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2010 Chicago Bears season
NFL team season
NFL team season
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| team | Chicago Bears |
| year | 2010 |
| record | 11–5 |
| division_place | 1st NFC North |
| coach | Lovie Smith |
| general manager | Jerry Angelo |
| owner | The McCaskey Family |
| stadium | Soldier Field |
| playoffs | **Won Divisional Playoffs** |
| (vs. [Seahawks](2010-seattle-seahawks-season)) 35–24 | |
| Lost [NFC Championship](2010-11-nfl-playoffs-conference-championships) | |
| (vs. [Packers](2010-green-bay-packers-season)) [14–21](2010-nfc-championship-game) | |
| pro bowlers | DE Julius Peppers |
| OLB Lance Briggs | |
| MLB Brian Urlacher | |
| PR/KR Devin Hester | |
| AP All-pros | DE Julius Peppers |
| KR Devin Hester | |
| LB Brian Urlacher *(2nd team)* | |
| S Chris Harris *(2nd team)* | |
| uniform | File:Ch bears uniforms.png |
| shortnavlink | Bears seasons |
(vs. Seahawks) 35–24 Lost NFC Championship (vs. Packers) 14–21 OLB Lance Briggs MLB Brian Urlacher PR/KR Devin Hester | AP All-pros = DE Julius Peppers KR Devin Hester LB Brian Urlacher (2nd team) S Chris Harris (2nd team) The 2010 season was the Chicago Bears' 91st in the National Football League (NFL) and their seventh under head coach Lovie Smith.
Coming off a 7–9 record in the 2009 season and failing to qualify for the NFL playoffs for a third consecutive season, the Bears sought to develop their roster and improve on their record in 2010, particularly their standing in the NFC North. All Bears home games were scheduled to be played at Soldier Field. With their final regular season record at 11–5, the Bears improved drastically on their 2009 record. Their regular season finished with their first playoff appearance since the Super Bowl season of 2006, winning the NFC North division and earning a bye as the NFC's second seed. The Bears won their first game in the Divisional round of the playoffs, defeating the Seattle Seahawks, to advance to the NFC Championship game. However, their season came to an end with a 21–14 loss to their longtime rivals and eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.
This was the last time the Bears won the NFC North and appeared in the postseason until 2018. This was also the most recent season in which the Bears had won a playoff game until 2025, when they defeated Green Bay in the Wild Card round.
Offseason
Coaching changes
On January 5, 2010, Chicago fired offensive coordinator Ron Turner as well as position coaches Pep Hamilton (quarterbacks), Rob Boras (tight ends), and Harry Hiestand (offensive line). Quality control assistants Luke Butkus and Charles London did not have their respective contracts renewed. While it's unclear whether or not former defensive coordinator Bob Babich will be brought back as a linebackers coach or released, his contract will not be extended under its current terms.
Former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Tice was selected to succeed Hiestand as the Bears' offensive line coach on January 15.
After nearly a month-long search for Turner's replacement, on February 1, 2010, former St. Louis Rams head coach Mike Martz was hired to the Chicago coaching staff as offensive coordinator.
Following the Martz hire, Mike DeBord, former college head coach and Seattle Seahawks position coach, as a tight ends coach.
With the addition of Martz and DeBord in the offseason, the amount of experience on the staff grew. These two offseason acquisitions joined defensive line coach (and former Detroit Lions head coach), Rod Marinelli.
In a series of moves finalizing their 2010 coaching roster, the Bears hired former San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks coach Shane Day (an assistant to Mike Martz during his tenure in San Francisco) and quality control coaches Andrew Hayes-Stoker and Mikal Smith, assigned to the offense and defense, respectively. Defensive line coach Rod Marinelli was promoted to defensive coordinator and his assistant, Eric Washington, was promoted to the vacated position.
On April 27, 2010, the Bears allowed the contract of director of college scouting, Greg Gabriel, a member of the Bears scouting staff since 2001, to expire. There has been no announcement regarding who will succeed him.
In a long anticipated move, on April 30, the Bears welcomed former Seattle Seahawks officer Tim Ruskell to assume the post of director of pro personnel at Halas Hall.
2010 NFL draft
Main article: 2010 NFL draft
Draft pick trades
- In 2009, Chicago traded their second round pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Gaines Adams.
- In 2009, the Bears traded their 2010 first round pick (along with 2009 NFL draft selections and quarterback Kyle Orton) to the Denver Broncos for quarterback Jay Cutler.
2010 Chicago Bears draft choices
| Round | Pick | Name | Position | College | **3** | **75** | **4** | **109** | **5** | **140** | **6** | **181** | **7** | **218** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major Wright | FS | Florida | ||||||||||||
| Corey Wootton | DE | Northwestern | ||||||||||||
| Joshua Moore | CB | Kansas State | ||||||||||||
| Dan LeFevour | QB | Central Michigan | ||||||||||||
| J'Marcus Webb | OT | West Texas A&M |
Training Camp
The Bears announced in April that the first Training Camp session will be held on July 30, 2010, at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais. This is preceded by the official Rookie Mini-Camp which traditionally is held the weekend following the NFL Draft at Halas Hall, this year beginning on April 30.
Rookie Mini-Camp
A total of 54 players were listed on the roster sheet for the Chicago Bears' April 30 – May 3 Rookie Mini-Camp at Halas Hall. In addition to the five drafted rookies and the 13 rookie signees, the Bears invited 31 undrafted free agents to participate on a try-out basis.
| Chicago Bears}}; border: 2px solid #DF6108;color:white;text-align:center" | Chicago Bears 2010 Rookie Mini-Camp Roster |
|---|---|
| **Quarterbacks** |
Summary of offseason roster changes
| Chicago Bears | border=2}}" | Chicago Bears 2010 Offseason Roster Changes |
|---|---|---|
| **Departures** |
Final roster
Staff
| **Chicago Bears 2010 staff** |
|---|
| **Front office** |
Schedule
Preseason
The Bears preseason schedule was announced on March 31, 2010.
| Week | Date | Kickoff | Opponent | Results | Game site | TV | NFL.com | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| recap | Final score | Team record | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |||||||
| August 14 | 8:00 p.m. | at [San Diego Chargers](2010-san-diego-chargers-season) | **L** 10–25 | 0–1 | Qualcomm Stadium | [Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010081456/2010/PRE1/bears@chargers) | |||||||
| August 21 | 7:30 p.m. | [Oakland Raiders](2010-oakland-raiders-season) | **L** 17–32 | 0–2 | Soldier Field | [Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010082158/2010/PRE2/raiders@bears) | |||||||
| August 28 | 7:30 p.m. | [Arizona Cardinals](2010-arizona-cardinals-season) | **L** 9–14 | 0–3 | Soldier Field | [Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010082858/2010/PRE3/cardinals@bears) | |||||||
| September 2 | 7:00 p.m. | at [Cleveland Browns](2010-cleveland-browns-season) | **L** 10–13 | 0–4 | Cleveland Browns Stadium | [Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010090258/2010/PRE4/bears@browns) |
Regular season
| Week | Date | Kickoff | Opponent | Results | Game site | TV | NFL.com | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| recap | Final score | Team record | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | |||||||
| September 12 | 12:00 p.m. | **[Detroit Lions](2010-detroit-lions-season)** | **W** 19–14 | 1–0 | Soldier Field | Fox | [Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010091207/2010/REG1/lions@bears) | |||||||||||||||||||
| September 19 | 12:00 p.m. | at [Dallas Cowboys](2010-dallas-cowboys-season) | **W** 27–20 | 2–0 | Cowboys Stadium | Fox | [Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010091905/2010/REG2/bears@cowboys) | |||||||||||||||||||
| September 27 | 7:30 p.m. | **[Green Bay Packers](2010-green-bay-packers-season)** | **W** 20–17 | 3–0 | Soldier Field | ESPN | [Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010092700/2010/REG3/packers@bears) | |||||||||||||||||||
| October 3 | 7:30 p.m. | at [New York Giants](2010-new-york-giants-season) | **L** 3–17 | 3–1 | New Meadowlands Stadium | NBC | [Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010100312/2010/REG4/bears@giants) | |||||||||||||||||||
| October 10 | 12:00 p.m. | at [Carolina Panthers](2010-carolina-panthers-season) | **W** 23–6 | 4–1 | Bank of America Stadium | Fox | [Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010101005/2010/REG5/bears@panthers) | |||||||||||||||||||
| October 17 | 12:00 p.m. | [Seattle Seahawks](2010-seattle-seahawks-season) | **L** 20–23 | 4–2 | Soldier Field | Fox | [Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010101707/2010/REG6/seahawks@bears) | |||||||||||||||||||
| October 24 | 12:00 p.m. | [Washington Redskins](2010-washington-redskins-season) | **L** 14–17 | 4–3 | Soldier Field | Fox | [Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010102405/2010/REG7/redskins@bears) | |||||||||||||||||||
| *Bye* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| November 7 | 12:00 p.m. | at [Buffalo Bills](2010-buffalo-bills-season) | **W** 22–19 | 5–3 | Canada Rogers Centre (Toronto) | Fox | [Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010110704/2010/REG9/bears@bills) | |||||||||||||||||||
| November 14 | 12:00 p.m. | **[Minnesota Vikings](2010-minnesota-vikings-season)** | **W** 27–13 | 6–3 | Soldier Field | Fox | [Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010111404/2010/REG10/vikings@bears) | |||||||||||||||||||
| November 18 | 7:20 p.m. | at [Miami Dolphins](2010-miami-dolphins-season) | **W** 16–0 | 7–3 | Sun Life Stadium | NFLN | [Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010111800/2010/REG11/bears@dolphins) | |||||||||||||||||||
| November 28 | 3:15 p.m. | [Philadelphia Eagles](2010-philadelphia-eagles-season) | **W** 31–26 | 8–3 | Soldier Field | Fox | [Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010112804/2010/REG12/eagles@bears) | |||||||||||||||||||
| December 5 | 12:00 p.m. | at **[Detroit Lions](2010-detroit-lions-season)** | **W** 24–20 | 9–3 | Ford Field | Fox | [Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010120505/2010/REG13/bears@lions) | |||||||||||||||||||
| December 12 | 3:15 p.m. | [New England Patriots](2010-new-england-patriots-season) | **L** 7–36 | 9–4 | Soldier Field | CBS | [Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010121200/2010/REG14/patriots@bears) | |||||||||||||||||||
| December 20 | 7:30 p.m. | at **[Minnesota Vikings](2010-minnesota-vikings-season)** | **W** 40–14 | 10–4 | TCF Bank Stadium** | ESPN | [Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010122000/2010/REG15/bears@vikings) | |||||||||||||||||||
| December 26 | 12:00 p.m. | [New York Jets](2010-new-york-jets-season) | **W** 38–34 | 11–4 | Soldier Field | CBS | [Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010122600/2010/REG16/jets@bears) | |||||||||||||||||||
| January 2 | 3:15 p.m. | at **[Green Bay Packers](2010-green-bay-packers-season)** | **L** 3–10 | 11–5 | Lambeau Field | Fox | [Recap](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011010210/2010/REG17/bears@packers) | |||||||||||||||||||
| **Notes:** All times are Central. Division opponents are in **bold** text. |
Standings
Regular season
Week 1: vs. Detroit Lions
First quarter
- CHI – Robbie Gould 20-yard field goal, Bears 3–0, Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 5:57.
- DET – Jahvid Best 7-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), Lions 7–3, Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards, 3:18. Second quarter
- DET – Jahvid Best 4-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), Lions 14–3, Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 4:33.
- CHI – Matt Forte 89-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Lions 14–10, Drive: 1 plays, 79 yards, 0:27.
- CHI – Robbie Gould 31-yard field goal, Lions 14–13, Drive: 4 plays, 24 yards, 0:20. Third quarter
- No scoring plays Fourth quarter
- CHI – Matt Forte 28-yard pass from Jay Cutler (pass failed), Bears 19–14, Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 1:49. Top passers
- DET – Shaun Hill – 9/19, 88 yards, 1 interception
- CHI – Jay Cutler – 23/35, 372 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception Top rushers
- DET – Jahvid Best – 14 rushes, 20 yards, 2 touchdowns
- CHI – Matt Forte – 17 rushes, 50 yards Top receivers
- DET – Calvin Johnson – 4 receptions, 45 yards
- CHI – Matt Forte – 7 receptions, 151 yards, 2 touchdowns Top tacklers
- DET – Kyle Vanden Bosch – 10 tackles, 1 assist
- CHI – Lance Briggs – 9 tackles, 1 assist, 1 forced fumble
The Bears kicked off their season at home with an NFC North duel against the Detroit Lions. In the first quarter, the Bears took the early lead with kicker Robbie Gould nailing a 20-yard field goal. The Lions responded with 2 TD runs (7 and 4 yards) by running back Jahvid Best in the second quarter. The Bears fought back with quarterback Jay Cutler completing an 89-yard screen pass to running back Matt Forté for a TD, followed by Gould's 31-yard field goal after a Stafford fumble. The Bears increased their lead in the fourth quarter when Cutler threw a 28-yard TD pass to Matt Forté. The Bears tried to extend their lead to 7, but failed on their 2-point conversion. The game ended in somewhat controversial fashion, however, as an apparent touchdown reception in the final minute by Detroit receiver Calvin Johnson was overturned via a little known rule (completing the process of a catch) and ruled incomplete.
With the win, Chicago began the season at 1–0.
Week 2: at Dallas Cowboys
First quarter
- CHI – Robbie Gould 38-yard field goal, Bears 3–0, Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 2:37.
- DAL – Dez Bryant 62-yard punt return (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 7–3.
- CHI – Greg Olsen 39-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 10–7, Drive: 3 plays, 58 yards, 1:35. Second quarter
- DAL – Chris Gronkowski 1-yard pass from Tony Romo (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 14–10, Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 7:53.
- CHI – Devin Hester 9-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 17–14, Drive: 6 plays, 74 yards, 4:38.
- CHI – Robbie Gould 40-yard field goal, Bears 20–14, Drive: 9 plays, 25 yards, 1:19. Third quarter
- DAL – David Buehler 28-yard field goal, Bears 20–17, Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 4:24. Fourth quarter
- CHI – Matt Forte 3-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 27–17, Drive: 4 plays, 66 yards, 2:07.
- DAL – David Buehler 48-yard field goal, Bears 27–20, Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 1:28. Top passers
- CHI – Jay Cutler – 21/29, 277 yards, 3 touchdowns
- DAL – Tony Romo – 3451, 374 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions Top rushers
- CHI – Matt Forte – 10 rushes, 29 yards
- DAL – Marion Barber – 11 rushes, 31 yards Top receivers
- CHI – Johnny Knox – 4 receptions, 86 yards
- DAL – Miles Austin – 10 receptions, 142 yards Top tacklers
- CHI – Zack Bowman – 8 tackles, 2 assists
- DAL – Bradie James – 5 tackles, 1 assist
Hoping to continue their winning streak, the Bears flew to Cowboys Stadium for an NFC matchup with the Cowboys. In the first quarter Chicago took the early lead as kicker Robbie Gould nailed a 38-yard field goal. Then they trailed with WR Dez Bryant returning a punt 62 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. While the Cowboys were able to pressure quarterback Jay Cutler in the early stages of the game, the Bears' offense made adjustments and regained momentum. The Bears got the lead back when Cutler made a 39-yard TD pass to tight end Greg Olsen. In the second quarter the Bears trailed again when QB Tony Romo made a 1-yard touchdown pass to RB Chris Gronkowski, but took the lead with Cutler making a nine-yard TD pass to WR Devin Hester. The Bears increased their lead when kicker Robbie Gould made a 40-yard field goal. In the third quarter Dallas would reply with kicker David Buehler nailing a 28-yard field goal. The Bears increased their lead in the fourth quarter when Cutler made a three-yard TD pass to RB Matt Forte. The Cowboys made the final score of the game with Buehler hitting a 48-yard field goal.
With the win, Chicago improved to 2–0.
Week 3: vs. Green Bay Packers
First quarter
- GB – Greg Jennings 7-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), Packers 7–0, Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 3:56. Second quarter
- GB – Mason Crosby 38-yard field goal, Packers 10–0, Drive: 14 plays, 73 yards, 7:47.
- CHI – Greg Olsen 9-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Packers 10–7, Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards, 1:24. Third quarter
- No scoring plays Fourth quarter
- CHI – Devin Hester 62-yard punt return (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 14–10.
- GB – Aaron Rodgers 3-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), Packers 17–14, Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 7:47.
- CHI – Robbie Gould 25-yard field goal, Tied 17–17, Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 2:53.
- CHI – Robbie Gould 19-yard field goal, Bears 20–17, Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 2:14. Top passers
- GB – Aaron Rodgers – 34/45, 316 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
- CHI – Jay Cutler – 16/27, 221 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception Top rushers
- GB – John Kuhn – 6 rushes, 31 yards
- CHI – Jay Cutler – 3 rushes, 37 yards Top receivers
- GB – Jermichael Finley – 9 receptions, 115 yards
- CHI – Johnny Knox – 4 receptions, 94 yards Top tacklers
- GB – Tramon Williams – 7 tackles, 1 sack
- CHI – Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher – 9 tackles
Coming off their road win over the Cowboys, the Bears went home, donned their throwback uniforms, and played a Week 3 Monday night duel with their so-called hated rival, the Green Bay Packers. Chicago would trail in the first quarter as Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed a seven-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Greg Jennings. Green Bay would add onto their lead in the second quarter with a 38-yard field goal from kicker Mason Crosby. Afterwards, the Bears answered with quarterback Jay Cutler connecting with tight end Greg Olsen on a nine-yard touchdown pass. After a scoreless third quarter, Chicago took the lead as wide receiver Devin Hester returned a punt 62 yards for a touchdown. However, the Packers struck back as Rodgers got a three-yard touchdown run. The Bears would get the last laugh as kicker Robbie Gould booted 25-yard and 19-yard field goals, the latter in the closing seconds of the game to put the Bears on top.
With the win, Chicago improved to 3–0.
Week 4: at New York Giants
First quarter
- NYG – Lawrence Tynes 22-yard field goal, Giants 3–0, Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 5:08. Second quarter
- No scoring plays Third quarter
- NYG – Ahmad Bradshaw 3-yard run (Lawrence Tynes kick), Giants 10–0, Drive: 8 plays, 90 yards, 5:18. Fourth quarter
- CHI – Robbie Gould 40-yard field goal, Giants 10–3, Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 0:52.
- NYG – Brandon Jacobs 2-yard run (Lawrence Tynes kick), Giants 17–3, Drive: 2 plays, 32 yards, 0:50. Top passers
- CHI – Jay Cutler – 8/11, 42 yards, 1 interception
- NYG – Eli Manning – 18/30, 195 yards Top rushers
- CHI – Matt Forte – 12 rushes, 26 yards
- NYG – Ahmad Bradshaw – 23 rushes, 129 yards, 1 touchdown Top receivers
- CHI – Greg Olsen – 5 receptions, 39 yards
- NYG – Hakeem Nicks – 8 receptions, 110 yards Top tacklers
- CHI – Danieal Manning – 8 tackles, 3 assists
- NYG – Jonathan Goff – 5 tackles, 5 assists, 0.5 sack
Coming off their Monday night home win over the Packers, the Bears flew to New Meadowlands Stadium for a Week 4 Sunday night duel with the New York Giants. Chicago would trail early in the first quarter as Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes got a 22-yard field goal. Both teams went scoreless in the second quarter, but pressure on Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was mounting. By the half's end, Cutler had already been sacked nine times. Cutler would leave the game early in the third quarter with a concussion and would be replaced by backup Todd Collins. The Bears' deficit increased in the third quarter as running back Ahmad Bradshaw got a three-yard touchdown run. Chicago would finally get on the board in the fourth quarter as kicker Robbie Gould got a 40-yard field goal, but New York would come right back as running back Brandon Jacobs scored on a two-yard touchdown run.
With the loss, Chicago fell to 3–1.
Week 5: at Carolina Panthers
First quarter
- CHI – Matt Forte 18-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 7–0, Drive: 4 plays, 38 yards, 1:45.
- CAR – John Kasay 24-yard field goal, Bears 7–3, Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 5:23.
- CHI – Matt Forte 68-yard run, Bears 14–3, Drive: 1 plays, 68 yards, 0:17.
- CHI – Robbie Gould 28-yard field goal, Bears 17–3, Drive: 5 plays, 17 yards, 1:43. Second quarter
- No scoring plays Third quarter
- CAR – John Kasay 53-yard field goal, Bears 17–6, Drive: 7 plays, 8 yards, 2:52. Fourth quarter
- CHI – Robbie Gould 53-yard field goal, Bears 20–6, Drive: 6 plays, 15 yards, 2:27.
- CHI – Robbie Gould 43-yard field goal, Bears 23–6, Drive: 4 plays, −2 yards, 1:27. Top passers
- CHI – Todd Collins – 6/16, 32 yards, 4 interceptions
- CAR – Jimmy Clausen – 9/22, 61 yards, 1 interception Top rushers
- CHI – Matt Forte – 22 rushes, 166 yards, 2 touchdowns
- CAR – DeAngelo Williams – 12 rushes, 51 yards Top receivers
- CHI – Matt Forte – 2 receptions, 22 yards
- CAR – David Gettis – 3 receptions, 32 yards Top tacklers
- CHI – Chris Harris – 5 tackles, 2 assists
- CAR – Dan Connor – 6 tackles, 5 assists Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Giants the Bears flew to Bank of America Stadium for a matchup against the Carolina Panthers. The Bears took the lead in the first quarter as RB Matt Forte got an 18-yard TD run. The Panthers replied with kicker John Kasay making a 24-yard field goal. The lead increased with Forte making a 68-yard TD run, followed by a 28-yard field goal from kicker Robbie Gould. In the third quarter the Panthers replied with Kasay making a 53-yard field goal, but in the fourth quarter the Bears pulled away when Gould made 53- and 43-yard field goals.
With the win, Chicago improved to 4–1.
Week 6: vs. Seattle Seahawks
First quarter
- CHI – Matt Forte 6-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 7–0, Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 2:18.
- SEA – Deon Butler 22-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Olindo Mare kick), Tied 7–7, Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:39. Second quarter
- SEA – Justin Forsett 9-yard run (Olindo Mare kick), Seahawks 14–7, Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 2:41.
- CHI – Robbie Gould 34-yard field goal, Seahawks 14–10, Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 3:00.
- CHI – Robbie Gould 24-yard field goal, Seahawks 14–13, Drive: 7 plays, 86 yards, 2:19. Third quarter
- SEA – Jay Cutler tackled in end zone by Jordan Babineaux for a safety, Seahawks 16–13. Fourth quarter
- SEA – Marshawn Lynch 1-yard run (Olindo Mare kick), Seahawks 23–13, Drive: 11 plays, 92 yards, 5:43.
- CHI – Devin Hester 89-yard punt return (Robbie Gould kick), Seahawks 23–20. Top passers
- SEA – Matt Hasselbeck – 25/40, 242 yards, 1 touchdown
- CHI – Jay Cutler – 17/39, 290 yards Top rushers
- SEA – Justin Forsett – 10 rushes, 67 yards, 1 touchdown
- CHI – Chester Taylor – 4 rushes, 31 yards Top receivers
- SEA – Mike Williams – 10 receptions, 123 yards
- CHI – Johnny Knox – 5 receptions, 120 yards Top tacklers
- SEA – Marcus Trufant – 4 tackles, 2 assists
- CHI – Brian Iwuh – 8 tackles, 1 assist Hoping to increase their winning streak the Bears returned to Chicago for an NFC duel with the Seattle Seahawks. The Bears took the early lead as RB Matt Forte got a six-yard TD run. But the Seahawks answered back with QB Matt Hasselbeck getting a 22-yard TD pass to WR Deon Butler, followed in the second quarter by RB Justin Forsett getting a 9-yard TD run. Then the Bears responded with kicker Robbie Gould making a 34 and a 24-yard field goal. In the third quarter the Bears fell further behind when QB Jay Cutler was sacked in the endzone by free safety Jordan Babineaux for a safety. This was followed in the fourth quarter by RB Marshawn Lynch getting a 1-yard TD run. The Bears tried to come back into the game but only came away with a touchdown after WR Devin Hester returned a punt 89 yards to the endzone for a touchdown.
With the loss, Chicago fell to 4–2.
Week 7: vs. Washington Redskins
First quarter
- CHI – D.J. Moore 54-yard interception return (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 7–0.
- WAS – Santana Moss 24-yard pass from Donovan McNabb (Graham Gano kick), Tied 7–7, Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 4:55. Second quarter
- WAS – Graham Gano 46-yard field goal, Redskins 10–7, Drive: 6 plays, 22 yards, 2:41.
- CHI – Johnny Knox 9-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 14–10, Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 3:49. Third quarter
- WAS – DeAngelo Hall 92-yard interception return (Robbie Gould kick), Redskins 17–14. Fourth quarter
- No scoring plays Top passers
- WAS – Donovan McNabb – 17/32, 200 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
- CHI – Jay Cutler – 26/40, 281 yards, 1 touchdown, 4 interceptions Top rushers
- WAS – Ryan Torain – 21 rushes, 125 yards
- CHI – Matt Forte – 10 rushes, 41 yards Top receivers
- WAS – Santana Moss – 5 receptions, 63 yards, 1 touchdown
- CHI – Johnny Knox – 6 receptions, 86 yards, 1 touchdown Top tacklers
- WAS – Rocky McIntosh – 6 tackles, 2 assists, 1.0 sack, 1 forced fumble
- CHI – Charles Tillman – 7 tackles, 1 assist, 2 forced fumbles The Bears' seventh game was an NFC duel with the Redskins at home. In the first quarter, the Bears took a sudden lead as CB D.J. Moore returned an interception 54 yards for a touchdown. However, their defense was broken down as QB Donovan McNabb completed a 24-yard TD pass to WR Santana Moss. In the second quarter, they trailed after kicker Graham Gano nailed a 46-yard field goal. The Bears' offense broke through as QB Jay Cutler got a 9-yard TD pass to WR Johnny Knox, but was closed off in the third quarter as Cutler's pass was intercepted by DeAngelo Hall and returned 92 yards for a touchdown. Hall intercepted four passes during the game, which is an NFL record.
With the loss, Chicago fell to 4–3 heading into their bye week.
Week 9: at Buffalo Bills (Bills International Series)
First quarter Second quarter
- CHI – Greg Olsen 4-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 7–0, Drive: 14 plays, 81 yards, 8:03.
- BUF – Roscoe Parrish 14-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick), Tied 7–7, Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 1:32. Third quarter
- CHI – Chester Taylor 1-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 14–7, Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 4:54.
- BUF – Fred Jackson 4-yard run (kick blocked), Bears 14–13, Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:19. Fourth quarter
- BUF – Corey McIntyre 1-yard run (run failed), Bills 19–14, Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 4:21.
- CHI – Earl Bennett 2-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Jay Cutler – Matt Forte pass), Bears 22–19, Drive: 6 plays, 23 yards, 2:22. Top passers
- CHI – Jay Cutler – 17/30, 188 yards, 2 touchdowns
- BUF – Ryan Fitzpatrick – 31/51, 299 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions Top rushers
- CHI – Matt Forte – 14 rushes, 49 yards
- BUF – C. J. Spiller – 7 rushes, 20 yards Top receivers
- CHI – Earl Bennett – 4 receptions, 52 yards, 1 touchdown
- BUF – Stevie Johnson – 11 receptions, 145 yards Top tacklers
- CHI – Lance Briggs – 7 tackles, 1 forced fumble
- BUF – Donte Whitner – 7 tackles, 1 assist
Coming off their bye week, the Bears flew to the Rogers Centre for their Week 9 interconference duel with the winless Buffalo Bills. After a scoreless first quarter, Chicago delivered the opening strike in the second quarter as quarterback Jay Cutler found tight end Greg Olsen on a 4-yard touchdown pass. The Bills responded with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick completing a 14-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Roscoe Parrish.
The Bears regained the lead in the third quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Chester Taylor. Buffalo answered with running back Fred Jackson getting a 4-yard touchdown run (with a blocked extra point). Chicago trailed in the fourth quarter as fullback Corey McIntyre got a 1-yard touchdown run, yet they came right back as Cutler found wide receiver Earl Bennett on a 2-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful two-point conversion pass to running back Matt Forté. The Bears would eventually take the win as a Fitzpatrick throw was intercepted by cornerback Tim Jennings.
With the win, Chicago improved to 5–3.
Week 10: vs. Minnesota Vikings
First quarter
- MIN – Ryan Longwell 36-yard field goal, Vikings 3–0, Drive: 11 plays, 62 yards, 6:32. Second quarter
- CHI – Greg Olsen 17-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 7–3, Drive: 11 plays, 71 yards, 5:13.
- MIN – Percy Harvin 53-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), Vikings 10–7, Drive: 1 plays, 53 yards, 0:09.
- CHI – Devin Hester 19-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 14–10, Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 2:33. Third quarter
- CHI – Robbie Gould 34-yard field goal, Bears 17–10, Drive: 4 plays, −6 yards, 0:59.
- MIN – Ryan Longwell 33-yard field goal, Bears 17–13, Drive: 4 plays, 42 yards, 1:05.
- CHI – Robbie Gould 37-yard field goal, Bears 20–13, Drive: 7 plays, 14 yards, 2:48. Fourth quarter
- CHI – Kellen Davis 19-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 27–13, Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 4:31. Top passers
- MIN – Brett Favre – 18/31, 170 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 interceptions
- CHI – Jay Cutler – 22/35, 237 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions Top rushers
- MIN – Adrian Peterson – 17 rushes, 51 yards
- CHI – Matt Forte – 21 rushes, 69 yards Top receivers
- MIN – Percy Harvin – 4 receptions, 64 yards, 1 touchdown
- CHI – Johnny Knox – 5 receptions, 90 yards Top tacklers
- MIN – E.J. Henderson – 9 tackles, 1 assist
- CHI – Brian Urlacher – 7 tackles Coming off their win over the Bills the Bears played on home ground for an NFC North rivalry match against the Vikings. In the first quarter the Bears trailed early after kicker Ryan Longwell hit a 36-yard field goal. They took the lead in the second quarter when QB Jay Cutler threw a 17-yard TD pass to TE Greg Olsen. They fell behind after QB Brett Favre completed a 53-yard TD pass to WR Percy Harvin. They got the lead back when Cutler got a 19-yard TD pass to WR Devin Hester. The Bears extended their lead in the third quarter after kicker Robbie Gould nailed a 34-yard field goal. The Vikings replied with Longwell making a 33-yard field goal, but the Bears continued to score with Gould hitting a 37-yard field goal, and in the 4th quarter with Cutler making a 19-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Davis.
With the win, the Bears improved to 6–3.
Week 11: at Miami Dolphins
First quarter
- CHI – Robbie Gould 47-yard field goal, Bears 3–0, Drive: 8 plays, 32 yards, 4:27 Second quarter
- CHI – Robbie Gould 24-yard field goal, Bears 6–0, Drive: 13 plays, 40 yards, 6:50 Third quarter
- CHI – Robbie Gould 50-yard field goal, Bears 9–0, Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 3:13
- CHI – Matt Forte 2-yard run, Bears 16–0, Drive: 13 plays, 60 yards, 7:26 Fourth quarter Top passers
- CHI – Jay Cutler – 16/25, 156 yards, 1 interception
- MIA – Tyler Thigpen – 17/29, 187 yards, 1 interception Top rushers
- CHI – Matt Forte – 25 rushes, 97 yards, 1 touchdown
- MIA – Tyler Thigpen – 6 rushes, 27 yards Top receivers
- CHI – Johnny Knox – 5 receptions, 55 yards
- MIA – Brian Hartline – 5 receptions, 70 yards Top tacklers
- CHI – Lance Briggs – 7 tackles
- MIA – Karlos Dansby – 10 tackles, 1 sack
Coming off their home win over the Vikings, the Bears flew to Sun Life Stadium for a Week 11 interconference duel with the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night. Chicago delivered the game's opening strike in the first quarter with a 46-yard field goal from kicker Robbie Gould. The Bears added onto their lead in the second quarter with Gould's 24-yard field goal.
Chicago went back to work in the third quarter as Gould booted a 50-yard field goal, followed by a 2-yard touchdown run from running back Matt Forté. As they had done all game, the Bears defense continued to stifle any offensive production by the Dolphins, thus completing the shutout, the first shutout recorded by the Bears since 2006. As of 2025, this remains the final shutout by the team.
With the win, not only did the Bears improve to 7–3, but they also won their 700th game in franchise history (the first NFL team to do so).
Ironically, 25 years prior, the Bears lost to the Dolphins, with the score of the 2010 matchup being the record the 1985 team was vying for had they been able to defeat the Dolphins.
Week 12: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
First quarter
- PHI – David Akers 45-yard field goal, Eagles 3–0, Drive: 6 plays, 23 yards, 2:24.
- CHI – Earl Bennett 10-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 7–3, Drive: 4 plays, 79 yards, 1:55.
- CHI – Johnny Knox 20-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 14–3, Drive: 4 plays, 59 yards, 2:13. Second quarter
- PHI – Jeremy Maclin 8-yard pass from Michael Vick (David Akers kick), Bears 14–10, Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 4:07.
- PHI – David Akers 36-yard field goal, Bears 14–13, Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 3:25.
- CHI – Earl Bennett 6-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 21–13, Drive: 6 plays, 63 yards, 1:12. Third quarter
- CHI – Greg Olsen 9-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 28–13, Drive: 3 plays, 54 yards, 1:31.
- CHI – Robbie Gould 23-yard field goal, Bears 31–13, Drive: 17 plays, 83 yards, 10:05. Fourth quarter
- PHI – David Akers 22-yard field goal, Bears 31–16, Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 4:35.
- PHI – David Akers 36-yard field goal, Bears 31–19, Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 3:32.
- PHI – Brent Celek 30-yard pass from Michael Vick (David Akers kick), Bears 31–26, Drive: 9 plays, 86 yards, 2:30. Top passers
- PHI – Michael Vick – 29/44, 333 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
- CHI – Jay Cutler – 14/21, 247 yards, 4 touchdowns Top rushers
- PHI – LeSean McCoy – 10 rushes, 53 yards
- CHI – Matt Forte – 14 rushes, 117 yards Top receivers
- PHI – Jason Avant – 8 receptions, 83 yards
- CHI – Devin Hester – 3 receptions, 86 yards Top tacklers
- PHI – Stewart Bradley, Ernie Sims – 5 tackles
- CHI – Brian Urlacher – 9 tackles, 1 assist
Coming off their win over the Dolphins, the Bears played on home ground for an NFC duel with the Eagles. The Bears trailed early with kicker David Akers nailing a 45-yard field goal. They took the lead after QB Jay Cutler completed a 10 and a 20-yard TD pass to wide receivers Earl Bennett and Johnny Knox respectively. The lead was narrowed with QB Michael Vick getting an 8-yard TD pass to WR Jeremy Maclin, followed by Akers hitting a 36-yard field goal. The Bears increased their lead as Cutler got a 6 and a 9-yard TD pass to Bennett and Greg Olsen. This was followed by kicker Robbie Gould making a 23-yard field goal. The Eagles tried to narrow the lead as Akers got a 22 and a 36-yard field goal, followed by Vick throwing a 30-yard TD pass to TE Brent Celek, but they failed to recover the onside kick which could have given them one last shot to win.
With the win, Chicago improved to 8–3.
Week 13: at Detroit Lions
First quarter
- DET – Drew Stanton 3-yard run (Dave Rayner kick), Lions 7–0, Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 2:25.
- CHI – Chester Taylor 1-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), Tied 7–7, Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 6:33. Second quarter
- DET – Dave Rayner 50-yard field goal, Lions 10–7, Drive: 10 plays, 39 yards, 5:32.
- CHI – Matt Forte 14-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 14–10, Drive: 8 plays, 83 yards, 4:51.
- DET – Calvin Johnson 46-yard pass from Drew Stanton (Dave Rayner kick), Lions 17–14, Drive: 2 plays, 91 yards, 0:19. Third quarter
- DET – Dave Rayner 25-yard field goal, Lions 20–14, Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:32.
- CHI – Robbie Gould 54-yard field goal, Lions 20–17, Drive: 4 plays, −5 yards, 2:49. Fourth quarter
- CHI – Brandon Manumaleuna 7-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 24–20, Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 3:16. Top passers
- CHI – Jay Cutler – 21/26, 234 yards, 1 touchdown
- DET – Drew Stanton – 16/24, 178 yards, 1 touchdown Top rushers
- CHI – Matt Forte – 13 rushes, 64 yards, 1 touchdown
- DET – Jahvid Best – 9 rushes, 65 yards Top receivers
- CHI – Earl Bennett – 7 receptions, 104 yards
- DET – Calvin Johnson – 3 receptions, 66 yards, 1 touchdown Top tacklers
- CHI – Brian Urlacher – 10 tackles, 7 assists, 1 forced fumble
- DET – Louis Delmas – 5 tackles, 3 assists
The Bears' twelfth game was an NFC North rivalry match against the Lions at Ford Field. In the first quarter the Bears trailed early as QB Drew Stanton scrambled 3 yards to the endzone for a touchdown. They replied with RB Chester Taylor getting a 1-yard TD run. The tie did not last long as kicker Dave Rayner hit a 50-yard field goal. They took the lead with RB Matt Forte getting a 14-yard TD run. They fell behind again after Stanton completed a 46-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson, followed by Rayner nailing a 25-yard field goal. The Bears responded to take the win with kicker Robbie Gould making a 54-yard field goal, followed by QB Jay Cutler making a 7-yard TD pass to TE Brandon Manumaleuna.
With the win, Chicago improved to 9–3.
Week 14: vs. New England Patriots
First quarter
- NE – Rob Gronkowski 7-yard pass from Tom Brady (Shayne Graham kick), Patriots 7–0, Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 5:16. Second quarter
- NE – Danny Woodhead 3-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), Patriots 14–0, Drive: 11 plays, 87 yards, 4:44.
- NE – Gary Guyton 35-yard fumble return (Shayne Graham kick), Patriots 21–0.
- NE – Shayne Graham 30-yard field goal, Patriots 24–0, Drive: 7 plays, 18 yards, 3:33.
- NE – Shayne Graham 25-yard field goal, Patriots 27–0, Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:01.
- NE – Deion Branch 59-yard pass from Tom Brady (kick failed, wr), Patriots 33–0, Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 1:38. Third quarter
- NE – Shayne Graham 29-yard field goal, Patriots 36–0, Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 2:55.
- CHI – Chester Taylor 1-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), Patriots 36–7, Drive: 6 plays, 35 yards, 2:13. Fourth quarter Top passers
- NE – Tom Brady – 27/40, 369 yards, 2 touchdowns
- CHI – Jay Cutler – 12/26, 152 yards, 2 interceptions Top rushers
- NE – BenJarvus Green-Ellis – 21 rushes, 87 yards
- CHI – Matt Forte – 9 rushes, 25 yards Top receivers
- NE – Deion Branch – 8 receptions, 151 yards, 1 touchdown
- CHI – Earl Bennett – 3 receptions, 53 yards Top tacklers
- NE – Pat Chung – 4 tackles, 2 assists
- CHI – Brian Urlacher – 9 tackles, 2 assists, 1.0 sack Hoping to make it 6-straight the Bears played an interconference duel with the Patriots at home. The Bears trailed early as the Patriots commanded the first half with QB Tom Brady throwing a 7-yard TD pass to TE Rob Gronkowski, followed by RB Danny Woodhead getting a 3-yard TD run, then with ILB Gary Guyton recovering a fumble 35 yards for a touchdown. This was followed by kicker Shayne Graham getting a 30 and a 25-yard field goal, and then by Brady completing a 59-yard TD pass to WR Deion Branch. The Bears fell further behind with Graham getting a 29-yard field goal. The Bears tried to come back, but only came away with a 1-yard TD run by Chester Taylor, with the fourth quarter controlled by the defense, giving them a loss.
With the loss, Chicago fell to 9–4.
Week 15: at Minnesota Vikings
First quarter
- MIN – Percy Harvin 23-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), Vikings 7–0, Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 3:38.
- CHI – Robbie Gould 29-yard field goal, Vikings 7–3, Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:25.
- CHI – Johnny Knox 67-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 10–7, Drive: 1 plays, 47 yards, 0:55. Second quarter
- CHI – Devin Hester 15-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 17–7, Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 4:17. Third quarter
- CHI – Robbie Gould 23-yard field goal, Bears 20–7, Drive: 4 plays, 1 yards, 0:54.
- CHI – Devin Hester 64-yard punt return (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 27–7.
- MIN – Joe Webb 13-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), Bears 27–14, Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, 2:19.
- CHI – Rashied Davis 9-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 34–13, Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 4:31.
- CHI – Robbie Gould 34-yard field goal, Bears 37–14, Drive: 7 plays, 29 yards, 3:39. Fourth quarter
- CHI – Robbie Gould 20-yard field goal, Bears 40–14, Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 3:26. Top passers
- CHI – Jay Cutler – 14/24, 194 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception
- MIN – Joe Webb – 15/26, 129 yards, 2 interceptions Top rushers
- CHI – Matt Forte – 17 rushes, 92 yards
- MIN – Toby Gerhart – 16 rushes, 77 yards Top receivers
- CHI – Johnny Knox – 2 receptions, 78 yards, 1 touchdown
- MIN – Percy Harvin – 5 receptions, 72 yards, 1 touchdown Top tacklers
- CHI – Brian Urlacher – 7 tackles, 1 assist
- MIN – Husain Abdullah – 6 tackles, 1 assist With the Monday night game having been moved to the University of Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium due to the snow-induced collapse of the Metrodome roof, Chicago looked to rebound from the previous week's rout in the first outdoor NFL game held in Minnesota in over two decades. Quarterback Brett Favre made a surprise start for the Vikings after having been ruled out earlier in the week due to injury.
Minnesota started strong with an impressive opening drive that culminated in a touchdown pass from Favre to Percy Harvin, but the Bears soon took control in all three phases as the Vikings would be outscored 40–7 over the rest of the game. Jay Cutler connected with Johnny Knox, Devin Hester, and Rashied Davis for three touchdown passes, and Robbie Gould was 4-for-4 on field goal attempts. Chicago wide receiver/kick returner Devin Hester ran his way into the record books in the third quarter, scoring a touchdown on a punt return off the foot of the Vikings' Chris Kluwe and becoming the all-time NFL leader in combined punt and kick returns for touchdowns. Minnesota quarterback Joe Webb (who entered the game in the second quarter after Favre was injured while being sacked by Bears rookie Corey Wootton) scrambled for a touchdown in the third quarter.
With the win, Chicago improved to 10–4 and clinched the NFC North division title.
Week 16: vs. New York Jets
First quarter
- CHI – Robbie Gould 37-yard field goal, Bears 3–0, Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 5:20.
- CHI – Matt Forte 22-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 10–0, Drive: 4 plays, 45 yards, 1:53. Second quarter
- NYJ – Shonn Greene 3-yard run (Nick Folk kick), Bears 10–7, Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:58.
- NYJ – Dwight Lowery 20-yard interception return (Nick Folk kick), Jets 14–10.
- NYJ – LaDainian Tomlinson 3-yard run (Nick Folk kick), Jets 21–10, Drive: 6 plays, 36 yards, 2:39.
- CHI – Jay Cutler 2-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), Jets 21–17, Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 3:00.
- NYJ – Nick Folk 26-yard field goal, Jets 24–17, Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 2:32. Third quarter
- CHI – Johnny Knox 40-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Tied 24–24, Drive: 1 plays, 40 yards, 0:08.
- CHI – Devin Hester 25-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 31–24, Drive: 3 plays, 32 yards, 1:37.
- NYJ – Santonio Holmes 23-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Nick Folk kick), Tied 31–31, Drive: 4 plays, 66 yards, 1:53.
- CHI – Johnny Knox 26-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 38–31, Drive: 5 plays, 49 yards, 2:30. Fourth quarter
- NYJ – Nick Folk 34-yard field goal, Bears 38–34, Drive: 12 plays, 51 yards, 6:14. Top passers
- NYJ – Mark Sanchez – 24/37, 269 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
- CHI – Jay Cutler – 13/25, 215 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception Top rushers
- NYJ – Shonn Greene – 12 rushes, 70 yards, 1 touchdown
- CHI – Matt Forté – 19 rushes, 113 yards, 1 touchdown Top receivers
- NYJ – Dustin Keller – 7 receptions, 79 yards
- CHI – Johnny Knox – 4 receptions, 92 yards, 2 touchdowns Top tacklers
- NYJ – David Harris, Calvin Pace, Darrelle Revis – 4 tackles
- CHI – Chris Harris – 10 tackles, 1 assist, 1 interception
Coming off their win over the Vikings the Bears played on home ground for an interconference duel with the Jets. In the first quarter the Bears took the lead as kicker Robbie Gould got a 37-yard field goal, followed by Matt Forte getting a 22-yard TD run. They trailed with RB Shonn Greene getting a 3-yard TD run, followed by CB Dwight Lowery returning an interception 20 yards for a touchdown, followed by RB LaDainian Tomlinson getting a 3-yard TD run letting the Jets lead 21–10. The Bears tried to cut the lead as QB Jay Cutler scrambled 2 yards for a touchdown, but the lead was soon extended as kicker Nick Folk made a 26-yard field goal. They got the lead back with Cutler completing a 40 and a 25-yard TD pass to wide receivers Devin Hester and Johnny Knox respectively, but soon the game was tied with QB Mark Sanchez throwing a 23-yard TD pass to WR Santonio Holmes. The Bears escaped the tie with Cutler finding Knox again on a 26-yard TD pass. After a 34-yard field goal from Folk, and the Bears punting, the Jets attempted to score with less than a minute left in the game, but a Chris Harris interception would seal the game for the Bears.
With the win, Chicago improved to 11–4, and clinched a first-round bye when the Eagles lost to the Vikings.
Week 17: at Green Bay Packers
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers
- CHI –
- GB – Top rushers
- CHI –
- GB – Top receivers
- CHI –
- GB – Top tacklers
- CHI –
- GB –
The Bears' final game was an NFC North rivalry rematch against the Packers. While the Bears scored first with kicker Robbie Gould nailing a 30-yard field goal, the Packers tied the game with kicker Mason Crosby hitting a 23-yard field goal, and then eventually found the winning score with QB Aaron Rodgers throwing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Donald Lee.
With the loss, the Bears finished with an 11–5 regular season record.
Postseason schedule
| Week | Date | Kickoff (CST) | Opponent (seed) | Final Score | Team record | Game site | TV | NFL.com | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| recap | Wild Card | **Divisional** | **NFC Championship** | |||||||||||||
| *First-round bye* | ||||||||||||||||
| January 16 | 12:00 p.m. | [Seattle Seahawks](2010-seattle-seahawks-season) (4) | **W** 35–24 | |||||||||||||
| January 23 | 2:00 p.m. | **[Green Bay Packers](2010-green-bay-packers-season)** (6) | **L** 14–21 | |||||||||||||
| **NOTES:** All times are Central. Division opponents are in **bold** text. |
Postseason results
Divisional round vs. Seattle Seahawks
First quarter
- CHI – Greg Olsen 58-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 7–0, Drive: 3 plays, 66 yards, 1:17.
- CHI – Chester Taylor 1-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 14–0, Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 4:05. Second quarter
- CHI – Jay Cutler 6-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 21–0, Drive: 9 plays, 63 yards, 4:11. Third quarter
- CHI – Jay Cutler 9-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 28–0, Drive: 14 plays, 70 yards, 7:59.
- SEA – Olindo Mare 30-yard field goal, Bears 28–3, Drive: 7 plays, 18 yards, 2:20. Fourth quarter
- SEA – Mike Williams 2-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Olindo Mare kick), Bears 28–10, Drive: 9 plays, 33 yards, 2:01.
- CHI – Kellen Davis 39-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 35–10, Drive: 3 plays, 48 yards, 1:37.
- SEA – Mike Williams 3-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Olindo Mare kick), Bears 35–17, Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 2:24. Top passers Top passers
- SEA – Matt Hasselbeck – 26/46, 274 yards, 3 touchdowns
- CHI – Jay Cutler – 15/27, 274 yards, 2 touchdowns Top rushers
- SEA – Golden Tate – 1 rushes, 13 yards
- CHI – Matt Forté – 25 rushes, 80 yards Top receivers
- SEA – Brandon Stokley – 8 rec, 85 yards, 1 touchdown
- CHI – Greg Olsen – 3 rec, 113 yards, 1 touchdown Top tacklers
- SEA – David Hawthorne – 8 tackles, 1 assist
- CHI – Brian Urlacher – 7 tackles
Entering the postseason as the NFC's #2 seed, the Bears began their playoff run at home against the #4 Seattle Seahawks, hoping to avenge their Week 6 loss. Chicago delivered the game early strike in the first quarter as quarterback Jay Cutler found tight end Greg Olsen on a 58-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Chester Taylor. The Bears added onto their lead in the second quarter with a 6-yard touchdown run from Cutler.
Chicago continued their dominating day in the third quarter with a 9-yard touchdown run from Cutler. Seattle would finally get on the board as kicker Olindo Mare got a 30-yard field goal. The Seahawks tried to rally as quarterback Matt Hasselbeck completed a 38-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mike Williams, yet the Bears pulled away with Cutler hooking up with tight end Kellen Davis on a 39-yard touchdown pass. Seattle closed out the game with Hasselbeck completing a 3-yard touchdown pass to Williams, followed by a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Stokley.
With the win, Chicago improved their overall record to 12–5.
NFC Championship vs. Green Bay Packers
First quarter
- GB – Aaron Rodgers 1-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), Packers 7–0, Drive: 7 plays, 84 yards, 4:10. Second quarter
- GB – James Starks 4-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), Packers 14–0, Drive: 5 plays, 44 yards, 2:53. Third quarter
- No scoring plays Fourth quarter
- CHI – Chester Taylor 1-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), Packers 14–7, Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 3:55.
- GB – B.J. Raji 18-yard interception return (Mason Crosby kick), Packers 21–7
- CHI – Earl Bennett 35-yard pass from Caleb Hanie (Robbie Gould kick), Packers 21–14, Drive: 4 plays, 60 yards, 1:21. Top passers Top passers
- GB – Aaron Rodgers – 17/30, 244 yards, 2 interceptions
- CHI – Caleb Hanie – 13/20, 153 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions Top rushers
- GB – James Starks – 22 rushes, 74 yards, 1 touchdown
- CHI – Matt Forté – 17 rushes, 70 yards Top receivers
- GB – Greg Jennings – 8 rec, 130 yards
- CHI – Matt Forté – 10 rec, 90 yards Top tacklers
- GB – Desmond Bishop – 7 tackles, 1 assist
- CHI – Brian Urlacher – 9 tackles, 1 assist, 1 sack, 1 interception
Coming off their win over the Seahawks, the Bears stayed at home for the NFC Championship Game against their historic rival, the #6 Green Bay Packers (who were coming off their victory over the top-seeded Atlanta Falcons), in Round 3 of their 2010 series. This would be the second playoff meeting between the two teams, the first since defeating Green Bay 33–14 in 1941.
Chicago trailed early in the first quarter as Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers got a 1-yard touchdown run. Green Bay added onto their lead in the second quarter as running back James Starks got a 4-yard touchdown run. Bears center Olin Kreutz had a Lisfranc injury on the first play of the second half, but he played through the entire second half, even though he couldn't block anyone, because no one else on the active roster could effectively play center. Starting Bears quarterback Jay Cutler left the game early in the third quarter with a knee injury. After a scoreless third quarter, Chicago finally got on the board in the fourth quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Chester Taylor. However, the Packers came right back with nose tackle B. J. Raji returning an interception 18 yards for a touchdown. The Bears tried to rally with quarterback Caleb Hanie finding wide receiver Earl Bennett on a 35-yard touchdown pass, but Green Bay's Sam Shields intercepted a pass with 37 seconds left in the game.
With the loss, Chicago's season came to an end with an overall record of 12–6. This marked their last playoff appearance until 2018. In addition, this was their last playoff game against the Packers until 2025. This remains the Bears only playoff loss to the Packers.
References
References
- (December 28, 2010). "Hester, Peppers, Briggs and Urlacher selected for Pro Bowl – Chicago Tribune". Articles.chicagotribune.com.
- "Bears hire Tice as offensive line coach".
- "Bears hire Martz to be their offensive coordinator".
- (February 2, 2010). "Bears hire DeBord as tight ends coach". Chicagobears.com.
- (March 31, 2010). "Bears announce 2010 preseason opponents". Chicagobears.com.
- The Week 12 kickoff time vs. the Philadelphia Eagles has been moved from 12:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. CST. [https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4667737/bears-eagles-start-moved-to-315-p-m ESPNChicago.com]
- The Week 14 kickoff time vs. the New England Patriots has been moved from 12:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. CST. [https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4668022/bears-pats-moved-to-315-p-m ESPNChicago.com]
- "Rams-Seahawks Week 17 matchup to air in primetime". NFL.com.
- Mayer, Larry. (April 23, 2014). "Capsules of all 13 Bears' opponents". [[Chicago Bears]].
- Bears STH. (November 18, 2010). "Bears win their 700th game against the Dolphins". [[ChicagoNow]].
- (December 15, 2010). "Metrodome unfit for Vikings-Bears". [[ESPN]].
- (December 21, 2010). "Devin Hester sets NFL return record". [[ESPN]].
- (December 26, 2010). "New York Jets vs. Chicago Bears – Recap – December 26, 2010 – ESPN". [[ESPN]].
- Pompei, Dan. "Inside the NFL's Secret World of Injuries".
- "Packers vs. Bears - Game Recap - January 23, 2011 - ESPN".
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