with another tough situation. On fourth-and-four with 39 seconds on the game clock, Chicago's hopes were quelled as a Jim Miller pass fell incomplete.
"In my opinion, it came down to a number of big plays," head coach Dick Jaroun said. "I thought they made them and we didn't. We didn't make enough big plays to win the game."
The return of wide receiver Bill Schroeder sparked the Packers air attack. Schroeder had four catches for 100 yards including a 41-yard score. Antonio Freeman added four grabs for 68 yards with one going for a touchdown.
"I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be a part of this team again and to come in and contribute," Schroeder said.
Marty Booker led Chicago (6-2) with eight receptions for 81 yards. Wide receiver Dez White added seven catches for 45 yards and rookie David Terrell finished with three receptions for 12 yards.
Chicago started the game with a 55-yard drive ending in a 37-yard Paul Edinger field goal. after Brett Favre was intercepted on the Packers' first possession, the Bears converted the pick into a 47-yard field goal from Edinger.
Green Bay (6-2) answered the call with a 40-yard Ryan Longwell kick five minutes into the second quarter. Longwell finished connecting on both field goal attempts while Edinger accounted for all 12 Bears points on four field goals.
Battling kicking woes the last couple of weeks Longwell rebounded with a strong performance. "In those tough times you learn a lot about yourself and others," the veteran said. "Doug did a great job of holding today. It's fun to see your kicks flying straight and going through."
The Packers defense came up with big plays when need throughout the game. On a crucial third-and-one to start the fourth quarter, safety Darren Sharper snuffed out the reverse and tackled Booker short of the first down.
"They tried to use some tom foolery on third-and-one, but I stayed in position for the reverse and made the play," Sharper said.
"They did a great job," Booker said. "We got some things here and there. We just did not execute. When you do not execute against a team like Green Bay things happen like that."
Paced by 11 tackles each from LeRoy Butler and Nate Wayne, the Green Bay defense held the Chicago rushing attack to just 43 total yards. anthony Thomas gained 45 yards with 27 of them coming on the Bears' initial drive.
Ahman Green registered 93 yards on the ground adding another 17 on two receptions. Dorsey Levens gained nine yards on three carries.
Starting his 149th consecutive game, Favre went 19-of-32 for 268 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. His counterpart, the Bears' Miller, completed 28 passes on 47 attempts for 201 yards.
"It's a huge win, one that we needed," Favre said. "The Bears had the momentum and we haven't been playing poorly, but to go on the road and beat a team that is leading the division is just huge for us, a major confidence builder. It was just one of those games that was going to come down to a play or two at the end, and it's nice to win those games, especially on the road."
With the win, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman has yet to lose as a member of the Green Bay Packers in Soldier Field. Sherman was 2-0 as an assistant under Mike Holmgren and holds the same mark as the head coach.
"This is a game that could have gone either way," Sherman said. "I take nothing away from the Bears. They had a great game plan, were well prepared and they played a heck of a football game. I think that's what this rivalry is all about--two good teams knocking it out. Someone has got to come away winning and I am fortunate and glad it was us."
After scoring the game winning touchdown last week, kick return specialist Allen Rossum was held in check. Trying to avoid another big play from Rossum, the Bears kicked away from him for most of the game. Defensive lineman Jim Flanigan and fullback William Henderson both returned kickoffs that were kicked short.
Two former Bears served as captains for the Packers in the game. Flanigan represented the defense while long snapper Rob Davis held the honor for the special teams unit.
This was the last regular season meeting between the Packers and Bears in Soldier Field. a completely renovated stadium will house the team at the start of the 2003 season.
Packers-Bears archived complete game broadcast
(Real audio)
Game Highlights (Real audio)
Post-Game / Locker Room audio Clips
GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman (Realaudio)
Defensive Coordinator Ed Donatell (Realaudio)
S LeRoy Butler (Realaudio)
DT Santana Dotson (Realaudio)
QB Brett Favre (Realaudio)
WR antonio Freeman (Realaudio)
RB ahman Green (Realaudio)
LB Bernardo Harris (Realaudio)
K Ryan Longwell (Realaudio)
WR Bill Schroeder (Realaudio)
S Darren Sharper (Realaudio)
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
CHI: P.Edinger 37 yard Field Goal
CHI: P.Edinger 47 yard Field Goal
2nd Quarter
GBP: B.Schroeder 41 yard pass from B.Favre (R.Longwell extra point is good)
GBP: R.Longwell 40 yard Field Goal
CHI: P.Edinger 38 yard Field Goal
3rd Quarter
GBP: A.Freeman 9 yard pass from B.Favre (R.Longwell extra point is good)
CHI: P.Edinger 41 yard Field Goal
GBP: R.Longwell 31 yard Field Goal
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