Rodgers returns, rallies Packers to NFC North crown

Week 17
December 29, 2013 - 3:25 p.m. - FOX
Soldier Field
Chicago, Illinois

Packers 33 - Bears 28

Photo credit: packers.com

The Green Bay Packers are headed to the postseason as the 2013 NFC North Champions thanks to the heroic return to the field from Aaron Rodgers and Randall Cobb.

He's back.  Aaron Rodgers returned to the field for the first time since breaking his collarbone Week 9 against the Chicago Bears.  Rodgers returned to face the team that knocked him out with the NFC North Division title on the line.  Rodgers carved up the Bears defense on the Packers opening possession, however, a rare Rodgers red zone interception stalled the drive inside the five yard line.  Jay Cutler and the Bears took advantage driving the field and ending the drive with a Cutler touchdown pass to Matt Forte.  Just like the first drive, Rodgers carved up the Bears defense on the Packers second possession of the game, however, a pass thrown behind Jordy Nelson was deflected by Nelson and intercepted at the Bears 17-yard line.  Luckily, the defense forced a three and out to save Rodgers and the offense.

After a Mason Crosby field goal to cut the Bears lead to 7-3, the Packers scored a touchdown on one of the most bizarre plays you will ever see.  On first and ten from the Bears 17-yard line, Rodgers' arm was hit by Julius Peppers and he fumbled the football forward.  The ball went forward and appeared it was an incomplete pass.  However, the referee never blew the whistle to end the play.  Jarrett Boykin picked up the ball lying on the ground and walked into the end zone for the touchdown.  The Packers led 10-7.

Photo credit: packers.com

The next Bears possession lasted four plays and ended with an Alshon Jeffrey fumble recovered by Morgan Burnett.  The Packers moved the ball inside the Bears 10-yard line, but were forced to settle with a Crosby field goal to take a 13-7 lead into halftime.

After a Green Bay three and out to start the second half, the Bears feed Matt Forte on five consecutive plays to find the end zone giving the Bears a 14-13 lead.  Green Bay responded on the next drive by feeding Eddie Lacy and James Starks and finished the drive off with Rodgers connecting with Randall Cobb for a 7-yard touchdown giving the Packers a 20-14 lead.  The Bears answered the Packers touchdown with a quick one of their own after Forte punched it in from the 1-yard line after a 67-yard reception by Alshon Jeffrey giving the Bears the lead again 21-20.

The first play of the fourth quarter resulted in a Cutler touchdown toss to Brandon Marshall giving the Bears a 28-20 lead.  Aaron Rodgers led the Packers down the field with long connections to Jordy Nelson and Andrew Quarless.  Eddie Lacy capped off the drive with a 6-yard touchdown run cutting the Bears lead to one, 28-27.  After the defense stopped the Bears, Rodgers and the offense received the ball with just under six and half minutes left and chance at a game winning drive.

Photo credit: packers.com

Aaron Rodgers constructed a masterful comeback game-winning drive.  A drive consisting of three fourth down conversions.  The first, a fourth and inches, converted by John Kuhn.  The second, a fourth and one, converted on a back shoulder throw to Jordy Nelson.  And the third, a fourth and eight, a 48-yard touchdown throw to Randall Cobb with :38 seconds remaining.  The touchdown toss was the 2013 NFC North Championship dagger!  The Bears had some time remaining, but the game ended on a Sam Shields interception of Jay Cutler.

With everything this Packers team has been through this season: the injuries, Rodgers hurt, the defensive struggles; the Packers are NFC North Division Champions.  This team is truly resilient.  This team never gives up.  And this team is going to the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season.

The Packers will host the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field for the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.

#GOPACKGO

#DivisionChamps

#PlayoffBound

Green Bay Packers  8-7-1
Chicago Bears  8-8
Detroit Lions  7-9
Minnesota Vikings  5-10-1