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Bears edge Packers to keep playoff hopes alive

Dec 23, 2008 - 7:19 AM By Scot Marcotte PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

CHICAGO (Ticker) -- The Chicago Bears had plenty of motivation for Monday's game, and it showed. With the playoffs on the line and revenge on their minds, the Bears found yet another way to win.

Chicago blocked a field goal late in the fourth quarter and Robbie Gould made one in overtime to lift the Bears to a 20-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers.

"We weren't playing good, we weren't running the ball, we weren't throwing the ball," Bears quarterback Kyle Orton said. "We just weren't playing well at all. So, we just said, 'This is our season.' It's coming down to this and if we don't do anything, we're done. It definitely wasn't pretty, but we got the win."

In Overtime, the Bears got the benefit of a personal foul on Safety Aaron Rouse. That tacked 15 yards onto a 17-yard reception by tight end Greg Olsen, bringing the ball to the Green Bay 31.

That eventually set up a 38-yard field goal by Gould that won the game and kept Chicago's playoff hopes alive.

"It's what you live for as a kicker especially in a primetime game like this," Gould said. "I think the best part about it is how we fought back to get a big victory. We're still alive in the playoff hunt."

Those hopes were nearly dashed as Green Bay's Mason Crosby lined up a 38-yard field goal attempt with :25 seconds to play. His kick was blocked by Alex Brown as the Bears line got a great push, sending the game to overtime.

"We talk about making plays and I was fortunate enough to make that play," Brown said. "Everybody had great push on that block. This has been a playoff atmosphere for us the last few weeks and we lose we're out. We want to win."

In the first half, the Packers outgained the Bears 221 yards to 48. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers was an efficient 16 of 24 for 176 yards in the first half, throwing two touchdown strikes. Both of the scoring tosses took place in the second quarter, the first to Greg Jennings for seven yards and the second to Ryan Grant for 17.

"With the kind of yards we put up and the efficiency in which we moved the ball, you got to get more than 17 points," Rodgers said.

Following Jennings catch, KR Danieal Manning returned the kickoff 70 yards to set the Bears up at the Green Bay 29. Gould converted on a 31 yard field goal attempt to put the Bears on the board.

"We got the best kicker in the world and the best field goal unit, so you put it in their hands and let them do it," Manning said. "Getting our offense in great field position is key for me. If I can do that I'm having a great day."

The Bears, however, failed to take advantage of an earlier Green Bay gift. Alex Brown intercepted Rodgers late in the first quarter, bringing the ball to the Green Bay 48. They managed to move the ball 14 yards, but just out of Gould's range and were forced to punt.

"We weren't playing like we were capable of playing in the running game or passing game," Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner said. "We had some opportunities to make some plays in the passing game. If we make those, things start to click."

Down 14-3 things started to click for the Bears when Packer cornerback Jarrett Bush muffed a Brad Maynard punt. Bush was blocking on the play and never saw the ball as it hit the back of his leg. Jason Davis recovered the ball at the Packer 27 and Orton later found Olsen for a 3-yard touchdown pass.

Late in the 3rd quarter and the Bears driving at their own 49, cornerback Charles Woodson stepped in front of Aaron Peterson and took the interception 22 yards to the Bears 30. That set up Crosby with a 28 yard field goal.

The Bears tied the game, 17-17 on a 3-yard TD run by Matt Forte with 3:11 left in the fourth quarter. With his 73 yards on 23 carries and 1,188 yards on the season, Forte set a new Bears rookie rushing record despite nursing an injured toe.

"It was difficult, but you gotta play through pain," Forte said. "That's what I did last game, so I knew I could do it this week."

On the ensuing kickoff, the Bears Adrian Peterson was charged with a personal foul on returner Will Blackmon to put the ball at the Bears 35. That put the Packers in position to win the game with a field goal but Crosby's attempt was blocked.

"Obviously, I'm frustrated," Crosby said. "I had a chance to help the team win here and it's really disappointing."