Winning Ugly: Bears Outlast Weather and Ravens for a 23-20 Overtime Win

Nov 17, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) breaks a tackle against Baltimore Ravens strong safety James Ihedigbo (32) to score a touchdown during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

I guess it was sort of apropos that the Bears wore their 1940’s throwback uniforms, because Sunday’s 23-20 overtime marathon was a throwback sort of game.  The only thing that would have been more fitting is if the Bears had played the Packers in this mud bowl.  The game took 5 hours and 16 minutes to complete.  The two hour weather delay wasn’t enough, overtime was required to settle this affair.  It looked pretty grim for a while, but the Bears managed to find a way to overcome foolish penalties, questionable coaching decisions, pathetic field conditions and crazy weather to come away with a much needed W.

The Bears pulled off an ugly win on an ugly day to keep the Bears’ playoff hopes alive.  With the win, the Bears improved their record to 6-4 and with a Lions loss in Pittsburgh, the Bears trail the Lions by only the tiebreaker.  The Packers lost their third straight to fall a full game behind the Bears and Lions.