Chicago Bears: Monsters of the Midway Are Back

The Chicago Bears entered Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis as the underdog against a powerful St. Louis Rams defense. With the exception of former Chicago great Mike Ditka, all analysts had the Rams as the favorites to win based on the Bears weak defense.

ALSO ON SPIN ZONE: Who are the greatest QBs in NFL history?

But after last week’s win against the San Diego Chargers, the Bears got a taste of victory and had no intention of forgetting it.  Even though the Rams scored first within the first three minutes of the game, the Bears answered back with an 89-yard bomb from Cutler to tight end Zach Miller. The same Zach Miller that displayed the ridiculous catch to win the game in Week 9 against the San Diego Chargers

Nov 15, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) is hit by St. Louis Rams outside linebacker Mark Barron (26) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

However, Jay Cutler showed his excitement for winning as he led the Bears offense to more records. He was 19/24 for 258 passing yards and 3 touchdowns, including a scramble for 26-yards, the longest in his career since 2009. Cutler led the offense to two 80+ touchdowns, the first in Bears history and something that has not happened in the NFL since within the same game, something that has not happened since 2006 by the Buffalo Bills.

His personal best for the day: a career-high 151.0 passer rating with NO INTERCEPTIONS. Cutler has emerged as a rejuvenated quarterback with a team he is fully connected with and stands behind him. That’s got to make him feel all warm and fuzzy.

Even the rookies are getting a piece of the action. Rookie running back Jeremy Langford joined Bears greats, Walter Payton, and Gayle Sayers by recording 100 receiving yards, a receiving touchdown and a rushing touchdown in the same game.  Langford who started for the second week in a row for an injured Matt Forte had 73 yards on 20 carries and 109 yards on seven receptions.

Earlier in the week, guard Kyle Long told CSNChicago.com, “We’re going to make a run at the playoffs. And if anybody doesn’t think that, then get the (expletive) outta here.” After the victory over the Rams, Patrick Finley beat writer for the Chicago Sun-Times tweeted this:

It is apparent that the Chicago Bears are tired of losing on all sides of the ball. The offensive line held tight and gave Cutler time to throw and running backs open space to run. Wide receivers blocked for running backs and running backs blocked for receivers. It was an all-out team effort to shut the mouths of all the doubters.

With the return of linebacker Shea McClellin and a hungry and focused defense, running back Todd Gurley was held to 45 rushing yards. Though he did run for a 6-yard touchdown, it was the least amount of yards he has rushed since his start. McClellin led the defense with 8 tackles and forced Tre Mason to fumble the ball, which McClellin then recovered. Lamarr Houston recorded a sack and Willie Young intercepted a Nick Foles pass intended for wide receiver Wes Welker.

Next: Chicago Bears: 6 Rookies Making an Impact

Cornerbacks Kyle Fuller, Tracy Porter and rookie Bryce Callahan each had 3 tackles in stopping key plays from getting down the field and in the end zone.  It was good to see Robbie Gould back on pace as he went 7 for 7 hitting all his targets. The Bears head back to Soldier Field in a matchup against the 7-2 Denver Broncos. Hopefully, they can carry that winning momentum home as they currently hold one win at Soldier Field this season.