The Chicago Bears used a trick play on special teams for their final game of the season.
They managed to pull off a fake punt return touchdown and a play from former special teams coordinator Dave Toub’s playbook to take a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter. This marked the first time Chicago had been in the lead during a game since November 24.
With 6:52 left in the first quarter, Green Bay punter Daniel Whelan kicked the ball near the sideline. Bears wide receiver DJ Moore tricked the Packers’ coverage team by pretending he was about to catch the punt inside the 5-yard line, while cornerback Josh Blackwell was left alone on the opposite side of the field.
Blackwell caught the punt, turned around, and ran 94 yards for a touchdown before jumping into the stands at Lambeau Field. This was the longest punt return for Chicago since their 97-yard return touchdown in 2021, which also happened against Green Bay.
Chicago had run a similar punt return in Green Bay in 2011, where Hall of Fame return specialist Devin Hester pretended he was going to catch a punt, while receiver Johnny Knox took the ball back for what seemed like a touchdown. However, that play was called back due to a penalty.
