Chicago Bears Dominate Tennessee Titans, Lead 31-5 At Halftime

Nov 4, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Chicago Bears corner back Sherrick McManis (27) blocks the punt by Tennessee Titans punter Brett Kern (6) during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-US Presswire

It has been a sublime display by the Chicago Bears defense and special teams that has led them to a 31-5 first half lead over the Tennessee Titans at LP Field with 28 of those points coming in an amazing first quarter that included two touchdowns that didn’t involve the offense.

The Bears had a big first half generating five turnovers with two of those turning into touchdowns. Two of the turnovers were fumbles by struggling star Tennessee running back Chris Johnson. Cornerback Charles Tillman has been credited with two forced fumbles – he was the instigator of Johnson’s first and also got Titans star wide receiver Kenny Britt to cough one up. The other fumble Chris Johnson gave up was a punch-out by veteran linebacker Brian Urlacher.

That was Urlacher’s only contribution of the half – he made a leaping grab for a low throw by Matt Hasselbeck, picked him off and ran 46 yards downfield to convert his interception into a touchdown. He wasn’t the first non-offensive player to score in the game though – earlier the special teams had come into play as Tennessee punter Brett Kern was blocked by Bears cornerback Sherrick McManis and collected by defensive lineman Corey Wootton who ran it in for a five yard score.

On offense, there were high points and low points. Early on left tackle J’Marcus Webb was called for illegal use of hands in his own end zone resulting in the Titans getting a safety. Jay Cutler gave the Titans some respite by giving up a fumble of his own on a hit. All in all however the Chicago offense looked solid. Following a very long punt return by superstar Devin Hester, running back Matt Forte strolled in for a rushing TD. Later in the quarter, Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall hooked up for yet another TD – the 5th time they have done so this year.