One of the greatest rivalries in NFL history is the clash between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. The first time these teams faced off was in 1921 and heading into the 2017 NFL season, the two teams were deadlocked in their series, 94-94-6. However, on Thursday Night Football, the Packers blew out the Bears, 35-14, and moved up on the Bears in their series for the first time since 1932.
The history of the Packers vs. Bears rivalry
Younger fans of the Chicago Bears might have a hard time believing it, but these teams are two of the most successful franchises in NFL history.
With 195 regular season games played between the two teams, it is the NFL’s most-played matchup. It is also the longest-running continuous rivalry, as the teams have played every season since 1921 with the exception of the strike-shortened season in 1982.
The two teams have combined for 22 championships in the NFL. The Green Bay Packers have won 13 championships, with five of those in the Super Bowl era. The Bears have only won one Super Bowl but won eight other championships before the Super Bowl era began. The Bears have 34 players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Packers have 31 enshrined.
The Packers finally surpass the Bears
On Thursday night, the Green Bay Packers defense stepped up and dominated the Chicago Bears offense.
The Packers picked off Bears quarterback Mike Glennon twice in the game and also recovered two Glennon fumbles. Three of the turnovers took place in the first half, leading to a Packers 21-7 lead at the break. The Bears then missed a field goal to start the third quarter and the second interception came on their second drive.
By that time, it was 35-7 Packers and the game was pretty much over.
The Packers win gave them one more win over the Bears in their series, the first time they overcame the record since 1932. The Packers have really turned things up this decade. They hold a 25-11 record over the Bears since 2000 and are 13-3 since 2010. The Bears won once in 2010, 2013 and 2015.
Outside of that, Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay have dominated the series.
Aaron Rodgers became the Green Bay Packers starting quarterback in 2008 and the Packers have gone 16-4 since that season against the Chicago Bears. The 2013 loss was the game that Rodgers injured his shoulder and was lost for almost two months that season. In games that Rodgers played the full game, he is 16-3 and one of those losses was in his first season as the starting quarterback.