Studs, duds from Bears’ incredible comeback win vs. Packers

Is anyone out there still breathing?!

Despite a three-score deficit at the half, the Chicago Bears mounted the largest comeback in franchise playoff history Saturday night, beating the Green Bay Packers 31-27 at Soldier Field.

Here are the best and worst performances from this epic playoff victory:

DUDS

Everyone in the first half

Let’s be honest: That first half was hot garbage across the board. Ben Johnson’s play calls were off, the offense couldn’t get anything going, and there were multiple fourth-down attempts that kept points off the board. The defense gave up three straight touchdown drives, and it felt like they missed a million opportunities to make splash plays or get off the field.

The scoreboard said 21-3 at halftime, and it felt like 50-0.

STUDS

2nd-Half Defense

Dennis Allen’s crew bounced back from that dismal first half with a strong performance in the final two quarters. Even when it looked like the Packers had put it away with a touchdown drive halfway through the fourth quarter, they responded with a critical stop that forced a missed field goal, and another stop to close out the win.

There were still coverage busts (come on, Kyler), and missed opportunities (how do you not recover that fumble, Gervon?!). But when it mattered most, this unit got it done.

Colston Loveland

I need to see everyone who doubted Loveland as a top-10 pick early in the season to be just as loud right now. Loveland was a huge part of Chicago’s passing game through the second half of the regular season, and he kept that trend going Saturday night.

The first-round pick out of Michigan led the team with eight receptions for 137 yards, and made come of the biggest catches of the night to give the Bears a chance in the second half. This guy’s just getting started.

The Soldier Field Crowd

It’s been way too long since playoff football was played in his hallowed gridiron cathedral, and the fans made up for lost time. The atmosphere was incredible, and despite such a demoralizing start to the game, they stuck around and made their presence felt with the game on the line.

Take a bow, Bears fans. You waited patiently for postseason football, and against your most hated rival, you helped deliver a massive win. BEAR DOWN!

Caleb Williams

This is what it’s all about. When you take a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, it’s about moments like this.

Williams shook off a forgettable first half, and dragged the Bears back from a 21-3 halftime deficit, and even another two-score hole in the fourth quarter alone. He made clutch throws throughout the second half that kept giving his team chance after chance, and they all paid off in the most critical moments.

It’s only Year 2, but Williams is the savior Bears fans have been waiting for all these years.