The Chicago Bears emerged from their bye week with a 22-19 win over the hapless Buffalo Bills at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on Sunday.
Chicago preserved a winning record and moved to 5-3, while the Bills remained winless on the season.
Chicago did many things right during the away game. They were able to score from the one-yard line and convert a two-point PAT. The offensive line, though not perfect, held together better than they have done all season. The defense and offense complemented each other, with Cutler and company actually scoring points off of turnovers and converting 7-12 on third downs. It wasn't a perfect game, but it was still a win and stopped a losing skid.
They took took advantage of key turnovers to reel in the victory. The Bears turned Tim Jennings interception in the fourth quarter into a score and went up for good, then they used a Chris Harris interception to end the game.
While the defense provided the boost, the offense appeared to work just enough to stay in the contest.
Jay Cutler hit Greg Olsen and Earl Bennett for touchdowns. Chester Taylor ran in a touchdown and Matt Forte scored a two-point conversion, and the offense seemed to click in many spots. Cutler made mostly smart passes and ended the game with a 97.6 QB rating.
Mike Martz called a nice mix of 31 rushes to 30 passes and the team was able to capitalize on the loose field for 188 receiving yards. It looked like exactly the offensive plan that fans have been calling for from the Bears.
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Considering the statistical improvements from Chicago, the game was perhaps closer than it should have been.
The Bills did not play like a team who walked into the Rogers Centre without a win. They played hungry.
The defense stripped Cutler of the ball in the fourth quarter, setting up a touchdown by Corey McIntyre. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 299 yards and a touchdown,and were able to move the ball through the air. But the Bills weren't able to get it done on the ground, running for just 46 yards, and became one-dimensional when it counted.
Special teams miscues plagued both teams. Robbie Gould, usually automatic from less than 50 yards, missed a 42-yard field goal for the Bears. Bills kicker Rian Lindell missed the first PAT in his career after Israel Idonije put a hand on the ball. The Bills also didn't convert on a two-point PAT. Those three points proved to be the difference in the game.
The Bears now prepare for the Minnesota Vikings.
