The Bears Den: December 17, 2013 - Week 16 Bears-Browns game reports & news

Larry Mayer's Chalk Talk - Larry discusses whether the Bears have a chance to break their season scoring record, if Bush should have gone down before scoring in Cleveland, and how Cutler's passer rating compares to previous seasons.

Fans just won’t let the Cutler-McCown issue go - Rick Morrissey: McCown had five nice starts while Cutler was out, but those starts do not wipe out the mediocrity of his previous 10 seasons.

McCown’s contract logical, not foolish - Adam Hoge: Don’t you think there’s a good reason why the Bears didn’t give McCown that extra dollar?

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Chicago Bears 38, Cleveland Browns 31

Bears defense shines in win - Larry Mayer: The Bears defense returned one of two interceptions for a TD and contained the Browns' running game and star receiver in Sunday's win in Cleveland.

Stats & Info - ChicagoBears.com takes a look at some stats and facts from Sunday’s game.

[Video] - Moon Mullin and Jen Lada break down Sunday's big win.

[Video] - Adam L. Jahns and Ben Finfer talk Bears win over Browns.

[Video] CSNChicago discussion - Bears grab big win in Cleveland. [KAPCON: 5]

[Video] View from the Moon - Moon Mullin impressed with Cutler's return, says dissension too strong a word for reports from locker room, and why do offenses stop running against the Bears?

Game notes - Larry Mayer: Jeffery delivers another amazing TD; Bowman with defense's sixth TD of season; Trestman pleased with run D; more notes.

Game notes - (AP) Five things we learned from Bears-Browns.

Trestman happy with win but wants more - Larry Mayer: One day after Sunday's comeback win in Cleveland, Marc Trestman lauded the Bears for overcoming adversity but knows they must play better to win the NFC North. [Audio]

[Video] PostGame Live - Grading Trestman's afternoon at Browns. [Video] Bears defense improved ... [Video] Forte's big day.

Jeffery shines in Bears win - James Neveau: Alshon Jeffery was only targeted five times on Sunday against the Browns, but his other contributions to the team factored heavily in the Bears' triumph.

Marshall mentor, big brother to Jeffery - Adam L. Jahns: Marshall always will have his critics but, for all the chatter about him being a ‘‘diva’’ receiver, maybe there should be more talk about him being a leader.

Game grades - Brad Biggs assesses the performance by position group, and explains how the Bears got positives out of negative Jeffery rushing plays.

[Video] PostGame Live - PGL pick their Monsters of the Game. Bowman gets some love.

Game grades - PFF's Three performances of note.

Moon Mullin's game grades for coaching and by position group: QB - RB - WR/TE - OL - DL - LB - DB - STs.

Photos from ChicagoBears.com: From the sideline ... in the locker room ... photo journal ... [Video] highlights.

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Cutler

[Audio] Jay Cutler Show - Cutler discusses his return, the win over the Browns and facing the Eagles this week. Michael C. Wright: QB 'felt supported' by teammates.

Bushrod: 'We welcomed him back with open arms' - Dan Wiederer: Trestman had not been aware of Cutler’s search to gauge his approval rating among teammates last week but, by Sunday evening, any alleged discord within the team seemed silly.

Cutler thrives under pressure - Larry Mayer: Jay Cutler thrived under pressure Sunday, rebounding from a shaky start to throw three TD passes in a 38-31 win over the Browns.

Cutler blames poor throws on mechanical issues - Patrick Finley: Disregard the butterflies in Jay Cutler’s stomach and the pressure that weighed heavily on his mind Sunday; it was his right hip that forced many of his early mistakes.

Cutler's 3rd down play helps Bears to victory - James Neveau: Cutler proved his doubters wrong with an excellent clutch performance, completing 11 of 12 passes on 3rd down for a perfect passer rating.

[Video] PostGame Live - How'd Jay Cutler do? [Video] Jim Miller's thoughts.

Win over Browns a relief for Cutler, Bears - Dan Wiederer: Comeback win lifts Bears to top of NFC North, energized and relieved Cutler, and pushed aside a pair of anonymously sourced national reports suggesting significant locker room discord.

[Video] CSNChicago discussion - Was team split on Cutler's return, and what is his future with the Bears? [KAPCON: 5]

Trestman's off-season plan working wonders for Cutler - Barry Rozner: How much it matters, or how long it lasts, remains to be seen, but Cutler being a better and happier teammate can’t hurt the Bears.

Emery: No dissension in Bears’ locker room - Phil Emery joined 670 The Score on Monday night and quelled any rumors that Bears players were unhappy with Cutler under center. Rich Campbell: Emery doesn't deny report.

Bears started the right QB - Scott Lindholm: Unless Cutler gets hurt again, McCown's season is over -- and it should be, because Cutler is the better QB who gives the Bears the best chance of winning.

Bears gambled and won, but decision looms - Brian Billick: Jay Cutler returned in Week 15 after injuries, but will he be back in 2014 after NFL free agency? The Bears face a tough choice.

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Leaders in the NFC North

NFC North could come down to Bears-Packers at Soldier Field - Adam Hoge: By winning back-to-back games for the first time since September, the Bears have greatly increased their chances of making the playoffs.

Bears control playoff destiny - Larry Mayer: Justin Tucker's 61-yard field goal gave the Ravens an 18-16 win over the Lions Monday night, catapulting the Bears into sole possession of first place and putting them in control of their own playoff destiny.

Bears schedule - Moon Mullin: Following Lions' loss on MNF to Ravens, NFC North is now the Bears’ to lose. John Breech: Bears players get excited after Tucker's 61-yard FG.

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Bearsss

Tillman done for season - Larry Mayer: Marc Trestman revealed that the torn right triceps Tillman sustained Nov. 10 in a loss to the Lions will sideline him for the remainder of the season, playoffs included.

[Video] ESPN - Eric Allen on Charles Tillman missing the rest of the season.

Trestman makes key calls but gives players the credit - Mark Potash: Whether it’s luck, play-calling or making the tough decision, Trestman is staying out of it. His role is to let the players make the difference. Rich Campbell: Players give coach credit for play-calling with offense in top form.

Team notes - Patrick Finley: Briggs might play Sunday against the Eagles; coaching mic problems on Sunday; more notes.

Team notes - Bob LeGere: Tillman done, but expect Briggs to return; Jeffery carrying play in practice into games; Earl Bennett's contributions appreciated.

Team notes - Dan Wiederer: Tillman won't return this season; decision on Briggs on Friday; Bush, Earl Bennett chipping in on offense.

[Video] CSNChicago discussion - Will Lance Briggs return vs. Eagles? [KAPCON: 5]

Brad Biggs' 10 thoughts - Brad Biggs lies. He had more than 10 thoughts following the Bears' win over the Browns.

ESPN ChatWrap - Q. Everyone is acting like Cutler did something special he was the problem in yesterdays victory if you wish to give anyone the praise give it to Alshon Jefferies He is deserving what did Cutler do besides over throw his recievers and just focus in on Marshall. Jeff Dickerson: /facepalm

Bad luck, bad play, bad timing - Joe Fortenbaugh: It’s been a disappointing season for several contract-year players who were hoping to cash in big this winter. [List includes three Bears.]

Check WCGer Sackman's selection of Bears-themed tops here, or some t-shirt designs here. Have a crack at his competition to win free swag.

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Reminder: Red Robin offer valid today

Hat tip to Cevarius: Red Robin is doing a free burger promotion - Tavern Double Tuesday. Free Tavern Double Burger on the Tuesday following a Bears game where the D gets a turnover - either interception or fumble recovery - with purchase of another entrée and two drinks - for select residents in IL, IN and IA.

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Ditka

[Audio] - Da Coach dishes on the Bears' win over the Browns, Jay Cutler's performance, the Packers' comeback against the Cowboys, the Giants' issues and more.

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Polish sausage

NFP Sunday Blitz - Len Pasquarelli: Is Morten Anderson worthy of a spot in Canton? Plus, more from around the League.

Know thy enemy: Lions - Ravens 18. Lions 16. Game report and [Video] highlights from NFL.com.

Bearsss - Will Brinson: A group of Bears fans showed up to the Browns game -- in Cleveland -- shirtless. Because Bearsss.

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