On Sunday at Lambeau Field, the Bears concluded their 2023 season with a disappointing 17-9 defeat against longtime rivals, the Packers in Green Bay.

For the second time this season, the offense was unable to score a touchdown. They were only able to obtain 3 field goals from Cairo Santos while being held back with limited gains of just 192 yards and securing 13 first downs.

Despite their best efforts, the defense proved incapable of limiting Packers quarterback Jordan Love's impressive performance. He completed 27 out of his 32 passes for a total of 316 yards and two touchdowns with an outstanding passer rating of 128.6. Additionally, Aaron Jones from Green Bay managed to rush for an impressive amount- completing a total distance covered by running backs as he carried the ball across more than half-a-field: gaining precisely one hundred eleven yards on twenty-two carries in all!

In the game, Justin Fields completed 11 out of his 16 pass attempts resulting in a total of 148 yards and achieved an impressive passer rating of 97.9. However, the Bears' running offense only managed to gain a mere sum of 75 yards throughout their struggle with as many as twenty-five carries.

Finishing with a 7-10 record, the Bears landed in fourth place of the NFC North following their defeat. Their losing streak against the Packers continued as they suffered their tenth consecutive loss since winning in 2018, marking eight straight losses at Lambeau Field since emerging victorious back in 2015.

Coach Matt Eberflus stated in the locker room that there are two sides to what he had told the players. On one hand, they felt disappointed about their loss; on another note, it marked the end of their season.

I attributed the progress of not just our football team, but also individual growth to the dedicated players. The perseverance displayed by those guys post their initial 0-4 setback and leadership qualities they exhibited is truly commendable. Finishing off with a record of 5-3 really proves how hardworking each person from coaches to support staff worked together towards this success story we have today in that locker room."

Securing a wild card berth in the NFC playoffs, the Packers (9-8) emerged victorious on Sunday. Prior to their game against the Bears, Green Bay was aware that wins by both Buccaneers over Panthers and Saints over Falcons earlier on Sunday meant they needed a victory for playoff qualification.

In an atypical game on Sunday, the total number of possessions between both teams was only 13. The Bears executed a series of either punts or field goals throughout their six drives, while the Packers dominated with seven drives resulting in 432 yards without ever needing to punt during the match.

On third down, the Bears only managed to convert 27.3% of their opportunities (going 3-for-11), whereas the Packers had a much higher success rate with seven conversions on ten chances (amounting to 70.0%).

According to Eberflus, the outcome hinged on examining third downs for both teams. He noted that successful conversions were responsible for allowing their opponents to keep their drives going and prevent them from doing so themselves due to our failure in converting. Ultimately, this key aspect decided the game's fate.

One notable statistic was that Love only received one sack from the Bears while Fields faced five sacks.

Eberflus expressed that he experienced their pass rush, but not ours. He stated the importance of analyzing our performance and determining how to improve it, acknowledging some successful pressure tactics were employed during the game but also intending to review footage for further evaluation.

I must give credit to the defensive team who came together and played exceptionally well throughout the last eight weeks. Unfortunately, we did not perform our best today.

The Bears took an early 3-0 lead thanks to Santos' successful 50-yard field goal during the opening possession. Fields also played a key role in the drive, completing all four of his passes for a total of 32 yards.

Late in the first quarter, the Packers had a chance to level up the score. However, Anders Carlson missed his 41-yard field goal attempt towards the left side. Before this event took place on second down, Tyrique Stevenson broke off Romeo Doubs' intention for reception at an end zone and DeMarcus Walker sacked Love on third down.

At the midway point of the second quarter, Love threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to receiver Wicks, giving Green Bay a 7-3 lead. This TD marked their longest scoring drive of the season and spanned across an impressive 11 plays for a total of 92 yards.

The Bears narrowed the score to 7-6 as Santos successfully kicked a field goal from 39 yards away with only one minute and seventeen seconds left in the first half. Fields played an essential role by securing a fourth-and-one situation on Green Bay's 43-yard line with a one-yard sneak, followed by throwing to DJ Moore over the middle for 33 yards during third-and-four on their own fifty.

With no timeouts left and only 11 seconds remaining in the half, The Packers were presented with an opportunity to expand their lead while on second-and-10 from the Bears' 22. However, Stevenson halted Wicks' advancement within bounds after receiving a 3-yard pass; ultimately causing time to run out.

After the break, Green Bay initiated a 9-play, 75-yard sequence that culminated in Love's touchdown pass to Wicks from twelve yards out. This increased their lead to fourteen points against their opponents who trailed with six on the board.

Stevenson caused a Love fumble while he was scrambling, and Jaquan Brisker quickly recovered the ball at Chicago's 42-yard line as the Packers were making another advance.

With 13:03 left in the fourth quarter, Santos kicked a field goal from 35 yards and managed to decrease the Bears' deficit to 14-9 after successfully converting their takeaway.

With a time of 10:54 left on the clock, Carlson's 25-yard field goal extended their lead to 17-9 for the Packers. Jayden Reed was able to receive Love's pass, which covered almost sixty yards in Green Bay’s first play from scrimmage during that drive and set up the successful kick.

Although they were still behind with a score of 17-9, the Bears managed to trap the Packers at their own 6 after Trenton Gill's punt, leaving only six minutes and eight seconds left in the game. Despite this setback, Green Bay gained two first downs and used up all remaining time on the clock as Love executed four passes out of four attempts for a total of 46 yards.

Eberflus noted that the defense successfully prevented their opponents from converting on some crucial third downs, which was vital for winning or tying the game in the fourth quarter.

Receiver Darnell Mooney, quarterback Tyson Bagent and cornerback Jaylon Johnson had to sit out Sunday's game due to concussion, illness and shoulder injury respectively. Additional inactive players for the Bears included running back D'Onta Foreman, guard Ja'Tyre Carter, cornerback Greg Stroman Jr., as well as safety Quindell Johnson. All of them were on the shelf during that particular match.

The absence of running back AJ Dillon (due to thumb and neck injuries), receiver Christian Watson (hamstring strain) and inside linebacker Isaiah McDuffie (concussion/neck issues) left the Packers with a depleted lineup.

Due to Lucas Patrick being placed on injured reserve with a calf injury on Saturday, Dan Feeney was granted his first start of the season at center for Sunday's game.

In the company of left tackle Braxton Jones, left guard Teven Jenkins, right guard Nate Davis,and right tackle Darnell Wright,Feeney made an appearance in 16 games this season. This marked the ninth unique offensive line arrangement for the Bears throughout this year.

Regrettably, Davis had to leave the game due to a foot injury during the first half and was substituted by the experienced Cody Whitehair.