Everyone wonder how the Bears would fair after coming off a huge victory last week against the Cowboys on Monday Night Football. There was concern that the Bears wouldn’t come into Jacksonville with the same intensity as they did against Dallas, and that it was a potential trap game. The Bears proved the critics wrong with other dominating performance, crushing the Jaguars 41 to 3.
After a slow first half, the Bears picked up in the second half with their workhorse Matt Forte, who reached the century mark on 22 carries. He once again looked like the Forte who made the Pro Bowl two seasons ago. Jay Cutler had another solid performance this week, finishing 23 of 39 for 292 yards and two touchdowns. He and Brandon Marshall were clicking on all cylinders. Marshall had a monster game with 12 catches for 144 yards and a TD.
This Bears “D” had another memorable performance, containing Blaine Gabbert and Pro Bowl running back Maurice Jones Drew. The defense forced two turnovers, both which were returned for touchdowns by Charles Tillman and Lance Briggs. Tillman and Briggs became the first teammates in NFL history to return interceptions for touchdowns in consecutive weeks.
Also the Bears front was able to sack Gabbert three times and forced a fumble by Corey Wotton which was recovered by Julius Peppers. The defense also shut down Maurice Jones Drew, who only managed 12 carries for 56 yards.
The Bears are 4-1 heading into the bye week and the Jaguars drop to 1-4. I believe the best is still yet to come if the defense continues to play at this level, and if the offensive line continues to give Cutler time in the pocket. This team can be very dangerous come playoff time.
By Jamal Bivins
