The Bears and 49ers have produced more than their share of classics.
From dominant Chicago defenses to explosive San Francisco offenses, the games conjure thrillers and heartbreakers for Bears fans. Throw in Jay Cutler’s ups (three fourth-quarter TDs in 2014) and downs (five interceptions in 2009), and the drama is endless.
As for Sunday’s game, the Bears’ mission was to get back to .500 and ignite their playoff hopes against the spiraling Niners. Instead, they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
“We just gotta show up every Sunday, at home, away, don’t even matter, on the moon,”Bears defensive lineman Willie Young said of his team’s 1-5 home record this year. “We’ve just gotta play ball and get that win.”
Here’s what was classic and what was forgettable from the Bears’ 26-20 loss.
Classic: First-half Bears defense
Early in the game, the Bears looked historically fierce. In forcing the 49ers to go three-and-out on their first three drives, they held San Francisco to 5 yards in the first quarter. That included a sack in which Jarvis Jenkins and Willie Young sandwiched Blaine Gabbert. The Bears even blocked an extra point. The second half was less impressive, though they sacked Gabbert a total of four times.
Forgettable: Jay Cutler
Specifically when he throws interceptions that are returned for touchdowns. Like the one he threw to Northern Illinois product Jimmie Ward in the first quarter. Cutler has three pick-sixes this season, second only to San Diego’s Philip Rivers (four).
Classic: Matt Forte
The dependable-as-they-come running back channeled Walter Payton’s all-around skills per usual. He ended up with 84 yards rushing and 39 receiving to go with a touchdown run.
Classic: Somersaults
There must have been something in the unseasonably warm air Sunday. Between Ward’s flip into the end zone after his interception, Cutler being suplexed by Jaquiski Tartt and Bears running back Ka’Deem Carey going head over heels while being tackled, it was enough to make anyone dizzy.
Forgettable: Bears penalties
The Bears didn’t set a record or anything, but several miscues killed scoring chances. One holding call negated a punt return touchdown by Bryce Callahan, and another nullified a long run by Forte into Niners territory. This game easily could have been a Bears blowout by the third quarter.
Classic: Fourth-quarter game-changers
First, Gabbert outruns the entire Bears defense for a 44-yard touchdown to tie the game at 20. Quarterbacks aren’t supposed to do that. Then Deonte Thompson returns the ensuing kickoff for 74 yards, putting the Bears in great shape to win. But then …
Forgettable: Robbie Gould
… the normally reliable kicker missed two field goals, including a 36-yarder as time expired that would have given the Bears the victory.
“I feel terrible,” Gould said. “I just got quick on both of them. I rushed them; I hurried them. Both are the worst kicks I’ve had all year.”
Classic: That ending
Unfortunately for Chicago fans, the Bears are making a habit of head-scratching losses. And it doesn’t get any more baffling than 49ers receiver Torrey Smith finding himself wide open for a 71-yard touchdown pass. Game over, and playoff hopes all but snuffed out.
“I mean I tried [to catch Smith],” Bears safety Chris Prosinski said. “But he’s got good speed, so … yeah.”
Chris Sosa is RedEye’s sports editor. @redeyesportschi
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