2011 Chicago Bears season

2011 Chicago Bears season
Head coach Lovie Smith
General manager Jerry Angelo
Owner The McCaskey Family
Home field Soldier Field
Results
Record 8–8
Division place 3rd NFC North
Playoff finish did not qualify
Pro Bowlers Matt Forte, RB
Lance Briggs, OLB
Brian Urlacher, MLB
Charles Tillman, CB
Corey Graham, CB
AP All-Pros Devin Hester, PR/KR (2nd team)

The 2011 Chicago Bears season was the franchise's 92nd overall season in the National Football League, and the 8th under head coach Lovie Smith. The Bears, defending NFC North Division champions, attempted a return to the playoffs after falling in the NFC Championship Game to their arch-rivals the Green Bay Packers. The club was scheduled to partake in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game but due to the lockout, the game was cancelled. The Bears traveled to Wembley Stadium in London to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL International Series and played the Packers on Christmas Day evening in the only scheduled game on that day.[1] The Bears finished the season with an 8–8 record and did not qualify for the playoffs to date.

Offseason

Main article: 2011 NFL lockout

After the 2010 season ended, the NFL entered its longest work stoppage in history. The lockout began after a failure to reach an agreement between the owners and the union in early March. Both sides agreed to extend the deadline another week.[2] However, the talks broke down and the union officially decertified,[3] after which a group of 10 players filed an antitrust lawsuit against the league. After months of failed negations, the two sides finally reached an agreement in late July. The owners announced on July 21 that it had approved a new collective bargaining agreement by a 31–0–1 margin (the Oakland Raiders abstained). On July 25, the players association's executive board voted to approve the new collective agreement and the players voted to ratify it on August 4.[4] The delayed start to the season brought free agency and the opening of training camps to coincide. This gave clubs a short period of time to get a full roster signed before camp opened.[5]

Roster changes

Draft

Gabe Carimi
Main article: 2011 NFL Draft
2011 Chicago Bears draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 29 Gabe Carimi  OT Wisconsin
2 53 Stephen Paea  DT Oregon State
3 93 Chris Conte  FS California
5 160 Nathan Enderle  QB Idaho
6 195 J.T. Thomas  LB West Virginia
      Made roster    †   Pro Football Hall of Fame    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career
Draft Notes: Washington traded its second- (#53) round pick this selection to Chicago for Chicago's second- (#62) and fourth-round (#127) selections.[6]
The Bears forfeited their seventh-round selection, due to the use of a seventh-round selection in the 2010 Supplemental Draft.

Undrafted free agents

Following the end of the lockout, the Bears announced coming to terms with 26 undrafted free agents.[7]

Acquisitions

Departures

Free agents

Bears did not come to terms with 13 year-veteran Olin Kreutz. Kreutz would go on and sign a 2-year deal with the New Orleans Saints.[14]
Brad Maynard left the Bears and signed with the Houston Texans.[15]
Position Player Free agency
tag 		Date signed 2011 team
DT Anthony Adams UFA July 29[9] Chicago Bears
WR Devin Aromashodu UFA July 26[16] Minnesota Vikings
RB Kahlil Bell ERFA July 29[9] Chicago Bears
SS Josh Bullocks UFA August 15[17] Oakland Raiders
TE Desmond Clark UFA August 2[9] Chicago Bears
QB Todd Collins UFA — —
WR Rashied Davis UFA July 27[18] Detroit Lions
CB Corey Graham UFA July 30[9] Chicago Bears
QB Caleb Hanie RFA July 29[9] Chicago Bears
OLB Brian Iwuh UFA July 31[9] Chicago Bears
C Olin Kreutz UFA August 5[14] New Orleans Saints
SS Danieal Manning UFA July 27[19] Houston Texans
P Brad Maynard UFA August 1[15] Houston Texans
OLB Nick Roach UFA July 29[9] Chicago Bears
OLB Pisa Tinoisamoa UFA — —
G/C Edwin Williams ERFA July 29[9] Chicago Bears
OLB Rod Wilson UFA — —
RB Garrett Wolfe UFA — —
RFA: Restricted free agent, UFA: Unrestricted free agent, ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent

Trades

Coaching changes

Preseason

Training camp

The Bears held training camp once again at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. The club has held annual training camp activities at the university since 2002.[23] The franchise opened up training camp with an expanded roster of 90 players. Over the next month players competed for spots on the final roster. By August 30, the club had cut down players from 90 to 75 after the third preseason game.[24] It was though announced on August 20, the roster cuts would be changed from 75 to 80 players.[25] The franchise then had to make another round of cuts at the conclusion of the fourth preseason game on September 3. The final roster consisted of 53 players.[26] The Bears wrapped up training camp with a final public practice on August 19 before heading back to team headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois. The practice marked the end of the team's three-week training camp in Bourbonnais.[27]

Soldier Field turf issue

The club had scheduled an evening practice at Soldier Field in front of fans in an event called "Family Fest". However, the event was cancelled hours before the event was scheduled to begin due to the unsafe playing conditions at Soldier Field.[33] This is not the first incident related to the playing surface at the stadium. Brian Urlacher and other players have called for the surface to be changed from natural grass to artificial FieldTurf.[34] Chicago's mayor Rahm Emanuel has called on the Chicago Park District to find a permanent solution to the decades-old turf battle at the venue.[35] However, Bears chairman George McCaskey has stated on record that the playing surface at Soldier Field will not change from grass to an artificial surface. McCaskey cited fewer injuries occur on natural grass and therefore believes the natural grass surface prolongs players' careers. He did admit a poorly maintained grass surface is unacceptable and promised the club will take a more active role in maintaining the playing surface so the field can be for home games.[36][37] In Week 13, the field was resodded for the Bears-Chiefs game.

Schedule

Even though the league was in the midst of the lockout, the NFL announced the Bears' preseason schedule on April 12, 2011. The schedule contained the traditional four opponents and a fifth game to be played during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2011 induction weekend.[38] The first scheduled preseason game for the Bears was to be the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the St. Louis Rams. However, with the lockout lingering into late July resulting in a delayed start to training camp, the NFL cancelled the game.[39] The Bears won their first preseason game defeating the Buffalo Bills 10–3.[40] The offensive line struggled in the game while giving up nine sacks over the course of the game.[41] The Bears continued their preseason campaign with a visit to New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey to take on the New York Giants. The offensive line improved in the game by allowing only one sack of Cutler compared to the nine they gave up in a game last year.[42] Cutler even joked about the experience by responding "Yeah, upright" to the question asked to him if this game against the Giants felt any different than last year's debacle.[42] Cutler did express pleasure with the performance of the two young tackles, Webb and Carimi, when asked to assess their performance during preseason.[42] The team did however fail to score twice inside the red zone in the 1st half against the Giants in a 41–13 loss.[43] The game also saw the Bears had a punt blocked by the Giants and newly signed WR Roy Williams drop the first two passes thrown to him in his Bears career.[44][45] In the third game, the Bears's first team offense showed more effectiveness than in previous games. The offensive starters racked up 239 yards in the first half.[46] The team wrapped up the preseason season against the Browns by sitting out many key starters with instead going with various second-, third-, and even fourth-stringers in a very warm and humid night in Chicago.[47][48] On September 4, a day after rosters were trimmed down to 53 men, the Bears signed former first-round draft pick and two-time Pro Bowler safety Brandon Meriweather, who was released by the New England Patriots the previous day.[30] In response to adding Meriweather, the Bears released corner back Joshua Moore to keep the roster at 53 men.[29]

Week Date Kickoff (CDT) Opponent Results Game site TV NFL.com
GameBook 		NFL.com
Recap
Final score Team record
HOF August 7 7:00 p.m. vs. St. Louis Rams Cancelled due to the 2011 NFL Lockout[39]
1 August 13 7:00 p.m. Buffalo Bills W 10–3 1–0 Soldier Field WFLD[lower-alpha 1] Gamebook Recap
2 August 22 7:00 p.m. at New York Giants L 13–41 1–1 New Meadowlands Stadium ESPN[lower-alpha 2] Gamebook Recap
3 August 27 7:00 p.m. at Tennessee Titans L 13–14 1–2 LP Field WFLD[lower-alpha 1] Gamebook Recap
4 September 1 7:00 p.m. Cleveland Browns W 24–14 2–2 Soldier Field WFLD[lower-alpha 1] Gamebook Recap

Regular season

Season summary

Schedule

The Bears' regular season schedule was announced on April 19, 2011.[51] One day earlier (April 18), the NFL announced that the Bears will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the International Series at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on October 23.[52]

Week Date Kickoff Opponent Results Game site TV NFL.com
GameBook 		NFL.com
Recap
Final score Team record
1 September 11 12:00 p.m. Atlanta Falcons§ W 30–12 1–0 Soldier Field Fox Gamebook Recap
2 September 18 12:00 p.m. at New Orleans Saints§ L 13–30 1–1 Louisiana Superdome Fox Gamebook Recap
3 September 25 3:15 p.m. Green Bay Packers† L 17–27 1–2 Soldier Field Fox Gamebook Recap
4 October 2 12:00 p.m. Carolina Panthers§ W 34–29 2–2 Soldier Field Fox Gamebook Recap
5 October 10 7:30 p.m. at Detroit Lions† L 13–24 2–3 Ford Field ESPN Gamebook Recap
6 October 16 7:20 p.m. Minnesota Vikings† W 39–10 3–3 Soldier Field NBC Gamebook Recap
7 October 23 12:00 p.m. at Tampa Bay Buccaneers§ W 24–18 4–3 Wembley Stadium (London)^ Fox Gamebook Recap
8 Bye
9 November 7 7:30 p.m. at Philadelphia Eagles§ W 30–24 5–3 Lincoln Financial Field ESPN Gamebook Recap
10 November 13 3:15 p.m.[53] Detroit Lions† W 37–13 6–3 Soldier Field Fox Gamebook Recap
11 November 20 3:15 p.m. San Diego Chargers≈ W 31–20 7–3 Soldier Field CBS Gamebook Recap
12 November 27 3:05 p.m. at Oakland Raiders≈ L 20–25 7–4 O.co Coliseum Fox Gamebook Recap
13 December 4 12:00 p.m. Kansas City Chiefs≈ L 3–10 7–5 Soldier Field CBS Gamebook Recap
14 December 11 3:05 p.m. at Denver Broncos≈ L 10–13 (OT) 7–6 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Fox Gamebook Recap
15 December 18 12:00 p.m. Seattle Seahawks§ L 14–38 7–7 Soldier Field Fox Gamebook Recap
16 December 25‡ 7:20 p.m. at Green Bay Packers† L 21–35 7–8 Lambeau Field NBC Gamebook Recap
17 January 1 12:00 p.m. at Minnesota Vikings† W 17–13 8–8 Mall of America Field Fox Gamebook Recap
NOTES: All times are Central. Homes games are in Bold text.

LEGEND:

 #  Games played with color uniforms.
 #  Games played with white uniforms.
 #  Games played with alternate uniforms.[54]
 –  Light green background indicates a victory.
 –  Light red background indicates a loss.
 †  Games against division opponents.
 §  Games against intra-conference non-division opponents.
 ≈  Games against inter-conference opponents.
 ^  Red/White (Blue border) indicates the International Series game in London.
 ‡  Green/White (Red border) indicates a Christmas Day football game.

Standings

NFC North
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(1) Green Bay Packers 15 1 0 .938 6–0 12–0 560 359 W2
(6) Detroit Lions 10 6 0 .625 3–3 6–6 474 397 L1
Chicago Bears 8 8 0 .500 3–3 7–5 353 341 W1
Minnesota Vikings 3 13 0 .188 0–6 3–9 340 449 L1

Game-by-game summaries

Week 1: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week One: Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Falcons 3 0 3612
Bears 10 6 14030

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Leading Passers
Leading Rushers
Leading Receivers
Leading Tacklers

The Bears opened up the season against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field. The Falcons were the top-seeded NFC team in 2010, and were picked by many to be a Super Bowl contender. The Bears dominated the game against the Falcons, forcing 2 turnovers, and battering quarterback Matt Ryan for five sacks. Brian Urlacher recorded an interception and returned a fumble for a touchdown resulting in Urlacher being named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week. Defensive end Julius Peppers recorded two sacks and forced a fumble. Jay Cutler in his first game since the criticism of the NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers, had a solid performance throwing for 312 yards and 2 touchdowns. Cutler did have a pass tipped in the fourth quarter that was returned for an interception by Kroy Biermann. Falcons running back Michael Turner finished with 100 yards on 10 carries, but 53 came on one dash and the low carry total is what mattered. Ryan was forced to throw 47 times as the Bears made the Falcons one-dimensional by getting out to a 16–3 halftime lead.[55][56]

The victory places the Bears at 1–0.

Week 2: at New Orleans Saints

Week Two: Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bears 7 3 3013
Saints 3 13 7730

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • NO – Devery Henderson 79 yd. TD reception from Drew Brees, J.Kasay XP Good (NO 10-7)
  • NO – John Kasay 29 yd. Field Goal, (NO 13-7)
  • NO – John Kasay 53 yd. Field Goal, (NO 16-7)
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 42 yd. Field Goal, (NO 16-10)
Third quarter
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 38 yd. Field Goal (NO 16-13)
  • NO – Robert Meachem 4 yd. TD reception from Drew Brees, J.Kasay XP Good (NO 23-13)
Fourth quarter
  • NO – Darren Sproles 12 yd. TD reception from Drew Brees, J. Kasay XP Good (NO 30-13)
Leading Passers
  • CHI – Jay Cutler 19/45, 244 yards, 1 TD
  • NO – Drew Brees 26/37, 270 yards, 3 TDs
Leading Rushers
  • CHI – Matt Forte 10 attempts, 49 yards
  • NO – Mark Ingram 14 attempts, 51 yards
Leading Receivers
  • CHI – Matt Forte 10 receptions, 117 yards
  • NO – Darren Sproles 8 receptions, 43 yards
Leading Tacklers

During the game, three Bears players fell to injury; Bears rookie Gabe Carimi was lost for the season with a knee injury, receiver Earl Bennett was lost for a few weeks, and safety Major Wright sustained a head injury after colliding with Saints tight end Jimmy Graham. The Bears were only able to muster one takeaway by cornerback Charles Tillman, who stripped the ball from Mark Ingram and recovered at the Bears 9-yard line. Saints quarterback Drew Brees' 79-yard touchdown pass to Devery Henderson was the longest that the Bears allowed since 2008 against the Vikings. The Bears had also been able to convert only 2 of 12 third down attempts, compared to New Orleans, who converted 8 of 17.[57]

With the loss, Chicago fell to 1–1.

In 2012, the Bears were considered as one of the possible targets of the Saints bounty program because of the injuries to Carimi and Wright, and Jay Cutler was sacked 6 times, and was kicked in the throat. Later in the game, Bears offensive tackle Frank Omiyale pulled a Saints defender of Cutler after what Omiyale called "some dirty stuff"."[58]

Week 3: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week Three: Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Packers 7 10 3727
Bears 0 10 0717

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: September 25, 2011
  • Game time: 4:15 p.m. EDT/3:15 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 56 °F, Clear
  • Game attendance: 62,339
  • Referee: Mike Carey
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Pam Oliver
  • Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • GB – Jermichael Finley 7 yd. TD reception from Aaron Rodgers, M.Crosby XP Good, (GB 14–0)
  • CHI – Dane Sanzenbacher 4 yd. TD reception from Jay Cutler, R. Gould XP Good, (GB 14–7)
  • GB – Mason Crosby 37 yd. Field Goal, (GB 17–7)
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 25 yd. Field Goal, (GB 17–10)
Third quarter
  • GB – Mason Crosby 28 yd. Field Goal, (GB 20–10)
Fourth quarter
  • GB – Jermichael Finley 10 yd. TD reception from Aaron Rodgers, M. Crosby XP Good, (GB 27–10)
  • CHI – Kellen Davis 32 yd. TD reception from Jay Cutler, R. Gould XP Good, (GB 27–17)
Leading Passers
  • GB – Aaron Rodgers 28/38, 297 yards, 3 TDs, INT
  • CHI – Jay Cutler 21/37, 302 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
Leading Rushers
  • GB – Ryan Grant 17 attempts, 92 yards
  • CHI – Jay Cutler 3 attempts, 11 yards
Leading Receivers
Leading Tacklers

Against their hated rivals, the Bears seemed lost for much of the game, allowing Aaron Rodgers to throw three touchdown passes to tight end Jermichael Finley, and the Bears running game was only able to collect 13 yards. Though Jay Cutler threw for 302 yards, two touchdowns, and a 78.9 passer rating, he was also intercepted twice by Morgan Burnett, and was sacked three times. After the Packers led 14–0 in the first quarter, Cutler would find rookie Dane Sanzenbacher on a 4-yard touchdown pass. After Mason Crosby made a field goal, the Bears would score on Robbie Gould's 25-yard field goal. The Packers would then score ten more points. After Cutler was intercepted, Lance Briggs would strip James Starks, and Julius Peppers would recover the loose ball. Cutler would then hit Kellen Davis on a 32-yard touchdown pass, but would fail to score for the rest of the game.[59] The Bears would have narrowed the score to three points on a trick play, but was nullified by a penalty. On a punt late in the game, Devin Hester drifted to the left with blockers covering him, giving them the impression that Hester will return, but the punt was actually heading towards Johnny Knox, who returned the punt 89 yards for a touchdown. However, the play would be nullified after cornerback Corey Graham was penalized for holding.[60]

The loss gave the Bears a 1–2 record.

Week 4: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week Four: Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Panthers 3 17 0929
Bears 10 14 01034

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

Game information

First quarter
  • CAR – Olindo Mare 29 yd. Field Goal, (CAR 3–0)
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 20 yd. Field Goal, (Tie 3–3)
  • CHI – D.J. Moore 20 yd. INT return for TD, R. Gould XP Good, (CHI 10–3)
Second quarter
  • CAR – Cam Newton 1 yd. TD run, O. Mare XP Good, (Tie 10–10)
  • CHI – Matt Forte 17 yd. TD run, R. Gould XP Good, (CHI 17–10)
  • CHI – Devin Hester 69 yd. punt return for TD, R. Gould XP Good, (CHI 24–10)
  • CAR – Cam Newton 2 yd. TD run, R. Gould XP Good, (CHI 24–17)
  • CAR – Olindo Mare 39 yd. Field Goal, (CHI 24–20)
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
  • CAR – Olindo Mare 38 yd. Field Goal, (CHI 24–23)
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 24 yd. Field Goal, (CHI 27–23)
  • CHI – Marion Barber 3 yd. TD run, (CHI 34–23)
  • CAR – Greg Olsen 3 yd. TD reception from Cam Newton, 2 pt. failed, (CHI 34–29)
Leading Passers
  • CAR – Cam Newton 27/46, 374 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
  • CHI – Jay Cutler 9/17, 102 yards, 1 INT
Leading Rushers
  • CAR – DeAngelo Williams 10 attempts, 82 yards
  • CHI – Matt Forte 25 attempts, 205 yards, 1 TD
Leading Receivers
Leading Tacklers

Against former defensive coordinator Ron Rivera and tight end Greg Olsen,[61] the Bears scored touchdowns on all three phases (offense, defense, special teams). Matt Forte, who was only able to record two yards the week before, recorded 205 yards against Carolina, as well as a 17-yard touchdown run. Though the Bears defense was able to keep Carolina from converting only 2 of 12 third down attempts, and D. J. Moore was able to pick off Cam Newton, the defense did not record a sack, and allowed 547 yards. Devin Hester also returned a punt 69 yards for a touchdown, which broke the all-time punt return touchdown record.[62] Hester would also return a kickoff 73 yards. However, Newton completed 27 of 46 passes for 374 yards, 1 touchdown and an 83.1 passer rating while also rushing for 35 yards and two TDs on eight carries, and the score was 34–29 late in the game when Newton connected with Olsen with :04 left in the game. The Panthers attempted to kick an onside kick, but Hester would recover the kick and give Chicago the victory.[63]

The victory gave Chicago a 2–2 record.

Week 5: at Detroit Lions

Week Five: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bears 0 10 0313
Lions 0 7 14324

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

First quarter

No Scoring

Second quarter
Third quarter
  • DET – Brandon Pettigrew 18 yd. TD reception from Matthew Stafford, J.Hanson XP Good (DET 14–10)
  • DET – Jahvid Best 88 yd. TD run, J. Hanson XP Good, (DET 21–10)
Fourth quarter
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 49 yd. Field Goal, (DET 21–13)
  • DET – Jason Hanson 31 yd. Field Goal, (DET 24–13)
Top passers
  • CHI – Jay Cutler – 28/38, 249 yards, 1 touchdown
  • DET – Matthew Stafford – 19/26, 219 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
Top rushers
  • CHI – Matt Forté – 22 carries, 116 yards
  • DET – Jahvid Best – 12 carries, 163 yards, 1 touchdown
Top receivers
  • CHI – Dane Sanzenbacher – 6 receptions, 64 yards
  • DET – Calvin Johnson – 5 receptions, 130 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers
  • CHI – Lance Briggs – 5 tackles, 4 assists
  • DET – DeAndre Levy – 9 tackles, 4 assists

Coming off their home win over the Panthers, the Bears flew to Ford Field for a Week 5 Monday Night duel with their NFC North foe, the Detroit Lions. After a scoreless first quarter, Chicago trailed in the second quarter with Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford completing a 73-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Calvin Johnson. The Bears would answer with a 44-yard field goal from kicker Robbie Gould, followed by quarterback Jay Cutler finding tight end Kellen Davis on a 9-yard touchdown pass.

Detroit responded in the third quarter with Stafford completing an 18-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brandon Pettigrew, followed by running back Jahvid Best getting an 88-yard touchdown run. Chicago tried to rally in the fourth quarter with a 49-yard field goal from Gould, but the Lions pulled away with kicker Jason Hanson nailing a 31-yard field goal.

With the loss, the Bears fell to 2–3.

Week 6: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Week Six: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 3 7010
Bears 16 10 10339

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

Game information

First quarter
  • CHI – Devin Hester 48 yd. pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 7–0
  • CHI – Donovan McNabb sacked in end zone by Stephan Paea for a Safety. CHI 9–0
  • CHI – Marion Barber 3 yd. run (Gould kick) CHI 16–0
Second quarter
  • MIN – Ryan Longwell 37 yd. Field Goal CHI 16–3
  • CHI – Dane Sanzenbacher 13 yd. pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 23–3
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 51 yd. Field Goal CHI 26–3
Third quarter
  • MIN – Adrian Peterson 4 yd. run (Ryan Longwell kick) CHI 26–10
  • CHI – Devin Hester 98 yd. kickoff return (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 33–10
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 26 yd. Field Goal CHI 36–10
Fourth quarter
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 22 yd. Field Goal CHI 39–10
Leading Passers
  • MIN – Dovovan McNabb – 19/24, 177 yards
  • CHI – Jay Cutler – 21/31, 267 yards, 2 touchdowns
Leading Rushers
  • MIN – Adrian Peterson – 12 carries, 39 yards
  • CHI – Matt Forte – 17 carries, 87 yards
Leading Receivers
  • MIN – Percy Harvin – 7 receptions, 78 yards
  • CHI – Matt Forte – 6 receptions, 36 yards
Leading Tacklers
  • MIN – Erin Henderson – 8 tackles
  • CHI – Charles Tillman – 10 tackles, 1 assist

On Sunday night, the Bears would once again score on all three phases. The offensive line improved,[64] allowing Jay Cutler to be sacked only once. Cutler would complete 21 of 31 passes for 267 yards with two touchdowns and a 115.9 passer rating. On the Bears opening possession, Cutler would fire a 48-yard touchdown pass to Devin Hester; it was the first time that the Bears scored a touchdown on the opening drive. Making his NFL debut, Stephen Paea sacked Donovan McNabb in the end zone for a safety, increasing the score to 9–0. Marion Barber would then score on a 3-yard run. Ryan Longwell would then kick a 37-yard field goal to make the score 16–3, but Cutler's 18-yard pass to Dane Sanzenbacher and Robbie Gould's 51-yard field goal increased the lead to 26–3. In the second half, Vikings defensive end Jared Allen would then force a fumble, and Adrian Peterson would then score, making the score 26–10, but Devin Hester would then return a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown to increase the lead to 33–10.[65] Gould would then kick two field goals to end the game at 39–10. The Bears defense would record five sacks, including two by Julius Peppers, who started the game despite being listed as "Doubtful" due to a sprained knee. The defense would limit Peterson to just 39 yards, the lowest he recorded against the Bears.[66]

With the win, the Bears improved to 3–3.

Week 7: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (London, England)

Week Seven: Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bears 7 7 7324
Buccaneers 2 3 01318

at Wembley Stadium, London, England (NFL International Series)

  • Date: October 23, 2011
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. BST/12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 62 °F (Clear)
  • Game attendance: 76,981
  • Referee: Tony Corrente
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, and Tony Siragusa
  • Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
  • CHI – Matt Forte 32 yd. run (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 7–0
  • TB – Ronde Barber tackled Matt Forte in the end zone for a safety CHI 7–2
Second quarter
  • CHI – Roy Williams 25 yd. pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 14–2
  • TB – Connor Barth 33 yd. Field Goal CHI 14–5
Third quarter
  • CHI – Marion Barber 12 yd. run (Robbie Gould kick) CHI 21–5
Fourth quarter
  • TB – Kellen Winslow 2 yd. pass from Josh Freeman (Pass Failed) CHI 21–11
  • TB – Dezmon Briscoe 24 yd. pass from Josh Freeman (Connor Barth kick) CHI 21–18
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 25 yd. Field Goal CHI 24–18
Top passers
  • CHI – Cutler – 17/32, 226 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
  • TB – Josh Freeman – 29/51, 264 yards, 2 touchdowns, 4 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

In the team's first international game since the 1997 American Bowl, the Bears traveled to London to take on the Buccaneers. The Bears struck first when Matt Forte scored on a 32-yard touchdown. However, Tampa Bay would then strike back when Ronde Barber tackled Forte in his own end zone for a safety. Jay Cutler would then hit Roy Williams for a 25-yard touchdown, and Tampa Bay would then score on a Connor Barth field goal. In the third quarter, Marion Barber would score on a 12-yard run. In the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay would attempt to fight back and scored 2 touchdowns, but a Robbie Gould field goal and a D. J. Moore interception would then put the game away.[67]

Chicago improved to 4–3 with the win.

Week 8: Bye

After the game across the Atlantic, the Bears would have a bye week upon their return to the United States.

Week 9: at Philadelphia Eagles

Week Nine: Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bears 7 10 31030
Eagles 0 10 14024

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Date: November 7, 2011
  • Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST/7:30 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 51 °F, Clear
  • Game attendance: 69,144
  • Referee: Scott Green
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden, Suzy Kolber, and Rachel Nichols
  • Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 51 yd. Field Goal, (CHI 10–0)
  • PHI – Alex Henery 47 yd. Field Goal, (CHI 10–3)
  • PHI – Matt Forté fumble, Brian Rolle 22 yd. TD recovered fumble return, A. Henery XP good, (Tied 10–10)
  • CHI – Marion Barber 2 yd. TD run, R. Gould XP Good, (CHI 17–10)
Third quarter
  • PHI – Ronnie Brown 4 yd. TD run, A. Henery XP Good, (Tied 17–17)
  • PHI – LeSean McCoy 33 yd. TD run, A. Henery XP Good, (PHI 24–17)
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 38 yd. Field Goal, (PHI 24–20)
Fourth quarter
  • CHI – Earl Bennett 5 yd. TD reception from Jay Cutler, R. Gould XP Good (CHI 27–24)
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 22 yd. Field Goal, (CHI 30–24)
Leading Passers
  • CHI – Jay Cutler – 18/32, 208 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • PHI – Michael Vick – 21/38, 213 yards, 1 interception
Leading Rushers
  • CHI – Matt Forte – 24 carries, 113 yards
  • PHI – LeSean McCoy – 16 carries, 71 yards
Leading Receivers
  • CHI – Earl Bennett – 5 receptions, 95 yards, 1 touchdown
  • PHI – Brent Celek – 7 receptions, 60 yards
Leading Tacklers
  • CHI – Brian Urlacher – 10 tackles, 1 assist
  • PHI – Kurt Coleman – 10 tackles, 2 assist

Coming off their bye week, the Bears flew to Lincoln Financial Field for a Week 9 Monday night duel with the Philadelphia Eagles. Chicago delivered the game's opening punch in the first quarter as quarterback Jay Cutler found tight end Matt Spaeth on a 5-yard touchdown pass. The Bears added onto their lead in the second quarter with a 51-yard field goal from kicker Robbie Gould. The Eagles would answer with kicker Alex Henery getting a 47-yard field goal, followed by linebacker Brian Rolle returned a fumble 22 yards for a touchdown, yet Chicago closed out the half with a 2-yard touchdown run from running back Marion Barber.

Philadelphia took the lead in the third quarter with running back Ronnie Brown getting a 4-yard touchdown run, followed by running back LeSean McCoy getting a 33-yard touchdown run. The Bears replied with a 38-yard field goal from Gould. Afterwards, Chicago regained the lead in the fourth quarter with Cutler connecting with wide receiver Earl Bennett on a 5-yard touchdown pass. On the Eagles possession, punter Chas Henry attempted to pass to Colt Anderson on a fake punt, which fell short.[68] Gould would then make a 22-yard field goal. The Eagles tried to rally, but the Bears defense would hold on for the victory.[69]

With the win, Chicago improved to 5–3.

Week 10: vs. Detroit Lions

Week Ten: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 0 6 0713
Bears 10 10 17037

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: November 13, 2011
  • Game time: 4:15 p.m. EST/3:15 p.m. CST[53]
  • Game weather: 69 °F, Cloudy
  • Game attendance: 62,396
  • Referee: Pete Morelli
  • TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick, and Laura Okmin
  • Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
  • CHI – Matt Forte 6-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 7–0,, Drive: 4 plays, 30 yards, 1:41.
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 43-yard field goal, Bears 10–0, Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 3:36.
Second quarter
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 35-yard field goal, Bears 13–0, Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 2:44.
  • CHI – Devin Hester 82-yard punt return (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 20–0, Drive: 1 play, 82 yards, 0:00.
  • DET – Jason Hanson 29-yard field goal, Bears 20–3, Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 0:49.
  • DET – Jason Hanson 35-yard field goal, Bears 20–6, Drive: 14 plays, 48 yards, 5:25.
Third quarter
  • CHI – Major Wright 24-yard interception return (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 27–6, Drive: 1 play 24 yards, 0:00.
  • CHI – Charles Tillman 44-yard interception return (Robbie Gould kick), Bears 34–6, Drive: 1 play, 44 yards, 0:00.
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 50-yard field goal, Bears 37–6, Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2;33.
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • DET – Matthew Stafford – 33/63, 323 yards, 1 touchdown, 4 interceptions
  • CHI – Jay Cutler – 9/19, 123 yards
Top rushers
  • DET – Maurice Morris – 10 carries, 44 yards
  • CHI – Matt Forte – 18 carries, 64 yards, 1 touchdown
Top receivers
  • DET – Nate Burleson – 8 receptions, 33 yards
  • CHI – Earl Bennett – 6 receptions, 81 yards
Top tacklers
  • DET – Stephen Tulloch – 7 tackles
  • CHI – Tim Jennings – 9 tackles, 1 assist

The Bears made up for their Week 5 loss against the Lions by forcing six turnovers, and led 20–6 at halftime. Early in the third quarter, Major Wright and Charles Tillman returned interceptions of 24 and 44 yards, respectively, for touchdowns in a 1:52 span. This game was the first time the Bears returned two interceptions for touchdowns since the 1993 season, where they defeated Brett Favre's Packers 30–17.[70] Tillman had a career game against Lions receiver Calvin Johnson, who led the NFL in touchdown receptions at the time. Tillman allowed Johnson to catch only seven out of 19 passes that were thrown his way.[71]

During the game, Bears nickelback D. J. Moore was ejected from the game after fighting with Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, who had pulled Moore down by his helmet during Tim Jennings' interception return. The incident would eventually lead to a brawl between the two teams, and chanting from the crowd.[71]

Chicago became 6–3 with the win.

Week 11: vs. San Diego Chargers

Week Eleven: San Diego Chargers at Chicago Bears – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Chargers 3 7 7320
Bears 3 14 14031

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Leading Passers
  • SD –
  • CHI –
Leading Rushers
  • SD –
  • CHI –
Leading Receivers
  • SD –
  • CHI –
Leading Tacklers
  • SD –
  • CHI –

The Chargers struck first on a Nick Novak 28-yard field goal, but Robbie Gould's 42-yard field goal and Marion Barber's 1-yard touchdown run gave the Bears a 10–3 lead. Philip Rivers would then find Antonio Gates on an 8-yard pass, but Jay Cutler and Kellen Davis would connect to give the Bears the lead in the second quarter. In the third quarter, Rivers would find Vincent Jackson to tie the game, but Cutler would then score two more touchdowns on a one-yard run, and Charles Tillman would force a Ryan Mathews fumble. Cutler would then throw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Johnny Knox to make the score 31–17. Novak would then score on a 48-yard field goal to end the game with a Bears 31–20 victory. Cutler passed for two touchdowns and ran for a third. He also completed 18 of 31 attempts for 286 yards and a 97.0 passer rating.[72]

However, Cutler would break his thumb when he was attempting to tackle Antoine Cason early in the fourth quarter, who had intercepted his pass. The injury would end his season.[73]

Despite Cutler's injury, the Bears would improve to 7–3.

Week 12: at Oakland Raiders

Week Twelve: Chicago Bears at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bears 0 7 01320
Raiders 6 6 6725

at O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: November 27, 2011
  • Game time: 3:05 p.m. CST/1:05 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 59 °F (Partly Cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 59,244
  • Referee: Ron Winter
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, and Tony Siragusa
  • Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
  • OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 40 yd. Field Goal (OAK 3–0)
  • OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 47 yd. Field Goal (OAK 6–0)
Second quarter
  • CHI – Johnny Knox 29 yd. pass from Caleb Hanie (Robbie Gould kick) (CHI 7–6)
  • OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 42 yd. Field Goal (OAK 9–7)
  • OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 19 yd. Field Goal OAK 12–7
Third quarter
  • OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 37 yd. Field Goal (OAK 15–7)
  • OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 44 yd. Field Goal (OAK 18–7)
Fourth quarter
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 50 yd. Field Goal (OAK 18–10)
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 53 yd. Field Goal (OAK 18–13)
  • OAK – Michael Bush 3 yd. run (Sebastian Janikowski kick) (OAK 25–13)
  • CHI – Kellen Davis 9 yd. pass from Caleb Hanie (Robbie Gould kick) (OAK 25–20)
Leading Passers
  • CHI – Caleb Hanie – 18/36, 254 yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 interceptions
  • OAK – Carson Palmer – 21/37, 301 yards, 1 interception
Leading Rushers
  • CHI – Marion Barber – 10 carries, 63 yards
  • OAK – Michael Bush – 24 carries, 69 yards
Leading Receivers
  • CHI – Matt Forte – 6 receptions, 25 yards
  • OAK – Marcel Reece – 5 receptions, 92 yards
Leading Tacklers
  • CHI – Lance Briggs – 6 tackles
  • OAK – Tyvon Branch – 8 tackles

In Caleb Hanie's first NFL start, he threw three interceptions in the first half, but was able to rally by completing 18 of 36 passes for 254 yards, two touchdowns and a 56.9 passer rating.[74] However, Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski's six field goals would put the game away.[75] Late in the fourth quarter, with the Bears down 25–20, Hanie attempted to rally the Bears from their own 4-yard line. When the Bears reached their own 46-yard line with less than ten seconds in the game, Hanie dropped back and looked around as if he was going to throw before spiking, drawing an intentional grounding penalty. Since intentional grounding penalties have a ten-second runoff, the game ended in defeat for Chicago.[76]

The loss would put Chicago at 7–4.

Week 13: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week Thirteen: Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Chiefs 0 7 3010
Bears 0 3 003

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: December 4, 2011
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 46 °F, Cloudy, wind gusts to 26 mph, temps to

    mid 40's

  • Game attendance: 61,973
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots
Game information

First quarter

No Scoring

Second quarter
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 32 yd. Field Goal (CHI 3–0)
  • KC – Dexter McCluster 38 yd. pass from Tyler Palko (KC 7–3)
Third quarter
  • KC – Ryan Succop 21 yd. Field Goal (KC 10–3)
Fourth quarter

No Scoring
Leading Passers
  • KC – Tyler Palko – 17/30, 157 yards, 1 touchdown
  • CHI – Caleb Hanie – 11/24, 133 yards, 3 interceptions
Leading Rushers
  • KC – Dexter McCluster – 9 carries, 61 yards
  • CHI – Marion Barber – 14 carries, 44 yards
Leading Receivers
  • KC – Steve Breaston – 5 receptions, 41 yards
  • CHI – Johnny Knox – 5 receptions, 53 yards
Leading Tacklers
  • KC – Derrick Johnson – 7 tackles, 1 assist
  • CHI – Craig Steltz – 9 tackles, 1 assist

The Bears ended up losing another player for the season when they lost Matt Forté after he sprained his knee.[77] The Chiefs would score the game-winning touchdown on a Hail Mary when Tyler Palko's pass was batted down by Brian Urlacher and Chris Conte, but the ball would land in Dexter McCluster's hands.[78]

The Bears fell to 7–5 with the loss.

Week 14: at Denver Broncos

Week Fourteen: Chicago Bears at Denver Broncos – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Bears 0 0 73010
Broncos 0 0 010313

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: December 11, 2011
  • Game time: 3:05 p.m. CST/2:05 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 50 °F (Sunny)
  • Game attendance: 76,487
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, and Tony Siragusa
Game information

First quarter

No Scoring

Second quarter

No Scoring

Third quarter
  • CHI – Marion Barber 9 yd. run (Robbie Gould kick) (CHI 7–0)
Fourth quarter
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 57 yd. Field Goal (CHI 10–0)
  • DEN – Demaryius Thomas 10 yd. pass from Tim Tebow (Matt Prater kick) (CHI 10–7)
  • DEN – Matt Prater 59 yd. Field Goal (Tied 10–10)
Overtime
  • DEN – Matt Prater 51 yd. Field Goal (DEN 13–10)
Leading Passers
  • CHI – Caleb Hanie – 12/19, 115 yards
  • DEN – Tim Tebow – 21/40, 236 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
Leading Rushers
  • CHI – Marion Barber – 27 carries, 108 yards
  • DEN – Tim Tebow – 12 carries, 49 yards
Leading Receivers
  • CHI – Kahlil Bell – 5 receptions, 24 yards
  • DEN – Demaryius Thomas – 7 receptions, 78 yards, 1 touchdown
Leading Tacklers
  • CHI – Brian Urlacher – 10 tackles, 1 assist
  • DEN – D.J. Williams – 9 tackles

Against Tim Tebow and the Broncos, the two teams would be in a 0–0 deadlock in the first half, though the Broncos would nearly score in the second quarter on a 28-yard field goal, which would then be blocked by Julius Peppers. The Bears would then score 10 points on Marion Barber's 9-yard touchdown run, and Robbie Gould's team record-breaking 57-yard field goal, but Tebow's touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas and Matt Prater's 59-yard field goal would tie the game. Barber would commit two costly mistakes during the late portion of the game. In the fourth quarter, Barber would run out of bounds with 1:55 left, and Barber would also fumble in overtime. The Broncos would then move downfield and kick a game-winning field goal.[79]

The overtime loss dropped Chicago to 7–6.

Week 15: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week Fifteen: Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Seahawks 7 0 171438
Bears 7 7 0014

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

Game information

First quarter
  • SEA – Marshawn Lynch 2 yd. run (Steven Hauschka kick) (SEA 7–0)
  • CHI – Israel Idonije fumble recovery in the end zone (Robbie Gould kick) (Tied 7–7)
Second quarter
  • CHI – Kahlil Bell 25 yd. pass from Caleb Hanie (Robbie Gould kick) (CHI 14–7)
Third quarter
  • SEA – Marshawn Lynch 3 yd. run (Steven Hauschka kick) (Tied 14–14)
  • SEA – Red Bryant 20 yd. interception return (Steven Hauschka kick) (SEA 21–14)
  • SEA – Steven Hauschka 33 yd. Field Goal (SEA 24–14)
Fourth quarter
  • SEA – Michael Robinson 2 yd. pass from Tarvaris Jackson (Steven Hauschka kick) (SEA 31–14)
  • SEA – Brandon Browner 42 yd. interception return (Steven Hauschka kick) (SEA 38–14)
Leading Passers
  • SEA – Tarvaris Jackson – 19/31, 227 yards, 1 touchdown
  • CHI – Caleb Hanie – 10/23, 111 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 interceptions
Leading Rushers
  • SEA – Justin Forsett – 20 carries, 42 yards
  • CHI – Kahlil Bell – 15 carries, 65 yards
Leading Receivers
  • SEA – Golden Tate – 4 receptions, 61 yards
  • CHI – Kahlil Bell – 5 receptions, 43 yards
Leading Tacklers
  • SEA – K.J. Wright – 8 tackles
  • CHI – Craig Steltz – 5 tackles, 3 assists

The Bears received a scare in the Seahawks game when wide receiver Johnny Knox bent his back awkwardly after taking a hit on Seahawk's defensive end Anthony Hargrove while trying to recover his own fumble. Knox remained down for nearly ten minutes leaving Bears fans in shock.[80] The major hit ended the receiver's season, and he was placed on injured reserve. In the game, the Bears would lead 14–7 in the first half, but would end in disaster when they were outscored 31–0 in the second half including two defensive touchdowns. First, Hanie threw a pass that was intercepted by the Seahawks Red Bryant and he returned it 20 yards for a touchdown. The second one which Hanie threw was picked off by Brandon Browner and he returned it 42 yards for a touchdown. Hanie would then be benched late in the game and replaced by Josh McCown.[81]

The loss gave the Bears a .500 winning percentage and a 7–7 record.

Week 16: at Green Bay Packers (Christmas Day)

Week Sixteen: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bears 0 3 71121
Packers 7 7 14735

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

  • Date: December 25, 2011 (Christmas Day)
  • Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST/7:20 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 37°F (Cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 70,574
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, and Michele Tafoya
Game information

First quarter
  • GB – Jermichael Finley 2 yd. pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick) (GB 7–0)
Second quarter
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 35 yd. Field Goal (GB 7–3)
  • GB – James Jones 2 yd. pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick)(GB 14–3)
Third quarter
  • CHI – Edwin Williams fumble recovery in the end zone (Robbie Gould kick)(GB 14–10)
  • GB – Jordy Nelson 55 yd. pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick) (GB 21–10)
  • GB – James Jones 7 yd. pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick) (GB 28–10)
Fourth quarter
  • GB – Jordy Nelson 2 yd. pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick) (GB 35–10)
  • CHI – Kellen Davis 1 yd. pass from Josh McCown (Josh McCown run)(GB 35–18)
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 30 yd. Field Goal (GB 35–21)
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

After backup quarterback Caleb Hanie showing poor performance in his starting of 4 games that were all losses, the Bears decided to start third string quarterback Josh McCown who was recently signed after being waived by the 49ers.[82] McCown would complete 19 of 28 passes for 242 yards with one touchdown, two interceptions and a 76.8 passer rating, and wasn't sacked. He also rushed for 38 yards on eight carries. Kahlil Bell, filling in for Forte and Barber, would record 121 yards on 23 carries and caught four passes for 38 yards.[83]

The Packers would eliminate the Bears from playoff contention with a score of 35–21, and the Bears would fall to 7–8.[84]

Week 17: at Minnesota Vikings

Week Seventeen: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bears 0 14 0317
Vikings 10 3 0013

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: January 1, 2012
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 62,867
  • Referee: Mike Carey
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa
Game information

First quarter
  • MIN – Ryan Longwell 26 yd. Field Goal (MIN 3–0)
  • MIN – Percy Havin 5 yd. run (Ryan Longwell kick) (MIN 10–0)
Second quarter
  • CHI – Roy Williams 22 yd. pass from Josh McCown (Robbie Gould kick) (MIN 10–7)
  • CHI – Charles Tillman 22 yd. interception return (Robbie Gould kick) (CHI 14–10)
  • MIN – Ryan Longwell 26 yd. Field Goal (CHI 14–13)
Third quarter

No Scoring

Fourth quarter
  • CHI – Robbie Gould 27 yd. Field Goal (CHI 17–13)
Leading Passers
  • CHI – Josh McCown – 15/25, 160 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
  • MIN – Joe Webb 17/32, 200 yards, 2 interceptions
Leading Rushers
  • CHI – Kahlil Bell – 17 carries, 54 yards
  • MIN – Toby Gerhart – 15 carries, 67 yards
Leading Receivers
  • CHI – Kahlil Bell – 5 receptions, 28 yards
  • MIN – Percy Harvin – 10 receptions, 115 yards
Leading Tacklers
  • CHI – Brian Urlacher – 7 tackles, 3 assists
  • MIN – Chad Greenway – 6 tackles, 2 assists

The Bears finally snapped their five-game losing streak on New Year's Day by beating the Vikings 17–13. The Bears also suffered through another devastating injury when linebacker Brian Urlacher sprained his left MCL after colliding into safety Major Wright.[85] Vikings defensive end Jared Allen came close to breaking Michael Strahan's record for most sacks in a season, sacking Josh McCown 3½ times, and was ½ sacks away from breaking the record, but McCown was able to prevent Allen from breaking the record.[86] The Vikings scored on first on Ryan Longwell's 26-yard field goal and Percy Harvin's touchdown run, both stemming from fumbles by Earl Bennett and Kahlil Bell. However, the Bears would then score on McCown's 22-yard pass to Roy Williams and Charles Tillman's interception return for a touchdown after intercepting Christian Ponder. After Julius Peppers blocked Longwell's field goal, Cedric Griffin would intercept McCown, but the Vikings would then botch the snap on a field goal attempt. D. J. Moore would then close the game out by intercepting Joe Webb, ending the Bears season at 8–8.[87]

Statistical leaders

Regular season

Player(s) Value NFL Rank NFC Rank
Passing Yards Jay Cutler 2,319 yards 19th 9th
Passing Touchdowns Jay Cutler 13 TDs T-15th T-7th
Rushing Yards Matt Forte 985 yards 3rd 2nd
Rushing Touchdowns Marion Barber 5 TDs T-13th 7th
Receiving Yards Johnny Knox 622 yards 30th 17th
Receiving Touchdowns Kellen Davis 4 TDs T-32nd T-17th
Points Robbie Gould 100 T-5th T-4th
Kickoff Return Yards Devin Hester 519 yards 16th 9th
Punt Return Yards Devin Hester 368 yards 4th 2nd
Tackles Lance Briggs 80 T-18th T-11th
Sacks Julius Peppers 8.0 T-11th T-6th
Interceptions Brian Urlacher
D.J. Moore
Major Wright
Corey Graham 		3 INTs T-18th T-11th

stats are updated through the end of Week 12.[88]

Statistical league rankings

Stats will be added after Week 12.[89]

Awards and records

Awards

Weekly awards

Monthly awards

Records

Individual

Career

Personnel

Staff

Chicago Bears 2011 staff
Front Office

Head Coaches

Offensive Coaches

  

Defensive Coaches

  • Defensive Line – Mike Phair
  • Linebackers – Bob Babich
  • Defensive Backs – Jon Hoke
  • Assistant Defensive Backs/Safeties – Gill Byrd
  • Defensive Quality Control – Mikal Smith

Special Teams Coaches

Strength and Conditioning

Final roster

2011 Chicago Bears final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

 Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

 Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 53 Active, 11 Inactive, 7 Practice squad

Current depth chart

Current official depth chart announced by the club before the first game of the season against the Atlanta Falcons

Footnotes

  1. 1 2 3 Preseason games aired and were produced by the team as the "Chicago Bears Network". WFLD-TV in Chicago is the flagship station but games are broadcast to other local affilities in Illinois, Indiana and Iowa. These include: KFXA – Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Ch. 28); KLJB – Quad Cities, Iowa-Illinois (Ch. 18); WCCU – Champaign, Illinois (Ch. 27); WMBD – Peoria, Illinois (Ch. 31); WIFR – Rockford, Illinois (Ch. 23); WRSP – Springfield, Illinois (Ch. 55); WSBT – South Bend, Indiana (Ch. 22)[49]
  2. ↑ This game was televised locally on WLS-TV.[50]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to 2011 Chicago Bears season.
  1. ↑ "NFL to return to Wembley in October 2011". TheFA.com. Retrieved July 26, 2011.
  2. ↑ Trotter, Jim (2011-03-04). "NFL, NFLPA agree to seven-day extension in labor negotiations". SI.com. Archived from the original on 24 March 2011. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  3. ↑ Trotter, Jim (2011-03-11). "NFLPA files to decertify as a union". SI.com. Retrieved 2011-03-12.
  4. ↑ "NFL players ratify collective bargaining agreement, which includes HGH testing, sources say – ESPN". Espn.go.com. 2011-08-05. Retrieved 2011-09-22.
  5. ↑ Seligman, Andrew (26 July 2011). "NFL's Free-Agent Frenzy: Wild Times in NFL". ABC News. Archived from the original on 27 July 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  6. ↑ Pompei, Dan (April 29, 2011). "Paea fits the bill for Bears: Oregon State defensive tackle the versatile player Angelo was looking for". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
  7. 1 2 "Bears agree to terms with 26 rookies". Chicago Bears. Retrieved July 26, 2011.
  8. ↑ "Bears agree to terms with 11 free agents". Chicago Bears. Retrieved July 29, 2011.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 "Transactions". Chicago Bears. Retrieved August 5, 2011.
  10. ↑ "Bears add RB Marion Barber". Chicago Bears. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  11. ↑ "Bears land Spencer; Kreutz era is over". Chicago Bears. Retrieved July 31, 2011.
  12. ↑ "Bears, Desmond Clark agree". ESPN Chicago. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
  13. ↑ "Bears waive QB Matt Guiterrez, RB Dan Dierking". Washington Post. August 8, 2011. Retrieved August 9, 2011.
  14. 1 2 "Olin Kreutz, Saints agree on deal". ESPN Chicago. August 6, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  15. 1 2 "Texans sign Brad Maynard". Pro Football Talk. August 1, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  16. ↑ "Vikings Land Former Bears WR Aromashodu". Yahoo! Sports. July 26, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  17. ↑ "Oakland Raiders Sign Veteran Safeties to Boost Injury Depleted Roster". Football News Now. August 15, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  18. ↑ "Bears WR Rashied Davis Signs With Lions". Fox Chicago. July 27, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  19. ↑ "Agent: Danieal Manning, Texans agree". ESPN Chicago. July 27, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  20. ↑ "Bears deal Olsen to Panthers for pick". Chicago Bears. Retrieved July 28, 2011.
  21. ↑ "Bears assistant joins Panthers". Chicago Sun-Times. January 31, 2011. Retrieved July 28, 2011.
  22. ↑ "Bears hired Phair as new D-line coach". Chicago Bears. February 3, 2011. Retrieved July 28, 2011.
  23. ↑ "Chicago Bears Training Camp Locations". Pro-Football-Reference.com. August 10, 2011. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
  24. ↑ "NFL Post-Lockout Calendar". CNBC. July 29, 2011. Retrieved August 13, 2011.
  25. ↑ "ProFootballTalk.com". Pro Football Talk. August 20, 2011. Retrieved August 21, 2011.
  26. ↑ "NFL lockout: Tony Grossi addresses frequently asked questions". The Plain Dealer. July 22, 2011. Retrieved August 13, 2011.
  27. ↑ "Bears hold final camp practice". The Plain Dealer. August 19, 2011. Retrieved August 21, 2011.
  28. 1 2 3 "Cutdown day: Bears release Taylor, Harrison". Chicago Tribune. September 4, 2011. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  29. 1 2 "Bears waive CB Joshua Moore". Chicago Tribune. September 5, 2011. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  30. 1 2 "Bears sign former Patriots safety Meriweather". Chicago Tribune. September 4, 2011. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  31. 1 2 "Bears re-sign Adams, Horn; add Allen to practice squad". Chicago Tribune. September 4, 2011. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  32. ↑ "Seven players added to practice squad". ChicagoBears.com. September 4, 2011. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  33. ↑ "Family Fest practice canceled". Chicagobears.com. 2011-08-05. Retrieved 2011-08-06.
  34. ↑ "Bears players want artificial surface at Soldier Field". CBS Sports. August 6, 2011. Retrieved 2011-08-06.
  35. ↑ "Emanuel wants solution to Soldier Field turf problem". Chicago Sun-Times. August 9, 2011. Retrieved August 9, 2011.
  36. ↑ "McCaskey: Bears will monitor Soldier Field closely, but no turf". NFL.com. August 9, 2011. Retrieved August 9, 2011.
  37. ↑ "Bears will remain a grass act". Chicago Sun-Times. August 9, 2011. Retrieved August 9, 2011.
  38. ↑ "Hall of Fame Game will feature Bears". Chicago Bears. April 12, 2011. Retrieved July 28, 2011.
  39. 1 2 "NFL cancels Bears-Rams Hall of Fame Game". Chicago Bears. July 21, 2011. Retrieved August 6, 2011.
  40. ↑ "NFL Game Center: Buffalo Bills at Chicago Bears". NFL.com. August 13, 2011. Retrieved August 13, 2011.
  41. ↑ Biggs, Brad (August 13, 2011). "Bears' offense fails to impress in 10–3 victory". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 13, 2011.
  42. 1 2 3 "Offensive Line Checks out OK for Bears". National Football Post. August 23, 2011. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
  43. ↑ "Bears struggle in red zone". Chicago Tribune. August 23, 2011. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
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  45. ↑ "Wide receiver Roy Williams under increased scrutiny". Sporting News. August 23, 2011. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
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