CHICAGO -- Sunday's unfiltered vintage Aaron Rodgers became Aaron Rodgers.
It wasn't necessarily the Green Bay Packers quarterback's play in the second of a long string of victories over the Chicago Bears. The Packers won 24-14 thanks to his speech in Soldier Field after his 6-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
The Fox TV cameras and microphones clearly picked up Rodgers’ message to the Bears faithful.
Rodgers exclaimed, "All my f---ing lives, I own you," as he was congratulated and praised by his teammates. "I still own your." "I still own you."
Aaron Jones, Packers running back, said: "What can I say?" He is right.
Rodgers won the 22nd time Rodgers had defeated the Bears, which included the playoffs (the NFC Championship Game 2010). According to ESPN Stats & Information, his 22-5 record against Bears is the third-best win percentage (.815) of a quarterback against a single opponent. He must have had at least 25 starts. Only Tom Brady (32-2 vs. Bills,.914) or Ben Roethlisberger (23-2-1 vs. Browns,.870) have more success than one team.
Rodgers didn't think that was what he thought after his touchdown. After his championship-belt celebration known as the "Discount Doublecheck", Rodgers noticed someone else in the stands.
He then blacked out, "in a positive way," he said.
Rodgers stated, "I looked up at the stands and all I saw was the woman giving me the double-bird." "So, I don't know what went in my mouth next."
Everybody knows what to do now.
"Listen, all that I can say is: There's a lot of stuff on the field that nobody hears," Matt LaFleur, Packers coach said. It's one those moments in competition when things get said and... Aaron didn't say anything about it. I'm sure you asked him. It's a competitive sport, and it's one of those moments when you can see Aaron the rival.
Rodgers, whose future is uncertain with the Packers after this season, stated that this thought never crossed his mind prior to, during, or after his reaction.
He said, "Not in this moment." "I thought about it a lot before the game for sure. ... Although I don't believe this is my last, I enjoyed each one."
Matt Nagy, Bears coach, didn't seem to be too bothered or concerned by Rodgers’ reaction.
Nagy stated, "I think for us we worry what we do." "I didn’t see any of this or anything similar. My biggest concern right now is to win every game, even Green Bay.
This was just days after Rodgers had raved about Chicago's sports scene.
Rodgers stated, "I love playing on Soldier Field." "I told you this week that I have a lot respect for the fans. "I'm sure there is some respect back my way, but not much love, I'm certain."
Rodgers was efficient at 17-of 23 for 195 yards, with two touchdown passes as well as the rushing score. Rodgers had his 29th career game with both passing and rushing touchdowns, which was third in NFL history behind Steve Young (31) and Cam Newton (42). Rodgers scored his first rushing touchdown against Bears since the 2010 NFC Championship Game.
Jones and AJ Dillon were able to help him, accumulating 169 yards and a touchdown in 28 touches. Davante Adams was also a big help, with four catches for 89 yards. This was in addition to an offensive line without All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari, as well as center Josh Myers, who sustained a knee injury during the first quarter.
This was Green Bay's fifth consecutive win over the Bears dating back to LaFleur’s first game against Chicago in 2019 as Packers' coach. The Packers (5-1) also gained a two-game advantage in the NFC North, beating both the Bears (3-3), and the Vikings (3-3).
This report was contributed by Jeff Dickerson, ESPN Bears reporter.
