Packers win the North by defeating Chicago for the sixth straight time

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CHICAGO -- The Green Bay Packers won their second straight NFC North Division title yesterday, with a 21-13 victory at Chicago.

The Packers took a 21-7 lead and hung on from there, in a game that was as physical and intense as promised by all the trash-talking by players on both sides during the past week. All three of Green Bay's touchdowns were passes from Aaron Rodgers to James Jones of 29, 8, and 6 yards. It was the Packers' third straight win overall – their sixth in a row over the Bears – and their 12th consecutive triumph over their North Division opponents. And it guaranteed Green Bay a home game in the playoffs. The Pack continues to hold the NFC’s Number-three playoff seed, and would host a Wild Card game if the postseason were to begin today. The Packers remain a half-game behind San Francisco for the Number-two seed and a first-round bye, after the 49’ers won at New England 41-to-34 on Sunday Night.

The Pack was up by 11 midway through the fourth quarter when Randall Cobb tossed a throwback pass to Jeremy Ross, who fumbled it. The Bears recovered and kicked a field goal to make it a one-possession game, and the eight-point margin remained until the end. Mason Crosby missed both his field goal attempts of 43 and 42 yards, and he's now just 17-of-29 in field goals for the season. Rodgers threw for 291 yards, and Randall Cobb caught six passes for 115 yards. Green Bay had 113 yards on the ground, led by Alex Green with 35. Green Bay outgained Chicago in total yards 291 yards to 135, and the Pack held the ball almost seven minutes longer. Bears’ quarterback Jay Cutler threw for 135 yards and an early touchdown to Brandon Marshall, who caught six passes for 56 yards. Matt Forte had 20 carries for 69 yards.

The Bears have now dropped three straight after losing their share of the division lead for good a week ago. They’re currently 8-and-6. Green Bay is 10-and-4, and will host Tennessee on Sunday.

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Bears’ receiver Brandon Marshall broke down and walked out of his news conference after yesterday’s Chicago loss to Green Bay. Marshall started all the trash-talking last Wednesday when he said he hated the Packers. And he gave defensive coordinator Dom Capers the only credit for shutting him down when the Pack beat the Bears in September. Yesterday, Marshall pointed the finger at himself and his teammates and said quote, “Everyone in this offense should be held accountable, even if that means jobs.” Amid long pauses and glares, Marshall said the situation is affecting him more than it should and quote, “I’ve got to try my best to keep it together.” Marshall scored a touchdown early but was then contained by the Packer defense – who preferred to do their talking on the field. Veteran Charles Woodson called the whole thing “corny.” He didn’t play, because he’s still getting over his broken collarbone from early October.

Tags: wisconsin sports, football, proam, packers