I’m sure I’m not the only Bears fan who breathed a big sigh of relief at 3:15 on Sunday after the final seconds had ticked off the clock at Soldier Field. It was the Bears’ first victory over the Pack in Soldier field since 1993, and I’m sure a sturdy sense of relief resonated throughout the Bears locker room as well. Once again the Bears were able to get the big plays on defense and do just enough on offense to win 19-7 and move to 9-3 on the season.

The Bears beat and battered Brett Favre all day and the outcome was never in doubt, despite getting just 68 yards of offense through the air. Thomas Jones (93 yards) and Adrian Peterson (48 yards) provided most of the fire power on the ground. Bernard Berrian’s return to action provided a deep play threat that the Bears sorely need. His 59 yards on three catches constituted all but 9 yards of the Bears aerial circus.

In the end, it was all about defense for the Chicago Bears. The interceptions by Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman resulted in more points for the Bears than Green Bay scored all afternoon. Back breaking sacks turned in by Tillman and Mike Brown more than likely left a mark that Favre will remember for a long time. The front four was disruptive once again, and linebackers Lance Briggs (9 tackles) and Brian Urlacher (12 tackles) were active and quick to the football. It may not have been pretty from top to bottom, but a win is a win.

Obscured by the power of the Packers rivalry was the fact that this game was huge for the Chicago Bears. The Vikings are red hot; they beat the Lions and stayed pace 2 games behind the Bears in a now tight playoff race for the NFC North crown. Looming at the end of the season is a potentially huge showdown for the Bears in Minnesota on January 1st. Though the Bears have done a great job in getting to this point, their work is not done. The Bears have 3 tough tests remaining on their schedule; a trip to Pittsburgh next week, a visit from the dangerous Mike Vick and the Atlanta Falcons, and a trip to Green Bay before closing out with Vikings. The Vikings have a little bit easier of a road ahead of them; St. Louis is headed to Minnesota next week, then the Vikes host the Steelers before they head out to Baltimore for a game against the Ravens.

It has been a great season so far, but the Bears are not in the playoffs yet and they will not be able to back in either. The Vikings have made this a race once again, and now it’s time to find out if our Bears can really run.