Moore blindsided by Packers rival in Bears game; OT comeback seals 22-16 victory

A heated Bears-Packers matchup on December 21, 2025, produced one of the game’s defining moments when Chicago wide receiver DJ Moore was blindsided by Green Bay defensive back Keisan Nixon on a crossing route early in the first quarter. Moore, scanning for the ball from Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, was struck from his blind side as he moved through the middle of the field. Officials did not throw a flag, and Nixon stayed on the field, drawing immediate social-media criticism from fans who questioned the lack of a penalty label for the hit. Moore needed to be removed from the contest for evaluation but eventually returned to the field and continued to be a focal point for Chicago’s aerial attack as the night unfolded.

The hit helped set the early tone of a chippy rivalry night in which injuries mounted on both sides. With stars Rome Odunze and Luther Burden listed out for Chicago, the Bears leaned on veteran options such as Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahdae Walker to stretch the field. Later in the first half, the Packers faced their own disruption when quarterback Jordan Love was knocked helmet-to-helmet and evaluated for a concussion. He left the field briefly and was listed as questionable, with Malik Willis stepping in for the remainder of the first half to help Green Bay hold a 6-0 lead at halftime.

As the game progressed, the Packers and Bears traded field-position and momentum, with Chicago’s offense seeking cohesion despite the absence of two top receivers and Green Bay adjusting to Love’s status. The defense on both sides remained opportunistic, and the clash intensified as the clock wore on. The Bears, who had trailed at moments, found a spark in the final minutes of regulation and in overtime.

In overtime, Moore delivered the decisive play, hauling in a spectacular game-winning touchdown that propelled Chicago to a 22-16 victory over Green Bay and capped a dramatic comeback night. Moore’s OT grab underscored his role as a central target for the Bears, particularly when depth at the position was tested earlier in the game.

The unfolding sequence prompted swift reaction from fans online, with many condemning the officiating and labeling Nixon’s hit as a dangerous, defenseless play. The controversy surrounding the hit added to a game that already featured a concussion evaluation for Love and an injury-plagued narrative for Chicago’s receiver corps.

The outcome left Chicago with a win that helped salvage the night amid injuries, while Green Bay faced questions about player safety and on-field penalties. As both teams move forward, the league will likely review the incident and the officiating crew’s handling of the hit, the penalties (or lack thereof), and the broader implications for how similar plays are officiated in high-stakes divisional rivalries.