In a sloppy, defensive-minded game, the Packers outlasted the Chicago Bears 21-14 to win their fifth straight game and earn a trip to Super Bowl XLV. Aaron Rodgers had his red-hot playoff start cool a bit with two interceptions and no touchdowns but it was the Packers defense that came up huge forcing three turnovers including the game-sealer by Sam Shields with 37 seconds remaining.
The Bears lost Jay Cutler to a knee injury and he was replaced by Todd Collins. Collins, however, threw two terrible passes and was quickly subbed for by Caleb Hanie. It was Hanie, a third-year pro out of Colorado, who threw for 153 yards and one touchdown and had the Bears in position for a tying touchdown with minutes to go. His second interception of the game would end that threat.
The Packers now await the winner of the AFC championship game between the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. The Packers did not play the Steelers this season but did beat the Jets 9-0 in the Meadowlands on Halloween.
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