Bears Dawn: Jay Cutler passes Luckman

A Bears’ record that stood for 70 years fell last night. Jay Cutler rolled out and tossed a one-yard TD pass to Martellus Bennett. It was Jay’s 138 TD pass breaking Sid Luckman’s franchise record. While breaking Luckman’s record got all the press, Jay also achieved a couple of other milestones last night in San Diego.

He passed Jim McMahon with the most wins as a Bear QB at 47. Also, Cutler threw his 12th fourth quarter game-winning touchdown pass since 2009, the most of any quarterback in the NFL.

Add in that Alshon Jeffery had his third straight 100-yard receiving game, the first time a Chicago Bear has achieved that since 1995. It was a record night for the Bears on MNF.

Nov 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) catches the ball in front of Minnesota Vikings cornerback Terence Newman (23) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Now to the real important stuff, the Bears won, 22-19. It was another thrilling come from behind victory, but the difference this time was the defense held and finished it. While the game was far from picture perfect, it was good to see the defense come through when it mattered most.

I won’t spend too much time on Jay’s play for that will be in my Red Zone article later in the week. For now, I want to highlight some of the key moments- good and bad.

Robbie Gould missing two straight FG’s almost cost the Bears. He had hit 17 in a row so the law of averages is evening it out. Robbie will break out of it but he is making me nervous now.

Special Teams played well. I can say that for I don’t even remember seeing them. No penalties no gaffes in coverage.

Langford and Carey showed us the future at RB. Regardless of what the Bears decide on Forte, we are going to witness the passing of the torch. Langford’s lay out reception was a thing of beauty.

Lamarr Houston drives us crazy with his foibles, but back-to-back sacks at the most opportune time gives him a measure of redemption.

Tracy Porter made the play of the day, knocking that pass away on third down late in the game. Most questioned Pace for signing the oft injured DB, but he has made some stellar plays this season.

I don’t blame Kyle Long for “bitching” out the referee. That was roughing the passer, and it was clear as day. But it’s Cutler so it seems like an automatic no call. Jarvis Jenkins pops Philip Rivers and flags fly- whatever.

I will say it now. Cutler’s pick-six INT was on Jeffery more than Jay. You could tell Alshon was funky early but that INT woke him up and he played with fire. He said he told Jay, call a go route and I will get it. Next play 47 yard go route!

Finally … Zach Miller game winner.

Fox said after the game, no injuries which was great news.

Tomorrow I will break the game down by phase but let us savor this today. Bear Down!