Bears win on Walter Payton Day

Never mind the fact that the Bears beat the Browns. On any given Sunday, any team can beat any team. Given the circumstances of this game, there was no way the Bears would lose. They weren’t going to lose against the Browns, not in fron of the 4th Phase, not on the Greatest Of All Time’s family.

Cutler, although not a flashy performance, played his grittiest game of the year. He threw for 225 yards and threw another interception but showed that he is a football player. When you define a football player, you define by how tough he is, the ability to take a hit, bounce right back up and be ready for more.

Credit: AP

Hester followed up last week’s performance by finishing with 81 receiving yards. He also had a punt return touchdown called back on a phantom blocking in the back penalty. He continues to run great routes and make catches with a high degree of difficulty.

We are starting to see what the coaching staff sees in Danieal Manning. He’s already proved that he’s a great kickoff returner. On the defensive side of the ball, he continues to make plays as a free safety. When the Browns looked like they were putting a drive together, Manning made a spectacular interception that is highlight reel worthy. In addition, he forced and recovered a fumble.

After Chad Ocho Cinco made Charles Tillman kissed the baby, Tillman followed up the Bengal game with a solid performance by snagging an interception and returning for a touchdown.

The two key stats of the game that made all the difference is that the Bears won the turnover battle (5 to 1) and dominated in time of possession (37:25 to 22:35). Despite a convincing win over the Browns, no one is convinced the Bears are that much of a better team.

Regardless, a victory on Walter Payton Day can build confidence and if they can beat the Cardinals next week, the Bears will have people believing in them again.