By the numbers: Packers-Bears

Published: January 23rd, 2011 | Tags: Green Bay Packers, B.J. Raji, Caleb Hanie, Chicago Bears, James Starks, Matt Forte, NFC Championship Game, Sam Shields, Tom Waddle

The crew on the NFL Network research desk has sent out its notes from the Packers’ 21-14 win over the Bears in the NFC Championship game, and it’s headlined by this nugget: The Packers are the 10th different NFC champion in last 10 seasons.

That’s a pretty amazing fact.

Here are some other interesting numbers:

The Packers are the second No. 6 seed in NFL history to reach the Super Bowl, joining the 2005 Steelers. They’re also the fourth team in NFL history to win three road games in a single postseason, joining that same Steelers team, the 1985 Patriots and the 2007 Giants.B.J. Raji’s 18-yard interception return TD was the third by a defensive tackle in NFL playoff history. The others were a 61-yard return TD by Michael Carter of the 49ers against the Redskins in the 1990 divisional round, and a 10-yard return by Darryl Grant of the Redskins against the Cowboys in the 1982 NFC Championship.The Packers improved to 28-16 all-time in playoffs, and their .636 winning percentage is highest in NFL playoff history.Here’s a look at the value of James Starks and the balance of the of the Packers offense: They outrushed the Bears 120-83 Sunday and have outrushed opponents 354-209 in the 2010 playoffs.Sam Shields had a sack, a forced fumble and two interceptions after having two interceptions during the entire regular season.The Bears are the only team since 1970 to have three QBs with a pass attempt in a conference championship. Third-stringer Caleb Hanie was 13 of 20 passing for 153 yards, with a TD and two INTs. Prior to Sunday, Hanie had attempted 14 passes in four career games, including two this season.Matt Forte finished with 17 rushes for 70 yards and 10 receptions for 90 yards. His 10 receptions sets a franchise playoff record, breaking the mark held by NFL Network’s Tom Waddle (nine receptions in 1991 Wild Card vs. Cowboys).

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