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Zaire Franklin helped turn the Green Bay Packers’ 31-7 victory over the Chicago Bears into a statement win, then delivered one of the game’s sharpest postgame comments. After Chicago receiver Luther Burden III had said the Bears wanted to “make them quit,” Franklin fired back following Sunday’s dominant performance at Lambeau Field.
“You got guys that never really made a real play in this league talkin’ bout making somebody quit,” Franklin said. “That’s weird. We don’t do that. He quit today, by the way. He ain’t wanna play anymore.”
Zaire Franklin leads Packers’ explosive response
The Packers had largely avoided responding publicly to Burden’s comments during the week. Their answer came through an emphatic performance that overwhelmed the Bears on both sides of the football.
Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur opened the game aggressively, calling for a flea-flicker to tight end Tucker Kraft on the first offensive play. Quarterback Jordan Love continued attacking downfield throughout the afternoon, repeatedly testing Chicago’s defense with deep throws.
Love finished with five completions that traveled at least 30 yards in the air. According to ESPN’s tracking data, that tied Ben Roethlisberger for the most such completions in a game since the statistic began being tracked in 2006. Love also became the first Packers quarterback since Brett Favre in 2003 to complete at least four passes of 40 or more yards in one game.
- Christian Watson recorded six catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns.
- Matthew Golden added six receptions for 123 yards.
- Green Bay defeated Chicago 31-7 at Lambeau Field.
- The Packers improved to 3-2 and moved level with the Bears in the NFC North.
Christian Watson and Matthew Golden punish Chicago’s defense
Watson was central to Green Bay’s offensive breakthrough. His two touchdown receptions helped the Packers capitalize on their downfield approach, while Golden consistently created separation and gave Love another dangerous target.
“I mean, we definitely flipped that on their head,” Watson said after the game. “But we’re focused on us, but yeah, we knew what it was going to be, and we did it.”
The performance was especially notable because Chicago entered the matchup with confidence after winning two of three meetings against Green Bay last season, including the NFC wild-card playoff game. This time, however, the Packers controlled the contest from the opening drive and left little room for a Bears comeback.
Burden stays quiet after controversial comments
Burden finished with six catches for 47 yards while the Bears played Tyson Bagent at quarterback. Starter Caleb Williams missed his third consecutive game because of injury, and Chicago struggled to generate the offensive rhythm needed to keep pace with Green Bay.
Burden did not speak with reporters after the loss. His earlier comments, however, remained a major storyline in the Packers’ locker room. Franklin, who joined Green Bay during the offseason, made clear that the team had not forgotten the challenge issued before kickoff.
Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson acknowledged the intensity of the rivalry and said he expected Green Bay to respond strongly.
“This game is personal,” Johnson said. “I wouldn’t expect them to lay down just because they’re up. And for us, we got to fight back.”
Fiery rivalry adds another chapter
The rivalry became briefly tense when Bears kicker Cairo Santos appeared to stick out his leg as Golden tried to return to the field near the Chicago sideline. Golden confirmed that Santos tried to trip him but declined to escalate the incident.
LaFleur, meanwhile, continued to avoid making the matchup about personal exchanges. Since Ben Johnson became Chicago’s coach in 2025, the rivalry has featured plenty of public tension. Johnson had previously celebrated victories over LaFleur, including a postgame exclamation after Chicago’s playoff win last season.
Green Bay center Sean Rhyan praised LaFleur for maintaining his composure and allowing the players to deliver the response on the field.
“Coach Matt keeps it professional,” Rhyan said. “He handles it during the game, and I felt that today.”
LaFleur emphasized unity after the victory, saying the players and coaches were moving in the same direction and had each other’s backs. He also cautioned that the win was only one game in a long season.
The victory moved both Green Bay and Chicago to 3-2, leaving them behind the undefeated Minnesota Vikings, who sit atop the NFC North at 5-0. The Packers and Bears will meet again on Christmas Day in Chicago, giving Burden and his teammates an opportunity to answer on the field.
Frequently asked questions
What did Zaire Franklin say about Luther Burden III?
Zaire Franklin said Burden had talked about making the Packers quit, then claimed Burden “quit today” after Green Bay’s 31-7 win over Chicago.
What was the Packers’ final score against the Bears?
The Green Bay Packers defeated the Chicago Bears 31-7 at Lambeau Field on Oct. 11, 2026.
How did Jordan Love perform?
Jordan Love led an explosive passing attack and completed five throws that traveled at least 30 yards in the air.
Who were Green Bay’s leading receivers?
Christian Watson caught six passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Matthew Golden had six catches for 123 yards.
What are the NFC North standings after the game?
Green Bay and Chicago both moved to 3-2, while the Minnesota Vikings remained first in the division with a 5-0 record.
