CHICAGO -- The Chicago Bears stamped themselves as contenders in the NFC. And they did it with a big assist from their oldest rival.
Jay Cutler threw for 221 yards, Brian Urlacher forced a key fumble and Chicago took advantage of a team-record 18 penalties by the Packers to beat Green Bay 20-17 on Monday night.
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Robbie Gould won it with a 19-yard field goal with 4 seconds left. The Packers' James Jones lost a fumble on a hit by Urlacher in the final minutes. Then Morgan Burnett was called for pass interference on Earl Bennett, setting up the winning kick.
"It's fun, that is all you can ask for," Cutler said. "The defense did a great job, we struggled the whole game, felt like we kind of were killing ourselves."
The Bears (3-0) kept insisting they were contenders through a sloppy preseason and less-than-inspiring opening win over Detroit. Since then, they turned heads with a win at Dallas last week, and opened more eyes by beating Green Bay -- with lots of help from the Packers.
The Bears tied it at 17 on a 25-yard field goal by Gould.
Urlacher jarred the ball out of Jones' hands after the receiver caught a pass fromAaron Rodgers near midfield. Tim Jennings recovered, giving Chicago the ball on the Packers 46 with 2:18 remaining.
"Any time a play like that comes up, that's a play you need to make," the Packers'Nick Barnett said. "Luckily for them they didn't have any penalties on that call and they were able to get the ball."
Soon after, another penalty cost the Packers (2-1) in a big way.
On second down at the 33, Cutler tried to hit Bennett deep along the right sideline and Burnett basically hammered him, wiping out an interception by Nick Collinsand putting the ball at the 9.
Three plays later, Chicago walked away with a wild win and the only undefeated record in the NFC.
"We didn't play our best game and won. That's got to be a good sign," Bears coach Lovie Smith said.
As for the Packers?
Through the 2008 season, the Packers lead the all time series against the Browns, 9-7.
Easy answer Jay Cutler. The battle this weekend at mile high will be an explosive one. But Jay Cutler is one of the most explosive QB's in the NFL. Ranking in the top 5 in many different stat categories, and plus home field advantage never hurt anyone. ^ this man knows what he is talking about ^ cutler ^^ lol Jay Cutler hands down! i swear by Jay Cutler...best QB ever! Jay Cutler doesn't win games yet the broncos have a great defense. Drew Brees wins games yet the Saints have a mediocre defense... Hmm..... Duh! Drew Brees. ^The Broncos have one of the worst defenses. Total idiot up top and everyone else that says that Cutler should start. Cutler is losing his "skill" every season. Brees is an accurate and powerful passer. That's what Cutler doesn't have: accuracy.
Jay Cutler is in the National Football League. Jay Cutler plays the position of quarterback in the league. Jay Cutler is considered to be well known amongst many people.
Jay Cutler has 19 come from behind victories.
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Jay Cutler has 112 career regular season interceptions, 75 with Chicago and 37 with Denver.
There are 1113.272 miles between Cutler Bay, Florida and Cedar Grove, New Jersey.
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12
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