Chicago Bears Run Away With A Victory Against The Minnesota Vikings

After losing consecutive games to the Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers, the Chicago Bears were in position on Sunday where the team needed a victory against the Minnesota Vikings in order to remain atop the NFC North division standings along with the Green Bay Packers. Behind the return of starting quarterback Jay Cutler and an opportune Michael Bush, the Bears cruised to victory on Sunday against the Vikings winning 28 to 10.

Nov 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Michael Bush (29) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

Jay Cutler Successfully Returns For The Bears

Say what you want about Jay Cutler, but there is no question that the Bears’ starting quarterback loves to be the man in control of the offense when the team is on the field. Cutler was clearly happy in his return, so much so that the quarterback was flagged at one point early in the game for taunting. On that note, apparently the National Football League wants their players to be emotionless robots. Nonetheless, Cutler was all smiles in the Bears’ victory as the quarterback completed 23 of 31 passes for a total of 188 passing yards to go along with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. The Bears’ offense has a different vibe with Cutler as the team’s quarterback as opposed to a backup quarterback. That was the case on Sunday as Cutler was able to take the attention off of the Bears’ offensive line. To that end, the Bears’ offensive line performance was improved from last Monday against the 49ers but there still is progress that needs to be made if the Bears hope to advance deep into the playoffs.

Michael Bush Takes Advantage Of Increased Playing Time

An early fumble by Bears’ starting running back Matt Forte provided an opportunity for backup running back Michael Bush to see extended playing time. Bush scored a rushing touchdown in the first quarter and second quarter while setting the tone for the Bears’ offense. Forte, after collecting 14 carries for a total of 42 yards, left the game in the second half after suffering an ankle injury. Bush continued to carry the load for the Bears’ offense after Forte’s injury as the running back accumulated 60 yards on 21 carries to go along with two touchdowns. It was certainly encouraging to see Bush excel in the opportunity that was provided for him on Sunday, in addition to  scoring two touchdowns on goal-line plays.

Injuries Bite The Bears 

While the Bears did win the game on Sunday, the team lost several players as a result of injury. Forte, Devin Hester, Charles Tillman, Chris Spencer, and Lance Louis all suffered game-ending injuries in Sunday’s victory over the Vikings. For Hester, the receiver was diagnosed with a concussion. Bears’ head coach Lovie Smith did not provide an update on Hester’s status after the game. Smith announced after the game that both Forte and Tillman suffered ankle injuries that prevented them from returning to the game. Spencer and Louis suffered knee injuries that are believed to be knee sprains. As of this article, there is no update on the severity of the injuries. Though, expect Smith to have an update on the injured Bears’ players on Monday.