Chicago Bears 4th Phase Game Ball Week 15: Alshon Jeffery

Dec 15, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) makes a touchdown catch against Cleveland Browns free safety Tashaun Gipson (39) during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

After 5 weeks, Jay Cutler made his comeback in an all important game against the Browns. A win meant the Bears would gain sole position of the division, pending the outcome tonight. There was a lot of pressure for Cutler to perform, coming off the heals of Josh McCown lighting up the Cowboys on Monday night.

Cutler finished the first half 13-19 with a touchdown but with two interceptions. In the second half, Cutler was 9-12 with two touchdowns both in the fourth quarter. His first touchdown was to Alshon Jeffery, to tie the game at 24. While I wanted to give the game ball to Cutler, it was Jeffery’s catch that changed the momentum of the game.

To refresh everyone’s memory, Jeffery ran a corner route and was double covered. While Cutler was alluding the pass rush, his arm gets hits on the release and the ball floated in the air longer than it should have. While the defenders misplayed the ball, Jeffery was able to concentrate on making the catch and leaned in for the game tying touchdown. Jeffery seems to make a spectacular difference-making catch every week.

The catch seemed to ignite the entire team and it was at that point when the Bears were like sharks smelling blood in the water. The Bears capped the fourth quarter with 21 points.