Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Tribune
Sport
Dan Wiederer

Three Bears: Marquess Wilson just right

Oct. 12--Too hot

Jay Cutler

For the second straight week, the Bears quarterback rallied when his team needed him most. Facing a 17-6 fourth-quarter deficit, Cutler hit Marquess Wilson for a 22-yard touchdown with 3 minutes 5 seconds left, then delivered the game-winning dart to Matt Forte, a 7-yard score with 18 seconds left. Cutler's fourth-quarter numbers -- 11-for-20, 79 yards, two TDs -- weren't mind-blowing. But his late-game magic was impressive. All that came with an injury-depleted receiving corps and the third starting offensive line the Bears have used this season.

Too cold

Martellus Bennett

The normally reliable tight end bobbled a deep ball from Cutler on the final drive, a pass that would've put the Bears inside the Chiefs' 5. At the time, the Bears trailed 17-12 with 1:10 left and the incompletion looked like a missed opportunity the offense would lament after another frustrating loss. The Bears' ability to steal another win late softened Bennett's miscue. But the tight end caught only four of 11 balls targeted for him, finishing with 32 yards, his second-lowest total this season.

Just right

Marquess Wilson

With Alshon Jeffery missing his fourth game and Eddie Royal also inactive, the Bears needed Wilson to emerge. He came through with six catches for 85 yards and a touchdown while also drawing a 24-yard pass-interference penalty late. Said Cutler: "He's growing up. And he kind of has to grow up. He doesn't have a choice. ... I'm kind of hard on him during the week. Saturday we kind of love on him a little bit to get him ready for Sunday."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.