Packers sneak by Bears to make playoffs

It wasn't pretty. In fact, it was pretty ugly if you were a Green Bay Packers fan. With everything on the line for the Pack and virtually nothing on the line for the Chicago Bears, the outcome of this game was somewhat in doubt until the last minute of the game. But finally, the Packers prevailed 10-3.

The Packers' offense was stymied by Da Bearz defense all afternoon, as well as its own miscues: dropped passes, penalties (four on RT Brian Bulaga alone), and the usual lack of a rushing game. But, the Packers' defense only allowed Da Bears starters -- who played the entire game -- three points...and came up with the clinching interception (thank you, Nick Collins!) when Chicago was driving in the game's closing seconds. The Pack's special teams probably had their best game of the season. On the few kickoffs and the more frequent punts, Packers' coverage units did a tremendous job of keeping Devin Hester in check all day long.

The Pack didn't cover the 9-1/2 point spread for the game. But they came away with the "W" and that's all they needed to claim a spot in the playoffs. The Packers will meet the Eagles in Philadelphia next Sunday at 3:30 p.m. The Pack's defense will have to have another top-notch game, this time against Michael Vick. And the Packers' offense will have to have a much better game than was on display today in order for the team to continue beyond a one-and-done scenario.

But for now, let's just enjoy this win. The Packers are in the playoffs. And while the road to the Super Bowl will be entirely on the road for the Packers, anything can happen.

Let us pray...

Playoff schedule set by NFL
You can see the entire playoff schedule as just released by the NFL here.