Bears Maul Dolphins

Chicago's defense led the way with a dominating performance over the Dolphins, shutting out Miami 16-0 on Thursday night.

The Bears defense showed its teeth early and would not relent against the Dolphins. The Dolphins defensive line had no problem breaking through the hobbled Dolphins offensive line to get their hands on Tyler Thigpen, the third-string quarterback. Thigpen was sacked six times for a loss of 39 yards with Julius Peppers getting three of those sacks. Brian Urlacher added one sack and four tackles, making him the Bears all-time leading tackler.

The Dolphins were not only shut out, they could barely cross midfield. The closest Miami got to the end zone was the Bears 35-yard line. The Dolphins suffered another major setback when Brandon Marshall, their top receiver, was knocked out of the game with an injury.

Though the defense was near perfect, the offense had a rocky first half. Two offensive drives deep into Miami territory ended with field goals when Jay Cutler and the running backs were unable to get the team in the end zone. Another drive resulted in an end zone interception. Cutler finished the game by going 16 for 25 for 156 yards and was sacked three times.

Cutler woke up in the second half with a beautiful, clock-eating drive in the third quarter. Matt Forte, Greg Olsen and Chester Taylor each contributed until Forte finally broke through with two-yard touchdown. Forte was just three yards shy of a 100-yard game, having one of his best games since the Bears played Carolina without Jay Cutler.

This game was a rare feat, as this is just the third time that they have won in Miami. Now, at 7-3 and atop the NFC North, the Bears have to look ahead to the Philadelphia Eagles.