Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson, a longtime fan of the city’s sports, expressed surprise at the limited playoff history between the Bears and their long-standing rivals, the Green Bay Packers. As the two teams prepare for only their third playoff clash in a history that spans 213 games, Johnson remarked, “I was kind of surprised to see how few times that’s happened in the postseason. I think it’s pretty cool.”
While this upcoming matchup holds special significance, it also highlights the unique history of the rivalry. The previous two playoff encounters have taken place exclusively in Chicago, with the first occurring at Wrigley Field before the United States entered World War II, where the Bears secured a 33-14 victory en route to winning the 1941 NFL title.
Johnson emphasized the importance of this weekend’s game, stating, “I’ve been saying since I got here, the vision has always been let’s have home playoff games at Soldier Field. I’m proud of our guys being able to bring that vision to life this year and hopefully we can come out and make our fans proud here this weekend.”
The Bears-Packers rivalry is the most enduring in NFL history, filled with thrilling moments. Some memorable moments include the Bears’ last playoff win over the Packers on December 14, 1941, and a number of highlight-reel games, showcasing legendary players such as Walter Payton and Gale Sayers.
Among the most exciting encounters, ranked by significance, are:
– *Bears 26, Packers 24* (November 8, 1987): A dramatic finale saw Jim McMahon lead the Bears to victory with a last-minute field goal.
– *Bears 13, Packers 10* (November 3, 1968): Gale Sayers’s standout performance included a game-winning free kick that showcased a little-known NFL rule.
– *Packers 24, Bears 23* (September 9, 2018): This game featured a thrilling comeback by the Packers led by a resilient Aaron Rodgers.
As the anticipation for Saturday’s game builds, the Bears are hopeful for a victory that will further invigorate their fan base and potentially mark a new chapter in the storied rivalry. The game promises to be a showcase of not just skill but also the deep-seated passion both teams bring to the field, capturing the essence of what it means to be part of this historic matchup. Fans can look forward to another exciting chapter in one of sports’ most intense rivalries.