The Chicago Bears’ agonizing 11th straight loss to the Green Bay Packers reached new levels of frustration after the NFL officially commented on a controversial play during the Week 11 game. The Bears had been hoping for an apology after claiming illegal contact with their long snapper during Cairo Santos’ blocked, game-winning field goal attempt.
The controversial move
Late in the fourth quarter, the Bears head coach said Matt Eberflus Concerns surrounding the Packers’ alleged illegal contact with long snapper Scott Daly on a blocked kick. Eberflus expressed his frustration after the game, saying, “We’re going to call in the play because obviously they touched our long snapper.”
The Bears submitted the play for review in hopes that the league would recognize a missed foul. But on Friday evening the NFL concluded that it no foul on the play.
What the verdict means
Although the Bears’ complaint sparked heated debate among fans and analysts, the ruling ultimately changes nothing. Even if the league had sided with Chicago, the result would have remained the same. There would have been no re-kick or replay, leaving the Bears with another painful chapter in their season.
A season to forget for the Bears
The blocked field goal sums it up Bears 2024 season together: heartbreak, controversy and disappointment. The team has now lost 11 straight games to their NFC North rivals, with this loss made even more painful by its dramatic finish. quarterback Caleb Williamswho had orchestrated a late drive to set up Santos’ 39-yard attempt, saw his effort negated by a critical special teams error.
The Packers continue to pursue Chicago
The Packers, led by an efficient performance from the quarterback Jordan Lovetook advantage of the Bears’ misfortune to extend their dominance in the rivalry. The victory boosted Green Bay’s playoff hopes and deepened Chicago’s despair.
What’s next for the Bears?
For the embattled head coach Matt Eberflus the defeat increases pressure on an already precarious position. With Chicago’s season in a tailspin, questions surround the future of the coaching staff. In the meantime, the Bears will try to rally and make the most of a year that has veered off course.
