What started out as maybe the most Chicago Bears game ever, this team took the ball away from the Las Vegas Raiders three times in the first half and only came up with a measly nine points. The Raiders had Chicago baffled on offense.
But, in the end, these Bears did just enough to win when it mattered most. It came down to the wire as the Raiders were in position to kick a game-winning field goal. As Daniel Carlson lined up for what would be a 54-yard field goal to win the game, the ball was snapped and the kick went up.
And it was blocked by defensive back Josh Blackwell. The Bears would win the game thanks to that miraculous special teams play. But, to one coach, it was far from a miracle. In fact, special teams coordinator Richard Hightower knew it was going to happen.
Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower called the game-winning field goal just before it happened
In his postgame press conference with the Chicago media, head coach Ben Johnson said that Hightower whispered into his headset just before the field goal attempt:
“Blackwell’s gonna block it."
Well, there you have it. Hightower somehow knew the block was going to happen.
This game did feel very familiar to some of the Bears games of old; those games where Chicago had to rely on their defense and special teams week-in and week-out. Except, in this one, fans didn't expect to have to rely on those two aspects against a Las Vegas team that isn't all that impressive on defense.
Then again, no one anticipated Maxx Crosby single-handedly wrecking this game from the very first series. So, chalk it up as one of those gritty afternoons that didn't go exactly as planned. But, to come out with the win in the end, and in such spectacular fashion?
That felt pretty good.
Read more: It took one game for Ozzy Trapilo to make Ben Johnson look silly vs. Raiders
It has to feel even more special for Hightower. Now, hopefully the NFL allows fans to hear and see that footage, on the field, before the kick was blocked. To see it unfold would be legendary.