Is everyone settled down now? Anyone still riled up? I have to say, there was almost no breathing during that final two minutes, but I’m relaxed enough to run you through how the Bears picked up their fifth win in eight games, dropping the Eagles on their home turf.
(5-3) Chicago Bears 30
(3-5) Philadelphia Eagles 24
On the opening Bears drive (79 yards in all) it was cleat Matt Forte would be a key cog in the offensive wheel. 45 yards on his first three carries essentially locked in play-action passes as a viable option for the rest of the night. The first of many third down conversions by Bennett and helpful carries from Marion Barber put Cutler in position to heave it to Matt Spaeth for Chicago’s first score and their second opening drive TD this season.
On their next drive, Bennett continued to prove his worth to Jay Cutler with another big first down. In Eagles territory a failed wildcat (of course if fails) and then quick draw play up the middle made Lovie settle for a field goal, putting Chicago up 10-0. But the chaos was about to ensue as the half drew to a close. Vick led the Eagles down the field for a 47 yard field goal, giving the Bears two minutes to hopefully steer momentum back to their favor. With less than 1:30 on the clock, Cutler threw two passes which were promptly dropped by Hester and Sanzenbacher. A third down pass to the flat to Forte ended in a fumble which was snapped up by rookie linebacker Brian Rolle who ran it 22 yards to pay-dirt. It was suddenly tied at 10-10 after a nearly complete half of domination by Chicago.
Chicago then failed to get anything going on what looked to be their final drive of the first half, but a DeSean Jackson fumbled punt (caused by Corey Graham and recovered by Sam Hurd) gave the Bears great field position in the redzone. Starting with first and goal, the Bears nearly screwed their golden opportunity but a questionable roughing the passer penalty gave the Bears a key first down. Marion Barber ran in for the score from two yards out to get the Bears back up 17-10 to end the half. I’ll take that score any day of the week.
In the second half, Chicago made sure to keep the pressure on, but there were some mistakes. Amidst his three catches, Roy Williams dropped a brilliant Cutler pass against safety Kurt Coleman, the one Eagle defensive back that a Bear would have an advantage over. Marion Barber got some carries on key drives, spelling Forte who fumbled AGAIN in the third quarter. Then Mr. Bennett converted with another desperately needed third down catch. However, Martz followed that up with an iffy third and one play-call which caused them to settle for a Gould field goal. Why no hand-off running with Barber? You know Lovie, the back you PAID to pick up short yardage?
More reliable plays from Bennett and crazy plays from Cutler were assisted by an unnecessary roughness penalty in the fourth quarter, setting up the Bears up in the red zone. A gorgeous fade throw to Bennett in the corner of the endzone got the Bears a late 27-24 lead which they would not relinquish. Then came one of the crazier plays I’ve seen. The Eagles faked a punt, but punter Chas Henery (who apparently has throwing experience) missed the pass to the uncovered gunner on the left side, turning the ball over on downs. It was hilarious.
Chicago’s offense then took advantage of a Nmandi Asomugha pass interference penalty in the redzone to set up another Robbie Gould field goal to pump their lead to six with less than four minutes to go. The Bears defense held down the Eagles on their next drive, where an overthrown fourth down pass from Vick caused Jeremy Maclin to stumble short of the first down marker. All the Bears had to do was run out the clock and punt, leaving a meager three seconds for an awkward incompletion from Vick. Game. Over.
Chicago’s defense established dominance on the Eagles’ first drive thanks to a redzone pick from Major Wright, halting Vick in his tracks. The Bears knocked the Eagles QB on his butt on every possible occasion, making sure they made Vick pay for any plays he even thought about making. Julius Peppers, Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs all got in on the fun at various points, using their speed to keep Vick under wraps. Aside from the pick, Wright still showed flashes of idiocy, missing a key tackle on LeSean McCoy on third down that helped set-up a 33 yard run to end a lengthy 15 play drive.
Let’s give a ton of credit to the offensive line, who kept Jay Cutler clean for the first time in 29 games. Lance Louis was aggressive as I’ve ever seen him, clarifying why Mike Tice loves him so much. They pushed around the smaller Eagle defensive line and created running lanes and gave Cutler all the time he needed to convert on his throws. And convert he did. Cutler’s stats aren’t crazy impressive, but you have to take into account the several drops from his receivers. It was a night where Cutler showed his colors yet again.
Other Notes of Note:-With Asante Samuel leaving the game for a short time with a groin injury and LeSean McCoy coming up from a score with a pain in his junk, there was a LOT of crotch-grabbing tonight. Just thought you should know what I witnessed.
-The Bears should pay Matt Forte RIGHT NOW. With the two fumbles, Forte’s agent can’t possibly be asking for as much. This is the only time he’s going to come any cheaper. Lock him up.
-How did the Eagle corners let Earl Bennett go crazy? It was just weird. That being said, Earl is our best receiver hands-down.
-Chicago put up 30 points on its own with no scoring help from the defense or special teams. That’s impressive.
Alright everyone. Get some sleep and check back this week for some mid-season analysis!
Bear Down and Happy Jay Cutler Day!
Keywords: Chicago Bears, Jay Cutler, Joe Anello, LeSean McCoy, Major Wright, Matt Forte, Michael Vick, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles
