2007 Chicago Bears season
Encyclopedia
The 2007 Chicago Bears
season was the team's 88th regular season in the National Football League
. The season officially began on September 9, 2007 against the San Diego Chargers
, and concluded on December 30 against the New Orleans Saints
. The Bears entered the 2007 season as the National Football Conference
Champions and had hopes of returning to the Super Bowl
, but instead finished the season with a disappointing 7-9 record.
’s jail sentence. In December 2006, Johnson came under increased scrutiny after police entered his house in Gurnee, Illinois
, and found several guns and weapon paraphernalia. The situation was further complicated when Johnson’s friend, William Posey, was murdered the following evening while defending Johnson at a nightclub
. On March 15, 2007, a judge in Skokie, Illinois
sentenced Johnson to a 120 days in jail and fined him $2,500 dollars. He was released from jail on May 13, 2007, due to good behavior. Johnson also faced an additional eight-game suspension from the NFL. The league ultimately suspended Johnson for half of the regular season on June 4. Despite vowing the amend his ways, Johnson was pulled over for speeding in Arizona
, and was later given a blood test
after an officer suspected he was driving under the influence
. The incident prompted the Bears to waive Johnson on June 25. Johnson was replaced by Darwin Walker
.
Additionally, controversy ensued between the Bears’ management and Lance Briggs
. Only weeks after losing Super Bowl XLI
, the Bears placed a franchise tag
worth nearly 7.2 million dollars on the Pro Bowl
-caliber linebacker, keeping him with the team for another year. Briggs became unhappy with the action and voiced his anger on The Mike North Morning Show. He even went as far to claim he no longer wanted to be a member of the Bears, a statement he later reiterated nationally on FoxSports.com
. Despite Briggs' remarks, the Bears stated that they planned to keep him with the organization for the 2007 season. The Washington Redskins
offered to exchange first-round draft picks with the Bears in exchange for Briggs. Angelo deferred the offer on April 3, but later stated they were interested in negotiating another deal the following day. Briggs came to terms with the Bears on July 25, and accepted the 7.2 million dollar contract.
The team traded running back
Thomas Jones to the New York Jets
and their second-round (63rd overall) pick for the Jets' second-round (37th overall) pick in the 2007 NFL Draft
. In addition to the loss of Jones, Todd Johnson
, Cameron Worrell
, and Justin Gage
left the Bears for other teams later. In order to fill the void, the Bears acquired strong safety Adam Archuleta
from the Washington Redskins
in exchange for their sixth-round draft pick. They also signed former Redskins' kicker Nick Novak
to back up Robbie Gould
. Defensive tackle Anthony Adams
also was signed to further bolster the Bears' defensive line, following the departures of Alfonso Boone
and Ian Scott
The Bears re-signed Ruben Brown
, the team's last remaining free agent
from the previous season, to a one-year extension for an undisclosed amount of money. Amidst these significant changes, Jerry Angelo
, the team's general manager
, stated, "I know on the outside it looks like we want to dismantle the team. It has nothing to do with that. We want to keep this the best possible football team that we can. And that's what we're trying to do.", while addressing the media in March. By the end of May, the Bears had lost ten members of their 2006 roster.
The team re-signed Nathan Vasher
and Charles Tillman
to multi-year contracts. The team traded one of their draft picks to the Buffalo Bills
for Darwin Walker
, who will replace Tank Johnson. The Bears traded safety Chris Harris to the Carolina Panthers
in exchange for an undisclosed draft pick in 2008. Dante Wesley
was also traded to the New England Patriots
in exchange for a seventh-round pick.
, whose contract expired at the end of the 2006 season. He was replaced by linebackers coach Bob Babich, who had followed head coach Lovie Smith
from the St. Louis Rams
. Eventually, five assistant coaches, including quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson, would leave the Bears for other teams. The team worked out a contract extension with Lovie Smith
, which extended his contract for four years to 2011. Smith will make a total of $22 million dollars during the course of the deal. Jerry Angelo
, the team’s general manager
, also signed a six-year deal on the same day. The Bears billed Pep Hamilton of the San Francisco 49ers
as their new quarterback coach, and Charles London of Duke University
as the team’s offensive quality control coach.
Going into the 2007 NFL Draft
, the Bears did not reveal which prospects they were interested in, but stated that they entered the draft looking for the “best athlete available”. As the loser of the previous Super Bowl, the Bears entered the 2007 NFL Draft
ostensibly with the thirty-first selection in each of the seven rounds of the draft. However, as a result of trading activity, both before and during the draft, the Bears ended up with nine picks instead of seven, and only five of those nine were in the 31st position.
' second round pick, which was the fifth pick of the second round. Thus, the Bears then possessed the 31st and 37th overall picks of the draft. However, the Bears then traded this second round pick to San Diego
in exchange for the Chargers' 2007 draft picks in the second round (62 overall), third round (93), and fifth round (167), as well as the Chargers' third round pick in the 2008 draft
. The Bears also traded away their sixth round pick (186th overall) to the Washington Redskins
for Adam Archuleta
. Additionally, the Bears acquired the 11th pick of the 7th round (221) by trading Lennie Friedman
to the Cleveland Browns
. (This pick had earlier been acquired by Cleveland from the San Francisco 49ers
.)
to solidify their tight end
position. They later traded their second round, 37th overall selection to the San Diego Chargers
, in exchange for the team’s second (62), third (93), fifth (167) and next year's third selection. Next, Dan Bazuin
was selected to further bolster the Bears’ defensive line, while Chicago
native Garrett Wolfe
was selected in the third round following Thomas Jones’ departure. The team spent their other third-round pick to acquire linebacker
Michael Okwo. The bears drafted Offensive guard Josh Beekman
in the fourth round, and then selected two defensive backs, Kevin Payne
and Corey Graham
in the fourth round. Lastly, the team drafted offensive tackle Aaron Brant
and cornerback Trumaine McBride
in the seventh round.
. Most notably, the team acquired Chris Leak
, who had previously led the Florida Gators
to a BCS National Championship title, and Dave Ball
, who broke Jerry Rice
’s Division I-AA record with 58 career touchdowns. The team acquired six other rookie
free agents to reinforce other positions. An additional six undrafted rookies were recruited following the team's rookie mini-camp to fill various needs in their team's depth chart. The Bears became the first team in the League to sign all of their draft picks when they came to terms with Dan Bazuin
on July 25.
, and the first game of the 2007 preseason. The first mini-camp for first year players was held less than a week after the Draft so that coaches could further evaluate the talent of rookie
players. Next, the team had a mandatory mini-camp, which started on May 18, 2007. During the Bears' first mini-camp, Tommie Harris
, Dusty Dvoracek
, and Mike Brown returned to practice after missing portions of the 2006 season. Additionally, the team converted Devin Hester
to wide receiver
in hopes of using his play-making ability on offense as well as special teams.
The Bears held training camp from July 27 to August 18 at Olivet Nazarene University
.
The team won their first preseason game against the Houston Texans
by a score of 20-19. The game was highlighted by a staunch performance from their three quarterbacks. Rex Grossman
completed eight of ten passes for fifty yards, while his back, Brian Griese
, went six for seven with seventy-two yards and one touchdown and interception. However, third-string quarterback
Kyle Orton
played in integral part in their victory. Orton, who played nearly two quarters, completed sixteen of twenty-five passes for 151 yards and single touchdown. At one point, he had completed twelve consecutive passes. Running back Josh Allen and Orton got the Bears to the Texan's twenty-nine yard line, where Robbie Gould
kicked the game's winning field goal
. While the team's defense and offense performed productively, their special teams unit drew skepticism after allowing the Texans to produce several large kick returns. Dave Toub
, the Bears' special team coach, blamed the problems on a lack of experience and poor tackling, which have since been properly addressed.
The following week, the Bears faced the Indianapolis Colts
for Super Bowl XLI
rematch. Although the game took place during prime-time, the they would treat the game as if it were any other preseason game. Regardless, the Bears won by a score of 27-24, but not without controversy. Grossman, making his homecoming to Indiana
, struggled throughout the night. He fumble
d the ball three times (though only turning it over once), and threw an interception. Despite completing the night by completing nine of eleven passes for fifty-nine yards and one rushing touchdown, Grossman’s struggles became the focus of the night. Griese, however, threw ten completions on thirteen attempts with one touchdown. The Bears defense was able to record three interceptions, while the special teams unit was able to force a fumble on a return. Return specialists Devin Hester
and Danieal Manning
also performed productively as kick returners.
The Bears trumped their third opponent, the San Francisco 49ers
, by a score of 31-28. Grossman opened the game with a forty-yard pass to Bernard Berrian
. He went on to throw two touchdowns, but also threw an interception to Walt Harris, who returned the pick for a touchdown. Benson continued to struggle, and only averaged less than a yard on each carry. Nevertheless, the team’s first string defense held the 49ers offense to only six points, and caused two turnovers. The Bears’ special team’s unit, who lost Hester to an injury in the first quarter, was plagued with fumbles, missed-snaps, inaccurate field goals. The 49ers, who had fallen behind by thirty-one points before the second half, mounted a fifteen-point rally in the fourth quarter. Their second string quarterback, Trent Dilfer
completed nine of twelve passes for two touchdowns, en route to earning a perfect quarterback rating (158.3) for the night.
The team suffered their lost their Preseason finale to the Cleveland Browns
, 19-9. Grossman, and most of the team’s starters saw limited action during the night. Instead, the team turned to Orton and Chris Leak
to lead their offense. The Browns initially struggled, but used their special teams unit to score twelve points in the first half. Their second string rookie
quarterback, Brady Quinn
allowed the Browns to score their first offensive points of the night. The Bears quarterback, Kyle Orton, lead the game in passing, but failed to engineer a touchdown drive. The Bears turned to their fourth-string quarterback, Chris Leak, to finish the game. While Leak threw the Bears’ lone passing touchdown of the night, much of the night’s praise went to David Ball
and Mike Hass
, who both made difficult catches. The Bears finished the preseason with a 3-1 record. However, the team's top three draft picks, Greg Olsen
, Dan Bazuin
, and Michael Okwo sustained injuries. While Banzuin and Okwo were lost for the season, the team was optimistic that Olsen may play in the season's opener.
to start the 2007 season. They initially succeeded at containing LaDainian Tomlinson
, the League’s reigning MVP, but received little support from Rex Grossman
and Cedric Benson
. The Chargers drove into Bears’ territory on their second drive, but came up empty after Alex Brown blocked a thirty-three yard field goal. Mike Brown thwarted another Charger’s drive by intercepting Philip Rivers
, which was eventually followed by a twenty-seven yard field goal. However, Grossman drove the team into field goal position, only to throw an interception (the result of a miscue between him and Bernard Berrian
) deep within Chargers’ territory.
However, the Bears blew their shutout in the third quarter. After a punt return mishap, the Chargers capitalized on great field position and drove into Bears’ territory. Tomlinson threw a touchdown pass to Antonio Gates
to cap off the drive. On the Bears’ following drive, Adrian Peterson fumbled a carry, and which eventually allowed Tomlinson to score a rushing touchdown. The Bears failed to cover Antonio Gates, who collected 107 yards for the afternoon. In addition to the loss, the Bears were forced to cope with the season ending injuries to Mike Brown and Dusty Dvoracek
.
27 yard FG (CHI 3-0)
Q3 - SD - 0:45 - 17 yard TD pass from LaDainian Tomlinson
to Antonio Gates
(Nate Kaeding
kick) (SD 7-3)
Q4 - SD - 9:09 - LaDainian Tomlinson 7 yard TD run (Kaeding kick) (SD 14-3)
. Bernard Berrian
fumbled on the team’s opening drive, but a staunch defensive effort held the Chiefs at bay, and eventually allowed the Bears to engineer a successful drive. John St. Clair
, a reserve offensive tackle, scored the Bears’ first offensive touchdown of the season from a one-yard pass from Rex Grossman
. The team forced the Chiefs to punt on their next drive, which was returned for a touchdown by Devin Hester
.The Chiefs managed to score their first points of the game after Damon Huard
threw a sixteen yard touchdown pass to Dwayne Bowe
.
During halftime, the Bears received the Pro Team Community Award for their charity efforts. The Bears’ defense held the Chiefs to only three more points, after forcing pivotal turnovers in two red zone situations and also a blocked field goal attempt. Pro Bowl
ers Brian Urlacher
, Lance Briggs
, and Tommie Harris
each recorded sacks, and forced Larry Johnson and Huard to leave the game with injuries. Cedric Benson
recorded his first one hundred yard rushing game. With 20-10 win, the Bears advanced to 1-1 record.
to John St. Clair
(Robbie Gould
kick) (CHI 7-0)
Q2 - CHI - 9:33 - Devin Hester
73 yard punt return TD (Gould kick) (CHI 14-0)
Q2 - CHI - 2:30 - Robbie Gould 47 yard FG (CHI 17-0)
Q2 - KC - 1:24 - 16 yard TD pass from Damon Huard
to Dwayne Bowe
(Dave Rayner
kick) (CHI 17-7)
Q3 - CHI - 8:36 - Robbie Gould 38 yard FG (CHI 20-7)
Q3 - KC - 3:12 - Dave Rayner 45 yard FG (CHI 20-10)
match with the Dallas Cowboys
. The game was close early as the Bears' Robbie Gould
and the Cowboys' Nick Folk
each hit field goals respectively to make it a 3-3 tie at halftime. The Cowboys took the opening drive of the third quarter and ended it with a Tony Romo
to Jason Witten
touchdown pass. The Bears responded on the ensuing drive with a Cedric Benson
goal line plunge. The Cowboys struck again before the end of the third quarter, Romo connecting on his second touchdown pass, this time to running back Marion Barber
. Folk converted a 44 yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, and on the next play from scrimmage, Bears quarterback Rex Grossman
threw a costly interception to Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry, who ran it back for the score. With the lead in hand, the Cowboys proceeded to kill the clock, which they did effectively with Barber, who capped the scoring with a one yard touchdown run. Barber ended the night with over 100 yards rushing, and Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens
caught eight passes for 145 yards. The Cowboys improved to 3-0, while the Bears dropped to 1-2.
20 yard FG (CHI 3-0)
Q2 - DAL - 8:49 - Nick Folk
30 yard FG (3-3)
Q3 - DAL - 10:14 - 3 yard TD pass from Tony Romo
to Jason Witten
(Folk kick) (DAL 10-3)
Q3 - CHI - 7:14 - Cedric Benson
1 yard TD run (Gould kick) (10-10)
Q3 - DAL - 1:18 - 10 yard TD pass from Tony Romo to Marion Barber
(Folk kick) (DAL 17-10)
Q4 - DAL - 12:10 - Nick Folk 44 yard FG (DAL 20-10)
Q4 - DAL - 11:49 - Anthony Henry 28 yard interception return TD (Folk kick) (DAL 27-10)
Q4 - DAL - 3:10 - Marion Barber 1 yard TD run (Folk kick) (DAL 34-10)
replace Rex Grossman
. The change came in an attempt to protect the ball, and reduce turnovers. Nonetheless, the turnovers continued to haunt the team en route to 37-27 loss against the Detroit Lions
. The Lions took a first quarter lead by blocking a Robbie Gould
field-goal attempt, and then using the field position to score a field goal. The Bears’ offense struggled to move the ball in the first quarter, and but began to pick up momentum in the second quarter. Griese threw a fifteen-yard touchdown to Muhsin Muhammad
, but also threw two interceptions in two red zone visits.
Jon Kitna
and the Lion’s top tier passing offense managed to exploit the Bears’ injury depleted secondary. He managed to throw two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, to keep the Bears’ four points behind the Lions. Griese threw an interception to Keith Smith, who returned it for a touchdown. However, Devin Hester
responded by returning the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown. The Lions established their running game later, and allowed Kevin Jones
to score a rushing touchdown, sending the Lions up by ten again. Griese led the Bears downfield on the subsequent drive. After several unusual penalties and mishaps, the Griese threw a touchdown to Desmond Clark
. Now trailing by three points, the Gould attempted by an onside kick
, but it was recovered and returned by Casey FitzSimmons
, sealing the Bears’ loss.
Griese completed thirty-four of fifty-two passes for 286 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions in his first start as a Bear. The team’s running game mustered a combined total of sixty-nine yards; ousted by the Lions’ ninety-five yards. Both defenses unleashed equal punishment on their opposing quarterbacks, combining for a total of twelve quarterback sacks. The Lions’ victory snapped their four game losing streak against the Bears.
49 yard FG (DET 3-0)
Q2 - CHI - 4:16 - 15 yard TD pass from Brian Griese
to Muhsin Muhammad
(Robbie Gould
kick) (CHI 7-3)
Q3 - CHI - 5:08 - Robbie Gould 49 yard FG (CHI 10-3)
Q3 - CHI - 0:49 - Robbie Gould 41 yard FG (CHI 13-3)
Q4 - DET - 14:56 - 4 yard TD pass from Jon Kitna
to Shaun McDonald
(Hanson kick) (CHI 13-10)
Q4 - DET - 13:14 - Keith Smith 64 yard interception return TD (Hanson kick) (DET 17-13)
Q4 - CHI - 12:57 - Devin Hester
97 yard kickoff return TD (Gould kick) (CHI 20-17)
Q4 - DET - 10:06 - 15 yard TD pass from Jon Kitna to Troy Walters
(Hanson kick) (DET 24-20)
Q4 - DET - 3:34 - Kevin Jones
5 yard TD run (kick failed) (DET 30-20)
Q4 - CHI - 0:52 - 1 yard TD pass from Brian Griese to Desmond Clark
(Gould kick) (DET 30-27)
Q4 - DET - 0:45 - Casey FitzSimmons
41 yard kickoff return TD (Hanson kick) (DET 37-27)
The Bears played the Green Bay Packers
, their longtime rivals, during week five. The game was a must-win situation for the Bears, who needed a win to preserve any chance of winning the division. The Packers entered the game with a 4-0 record, but were forced to suffer their first lost of the season at the hands of a staunch Bears defense. The Packers were able to take a quick lead as DeShawn Wynn
rushed for over sixty yards and scored a touchdown on the team’s opening drive. Cedric Benson
responded by scoring a rushing touchdown, but the Packers broke the tie when Brett Favre
threw a touchdown pass to Greg Jennings
.
The Packers’ offense drove into Bears territory several times during the second quarter, but Charles Tillman
forced two fumbles. The two turnovers allowed the Bears to hold the Packers at bay, and keep hold their deficit to ten points. However, Brian Urlacher
provided the game’s biggest turnover, when he intercepted Favre at the Packers’ fifteen yard line. The turnover allowed Brian Griese
to throw a touchdown to Greg Olsen
. Later, Charles Woodson
fumbled while returning a punt, which allowed Robbie Gould
to kick a game-tying field goal. The Bears defense prevented the Packers from scoring again. With two minutes left on the game clock, the Bears offense seemingly moved the ball in hopes of setting up a Gould field goal. However, Griese threw a play-action touchdown pass to Desmond Clark
, and gave the Bears a seven-point lead.
Favre tried to lead the Packers down field again, but threw an interception to rookie Brandon McGowan
in the end zone. The pick sealed a Bears victory, allowed the team to progress to 2-3. Al Michaels
named Tillman as the ‘Horse Trailer Player of the Game’ for forcing two pivotal fumbles.
2 yard TD run (Mason Crosby
kick) (GB 7-0)
Q2 - CHI - 7:52 - Cedric Benson
10 yard TD run (Robbie Gould
kick) (7-7)
Q2 - GB - 4:55 - 41 yard TD pass from Brett Favre
to Greg Jennings
(Crosby kick) (GB 14-7)
Q2 - GB - 0:01 - Mason Crosby 37 yard FG (GB 17-7)
Q3 - CHI - 12:03 - Robbie Gould 44 yard FG (GB 17-10)
Q3 - GB - 9:02 - Mason Crosby 37 yard FG (GB 20-10)
Q3 - CHI - 4:19 - 19 yard TD pass from Brian Griese
to Greg Olsen
(Gould kick) (GB 20-17)
Q4 - CHI - 14:13 - Robbie Gould 36 yard FG (20-20)
Q4 - CHI - 2:05 - 34 yard TD pass from Brian Griese to Desmond Clark
(Gould kick) (CHI 27-20)
. The Bears’ return specialist Devin Hester
allowed the Bears to take a lead by returning a punt 89 yards for a touchdown. However, Tarvaris Jackson
tied the game by throwing a 60 yard touchdown pass to Troy Williamson
. Brian Griese
threw a 39 yard touchdown to Bernard Berrian
that helped the Bears regain the lead, but Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson helped the Vikings gain control of the game by scoring rushing touchdowns of 67, 73, and 35 respectively. With roughly two and a half minutes left on the clock, Griese threw a 33 yard touchdown pass to Muhsin Muhammad
and later an 81 yard touchdown pass to Hester. The two touchdowns tied the game, but Ryan Longwell
kicked a 55 yard field goal in the game’s final seconds. With the loss, the Bears dropped to 2-4.
89 yard punt return TD (Robbie Gould
kick) (CHI 7-0)
Q1 - MIN - 0:00 - 60 yard TD pass from Tarvaris Jackson
to Troy Williamson
(Ryan Longwell
kick) (7-7)
Q2 - CHI - 11:45 - 39 yard TD pass from Brian Griese
to Bernard Berrian
(Gould kick) (CHI 14-7)
Q2 - MIN - 2:19 - Adrian Peterson 67 yard TD run (Longwell kick) (14-14)
Q3 - MIN - 2:31 - Adrian Peterson 73 yard TD run (Longwell kick) (MIN 21-14)
Q4 - MIN - 11:31 - Ryan Longwell 48 yard FG (MIN 24-14)
Q4 - CHI - 8:37 - Robbie Gould 32 yard FG (MIN 24-17)
Q4 - MIN - 4:10 - Adrian Peterson 35 yard TD run (Longwell kick) (MIN 31-17)
Q4 - CHI - 2:36 - 33 yard TD pass from Brian Griese to Muhsin Muhammad
(Gould kick) (MIN 31-24)
Q4 - CHI - 1:38 - 81 yard TD pass from Brian Griese to Devin Hester (Gould kick) (31-31)
Q4 - MIN - 0:00 - Ryan Longwell 55 yard FG (MIN 34-31)
in the closing seconds of the game. The first three quarters were essentially a battle of field goals. David Akers
successfully converted all three of his first half field goal attempts, the longest from 37 yards out. Robbie Gould
was one for two, and the score was 9-3 Philadelphia at halftime. The Bears took the ball to the Eagles' one-yard line on their first drive of the third quarter, but settled for a field goal. Gould connected for two more field goals early in the fourth quarter to tie the game, then put the Bears ahead 12-9. On their ensuing possession, Donovan McNabb
guided the Eagles down the field and fired a touchdown pass to tight end Matt Schobel
, putting Philadelphia back on top 16-12 with less than five minutes to play. The Eagles forced a three and out, but their offense could not kill the clock. Chicago got the ball back with less than two minutes left and Brian Griese
, with his headset broken, commanded his own drive, marching his team down the field, completing the winning touchdown pass to Muhsin Muhammad
with nine seconds remaining. The Eagles fell short on their final opportunity, as the Bears improved to 3-4 with the win.
24 yard FG (PHI 3-0)
Q2 - PHI - 4:08 - David Akers 33 yard FG (PHI 6-0)
Q2 - CHI - 1:46 - Robbie Gould
31 yard FG (PHI 6-3)
Q2 - PHI - 0:22 - David Akers 37 yard FG (PHI 9-3)
Q3 - CHI - 8:04 - Robbie Gould 22 yard FG (PHI 9-6)
Q4 - CHI - 14:52 - Robbie Gould 41 yard FG (9-9)
Q4 - CHI - 9:21 - Robbie Gould 45 yard FG (CHI 12-9)
Q4 - PHI - 4:57 - 13 yard TD pass from Donovan McNabb
to Matt Schobel
(Akers kick) (PHI 16-12)
Q4 - CHI - 0:09 - 15 yard TD pass from Brian Griese
to Muhsin Muhammad
(Gould kick) (CHI 19-16)
. After a scoreless first quarter, Chicago trailed as Lions kicker Jason Hanson
got a 26-yard field goal, while RB Kevin Jones
got a 4-yard TD run. Afterwards, Hanson increased Detroit's lead with a 52-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Bears managed to get on the board with QB Brian Griese
completing a 20-yard TD pass to rookie TE Greg Olsen
for the only score of the period. Unfortunately, the Lions sealed Chicago's doom as Hanson nailed a 20-yard field goal, while Detroit's defense held its ground and managed to get the season-sweep.
With the loss, the Bears entered their bye week at 3-5.
26 yard FG (DET 3-0)
Q2 - DET - 1:53 - Kevin Jones
4 yard TD run (Hanson kick) (DET 10-0)
Q2 - DET - 0:05 - Jason Hanson 52 yard FG (DET 13-0)
Q3 - CHI - 5:26 - 20 yard TD pass from Brian Griese
to Greg Olsen
(Robbie Gould
kick) (DET 13-7)
Q4 - DET - 14:42 - Jason Hanson 20 yard FG (DET 16-7)
for a Week 10 interconference duel with the Oakland Raiders
. In the first quarter, Chicago trailed early as Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski
managed to get a 37-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Bears tied the game as kicker Robbie Gould
kicked a 32-yard field goal for the only score of the period. However, during the period, starting QB Brian Griese
(10/14 for 97 yards) would have to leave the game as his left shoulder was injured during a sack. It would mark the return of QB Rex Grossman
.
After a scoreless third quarter, Oakland regained the lead in the fourth quarter with Janikowski nailing a 52-yard field goal. Fortunately, Chicago took the lead for good as Grossman completed a 59-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
, along with RB Cedric Benson
getting a 3-yard TD run.
With the win, not only did the Bears improve to 4-5, but it also marked their first road win against the Raiders since 1987 when playing in Los Angeles and first at Oakland since 1981. The Bears did beat them at Soldier Field in 2003 24-21.
37 yard FG (OAK 3-0)
Q2 - CHI - 6:51 - Robbie Gould
32 yard FG (3-3)
Q4 - OAK - 4:04 - Sebastian Janikowski 52 yard FG (OAK 6-3)
Q4 - CHI - 3:11 - 59 yard TD pass from Rex Grossman
to Bernard Berrian
(Gould kick) (CHI 10-6)
Q4 - CHI - 1:35 - Cedric Benson
3 yard TD run (Gould kick) (CHI 17-6)
for a Week 11 duel with the Seattle Seahawks
, in the rematch of last year's NFC divisional game (which took place in Chicago). For QB Rex Grossman
, he would be making his first start since Week 3.
In the first quarter, Chicago took the early lead with RB Cedric Benson
getting a 43-yard TD run, while kicker Robbie Gould
managed to get a 31-yard field goal. The Seahawks would reply with QB Matt Hasselbeck
completing a 19-yard TD pass to WR D.J. Hackett
. In the second quarter, Seattle took the lead with RB Maurice Morris
getting a 19-yard TD run. The Bears would regain the lead as RB Adrian Peterson managed to get a 5-yard TD run. The Seahawks would tie the game prior to halftime as kicker Josh Brown managed to get a 40-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Seattle retook the lead as Hasselbeck completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR Nate Burleson
for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Chicago tried to come back as Gould kicked a 47-yard field goal. However, the Seahawks pulled away with Brown kicking a 23-yard and a 46-yard field goal. The Bears' final response would be Gould nailing a 48-yard field goal.
With the loss, Chicago fell to 4-6.
For Rex Grossman first starting appearance in eight weeks, he went 24/37 for 266 yards.
For Bernard Berrian, in his last 3 games against the Seahawks, he has a combined 315 receiving yards.
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Seahawks, the Bears went home for a Week 12 interconference duel with the Denver Broncos
. In the first quarter, Chicago got the early lead as kicker Robbie Gould
managed to get a 24-yard field goal. The Broncos would tie the game as kicker Jason Elam
managed to get a 23-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Denver took the lead as RB Andre Hall
got a 16-yard TD run. Afterwards, the Bears responded with Gould kicking a 44-yard field goal. The Broncos would end the half with Elam kicking a 22-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Bears tied the game with WR/KR/PR Devin Hester
returning a punt 75 yards for a touchdown. Denver would respond with FB Cecil Sapp
getting a 5-yard TD run, but afterwards, Hester went right back to work for Chicago as he returned the following kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, the Broncos replied with QB Jay Cutler
completing a 68-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall
. In the fourth quarter, Denver increased its lead with Cutler completing a 14-yard TD pass to TE Tony Scheffler
. Afterwards, the Bears tied the game with RB Adrian Peterson getting a 4-yard TD run, along with QB Rex Grossman
completing a 3-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
. In overtime, Chicago came out on top as Gould nailed the game-winning 39-yard field goal.
With the win, the Bears improved to 5-6.
For Devin Hester, he became the 5th player since 1970 to return a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown in the same game.
. In the first quarter, Chicago struck first with QB Rex Grossman
completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Desmond Clark
for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Giants got on the board with RB Derrick Ward
. Afterwards, the Bears ended the half with kicker Robbie Gould
getting a 35-yard and a 46-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Chicago increased its lead with Gould nailing a 41-yard field goal for the only score of the period. However, in the fourth quarter, New York took the lead with QB Eli Manning
completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Amani Toomer
, along with RB Reuben Droughns
. The Bears did have one final attempt, but it ended with a thud.
With the loss, Chicago fell to 5-7.
. After a scoreless first quarter, Chicago trailed as Redskins QB Todd Collins completed a 21-yard TD pass to TE Todd Yoder
for the only score of the second quarter.
In the third quarter, the Bears continued to trail as Washington continued its night with FB Mike Sellers getting a 1-yard TD run. Afterwards, Chicago would get on the board with kicker Robbie Gould
getting a 30-yard field goal, while QB Brian Griese
completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
. In the fourth quarter, the Redskins replied with kicker Shaun Suisham
getting a 23-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Bears responded with Gould kicking a 22-yard field goal. Later, Washington struck big as Collins completed a 16-yard TD pass to RB Ladell Betts
. Chicago would draw closer as Gould nailed a 21-yard field goal. However, a failed onside kick sealed their doom.
With the loss, the Bears fell to 5-8.
Starting QB Rex Grossman
(2 of 6 for 14 yards) left the game in the first quarter with a left knee injury.
for a Week 15 Monday night NFC North rematch with the Minnesota Vikings
. In the first quarter, Chicago struck first as kicker Robbie Gould
managed to get a 29-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Vikings tied the game with kicker Ryan Longwell
getting a 42-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Bears would take the halftime lead as Gould kicked a 47-yard field goal and FB Jason McKie
managed to get a 1-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, Minnesota started to creep closer as RB Adrian Peterson got a 1-yard TD run (with a failed PAT) for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Vikings took the lead with Peterson getting an 8-yard TD run. Chicago tried to rally, but Minnesota's defense was too much.
With their third-straight loss, not only did the Bears fall to 5-9, but it also knocked them out of playoff contention.
On a positive note, LB Brian Urlacher
had a good day with 4 tackles, 2 sacks, and an interception. It was also the first time since 2004 that Urlacher had a sack and an interception in the same game.
The Bears went into Week 16 knowing that any chance of a Playoff berth was over, but still had the chance to end the season on a high with their rivals the Green Bay Packers
traveling to Soldier Field
. The game was a must-win for the Packers if they wanted to have any chance of getting the No. 1 seed and gain home field advantage in the playoffs.
On a bone-chilling 16 degree afternoon in Chicago
, reserve RB Adrian Peterson ran for 102 yards from 30 attempts including and 8-yard run for a TD (only the second 100 yard game of his career and his first since 2005) while Garrett Wolfe
also gained a valuable 67 all-purpose yards from the RB position. However, it was the Chicago
special teams that really excelled in this game.
Despite Green Bay
previously going 12 years (929 punts) without a blocked punt, the Bears managed to block Jon Ryan
twice on a slippery afternoon. In the second quarter Darrell McClover
got his hand onto a Ryan punt but more damaging was Charles Tillman
's charge down midway through the third quarter which allowed Corey Graham
to pick up the football and run in 7 yards for a TD to put the Bears 28-7 up.
Kyle Orton
, Lovie Smith
's third choice QB, was steady enough, going 8-for-14 for 101 yards including a 3-yard touchdown pass to Desmond Clark
in the third quarter. It was also a good day for LB Brian Urlacher
who ran home an 85-yard interception early in the fourth quarter, the first of his career. Alex Brown, starting for the injured Mark Anderson, also got an interception which set up Clark's Touchdown.
In the end it was a fairly comfortable win for the Bears who ran out 35-7 victors which meant that they completed the double over their arch rivals having previously beating them at Lambeau Field
in Week 5 27-20. Also, these 35 points were their most against Green Bay
since a 61-7 win on December 7, 1980.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
season was the team's 88th regular season in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. The season officially began on September 9, 2007 against the San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, and concluded on December 30 against the New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
. The Bears entered the 2007 season as the National Football Conference
National Football Conference
The National Football Conference is one of the two conferences of the National Football League . This conference and its counterpart, the American Football Conference , currently contain 16 teams each, making up the 32 teams of the NFL.-Current teams:Since 2002, the NFC has comprised 16 teams,...
Champions and had hopes of returning to the Super Bowl
Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League , the highest level of professional American football in the United States, culminating a season that begins in the late summer of the previous calendar year. The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to identify each game, rather...
, but instead finished the season with a disappointing 7-9 record.
Roster changes
One of the biggest stories in the Bears’ off-season was Tank JohnsonTank Johnson
Terry "Tank" Johnson is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington....
’s jail sentence. In December 2006, Johnson came under increased scrutiny after police entered his house in Gurnee, Illinois
Gurnee, Illinois
Gurnee is a village in Lake County, Illinois, United States. The population was 28,834 at the 2000 census, and estimated to be 30,772 in 2005. The village borders the city of Waukegan and is considered a part of the Chicago metropolitan area. Gurnee is perhaps best known for being the location of...
, and found several guns and weapon paraphernalia. The situation was further complicated when Johnson’s friend, William Posey, was murdered the following evening while defending Johnson at a nightclub
Nightclub
A nightclub is an entertainment venue which usually operates late into the night...
. On March 15, 2007, a judge in Skokie, Illinois
Skokie, Illinois
Skokie is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. Its name comes from a Native American word for "fire". A Chicago suburb, for many years Skokie promoted itself as "The World's Largest Village". Its population, per the 2000 census, was 63,348...
sentenced Johnson to a 120 days in jail and fined him $2,500 dollars. He was released from jail on May 13, 2007, due to good behavior. Johnson also faced an additional eight-game suspension from the NFL. The league ultimately suspended Johnson for half of the regular season on June 4. Despite vowing the amend his ways, Johnson was pulled over for speeding in Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
, and was later given a blood test
Blood test
A blood test is a laboratory analysis performed on a blood sample that is usually extracted from a vein in the arm using a needle, or via fingerprick....
after an officer suspected he was driving under the influence
Driving under the influence
Driving under the influence is the act of driving a motor vehicle with blood levels of alcohol in excess of a legal limit...
. The incident prompted the Bears to waive Johnson on June 25. Johnson was replaced by Darwin Walker
Darwin Walker
Darwin Jamar Walker is an American football defensive tackle in National Football League who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
.
Additionally, controversy ensued between the Bears’ management and Lance Briggs
Lance Briggs
Lance Marell Briggs is an American football linebacker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Bears in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona.-Early years:A Sacramento native, Briggs attended Elk Grove High...
. Only weeks after losing Super Bowl XLI
Super Bowl XLI
Super Bowl XLI was an American football game that featured the American Football Conference champion Indianapolis Colts and the National Football Conference champion Chicago Bears to decide the National Football League champion for the 2006 season...
, the Bears placed a franchise tag
Franchise Tag
In the National Football League, the franchise tag is a designation a team may apply to a player scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. The tag binds the player to the team for one year if certain conditions are met. Each team has access each year to only one franchise tag and one...
worth nearly 7.2 million dollars on the Pro Bowl
Pro Bowl
In professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
-caliber linebacker, keeping him with the team for another year. Briggs became unhappy with the action and voiced his anger on The Mike North Morning Show. He even went as far to claim he no longer wanted to be a member of the Bears, a statement he later reiterated nationally on FoxSports.com
Fox Sports (USA)
Fox Sports is a division of the Fox Broadcasting Company . It was formed in 1994 with Fox's acquisition of broadcast rights to National Football League games...
. Despite Briggs' remarks, the Bears stated that they planned to keep him with the organization for the 2007 season. The Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
offered to exchange first-round draft picks with the Bears in exchange for Briggs. Angelo deferred the offer on April 3, but later stated they were interested in negotiating another deal the following day. Briggs came to terms with the Bears on July 25, and accepted the 7.2 million dollar contract.
The team traded running back
Running back
A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
Thomas Jones to the New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
and their second-round (63rd overall) pick for the Jets' second-round (37th overall) pick in the 2007 NFL Draft
2007 NFL Draft
The 2007 National Football League Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 28 and April 29, 2007. The draft was televised for the 28th consecutive year on ESPN and ESPN2. The NFL Network also broadcast coverage of the event, its second year doing so...
. In addition to the loss of Jones, Todd Johnson
Todd Johnson
Todd Edward Johnson is a former American college and professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League for seven seasons during the 2000s. Johnson played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he played professionally for the Chicago Bears, St...
, Cameron Worrell
Cameron Worrell
Cameron Worrell is an American football safety in the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2003...
, and Justin Gage
Justin Gage
Justin Gage is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
left the Bears for other teams later. In order to fill the void, the Bears acquired strong safety Adam Archuleta
Adam Archuleta
Adam Jason Archuleta is a former American football safety. He played college football at Arizona State, and was drafted by the St. Louis Rams 20th overall in the 2001 NFL Draft....
from the Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
in exchange for their sixth-round draft pick. They also signed former Redskins' kicker Nick Novak
Nick Novak
Nicholas Ryan "Nick" Novak is an American football placekicker for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
to back up Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
. Defensive tackle Anthony Adams
Anthony Adams
Anthony "Spice" Adams is an American football defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He previously played for the San Francisco 49ers...
also was signed to further bolster the Bears' defensive line, following the departures of Alfonso Boone
Alfonso Boone
Alfonso D. Boone is an American football defensive end for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Mt...
and Ian Scott
Ian Scott (football player)
Josef Ian Scott is a former American college and professional football player who was a nose tackle in the National Football League for six seasons during the 2000s...
The Bears re-signed Ruben Brown
Ruben Brown
Ruben Parnell Brown is a former American football guard of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 14th overall in the 1995 NFL Draft. He played college football at Pittsburgh....
, the team's last remaining free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
from the previous season, to a one-year extension for an undisclosed amount of money. Amidst these significant changes, Jerry Angelo
Jerry Angelo
Jerry Angelo is the General Manager for the National Football League's Chicago Bears. He has held the role since 2001. Prior to joining the Chicago Bears, Angelo spent 14 years overseeing Tampa Bay Buccaneers' scouting department as their Director of Player Personnel...
, the team's general manager
General manager
General manager is a descriptive term for certain executives in a business operation. It is also a formal title held by some business executives, most commonly in the hospitality industry.-Generic usage:...
, stated, "I know on the outside it looks like we want to dismantle the team. It has nothing to do with that. We want to keep this the best possible football team that we can. And that's what we're trying to do.", while addressing the media in March. By the end of May, the Bears had lost ten members of their 2006 roster.
The team re-signed Nathan Vasher
Nathan Vasher
Nathaniel DeWayne Vasher is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
and Charles Tillman
Charles Tillman
Charles "Peanut" Tillman is an American football cornerback for the Chicago Bears of the NFL. He was selected with the 35th overall pick of the 2003 NFL Draft.-Early years:...
to multi-year contracts. The team traded one of their draft picks to the Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
for Darwin Walker
Darwin Walker
Darwin Jamar Walker is an American football defensive tackle in National Football League who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
, who will replace Tank Johnson. The Bears traded safety Chris Harris to the Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
in exchange for an undisclosed draft pick in 2008. Dante Wesley
Dante Wesley
Dante Julius Wesley is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
was also traded to the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
in exchange for a seventh-round pick.
Coaching changes
The Bears’ coaching staff also saw significant changes during the off season. The team did not re-sign defensive coordinator Ron RiveraRon Rivera
Ronald Eugene Rivera is the head coach of the NFL's Carolina Panthers. Rivera was a linebacker on the 1985 Chicago Bears, who won Super Bowl XX. Rivera was the defensive coordinator for the 2006 Chicago Bears, who won the National Football Conference championship and competed in Super Bowl XLI...
, whose contract expired at the end of the 2006 season. He was replaced by linebackers coach Bob Babich, who had followed head coach Lovie Smith
Lovie Smith
Lovie Lee Smith is the head coach of the Chicago Bears professional football team of the NFL. Smith has been to the Super Bowl twice, as the defensive coordinator for the 2001 Saint Louis Rams and as the head coach for the Chicago Bears in 2006....
from the St. Louis Rams
St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
. Eventually, five assistant coaches, including quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson, would leave the Bears for other teams. The team worked out a contract extension with Lovie Smith
Lovie Smith
Lovie Lee Smith is the head coach of the Chicago Bears professional football team of the NFL. Smith has been to the Super Bowl twice, as the defensive coordinator for the 2001 Saint Louis Rams and as the head coach for the Chicago Bears in 2006....
, which extended his contract for four years to 2011. Smith will make a total of $22 million dollars during the course of the deal. Jerry Angelo
Jerry Angelo
Jerry Angelo is the General Manager for the National Football League's Chicago Bears. He has held the role since 2001. Prior to joining the Chicago Bears, Angelo spent 14 years overseeing Tampa Bay Buccaneers' scouting department as their Director of Player Personnel...
, the team’s general manager
General manager
General manager is a descriptive term for certain executives in a business operation. It is also a formal title held by some business executives, most commonly in the hospitality industry.-Generic usage:...
, also signed a six-year deal on the same day. The Bears billed Pep Hamilton of the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
as their new quarterback coach, and Charles London of Duke University
Duke University
Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina, United States. Founded by Methodists and Quakers in the present day town of Trinity in 1838, the school moved to Durham in 1892. In 1924, tobacco industrialist James B...
as the team’s offensive quality control coach.
2007 NFL Draft
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 31 | Greg Olsen Greg Olsen (American football) Gregory Olsen is an American football tight end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft... |
Tight end Tight end The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be... |
Miami University of Miami The University of Miami is a private, non-sectarian university founded in 1925 with its main campus in Coral Gables, Florida, a medical campus in Miami city proper at Civic Center, and an oceanographic research facility on Virginia Key., the university currently enrolls 15,629 students in 12... |
| 2 | 62 | Dan Bazuin Dan Bazuin Daniel Bazuin is an American football defensive end who is a free agent. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round the 2007 NFL Draft. He was drafted at Central Michigan. While at Central Michigan University, he graduated with a bachelors degree in marketing.-College career:Bazuin... |
Defensive End Defensive end Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years... |
Central Michigan Central Michigan University Central Michigan University is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant in the U.S. state of Michigan... |
| 3 | 93 | Garrett Wolfe Garrett Wolfe Garrett Wolfe is an American football running back. He was drafted by the Bears in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played his college football at Northern Illinois. He is currently a free agent.-Personal life:... |
Running back Running back A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running... |
Northern Illinois Northern Illinois University Northern Illinois University is a state university and research institution located in DeKalb, Illinois, with satellite centers in Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon. It was originally founded as Northern Illinois State Normal School on May 22, 1895 by Illinois Governor John P... |
| 3 | 94 | Michael Okwo | Linebacker Linebacker A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... |
Stanford Stanford University The Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is a private research university on an campus located near Palo Alto, California. It is situated in the northwestern Santa Clara Valley on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately northwest of San... |
| 4 | 130 | Josh Beekman Josh Beekman Josh Beekman is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He played High School football in his hometown of Amsterdam, New York. He played college football at Boston College. He won the 2006 Scanlan Award an award given by the Boston College Varsity Club Award to the senior... |
Guard | Boston College Boston College Boston College is a private Jesuit research university located in the village of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA. The main campus is bisected by the border between the cities of Boston and Newton. It has 9,200 full-time undergraduates and 4,000 graduate students. Its name reflects its early... |
| 5 | 167 | Kevin Payne Kevin Payne (American football) -Chicago Bears:Payne was drafted by the Bears in the 5th round of the 2007 draft. An injury cut his rookie season short playing in only three games. In 2008 Payne was the starting strong safety for the Chicago Bears. In his first season as the starter, Payne posted career highs in tackles ,... |
Strong Safety | Louisiana-Monroe |
| 5 | 168 | Corey Graham Corey Graham Corey Graham is a cornerback, who currently plays for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played collegiate football at the University of New Hampshire. The Bears selected Graham in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft... |
Cornerback Cornerback A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position... |
New Hampshire University of New Hampshire The University of New Hampshire is a public university in the University System of New Hampshire , United States. The main campus is in Durham, New Hampshire. An additional campus is located in Manchester. With over 15,000 students, UNH is the largest university in New Hampshire. The university is... |
| 7 | 221 | Trumaine McBride Trumaine McBride Trumaine McBride is an American football cornerback he is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Mississippi.-Early years:McBride attended Clarksdale High School in... |
Cornerback Cornerback A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position... |
Ole Miss Ole Miss Rebels University of Mississippi sports teams, originally known as the "Mississippi Flood" , were re-named the Rebels in 1936 and compete in the twelve-member Southeastern Conference of the NCAA's Division I. The school's colors are cardinal red and navy blue , purposely chosen to mirror the school... |
| 7 | 241 | Aaron Brant Aaron Brant Aaron Brant is an American football offensive tackle free agent. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft.-High school career:... |
Offensive Tackle | Iowa State |
Going into the 2007 NFL Draft
2007 NFL Draft
The 2007 National Football League Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 28 and April 29, 2007. The draft was televised for the 28th consecutive year on ESPN and ESPN2. The NFL Network also broadcast coverage of the event, its second year doing so...
, the Bears did not reveal which prospects they were interested in, but stated that they entered the draft looking for the “best athlete available”. As the loser of the previous Super Bowl, the Bears entered the 2007 NFL Draft
2007 NFL Draft
The 2007 National Football League Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 28 and April 29, 2007. The draft was televised for the 28th consecutive year on ESPN and ESPN2. The NFL Network also broadcast coverage of the event, its second year doing so...
ostensibly with the thirty-first selection in each of the seven rounds of the draft. However, as a result of trading activity, both before and during the draft, the Bears ended up with nine picks instead of seven, and only five of those nine were in the 31st position.
Trade activity
The Bears improved their placement in the second round by trading Thomas Jones and their second round pick for the New York JetsNew York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
' second round pick, which was the fifth pick of the second round. Thus, the Bears then possessed the 31st and 37th overall picks of the draft. However, the Bears then traded this second round pick to San Diego
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
in exchange for the Chargers' 2007 draft picks in the second round (62 overall), third round (93), and fifth round (167), as well as the Chargers' third round pick in the 2008 draft
2008 NFL Draft
The 2008 NFL Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 26 and April 27, 2008. For the 29th consecutive year, ESPN televised the draft; the NFL Network also broadcast the event, its third year doing so...
. The Bears also traded away their sixth round pick (186th overall) to the Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
for Adam Archuleta
Adam Archuleta
Adam Jason Archuleta is a former American football safety. He played college football at Arizona State, and was drafted by the St. Louis Rams 20th overall in the 2001 NFL Draft....
. Additionally, the Bears acquired the 11th pick of the 7th round (221) by trading Lennie Friedman
Lennie Friedman
Leonard Lebrecht Friedman is an American football offensive lineman who is currently a free agent in the National Football League....
to the Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. (This pick had earlier been acquired by Cleveland from the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
.)
Actual selections
The team used their 31st overall selection to draft Greg OlsenGreg Olsen (American football)
Gregory Olsen is an American football tight end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
to solidify their tight end
Tight end
The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be...
position. They later traded their second round, 37th overall selection to the San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, in exchange for the team’s second (62), third (93), fifth (167) and next year's third selection. Next, Dan Bazuin
Dan Bazuin
Daniel Bazuin is an American football defensive end who is a free agent. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round the 2007 NFL Draft. He was drafted at Central Michigan. While at Central Michigan University, he graduated with a bachelors degree in marketing.-College career:Bazuin...
was selected to further bolster the Bears’ defensive line, while Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
native Garrett Wolfe
Garrett Wolfe
Garrett Wolfe is an American football running back. He was drafted by the Bears in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played his college football at Northern Illinois. He is currently a free agent.-Personal life:...
was selected in the third round following Thomas Jones’ departure. The team spent their other third-round pick to acquire linebacker
Linebacker
A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
Michael Okwo. The bears drafted Offensive guard Josh Beekman
Josh Beekman
Josh Beekman is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He played High School football in his hometown of Amsterdam, New York. He played college football at Boston College. He won the 2006 Scanlan Award an award given by the Boston College Varsity Club Award to the senior...
in the fourth round, and then selected two defensive backs, Kevin Payne
Kevin Payne (American football)
-Chicago Bears:Payne was drafted by the Bears in the 5th round of the 2007 draft. An injury cut his rookie season short playing in only three games. In 2008 Payne was the starting strong safety for the Chicago Bears. In his first season as the starter, Payne posted career highs in tackles ,...
and Corey Graham
Corey Graham
Corey Graham is a cornerback, who currently plays for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played collegiate football at the University of New Hampshire. The Bears selected Graham in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
in the fourth round. Lastly, the team drafted offensive tackle Aaron Brant
Aaron Brant
Aaron Brant is an American football offensive tackle free agent. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft.-High school career:...
and cornerback Trumaine McBride
Trumaine McBride
Trumaine McBride is an American football cornerback he is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Mississippi.-Early years:McBride attended Clarksdale High School in...
in the seventh round.
Undrafted signees
Following the Draft, the Bears signed several undrafted free agentsFree Agents
Free Agents is a romantic black comedy starring Stephen Mangan, Sharon Horgan and Anthony Head. Originally a pilot for Channel 4 in November 2007, the series began on 13 February 2009. It spawned a short lived US remake, which was cancelled after just 4 episodes aired.-Plot:Alex works for CMA, a...
. Most notably, the team acquired Chris Leak
Chris Leak
Christopher Patrick Leak is an American professional football player who is currently a quarterback for the Jacksonville Sharks of the Arena Football League. He played college football for the University of Florida, and led the Florida Gators to victory in the 2007 BCS National Championship Game...
, who had previously led the Florida Gators
Florida Gators
The Florida Gators are the intercollegiate sports teams that represent the University of Florida located in Gainesville, Florida. The "Lady Gators" is an alternative nickname sometimes used by the Gators women's teams...
to a BCS National Championship title, and Dave Ball
David Ball (wide receiver)
David Ball is a professional wide receiver for the Erie Explosion of the Ultimate Indoor Football League. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
, who broke Jerry Rice
Jerry Rice
Jerry Lee Rice is a retired American football wide receiver. He is generally regarded as the greatest wide receiver of all time and one of the greatest players in National Football League history...
’s Division I-AA record with 58 career touchdowns. The team acquired six other rookie
Rookie
Rookie is a term for a person who is in his or her first year of play of their sport or has little or no professional experience. The term also has the more general meaning of anyone new to a profession, training or activity Rookie is a term for a person who is in his or her first year of play of...
free agents to reinforce other positions. An additional six undrafted rookies were recruited following the team's rookie mini-camp to fill various needs in their team's depth chart. The Bears became the first team in the League to sign all of their draft picks when they came to terms with Dan Bazuin
Dan Bazuin
Daniel Bazuin is an American football defensive end who is a free agent. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round the 2007 NFL Draft. He was drafted at Central Michigan. While at Central Michigan University, he graduated with a bachelors degree in marketing.-College career:Bazuin...
on July 25.
Training camp
Though the team started conditioning for the upcoming season as early as February, the Bears had scheduled several training camps between the 2007 NFL Draft2007 NFL Draft
The 2007 National Football League Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 28 and April 29, 2007. The draft was televised for the 28th consecutive year on ESPN and ESPN2. The NFL Network also broadcast coverage of the event, its second year doing so...
, and the first game of the 2007 preseason. The first mini-camp for first year players was held less than a week after the Draft so that coaches could further evaluate the talent of rookie
Rookie
Rookie is a term for a person who is in his or her first year of play of their sport or has little or no professional experience. The term also has the more general meaning of anyone new to a profession, training or activity Rookie is a term for a person who is in his or her first year of play of...
players. Next, the team had a mandatory mini-camp, which started on May 18, 2007. During the Bears' first mini-camp, Tommie Harris
Tommie Harris
Tommie Harris, Jr. is an American football defensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oklahoma.Harris has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts...
, Dusty Dvoracek
Dusty Dvoracek
Dusty Dvoracek is an American football defensive tackle for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. Drafted by the Chicago Bears of the National Football League in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft, he played college football at Oklahoma and professionally with the Bears from 2006...
, and Mike Brown returned to practice after missing portions of the 2006 season. Additionally, the team converted Devin Hester
Devin Hester
Devin Hester is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play in all three phases of American football...
to wide receiver
Wide receiver
A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
in hopes of using his play-making ability on offense as well as special teams.
The Bears held training camp from July 27 to August 18 at Olivet Nazarene University
Olivet Nazarene University
Olivet Nazarene University is a Christian institution of higher education located in the Kankakee, Illinois village of Bourbonnais. Named for Olivet, Illinois, ONU was originally established as a grammar school in east-central Illinois in 1907...
.
Roster
| Chicago Bears 2007 final roster | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Offensive Linemen
Josh Beekman Josh Beekman is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He played High School football in his hometown of Amsterdam, New York. He played college football at Boston College. He won the 2006 Scanlan Award an award given by the Boston College Varsity Club Award to the senior... G Roberto Garza Roberto Garza is an American football center and guard for the Chicago Bears of the NFL.-High School Years:Garza attended Rio Hondo High School in Rio Hondo, Texas and was a Letterman in football and track and field... G Olin Kreutz Olin George Kreutz is an American football center who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football for Washington.Kreutz has also played for the New Orleans Saints.... C Terrence Metcalf Terrence Orlando Metcalf is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft... G Anthony Oakley Anthony Oakley is an American football guard for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2004... G/C John St. Clair John Bradley St. Clair is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia.St... T Defensive Linemen
|
Linebackers
Brendon Ayanbadejo Oladele Brendon Ayanbadejo is an American football linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played college football for the UCLA Bruins.... OLB Lance Briggs Lance Marell Briggs is an American football linebacker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Bears in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona.-Early years:A Sacramento native, Briggs attended Elk Grove High... OLB Hunter Hillenmeyer Hunter Taverner Hillenmeyer is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was originally selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round with the 31st pick of the 2003 NFL Draft. Hillenmeyer attended high school at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville... OLB Darrell McClover Darrell McClover is an American Football linebacker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft... OLB Nick Roach Nicholas Alexander Roach is an American football linebacker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2007... LB Brian Urlacher Brian Keith Urlacher is an American football player for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He attended the University of New Mexico, where he was one of the school's most decorated athletes. In addition to setting multiple university records, Urlacher earned consideration for the... ILB Jamar Williams Jamar Williams is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. Williams played at Arizona State University. Originally from Houston, TX, he attended Langham Creek High School. He graduated as a member of the 4 year National Honor Roll... OLB Rod Wilson Rodriques Wilson is an American football linebacker. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at South Carolina... ILB Defensive Backs
Special Teams
|
Reserve Lists
Anthony Adams Anthony "Spice" Adams is an American football defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He previously played for the San Francisco 49ers... DT (IR)  Dan Bazuin Daniel Bazuin is an American football defensive end who is a free agent. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round the 2007 NFL Draft. He was drafted at Central Michigan. While at Central Michigan University, he graduated with a bachelors degree in marketing.-College career:Bazuin... DE (IR) Cedric Benson Cedric Myron Benson is an American football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears fourth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft... RB (IR) Ruben Brown Ruben Parnell Brown is a former American football guard of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 14th overall in the 1995 NFL Draft. He played college football at Pittsburgh.... G (IR) Dusty Dvoracek Dusty Dvoracek is an American football defensive tackle for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. Drafted by the Chicago Bears of the National Football League in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft, he played college football at Oklahoma and professionally with the Bears from 2006... DT (IR) Antonio Garay Antonio Garay is an American football defensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League.He played college football at Boston College... DT (IR) Ade Jimoh Adebola "Ade" Olurotimi Jimoh is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2003... CB (IR) Mike Okwo Michael K. Okwo is an English-American linebacker of American football who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Stanford.-Early years:... OLB (IR) Kevin Payne (American football) -Chicago Bears:Payne was drafted by the Bears in the 5th round of the 2007 draft. An injury cut his rookie season short playing in only three games. In 2008 Payne was the starting strong safety for the Chicago Bears. In his first season as the starter, Payne posted career highs in tackles ,... SS (IR) Nathan Vasher Nathaniel DeWayne Vasher is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft... CB (IR) Practice Squad
Rookies in italics |
|||||
Staff
| Chicago Bears 2007 coaching staff | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front Office
Head Coaches
Offensive Coaches
|
Defensive Coaches
Special Teams Coaches
Strength and Conditioning
|
|||||
Preseason
| Week | Date | Kickoff | Opponent | Results | Stadium | Box scores | TV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | August 11 | 7:00 p.m. CDT | at Houston Texans Houston Texans The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 20–19 | 1–0 | Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface.... |
Box score @ NFL Game Center | NBC 5 WMAQ-TV WMAQ-TV, channel 5, is an owned-and-operated television station of the NBC Television Network, located in Chicago, Illinois. WMAQ-TV's main studios and offices are located within the NBC Tower in the Streeterville neighborhood, with an auxiliary street-level studio on the Magnificent Mile at 401... |
| 2 | August 20 | 7:30 p.m. CDT | at Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League .... |
W 27–24 | 2–0 | RCA Dome RCA Dome RCA Dome was a domed stadium, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the home of the Indianapolis Colts NFL franchise for 24 seasons .... |
Box score @ NFL Game Center | ESPN ESPN Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming.... |
| 3 | August 25 | 7:00 p.m. CDT | San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and... |
W 31–28 | 3–0 | Soldier Field Soldier Field Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears... |
Box score @ NFL Game Center | NBC 5 WMAQ-TV WMAQ-TV, channel 5, is an owned-and-operated television station of the NBC Television Network, located in Chicago, Illinois. WMAQ-TV's main studios and offices are located within the NBC Tower in the Streeterville neighborhood, with an auxiliary street-level studio on the Magnificent Mile at 401... |
| 4 | August 30 | 7:00 p.m. CDT | Cleveland Browns Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 19–9 | 3-1 | Soldier Field Soldier Field Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears... |
Box score @ NFL Game Center | NBC 5 WMAQ-TV WMAQ-TV, channel 5, is an owned-and-operated television station of the NBC Television Network, located in Chicago, Illinois. WMAQ-TV's main studios and offices are located within the NBC Tower in the Streeterville neighborhood, with an auxiliary street-level studio on the Magnificent Mile at 401... |
The team won their first preseason game against the Houston Texans
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
by a score of 20-19. The game was highlighted by a staunch performance from their three quarterbacks. Rex Grossman
Rex Grossman
Rex Daniel Grossman, III is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League . Grossman played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he has played professionally for the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and Washington Redskins of...
completed eight of ten passes for fifty yards, while his back, Brian Griese
Brian Griese
Brian David Griese is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played high school football at Christopher Columbus High School and later college football at Michigan....
, went six for seven with seventy-two yards and one touchdown and interception. However, third-string quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football at Purdue, where he started four straight bowl games. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
played in integral part in their victory. Orton, who played nearly two quarters, completed sixteen of twenty-five passes for 151 yards and single touchdown. At one point, he had completed twelve consecutive passes. Running back Josh Allen and Orton got the Bears to the Texan's twenty-nine yard line, where Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
kicked the game's winning field goal
Field goal (football)
A field goal in American football and Canadian football is a goal that may be scored during general play . Field goals may be scored by a placekick or the now practically extinct drop kick.The drop kick fell out of favor in 1934 when the shape of the ball was changed...
. While the team's defense and offense performed productively, their special teams unit drew skepticism after allowing the Texans to produce several large kick returns. Dave Toub
Dave Toub
Dave Toub is the current Special Teams coordinator for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League.-College:...
, the Bears' special team coach, blamed the problems on a lack of experience and poor tackling, which have since been properly addressed.
The following week, the Bears faced the Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
for Super Bowl XLI
Super Bowl XLI
Super Bowl XLI was an American football game that featured the American Football Conference champion Indianapolis Colts and the National Football Conference champion Chicago Bears to decide the National Football League champion for the 2006 season...
rematch. Although the game took place during prime-time, the they would treat the game as if it were any other preseason game. Regardless, the Bears won by a score of 27-24, but not without controversy. Grossman, making his homecoming to Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
, struggled throughout the night. He fumble
Fumble
A fumble in American and Canadian football occurs when a player, who has possession and control of the ball loses it before being downed or scoring. By rule, it is any act other than passing, kicking or successful handing that results in loss of player possession...
d the ball three times (though only turning it over once), and threw an interception. Despite completing the night by completing nine of eleven passes for fifty-nine yards and one rushing touchdown, Grossman’s struggles became the focus of the night. Griese, however, threw ten completions on thirteen attempts with one touchdown. The Bears defense was able to record three interceptions, while the special teams unit was able to force a fumble on a return. Return specialists Devin Hester
Devin Hester
Devin Hester is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play in all three phases of American football...
and Danieal Manning
Danieal Manning
Danieal Manning is a professional American football safety for the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears with the 42nd pick in the 2006 NFL Draft from Abilene Christian University, which made him the first player from a non-Division I school to be selected that year...
also performed productively as kick returners.
The Bears trumped their third opponent, the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
, by a score of 31-28. Grossman opened the game with a forty-yard pass to Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
. He went on to throw two touchdowns, but also threw an interception to Walt Harris, who returned the pick for a touchdown. Benson continued to struggle, and only averaged less than a yard on each carry. Nevertheless, the team’s first string defense held the 49ers offense to only six points, and caused two turnovers. The Bears’ special team’s unit, who lost Hester to an injury in the first quarter, was plagued with fumbles, missed-snaps, inaccurate field goals. The 49ers, who had fallen behind by thirty-one points before the second half, mounted a fifteen-point rally in the fourth quarter. Their second string quarterback, Trent Dilfer
Trent Dilfer
Trent Farris Dilfer is a former football quarterback in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sixth overall in the 1994 NFL Draft and went on to play for the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers. He played college football...
completed nine of twelve passes for two touchdowns, en route to earning a perfect quarterback rating (158.3) for the night.
The team suffered their lost their Preseason finale to the Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, 19-9. Grossman, and most of the team’s starters saw limited action during the night. Instead, the team turned to Orton and Chris Leak
Chris Leak
Christopher Patrick Leak is an American professional football player who is currently a quarterback for the Jacksonville Sharks of the Arena Football League. He played college football for the University of Florida, and led the Florida Gators to victory in the 2007 BCS National Championship Game...
to lead their offense. The Browns initially struggled, but used their special teams unit to score twelve points in the first half. Their second string rookie
Rookie
Rookie is a term for a person who is in his or her first year of play of their sport or has little or no professional experience. The term also has the more general meaning of anyone new to a profession, training or activity Rookie is a term for a person who is in his or her first year of play of...
quarterback, Brady Quinn
Brady Quinn
Brayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn is an American football quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. Quinn was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame.-Early Years:Brayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn was born on...
allowed the Browns to score their first offensive points of the night. The Bears quarterback, Kyle Orton, lead the game in passing, but failed to engineer a touchdown drive. The Bears turned to their fourth-string quarterback, Chris Leak, to finish the game. While Leak threw the Bears’ lone passing touchdown of the night, much of the night’s praise went to David Ball
David Ball (wide receiver)
David Ball is a professional wide receiver for the Erie Explosion of the Ultimate Indoor Football League. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
and Mike Hass
Mike Hass
Mike Hass is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
, who both made difficult catches. The Bears finished the preseason with a 3-1 record. However, the team's top three draft picks, Greg Olsen
Greg Olsen (American football)
Gregory Olsen is an American football tight end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, Dan Bazuin
Dan Bazuin
Daniel Bazuin is an American football defensive end who is a free agent. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round the 2007 NFL Draft. He was drafted at Central Michigan. While at Central Michigan University, he graduated with a bachelors degree in marketing.-College career:Bazuin...
, and Michael Okwo sustained injuries. While Banzuin and Okwo were lost for the season, the team was optimistic that Olsen may play in the season's opener.
Regular season schedule
| Week | Date | Kickoff | Opponent | Results | Stadium | Box scores | TV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | September 9 | 3:15 p.m. CDT | at San Diego Chargers 2007 San Diego Chargers season The 2007 San Diego Chargers season began with the team trying to equal their 2006 regular season success and avoid another early departure in the playoffs. After a disappointing start under new head coach Norv Turner , they finished the regular season strong, with six straight wins, an overall... # |
L 14-3 | 0–1 | Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area.... |
Box Score @ NFL GameCenter | Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
| 2 | September 16 | 3:15 p.m. CDT | Kansas City Chiefs 2007 Kansas City Chiefs season The 2007 Kansas City Chiefs season began with the team looking to improve on their 9-7 record in 2006 and attempting to secure the franchise's first back-to-back playoff berth since 1995. The season ended with a nine game losing streak, the team's first since 1987 and a 4-12 record... # |
W 20-10 | 1–1 | Soldier Field Soldier Field Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears... |
Box Score @ NFL GameCenter | CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
| 3 | September 23 | 7:15 p.m. CDT | Dallas Cowboys 2007 Dallas Cowboys season The 2007 Dallas Cowboys season was the 48th season for the team in the National Football League. The Cowboys finished the regular season tied for the best record in the NFC , and earned a first round bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs... ‡ |
L 34-10 | 1-2 | Soldier Field | Box Score @ NFL GameCenter | NBC NBC Sunday Night Football NBC Sunday Night Football is a weekly television broadcast of Sunday evening National Football League games on NBC that began airing on Sunday, August 6, 2006 with the pre-season opening Hall of Fame Game. Al Michaels serves as the play-by-play announcer, with Cris Collinsworth as the color... |
| 4 | September 30 | 12:00 p.m. CDT | at Detroit Lions 2007 Detroit Lions season The 2007 Detroit Lions season was the 78th season for the team in the National Football League. After starting the 2007 season with a 6-2 record, the Lions lost 7 of their last 8 games. They finished with a 7-9 record for their seventh consecutive losing season... † |
L 37–27 | 1–3 | Ford Field Ford Field Ford Field is an indoor American football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, USA, that is the current home field of the NFL's Detroit Lions. It is owned by the Detroit/Wayne County Stadium Authority. It regularly seats 65,000, though it is expandable up to 70,000 for football and 80,000 for... |
Box Score @ NFL GameCenter | Fox |
| 5 | October 7 | 7:15 p.m. CDT | at Green Bay Packers 2007 Green Bay Packers season The 2007 Green Bay Packers season was the franchise's 89th overall and 87th season in the National Football League. The Packers finished the regular season with an impressive 13-3 record. They received a bye for the first round of the playoffs, won their divisional round playoff game, and lost in... † |
W 27-20 | 2-3 | Lambeau Field Lambeau Field Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field... |
Box Score @ NFL GameCenter | NBC |
| 6 | October 14 | 12:00 p.m. CDT | Minnesota Vikings 2007 Minnesota Vikings season The 2007 Minnesota Vikings season was the team's 47th season in the National Football League. The Viking's 8-8 record under second year head coach Brad Childress was an improvement on their 6-10 record in 2006; nonetheless, for the third straight year, the Vikings failed to make the playoffs... † |
L 34-31 | 2–4 | Soldier Field | Box Score @ NFL GameCenter | Fox |
| 7 | October 21 | 3:15 p.m. CDT | at Philadelphia Eagles 2007 Philadelphia Eagles season The 2007 Philadelphia Eagles season marked the 75th anniversary of the Eagles franchise. The team compiled an 8–8 record and a last-place finish in the NFC East.... ‡ |
W 19–16 | 3–4 | Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex... |
Box Score @ NFL GameCenter | Fox |
| 8 | October 28 | 12:00 p.m. CDT | Detroit Lions 2007 Detroit Lions season The 2007 Detroit Lions season was the 78th season for the team in the National Football League. After starting the 2007 season with a 6-2 record, the Lions lost 7 of their last 8 games. They finished with a 7-9 record for their seventh consecutive losing season... † |
L 16-7 | 3-5 | Soldier Field | Box Score @ NFL GameCenter | Fox |
| 9 | Week nine bye | |||||||
| 10 | November 11 | 3:15 p.m. CST | at Oakland Raiders 2007 Oakland Raiders season The 2007 Oakland Raiders season was the team's forty-eight season overall. The team finished the season with a 4–12 record. It began with the team's fourth head coach in six seasons. By virtue of the team's 2–14 finish in 2006 , they acquired the first overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft... # |
W 17–6 | 4–5 | McAfee Coliseum McAfee Coliseum O.co Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium, located in Oakland, California, in the Coliseum Industrial area... |
Box Score @ NFL GameCenter | Fox |
| 11 | November 18 | 3:15 p.m. CST | at Seattle Seahawks 2007 Seattle Seahawks season The 2007 Seattle Seahawks season was the 32nd season for the team in the National Football League. The team has improved upon its 9-7 record in 2006 and secured its fourth consecutive NFC West division title and its fifth consecutive playoff appearance... ‡ |
L 30–23 | 4–6 | Qwest Field Qwest Field CenturyLink Field is a multi-purpose stadium in Seattle, Washington, United States. It serves as the home field for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League and Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer... |
Box Score @ NFL GameCenter | Fox |
| 12 | November 25 | 3:15 p.m. CST | Denver Broncos 2007 Denver Broncos season The 2007 Denver Broncos season was the 48th season for the team in the National Football League. A loss to the Houston Texans in Week 15 and a win by the San Diego Chargers the following Sunday knocked them out of playoff contention, marking the second year in a row they failed to make the playoffs... # |
W 37-34 (OT) | 5–6 | Soldier Field | Box Score @ NFL GameCenter | CBS |
| 13 | December 2 | 3:15 p.m. CST | New York Giants 2007 New York Giants season The 2007 New York Giants season was the 83rd season for the New York Giants in the National Football League. The Giants finished the regular season 10–6 and in second place in the NFC East, improving upon their 8–8 record in 2006 in which they finished third in their division... ‡ |
L 21–16 | 5–7 | Soldier Field | Box Score @ NFL GameCenter | Fox |
| 14 | December 6 | 7:15 p.m. CST | at Washington Redskins 2007 Washington Redskins season The 2007 Washington Redskins season was the team's 75th season, and saw the team achieve a record of 9-7 and a playoff appearance. This was an improvement over the 2006 season in which they went 5-11 and finished last in the NFC East.... ‡ |
L 24-16 | 5-8 | FedEx Field | Box Score @ NFL GameCenter | NFLN NFL Network NFL Network is an American television specialty channel owned and operated by the National Football League . It was launched November 4, 2003, only eight months after the league's 32 team owners voted unanimously to approve its formation... |
| 15 | December 17 | 7:30 p.m. CST | at Minnesota Vikings 2007 Minnesota Vikings season The 2007 Minnesota Vikings season was the team's 47th season in the National Football League. The Viking's 8-8 record under second year head coach Brad Childress was an improvement on their 6-10 record in 2006; nonetheless, for the third straight year, the Vikings failed to make the playoffs... † |
L 20–13 | 5–9 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University... |
Box Score @ NFL GameCenter | ESPN |
| 16 | December 23 | 12:00 p.m. CST | Green Bay Packers 2007 Green Bay Packers season The 2007 Green Bay Packers season was the franchise's 89th overall and 87th season in the National Football League. The Packers finished the regular season with an impressive 13-3 record. They received a bye for the first round of the playoffs, won their divisional round playoff game, and lost in... † |
W 35–7 | 6–9 | Soldier Field | Box Score @ NFL GameCenter | Fox |
| 17 | December 30 | 12:00 p.m. CST | New Orleans Saints 2007 New Orleans Saints season -Game summary:The 2007 New Orleans Saints began their regular season in the annual Thursday night Kickoff game against the defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts. In the first quarter, New Orleans trailed early as Super Bowl XLI MVP Peyton Manning completed a 27-yard TD pass to WR Marvin... ‡ |
W 33-25 | 7-9 | Soldier Field | Box Score @ NFL GameCenter | Fox |
| Legend: Home games in bold; † Intraconference division game; ‡ Intraconference non-division game; # Interconference game; All times in Central Time | ||||||||
Week 1: at San Diego Chargers
Game summary
The Bears traveled to San Diego’s Qualcomm StadiumQualcomm Stadium
Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....
to start the 2007 season. They initially succeeded at containing LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson is an American football running back for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers fifth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian.Tomlinson, often referred to by his initials, L...
, the League’s reigning MVP, but received little support from Rex Grossman
Rex Grossman
Rex Daniel Grossman, III is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League . Grossman played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he has played professionally for the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and Washington Redskins of...
and Cedric Benson
Cedric Benson
Cedric Myron Benson is an American football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears fourth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft...
. The Chargers drove into Bears’ territory on their second drive, but came up empty after Alex Brown blocked a thirty-three yard field goal. Mike Brown thwarted another Charger’s drive by intercepting Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
, which was eventually followed by a twenty-seven yard field goal. However, Grossman drove the team into field goal position, only to throw an interception (the result of a miscue between him and Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
) deep within Chargers’ territory.
However, the Bears blew their shutout in the third quarter. After a punt return mishap, the Chargers capitalized on great field position and drove into Bears’ territory. Tomlinson threw a touchdown pass to Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates is an American football tight end for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2003 after playing college basketball at Kent State University...
to cap off the drive. On the Bears’ following drive, Adrian Peterson fumbled a carry, and which eventually allowed Tomlinson to score a rushing touchdown. The Bears failed to cover Antonio Gates, who collected 107 yards for the afternoon. In addition to the loss, the Bears were forced to cope with the season ending injuries to Mike Brown and Dusty Dvoracek
Dusty Dvoracek
Dusty Dvoracek is an American football defensive tackle for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. Drafted by the Chicago Bears of the National Football League in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft, he played college football at Oklahoma and professionally with the Bears from 2006...
.
Scoring summary
Q2 - CHI - 14:13 - Robbie GouldRobbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
27 yard FG (CHI 3-0)
Q3 - SD - 0:45 - 17 yard TD pass from LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson is an American football running back for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers fifth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian.Tomlinson, often referred to by his initials, L...
to Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates
Antonio Gates is an American football tight end for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2003 after playing college basketball at Kent State University...
(Nate Kaeding
Nate Kaeding
Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...
kick) (SD 7-3)
Q4 - SD - 9:09 - LaDainian Tomlinson 7 yard TD run (Kaeding kick) (SD 14-3)
Week 2: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Game summary
After their season opening loss to the Chargers, the Bears rebounded by winning their home opener against the Kansas City ChiefsKansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
. Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
fumbled on the team’s opening drive, but a staunch defensive effort held the Chiefs at bay, and eventually allowed the Bears to engineer a successful drive. John St. Clair
John St. Clair
John Bradley St. Clair is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia.St...
, a reserve offensive tackle, scored the Bears’ first offensive touchdown of the season from a one-yard pass from Rex Grossman
Rex Grossman
Rex Daniel Grossman, III is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League . Grossman played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he has played professionally for the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and Washington Redskins of...
. The team forced the Chiefs to punt on their next drive, which was returned for a touchdown by Devin Hester
Devin Hester
Devin Hester is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play in all three phases of American football...
.The Chiefs managed to score their first points of the game after Damon Huard
Damon Huard
Damon Paul Huard is a former American football quarterback. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 1996. He played college football at Washington....
threw a sixteen yard touchdown pass to Dwayne Bowe
Dwayne Bowe
-2007:On August 5, 2007, Bowe signed a five-year contract with the Chiefs, after holding out the first week of practice at training camp.Bowe scored his first NFL touchdown on a pass from Damon Huard in the first half of the Chiefs' game against the Chicago Bears on September 16, 2007.In his rookie...
.
During halftime, the Bears received the Pro Team Community Award for their charity efforts. The Bears’ defense held the Chiefs to only three more points, after forcing pivotal turnovers in two red zone situations and also a blocked field goal attempt. Pro Bowl
Pro Bowl
In professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
ers Brian Urlacher
Brian Urlacher
Brian Keith Urlacher is an American football player for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He attended the University of New Mexico, where he was one of the school's most decorated athletes. In addition to setting multiple university records, Urlacher earned consideration for the...
, Lance Briggs
Lance Briggs
Lance Marell Briggs is an American football linebacker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Bears in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona.-Early years:A Sacramento native, Briggs attended Elk Grove High...
, and Tommie Harris
Tommie Harris
Tommie Harris, Jr. is an American football defensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oklahoma.Harris has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts...
each recorded sacks, and forced Larry Johnson and Huard to leave the game with injuries. Cedric Benson
Cedric Benson
Cedric Myron Benson is an American football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears fourth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft...
recorded his first one hundred yard rushing game. With 20-10 win, the Bears advanced to 1-1 record.
Scoring summary
Q2 - CHI - 10:29 - 2 yard TD pass from Rex GrossmanRex Grossman
Rex Daniel Grossman, III is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League . Grossman played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he has played professionally for the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and Washington Redskins of...
to John St. Clair
John St. Clair
John Bradley St. Clair is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia.St...
(Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
kick) (CHI 7-0)
Q2 - CHI - 9:33 - Devin Hester
Devin Hester
Devin Hester is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play in all three phases of American football...
73 yard punt return TD (Gould kick) (CHI 14-0)
Q2 - CHI - 2:30 - Robbie Gould 47 yard FG (CHI 17-0)
Q2 - KC - 1:24 - 16 yard TD pass from Damon Huard
Damon Huard
Damon Paul Huard is a former American football quarterback. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 1996. He played college football at Washington....
to Dwayne Bowe
Dwayne Bowe
-2007:On August 5, 2007, Bowe signed a five-year contract with the Chiefs, after holding out the first week of practice at training camp.Bowe scored his first NFL touchdown on a pass from Damon Huard in the first half of the Chiefs' game against the Chicago Bears on September 16, 2007.In his rookie...
(Dave Rayner
Dave Rayner
David Michael "Dave" Rayner is an American football placekicker who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
kick) (CHI 17-7)
Q3 - CHI - 8:36 - Robbie Gould 38 yard FG (CHI 20-7)
Q3 - KC - 3:12 - Dave Rayner 45 yard FG (CHI 20-10)
Week 3: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Game summary
The Bears returned home to play a Sunday nightNBC Sunday Night Football
NBC Sunday Night Football is a weekly television broadcast of Sunday evening National Football League games on NBC that began airing on Sunday, August 6, 2006 with the pre-season opening Hall of Fame Game. Al Michaels serves as the play-by-play announcer, with Cris Collinsworth as the color...
match with the Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
. The game was close early as the Bears' Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
and the Cowboys' Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
each hit field goals respectively to make it a 3-3 tie at halftime. The Cowboys took the opening drive of the third quarter and ended it with a Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
to Jason Witten
Jason Witten
Christopher Jason Witten is an American football tight end who plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Tennessee....
touchdown pass. The Bears responded on the ensuing drive with a Cedric Benson
Cedric Benson
Cedric Myron Benson is an American football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears fourth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft...
goal line plunge. The Cowboys struck again before the end of the third quarter, Romo connecting on his second touchdown pass, this time to running back Marion Barber
Marion Barber III
Marion Sylvester Barber III is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota....
. Folk converted a 44 yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, and on the next play from scrimmage, Bears quarterback Rex Grossman
Rex Grossman
Rex Daniel Grossman, III is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League . Grossman played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he has played professionally for the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and Washington Redskins of...
threw a costly interception to Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry, who ran it back for the score. With the lead in hand, the Cowboys proceeded to kill the clock, which they did effectively with Barber, who capped the scoring with a one yard touchdown run. Barber ended the night with over 100 yards rushing, and Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
caught eight passes for 145 yards. The Cowboys improved to 3-0, while the Bears dropped to 1-2.
Scoring summary
Q1 - CHI - 3:09 - Robbie GouldRobbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
20 yard FG (CHI 3-0)
Q2 - DAL - 8:49 - Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
30 yard FG (3-3)
Q3 - DAL - 10:14 - 3 yard TD pass from Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
to Jason Witten
Jason Witten
Christopher Jason Witten is an American football tight end who plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Tennessee....
(Folk kick) (DAL 10-3)
Q3 - CHI - 7:14 - Cedric Benson
Cedric Benson
Cedric Myron Benson is an American football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears fourth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft...
1 yard TD run (Gould kick) (10-10)
Q3 - DAL - 1:18 - 10 yard TD pass from Tony Romo to Marion Barber
Marion Barber III
Marion Sylvester Barber III is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota....
(Folk kick) (DAL 17-10)
Q4 - DAL - 12:10 - Nick Folk 44 yard FG (DAL 20-10)
Q4 - DAL - 11:49 - Anthony Henry 28 yard interception return TD (Folk kick) (DAL 27-10)
Q4 - DAL - 3:10 - Marion Barber 1 yard TD run (Folk kick) (DAL 34-10)
Week 4: at Detroit Lions
Game summary
Following the aftermath of the team’s loss to Dallas, the Bears turned to Brian GrieseBrian Griese
Brian David Griese is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played high school football at Christopher Columbus High School and later college football at Michigan....
replace Rex Grossman
Rex Grossman
Rex Daniel Grossman, III is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League . Grossman played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he has played professionally for the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and Washington Redskins of...
. The change came in an attempt to protect the ball, and reduce turnovers. Nonetheless, the turnovers continued to haunt the team en route to 37-27 loss against the Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
. The Lions took a first quarter lead by blocking a Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
field-goal attempt, and then using the field position to score a field goal. The Bears’ offense struggled to move the ball in the first quarter, and but began to pick up momentum in the second quarter. Griese threw a fifteen-yard touchdown to Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad II is a retired American football wide receiver who played for the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Panthers in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
, but also threw two interceptions in two red zone visits.
Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
and the Lion’s top tier passing offense managed to exploit the Bears’ injury depleted secondary. He managed to throw two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, to keep the Bears’ four points behind the Lions. Griese threw an interception to Keith Smith, who returned it for a touchdown. However, Devin Hester
Devin Hester
Devin Hester is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play in all three phases of American football...
responded by returning the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown. The Lions established their running game later, and allowed Kevin Jones
Kevin Jones (American football)
Kevin S. Jones is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions 30th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
to score a rushing touchdown, sending the Lions up by ten again. Griese led the Bears downfield on the subsequent drive. After several unusual penalties and mishaps, the Griese threw a touchdown to Desmond Clark
Desmond Clark
Desmond Darice Clark is an American football Tight End who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wake Forest...
. Now trailing by three points, the Gould attempted by an onside kick
Onside kick
In American and Canadian football, an onside kick is a type of kick used at a kickoff or other free kick, or scrimmage kick or other kick during play, in which the ball is kicked favorably for the kicking team to avoid giving away the ball...
, but it was recovered and returned by Casey FitzSimmons
Casey FitzSimmons
Casey FitzSimmons is a former National Football League tight end. He played his whole career for the Detroit Lions.-High school years:...
, sealing the Bears’ loss.
Griese completed thirty-four of fifty-two passes for 286 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions in his first start as a Bear. The team’s running game mustered a combined total of sixty-nine yards; ousted by the Lions’ ninety-five yards. Both defenses unleashed equal punishment on their opposing quarterbacks, combining for a total of twelve quarterback sacks. The Lions’ victory snapped their four game losing streak against the Bears.
Scoring summary
Q1 - DET - 10:05 - Jason HansonJason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
49 yard FG (DET 3-0)
Q2 - CHI - 4:16 - 15 yard TD pass from Brian Griese
Brian Griese
Brian David Griese is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played high school football at Christopher Columbus High School and later college football at Michigan....
to Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad II is a retired American football wide receiver who played for the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Panthers in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
(Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
kick) (CHI 7-3)
Q3 - CHI - 5:08 - Robbie Gould 49 yard FG (CHI 10-3)
Q3 - CHI - 0:49 - Robbie Gould 41 yard FG (CHI 13-3)
Q4 - DET - 14:56 - 4 yard TD pass from Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
to Shaun McDonald
Shaun McDonald
Shaun Terrance McDonald is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
(Hanson kick) (CHI 13-10)
Q4 - DET - 13:14 - Keith Smith 64 yard interception return TD (Hanson kick) (DET 17-13)
Q4 - CHI - 12:57 - Devin Hester
Devin Hester
Devin Hester is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play in all three phases of American football...
97 yard kickoff return TD (Gould kick) (CHI 20-17)
Q4 - DET - 10:06 - 15 yard TD pass from Jon Kitna to Troy Walters
Troy Walters
Troy McHenry Walters is a retired American football wide receiver and punt returner for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League. He was originally selected in the fifth round of the 2000 NFL Draft out of Stanford University by the Minnesota Vikings. He has also played for the...
(Hanson kick) (DET 24-20)
Q4 - DET - 3:34 - Kevin Jones
Kevin Jones (American football)
Kevin S. Jones is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions 30th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
5 yard TD run (kick failed) (DET 30-20)
Q4 - CHI - 0:52 - 1 yard TD pass from Brian Griese to Desmond Clark
Desmond Clark
Desmond Darice Clark is an American football Tight End who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wake Forest...
(Gould kick) (DET 30-27)
Q4 - DET - 0:45 - Casey FitzSimmons
Casey FitzSimmons
Casey FitzSimmons is a former National Football League tight end. He played his whole career for the Detroit Lions.-High school years:...
41 yard kickoff return TD (Hanson kick) (DET 37-27)
Week 5: at Green Bay Packers
Game summary
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
, their longtime rivals, during week five. The game was a must-win situation for the Bears, who needed a win to preserve any chance of winning the division. The Packers entered the game with a 4-0 record, but were forced to suffer their first lost of the season at the hands of a staunch Bears defense. The Packers were able to take a quick lead as DeShawn Wynn
DeShawn Wynn
DeShawn Wynn is an American professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League. Wynnn played college football for the University of Florida. He was drafted by the NFL's Green Bay Packers in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft, and has also played for the New...
rushed for over sixty yards and scored a touchdown on the team’s opening drive. Cedric Benson
Cedric Benson
Cedric Myron Benson is an American football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears fourth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft...
responded by scoring a rushing touchdown, but the Packers broke the tie when Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
threw a touchdown pass to Greg Jennings
Greg Jennings
Gregory Jennings, Jr. is a professional American football wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...
.
The Packers’ offense drove into Bears territory several times during the second quarter, but Charles Tillman
Charles Tillman
Charles "Peanut" Tillman is an American football cornerback for the Chicago Bears of the NFL. He was selected with the 35th overall pick of the 2003 NFL Draft.-Early years:...
forced two fumbles. The two turnovers allowed the Bears to hold the Packers at bay, and keep hold their deficit to ten points. However, Brian Urlacher
Brian Urlacher
Brian Keith Urlacher is an American football player for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He attended the University of New Mexico, where he was one of the school's most decorated athletes. In addition to setting multiple university records, Urlacher earned consideration for the...
provided the game’s biggest turnover, when he intercepted Favre at the Packers’ fifteen yard line. The turnover allowed Brian Griese
Brian Griese
Brian David Griese is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played high school football at Christopher Columbus High School and later college football at Michigan....
to throw a touchdown to Greg Olsen
Greg Olsen (American football)
Gregory Olsen is an American football tight end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
. Later, Charles Woodson
Charles Woodson
Charles C. Woodson is an American football cornerback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Michigan for the Michigan Wolverines. In 1997, Woodson led the Wolverines to a national championship...
fumbled while returning a punt, which allowed Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
to kick a game-tying field goal. The Bears defense prevented the Packers from scoring again. With two minutes left on the game clock, the Bears offense seemingly moved the ball in hopes of setting up a Gould field goal. However, Griese threw a play-action touchdown pass to Desmond Clark
Desmond Clark
Desmond Darice Clark is an American football Tight End who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wake Forest...
, and gave the Bears a seven-point lead.
Favre tried to lead the Packers down field again, but threw an interception to rookie Brandon McGowan
Brandon McGowan
Brandon McGowan is an American football safety of the National Football League who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
in the end zone. The pick sealed a Bears victory, allowed the team to progress to 2-3. Al Michaels
Al Michaels
Alan Richard "Al" Michaels is an American television sportscaster. Now employed by NBC Sports after nearly three decades with ABC Sports, Michaels is one of the most prominent members of his profession...
named Tillman as the ‘Horse Trailer Player of the Game’ for forcing two pivotal fumbles.
Scoring summary
Q1 - GB - 11:01 - DeShawn WynnDeShawn Wynn
DeShawn Wynn is an American professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League. Wynnn played college football for the University of Florida. He was drafted by the NFL's Green Bay Packers in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft, and has also played for the New...
2 yard TD run (Mason Crosby
Mason Crosby
Mason Walker Crosby , is a professional American football placekicker for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League. During his playing days at the University of Colorado, Crosby was widely considered the best kicker in college football, as evidenced by ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.'s...
kick) (GB 7-0)
Q2 - CHI - 7:52 - Cedric Benson
Cedric Benson
Cedric Myron Benson is an American football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears fourth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft...
10 yard TD run (Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
kick) (7-7)
Q2 - GB - 4:55 - 41 yard TD pass from Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
to Greg Jennings
Greg Jennings
Gregory Jennings, Jr. is a professional American football wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...
(Crosby kick) (GB 14-7)
Q2 - GB - 0:01 - Mason Crosby 37 yard FG (GB 17-7)
Q3 - CHI - 12:03 - Robbie Gould 44 yard FG (GB 17-10)
Q3 - GB - 9:02 - Mason Crosby 37 yard FG (GB 20-10)
Q3 - CHI - 4:19 - 19 yard TD pass from Brian Griese
Brian Griese
Brian David Griese is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played high school football at Christopher Columbus High School and later college football at Michigan....
to Greg Olsen
Greg Olsen (American football)
Gregory Olsen is an American football tight end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
(Gould kick) (GB 20-17)
Q4 - CHI - 14:13 - Robbie Gould 36 yard FG (20-20)
Q4 - CHI - 2:05 - 34 yard TD pass from Brian Griese to Desmond Clark
Desmond Clark
Desmond Darice Clark is an American football Tight End who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wake Forest...
(Gould kick) (CHI 27-20)
Week 6: vs. Minnesota Vikings
Game summary
Following their victory against the Packers, the Bears returned home to play the Minnesota VikingsMinnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
. The Bears’ return specialist Devin Hester
Devin Hester
Devin Hester is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play in all three phases of American football...
allowed the Bears to take a lead by returning a punt 89 yards for a touchdown. However, Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris DeAndre Jackson is an American football quarterback who is currently a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
tied the game by throwing a 60 yard touchdown pass to Troy Williamson
Troy Williamson
-Minnesota Vikings:The Vikings needed a receiver with deep speed after trading Randy Moss to Oakland, drafting Williamson with the 7th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft...
. Brian Griese
Brian Griese
Brian David Griese is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played high school football at Christopher Columbus High School and later college football at Michigan....
threw a 39 yard touchdown to Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
that helped the Bears regain the lead, but Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson helped the Vikings gain control of the game by scoring rushing touchdowns of 67, 73, and 35 respectively. With roughly two and a half minutes left on the clock, Griese threw a 33 yard touchdown pass to Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad II is a retired American football wide receiver who played for the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Panthers in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
and later an 81 yard touchdown pass to Hester. The two touchdowns tied the game, but Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
kicked a 55 yard field goal in the game’s final seconds. With the loss, the Bears dropped to 2-4.
Scoring summary
Q1 - CHI - 1:56 - Devin HesterDevin Hester
Devin Hester is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play in all three phases of American football...
89 yard punt return TD (Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
kick) (CHI 7-0)
Q1 - MIN - 0:00 - 60 yard TD pass from Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris Jackson
Tarvaris DeAndre Jackson is an American football quarterback who is currently a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
to Troy Williamson
Troy Williamson
-Minnesota Vikings:The Vikings needed a receiver with deep speed after trading Randy Moss to Oakland, drafting Williamson with the 7th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft...
(Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
kick) (7-7)
Q2 - CHI - 11:45 - 39 yard TD pass from Brian Griese
Brian Griese
Brian David Griese is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played high school football at Christopher Columbus High School and later college football at Michigan....
to Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
(Gould kick) (CHI 14-7)
Q2 - MIN - 2:19 - Adrian Peterson 67 yard TD run (Longwell kick) (14-14)
Q3 - MIN - 2:31 - Adrian Peterson 73 yard TD run (Longwell kick) (MIN 21-14)
Q4 - MIN - 11:31 - Ryan Longwell 48 yard FG (MIN 24-14)
Q4 - CHI - 8:37 - Robbie Gould 32 yard FG (MIN 24-17)
Q4 - MIN - 4:10 - Adrian Peterson 35 yard TD run (Longwell kick) (MIN 31-17)
Q4 - CHI - 2:36 - 33 yard TD pass from Brian Griese to Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad II is a retired American football wide receiver who played for the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Panthers in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
(Gould kick) (MIN 31-24)
Q4 - CHI - 1:38 - 81 yard TD pass from Brian Griese to Devin Hester (Gould kick) (31-31)
Q4 - MIN - 0:00 - Ryan Longwell 55 yard FG (MIN 34-31)
Week 7: at Philadelphia Eagles
Game summary
The Eagles fell to the Chicago BearsChicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
in the closing seconds of the game. The first three quarters were essentially a battle of field goals. David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
successfully converted all three of his first half field goal attempts, the longest from 37 yards out. Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
was one for two, and the score was 9-3 Philadelphia at halftime. The Bears took the ball to the Eagles' one-yard line on their first drive of the third quarter, but settled for a field goal. Gould connected for two more field goals early in the fourth quarter to tie the game, then put the Bears ahead 12-9. On their ensuing possession, Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
guided the Eagles down the field and fired a touchdown pass to tight end Matt Schobel
Matt Schobel
Matthew Thomas Schobel is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian....
, putting Philadelphia back on top 16-12 with less than five minutes to play. The Eagles forced a three and out, but their offense could not kill the clock. Chicago got the ball back with less than two minutes left and Brian Griese
Brian Griese
Brian David Griese is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played high school football at Christopher Columbus High School and later college football at Michigan....
, with his headset broken, commanded his own drive, marching his team down the field, completing the winning touchdown pass to Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad II is a retired American football wide receiver who played for the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Panthers in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
with nine seconds remaining. The Eagles fell short on their final opportunity, as the Bears improved to 3-4 with the win.
Scoring summary
Q1 - PHI - 1:01 - David AkersDavid Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
24 yard FG (PHI 3-0)
Q2 - PHI - 4:08 - David Akers 33 yard FG (PHI 6-0)
Q2 - CHI - 1:46 - Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
31 yard FG (PHI 6-3)
Q2 - PHI - 0:22 - David Akers 37 yard FG (PHI 9-3)
Q3 - CHI - 8:04 - Robbie Gould 22 yard FG (PHI 9-6)
Q4 - CHI - 14:52 - Robbie Gould 41 yard FG (9-9)
Q4 - CHI - 9:21 - Robbie Gould 45 yard FG (CHI 12-9)
Q4 - PHI - 4:57 - 13 yard TD pass from Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
to Matt Schobel
Matt Schobel
Matthew Thomas Schobel is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian....
(Akers kick) (PHI 16-12)
Q4 - CHI - 0:09 - 15 yard TD pass from Brian Griese
Brian Griese
Brian David Griese is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played high school football at Christopher Columbus High School and later college football at Michigan....
to Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad
Muhsin Muhammad II is a retired American football wide receiver who played for the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Panthers in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
(Gould kick) (CHI 19-16)
Week 8: vs. Detroit Lions
Game summary
Coming off a last-second road win over the Eagles, the Bears went home for Week 8, donned their alternate uniforms, and played an NFC North rematch with the Detroit LionsDetroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
. After a scoreless first quarter, Chicago trailed as Lions kicker Jason Hanson
Jason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
got a 26-yard field goal, while RB Kevin Jones
Kevin Jones (American football)
Kevin S. Jones is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions 30th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
got a 4-yard TD run. Afterwards, Hanson increased Detroit's lead with a 52-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Bears managed to get on the board with QB Brian Griese
Brian Griese
Brian David Griese is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played high school football at Christopher Columbus High School and later college football at Michigan....
completing a 20-yard TD pass to rookie TE Greg Olsen
Greg Olsen (American football)
Gregory Olsen is an American football tight end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
for the only score of the period. Unfortunately, the Lions sealed Chicago's doom as Hanson nailed a 20-yard field goal, while Detroit's defense held its ground and managed to get the season-sweep.
With the loss, the Bears entered their bye week at 3-5.
Scoring summary
Q2 - DET - 14:56 - Jason HansonJason Hanson
Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...
26 yard FG (DET 3-0)
Q2 - DET - 1:53 - Kevin Jones
Kevin Jones (American football)
Kevin S. Jones is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions 30th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
4 yard TD run (Hanson kick) (DET 10-0)
Q2 - DET - 0:05 - Jason Hanson 52 yard FG (DET 13-0)
Q3 - CHI - 5:26 - 20 yard TD pass from Brian Griese
Brian Griese
Brian David Griese is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played high school football at Christopher Columbus High School and later college football at Michigan....
to Greg Olsen
Greg Olsen (American football)
Gregory Olsen is an American football tight end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
(Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
kick) (DET 13-7)
Q4 - DET - 14:42 - Jason Hanson 20 yard FG (DET 16-7)
Week 10: at Oakland Raiders
Game Summary
Coming off their bye week, the Bears flew to McAfee ColiseumMcAfee Coliseum
O.co Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium, located in Oakland, California, in the Coliseum Industrial area...
for a Week 10 interconference duel with the Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Chicago trailed early as Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
managed to get a 37-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Bears tied the game as kicker Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
kicked a 32-yard field goal for the only score of the period. However, during the period, starting QB Brian Griese
Brian Griese
Brian David Griese is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played high school football at Christopher Columbus High School and later college football at Michigan....
(10/14 for 97 yards) would have to leave the game as his left shoulder was injured during a sack. It would mark the return of QB Rex Grossman
Rex Grossman
Rex Daniel Grossman, III is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League . Grossman played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he has played professionally for the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and Washington Redskins of...
.
After a scoreless third quarter, Oakland regained the lead in the fourth quarter with Janikowski nailing a 52-yard field goal. Fortunately, Chicago took the lead for good as Grossman completed a 59-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
, along with RB Cedric Benson
Cedric Benson
Cedric Myron Benson is an American football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears fourth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft...
getting a 3-yard TD run.
With the win, not only did the Bears improve to 4-5, but it also marked their first road win against the Raiders since 1987 when playing in Los Angeles and first at Oakland since 1981. The Bears did beat them at Soldier Field in 2003 24-21.
Scoring Summary
Q1 - OAK - 9:18 - Sebastian JanikowskiSebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
37 yard FG (OAK 3-0)
Q2 - CHI - 6:51 - Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
32 yard FG (3-3)
Q4 - OAK - 4:04 - Sebastian Janikowski 52 yard FG (OAK 6-3)
Q4 - CHI - 3:11 - 59 yard TD pass from Rex Grossman
Rex Grossman
Rex Daniel Grossman, III is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League . Grossman played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he has played professionally for the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and Washington Redskins of...
to Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
(Gould kick) (CHI 10-6)
Q4 - CHI - 1:35 - Cedric Benson
Cedric Benson
Cedric Myron Benson is an American football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears fourth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft...
3 yard TD run (Gould kick) (CHI 17-6)
Week 11: at Seattle Seahawks
Coming off their road win over the Raiders, the Bears flew to Qwest FieldQwest Field
CenturyLink Field is a multi-purpose stadium in Seattle, Washington, United States. It serves as the home field for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League and Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer...
for a Week 11 duel with the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
, in the rematch of last year's NFC divisional game (which took place in Chicago). For QB Rex Grossman
Rex Grossman
Rex Daniel Grossman, III is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League . Grossman played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he has played professionally for the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and Washington Redskins of...
, he would be making his first start since Week 3.
In the first quarter, Chicago took the early lead with RB Cedric Benson
Cedric Benson
Cedric Myron Benson is an American football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears fourth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft...
getting a 43-yard TD run, while kicker Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
managed to get a 31-yard field goal. The Seahawks would reply with QB Matt Hasselbeck
Matt Hasselbeck
Matthew Michael Hasselbeck is a National Football League quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft, and traded to Seattle in 2001. After becoming the starter in 2003, Hasselbeck led Seattle to six playoff appearances and...
completing a 19-yard TD pass to WR D.J. Hackett
D.J. Hackett
DeAndre James "D. J." Hackett is an American football wide receiver who is currently a Free Agent. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
. In the second quarter, Seattle took the lead with RB Maurice Morris
Maurice Morris
Maurice Autora Morris is an American football running back for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon.-Early life:Morris attended Chester High School in Chester, South...
getting a 19-yard TD run. The Bears would regain the lead as RB Adrian Peterson managed to get a 5-yard TD run. The Seahawks would tie the game prior to halftime as kicker Josh Brown managed to get a 40-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Seattle retook the lead as Hasselbeck completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR Nate Burleson
Nate Burleson
Nathaniel Burleson is an American football player, who currently plays wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . Burleson played college football for the University of Nevada Wolf Pack, and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2003 NFL...
for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Chicago tried to come back as Gould kicked a 47-yard field goal. However, the Seahawks pulled away with Brown kicking a 23-yard and a 46-yard field goal. The Bears' final response would be Gould nailing a 48-yard field goal.
With the loss, Chicago fell to 4-6.
For Rex Grossman first starting appearance in eight weeks, he went 24/37 for 266 yards.
For Bernard Berrian, in his last 3 games against the Seahawks, he has a combined 315 receiving yards.
Week 12: vs. Denver Broncos
| "We're going after it. We're not going to kick away from him. Hey, we respect him and he's the best, but we have guys on our coverage teams that are paid to make big tackles." |
| ~Todd Sauerbrun Todd Sauerbrun Todd Scott Sauerbrun is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft... 's Pregame Quote on Devin Hester Devin Hester Devin Hester is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play in all three phases of American football... |
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Seahawks, the Bears went home for a Week 12 interconference duel with the Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Chicago got the early lead as kicker Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
managed to get a 24-yard field goal. The Broncos would tie the game as kicker Jason Elam
Jason Elam
Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
managed to get a 23-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Denver took the lead as RB Andre Hall
Andre Hall
Andre Hall is an American football running back for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
got a 16-yard TD run. Afterwards, the Bears responded with Gould kicking a 44-yard field goal. The Broncos would end the half with Elam kicking a 22-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Bears tied the game with WR/KR/PR Devin Hester
Devin Hester
Devin Hester is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play in all three phases of American football...
returning a punt 75 yards for a touchdown. Denver would respond with FB Cecil Sapp
Cecil Sapp
Cecil Sapp is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Colorado State....
getting a 5-yard TD run, but afterwards, Hester went right back to work for Chicago as he returned the following kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, the Broncos replied with QB Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler (American football)
Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
completing a 68-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall
Brandon Marshall
-2006:Before the regular season even began, Marshall suffered a slight tear to his PCL in a pre-season game against the Detroit Lions. Although the injury sidelined him for a couple of weeks, he was able to return and play 15 games during the regular season. Marshall had a total of 20 catches, 309...
. In the fourth quarter, Denver increased its lead with Cutler completing a 14-yard TD pass to TE Tony Scheffler
Tony Scheffler
-Denver Broncos:Scheffler was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. After seeing limited playing time early in the season, Scheffler saw increased playing time and production after Jay Cutler was inserted as the Broncos starting quarterback on December 3, 2006,...
. Afterwards, the Bears tied the game with RB Adrian Peterson getting a 4-yard TD run, along with QB Rex Grossman
Rex Grossman
Rex Daniel Grossman, III is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League . Grossman played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he has played professionally for the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and Washington Redskins of...
completing a 3-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
. In overtime, Chicago came out on top as Gould nailed the game-winning 39-yard field goal.
With the win, the Bears improved to 5-6.
For Devin Hester, he became the 5th player since 1970 to return a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown in the same game.
Week 13: vs. New York Giants
Coming off their overtime win over the Broncos, the Bears stayed at home for a Week 13 intraconference duel with the New York GiantsNew York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Chicago struck first with QB Rex Grossman
Rex Grossman
Rex Daniel Grossman, III is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League . Grossman played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he has played professionally for the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and Washington Redskins of...
completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Desmond Clark
Desmond Clark
Desmond Darice Clark is an American football Tight End who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wake Forest...
for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Giants got on the board with RB Derrick Ward
Derrick Ward
Derrick LaRon Ward is an American football running back for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Fresno State University and Ottawa University...
. Afterwards, the Bears ended the half with kicker Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
getting a 35-yard and a 46-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Chicago increased its lead with Gould nailing a 41-yard field goal for the only score of the period. However, in the fourth quarter, New York took the lead with QB Eli Manning
Eli Manning
Eli Nelson Manning is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He is the younger brother of NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning...
completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Amani Toomer
Amani Toomer
Amani Toomer is a retired American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan, where he was a fan favorite.Toomer has also been a member of the Kansas...
, along with RB Reuben Droughns
Reuben Droughns
Reuben Droughns is an American football running back who is currently the head coach for the Serbian team Vukovi Beograd, the two-time champions of the Central European Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
. The Bears did have one final attempt, but it ended with a thud.
With the loss, Chicago fell to 5-7.
Week 14: at Washington Redskins
Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Giants (along with keeping any hope of a playoff spot alive), the Bears flew to FedEx Field for a Thursday Night intraconference throwdown with the Washington RedskinsWashington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
. After a scoreless first quarter, Chicago trailed as Redskins QB Todd Collins completed a 21-yard TD pass to TE Todd Yoder
Todd Yoder
Todd Yoder is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. Yoder was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2000. He played college football at...
for the only score of the second quarter.
In the third quarter, the Bears continued to trail as Washington continued its night with FB Mike Sellers getting a 1-yard TD run. Afterwards, Chicago would get on the board with kicker Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
getting a 30-yard field goal, while QB Brian Griese
Brian Griese
Brian David Griese is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played high school football at Christopher Columbus High School and later college football at Michigan....
completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian
Bernard Berrian is a free agent American football wide receiver who last played for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
. In the fourth quarter, the Redskins replied with kicker Shaun Suisham
Shaun Suisham
Shaun Christopher Suisham is a Canadian placekicker of American football for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
getting a 23-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Bears responded with Gould kicking a 22-yard field goal. Later, Washington struck big as Collins completed a 16-yard TD pass to RB Ladell Betts
Ladell Betts
Matthew Ladell Betts is an American football running back who is currently a free agent He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Iowa....
. Chicago would draw closer as Gould nailed a 21-yard field goal. However, a failed onside kick sealed their doom.
With the loss, the Bears fell to 5-8.
Starting QB Rex Grossman
Rex Grossman
Rex Daniel Grossman, III is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League . Grossman played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he has played professionally for the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and Washington Redskins of...
(2 of 6 for 14 yards) left the game in the first quarter with a left knee injury.
Week 15: at Minnesota Vikings
Trying to snap a two-game skid, the Bears flew to the Hubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeHubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University...
for a Week 15 Monday night NFC North rematch with the Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
. In the first quarter, Chicago struck first as kicker Robbie Gould
Robbie Gould
Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...
managed to get a 29-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Vikings tied the game with kicker Ryan Longwell
Ryan Longwell
Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...
getting a 42-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Bears would take the halftime lead as Gould kicked a 47-yard field goal and FB Jason McKie
Jason McKie
Jason A. McKie is an American football fullback who currently a free agent. He was signed as a undrafted free agent out of Temple University by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2002....
managed to get a 1-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, Minnesota started to creep closer as RB Adrian Peterson got a 1-yard TD run (with a failed PAT) for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Vikings took the lead with Peterson getting an 8-yard TD run. Chicago tried to rally, but Minnesota's defense was too much.
With their third-straight loss, not only did the Bears fall to 5-9, but it also knocked them out of playoff contention.
On a positive note, LB Brian Urlacher
Brian Urlacher
Brian Keith Urlacher is an American football player for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He attended the University of New Mexico, where he was one of the school's most decorated athletes. In addition to setting multiple university records, Urlacher earned consideration for the...
had a good day with 4 tackles, 2 sacks, and an interception. It was also the first time since 2004 that Urlacher had a sack and an interception in the same game.
Week 16: vs. Green Bay Packers
| "I've been playing 17 years, and that was the worst condition I've ever played in. Excuse? No excuse. It was, but they handled it better than we did. We have historically handled it well. It's kind of our ace in the hole, but today, obviously, it wasn't." |
| ~Brett Favre Brett Favre Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota... commentating on the game's poor weather. |
The Bears went into Week 16 knowing that any chance of a Playoff berth was over, but still had the chance to end the season on a high with their rivals the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
traveling to Soldier Field
Soldier Field
Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears...
. The game was a must-win for the Packers if they wanted to have any chance of getting the No. 1 seed and gain home field advantage in the playoffs.
On a bone-chilling 16 degree afternoon in Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
, reserve RB Adrian Peterson ran for 102 yards from 30 attempts including and 8-yard run for a TD (only the second 100 yard game of his career and his first since 2005) while Garrett Wolfe
Garrett Wolfe
Garrett Wolfe is an American football running back. He was drafted by the Bears in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played his college football at Northern Illinois. He is currently a free agent.-Personal life:...
also gained a valuable 67 all-purpose yards from the RB position. However, it was the Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
special teams that really excelled in this game.
Despite Green Bay
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
previously going 12 years (929 punts) without a blocked punt, the Bears managed to block Jon Ryan
Jon Ryan
Jonathan Robert Ryan is a Canadian professional gridiron football player who is currently the punter for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League...
twice on a slippery afternoon. In the second quarter Darrell McClover
Darrell McClover
Darrell McClover is an American Football linebacker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
got his hand onto a Ryan punt but more damaging was Charles Tillman
Charles Tillman
Charles "Peanut" Tillman is an American football cornerback for the Chicago Bears of the NFL. He was selected with the 35th overall pick of the 2003 NFL Draft.-Early years:...
's charge down midway through the third quarter which allowed Corey Graham
Corey Graham
Corey Graham is a cornerback, who currently plays for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played collegiate football at the University of New Hampshire. The Bears selected Graham in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
to pick up the football and run in 7 yards for a TD to put the Bears 28-7 up.
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football at Purdue, where he started four straight bowl games. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
, Lovie Smith
Lovie Smith
Lovie Lee Smith is the head coach of the Chicago Bears professional football team of the NFL. Smith has been to the Super Bowl twice, as the defensive coordinator for the 2001 Saint Louis Rams and as the head coach for the Chicago Bears in 2006....
's third choice QB, was steady enough, going 8-for-14 for 101 yards including a 3-yard touchdown pass to Desmond Clark
Desmond Clark
Desmond Darice Clark is an American football Tight End who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wake Forest...
in the third quarter. It was also a good day for LB Brian Urlacher
Brian Urlacher
Brian Keith Urlacher is an American football player for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He attended the University of New Mexico, where he was one of the school's most decorated athletes. In addition to setting multiple university records, Urlacher earned consideration for the...
who ran home an 85-yard interception early in the fourth quarter, the first of his career. Alex Brown, starting for the injured Mark Anderson, also got an interception which set up Clark's Touchdown.
In the end it was a fairly comfortable win for the Bears who ran out 35-7 victors which meant that they completed the double over their arch rivals having previously beating them at Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field...
in Week 5 27-20. Also, these 35 points were their most against Green Bay
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
since a 61-7 win on December 7, 1980.