The Green Bay Packers improved to 7-3 on the 2024 NFL season with their 20-19 victory over the Chicago Bears. taking the lead on a Jordan Love touchdown rush with a little under three minutes remaining in the game, Green Bay’s defense was tasked with keeping Chicago out of field goal range in order to cement the win.
While they were unable to do that, defensive lineman Karl Brooks was able to get the tip of his finger on Cairo Santos’ 46-yard field goal attempt, which would have won the game for the Bears. The attempt fell short of the goal posts and the Packers held on to win the game.
The Green Bay Packers Traded Preston Smith Before the Game vs the Chicago Bears
As Packers fans are well-aware, Green Bay traded pass-rusher Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the Bye Week. Smith, who ranks 11th in franchise history in sacks, requested a trade after his skill set did not mesh well with the scheme of new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.
To both Smith’s and Green Bay’s credit, neither party made a big public spectacle of the trade request, and the two parties went their separate ways in a mutual and respectful manner.
Smith got to go play in a 3-4 scheme with the Steelers, similar to the one implemented by former Packers defensive coordinators Mike Pettine and Jeff Hafley.
Green Bay, on the other hand, was given the opportunity to let younger players get more snaps. One of these, players, Brenton Cox, made some noise against Chicago.
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur Says Fans Should Expect to See More of Brenton Cox
Green Bay’s pass rush failed to get home to Williams for most of the game. However, on the final drive, TJ Slaton and Cox sacked the Bears quarterback on back-to-back plays.
Indeed Cox, who was playing in his first game this season, made the most of the 22 defensive snaps that he played. He also held his composure on special teams, which resulted in Chicago being called for unsportsmanlike conduct when he was thrown to the ground.
On Monday, head coach Matt LaFleur said, “I would expect to see more of him,” when discussing the former undrafted free agent.
The sack was the first of Cox’s career after he appeared in just four games last season.
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