2009 Chicago Bears season

The 2009 Chicago Bears season was the franchise's 90th season overall in the National Football League (NFL). The Bears had looked to improve upon their 9–7 record from 2008 and return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2006 season, but failed to do so for the third consecutive season. The team finished 7–9, and third in the NFC North. This season was Lovie Smith's sixth season as the team's head coach. The Bears played all their home games at Soldier Field.

Offseason

2009 NFL Draft

Draft pick trades

• In 2008, Tampa Bay traded its sixth-round selection to Chicago for quarterback Brian Griese.^[1]
• In 2008, the Bears traded their seventh seventh-round selection to Tampa Bay for guard Dan Buenning.^[2]
• In 2009, the Bears traded their 2009 first round pick (18th overall), their 2009 third round pick (84th overall), their 2010 first round pick and quarterback Kyle Orton for quarterback Jay Cutler and a 2009 fifth round pick (140th overall) from Denver originally belonging to Seattle.^[3]

2009 Chicago Bears NFL Draft selections

Round	Pick	Name	Position	College
3	68	Jarron Gilbert	Defensive tackle	San Jose State
3	99	Juaquin Iglesias	Wide receiver	Oklahoma
4	105	Henry Melton	Defensive end	Texas
4	119	D.J. Moore	Cornerback	Vanderbilt
5	140	Johnny Knox	Wide receiver	Abilene Christian
5	154	Marcus Freeman	Linebacker	Ohio State
6	190	Al Afalava	Safety	Oregon State
7	246	Lance Louis	Tight end / offensive lineman	San Diego State
7	251	Derek Kinder	Wide receiver	Pittsburgh

• Picks #99, #246 and #251 are compensatory draft picks.
• The Bears received picks #68 and #105 after a trade with Seattle for the Bears 2nd round pick at #49.

Departures

• Marty Booker (released)
• Gilbert Gardner (released)
• Marcus Riley (waived)
• Mike Brown (released)
• John Tait (retired)
• Terrence Metcalf (released)
• Kyle Orton (traded)
• Brandon Lloyd (released)

Additions

• On December 30, 2008 the Bears signed DE Joe Clermond, LB Marcus Riley, WR Rudy Burgess, OT Cody Balogh, WR John Broussard, OG Tyler Reed, and TE Fontel Mines
• On February 3, 2009 the Bears signed QB Brett Basanez^[4]
• On February 27, 2009 just hours into free agency, the Bears agreed to a four-year contract with offensive lineman Frank Omiyale^[5]
• On March 11, 2009 the Bears signed unrestricted free agent free safety Josh Bullocks to a one-year contract. He previously played for the New Orleans Saints.^[6]
• On March 21, 2009 it was announced the Bears had signed safety Glenn Earl to a one-year contract.
• On March 25, 2009 the Bears agreed to terms with free agent tackle Kevin Shaffer^[7]
• On April 2, the Bears received Jay Cutler through a trade with the Denver Broncos.^[8]
• On April 2, the Bears signed Orlando Pace to a three-year deal.^[9]
• On May 11, the Bears signed tight end Michael Gaines to a one-year contract.^[10]
• On May 29, the Bears signed Pisa Tinoisamoa to a one-year contract.
• On September 1, the Bears signed Rod Hood who played in 2008 for the NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals
• On October 19, defensive end Gaines Adams was traded to the Bears for a 2nd round draft pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Free agents

Position	Player	Free agency tag	Date signed	2009 team
S	Mike Brown	UFA	June 24, 2009	Kansas City Chiefs
QB	Rex Grossman	UFA	June 12, 2009	Houston Texans
CB	Marcus Hamilton	ERFA	March 12, 2009	Chicago Bears
RB	Kevin Jones	UFA	March 6, 2009	Chicago Bears
WR	Brandon Lloyd	UFA	June 15, 2009	Denver Broncos
LB	Darrell McClover	UFA
S	Brandon McGowan	UFA	May 5, 2009	New England Patriots
OT	Fred Miller	UFA
LB	Nick Roach	ERFA	March 16, 2009	Chicago Bears
OT	John St. Clair	UFA	March 17, 2009	Cleveland Browns
S	Cameron Worrell	UFA
RFA: Restricted free agent, UFA: Unrestricted free agent, ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent

Coaching changes

The Bears hired former Detroit Lions head coach, Rod Marinelli, to be their defensive line and assistant head coach.^[11] Bob Babich became the linebackers coach again after Lloyd Lee was fired. However, Babich even though he is still the Defensive Coordinator was stripped of his play calling duties in favor of Head Coach Lovie Smith.^[12] Jon Hoke was hired as defensive backs coach.

Rosters

Opening training camp roster

Chicago Bears 2009 opening training camp roster
Quarterbacks 14 Brett Basanez  6 Jay Cutler 12 Caleb Hanie Running backs 43 Jason Davis FB 22 Matt Forté 27 Kevin Jones 37 Jason McKie FB 29 Adrian Peterson 45 Will Ta'ufo'ou FB 25 Garrett Wolfe Wide receivers 19 Devin Aromashodu 80 Earl Bennett 15 John Broussard 81 Rashied Davis 23 Devin Hester 17 Juaquin Iglesias 83 Derek Kinder 13 Johnny Knox 86 Eric Peterman 84 Brandon Rideau Tight ends 88 Desmond Clark 87 Kellen Davis 85 Michael Gaines 89 Fontel Mines 82 Greg Olsen		Offensive linemen 62 Johan Asiata G 79 Cody Balogh T 67 Josh Beekman G/C 72 Dan Buenning G 70 Dennis Conley G 63 Roberto Garza G/C 57 Olin Kreutz C 60 Lance Louis G 68 Frank Omiyale T 76 Orlando Pace T 64 Tyler Reed G 78 Kevin Shaffer T 74 Chris Williams T Defensive linemen 95 Anthony Adams DT 97 Mark Anderson DE 99 Ervin Baldwin DE 96 Alex Brown DE 72 Joe Clermond DE 98 Dusty Dvoracek DT 73 Jarron Gilbert DT 91 Tommie Harris DT 94 Marcus Harrison DT 71 Israel Idonije DT 69 Henry Melton DE 93 Adewale Ogunleye DE 75 Matt Toeaina DT		Linebackers 55 Lance Briggs OLB 58 Marcus Freeman OLB 92 Hunter Hillenmeyer OLB 90 Joey LaRocque OLB 62 Kevin Malast OLB 60 Mike Rivera ILB 53 Nick Roach OLB 59 Pisa Tinoisamoa OLB 54 Brian Urlacher ILB 52 Jamar Williams OLB Defensive backs 46 Al Afalava S 35 Zackary Bowman CB 36 Josh Bullocks SS 39 Rudy Burgess CB 45 Dahna Deleston S 21 Corey Graham FS 24 Marcus Hamilton CB 38 Danieal Manning FS 26 Trumaine McBride CB 30 D. J. Moore CB 44 Kevin Payne SS 20 Craig Steltz FS 33 Charles Tillman CB 47 Woodny Turenne CB 31 Nathan Vasher CB Special teams  9 Robbie Gould K 65 Patrick Mannelly LS  4 Brad Maynard P		Reserve lists Currently vacant 79 Active, 0 Inactive

Week 1 roster

Chicago Bears 2009 week 1 roster
Quarterbacks  6 Jay Cutler 12 Caleb Hanie Running backs 22 Matt Forté 37 Jason McKie FB 29 Adrian Peterson 25 Garrett Wolfe Wide receivers 19 Devin Aromashodu 80 Earl Bennett 81 Rashied Davis 23 Devin Hester PR 17 Juaquin Iglesias 13 Johnny Knox Tight ends 88 Desmond Clark 87 Kellen Davis 86 Michael Gaines 82 Greg Olsen		Offensive linemen 67 Josh Beekman G/C 63 Roberto Garza G/C 57 Olin Kreutz C 60 Lance Louis T/G 68 Frank Omiyale G/T 76 Orlando Pace T 78 Kevin Shaffer T 74 Chris Williams T Defensive linemen 95 Anthony Adams DT 97 Mark Anderson DE 96 Alex Brown DE 90 Jarron Gilbert DT 91 Tommie Harris DT 94 Marcus Harrison DT 71 Israel Idonije DT 93 Adewale Ogunleye DE 75 Matt Toeaina DT		Linebackers 55 Lance Briggs OLB 92 Hunter Hillenmeyer ILB 53 Nick Roach OLB 59 Pisa Tinoisamoa OLB 54 Brian Urlacher ILB 52 Jamar Williams OLB Defensive backs 24 Al Afalava SS 35 Zackary Bowman CB 36 Josh Bullocks FS 21 Corey Graham CB 38 Danieal Manning FS/KR 26 Trumaine McBride CB 30 D. J. Moore CB 44 Kevin Payne SS 20 Craig Steltz FS 33 Charles Tillman CB 31 Nathan Vasher CB Special teams  9 Robbie Gould K 65 Patrick Mannelly LS  4 Brad Maynard P		Reserve lists 98 Dusty Dvoracek DT (IR) 27 Kevin Jones RB (IR) 69 Henry Melton DE (IR) 89 Fontel Mines TE (IR) 64 Tyler Reed G (IR) Practice Squad 62 Johan Asiata G 99 Ervin Baldwin DE 14 Brett Basanez QB 70 Joe Clermond DE 72 James Marten OT 73 Donovan Raiola C 45 Will Ta'ufo'ou FB 47 Woodny Turenne CB 53 Active, 5 Inactive, 8 PS

Final roster

2009 Chicago Bears final roster

	Quarterbacks 14 Brett Basanez  6 Jay Cutler 12 Caleb Hanie Running backs 32 Kahlil Bell 22 Matt Forte 37 Jason McKie FB 29 Adrian Peterson Wide receivers 19 Devin Aromashodu 80 Earl Bennett PR 81 Rashied Davis 23 Devin Hester KR/PR 17 Juaquin Iglesias 13 Johnny Knox KR Tight ends 88 Desmond Clark 87 Kellen Davis 82 Greg Olsen		Offensive linemen 67 Josh Beekman C/G 63 Roberto Garza G 57 Olin Kreutz C 60 Lance Louis G 72 James Marten T 68 Frank Omiyale G 76 Orlando Pace T 78 Kevin Shaffer T 74 Chris Williams T Defensive linemen 95 Anthony Adams DT 99 Gaines Adams DE 97 Mark Anderson DE 96 Alex Brown DE 90 Jarron Gilbert DT 91 Tommie Harris DT 94 Marcus Harrison DT 75 Matt Toeaina DT		Linebackers 55 Lance Briggs OLB 92 Hunter Hillenmeyer MLB 98 Darrell McClover OLB 53 Nick Roach MLB/OLB 58 Tim Shaw MLB 52 Jamar Williams OLB Defensive backs 24 Al Afalava SS 35 Zack Bowman CB 36 Josh Bullocks SS 21 Corey Graham CB 38 Danieal Manning FS/KR 30 D. J. Moore CB 44 Kevin Payne FS 20 Craig Steltz FS 47 Woodny Turenne CB 31 Nathan Vasher CB Special teams  9 Robbie Gould K 65 Patrick Mannelly LS 10 Richmond McGee P  4 Brad Maynard P		Reserve lists -- Dusty Dvoracek DT (IR) 71 Israel Idonije DT (IR) 27 Kevin Jones RB (IR) 69 Henry Melton DE (IR) 89 Fontel Mines TE (IR) 93 Adewale Ogunleye DE (IR) -- Tyler Reed G (IR) 33 Charles Tillman CB (IR) 59 Pisa Tinoisamoa LB (IR) 54 Brian Urlacher LB (IR) 25 Garrett Wolfe RB (IR) Practice squad 62 Johan Asiata G 85 Kevin Brock TE 64 Kevin Malast LB 86 Eric Peterman WR 73 Donovan Raiola C 45 Will Ta'ufo'ou FB Rookies in italics 53 active, 11 inactive, 6 practice squad

Staff

Chicago Bears 2009 staff
Front office Secretary of the board of directors – Virginia Halas McCaskey Chairman – Michael McCaskey President/CEO – Ted Phillips Vice president – Tim McCaskey general manager – Jerry Angelo Senior director of football administration/general counsel – Cliff Stein Senior director of pro personnel – Bobby DePaul Director of college scouting – Greg Gabriel Assistant director of pro personnel – Kevin Turks Head coaches Head coach – Lovie Smith Assistant head coach/defensive line – Rod Marinelli Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator – Ron Turner Quarterbacks – Pep Hamilton Running backs – Tim Spencer Wide receivers – Darryl Drake Tight ends – Rob Boras Offensive line – Harry Hiestand Offensive assistant/assistant offensive line – Luke Butkus Offensive assistant/assistant wide receivers – Charles London			Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator/linebackers – Bob Babich Defensive backs – Jon Hoke Assistant Defensive Backs (Safeties) – Gill Byrd Defensive assistant/assistant defensive line – Eric Washington Special teams coaches Special teams coordinator – Dave Toub Assistant special teams – Chris Tabor Strength and conditioning Director of physical development – Rusty Jones Strength and conditioning – Jim Arthur

Schedule

Preseason

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Game site	NFL.com recap
1	August 15	at Buffalo Bills	L 20–27	0–1	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Recap
2	August 22	New York Giants	W 17–3	1–1	Soldier Field	Recap
3	August 30	at Denver Broncos	W 27–17	2–1	Invesco Field at Mile High	Recap
4	September 3	Cleveland Browns	W 26–23	3–1	Soldier Field	Recap

Regular season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Game site	NFL.com recap
1	September 13	at Green Bay Packers	L 15–21	0–1	Lambeau Field	Recap
2	September 20	Pittsburgh Steelers	W 17–14	1–1	Soldier Field	Recap
3	September 27	at Seattle Seahawks	W 25–19	2–1	Qwest Field	Recap
4	October 4	Detroit Lions	W 48–24	3–1	Soldier Field	Recap
5	Bye
6	October 18	at Atlanta Falcons	L 14–21	3–2	Georgia Dome	Recap
7	October 25	at Cincinnati Bengals	L 10–45	3–3	Paul Brown Stadium	Recap
8	November 1	Cleveland Browns	W 30–6	4–3	Soldier Field	Recap
9	November 8	Arizona Cardinals	L 21–41	4–4	Soldier Field	Recap
10	November 12	at San Francisco 49ers	L 6–10	4–5	Candlestick Park	Recap
11	November 22	Philadelphia Eagles	L 20–24	4–6	Soldier Field	Recap
12	November 29	at Minnesota Vikings	L 10–36	4–7	Metrodome	Recap
13	December 6	St. Louis Rams	W 17–9	5–7	Soldier Field	Recap
14	December 13	Green Bay Packers	L 14–21	5–8	Soldier Field	Recap
15	December 20	at Baltimore Ravens	L 7–31	5–9	M&T Bank Stadium	Recap
16	December 28	Minnesota Vikings	W 36–30 (OT)	6–9	Soldier Field	Recap
17	January 3	at Detroit Lions	W 37–23	7–9	Ford Field	Recap

Standings

NFC North
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
(2) Minnesota Vikings	12	4	0	.750	5–1	9–3	470	312	W1
(5) Green Bay Packers	11	5	0	.688	4–2	9–3	461	297	W2
Chicago Bears	7	9	0	.438	3–3	5–7	327	375	W2
Detroit Lions	2	14	0	.125	0–6	1–11	262	494	L6

Regular season

Week 1

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers

1 2 3 4 Total Bears 0 2 10 3 15 • Packers 0 10 0 11 21 Date: September 13 Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin Game start: 8:20 p.m. EST Game attendance: 70,920 Game weather: Mostly cloudy; 76 °F (24 °C) Referee: Ron Winter TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, and Andrea Kramer

Scoring summary Q2 8:18 GB Mason Crosby 52-yard field goal GB 3–0 Q2 5:52 CHI Safety, Aaron Rodgers tackled by Danieal Manning in end zone GB 3–2 Q2 4:36 GB Ryan Grant 1 yard run (Mason Crosby kick) GB 10–2 Q3 10:14 CHI Devin Hester 36-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) GB 10–9 Q3 3:51 CHI Robbie Gould 47-yard field goal CHI 12–10 Q4 10:10 GB Mason Crosby 39-yard field goal GB 13–12 Q4 2:35 CHI Robbie Gould 21-yard field goal CHI 15–13 Q4 1:11 GB Greg Jennings 50-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Greg Jennings pass from Aaron Rodgers) GB 21–15

The Bears began their season at Lambeau Field for a Sunday night battle with their hated rival, the Green Bay Packers. After a scoreless first quarter, Chicago trailed early as Packers kicker Mason Crosby got a 52-yard field goal. The Bears would respond with safety Danieal Manning sacking quarterback Aaron Rodgers in his own endzone for a safety, but Green Bay would respond as running back Ryan Grant got a 1-yard touchdown run.

Chicago would take the lead in the third quarter as quarterback Jay Cutler completed a 36-yard pass to wide receiver Devin Hester, along with kicker Robbie Gould making a 47-yard field goal. Afterwards, the lead went back and forth in the fourth quarter. Crosby would kick a 39-yard field goal, while Gould nailed a 21-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Packers took the lead again as Rodgers completed a 50-yard touchdown pass and the following two-point conversion to wide receiver Greg Jennings. The Bears tried to rally, but an interception ended any hope of a comeback.

With the loss, Chicago began its season at 0–1.

Cutler's 4 interceptions were the most he had thrown in one game of his career, until week 10 against the 49ers.

Week 2

Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears

1 2 3 4 Total Steelers 7 0 7 0 14 • Bears 0 7 0 10 17 Date: September 20 Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois Game start: 4:15 p.m. EST Game attendance: 62,231 Game weather: Light rain; 70 °F (21 °C) Referee: Scott Green TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms

Scoring summary Q1 4:58 PIT Matt Spaeth 1 yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Jeff Reed kick) PIT 7–0 Q2 :19 CHI Kellen Davis 6-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) Tie 7–7 Q3 5:26 PIT Ben Roethlisberger 2-yard run (Jeff Reed kick) PIT 14–7 Q4 6:21 CHI Johnny Knox 7-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) Tie 14–14 Q4 :15 CHI Robbie Gould 44-yard field goal CHI 17–14

Hoping to rebound from their Sunday night loss to the Packers, the Bears played their Week 2 home opener against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers took an early lead in the first quarter as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger completed a 1-yard TD pass to tight end Matt Spaeth, but the Bears immediately fired back in the second quarter as quarterback Jay Cutler completed a 7-yard TD pass to tight end Kellen Davis to tie the score 7–7.

In the third quarter, Pittsburgh retook the lead once more as Roethlisberger got a 2-yard run, but Chicago would rally in the fourth quarter as Cutler threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Johnny Knox. The Steelers would then miss 2 field goal attempts, as the Bears drive the ball down to Steelers territory, ending the drive with kicker Robbie Gould's 44-yard field goal, to give the Bears the lead. The Steelers then fumbled the ball on the ensuing kickoff, ending any chance for a last second hail mary.

With this win, the Bears improved to 1–1.

Week 3

Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks

1 2 3 4 Total • Bears 0 7 10 8 25 Seahawks 10 3 0 6 19 Date: September 27 Location: Qwest Field, Seattle, Washington Game start: 4:05 p.m. EST Game attendance: 67,938 Game weather: Sunny; 60 °F (16 °C) Referee: Don Carey TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton and Charles Davis

Scoring summary Q1 10:24 SEA Julius Jones 39-yard pass from Seneca Wallace (Olindo Mare kick) SEA 7–0 Q1 :40 SEA Olindo Mare 46-yard field goal SEA 10–0 Q2 12:02 SEA Olindo Mare 37-yard field goal SEA 13–0 Q2 1:56 CHI Greg Olsen 1 yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) SEA 13–7 Q3 11:28 CHI Johnny Knox 7-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 14–13 Q3 5:31 CHI Robbie Gould 37-yard field goal CHI 17–13 Q4 14:48 SEA Olindo Mare 39-yard field goal CHI 17–16 Q4 5:12 SEA Olindo Mare 46-yard field goal SEA 19–17 Q4 1:52 CHI Devin Hester 36-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Earl Bennett pass from Jay Cutler) CHI 25–19

Coming off their home win over the Steelers, the Bears flew to Qwest Field for a Week 3 duel with the Seattle Seahawks. Chicago would trail in the first quarter as quarterback Seneca Wallace completed a 39-yard touchdown pass to running back Julius Jones, followed by kicker Olindo Mare's 46-yard field goal. Seattle would add onto their lead in the second quarter with Mare's 37-yard field goal, yet the Bears would answer with quarterback Jay Cutler's 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Greg Olsen.

Chicago would take the lead in the third quarter with Cutler's 7-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Johnny Knox, followed by kicker Robbie Gould's 37-yard field goal. The Seahawks would reply in the fourth quarter with Mare's 39-yard and 46-yard field goal, yet the Bears would prevail as Cutler completed a 36-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Devin Hester, followed by a 2-point conversion pass to wide receiver Earl Bennett. Afterwards, Chicago's defense would hold on for the win.

With the win, the Bears improved to 2–1.

Week 4

Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears

1 2 3 4 Total Lions 14 7 0 3 24 • Bears 7 14 13 14 48 Date: October 4 Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois Game start: 1:00 p.m. EST Game attendance: 62,192 Game weather: Partly cloudy; 53 °F (12 °C) Referee: Walt Coleman TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick, and Charissa Thompson

Scoring summary Q1 10:50 DET Kevin Smit 1 yard run (Jason Hanson kick) DET 7–0 Q1 8:51 CHI Jay Cutler 5-yard run (Robbie Gould kick) Tie 7–7 Q1 5:03 DET Will Heller 14-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Jason Hanson kick) DET 14–7 Q2 14:14 CHI Kellen Davis 2-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) Tie 14–14 Q2 10:54 CHI Greg Olsen 1 yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 21–14 Q2 :26 DET Kevin Smith 5-yard run (Jason Hanson kick) Tie 21–21 Q3 14:48 CHI Johnny Knox 102-yard kickoff return (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 28–21 Q3 10:18 CHI Robbie Gould 52-yard field goal CHI 31–21 Q3 2:33 CHI Robbie Gould 22-yard field goal CHI 34–21 Q4 8:15 DET Jason Hanson 35-yard field goal CHI 34–24 Q4 6:46 CHI Matt Forte 37-yard run (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 41–24 Q4 1:57 CHI Garrett Wolfe 2-yard run (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 48–24

Coming off their road win over the Seahawks, the Bears went home for a Week 4 NFC North duel with the Detroit Lions. Chicago surprisingly trailed early in the first quarter as Lions running back Kevin Smith got a 1-yard touchdown run. The Bears would answer with quarterback Jay Cutler's 5-yard touchdown run, yet Detroit came right back with quarterback Matthew Stafford's 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Will Heller. Chicago would take the lead in the second quarter with Cutler's 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kellen Davis and a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Greg Olsen, yet the Lions would tie the game prior to halftime with Smith's 3-yard touchdown run.

The Bears would start the third quarter with a bang as rookie wide receiver Johnny Knox returned the half's opening kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown. Later on, kicker Robbie Gould would add onto Chicago's lead with a 52-yard and a 22-yard field goal. Detroit tried to rally in the fourth quarter with kicker Jason Hanson's 35-yard field goal, yet the Bears pulled away with running back Matt Forté's 37-yard touchdown run and running back Garrett Wolfe's 2-yard touchdown run.

With the win, Chicago would enter its bye week at 3–1.

Week 6

Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons

1 2 3 4 Total Bears 0 7 0 7 14 • Falcons 0 14 0 7 21 Date: October 18 Location: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia Game start: 8:20 p.m. EST Game attendance: 68,082 Game weather: Indoors (dome) Referee: Terry McAulay TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, and Andrea Kramer

Scoring summary Q1 14:54 CHI Johnny Knox 23-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 7–0 Q1 9:03 ATL Roddy White 40-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Jason Elam kick) Tie 7–7 Q1 :04 ATL Tony Gonzalez 10-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Jason Elam kick) ATL 14–7 Q4 6:14 CHI Greg Olsen 2-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) Tie 14–14 Q4 3:06 ATL Michael Turner 5-yard run (Jason Elam kick) ATL 21–14

Coming off their bye week, the Bears flew to the Georgia Dome for a Week 6 Sunday night duel with the Atlanta Falcons. Following a scoreless first quarter, Chicago delivered the game's opening strike in the second quarter with quarterback Jay Cutler completing a 23-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Johnny Knox. However, the Falcons would respond with quarterback Matt Ryan hooking up with wide receiver Roddy White on a 40-yard touchdown pass and finding tight end Tony Gonzalez on a 10-yard touchdown.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Bears tied the game in the fourth quarter with Cutler hooking up with tight end Greg Olsen on a 2-yard touchdown pass. However, Atlanta struck back with a 5-yard touchdown run from running back Michael Turner. Cutler would get Chicago's offense deep into Falcon territory, but Atlanta's defense would spoil the comeback.

With the loss, the Bears fell to 3–2.

Week 7

Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals

1 2 3 4 Total Bears 0 3 0 7 10 • Bengals 14 17 7 7 45 Date: October 25 Location: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio Game start: 4:15 p.m. EST Game attendance: 64,900 Game weather: Cloudy; 61 °F (16 °C) Referee: Walt Anderson TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan, and Laura Okmin

Scoring summary Q1 11:00 CIN Chris Henry 9-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick) CIN 7–0 Q1 1:07 CIN Chad Ochocinco 8-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick) CIN 14–0 Q2 11:14 CIN J.P. Foschi 3-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick) CIN 21–0 Q2 2:49 CIN Lavernaues Coles 8-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick) CIN 28–0 Q2 1:10 CIN Shayne Graham 29-yard field goal CIN 31–0 Q2 :00 CHI Robbie Gould 22-yard field goal CIN 31–3 Q3 4:48 CIN Chad Ochocinco 13-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Shayne Graham kick) CIN 38–3 Q4 14:57 CIN Cedric Benson 1 yard run (Shayne Graham kick) CIN 45–3 Q4 11:48 CHI Devin Hester 5-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) CIN 45–10

Hoping to rebound from their Sunday night road loss to the Falcons, the Bears flew to Paul Brown Stadium for a Week 7 interconference duel with the Cincinnati Bengals. Chicago would trail early in the first quarter as Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer found wide receiver Chris Henry on a 9-yard touchdown pass and wide receiver Chad Ochocinco on an 8-yard touchdown pass. Things continued to get worse for the Bears as Palmer completed a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end J.P. Foschi and an 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Laveranues Coles, followed by a 29-yard field goal from kicker Shayne Graham. Chicago would close out the half as kicker Robbie Gould booted a 22-yard field goal.

Afterwards, Cincinnati would pull away with Palmer finding Ochocinco again on a 13-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter and former Bears running back Cedric Benson getting a 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Chicago would end the game with quarterback Jay Cutler's 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Devin Hester.

With the loss, the Bears fell to 3–3.

Week 8

Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears

1 2 3 4 Total Browns 0 0 6 0 6 • Bears 6 10 7 7 30 Date: November 1 Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois Game start: 1:00 p.m. EST Game attendance: 62,262 Game weather: Partly cloudy; 50 °F (10 °C) Referee: Alberto Riveron TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots

Scoring summary Q1 2:20 CHI Robbie Gould 37-yard field goal CHI 3–0 Q1 1:13 CHI Robbie Gould 29-yard field goal CHI 6–0 Q2 8:43 CHI Robbie Gould 32-yard field goal CHI 9–0 Q2 1:56 CHI Matt Forte 1 yard run (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 16–0 Q3 10:33 CLE Derek Anderson 1 yard run (kick blocked) CHI 16–6 Q3 1:42 CHI Matt Forte 10-yard run (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 23–6 Q4 3:14 CHI Charles Tillman 21-yard interception return (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 30–6

Hoping to rebound from their horrendous road loss to the Bengals, the Bears went home for a Week 8 interconference duel with the Cleveland Browns. Before the game, a pregame ceremony was held for the late Walter Payton, who died exactly 10 years ago on November 1.

Chicago got off to a fast start in the first quarter as kicker Robbie Gould made a 37-yard and a 29-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Bears would add onto their lead as Gould booted a 32-yard field goal, followed by running back Matt Forté got a 1-yard touchdown run. In the third quarter, the Browns would get onto their board with a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Derek Anderson (with a blocked PAT). Afterwards, Chicago would continue their dominating day with a 10-yard touchdown run by Forté. The Bears would then close out the game in the fourth quarter with cornerback Charles Tillman returning an interception 21 yards for a touchdown.

With the win, Chicago improved to 4–3.

Week 9

Arizona Cardinals at Chicago Bears

1 2 3 4 Total • Cardinals 14 17 3 7 41 Bears 7 0 0 14 21 Date: November 8 Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois Game start: 1:00 p.m. EST Game attendance: 62,309 Game weather: Partly cloudy; 65 °F (18 °C) Referee: Ed Hochuli TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Pam Oliver

Scoring summary Q1 12:12 ARI Larry Fitzgerald 11-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Neil Rackers kick) ARI 7–0 Q1 9:13 CHI Greg Olsen 33-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) Tie 7–7 Q1 3:26 ARI Ben Patrick 6-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Neil Rackers kick) ARI 14–7 Q2 11:19 ARI Larry Fitzgerald 17-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Neil Rackers kick) ARI 21–7 Q2 2:49 ARI Anthony Becht 15-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Neil Rackers kick) ARI 28–7 Q2 :00 ARI Neil Rackers 43-yard field goal ARI 31–7 Q3 7:46 ARI Neil Rackers 30-yard field goal ARI 34–7 Q4 11:50 CHI Greg Olsen 3-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) ARI 34–14 Q4 9:04 CHI Greg Olsen 20-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) ARI 34–21 Q4 4:30 ARI Steve Breaston 4-yard pass from Kurt Warner (Neil Rackers kick) ARI 41–21

Coming off their win over the Browns, the Bears stayed at home for a Week 9 duel with the Arizona Cardinals. Chicago would trail early in the first quarter as Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner hooked up with wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald on an 11-yard touchdown pass. The Bears would answer as quarterback Jay Cutler competed a 33-yard touchdown pass to tight end Greg Olsen, but Arizona came right back as Warner hooked up with tight end Ben Patrick on a 6-yard touchdown pass. Chicago would find themselves in a huge deficit in the second quarter as Warner completed a 17-yard touchdown pass to Fitzpatrick and a 15-yard touchdown pass to tight end Anthony Becht, followed by kicker Neil Rackers nailing a 43-yard field goal.

The Cardinals would add onto their lead as Rackers booted a 30-yard field goal in the third quarter. The Bears tried to rally in the fourth quarter as Cutler connected with Olsen on a 3-yard and a 20-yard touchdown pass, but Arizona pulled away with Warner completing a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Steve Breaston.

With the loss, Chicago fell to 4–4.

Week 10

Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers

1 2 3 4 Total Bears 0 3 3 0 6 • 49ers 0 7 0 3 10 Date: November 12 Location: Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California Game start: 8:20 p.m. EST Game attendance: 69,732 Game weather: Mostly clear; 60 °F (16 °C) Referee: Ron Winter TV announcers (NFLN): Bob Papa and Matt Millen

Scoring summary Q2 2:03 SF Frank Gore 14-yard run (Joe Nedney kick) SF 7–0 Q2 :02 CHI Robbie Gould 50-yard field goal SF 7–3 Q3 7:27 CHI Robbie Gould 38-yard field goal SF 7–6 Q4 10:11 SF Joe Nedney 21-yard field goal SF 10–6

Hoping to rebound from a miserable home loss to the Cardinals, the Bears flew to Candlestick Park for a Week 10 Thursday night duel with the San Francisco 49ers, led by head coach Mike Singletary (former Bears linebacker).

After a scoreless first quarter, Chicago would trail in the second quarter as 49ers running back Frank Gore got a 14-yard touchdown run. The Bears would close out the half with a 50-yard field goal from kicker Robbie Gould. In the third quarter, Chicago would inch closer with Gould's 38-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, San Francisco would answer with kicker Joe Nedney making a 21-yard field goal. The Bears would get have a late game drive go deep into 49er territory, but an interception by safety Michael Lewis ended any hope of a win.

With the loss, the Bears fell to 4–5.

Quarterback Jay Cutler (29/52 for 307 yards) would throw for a career-worst 5 interceptions in one game.

Week 11

Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears

1 2 3 4 Total • Eagles 10 0 7 7 24 Bears 0 9 11 0 20 Date: November 22 Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois Game start: 8:20 p.m. EST Game attendance: 62,421 Game weather: Cloudy; 47 °F (8 °C) Referee: Tony Corrente TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, and Andrea Kramer

Scoring summary Q1 10:54 PHI David Akers 25-yard field goal PHI 3–0 Q1 2:48 PHI Jason Avant 13-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (David Akers kick) PHI 10–0 Q2 14:45 CHI Robbie Gould 45-yard field goal PHI 10–3 Q2 9:59 CHI Robbie Gould 28-yard field goal PHI 10–6 Q2 :13 CHI Robbie Gould 28-yard field goal PHI 10–9 Q3 10:26 CHI Robbie Gould 49-yard field goal CHI 12–10 Q3 5:53 PHI DeSean Jackson 48-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (David Akers kick) PHI 17–12 Q3 2:52 CHI Kellen Davis 15-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Matt Forte pass from Jay Cutler) CHI 20–17 Q4 5:31 PHI LeSean McCoy 10-yard run (David Akers kick) PHI 24–20

Week 12

Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings

1 2 3 4 Total Bears 0 7 3 0 10 • Vikings 0 24 3 9 36 Date: November 29 Location: Mall of America Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota Game start: 4:15 p.m. EST Game attendance: 63,854 Game weather: Indoors (dome) Referee: Walt Coleman TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Pam Oliver

Scoring summary Q2 14:56 MIN Percy Harvin 15-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick) MIN 7–0 Q2 12:12 CHI Johnny Knox 24-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) Tie 7–7 Q2 8:06 MIN Chester Taylor 10-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick) MIN 14–7 Q2 7:02 MIN Ryan Longwell 52-yard field goal MIN 17–7 Q2 :17 MIN Visanthe Shiancoe 6-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick) MIN 24–7 Q3 12:44 CHI Robbie Gould 38-yard field goal MIN 24–10 Q3 7:45 MIN Ryan Longwell 37-yard field goal MIN 27–10 Q4 13:36 MIN Ryan Longwell 20-yard field goal MIN 30–10 Q4 6:35 MIN Adrian Peterson 5-yard run (run failed) MIN 36–10

Week 13

St. Louis Rams at Chicago Bears

1 2 3 4 Total Rams 0 3 3 3 9 • Bears 10 0 7 0 17 Date: December 6 Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois Game start: 1:00 p.m. EST Game weather: Cloudy; 36 °F (2 °C) TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton and Trent Green

Week 14

Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears

1 2 3 4 Total • Packers 10 3 0 8 21 Bears 0 7 7 0 14 Date: December 13 Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois Game start: 1:00 p.m. EST Television network: Fox

Week 15

Chicago Bears at Baltimore Ravens

1 2 3 4 Total Bears 0 7 0 0 7 • Ravens 14 0 17 0 31 Date: December 20 Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland Game start: 4:15 p.m. EST Game weather: Sunny; 32 °F (0 °C) TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman and Brian Billick

Week 16

Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears

1 2 3 4 OT Total Vikings 0 0 13 17 0 30 • Bears 3 13 7 7 6 36 Date: December 28 Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois Game start: 8:30 p.m. EST Game attendance: 62,479 Game weather: Partly cloudy; 26 °F (−3 °C) Referee: Gene Steratore TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Jon Gruden

Scoring summary Q1 7:24 CHI Robbie Gould 22-yard field goal CHI 3–0 Q2 13:23 CHI Robbie Gould 42-yard field goal CHI 6–0 Q2 5:56 CHI Greg Olsen 7-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 13–0 Q2 :00 CHI Robbie Gould 41-yard field goal CHI 16–0 Q3 8:17 MIN Adrian Peterson 1 yard run (kick blocked) CHI 16–6 Q3 6:30 CHI Desmond Clark 2-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 23–6 Q3 1:18 MIN Visanthe Shiancoe 6-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick) CHI 23–13 Q4 12:10 MIN Ryan Longwell 41-yard field goal CHI 23–16 Q4 5:49 MIN Adrian Peterson 1 yard run (Ryan Longwell kick) Tie 23–23 Q4 4:55 CHI Earl Bennett 20-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 30–23 Q4 :16 MIN Sidney Rice 6-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick) Tie 30–30 OT 9:15 CHI Devin Aromashodu 39-yard pass from Jay Cutler CHI 36–30

Week 17

Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions

1 2 3 4 Total • Bears 3 10 7 17 37 Lions 3 7 3 10 23 Date: January 3 Location: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan Game start: 1:00 p.m. EST Game weather: Indoors (dome) TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Trent Green, & Jennifer Hammond

References

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