Almost nobody expected a high-scoring affair when these two hyped defenses got together in the Windy City Sunday afternoon, but that’s exactly what happened in the Bears’ 38-34 win over the New York Jets. Jay Cutler came alive in an electric third quarter for the offense, but it was a late Chris Harris interception that sealed Chicago’s eleventh win of the season and kept their hopes for the number two seed in the NFC alive.
(11-4) Chicago Bears 38
(10-5) New York Jets 34
AP Photos
Mike Martz called an excellent gameplan for the most part, balancing the offense with 27 runs and 25 passes. Cutler found himself on the dirt more often than I would like, but his three-touchdown third quarter kept Chicago from falling behind when the Jet offense was tearing off. Throws to Johnny Knox (40, 26 yards) and Devin Hester (25 yards) erased a seven point halftime lead for the Jets and put Chicago in a position to hold onto the lead, which they barely did. Still, the Bears have found a way to win some of their biggest games of the year thus far, even if they haven’t won them convincingly.
Hester was given way too many chances to return kicks by the Jets, who paid by offering up solid field position to Cutler and the offense. Apparently those kicks he returned were supposed to go out of bounds, but I have a hard time believing veteran Steve Weatherford goofed up that many kicks. Matt Forte was integral to the win, racking up 113 yards on the ground (including one TD) and catching four passes for 56 yards. It was another off day for the Jet defense, who are falling apart in recent weeks. That’s not a Super Bowl-caliber defense by any stretch.
The negatives were almost as prevalent, keeping this game closer than it needed to be. Chicago’s vaunted cover-two defense made Mark Sanchez look like Peyton Manning for most of the day, allowing him to complete 24 of his 37 passes. The late pick aside, Sanchez had all day to throw from the pocket and found whatever open receiver he wanted. Chicago’s front four was non-existent on pass-rushing downs as the Jet offensive line dominated when they went through the air. However, the jets were just as punishing on the ground, putting up 124 tough yards on the Bear defenders. For a defense with so much hype, Lovie Smith’s crew fell flat today. Luckily, they had some help from the offense, who came through when they needed to.
Pretty schmetty! We got a win. Bear down and happy Jay Cutler day!
Keywords: Chicago Bears, Chris Harris, Devin Hester, Jay Cutler, Joe Anello, Johnny Knox, Mark Sanchez, Matt Forte, New York Jets, NFL
