Chicago Bears 2012 Rewind: Bears Bounce Back by Beating Minnesota

One of the most common lessons learned in life is that we must learn from our mistakes. The best way to go forward in life and football is to look back. We all learn from the past to build on the future. From now on, every week I will be giving you a retrospective look at every one of last season’s games until the start of the season.

Nov 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) tries to evade Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway (52) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Bears won 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

This game made the Bears look like a solid team again. Especially in the first half, the monsters of the midway had it their way. Jay Cutler had some really great moments during this game, and everything went well for the beloved. For the most part. Here is the box score. 

Game Summary

On the first play from scrimmage, Henry Melton sacked Christian Ponder for a nine yard loss. That play set the tone for the defense. However, after the Vikings were forced to punt, Matt Forte fumbled the ball away to the Vikings, who drew first blood with a field goal. The Bears went three and out on the next drive, but then they forced Adrian Peterson to make a fumble of his own and the Bears’ offense took over in good field position.

The Bears drove 34 yards down the field for the first of two Michael Bush touchdowns. The defense forced a three and out again and got the ball back for a decent drive that ended in a Robbie Gould field goal. That was the drive where Jay Cutler got penalized for a ridiculous taunting penalty.

The Vikings had a good drive going, until it ended in a great blocked field goal by Julius Peppers. When the Bears took over, they had one of their best drives of the season. Jay Cutler was hitting his targets, Michael Bush was making solid runs, and it took up 8 minutes. The Bears scored a touchdown and added a nice little Adam Podlesh conversion fake to take an 18-3 lead. The Vikings ensuing drive didn’t last long, as a Christian Ponder pass ended up in the arms of Chris Conte, who took it down the 13. The next play was the play of the game. Jay Cutler faked the ball to his running back, rolled to his left and fired a rocket to Matt Spaeth, who made a marvelous catch to put the Bears up 22.  Here is the clip.  The Bears got the ball back again with about a minute left, but another great drive stalled with a Robbie Gould field goal being blocked.

Nov 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Matt Spaeth (89) catches a touchdown pass against Minnesota Vikings safety Jamarca Sanford (33) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears opened the second half with a great looking drive, until Cutler threw the ball off the hand of Brandon Marshall and into the arms of Antoine Winfield of the Vikings. That was the play where Jared Allen laid a cheap shot on Lance Louis, who was out for the year. Minnesota then had a good touchdown drive.

On the Bears next possession, it appeared that the Vikings had a scoop and score after a Matt Forte fumble, but it was reviewed and confirmed that Forte was down. Unfortunately, the running back hurt his ankle on the play and was out for the game. The Bears then got a field goal, making it 28-10. Chicago then ate up the clock and won by that score.

Things to learn

Jay Cutler is very important! He is very tough, and when he’s on, there is no one better. This game, he was mostly on. He completed 23/31 passes and had a touchdown. He threw for only 188 yards, but that was in large part due to getting good field position. His one interception was tipped. I give him MVP honors for managing the game very well by making good decisions and taking care of the ball. In the future, the Bears need to remember that field position is very important in today’s game of football, and that Jay Cutler is an extremely valuable asset.