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Karl Brooks’ block was the personification of preparation

Brooks blocked a field goal against Minnesota last year, but said he’s never had one on a potentially game-winning play. A quick examination of the locker room revealed that no one from the Packers’ field goal unit had done so.

The block was also more than just Brooks. Everyone had a role to play, starting with the Green Bay front that worked to push back the Bears’ tackle and guard two yards back so Brooks could get a shot at the block.

Defensive end Lukas Van Ness lined up next to Brooks and “pushed as hard as I could” as he pushed into the A-gap. Defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt did the same on the other end.

“The next thing I knew, I saw his hand go up and I heard ‘Thunk,’ and I heard everyone screaming,” Van Ness said. “Super exciting. I was happy to be there and do what I could to help this team win.”

The play erased what could have been a regrettable finish for the Packers, who had the Bears on third-and-19 earlier in that series after consecutive sacks by Slaton and Rashan Gary.

Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams connected with rookie receiver Rome Odunze for 37 yards on back-to-back plays to continue the drive.

Keenan Allen then picked off a 12-yard pass to set up Santos’ kick. Even when things looked bleak, Brooks was confident he could still win the game for his team.

“He made some great plays and set up his team really well, but there was no panic in my game,” Brooks said. “The whole time the clock was winding up, I said to myself, ‘I’m just going to block this. I’m just going to block this.’ The power of the tongue is powerful, so that’s what I went out there and did.”

According to running back Josh Jones, Bisaccia told the players, “This is the week. We’re going to block one.” And he said, if we don’t block one, I’d be mad that it didn’t happen.”

Brooks stopped by to see his coach. After making contact with Santos’ kick, the second-year defensive lineman took a long pause to make sure the ball still didn’t go through the uprights. The ball then fell to the ground and Brooks was bombarded by teammates.

Once the party was over, Brooks made his way to Bisaccia.

“Everyone just surrounded me and grabbed me, and then I saw Rich and I gave him a hug, so that was cool,” Brooks said. “I visualize myself blocking the kick. And like I said, I just wanted it more. I just fired the ball and wanted to win.”

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