The Chicago Bears have not given their fans much to cheer about in recent weeks, but that changed on Sunday when they executed one of the most creative special teams plays of the season.
After forcing the Packers to punt in the first quarter, the Bears sent DJ Moore back to return the ball. If Moore had actually fielded the ball, it would have been his first punt return since 2021, but the ball did not go to him. Instead, he was used as a decoy, and Josh Blackwell fielded the punt.
After Daniel Whelan’s punt, everyone on the Packers’ coverage team began running toward Moore, who pretended to catch the ball, but it was Blackwell who ultimately fielded the punt. Let us see how this trick play worked.
BEARS FOOLED THEM ON THE MISDIRECTION PUNT RETURN 🔥
📺: #CHIvsGB on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/CcWFKgCTD3— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025
The Bears’ misdirection play completely fooled the Packers, and after catching the punt, Blackwell scored what may have been the easiest 94-yard punt return in NFL history.
Blackwell’s punt return touchdown was the Bears’ first since 2021 and the second-longest of the NFL season, trailing only Jacksonville’s Parker Washington’s 96-yarder.
The Bears’ season has been disappointing thus far, but they can end it on a high note by defeating the Packers.