The Bears are exactly where they were at the off week a year ago, 4-3. But they are not facing the same issues and have a schedule that is to their advantage if they can continue to play well.
Jay Cutler puts up 107.8 passer rating to go with Matt Forte ’s 158 total yards. Defense holds Matt Ryan and Falcons “O” without a TD.
Forte puts up 166 total yards but Mike Martz eschews the run, Cutler is sacked six times, five in the fourth quarter.
More Martz mystery: nine run calls for Forte net two yards, Aaron Rodgers controls the game and the ball for 37 minutes 29 seconds.
Oct. 2, Carolina Panthers (2-6) W 34-29
Forte runs for 205 yards, Cam Newton passes for 374 yards and Panthers rush for 169. Devin Hester punt return and D.J. Moore INT provide winning points.
Big plays and poor plays get safeties Chris Harris and Brandon Meriweather benched. Defensive collapses overshadow dismal OL play.
Cutler throws 48 yards for TD to Hester on third play from scrimmage and Hester goes 98 yards with a kickoff return touchdown, while the defense sacks Donovan McNabb five times, once for a safety.
Sun., Oct. 23, noon @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3) W 24-18 (London)
Bears intercept four passes, get out to a 21-5 lead but then fade in the fourth quarter on both offense and defense, the latter against an offense missing both top RBs and others. But a W is a W.
Mon., Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. @ Philadelphia Eagles (3-4) Next: vs. BEARS
Beating the Redskins in D.C. saved a season and crushing Dallas signaled that the NFC East champs of 2010 may finally be coming together.
Two straight losses had the Lions shaky but the rout of Denver on the road, followed by the off week, means a formidable visitor coming to Soldier Field.
Sun., Nov. 20, 3:15 p.m.* San Diego Chargers (4-3) Next: vs. Green Bay
Chargers continue to play inconsistent football, especially on the road in a loss to Kansas City. But Chargers are 3-0 at home. Is this where Packers stumble?
Sun., Nov. 27, 3:05 p.m.* @ Oakland Raiders (4-3) Next: vs. Denver
Raiders get a reeling Denver team after a week to recover from a 28-0 loss to Kansas City. Carson Palmer has had the off week to get oriented with teammates.
Sun., Dec., 4, noon* Kansas City Chiefs (4-3) Next: vs. Miami
Chiefs were anything but impressive despite a victory vs, Chargers, with turnovers and penalties, plus pedestrian overall offensive management. Dolphins should be a get-well week.
Sun., Dec. 11, 3:05 p.m.* @ Denver Broncos (2-5) Next: at Oakland
Tim Tebow was a disaster as the starter and is getting one more week from coach John Fox. If Tebow bombs again, Brady Quinn? Yikes.
Sun., Dec. 18, noon* Seattle Seahawks (2-5) Next: at Dallas
Playing at home didn’t help against streaking Cincinnati. Seahawks have scored 17 or fewer points in five of seven games, 15 combined in last two.
Sun., Dec. 25, 7:20 p.m. @ Green Bay Packers (7-0) Next: at San Diego
A week off means a rested team. Packers haven’t scored fewer than 24 in any game and only Minnesota last week was closer than seven points (6).
Sun., Jan. 1, noon* @ Minnesota Vikings (2-6) vs. Off
Vikes weathered a highlight game by Cam Newton and have put together two straight good outings.
Tags: nfl , Jay Cutler , philadelphia eagles , Minnesota Vikings , Matt Forte , Chicago Bears , Green Bay Packers , Devin Hester , Detroit Lions , Chris Harris , John 'Moon' Mullin
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