“We don’t start stuff, but we will stop stuff; we will end stuff.”
That quote from World Series winning Cubs manager Joe Maddon after a September game against the Cardinals sticks with me 11 years later. And that it resurfaced from my memory banks after a Bears-Packers thriller makes sense. After all, the Packers did a lot of talking in the days leading up to Saturday’s game against at Soldier Field in Chicago. But it was the Bears, with their play on the field, who came away with the final word.
This stuff is aging like milk behind a radiator:
This season has revived the #Packers–#Bears rivalry… so part three coming in the playoffs for just the third time ever feels right. t.co/ivcCFDk3Bx pic.twitter.com/5BobIkuasT
— Cameron Ezeir (@EzeirCameron) January 7, 2026Josh Jacobs on Jordan Love's Week 16 concussion in Chicago: "I know a lot of guys took that hit that he took a little personal. So I'm not saying we gon' go out there and play dirty or nothing like that, but we definitely gonna defend our brother."
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) January 7, 2026At the end of an answer about how much he’s enjoyed his time in Green Bay, Jeff Hafley finishes with a two-hand slap on the podium.“We are not going to be done, so I will see you guys next week.” pic.twitter.com/6I4vU04ns9
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) January 8, 2026Packers talk the talk, but fail to walk the walk
What a turn of events in the Bears-Packers rivalry:
Packers Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley says “I will see you guys next week” when addressing the press before Saturday’s game, then watches his defense allow a 25-point fourth quarter. Hafley is going to get some consideration as a head coach, but good luck explaining that collapse in interviews.MUST-SEE: Caleb Williams’ Postgame Speech After Beating the Packers
Wide receiver Christian Watson wanted a Bears-Packers rematch, too. “I definitely wanted to play the Bears,” Watson said. “If I had my pick for any team, it would have definitely been the Bears. I want my get-back for sure. We get a chance to put the Bears’ season to bed. That means a lot to us.” To his credit, Watson was a difference-maker early with an early touchdown. However, he finished with just 3 catches, 36 yards, and that lone score. I figured that limiting him would be the difference in the game. And while I know Green Bay has other talented wideouts, Watson was a matchup nightmare that I don’t think the Packers fully took advantage of last night.MORE BEARS COVERAGE: Highlights | Instant Player Grades | The Nightcap | Bullets
Cornerback Keisean Nixon, who has been at the center of all three Bears-Packers games, made it known that he also wanted a rubber match with Chicago. “I didn’t want nobody else. I wanted the Bears,” Nixon said. “I’d rather play the Bears first. I need a get back.”For someone who needed “a get back” against the Bears, this isn’t what you’d expect to see:
Nixon with the business decision at the goal line pic.twitter.com/m8EjoBlp4L
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) January 11, 2026Ah, yes. A reminder of the old “be careful what you wish for” adage:
Caleb Williams' response to the Packers wanting to play the Bears ? pic.twitter.com/S3nwvfR7Sx
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 11, 2026The result of Saturday’s Bears-Packers game could go down as a franchise-changing moment for each team. For the Bears, it got a monkey off their back. Taking down the Packers in a playoff game exorcised a lot of demons for fans, long-time staffers at Soldier Field and Halas Hall, and even some players (like Cole Kmet, Jaylon Johnson, and DJ Moore) who had been on the short end of the stick when it came to the rivalry for an extended period of time. That Wild Card Saturday win certified the Bears as a real, competitive team. And perhaps a force to be reckon with in the future.
CONSIDER SUBSCRIBING TO THE BN BEARS PODCAST: Apple | Spotify | YouTube
As for Green Bay, a lot seems up-in-the-air. Head Coach Matt LaFleur has just one year remaining on his contract, and there seems to be doubt that he will be with the Packers for the long haul. General Manager Brian Gutekunst’s contract also expires at the same time as LaFleur’s. Would Green Bay’s executive decision-makers use this as an opportunity to clean house, wipe the slate clean, and install new leadership? Losing to a long-time nemesis has sparked change before, so I wouldn’t rule it out. So stay tuned.
Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn ImagesHence then, the article about the packers couldn t back up a week of tough talk was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( The Packers Couldn’t Back Up a Week of Tough Talk )
Also on site :
- Free Fire MAX x Jujutsu Kaisen Collaboration Is Coming With OB52 Update
- Chalkboard promo code NYPOST: Get a 100% deposit match up to $100 + free pick for Knicks vs. Trail Blazers
- How to watch and stream tonight’s Golden Globes