Many expected the Chicago Bears to be blown out by the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football. While that ended up being the case in the second half, the first half was competitive and entertaining, especially for Bears fans.
But it was the second quarter that proved to be one of the most explosive quarters of not only the season but in NFL history, where there were a total of six touchdowns scored.
It was the first time in NFL history (since complete NFL scoring data in 1925) that there were a total of five touchdowns of 35-plus yards in a single quarter.
Three of those belonged to the Bears and two to the Packers, where three were thrown by quarterback Justin Fields.
Wide receiver Jakeem Grant had two scores — a 46-yard catch-and-run touchdown from Fields and 97-yard punt return touchdown. Wide receiver Damiere Byrd added a 54-yard touchdown from Fields.
Fields also tossed an ill-advised pick-6, which was returned 55 yards for a score by Packers cornerback Rasul Douglas.
If you're curious just how explosive the 2nd quarter of #SundayNightFootball was …
It was the first time in the history of complete NFL scoring data (since 1925) that there were 5 touchdowns of 35+ yards in a single quarter
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) December 13, 2021
The Bears led the Packers 27-21 at halftime, but it didn’t take long for that lead to diminish. Chicago was outscored 24-3 in the second half, including 17-0 in the third quarter alone.
But Bears fans will always have that first half.
