The Green Bay Packers defeated division rival Chicago Bears 31-23 Sunday to kick-off the 2015 NFL season, but the game was much closer than the score would indicate.
In fact, the Bears, trailing 24-16 with a little under 4 minutes left to play, had a chance to drive down the field and tie the game before a crucial play by All-Pro linebacker Clay Matthews all but sealed the win for the Packers.
Quarterback Jay Cutler completed a pass to tight end Martellus Bennett to convert a third down and put Chicago just outside the redzone at the 4:30 mark.
Cutler tried to hit Bennett again, on the next play, but Matthews stepped in front of the pass and returned it 48 yards to the Chicago 32-yard line.
The Packers would go on to score six plays later to secure their first win of the season.
When asked about the play, Matthews told reporters his responsibilities were simple. "Drop into coverage. Make a pick. Be the hero."
Matthews, who floated between both inside and outside linebacker, finished with six solo tackles, one pass defense and one hit on the quarterback.
The Packers return to Green Bay next week to face the Seattle Seahawks in their 2015 home opener.
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