Green Bay Packers, Super Bowl Bound: 5 Heroes Who Made It Happen

The Packers won a hard-fought victory over the Chicago Bears.

Both defenses were dominating; the Packers just made a few more plays, both offensively and defensively.

Even though the Bears were down to their third string QB, Caleb Hanie, they showed resiliency and looked like a team that could actually beat the Packers.

Anyway though, they could not pull out the upset.

The Packers had a few players that came up huge for them in the win.

5. Tim Masthay

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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 19: Tim Masthay #8 of the Green Bay Packers punts the ball against the Buffalo Bills at Lambeau Field on September 19, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bills 34-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

You might not expect a punter to be a hero, but Masthay clearly was.

He had eight punts and continually pinned the Bears inside the 20, and even once downed them at the one-yard line.

He had booming punts and kept the ball away from dangerous returner Devin Hester, with many punts near the sidelines.

4. Cullen Jenkins

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears attempts to avoid a sack by Cullen Jenkins #77 of the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter of the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois.

Cullen Jenkins health was an important factor for the Packers heading into this postseason, and you can clearly see why after this game.

The Packers were able to rush only three guys because defensive coordinator knew Jenkins would provide a huge push.

Jenkins finished with two tackles for a loss and a sack.

3. Greg Jennings

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Greg Jenning #85 of the Green Bay Packers makes a reception against the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Image

This game might have cemented Greg Jennings as one of the best wide receivers in all of football.

He is not the flashiest guy, but he knows how to get open and is star quarterback Aaron Rodgers' favorite target.

Jennings finished the game with eight catches for 130 yards and moved the chains on many occasions.

He also set the tone early on with a couple of 20-yard receptions.

2. B.J. Raji

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: B.J. Raji #90 of the Green Bay Packers reacts with teammate Sam Shields #37 after scoring on a 18-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier F

Who else had a great laugh watching B.J. Raji dance?

Raji showed why he is one of the best nose tackles in the game. He was disruptive and continuously in the Bears backfield.

Raji's biggest contribution was his interception and return for a touchdown, which was the deciding factor of the game.

Raji almost pulled a Leon Lett by fumbling at the goal-line, but he crossed the plane just in time.

1. Sam Shields

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Sam Shields #37 of the Green Bay Packers intercepts the game's final pass to seal the 21-14 victory for the Packers against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois

All the headlines go to Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams, but Shields proved to the world he may be on their level.

Shields cover skills are the reason Capers can use Woodson all over the field.

Shields finished the day with four tackles, two pass defensed, one sack, and most importantly, two interceptions.

One of those interceptions sealed the win to advance the Green Bay Packers to the Super Bowl.