Bears/Cowboys Rapid Reaction
By Coach Boss
Dec 9, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears fans holds a sign for Mike Ditka (not pictured) during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Eight for eight.
Touchdown, touchdown, field goal, touchdown, field goal, touchdown, touchdown, field goal.
Those were the results of the Bears offensive possessions tonight. They actually had one possession that didn’t go for a score but that came at the end of the game when they took a knee to end the game.
It was the only time the Cowboys were able to stop the Bears all night.
How is this for a big boy NFL offense?
33 first downs.
8/11 conversion rate on 3rd downs.
QB Josh McCown was 27/36 341 yards passing and 4 TDs to 4 different players and a QB rating of 141.9.
149 yards rushing and 1TD (by McCown channeling his inner Jay Cutler).
WR Brandon Marshall had 100 yards on 6 catches and became the 5th player in NFL history with 1,000 receiving yards in 7 of his first 8 seasons.
Marshall is also the 4th player in franchise history with multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
He also had a sick block on LB Sean Lee that you can watch here.
Alshon “freaking” Jeffery. 5 catches for 84 yards and one freaking amazing TD catch!
Just Alshon being Alshon.
Matt Forte had 175 total yards and a TD (102 yards rushing and 73 yards receiving 1TD).
Heck, back up TE Dante Rosario had his first reception of the season and RB Michael Bush scored a TD.
The Bears controlled the ball for 36:44 and had 2 penalties for 15 yards.
That is what a Marc Trestman led offense can do for you.
Now, about that defense…
This was the 6th straight game where the Bears gave up 100+ yards rushing to a player which ties an NFL record (DeMarco Murray 18-146) and gave up a total of 199 yards on the ground.
That is not going to cut the spicy mustard.
Especially in the playoffs. And right now, the Bears are in playoff mode.
The Bears D did hold the Cowboys to 130 yards passing which is something positive going forward.
What does it all mean?
The Bears showed fight on the day Da Coach’s jersey (and sweater) was retired on Ditka day at Soldier field.
They moved into a “tie” with Detroit but lose out on tie breakers.
What is important is that the Bears have given themselves a chance to win the division and make the playoffs. It is still a slim chance but it’s a chance.
The Bears still have a lot of work to do to make it happen and need a little help.
They have shown that they are not through fighting and they can beat reasonably good teams (teams with a winning record) which is good because 2 of the Bears final 3 opponents have a .500 record or better (Green bay 6-6-1 and Philadelphia 8-5).
Enjoy this one tonight Bears fans and lets back to work tomorrow!
A little “Shake the Lake” for your enjoyment!
BEAR DOWN!!!