Chicago Bears still find silver lining in Packers blowout

Imagn Images

Chicago Bears still find silver lining in Packers blowout

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Oct 13, 2026 9:26 AM ET

Losing a game 31-7 is never a good sign. Especially if that loss was handed to you by your bitter rival. Welcome to the Chicago Bears’ reality coming out of Week 5.

The Green Bay Packers were in control on both sides of the ball. They outgained the Bears 428-246. Furthermore, the Packers forced five turnovers. Hit with a 14-o deficit early in the game, the Bears never managed to climb out of the hole.

Outside of rivalry bragging rights, both franchises are trying to win the NFC North. While there is still plenty of football to be played, Week 5’s outcome could play a pivotal role in playoff seeding down the line.

The Bears will try to flush that loss quickly and move on to Week 6. But there is at least one positive Chicago can take away in defeat.

Chicago Bears seen Zavion Thomas take step forward

Oct 11, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Niemann (31) tackles Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas (13) on a long kickoff return during game Sunday at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers USAToday Network via IMAGN images

Wide receiver Zavion Thomas has yet to make a true impact in the passing game, as he has two catches for 12 yards on the season. However, the talented rookie has found his niche on special teams.

Against the Packers, Thomas returned six kicks for 192 yards. He averaged 32 yards per return, taking one a whopping 61 yards up field. The receiver admits he thought he was going to that one for a touchdown.

But Thomas isn’t taking all the attention for his special teams prowess. He knows the unit must battle as one to get the job done, via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

“All 11 just being intentional and doing our part,” Thomas said. “That’s all it was. Emphasizing our job.”

Fellow special teams standout Josh Blackwell believes in that mantra. He has also been more than impressed with Thomas’ rise over his last few games.

“We hadn’t been great the past couple games,” Blackwell said. “To get one going is good to see. Zavion is great. He is electric. Today, he showed it. Once he can get going, he’s tough to stop.”

As the year goes on, Thomas will try to get more acclimated on offense. But he is already making a name for himself on special teams.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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