The Chicago Bears, who are still without starting quarterback Jay Cutler, are doing just fine. Coming off a dominating performance against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football, many speculated if Cutler would start when he returns.
While the Cowboys struck first with a Dez Bryant touchdown, the Bears would go on to score 24 points before the half, while Dallas would score only seven. The 3rd quarter was all Chicago as well. With the Bears scoring a touchdown with a two-point conversation and kicking 34-yard field goal, it would give Chicago a 35-14 lead going into the 4th quarter. The Bears would go on to score one more touchdown to go along with a field goal. The Cowboys did show some fight by scoring two touchdowns in the 4th quarter, but Chicago was too strong. The Cowboys would go on to loss 45-28, one of the more humiliating losses in Cowboys’ history.
Josh McCown had a great performance throwing for 348 yards and four touchdowns and zero interceptions. I like McCown as a starting quarterback and, in my opinion, the Bears have a better chance to win with McCown. His targets all had excellent performances. With Brandon Marshall catching six balls for 100 yards and Alshon Jeffery catching five bullets for 84 yards and one touchdown. Matt Forte had a terrific showing on the ground and the air, rushing for 102 yards and catching for 73 yards and one touchdown. This performance by Forte has to be one of his most memorable.
The Cowboys didn’t fare as well. Tony Romo only threw for 104 yards, but he did have three touchdown passes. Receivers Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten all had terrible games. The three combined for only 41 yards and two touchdowns. Fans shouldn’t be worried however, these three guys are great receivers and I believe they will bounce back. DeMarco Murray was his consistent self ad was excellent on the ground. Murray rushed for 146 yards on 18 carries. I really like Murray’s progression over the years and I would put him with Adrian Peterson, Arian Foster and LeSean McCoy as one of the best backs in the league.
The win for Chicago propels their record to 7-6, while the loss for Dallas drops them to 7-6. With the win Chicago is the 2nd in the NFC North, but one spot out of the playoffs; after Arizona with the loss. Dallas is also second in their respected division, and two spots out of the playoffs, after Arizona and Chicago.
It’s my belief the neither of these teams will be able to win their division. And with wildcards teams like the 9-4 Panthers and the 9-4 49ers, I don’t think they’ll be able to top them as well. The Bears will play the Cleveland Browns next Sunday on the road, while the Cowboys will play the Green Bay Packers at home
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