Rodgers returns to lift Packers past their rivals.
The Green Bay Packers claimed the NFC North title after late drama in their 33-28 win over the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday night.
Having missed the last seven games after suffering a broken collarbone against Sunday’s opponents back in November, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers returned to action hoping to lift his team into the playoffs.
The 30-year-old did just that as he fired a 48-yard touchdown pass to Randall Cobb in the final minute, as Green Bay secured the win and the division title on their way to the playoffs.
Rodgers was able to find his team-mate wide-open down-field on a fourth-and-8 to wipe out a one point deficit with 38 seconds left, and as a result Green Bay will now host the San Francisco 49ers next weekend.
The Bears did have one final drive to hit back, but Jay Cutler’s deep pass to Alshon Jeffery was intercepted on the final play and they miss out in coach Marc Trestman’s first season in charge.
Meanwhile, Green Bay moved to 8-7-1 for the season to win their third straight division title and secure their fifth postseason appearance in a row.
In contrast, the Bears slipped to 8-8 for the year and out of the playoffs for the sixth time in the last seven years as the disappointment continues for the Windy City.
It was just their third defeat at home this season, and the Packers’ fourth win on the road, but ultimately Rodgers’ impact was all that mattered as the latter extend their season while the Bears will now reflect on what could have been.
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