The Chicago Bears used a bit of luck, an improved defense and a turnover-free offensive performance to exact their revenge with a 21-20 victory against the visiting Washington Redskins. The entire Bears organization was clearly resolved to overturning the hideous 44-9 Week 15 loss. The Bears made changes at every level: Personnel moves in the secondary and on the offensive line by the GM, a revamped gameplan by the coaching staff, and a commitment to making every play count by the players. In the end these changes paid off...narrowly.
The Bears won the toss and took the ball, knowing that every possession would count on a frigid day against quality opposition. Jay Cutler was efficient and Matt Forte led the team on a 5-minute drive capped off by a short Forte touchdown. The perfect start for the Monsters of the Midway.
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Washington answered back with a long drive of their own. In a game this close, one never knows when the key plays will come. In retrospect, this drive turned on an enormously important moment. Jason Campbell tried to drill a short TD pass to D. Tucker, but Zack Bowman (newly inserted back into the starting lineup in lieu of Charles Tillman) made a brilliant recovery to knock the ball down. Washington had to settle for a FG, making the game 7-3, rather than the TD.
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The Redskins asserted themselves in the second half, twice forcing Bears' punts with the hosts just outside of FG range. Mike Sellers powered into the endzone for the 'skins first TD. Shortly before half a catastrophic miscue by the Bears secondary left rookie Clayton Roberson wide open for a 51-yd score. The visitors went into the half with a 17-7 lead.
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The Bears drew within a field goal with the only score of the 3rd quarter, a 15-yd strike from Cutler to Devin Hester. As the teams exchanged long drives, it appeared that the game was going to slip away from the Bears. With the Redskins looking to add a TD that might have sealed their win, Rookie of the Year candidate James Ruggs came up with his 3rd sack of the day. This play essentially forced the Redskins to settle for a FG...another key 4-point swing.
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This was to be the high-water mark for the visitors. Devin Hester returned the ensuing kickoff 100yds for a TD, going untouched the entire distance. The Redskins mounted a nice drive, but the game came down to a key 3rd and 5 with just over 4 minutes left. Campbell dropped back, but his pass across the middle for Chris Cooley was jumped by Danieal Manning, who knocked down the ball...and with it the last chance for the Redskins.
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The Bears would never give the ball back. Forte put the team on his back and Cutler threw for a couple key first downs to put the game away.
The stats were quite even, with the Redskins finding more success in the air but being utterly shut down on the ground. The Bears were able to sustain a balanced attack with 98 yards rushing and 140 yards passing. Both QB's were efficient, if unspectacular.
Great game, Zep. Typical close one where it could've gone either way. Hester is such a wildcard and he was absolutely the difference.
