Week 16 Game Notes

Check out this highlight package from NFL Network.  At first it seems like a Packers highlight reel, but that’s just because of their early dominance of this contest.  I love Jeff Joniak’s calls.  No, he’s not a homer.  Neither are Ron Santo and Hawk Harrelson.

Now that the dust has settled and I’ve fully thawed out, I’ve had a chance to take a closer look at the game, BY THE NUMBERS:

1 – as in 4th and 1.  Looking back at the highlights, this key conversion late in the Bears’ final TD drive was way closer than I originally thought.  Thanks for the spot refs!

2 – degrees Fahrenheit at kickoff, making it the coldest game in Bears history since they started keeping records in 1963.

3 – total points allowed by the Bears defense in the second half.  Glad to see them wake up.  Special thanks to special teams for the blocked field goal.

5 – current Packers losing streak, longest since 1990 before you-know-who arrived.  Is it a coincidence that now that he’s gone, they experience their longest losing streak.  I’m just sayin’.

8 – Bears become the 8th team in NFL history to win consecutive overtime games.

38 – distance of Mason Crosby’s field goal attempt that was blocked by Alex Brown.  Coincidentally, it was the distance of Robbie Gould’s game winner.

62,151 – official paid attendance for Monday night’s frigid game.  I doubt that many actually made it out, but an impressive turnout nonetheless.

Was it just me, or did the Packers look like they expected the coin to be flipped again after it hit Brian Urlacher’s helmet for the OT coin toss?  Sorry Pack, no do-overs, no takebacks.  Rock-paper-scissors?  How many fingers?

Since the NFC North was established prior to the 2002 season, only the Bears and Packers have won the title.  Here’s to hoping that it stays that way and leaves the Vikings out in the cold.

BEAR DOWN!!!