The Green Bay Packers came into their NFC Championship showdown with the arch rival Chicago Bears optimistic that they could beat their division rivals and finally get back to the Super Bowl. Even though the Packers had been playing like arguably the best offense in the entire playoffs and getting some good production out of their defense, the consensus was that this game would be close and most likely would come down to a game-winning field goal with time expiring.

Unfortunately for the Bears, that didn’t happen as the Packers took control early and never let their foot off the gas pedal. Green Bay did struggle at times against Chicago as perennial Pro Bowl quarterback Aaron Rodgers had arguably his worst game of the playoffs thus far with 244 yards passing, two interceptions and no passing touchdowns, but his rushing touchdown was all the Cheese Heads needed to lead them to victory.

Not only were the Packers struggling to get some big numbers from their superstar quarterback, but the Bears offense was virtually nonexistent as Jay Cutler and company couldn’t get anything going. The Bears was playing pretty well, but the offense wasn’t backing them up as Cutler threw for just 80 yards and an interception before going down with a knee injury.

Ultimately, Cutler ended up not returning to the NFC Championship game after suffering a knee injury which turned out to be a sprained MCL. With Cutler on the sidelines, head coach Lovie Smith put veteran Todd Collins (0 for 4, 0 yards) and rookie Caleb Haine (153 yards, one TD and two INTs) under center.

Obviously, the backups couldn’t get the job done as the Packers’ 21 points was just too much to overcome. The Bears did make somewhat of a comeback in the fourth with a rushing touchdown from running back Chester Taylor and a late touchdown pass from Haine, but it wasn’t enough as their arch rivals will now advance to Super Bowl XLV.

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