The Chicago Bears appeared to tie the game against the Green Bay Packers, only to challenge their own big gain and turn it into a touchback.
Chicago is trying to keep the competitive phase of its season alive on Sunday afternoon at Solider Field against the Green Bay Packers, but things aren’t going to plan. Down 1`0-3 in the second quarter, Mitchell Trubisky tossed a screen pass to Benny Cunningham, who turned upfield and goalward.
Inside the 5-yard line, Cunningham dove for the front right pylon, attempting to tie the game. He came up short and was ruled down at the 1-yard line, only to see head coach John Fox challenge the ruling. Instead of seeing it overturned into a touchdown, the officials decided it was indeed a touchback, with Cunningham losing the ball before going over the goal line.
The result was Green Bay getting the ball back at its 20-yard line, taking away both possession and a scoring opportunity from the Bears.
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At 3-5, Chicago has no room for error. The NFC North is suddenly more open than usual with the absence of Aaron Rodgers, who broke his collarbone a month ago against the Minnesota Vikings. While it would be tough for the Bears to climb into real playoff contention, a win over the Packers would put them in third place while banishing Green Bay to the basement.
If Cunningham would have scored, the Bears could feel pretty good with their defense playing solidly. Instead, they trail the Packers as halftime approaches.