Windy City Gridiron - NFL Week 13: Chicago Bears vs San Francisco 49ersA Chicago Bears communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49985/windy-fav.png2015-12-07T14:30:02-06:00http://www.windycitygridiron.com/rss/stream/96209192015-12-07T14:30:02-06:002015-12-07T14:30:02-06:00Snap counts, stats and more: 3 is the magic number
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<figcaption>Joe Robbins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>We'll take a deeper look at the statistics, both individual and team, and also run down the playing time breakdown for the Chicago Bears in their excruciating overtime loss to the San Francisco 49ers.</p> <p><b>All statistics and snap counts are taken directly from the NFL's Game Statistic and Information System.</b></p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> couldn't find a way to beat <span>Blaine Gabbert</span> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a>, losing in overtime 26-20. It was a game that saw all three phases have a hand in the loss. The offense floundered on occasion, the defense gave up too many big pays late, and the special teams couldn't close the game out.</p>
<p>The Bears were riding high after going into Green Bay on Thanksgiving night and winning, but the inconsistencies from this team have popped up all season long. Just when they look like they've turned a corner, we're reminded that this team is in year one of a new coaching regime. Whether they like to use the term 'rebuild' or not, Bears' general manager Ryan Pace still has some work to do on his roster.</p>
<p>Good teams take care of their business at home against three win teams in December and the Bears simply aren't a good team. Yet.</p>
<p>The failure to climb back to .500 obviously hurts, but the big picture for this team is still the future. As an organization, they are in a better place now than a year ago, and the arrow is pointing up for the franchise.</p>
<p>The Bears got the better of the Niners in most team stats, but San Fran had the edge in two crucial ones. Chicago was hit with 8 penalties for 72 yards, to 6 for 50 for the 49ers, and the only turnover of the game was a killer.</p>
<p>San Francisco's Jimmie Ward intercepted a <span>Jay Cutler</span> pass and took it all the way back for a touchdown. The pick came on a flubbed slip screen, and it's just one of those throws a QB makes where he's throwing blind. Cutler assumes the wide outs will make the blocks needed, but on this occasion no one blocked Ward.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">See take <a href="https://twitter.com/ward_jimmie">@ward_jimmie</a> with the pick 6! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SFvsCHI?src=hash">#SFvsCHI</a> <a href="https://t.co/F3I9MflfOe">https://t.co/F3I9MflfOe</a></p>
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) <a href="https://twitter.com/49ers/status/673572411766267904">December 6, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
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<p>It sucks, but it happens.</p>
<p>The Bears led in first downs 20 to 13, in total yards 364 to 291, they had a slight edge in 3rd down percentage 8-17 (47%) to 7-16 (44%), and they led in time of possession 37:24 to 24:46. This was a game the Bears could have won, a game they probably should have won, but they couldn't make a play when they needed one.</p>
<p>The 49ers had a playmaker on their roster as Blaine Gabbert dominated the Bears late in the game. Yeah, Blaine Freaking Gabbert.</p>
<p>He won the game in overtime with a 71 yard bomb to <span>Torrey Smith</span>, but his 44 yard TD run tied the game with less than 2 minutes left. On that game tying drive, Gabbert was sacked on the first play, but he was nearly flawless after that. He completed just 1 of 2 passes on the drive, but he had 3 scrambles for 60 yards.</p>
<p>Overall he was 18 of 32 for 196 yards, with that backbreaking passing TD, and 84.9 passer rating. He also had 6 runs for 75 yards and that heartbreaking TD.</p>
<p>Blaine Freaking Gabbert.</p>
<p><i>FYI - All the charts are Total snaps played - Percentage of snaps played</i></p>
<h5>Offensive Line</h5>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Offense</b></td>
<td><b>Special Teams</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matt Slauson LG</td>
<td>78 - 100%</td>
<td>6 - 18%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<span>Hroniss Grasu</span> C</td>
<td>78 - 100%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kyle Long RT</td>
<td>78 - 100%</td>
<td>6 - 18%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Charles Leno Jr. LT</td>
<td>78 - 100%</td>
<td>6 - 18%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Omameh RG</td>
<td>78 - 100%</td>
<td>6 - 18%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Jermon Bushrod</span></td>
<td>12 - 15%</td>
<td>6 - 18%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Vladimir Ducasse</span></td>
<td></td>
<td>6 - 18%<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>The Bears averaged 4 yards per carry on the ground and the Niners had 2 tackles for loss. Chicago's pass protection allowed a single sack and a lone quarterback hit.</p>
<p>Bushrod was used as a 6th offensive lineman for a 2nd consecutive week.</p>
<p>Omameh was hit with two holding penalties.</p>
<h5>Quarterback</h5>
<p>We already talked about the interception by Cutler, and his 64.2 passer rating was the worst mark he's put up since December 15th of last year. He completed 18 of 31 passes (58.1%) and he had 10 yards on 4 rushing attempts.</p>
<p>Not the best game for Cutler, but it's possible his mind was elsewhere; <a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/12/7/9860844/jay-cutlers-brother-in-law-goes-missing-in-utah-desert" target="_blank"><i><b>Jay Cutler's brother-in-law goes missing in Utah desert</b></i></a>.</p>
<h5>Running Backs</h5>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Offense</b></td>
<td><b>Special Teams</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Matt Forte</span></td>
<td>44 - 56%</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Jeremy Langford</span></td>
<td>28 - 36%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Ka'Deem Carey</span></td>
<td>6 - 8%</td>
<td>4 - 12%<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>Do the Bears now have a three-headed monster at running back? The Bears found time for three of their running backs this week.</p>
<p>Forte had a solid all around game, with 21 carries for 84 yards (4.0ypc), a rushing TD, and he caught all 5 of the passes thrown his way for 39 yards. For his career, Forte has 12,374 yards from scrimmage (8,380 rushing and 3,994 receiving) in just 116 games and check out this nugget.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash">#Bears</a> Matt Forte needs 6 receiving yards to become the 12th player in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFL?src=hash">#NFL</a> history with 8000 rushing & 4000 receiving yards in their career</p>
— Lester A Wiltfong Jr (@wiltfongjr) <a href="https://twitter.com/wiltfongjr/status/673755589441224705">December 7, 2015</a>
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<p>The fastest player to the 8,000/4,000 mark was <span>Marshall Faulk</span>, who did it in 107 games. Number two on the list is Marcus Allen who did it in 131, so Forte had a great shot at becoming #2 all time.</p>
<p>Langford ran well, with 12 carries for 59 yards (4.9ypc) and he caught 2 of 3 passes for 9 yards. But the one pass he missed was another drop.</p>
<p>After the Bears talked about Forte and Langford being on the field at the same time during the week, that didn't come to fruition yesterday.</p>
<p>Carey had a rushing TD among his 5 attempts for 17 yards (3.4ypc).</p>
<p>Defensive tackle Mitch Unein was in for one snap as a fullback and the Bears scored a TD again. Every time Unrein has been on the field on offense this year, the Bears have a TD to show for it. I don't know about you guys, but it sure seems like the key to unleashing the offense is more Unrein.</p>
<h5>Tight Ends</h5>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Offense</b></td>
<td><b>Special Teams</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Martelus Bennett</td>
<td>60 - 77%</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Zach Miller</span></td>
<td>35 - 45%</td>
<td>12 - 35%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Khari Lee</span></td>
<td>1 - 1%</td>
<td>10 - 25%<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>Both Bennett and Miller were battling rib injuries, and neither made any big plays. Bennett caught 3 of 4 passes for 14 yards and Miller nabbed the 1 ball thrown his direction for 6 yards.</p>
<h5>Wide Receivers</h5>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Offense</b></td>
<td><b>Special Teams</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Alshon Jeffery</span></td>
<td>75 - 96%</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Josh Bellamy</td>
<td>68 - 87%</td>
<td>14 - 41%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Marc Mariani</span></td>
<td>55 - 71%</td>
<td>9 - 26%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deonte Thompson</td>
<td>1 - 1%</td>
<td>12 - 35%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Cameron Meredith</span></td>
<td>4 - 5%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>The Bears were missing Eddie Royal (again) and Marquess Wilson, which gave Josh Bellamy the start opposite Alshon Jeffery. Bellamy caught one of the 4 balls thrown his way for 16 yards and he had a tackle on special teams. He was also the guy that missed the block that led to the interception.</p>
<p>Jeffery led the team with 85 yards receiving on 4 catches. Cutler targeted him 12 times.</p>
<p>Mariani caught both passes thrown his way for 33 yards and he returned 5 punts for 38 yards.</p>
<p>I'll hit on Thompson in the next section, because he had a good special teams day.</p>
<h5>Special Teams</h5>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Special Teams</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LaRoy Reynolds</td>
<td>24 - 71%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sherrick McManis</td>
<td>27 - 79%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Lamin Barrow</span></td>
<td>24 - 71%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Harold Jones-Quartey</span></td>
<td>18 - 53%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Robbie Gould</span></td>
<td>12 - 35%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Sherrod Martin</span></td>
<td>20 - 59%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Scales</td>
<td>12 - 35%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick O'Donnell</td>
<td>12 - 35%<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>The Bears had some good, some bad, and some ugly during their 3rd phase yesterday.</p>
<p>Thompson had 92 kick return yards on 2 returns, including a 4th quarter 74 yarder that put the Bears in position to win. Pat O'Donnell put 3 of his 6 punts inside the 20, and he had a 42.8 average. Jones-Quartey and McManis had 2 tackles apiece. The Bears also blocked an extra point.</p>
<p>The Bears tried some trickeration on their first punt return and it went for a TD, until the ref caught LaRoy Reynolds doing some unnecessary holding. The touchdown was negated.</p>
<p>On his birthday, Robbie Gould missed two field goals, including what would have been the game winner from 36 yards out. Gould did make 2 FGs and he made both his extra points. I think it's a little to early for the cut-Gould chatter, he had a bad day, it happens.</p>
<h5>Defensive Backs</h5>
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Defense</b></td>
<td><b>Special Teams</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<span>Kyle Fuller</span> CB</td>
<td>61 - 100%</td>
<td>5 - 15%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<span>Adrian Amos</span> S</td>
<td>61 - 100%</td>
<td>10 - 39%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tracy Porter CB</td>
<td>61 - 100%</td>
<td>1 - 3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Prosinski S</td>
<td>60 - 98%</td>
<td>15 - 44%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bryce Callahan CB</td>
<td>36 - 59%</td>
<td>9 - 26%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alan Ball CB</td>
<td>5 - 8%</td>
<td>8 - 24%<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>Kyle Fuller has been playing some very good football of late, and against the 49ers he had 4 tackles and a pass defense. Tracy Porter had 2 tackles, Prosinski had 1 tackle on D and 2 more on special teams, and Amos had 3 tackles. Amos also seems to be the guy that blew the coverage that led to the overtime TD.</p>
<p>From the <a href="http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1158903/49ers-big-plays-doom-bears-defense-sting-safety-adrian-amos" target="_blank">Sun Times</a>,</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Cornerback Tracy Porter told reporters that Amos' assignment called for him to stick with Smith, who was running a corner route. Instead, Amos broke off his coverage and was nearly 15 yards behind Smith when he made his catch.</p>
<p>"We just had a miscommunication on the play and we let one go," Amos said.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>With no one covering Chicago's deep right third, Torrey Smith, who was in the slot in San Francisco's twins formation, ran a corner route away from the Bears middle third safety, Prosinski.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The game winner!! <a href="https://twitter.com/BlaineGabbert">@BlaineGabbert</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/TorreySmithWR">@TorreySmithWR</a>. Watch. Repeat. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SFvsCHI?src=hash">#SFvsCHI</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ifv2zLQvgH">pic.twitter.com/Ifv2zLQvgH</a></p>
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) <a href="https://twitter.com/49ers/status/673615115397107712">December 6, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Amos also had a shot to take Gabbert down on his TD run, but he seemed to pull up in anticipation of a QB slide. When asked if he was hesitant to hit Gabbert with the rules protecting QBs, he agreed and said he wouldn't do it again.</p>
<p>Nickleback Bryce Callahan had 4 tackles, 2 PD, and he was the guy that had the punt return TD called back. He was credited was a 34 yard punt return.</p>
<h5>Linebacker</h5>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Defense</b></td>
<td><b>Special Teams</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shea McClellin ILB</td>
<td>61 - 100%</td>
<td>4 - 12%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jonathan Anderson ILB</td>
<td>31 - 51%</td>
<td>10 - 29%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christian Jones ILB</td>
<td>25 - 41%</td>
<td>18 - 53%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pernell McPhee OLB</td>
<td>34 - 56%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sam Acho OLB</td>
<td>25 - 41%</td>
<td>27 - 79%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Willie Young OLB</td>
<td>34 - 56%</td>
<td>4 - 12%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lamarr Houston OLB</td>
<td>34 - 56%</td>
<td>1 - 3%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>I found it interesting that McPhee, Houston and Young all played the same amount of snaps. With Young and Houston both playing better of late, could Chicago trot out all three together in a 3 OLB pass rushing package?</p>
<p>McPhee had a tackle, a QBH and a PD. Houston had a tackle and Acho didn't scratch the stat sheet.</p>
<p>Young continued his good play picking up 3 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 tackle for loss and 2 QB hits.</p>
<p>McClellin led the Bears in tackles with 9. He also had a pass defense. Jones had a tackle on D and one on ST. Anderson had tackle and a PD.</p>
<h5>Defensive Line</h5>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Defense</b></td>
<td><b>Special Teams</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Jarvis Jenkins</span></td>
<td>41 - 67%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Eddie Goldman</span></td>
<td>36 - 59%</td>
<td>4 - 12%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Will Sutton</td>
<td>25 - 41%</td>
<td>4 - 12%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span>Ziggy Hood</span></td>
<td>14 - 23%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mitch Unrein</td>
<td>27 - 44%</td>
<td>8 - 24%<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>Goldman had himself a good game with a couple of sacks, 3 tackles, 2 TFL, 3 QBH and the aforementioned blocked extra point.</p>
<p>Unrein had a couple of tackles and Jenkins had a half a sack, 2 tackles and a QBH.</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/12/7/9859770/chicago-bears-have-a-total-team-failure-snap-counts-stats-and-moreLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2015-12-07T12:31:11-06:002015-12-07T12:31:11-06:00Bears can't close: Five takeaways from 49ers game
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Xi1P7xVPH_VEwk14KGoNL1BVaBE=/178x130:1624x1094/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47820113/usa-today-8980805.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Bears played poorly in a sloppy loss to the 49ers at Soldier Field yesterday and their playoff hopes took yet another hit. What is holding this team back?</p> <p>Yesterday was an incredibly frustrating game to watch. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> played poorly, especially on offense, where great play calling has been a strength, was no where to be found yesterday.</p>
<p>The defense put in their work, getting after <span>Blaine Gabbert</span> and sacking him four times, but yet they couldn't contain him and he managed to lead the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> in rushing. The game reminded me a lot of the Minnesota game in that the Bears played fairly well and were in the game most of the time, but were clearly not playing great and then collapsed at the end with a chance to win it.</p>
<p>Just as <span>Teddy Bridgewater</span> managed to find openings in the secondary in order to win that game, Gabbert did it in overtime. The secondary broke down just long enough for <span>Torrey Smith</span> to get behind everyone on D and score the winning TD.</p>
<p>I don't believe the Bears deserved to win the game with their play though. This wasn't a game that they had in the bag and then let go on some fluke play or something entirely out of their hands. They simply weren't good enough.</p>
<p>Let's get to the takeaways:</p>
<p><b>This team is missing something intangible - </b>The Bears have now had three chances to reach the .500 mark this season after starting 0-3; in Week 6 vs. Detroit, Week 11 vs. Denver and yesterday. All three of those games were marred by mistakes and poor offensive displays. I don't know what it is but to have three games that can get you back to the even mark and to lose them all, very close, right at the end of the game (and two of them in overtime), is kind of crazy. I don't want to say the team is lacking "clutch-ness" but there is something seemingly missing from them being able to rise up and overcome in these season-defining games. They showed it in Green Bay and then it just disappeared when they really had a chance to get the season flowing here into December.</p>
<p><b>The Bears are just bad at home - </b>Chicago is 1-5 at home this season, beating only Oakland. They are 3-11 at home since the beginning of the 2014 season. This is just appalling. Teams are supposed to do well at home, they are supposed to be able to perform better there but the Bears have been unable to do that. I don't know why it is but <span>John Fox</span> needs to do something.</p>
<p><b>For all of the praise Gase has received, the offense isn't very good -</b> Since the bye week the Bears have scored 20, 22, 37, 15, 17 and 20 points. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a> game is clearly the outlier there and the team scored two 80+ yard touchdowns, which is a very rare occurrence. The defense, of all things, has kept this team in games. Yes the offense has been shorthanded at times but there are still enough playmakers on paper to score more than the 20.9 that they are averaging. The Bears have not scored a touchdown in the third quarter at all this year. Good offensive teams should be able to go into the locker room at half time, pick out some things the defense is doing against them and use that to their advantage to get in the endzone coming out in the second half. For all the good that Gase has done for the unit, it still has a long way to go.</p>
<p><b>Have the Bears found replacements for Mariani? </b><span>Deonte Thompson</span> was activated to the roster before the Denver game three weeks ago. Since then he's returned five kicks for 183 yards, averaging 36.6 yards per return. He nearly took the KR the distance late in the fourth quarter, almost setting up the potential game-winning field goal himself (although we know how that ended). <span>Bryce Callahan</span> returned a punt on the "Johnny Knox Return" play for 34 yards. Yes, it was a bit of a trick play but Callahan looked fast and elusive. <span>Marc Mariani</span> is averaging 6.8 yards per punt return and 24.7 yards per kick return. He has way more value as a possession receiver and blocking WR than Thompson or Josh Bellamy and <span>Cameron Meredith</span>, so he still has value to the team, but perhaps its time to take him off returner duties.</p>
<p><b>Chicago continues to match their opponents, for better or worse -</b> This team has surprised many fans and pundits alike with how quickly they turned into a competitive team. However, every time the season has a chance to really get things going in a positive direction, they suffer a set back. One of my biggest gripes with this team, and it was on full display yesterday, is that they play up or down to their opponent. Just 10 days ago this team went toe-to-toe with a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> team that's had their number for the better part of the last half-decade and then comes out against a 3-7 49ers team that has struggled to do anything well or have a team identity and matches them to a T in this bad loss. It's great when the team can come out and play right with teams like Denver, Green Bay or Minnesota but then to also match the mistakes and rudderless teams like Detroit and San Francisco is beyond frustrating. I'm not sure what the coaches and players can do to shake that, but it needs to happen quickly.</p>
<p><i>What were your takeaways from yesterday's game?</i></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/12/7/9860052/five-takeaways-chicago-bears-san-francisco-49ers-week-13Sam Householder2015-12-06T15:30:19-06:002015-12-06T15:30:19-06:005-7
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tRbZTz-kr6gZtp7Kr_HcRCIuHzw=/0x0:3192x2128/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47813091/usa-today-8979825.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Chicago Bears lost, at home, to Blaine Gabbert.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> were torched in the air and on the ground by <span>Blaine Gabbert</span>.</p>
<p>Blaine Gabbert.</p>
<p>Their playoff hopes depended on them winning this game, at home, against a reeling <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> team with Blaine Gabbert at the helm.</p>
<p>San Francisco fought the entire way, and even pushed this game to overtime. What started out as a game dominated by Vic Fangio'd defense, ended with Fangio's defense being unable to keep up with Blaine Gabbert. Fangio shouldn't get all the blame though... The Bears are untalented on defense, and very thin all the way around. He's been working miracles all season long with a defense running on three flat tires, but today, it caught up with them.</p>
<p>On offense, the Bears ate up yards against the Niners defense, but a pick-6 from <span>Jay Cutler</span> in the first half, and two missed field goals from <span>Robbie Gould</span> left a lot of points on the field, and the Bears ended up falling.</p>
<p><b>STATS</b></p>
<p>Jay Cutler 18/30, 202 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT</p>
<p><span>Matt Forte</span> 21 rushes, 84 yards, 1 TD | 5 rec., 39 yards</p>
<p><span>Alshon Jeffery</span>: 4 receptions, 85 yards</p>
<p><span>Jeremy Langford</span>: 12 rushes, 59 yards</p>
<p><span>Martellus Bennett</span>: 3 receptions, 14 yards</p>
<p>Blaine Gabbert: 18/32, 196 yards, 1 TD | 6 rushes, 75 yards, 1 TD</p>
<p>The Bears are better than they were last year, but have a ways to go before being truly 'good'. First year GM Ryan Pace has done a good job so far with the roster, but he needs to replace another 6-7 players on defense, and 4-5 on offense before next season starts.</p>
<p>Stay tuned...</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/12/6/9858306/bears-vs-49ers-final-score-chicago-loses-26-20-at-home-kisses-playoffs-goodbyeDane Noble2015-12-06T15:12:09-06:002015-12-06T15:12:09-06:00Overtime Open Thread
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<figcaption>Kena Krutsinger/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Join us below for an overtime period of the Bears vs 49ers game!</p> <p>Well I had a nice little game recap typed out here, but instead, we'll flip it into an Overtime Open Thread.</p>
<p>Let's go <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a>.</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/12/6/9858164/bears-vs-49ers-final-score-bears-edge-san-francisco-to-keep-playoff-hopes-aliveDane Noble2015-12-06T14:21:27-06:002015-12-06T14:21:27-06:00Bears vs Niners 4th Quarter Open Thread
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<figcaption>Joe Robbins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Join us below for live updates and instant analysis of today's Chicago Bears game!</p> <p><b>**SCORE UPDATE**</b></p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> 13</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> 13</p>
<p>----------------------</p>
<p>The Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers stalled out in the 4th quarter, neither being able to add to the scoreboard. But one thing we have seen week after week is that this year's Chicago Bears team doesn't quit in the 4th quarter, and play just as hard-- if not harder-- than any other quarter of the game.</p>
<p>Right now we're tied, so every single play will count. The Bears need to avoid turnovers and penalties, and play smart football. The offense should be able to grind it out in the trenches, and the defense should expect a conservative approach by San Francisco as well.</p>
<p>Can the Bears keep their playoff hopes alive and pull off the victory in front of a home crowd at Soldier Field? Stay tuned...</p>
<p>This is your Bears vs 49ers 4th Quarter Open Thread... Have fun!</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/12/6/9857990/chicago-bears-vs-san-francisco-49ers-4th-quarter-open-thread-score-updateDane Noble2015-12-06T13:37:49-06:002015-12-06T13:37:49-06:00Bears vs Niners 3rd Quarter Open Thread
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<figcaption>Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Join us below for live updates and instant analysis of today's Chicago Bears game!</p> <p><b>**SCORE UPDATE**</b></p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> 13</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> 13</p>
<p>--------------------</p>
<p>The Chicago Bears were in a position early in the game to establish their dominance and force San Francisco to play from behind, but their first two offensive drives stymied and ended with field goals instead of touchdowns, and a <span>Jay Cutler</span> pick-6 out the 49ers right back in the game.</p>
<p>This is a game that is showing the true meaning of momentum, and how it can change in a single moment, and is also showing how thin the Bears defense truly is.</p>
<p>Vic Fangio's unit started out strong, holding the Niners to three straight punts, but eventually the defense got tired, and the lack of depth was immediately evident.</p>
<p>Can the Bears make some halftime adjustments and get things going in the 2nd half? Stay tuned...</p>
<p>This is your Chicago Bears versus San Francisco 49ers 3rd Quarter Open Thread... Have fun!</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/12/6/9857786/chicago-bears-vs-san-francisco-49ers-3rd-quarter-open-thread-score-updateDane Noble2015-12-06T12:41:58-06:002015-12-06T12:41:58-06:00Bears vs Niners 2nd Quarter Open Thread
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<figcaption>Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Join us below for live coverage and instant analysis of today's Chicago Bears game!</p> <p><b>**SCORE UPDATE**</b></p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> 6</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> 6</p>
<p>------------------------</p>
<p>After dominating the 49ers for the first three possessions, <span>Jay Cutler</span> throws a pick-6 on an ill-advised pass that was read perfectly by San Fran. Perfectly summed up:</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yeah, at some point someone's going to read one of those quick outside passes. Happens when you run them 25 times a game.</p>
— Kev (@Kev_WCG) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kev_WCG/status/673571113989894146">December 6, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<p>Regardless, the Niners missed the ensuing extra point, so we have a 6-6 tie after one quarter of play.</p>
<p>The Bears defense, however, looks great so far. Vic Fangio has looked good versus his former club, causing three straight punts to start the game for Chicago.</p>
<p>If not for that pesky pick-6, the Bears would be dominating the scoreboard as well.</p>
<p>Can Chicago get t together and keep their playoff hopes alive? Stay tuned...</p>
<p>This is your Chicago Bears vs San Francisco 49ers 2nd Quarter Open Thread... Have fun!</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/12/6/9857602/chicago-bears-vs-san-francisco-49ers-2nd-quarter-open-thread-score-updateDane Noble2015-12-06T11:45:02-06:002015-12-06T11:45:02-06:00Bears vs 49ers 1st Quarter Open Thread
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VeLpGJe5WWp1xRkkMO0WZbHzNsI=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47811465/usa-today-8799321.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Join us below for live updates and instant analysis of today's Chicago Bears game!</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> are approaching this game as a playoff game-- win, and next week matters. Lose, and you can kiss a playoff berth goodbye.</p>
<p>What we have seen from this team over the period of the last few weeks is growth, fight, and dedication, and that is thanks in large part to the stability that <span>John Fox</span> has brought to a team that was previously turned upside down. We're seeing what good coaching can do for a team, regardless of how much talent is on the roster.</p>
<p>Today, the Bears face an opponent that, in many ways, are in worse shape than Chicago. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> have their own issues, starting at the top of their food chain-- CEO Jed York-- and falling all the way down to the roster.</p>
<p>The Bears have a shot to win their fourth game in their last five... Can they keep it going?</p>
<p>This is your Bears vs 49ers 1st Quarter Open Thread... Have fun!</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/12/6/9856888/chicago-bears-vs-san-francisco-49ers-1st-quarter-open-threadDane Noble