Chicago Bears 2012 Rewind: Bears lose to Green Bay… Again

Dec 16, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Green Bay Packers defeat the Chicago Bears 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

One of the most common lessons learned in life is that we must learn from our mistakes. The best way to go forward in life and football is to look back. We all learn from the past to build on the future. Before the Bears’ next matchup against the Packers on Monday night, let’s look back at their last game against their rivals to the North.

There is no worse feeling than losing to the Green Bay Packers. In week 15 of 2012, the Bears did just that. It was an ugly match, and throughout the 2nd half, it just felt hopeless. Here is the boxscore of the debacle. For this post, I am going to italicize all the stupid plays that could have changed the outcome of the game if it had gone differently.

Game Summary

The first quarter was scoreless. The Bears drove the ball very nicely on the opening drive and took it down to the Packers 31 for a third and 1. That was when Roberto Garza moved early and forced the Bears back five yards. Instead of an easy first down run and potential field goal, the Bears were forced to punt. Podlesh nicely placed it inside the five, but Olindo Mare should have been able to nicely place it within the goal posts, for a field goal or extra point. The Bears eventually forced a punt, and Hester took it 24 yards to near midfield. They went three and out.