Joe's Gameday Recap: Bears 22, Bills 19

In a game they had to win, Lovie Smith's Bears sorta came to play, dropping the win-less Bills to 0-8 with a 22-19 win. As many believed, it was an ugly game that very easily could have produced an embarrassing Bears loss, but Smith is safe from that fate this week.

Early on it was easy to see the effect all the criticism had on Mike Martz's play-calling. Three straight runs on the opening drive set the tone early, followed by short pass calls in the form of slants and screens. Matt Forte and Chester Taylor got their work-outs in early, getting plenty of rushing attempts for unimpressive yardage and short catches in the flats. Chicago got on the board early in the second quarter with an awkward pass to Greg Olsen in the end zone on a 14-play, 81-yard drive. I say awkward because Earl Bennett was right next to Olsen and nearly made his own play on the ball. Bennett had to over-run his coverage which put him in an odd position. Regardless, it was great to see Olsen get on the board after being forgotten these past few weeks.

AP Photo

Win-less or not, the Bills came to play on Sunday. Ryan Fitzpatrick made plenty of tough throws to open receivers, but Buffalo never managed to get the big play except for a lone 46-yard pass, always earning their points the hard way. Oddly enough, the Bills didn't utilize C.J. Spiller's speed as much as I thought they would. I figure they'd get their best player on the field more, but what do I know? Getting an extra point attempt blocked is classic Bills awesomeness too. Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije are a terrifying inside tandem on special teams.

Jay Cutler had a solid day under center, making better reads and getting time on enough throws to find receivers down-field, even if he was called on to throw more than I'd like. Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett found plenty of balls coming their way (had to write it) when Jay was under duress. Showcasing his athleticism, Cutler scrambled five times for 39 yards. His running ability is always overlooked by defenses, but I have no idea why.

While a win is always good, this left a lot to be desired. Penalties hurt Chicago on several occasions (Roberto Garza in the red zone anyone?) and the defense gave up a few lengthy drives. They eventually found a pass rush late in the game, pressuring Fitzpatrick into poor throws like the game-sealing interception to Chris Harris (and the one to Tim Jennings two drives earlier). Snagging three turnovers and only giving up one is the format this team must continue to adhere to. They're not good enough to overcome multiple mistakes. Brad Maynard made a great kick late in the fourth that led to an even better bounce that trapped Buffalo at their own one yard line, all but sealing victory.

Mike Martz's arrogance reared its ugly head as the game went on, eventually falling back into the seven-step drops and deep pass routes that got the Bears in trouble in prior outings. You could see when he had decided to give up on the run. It's always going to happen. You can only hope he gets the lead early so that when he inevitably falters from the gameplan we have a cushion built up.

At 5-3 with a win over Green Bay on their record, the Bears are back in first place in the NFC North for the week. You can forget this game now. Happy Jay Cutler day!