2015 Chicago Bears season

NFL team season January 2019 March 2026 February 2024 2015 Chicago Bears John Fox Ryan Pace The McCaskey Family Soldier Field 6–10 4th NFC North Did not qualify File:Ch bears uniforms.png Kyle Long, RT Bears seasons The 2015 season was the Chicago Bears' 96th in the National Football League (NFL). After the firing of general manager Phil Emery and head coach Marc Trestman following the 2014 season, the team hired former New Orleans Saints director of player personnel Ryan Pace and Denver Broncos head coach John Fox to fill those positions, respectively. Fox's hiring marked the Bears' third head coach in four seasons. This for the first time since 2002 Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman were not on the opening day roster. The Bears entered the 2015 season with hopes of improving their 5–11 record in 2014. The team started the regular season with a rough start, losing their first three games. In the following eight games, the team went 5–3, including a Thanksgiving win over the rival Green Bay Packers. However, the Bears then lost the first three games in December, and were officially eliminated from playoff contention in week 15 by the Minnesota Vikings. In week 16 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Bears improved upon their 2014 record with a 26–21 win. After losing in the final game of the season to the Detroit Lions, the Bears ended the season 6–10 and last in the NFC North. The 2015 Bears were more competitive in games compared to the 2014 team, with six of their ten losses being by less than a touchdown. Additionally, new coordinators Adam Gase and Vic Fangio helped revitalize the offense and defense, respectively; under Gase, quarterback Jay Cutler threw a career-low 11 interceptions and recorded a 92.3 passer rating, the highest in his career. With Fangio, the defense allowed 397 points; the last two defenses had previously allowed franchise highs in points, including 442 in 2014. However, the team was marred by injuries during the year, with only four players starting all 16 games. The Bears also went 1–7 at home in 2015, the worst home record in franchise history. This was also the first time since 1973 that the Bears failed to win a home game against a division opponent. 3 Offseason Organizational changes thumb|John Fox was hired by the Bears as head coach on January 16, becoming the fifteenth head coach in franchise history.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-hire-John-Fox-as-head-coach/9373af55-a45c-464e-990b-c7ca46950985 Bears hire John Fox as head coach Chicago Bears January 16, 2015 January 16, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150119001040/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-hire-John-Fox-as-head-coach/9373af55-a45c-464e-990b-c7ca46950985 January 19, 2015 dead Front office After three years, general manager Phil Emery was fired on December 29, 2014. Later in the day, former Baltimore Colts, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants general manager and presidential assistant of Bears' founder George Halas, Ernie Accorsi, was hired by the organization as a consultant to help the team find a new GM and head coach.Mullin John http://www.csnchicago.com/bears/bears-using-ex-gm-ernie-accorsi-consultant-gm-coach Bears using ex-GM Ernie Accorsi as consultant for GM, coach Comcast SportsNet Chicago December 29, 2014 December 29, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150101172616/http://www.csnchicago.com/bears/bears-using-ex-gm-ernie-accorsi-consultant-gm-coach January 1, 2015 dead On December 29, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Bears had four candidates for the GM position: Kansas City Chiefs director of player personnel and former Bears' director of pro scouting Chris Ballard, Giants' vice president of player evaluation and 2012 finalist for the Bears' GM job Marc Ross,Durkin Dan http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/12/30/durkin-short-list-of-bears-gm-candidates/ Durkin: Short List Of Bears' GM Candidates WBBM-TV December 30, 2014 December 31, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150101161600/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/12/30/durkin-short-list-of-bears-gm-candidates/ January 1, 2015 live mdy-all Tennessee Titans vice president of player personnel Lake Dawson, and Baltimore Ravens director of pro personnel Vince Newsome. Ravens' assistant general manager Eric DeCosta was also rumored to be a potential candidate by Dan Pompei,Neveau James http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Gase-Quinn-Reportedly-Set-to-be-Interviewed-by-Bears--287221001.html Gase, Quinn Reportedly Set to Interview for Bears' Head Coaching Job WMAQ-TV December 31, 2014 December 31, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150101063656/http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Gase-Quinn-Reportedly-Set-to-be-Interviewed-by-Bears--287221001.html January 1, 2015 live mdy-all while Minnesota Vikings assistant GM George Paton declined an offer.https://www.si.com/nfl/2014/12/31/minnesota-vikings-george-paton-staying Report: Vikings assistant GM won't interview with Bears, Jets Sports Illustrated December 31, 2014 December 31, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150101063913/http://www.si.com/nfl/2014/12/31/minnesota-vikings-george-paton-staying January 1, 2015 live mdy-all DeCosta later announced his intention to remain with the Ravens. Later in the week, Chicago requested an interview with New Orleans Saints director of player personnel Ryan PaceWoodbery Evan http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2015/01/ryan_pace_saints_player_person.html Ryan Pace, Saints' player personnel director, in crowded field for Chicago Bears GM job The Times-Picayune January 2, 2015 January 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150103070638/http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2015/01/ryan_pace_saints_player_person.html January 3, 2015 live mdy-all and Houston Texans director of pro scouting Brian Gaine.Starr P.D. http://hou.scout.com/story/1497663-chicago-bears-request-to-talk-to-brian-gaine CHICAGO BEARS REQUEST TO TALK TO BRIAN GAINE Scout.com December 31, 2014 January 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150103071134/http://hou.scout.com/story/1497663-chicago-bears-request-to-talk-to-brian-gaine January 3, 2015 live mdy-all On January 6, the Bears conducted interviews for general manager with Gaine and Dawson.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-interview-Gaine-Dawson/eef60955-b954-48b7-8085-67ad8197eee9 Bears interview Gaine, Dawson Chicago Bears January 7, 2015 January 7, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150108020019/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-interview-Gaine-Dawson/eef60955-b954-48b7-8085-67ad8197eee9 January 8, 2015 dead mdy-all Ballard and Pace were interviewed the next day,Dickerson Jeff https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4696879/potential-gms-chris-ballard-ryan-pace-visit-bears Potential GMs Chris Ballard, Ryan Pace visit Bears ESPN January 7, 2015 January 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150108032307/http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4696879/potential-gms-chris-ballard-ryan-pace-visit-bears January 8, 2015 live mdy-all and Pace was hired on January 8.Biggs Brad Campbell Rich Wiederer Dan http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-hire-ryan-pace-gm-story.html Bears hire Ryan Pace as general manager Chicago Tribune January 8, 2015 January 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150109005708/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-hire-ryan-pace-gm-story.html January 9, 2015 live mdy-all On January 13, director of pro personnel Kevin Turks was fired.http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/01/13/bears-part-ways-with-director-of-pro-personnel-kevin-turks/ Bears Part Ways With Director Of Pro Personnel Kevin Turks WBBM-TV January 13, 2015 January 13, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150113222739/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/01/13/bears-part-ways-with-director-of-pro-personnel-kevin-turks/ January 13, 2015 live mdy-all The Bears hired former Saints area scout Josh Lucas as their director of player personnel on January 18.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Lucas-new-director-of-player-personnel/d71c1cb0-26cc-40c2-8ae4-875cb064fd91 Lucas new director of player personnel Chicago Bears January 18, 2015 January 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150119024941/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Lucas-new-director-of-player-personnel/d71c1cb0-26cc-40c2-8ae4-875cb064fd91 January 19, 2015 dead mdy-all In the scouting department, three scouts were hired on May 15. Ravens national scout Joe Douglas became the director of college scouting, Broncos assistant director of pro personnel Anthony Kelly as director of pro scouting and New York Jets area scout Christopher Prescott was hired in the same role.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/College-pro-scouting-directors-hired/a6813295-1469-4535-80b7-b796d748663e College, pro scouting directors hired Chicago Bears May 15, 2015 May 16, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150517195308/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/College-pro-scouting-directors-hired/a6813295-1469-4535-80b7-b796d748663e May 17, 2015 dead mdy-all Coaching On the same day of Emery's firing, two-year head coach Marc Trestman was also fired,Rosenthal Gregg https://www.nfl.com/news/chicago-bears-fire-marc-trestman-0ap3000000451258 Chicago Bears fire Marc Trestman National Football League December 29, 2014 December 29, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141229171803/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000451258/article/chicago-bears-fire-marc-trestman December 29, 2014 live mdy-all as was offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer.Wilkening Mike http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/12/29/bears-part-ways-with-aaron-kromer/ Bears part ways with Aaron Kromer Profootballtalk.com December 29, 2014 December 29, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141230033536/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/12/29/bears-part-ways-with-aaron-kromer/ December 30, 2014 live mdy-all Quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh's contract expired on the same day, and was not retained by the team.Cabot Mary Kay http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/01/former_bears_qb_coach_matt_cav.html Former Bears QB coach Matt Cavanaugh is on Cleveland Browns' radar for offensive coordinator The Plain Dealer January 8, 2015 January 23, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150127054836/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/01/former_bears_qb_coach_matt_cav.html January 27, 2015 live mdy-all In the hunt for a new head coach, the Bears requested interviews with Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase, Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, and Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.Wiederer Dan http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-request-permission-for-teryl-austin-interview-20150109-story.html Bears ask to interview Lions assistant Teryl Austin Chicago Tribune January 9, 2015 January 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150110065852/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-request-permission-for-teryl-austin-interview-20150109-story.html January 10, 2015 live mdy-all The team also showed interest in Ravens' offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak and former Buffalo Bills head coach Doug Marrone. However, Kubiak announced on January 11 that he will stay with Baltimore.https://www.espn.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/12150731/chicago-bears-pursue-baltimore-ravens-gary-kubiak Bears to pursue Gary Kubiak ESPN January 11, 2015 January 12, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150111182648/http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/12150731/chicago-bears-pursue-baltimore-ravens-gary-kubiak January 11, 2015 live mdy-all The Bears went to Seattle on January 2 to interview Quinn, and the following day, interviewed Gase in Denver.http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/01/02/report-bears-to-interview-quinn-today-gase-on-saturday/ Report: Bears To Interview Quinn Today, Gase On Saturday WBBM-TV January 2, 2015 January 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150103071131/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/01/02/report-bears-to-interview-quinn-today-gase-on-saturday/ January 3, 2015 live mdy-all Bowles was interviewed on January 8,Somers Kent http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2015/01/08/todd-bowles-interviewing-chicago-bears-atlanta-falcons/21444765/ Cardinals' Todd Bowles in Chicago interviewing with Bears The Arizona Republic January 8, 2015 January 8, 2015 June 7, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210607164805/https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2015/01/08/todd-bowles-interviewing-chicago-bears-atlanta-falcons/21444765/ live while Austin and Marrone were interviewed five days later.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-interview-Marrone-and-Austin/74b34d76-422a-4ec8-a2bb-151baf38ea48 Bears interview Marrone and Austin Chicago Bears January 13, 2015 January 13, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150114082043/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-interview-Marrone-and-Austin/74b34d76-422a-4ec8-a2bb-151baf38ea48 January 14, 2015 dead mdy-all On January 14, former Broncos' head coach John Fox, who had been released on January 12, was interviewed.Associated Press https://sports.yahoo.com/news/bears-interview-john-fox-coaching-job-010528522--nfl.html Bears interview John Fox for coaching job Yahoo! Sports January 14, 2015 January 14, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150123005933/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/bears-interview-john-fox-coaching-job-010528522--nfl.html January 23, 2015 live mdy-all Two days after his interview, Fox was hired, signing a four-year contract.Wright Michael C. https://www.espn.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/12180347/chicago-bears-hire-john-fox-coach Bears hire John Fox as coach ESPN January 16, 2015 January 16, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150116230534/http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/12180347/chicago-bears-hire-john-fox-coach January 16, 2015 live mdy-all Looking for an offensive coordinator, the Bears requested an interview with Titans tight ends coach Mike Mularkey, but were denied.Neveau James http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/grizzly-detail/Titans-Deny-Bears-Request-to-Speak-to-Mularkey-About-OC-Opening-288934051.html Titans Deny Bears' Request to Speak to Mularkey About OC Opening WMAQ-TV January 17, 2015 January 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150119003234/http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/grizzly-detail/Titans-Deny-Bears-Request-to-Speak-to-Mularkey-About-OC-Opening-288934051.html January 19, 2015 live mdy-all The Bears also showed interest in San Francisco 49ers quarterback coach Geep Chryst and former Kansas head coach Charlie Weis for the OC position. Gase was selected for the OC role on January 21.Wiederer Dan http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-adam-gase-offensive-coordinator-20150121-story.html Bears pick Adam Gase to be offensive coordinator Chicago Tribune January 21, 2015 January 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150122032924/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-adam-gase-offensive-coordinator-20150121-story.html January 22, 2015 live mdy-all Defensively, 49ers DC Vic Fangio was hired on January 20,Wright Michael C. https://www.espn.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/12198861/vic-fangio-new-chicago-bears-defensive-coordinator Vic Fangio new Bears D-coordinator ESPN January 20, 2015 January 20, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150120185914/http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/12198861/vic-fangio-new-chicago-bears-defensive-coordinator January 20, 2015 live mdy-all and brought 49ers defensive backs coach Ed Donatell to serve the same position, replacing Jon Hoke.Campbell Rich http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-ed-donatell-bits-bears-spt-0122-20150121-story.html Bears hire seasoned assistant Ed Donatell as defensive backs coach Chicago Tribune January 21, 2015 January 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150122040646/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-ed-donatell-bits-bears-spt-0122-20150121-story.html January 22, 2015 live mdy-all At the NFL Scouting Combine, the Bears announced that they would be switching to a base 3–4 defense in 2015, a defensive scheme that Fangio had operated in San Francisco.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-switching-to-3-4-base-defense/282ed278-dc6d-48ea-aa2c-f4dc0c650282 Bears switching to 3-4 base defense Chicago Bears February 18, 2015 March 23, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150326031517/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-switching-to-3-4-base-defense/282ed278-dc6d-48ea-aa2c-f4dc0c650282 March 26, 2015 dead mdy-all Four of Fox's assistants with the Broncos were brought to Chicago: Broncos special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers was hired on January 19, replacing Joe DeCamillis;January 19, 2015 Bears bringing in Jeff Rodgers as special teams coordinator https://www.chicagotribune.com/2015/01/19/bears-bringing-in-jeff-rodgers-as-special-teams-coordinator/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20150119163548/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-jeff-rodgers-special-teams-coordinator-20150119-story.html January 19, 2015 January 19, 2015 Chicago Tribune mdy-all the next day, assistant defensive backs coach Sam Garnes, offensive line coach Dave Magazu and assistant special teams coach Derius Swinton II were hired for the same positions they had served in Denver. The same day, defensive coordinator Mel Tucker, DeCamillis, tight ends coach Andy Bischoff, linebackers coach Reggie Herring and assistant special teams coach Dwayne Stukes were all officially released.Wright Michael C. https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4697039/bears-announce-more-coaching-hires Bears announce more coaching hires ESPN January 20, 2015 January 20, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150121042620/http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4697039/bears-announce-more-coaching-hires January 21, 2015 live mdy-all To replace Cavanaugh and Herring, respectively, the Browns' Dowell Loggains and Atlanta Falcons' Glenn Pires were hired.Florio Mike http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/23/bears-add-loggains-pires/ Bears add Dowell Loggains, Glenn Pires Profootballtalk.com January 23, 2015 January 23, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150125002839/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/23/bears-add-loggains-pires/ January 25, 2015 live mdy-all Saints' assistant offensive line coach Frank Smith succeeded Bischoff at the tight ends coach spot after being hired on January 22.Woodbery Evan http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2015/01/saints_offensive_assistant_fra.html New Orleans Saints offensive assistant Frank Smith to Bears, Carter Sheridan in play at Tulane The Times-Picayune January 22, 2015 January 25, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150126044758/http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2015/01/saints_offensive_assistant_fra.html January 26, 2015 live mdy-all Three days later, defensive line coach Paul Pasqualoni left the Bears to join the Houston Texans,Alper Josh http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/25/texans-hire-paul-pasqualoni-as-defensive-line-coach/ Texans hire Paul Pasqualoni as defensive line coach Profootballtalk.com January 25, 2015 January 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150127050215/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/25/texans-hire-paul-pasqualoni-as-defensive-line-coach/ January 27, 2015 live mdy-all and Broncos DL coach Jay Rodgers was hired.Campbell Rich http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-defensive-line-coach-20150125-story.html Bears hire Jay Rodgers as DL coach Chicago Tribune January 25, 2015 January 25, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150126225423/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-defensive-line-coach-20150125-story.html January 26, 2015 live mdy-all Two days later, Bears assistant DL coach Clint Hurtt was reassigned to outside linebackers.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Hurtt-to-coach-outside-linebackers/7b6acfc8-bd14-42aa-88aa-ce839a427c4c Hurtt to coach outside linebackers Chicago Bears January 27, 2015 January 30, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150130012754/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Hurtt-to-coach-outside-linebackers/7b6acfc8-bd14-42aa-88aa-ce839a427c4c January 30, 2015 dead mdy-all On February 10, Ohio State running backs coach Stan Drayton joined the Bears to serve the same position.Wilkening Mike http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/05/bears-tab-stan-drayton-as-running-backs-coach/ Bears tab Stan Drayton as running backs coach Profootballtalk.com February 5, 2015 February 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150208080647/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/05/bears-tab-stan-drayton-as-running-backs-coach/ February 8, 2015 live mdy-all The next day, North Shore Senior High School assistant football coach and former NFL player Ben Wilkerson was hired as assistant OL coach, while incumbent OL coach Pat Meyer was not retained.Wright Michael C. https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4697282/ben-wilkerson-joins-bears-coaching-staff Ben Wilkerson joins Bears' coaching staff ESPN February 11, 2015 February 13, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150212021712/http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4697282/ben-wilkerson-joins-bears-coaching-staff February 12, 2015 live mdy-all On January 21, strength and conditioning coach Mike Clark was fired. The next day, the Broncos' Jason George was hired to take his place.Renck Troy E. http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2015/01/22/strength-coach-jason-george-join-john-fox-chicago/32297/ Strength coach Jason George to join John Fox in Chicago The Denver Post January 22, 2015 January 25, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150123213734/http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2015/01/22/strength-coach-jason-george-join-john-fox-chicago/32297/ January 23, 2015 live mdy-all Broncos offensive quality control coach Bo Hardegree was hired as an offensive assistant on January 24.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-hire-Hardegree-as-assistant/5251d76e-1dc7-4f9a-b1c6-4aea4f3a4e5c Bears hire Hardegree as assistant Chicago Bears January 24, 2015 January 30, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150128170827/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-hire-Hardegree-as-assistant/5251d76e-1dc7-4f9a-b1c6-4aea4f3a4e5c January 28, 2015 dead mdy-all Three days later, Chicago offensive quality control coaches Carson Walch and Brendan Nugent were fired.Associated Press http://www.thestate.com/2015/01/27/3953210/bears-move-hurtt-from-assistant.html Bears move Hurtt from assistant defensive line to OLBs coach The State January 27, 2015 February 4, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150205065733/http://www.thestate.com/2015/01/27/3953210/bears-move-hurtt-from-assistant.html February 5, 2015 dead On February 4, Central Michigan director of strength and conditioning Rick Perry was hired as an assistant strength coach.Wright Michael C. https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4697203/bears-add-rick-perry-as-assistant-strength-coach Bears add Rick Perry as assistant strength coach ESPN February 4, 2015 February 4, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150205072552/http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4697203/bears-add-rick-perry-as-assistant-strength-coach February 5, 2015 live mdy-all On February 10, the team announced they would not retain defensive quality control coach Chris Harris.Wright Michael C. https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4697264/chris-harris-wont-be-back-with-bears-in-2015 Chris Harris won't be back with Bears in 2015 ESPN February 10, 2015 February 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150211061308/http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4697264/chris-harris-wont-be-back-with-bears-in-2015 February 11, 2015 live mdy-all Roster changes Position Player Free agencytag Date signed 2015 team LB Lance Briggs UFA – – G/OT Eben Britton UFA – – LS Jeremy Cain UFA – – QB Jimmy Clausen UFA March 6Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-sign-Clausen-to-one-year-deal/1bd724ef-f372-41a0-8e9d-ad509f478c8d Bears sign Clausen to one-year deal Chicago Bears March 6, 2015 March 7, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150308125613/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-sign-Clausen-to-one-year-deal/1bd724ef-f372-41a0-8e9d-ad509f478c8d March 8, 2015 dead mdy-all Chicago Bears S Chris Conte UFA March 12Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Melton-Conte-rejoin-Lovie-in-Tampa/b42ac413-553f-407a-9d12-5748b029ee66 Melton, Conte rejoin Lovie in Tampa Chicago Bears March 12, 2015 March 12, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150315051026/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Melton-Conte-rejoin-Lovie-in-Tampa/b42ac413-553f-407a-9d12-5748b029ee66 March 15, 2015 dead mdy-all Tampa Bay Buccaneers C/G Brian de la Puente UFA – – K Jay Feely UFA – – CB Demontre Hurst ERFA February 25Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-sign-Hurst-to-two-year-contract/b4a17606-e4e5-4630-bf40-8e29d8194a50 Bears sign Hurst to two-year contract Chicago Bears February 25, 2015 February 25, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150226040931/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-sign-Hurst-to-two-year-contract/b4a17606-e4e5-4630-bf40-8e29d8194a50 February 26, 2015 dead mdy-all Chicago Bears DE Austen Lane UFA – – CB Al Louis-Jean ERFA February 4Wilkening Mike http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/04/bears-sign-cb-al-louis-jean/ Bears sign CB Al Louis-Jean Profootballtalk.com February 4, 2015 February 4, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150205034840/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/04/bears-sign-cb-al-louis-jean/ February 5, 2015 live mdy-all Chicago Bears S Danny McCray UFA May 14http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/14/cowboys-expected-sign-special-teams-standout-danny-mccray Cowboys Sign Danny McCray, 7th-Rounder Swaim; More Roster Moves Dallas Cowboys May 14, 2015 August 13, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150804213224/http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/14/cowboys-expected-sign-special-teams-standout-danny-mccray August 4, 2015 live mdy-all Dallas Cowboys CB Sherrick McManis UFA TE Zach Miller tight end, born 1984 UFA February 27Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-ink-Zach-Miller-to-one-year-deal/e9543688-fe39-4d82-84a6-fb360bcaec3e Bears ink Zach Miller to one-year deal Chicago Bears February 28, 2015 February 28, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150301125801/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-ink-Zach-Miller-to-one-year-deal/e9543688-fe39-4d82-84a6-fb360bcaec3e March 1, 2015 dead mdy-all Chicago Bears WR Josh Morgan UFA May 17http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2015/05/new_orleans_saints_josh_morgan.html#comments New Orleans Saints sign veteran receiver Josh Morgan, according to source The Times-Picayune May 17, 2015 May 17, 2015 Woodbery Evan https://web.archive.org/web/20150519000419/http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2015/05/new_orleans_saints_josh_morgan.html#comments May 19, 2015 live mdy-all New Orleans Saints FB Montell Owens UFA – – DT Stephen Paea UFA March 10Keim John https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12456529/stephen-paea-leaves-chicago-bears-sign-washington-redskins Redskins sign DT Stephen Paea ESPN March 10, 2015 March 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150311105503/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12456529/stephen-paea-leaves-chicago-bears-sign-washington-redskins March 11, 2015 live mdy-all Washington Redskins TE Dante Rosario UFA – – DE Trevor Scott UFA – – LB Darryl Sharpton UFA May 13Alper Josh http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/13/cardinals-add-darryl-sharpton-to-linebacking-corps/ Cardinals add Darryl Sharpton to linebacking corps Profootballtalk.com May 13, 2015 May 13, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150515073148/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/13/cardinals-add-darryl-sharpton-to-linebacking-corps/ May 15, 2015 dead Arizona Cardinals CB Charles Tillman UFA April 9Alper Josh http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/09/report-panthers-expected-to-sign-charles-tillman/ Panthers sign Charles Tillman Profootballtalk.com April 9, 2015 April 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150412154424/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/09/report-panthers-expected-to-sign-charles-tillman/ April 12, 2015 live mdy-all Carolina Panthers S Anthony Walters Anthony Walters (American football) UFA – – LB DeDe Lattimore ERFA January 30Wilkening Mike http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/30/bears-sign-lb-dede-lattimore-to-two-year-extension/ Bears sign LB DeDe Lattimore to two-year extension Profootballtalk.com January 30, 2015 January 30, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150131025934/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/30/bears-sign-lb-dede-lattimore-to-two-year-extension/ January 31, 2015 live mdy-all Chicago Bears LB D. J. Williams linebacker UFA – –RFA: Restricted free agent, UFA: Unrestricted free agent, ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent LEGEND #dfd – black Light green background indicates a player has been re-signed by the Bears. #fdd – black Light red background indicates a player has departed the Bears. The Bears entered the new league year with 23 free agents, three of whom were exclusive rights free agents.Wright Michael C. https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/157182/2015-chicago-bears-free-agents 2015 Chicago Bears free agents ESPN January 5, 2015 March 12, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150403001618/http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/157182/2015-chicago-bears-free-agents April 3, 2015 live mdy-all The NFL's deadline to apply the franchise tag to players was on March 2, though the Bears did not tag any players.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-do-not-use-their-franchise-tag/a1cdab80-d257-4669-8b6d-f35457b38f2f Bears do not use their franchise tag Chicago Bears March 3, 2015 March 12, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150312104721/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-do-not-use-their-franchise-tag/a1cdab80-d257-4669-8b6d-f35457b38f2f March 12, 2015 dead mdy-all Free agency officially began on March 10.Wilkening Mike http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/11/2015-nfl-free-agency-dates-and-deadlines/ 2015 NFL free agency dates and deadlines Profootballtalk.com February 11, 2015 March 12, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150308155838/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/11/2015-nfl-free-agency-dates-and-deadlines/ March 8, 2015 live mdy-all Acquisitions The first signing of 2015 was on January 28, when the Bears signed Toronto Argonauts receiver John Chiles to a reserve/future contract.http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/01/27/bears-sign-wr-john-chiles-to-reservefuture-contract/ Bears Sign WR John Chiles To Reserve/Future Contract WBBM-TV January 27, 2015 January 28, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150128175226/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/01/27/bears-sign-wr-john-chiles-to-reservefuture-contract/ January 28, 2015 live mdy-all On the second day of free agency, the Bears signed Ravens linebacker Pernell McPhee to a five-year deal worth $38.75 million with $15.5 million guaranteed, and New York Giants safety Antrel Rolle ($11.25 million, $5 million guaranteed), and San Diego Chargers receiver Eddie Royal ($15 million, $10 million guaranteed) to three-year deals.Biggs Brad http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-pernell-mcphee-antrel-rolle-contracts-20150312-story.html Breaking down Pernell McPhee, Antrel Rolle, Eddie Royal deals Chicago Tribune March 12, 2015 March 12, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150313140422/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-pernell-mcphee-antrel-rolle-contracts-20150312-story.html March 13, 2015 live mdy-all Afterwards, the Bears began signing players to one-year deals. On March 16, Vikings offensive lineman Vladimir Ducasse agreed to a contract;Wright Michael C. https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4697656/bears-sign-vladimir-ducasse Bears sign offensive guard Vladimir Ducasse ESPN March 16, 2015 March 16, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150317220557/http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4697656/bears-sign-vladimir-ducasse March 17, 2015 live mdy-all two days later, Chiefs long-snapper Thomas Gafford was signed.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-sign-long-snapper-Gafford/0f265398-780c-4efd-ad1f-8263447aff36 Bears sign long-snapper Gafford Chicago Bears March 18, 2015 March 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150321000613/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-sign-long-snapper-Gafford/0f265398-780c-4efd-ad1f-8263447aff36 March 21, 2015 dead From March 24–27, the Bears added four defenders: defensive ends Jarvis Jenkins (Redskins)Patra Kevin https://www.nfl.com/news/chicago-bears-add-defensive-end-jarvis-jenkins-0ap3000000481047 Chicago Bears add defensive end Jarvis Jenkins National Football League March 24, 2015 March 27, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150327105458/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000481047/article/chicago-bears-add-defensive-end-jarvis-jenkins March 27, 2015 live mdy-all and Ray McDonald (49ers) on March 24,Sutton Scott http://sacramento.suntimes.com/sac-sports/7/138/58820/ray-mcdonald-bears/ Report: Former 49ers Ray McDonald to sign with Chicago Bears Sacramento Sun-Times March 24, 2015 March 27, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150402100425/http://sacramento.suntimes.com/sac-sports/7/138/58820/ray-mcdonald-bears/ April 2, 2015 dead Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Mason Foster on March 25,Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-sign-Mason-Foster-to-1-year-deal/76437562-5811-41ff-9da0-d75a94c41abb Bears sign Mason Foster to 1-year deal Chicago Bears March 25, 2015 March 27, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150328122843/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-sign-Mason-Foster-to-1-year-deal/76437562-5811-41ff-9da0-d75a94c41abb March 28, 2015 dead mdy-all and Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Alan Ball on March 27.https://www.espn.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/12569247/chicago-bears-sign-former-jacksonville-jaguars-cb-alan-ball-1-year-deal Bears sign ex-Jags CB Alan Ball ESPN March 27, 2015 March 27, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150328020834/http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/12569247/chicago-bears-sign-former-jacksonville-jaguars-cb-alan-ball-1-year-deal March 28, 2015 live mdy-all On March 31, Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers joined the team. The first signing of April occurred on the first day, when Cardinals linebacker Sam Acho was acquired,Alper Josh http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/01/bears-sign-sam-acho/ Bears sign Sam Acho Profootballtalk.com April 1, 2015 April 7, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150407072010/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/01/bears-sign-sam-acho/ April 7, 2015 live mdy-all and the next day, former Broncos center Will Montgomery was signed.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-release-Garza-sign-Montgomery/71ca7735-ebb7-4e92-8b1b-4971e13b9853 Bears release Garza, sign Montgomery Chicago Bears April 2, 2015 April 7, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150406235150/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-release-Garza-sign-Montgomery/71ca7735-ebb7-4e92-8b1b-4971e13b9853 April 6, 2015 dead Later in the month, on April 23, Falcons tight end Bear Pascoe was signed.Associated Press http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Bears-Agree-to-1-Year-Deal-with-TE-Pascoe-301106051.html Bears Agree to 1-Year Deal with TE Bear Pascoe WMAQ-TV April 23, 2015 April 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150429190011/http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Bears-Agree-to-1-Year-Deal-with-TE-Pascoe-301106051.html April 29, 2015 live mdy-all June's first acquisition was also a one-year signing, when the team signed Tracy Porter on June 8.Patra Kevin https://www.nfl.com/news/chicago-bears-sign-cb-tracy-porter-0ap3000000495977 Chicago Bears sign CB Tracy Porter National Football League June 8, 2015 June 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150608151359/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000495977/article/chicago-bears-sign-cb-tracy-porter June 8, 2015 live mdy-all On April 30, Chiefs safety Malcolm Bronson was signed to a two-year deal.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-ink-safety-Malcolm-Bronson/8bd318d0-85a8-4728-bf6f-0a7143211c41 Bears ink safety Malcolm Bronson Chicago Bears April 30, 2015 June 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150502190043/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-ink-safety-Malcolm-Bronson/8bd318d0-85a8-4728-bf6f-0a7143211c41 May 2, 2015 dead mdy-all On May 11, the Bears signed quarterback Pat Devlin, linebacker Kyle Woestmann and defensive tackle Terry Williams to three-year contracts.Comcast SportsNet Chicago http://chicago.suntimes.com/bears-football/7/71/597264/bears-waive-lb-khaseem-greene-add-qb-pat-devlin Bears waive LB Khaseem Greene, add QB Pat Devlin Chicago Sun-Times May 11, 2015 June 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150615205733/http://chicago.suntimes.com/bears-football/7/71/597264/bears-waive-lb-khaseem-greene-add-qb-pat-devlin June 15, 2015 dead The next day, New York Jets tight end Chris Pantale was claimed off waivers.Alper Josh http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/12/bears-claim-chris-pantale-off-waivers-from-jets/ Bears claim Chris Pantale off waivers from Jets Profootballtalk.com May 12, 2015 June 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150610010339/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/12/bears-claim-chris-pantale-off-waivers-from-jets/ June 10, 2015 live mdy-all On June 18, safety Sherrod Martin and running back Daniel Thomas agreed to contracts of one year.Gantt Darin http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/06/18/bears-sign-sherrod-martin-and-daniel-thomas-waive-pat-devlin/ Bears sign Sherrod Martin and Daniel Thomas, waive Pat Devlin Profootballtalk.com June 18, 2015 August 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150721185942/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/06/18/bears-sign-sherrod-martin-and-daniel-thomas-waive-pat-devlin/ July 21, 2015 live mdy-all Two days before the start of training camp, on July 27, the team signed Arizona Rattlers receiver/returner A. J. Cruz,Biggs Brad http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-bears-sign-receiver-aj-cruz-20150727-story.html Bears sign former Arena League receiver A.J. Cruz Chicago Tribune July 27, 2015 July 27, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150730083734/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-bears-sign-receiver-aj-cruz-20150727-story.html July 30, 2015 live mdy-all while former Cardinals defensive lineman David Carter was acquired the next day.Dickerson Jeff https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago-bears/post/_/id/4699155/bears-sign-dl-david-carter-wr-aj-cruz Bears sign DL David Carter, WR AJ Cruz ESPN July 28, 2015 July 28, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150731022942/http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago-bears/post/_/id/4699155/bears-sign-dl-david-carter-wr-aj-cruz July 31, 2015 live mdy-all Departures On March 6, the Bears agreed to trade receiver Brandon Marshall to the Jets for a fifth-round draft pick; the trade did not become official until the start of free agency.Slater Darryl http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/03/jets_will_acquire_wide_receiver_brandon_marshall_i.html Jets trade fifth-round pick to Chicago Bears for wide receiver Brandon Marshall, per reports NJ.com March 6, 2015 March 6, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150309003646/http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/03/jets_will_acquire_wide_receiver_brandon_marshall_i.html March 9, 2015 live mdy-all Defensive tackle Stephen Paea was the first of the Bears' free agents to leave the team, signing with the Redskins on March 10. Two days later, safety Chris Conte joined the Buccaneers. On April 9, cornerback Charles Tillman was signed by the Panthers. On May 13, 14 and 17, linebacker Darryl Sharpton, cornerback Danny McCray and receiver Josh Morgan departed the Bears to sign with the Cardinals, Cowboys and Saints, respectively. On April 2, safety Anthony WaltersMayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-release-safety-Anthony-Walters/3a0dffe1-79a4-44fb-82db-2e13538603f7 Bears release safety Anthony Walters Chicago Bears April 2, 2015 April 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150405160508/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-release-safety-Anthony-Walters/3a0dffe1-79a4-44fb-82db-2e13538603f7 April 5, 2015 dead mdy-all and center Roberto Garza, who had been the team's longest-tenured player, were released after ten seasons. On May 11, linebacker Khaseem Greene and defensive lineman Austen Lane were released,http://www.chicagobears.com/team/transactions.html Transactions Chicago Bears December 31, 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120902025013/http://www.chicagobears.com/team/transactions.html September 2, 2012 and eleven days later, newly acquired defensive tackle Ray McDonald was released after being accused of domestic violence and child endangerment.Wiederer Dan http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-ray-mcdonald-arrest-20150526-story.html Few details emerging on arrest of ex-Bear Ray McDonald Chicago Tribune May 26, 2015 June 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150608105518/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-ray-mcdonald-arrest-20150526-story.html June 8, 2015 live mdy-all On June 18, Pat Devlin and tight end Jacob Maxwell were released, as was Jonathan Brown ten days later. 2015 NFL draft Pre-draft On March 26, NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein wrote that the Bears' five biggest needs entering the draft were at outside linebacker, nose tackle, offensive line, safety, and wide receiver.Zierlein Lance https://www.nfl.com/news/2015-nfl-draft-top-five-needs-for-all-32-teams-0ap3000000481731 2015 NFL Draft: Top five needs for all 32 teams National Football League March 26, 2015 April 7, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150406213121/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000481731/article/2015-nfl-draft-top-five-needs-for-all-32-teams April 6, 2015 live mdy-all The general consensus regarding the Bears' seventh-overall pick was to select an edge rusher like Vic Beasley (Clemson), Dante Fowler (Florida), Shane Ray (Missouri) and Randy Gregory (Nebraska), though WBBM-TV's Greg Gabriel believed the Bears should trade down from the pick, with players like Arik Armstead (Oregon), Danny Shelton (Washington), Eddie Goldman (Florida State), Jordan Phillips (Oklahoma) and Malcom Brown (Texas) being fits for the Bears' new 3–4 defense if the Bears were to trade down to a spot between 10th and 20th.Gabriel Greg http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/03/20/gabriel-bears-would-be-prudent-to-trade-down-in-draft/ Gabriel: Bears Would Be Prudent To Trade Down From No. 7 Overall WBBM-TV March 20, 2015 April 7, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150415043432/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/03/20/gabriel-bears-would-be-prudent-to-trade-down-in-draft/ April 15, 2015 live mdy-all Another suggested position to draft with the first-rounder was wide receiver, particularly Alabama's Amari Cooper, who, despite not being considered "a true need, a talent like his would be tough to pass up here."Silva Evan Norris Josh http://www.csnchicago.com/bears/rotoworld-bears-2015-nfl-draft-needs Rotoworld: Bears' 2015 NFL Draft needs Comcast SportsNet Chicago April 6, 2015 April 7, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150408225243/http://www.csnchicago.com/bears/rotoworld-bears-2015-nfl-draft-needs April 8, 2015 dead A defensive position considered for the pick was nose tackle; Sports Illustrated writer Andy Staples believed a 3–4 defense should focus on NT, and as a result, the Bears should draft Shelton, followed by a linebacker in later rounds, such as Eric Kendricks (UCLA), Benardrick McKinney (Mississippi State), Stephone Anthony (Clemson) and Paul Dawson (TCU) in the second round, and afterwards, draft a running back like Buck Allen (USC) or Mike Davis (South Carolina).Benoit Andy Staples Andy http://mmqb.si.com/2015/03/31/nfl-draft-nfc-north-projections/ Projecting the NFL Draft: NFC North Sports Illustrated March 31, 2015 April 7, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150406214950/http://mmqb.si.com/2015/03/31/nfl-draft-nfc-north-projections/ April 6, 2015 live mdy-all Prior to the draft, the Bears met with 37 players; 25 had private visits, 6 met at the NFL Scouting Combine, 4 met at their college's Pro Days, 3 had meetings at the Senior Bowl and the East–West Shrine Game.Cherepinsky Walter http://walterfootball.com/ProspectMeetings/ByTeam 2016 NFL Draft Prospect Visits Tracker: By Team WalterFootball May 8, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20150427041424/http://walterfootball.com/ProspectMeetings/ByTeam April 27, 2015 Iowa State's David Irving was the only player to have a workout with the team.Brady James https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/3/16/8225465/nfl-draft-2015-visit-tracker-marcus-mariota-jameis-winston 2015 NFL Draft visit tracker: Which teams are the prospects meeting with? SB Nation April 27, 2015 May 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150504162733/http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/3/16/8225465/nfl-draft-2015-visit-tracker-marcus-mariota-jameis-winston May 4, 2015 live mdy-all The team held a local Pro Day on April 7, which featured players from the Chicago area, including: Northwestern quarterback Trevor Siemian, safety Ibraheim Campbell and receiver Kyle Prater, quarterbacks Taylor Graham (Hawaii), Chandler Whitmer (Connecticut) and Matt Behrendt (Wisconsin-Whitewater), safety Corey Cooper (Nebraska), offensive lineman Arthur Ray Jr. (Michigan State) and tight ends Matt LaCosse (Illinois), James O'Shaughnessy (Illinois State) and E. J. Bibbs (Iowa State).Jahns Adam http://chicago.suntimes.com/bears-football/7/71/508318/bears-george-mccaskey-maintains-stance-ray-mcdonald Bears' George McCaskey maintains stance on Ray McDonald Chicago Sun-Times April 7, 2015 April 7, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150414065529/http://chicago.suntimes.com/bears-football/7/71/508318/bears-george-mccaskey-maintains-stance-ray-mcdonald April 14, 2015 live mdy-all Draft class 2015 NFL draft The Bears attempted to trade quarterback Jay Cutler to the Titans for their #2 overall pick, but Tennessee was not interested.Gantt Darin http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/01/bears-called-but-titans-had-zero-interest-in-jay-cutler/ Bears called, but Titans had "zero interest" in Jay Cutler Profootballtalk.com May 1, 2015 May 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150503201505/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/01/bears-called-but-titans-had-zero-interest-in-jay-cutler/ May 3, 2015 live mdy-all Eventually, the Bears drafted West Virginia receiver Kevin White with the seventh-overall pick; considered the top receiver in the 2015 draft class by NFL.com analyst Mike Mayock,https://www.nfl.com/news/mike-mayock-s-2015-nfl-draft-position-rankings-4-0-0ap3000000486035 Mike Mayock's 2015 NFL Draft position rankings 4.0 National Football League April 17, 2015 May 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150509165322/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000486035/article/mike-mayocks-2015-nfl-draft-position-rankings-40 May 9, 2015 live mdy-all White caught 109 passes for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2014.Farrar Doug https://www.si.com/nfl/2015/04/30/chicago-bears-select-kevin-white-2015-nfl-draft Chicago Bears select Kevin White No. 7 in the 2015 NFL draft Sports Illustrated April 30, 2015 May 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518111834/http://www.si.com/nfl/2015/04/30/chicago-bears-select-kevin-white-2015-nfl-draft May 18, 2015 live mdy-all In the second round, Florida State defensive lineman Eddie Goldman was selected; considered a first-round prospect who had fallen due to his toughness, the 2014 Associated Press All-American recorded 35 tackles, four sacks and eight tackles for loss in his final college season.Sonnone Brendan http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/florida-state-seminoles/os-chicago-bears-draft-fsu-dl-eddie-goldman-in-second-round-20150501-post.html Chicago Bears draft FSU DL Eddie Goldman in second round Orlando Sentinel May 1, 2015 May 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518164723/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/florida-state-seminoles/os-chicago-bears-draft-fsu-dl-eddie-goldman-in-second-round-20150501-post.html May 18, 2015 live mdy-all With their third-rounder, Oregon center Hroniss Grasu was drafted; the 2013 and 2014 Rimington Trophy finalist, the Bears were convinced by guard Kyle Long to draft his former Oregon teammate. With White and Grasu's selections, this marked the first time since 2008 that the Bears drafted at least two offensive players with their first three picks.Mullin John http://www.csnchicago.com/bears/bears-stock-ol-pipeline-oregon-c-hroniss-grasu-round-3 Bears stock OL pipeline with Oregon C Hroniss Grasu in Round 3 Comcast SportsNet Chicago May 1, 2015 May 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150505022232/http://www.csnchicago.com/bears/bears-stock-ol-pipeline-oregon-c-hroniss-grasu-round-3 May 5, 2015 live mdy-all In the fourth round, Michigan State running back Jeremy Langford was selected; during his time with Michigan State, he recorded 2,967 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns on 577 carries, while also recording 18 games with 100+ rushing yards, the third-most in school history. He holds the Spartans' record for the most consecutive Big Ten Conference games with 100 rushing yards with 15, ending his college career with 16.Dickerson Jeff https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago-bears/post/_/id/4698335/total-breakdown-bears-draft-rb-jeremy-langford-in-fourth-round Total breakdown: Bears draft RB Jeremy Langford in fourth round ESPN May 2, 2015 May 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150505074047/http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago-bears/post/_/id/4698335/total-breakdown-bears-draft-rb-jeremy-langford-in-fourth-round May 5, 2015 live mdy-all The Bears drafted their second defensive player in the fifth round, Penn State safety Adrian Amos; having started 38 consecutive games for the Nittany Lions, Amos recorded 42 tackles and three interceptions in 2014, with career totals of 149 tackles, seven interceptions, three sacks and nine tackles for loss. The Bears' final pick of the draft was in the sixth round, drafting TCU tackle Tayo Fabuluje; the 2012 Big 12 Conference Newcomer of the Year, he skipped football in 2013 due to family issues before returning in 2014 to help TCU win the Big 12 title.Gerbosi Ryan http://collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com/2015/05/chicago-bears-select-tcu-ol-tayo-fabuluje-in-sixth-round-of-2015-nfl-draft.html/ Chicago Bears select TCU OL, Oakridge grad Tayo Fabuluje in sixth round of 2015 NFL draft The Dallas Morning News May 2, 2015 May 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518074500/http://collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com/2015/05/chicago-bears-select-tcu-ol-tayo-fabuluje-in-sixth-round-of-2015-nfl-draft.html/ May 18, 2015 dead Each of the draft class members agreed to four-year deals with the Bears. Langford, Amos and Fabuluje were the first to sign, doing so on May 5.Neveau James http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/grizzly-detail/Bears-Sign-Amos-Fabuluje-Langford-to-Four-Year-Contracts--302679981.html Bears Sign Three Draft Picks to Four-Year Contracts WMAQ-TV May 5, 2015 October 15, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151012022529/http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/grizzly-detail/Bears-Sign-Amos-Fabuluje-Langford-to-Four-Year-Contracts--302679981.html October 12, 2015 live mdy-all The following day, White and Goldman were signed.Wesseling Chris https://www.nfl.com/news/kevin-white-eddie-goldman-agree-to-terms-with-bears-0ap3000000491389 Kevin White, Eddie Goldman agree to terms with Bears National Football League May 6, 2015 October 15, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151016181553/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000491389/article/kevin-white-eddie-goldman-agree-to-terms-with-bears October 16, 2015 live mdy-all Grasu was the last player to sign a contract, agreeing to a deal on May 8.Dickerson Jeff https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago-bears/post/_/id/4698433/hroniss-grasu-signs-four-year-deal-entire-15-draft-class-under-contract Hroniss Grasu signs four-year deal; entire '15 draft class under contract ESPN May 8, 2015 October 15, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924142549/http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago-bears/post/_/id/4698433/hroniss-grasu-signs-four-year-deal-entire-15-draft-class-under-contract September 24, 2015 live mdy-all 2015 Chicago Bears 1 7 Kevin White WR West Virginia yes 2 39 Eddie Goldman DT Florida State yes 3 71 Hroniss Grasu C Oregon yes 4 106 Jeremy Langford RB Michigan State yes 5 142 Adrian Amos S Penn State yes 6 183 Tayo Fabuluje OT TCU yes Notes The Bears traded their original 2015 fifth-round selection (No. 143 overall) along with their 2014 fifth-round selection to the Denver Broncos in exchange for the Broncos' 2014 fourth- and seventh-round selections.Wiederer Dan Bears trade up, grab safety Vereen in Round 4 https://www.chicagotribune.com/2014/05/10/bears-trade-up-grab-safety-vereen-in-round-4/ Chicago Tribune May 10, 2014 May 20, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140514164104/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-05-10/sports/chi-trade-up-brock-vereen-20140510_1_bears-trade-shane-vereen-chris-conte May 14, 2014 live mdy-all The Bears traded wide receiver Brandon Marshall and their seventh-round selection (No. 224 overall) to the New York Jets in exchange for the Jets' fifth-round selection (No. 142 overall).Mayer Larry Bears trade Marshall to New York Jets http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-trade-Marshall-to-New-York-Jets/f47a1f8b-05cb-409e-8494-99378801b022 Chicago Bears March 10, 2015 March 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150313220641/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-trade-Marshall-to-New-York-Jets/f47a1f8b-05cb-409e-8494-99378801b022 March 13, 2015 dead mdy-all Undrafted free agents After the draft, on May 3, the Bears signed 15 undrafted free agents. On offense, six players were signed: ECU quarterback Shane Carden, who completed 63.5 percent of his passes for 4,736 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2014; Coastal Carolina guard Chad Hamilton, who was named to first-team All-Big South Conference in 2013 and 2014; Arkansas tackle Cameron Jefferson, who was an honorable mention for the All-Mountain West Conference team while playing for UNLV; Illinois State receiver Cameron Meredith, who led the Redbirds with 66 receptions for 1,061 yards and nine touchdowns in 2014; Baylor receiver and punt returner Levi Norwood, who holds the school record for the most punt return touchdowns with two in 2013, while also catching 128 passes for 1,626 yards and 11 touchdowns; and Alabama tight end Brian Vogler, who recorded 17 catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns in four years. Defensively, seven players were signed: TCU linebacker Jonathan Anderson, who recorded 30 tackles and 4.5 tackles-for-loss in 2014; Rice cornerback Bryce Callahan, who recorded 145 tackles, 13 interceptions (second-most in school history), 14 tackles-for-loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 47 college games, including a career-best 43 tackles in 2014; East Central cornerback Qumain Black, a 2013 first-team All-Great American Conference member during his time at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, who had 25 tackles and an interception with East Central in 2014; UCF cornerback Jacoby Glenn, who recorded 48 tackles and seven picks in 2014, and was named second-team All-American (UCF's first All-American since 2007) and American Athletic Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Year; UCLA safety Anthony Jefferson, who led the Bruins with eight pass breakups while ranking third with 72 tackles, awarding him a spot on the second-team All-Pac-12 Conference roster; Miami defensive end Olsen Pierre, who recorded 96 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and six pass breakups in 44 college games; and Washington linebacker John Timu, who recorded 108 tackles, two interceptions, and two touchdowns in 2014. Chicago also signed two special-teamers: Toledo kicker Jeremiah Detmer, the 2013 Mid-American Conference Special Teams Player of the Year, who had an 84.4 conversion percentage during his career; and Old Dominion long snapper Rick Lovato, who didn't miss a game in college.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-add-15-undrafted-free-agents/fd785ff5-f723-4afb-aadd-834a17e96f2d Bears add 15 undrafted free agents Chicago Bears May 3, 2015 June 21, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20160915132127/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/bears-add-15-undrafted-free-agents/fd785ff5-f723-4afb-aadd-834a17e96f2d September 15, 2016 dead However, Detmer was released on June 18. Offseason activities The Bears held a voluntary offseason program on April 13, with the players focusing on strength and conditioning.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-start-offseason-workout-program/4a7bd7c5-0769-4638-af37-7578d01bc5e7 Bears start offseason workout program Chicago Bears April 13, 2015 May 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150502165838/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-start-offseason-workout-program/4a7bd7c5-0769-4638-af37-7578d01bc5e7 May 2, 2015 dead mdy-all Due to having a new head coach, a voluntary veteran minicamp was held on April 28–30. A rookie minicamp was held on May 8–10, while ten organized team activities were scheduled, three of which were open to the media (May 27, June 3, June 10). Finally, a mandatory full-squad minicamp was held on June 16–18.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-release-list-of-offseason-dates/ba441ec3-e3e6-43a4-a9da-64175f3be2d3 Bears release list of offseason dates Chicago Bears February 10, 2015 May 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150502163618/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-release-list-of-offseason-dates/ba441ec3-e3e6-43a4-a9da-64175f3be2d3 May 2, 2015 dead mdy-all Players reported to Training Camp in Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais on July 29, though practice officially began the following day. The camp lasted until August 16, though no practices were held on August 4, 9 and 12–14.Finley Patrick http://chicago.suntimes.com/bears-football/7/71/653207/bears-announce-training-camp-dates-times Bears announce training camp dates, times Chicago Sun-Times June 1, 2015 August 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150603235003/http://chicago.suntimes.com/bears-football/7/71/653207/bears-announce-training-camp-dates-times June 3, 2015 live mdy-all During the timespan of Training Camp prior to the first game of the preseason, various transactions occurred. On the first day of camp, rookie Chad Hamilton retired, and on July 31, Tyler Moore was signed to a three-year contract to take his place. On August 5, tight end Brian Vogler was released. Six days later, guard Ryan Groy was traded to the New England Patriots for linebacker Matthew Wells. Preseason Transactions Preseason roster changes Chicago Bears 2 Additions On August 15, the Bears signed Jeremy Kelley. On August 24, the Bears signed Lucas Nix. On September 1, the Bears signed Zac Dysert and Gannon Sinclair off waivers. On September 2, the Bears acquired Khari Lee in a trade with the Houston Texans. On September 6, the Bears claimed Harold Jones-Quartey and Patrick Omameh off waivers. On September 12, the Bears elevated Lamin Barrow to the active roster. Departures On August 15, the Bears released DeDe Lattimore. On August 24, the Bears released Jason Weaver. On August 30, the Bears released Tim Jennings, Daniel Thomas, John Chiles, Malcolm Bronson, Khaseem Greene, Cameron Jefferson, Jeremy Kelley, Al Louis-Jean, Rick Lovato, Levi Norwood, Chris Pantale and Olsen Pierre. On September 1, the Bears released Shane Carden and Lucas Nix. On September 5, the Bears released A. J. Cruz, Jonathan Anderson, David Bass, Qumain Black, Conor Boffeli, Brandon Dunn, Zac Dysert, Jacoby Glenn, Rashad Lawrence, Tyler Moore, Michael Ola, Gannon Sinclair, Ify Umodu, Matthew Wells, Terry Williams, Kyle Woestmann, David Carter, Mason Foster, Bear Pascoe and Dante Rosario. On September 6, the Bears released Sherrod Martin and Jordan Mills. On September 14, the Bears released Sam Acho. Reserve lists On August 30, the Bears placed Ryan Mundy and Kevin White on the reserve/injured and reserve/physically unable to perform list, respectively. On September 1, the Bears placed Senorise Perry on the reserve/injured list. On September 5, the Bears placed Anthony Jefferson and Jeremiah Ratliff on the reserve/injured and reserve/suspended list, respectively. Practice squad additions On September 7, the Bears added Jonathan Anderson, Lamin Barrow, Nick Becton, Brandon Dunn, Jacoby Glenn, Paul Lasike, Jalen Saunders, Gannon Sinclair, Ify Umodu and Terry Williams to the practice squad. On September 9, the Bears added Bronson Hill to the practice squad. Practice squad departures On September 8, the Bears removed Paul Lasike from the practice squad. Staff 2015 Chicago Bears Secretary of the board of directors – Virginia Halas McCaskey Chairman – George McCaskey President/CEO – Ted Phillips general manager – Ryan Pace Vice president of football administration/general counsel – Cliff Stein Director of pro personnel – Champ Kelly Director of college scouting – Joe Douglas Area scout – Mark Sadowski Director of player personnel – Josh Lucas Director of football administration – Joey Laine Head coach – John Fox Offensive coordinator – Adam Gase Quarterbacks – Dowell Loggains Running backs – Stan Drayton Wide receivers – Mike Groh Tight ends – Frank Smith Offensive line – Dave Magazu Assistant offensive line – Ben Wilkerson Offensive assistant – Bo Hardegree Defensive coordinator – Vic Fangio Defensive line – Jay Rodgers Inside linebackers – Glenn Pires Outside linebackers – Clint Hurtt Defensive backs – Ed Donatell Assistant defensive backs – Sam Garnes Defensive quality control – Sean Desai Special teams coordinator – Jeff Rodgers Assistant special teams – Derius Swinton II Strength and conditioning – Jason George Assistant strength and conditioning – Jim Arthur Assistant strength and conditioning – Pierre Ngo Assistant strength and conditioning – Rick Perry Final roster 2015 Chicago Bears 53 15 10  6 Jay Cutler 12 David Fales 25 Ka'Deem Carey 22 Matt Forte 33 Jeremy Langford y 11 Josh Bellamy 80 Marc Mariani 81 Cameron Meredith y 19 Eddie Royal 14 Deonte Thompson 88 Rob Housler 82 Khari Lee y 86 Zach Miller tight end, born 1984 71 Nick Becton T 74 Jermon Bushrod T 62 Vladimir Ducasse G 73 Tayo Fabuluje y T 55 Hroniss Grasu y C 72 Charles Leno T 75 Kyle Long T 65 Patrick Omameh G 68 Matt Slauson G/C 76 Bruce Gaston American football NT 96 Jarvis Jenkins DE 90 Greg Scruggs DE 70 D'Anthony Smith NT 93 Will Sutton DE 98 Mitch Unrein DE 79 Terry Williams defensive lineman, born 1992 y NT 49 Sam Acho OLB 58 Jonathan Anderson American football ILB y 57 Lamin Barrow ILB 99 Lamarr Houston OLB 59 Christian Jones linebacker ILB 50 Shea McClellin ILB 92 Pernell McPhee OLB 52 LaRoy Reynolds ILB 53 John Timu ILB American football y 97 Willie Young defensive end OLB 38 Adrian Amos y FS 24 Alan Ball American football CB 37 Bryce Callahan CB y 23 Kyle Fuller CB 39 Jacoby Glenn CB y 30 Demontre Hurst SS 36 Sherrod Martin FS 27 Sherrick McManis CB 29 Harold Jones-Quartey y SS 21 Tracy Porter CB 31 Chris Prosinski SS  9 Robbie Gould K 16 Pat O'Donnell P 48 Patrick Scales American football LS 83 Martellus Bennett TE IR 95 Ego Ferguson DE IR 91 Eddie Goldman y NT IR 46 Anthony Jefferson y SS IR 17 Alshon Jeffery WR IR 64 Will Montgomery C IR 21 Ryan Mundy SS IR 32 Senorise Perry RB IR 35 Jacquizz Rodgers RB IR 26 Antrel Rolle SS IR 94 Cornelius Washington DE IR 78 Jason Weaver American football T IR 13 Kevin White American football y WR PUP 10 Marquess Wilson WR IR 20 De'Vante Bausby y CB  2 Matt Blanchard QB 67 Davon Coleman DE 60 Cornelius Edison y C 47 Paul Lasike FB y 85 Marcus Lucas TE 45 Danny Mason ILB 15 Nathan Palmer WR -- Jalen Saunders WR IR 84 Gannon Sinclair TE y 63 Martin Wallace American football T Schedule The Bears preseason schedule was released on April 9.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-preseason-slate-announced/aeb1bbdf-50c4-40aa-b92f-57ad01054861 Bears' preseason slate announced Chicago Bears April 9, 2015 August 12, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150810231540/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-preseason-slate-announced/aeb1bbdf-50c4-40aa-b92f-57ad01054861 August 10, 2015 dead mdy-all The team opened the preseason at home against the Miami Dolphins, who had defeated the Bears in their meeting in 2014,https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400554270&period=0 Miami Dolphins vs. Chicago Bears - Play By Play ESPN November 8, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141109060757/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400554270&period=0 November 9, 2014 live mdy-all followed by visiting two 2014 playoff teams in the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati; the Bears had last faced the two teams in the season openers of 2012https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=320909003&period=4 Indianapolis Colts vs. Chicago Bears – Play By Play ESPN August 12, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151006135257/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=320909003&period=4 October 6, 2015 live mdy-all and 2013,https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=330908003&period=0 Cincinnati Bengals vs. Chicago Bears - Play By Play ESPN August 12, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140813165234/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=330908003&period=0 August 13, 2014 live mdy-all respectively. Chicago ended the preseason hosting annual preseason opponent Cleveland Browns, who the Bears had lost to in the 2014 preseason game.https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400554693&period=0 Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns - Play by Play ESPN August 31, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140903135114/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400554693&period=0 September 3, 2014 live mdy-all Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site GameBook NFL.comrecap 1 August 13 Miami Dolphins W 27–10 1–0 Soldier Field GameBook https://web.archive.org/web/20150824042558/http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56764/CHI_Gamebook.pdf August 24, 2015 Recap 2 August 22 at Indianapolis Colts W 23–11 2–0 Lucas Oil Stadium GameBook https://web.archive.org/web/20160304222420/http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56782/IND_Gamebook.pdf March 4, 2016 Recap 3 August 29 at Cincinnati Bengals L 10–21 2–1 Paul Brown Stadium GameBook https://web.archive.org/web/20150908074119/http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56801/CIN_Gamebook.pdf September 8, 2015 Recap 4 September 3 Cleveland Browns W 24–0 3–1 Soldier Field GameBook https://web.archive.org/web/20150908150657/http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56817/CHI_Gamebook.pdf September 8, 2015 Recap Game summaries The Bears struggled early in the preseason-opening game, starting with the Dolphins scoring on the opening drive with Ryan Tannehill's two-yard touchdown pass to Jarvis Landry, concluding a 14-play, 85-yard drive. On the first offensive play, tackle Jordan Mills was penalized for a false start, and after four plays, the Bears punted; Chicago would not score until early in the second quarter with Robbie Gould's 48-yard field goal. The Dolphins responded to the field goal with Caleb Sturgis' 31-yard field goal later in the quarter.https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791102&period=0 Miami Dolphins vs. Chicago Bears - Play By Play ESPN August 15, 2015 June 7, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210607164745/https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791102&period=0 live With 1:02 left in the first half, backup quarterback Jimmy Clausen attempted to lead a two-minute drill, and the offense reached the Dolphins' 16-yard line, but with no timeouts and wide receiver Josh Bellamy being unable to get out of bounds, the clock ran out.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Read-and-React-Bears-Dolphins/4a9fc3d7-f984-4471-a2fe-4cdb2e9298d2 Read and React: Bears-Dolphins Chicago Bears August 13, 2015 August 15, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150816005151/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Read-and-React-Bears-Dolphins/4a9fc3d7-f984-4471-a2fe-4cdb2e9298d2 August 16, 2015 dead mdy-all Early in the second half, cornerback Sherrick McManis pulled the ball away from Mike Gillislee, and recovered at the Dolphins' 37, which led to Gould's 23-yard field goal; after Miami punted, Gould narrowed the margin by one point with a 21-yard kick.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Takeaways-turn-tide-in-Bears-victory/8af9b3a8-4483-4dec-9ef9-593bd9324eba Takeaways turn tide in Bears victory Chicago Bears August 13, 2015 August 15, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150816165456/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Takeaways-turn-tide-in-Bears-victory/8af9b3a8-4483-4dec-9ef9-593bd9324eba August 16, 2015 dead mdy-all On the Dolphins' next play, McLeod Bethel-Thompson was intercepted by linebacker John Timu; seven plays later, runningback Ka'Deem Carey scored on a one-yard touchdown run to give the Bears the lead, followed by Clausen's two-point conversion pass to wide receiver A. J. Cruz. In the fourth quarter, Bethel-Thompson was intercepted by linebacker Sam Acho on the Miami 13, which led to Gould kicking a 27-yard field goal; later in the quarter, the Bears increased their lead with runningback Senorise Perry's 54-yard touchdown run, making the score 27–10. After the Dolphins turned the ball over on downs and the Bears punted, the game concluded with Miami's Josh Freeman being intercepted by defensive back Malcolm Bronson. Against the Colts, the Bears led early with Gould's 50-yard and 38-yard field goals, and both teams traded the lead with each of their next scores in the half: Indianapolis scored on Andrew Luck's 5-yard touchdown run and eventual two-point conversion pass to Andre Johnson, which Chicago responded with Gould's 25-yarder, though the Colts ended the half with the 11–9 lead via Adam Vinatieri's 25-yard kick.https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791103&period=0 Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis Colts - Play By Play ESPN August 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20160306135413/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791103&period=0 March 6, 2016 live mdy-all During the first half, the Bears had a first quarter 12-yard touchdown scramble by Cutler nullified by lineman Kyle Long's holding penalty. The game's lone two interceptions occurred during the second quarter on consecutive drives: Indianapolis quarterback Matt Hasselbeck's pass for Donte Moncrief was intercepted by Terrance Mitchell, and Clausen's pass for tight end Dante Rosario was underthrown, being intercepted by Sheldon Prince.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-gamerecap/Bears-show-progress-in-win-over-Colts/696b0d05-f3c0-482b-93d3-8b004a6a87d1 Bears show progress in win over Colts Chicago Bears August 22, 2015 August 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150825181521/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-gamerecap/Bears-show-progress-in-win-over-Colts/696b0d05-f3c0-482b-93d3-8b004a6a87d1 August 25, 2015 dead mdy-all The Bears reclaimed the lead on their first possession of the second half with Clausen's 12-yard touchdown pass to Bellamy, which was established after Jeremy Langford's 46-yard run. On the Colts' next driver, Hasselbeck was sacked by Acho, leading to defensive tackle Eddie Goldman recovering the ensuing fumble. The margin was increased on the fifth play of the Bears' next drive, with Langford scoring on a two-yard run. Chicago's top four receivers, Alshon Jeffery, Eddie Royal, Marquess Wilson and Kevin White, were not active for the game in Cincinnati. During the game, Perry, Clausen, cornerback Tracy Porter, wide receiver John Chiles and linebacker Jon Bostic also suffered injuries.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-gamerecap/Bears-outplayed-on-offense-defense/30f89664-3845-4e6e-ad18-730af7838e2c Bears outplayed on offense, defense Chicago Bears August 29, 2015 September 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150915150155/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-gamerecap/Bears-outplayed-on-offense-defense/30f89664-3845-4e6e-ad18-730af7838e2c September 15, 2015 dead mdy-all Penalties were a concern for the Bears, who committed 12 for 117 yards; the offense also struggled on converting third downs, with only two of eleven successful.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-insideslant/Penalties-repeatedly-stall-Bears-drives/02262e26-e242-4be1-902c-d9c2b4ce1cbd Penalties repeatedly stall Bears drives Chicago Bears August 29, 2015 September 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150910062207/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-insideslant/Penalties-repeatedly-stall-Bears-drives/02262e26-e242-4be1-902c-d9c2b4ce1cbd September 10, 2015 dead mdy-all On defense, the Bears allowed the Bengals to score three unanswered touchdowns: in the first quarter with Andy Dalton's one-yard run, and in the second with A. J. McCarron's touchdown pass to Marvin Jones and Jeremy Hill's one-yard run. It would not be until the final six seconds of the half that the Bears scored, with Gould's 34-yard field goal.https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791104 Bears vs. Bengals - Play-By-Play ESPN September 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150902002833/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791104 September 2, 2015 live mdy-all The first-team offense left the game during the third quarter, with all but one drive having ended in a punt, and on four of those drives, the unit failed to record a first down. Halfway through the final quarter, the Bears were able to make the score 21–10 after Ify Umodu blocked Kevin Huber's punt and returned it for an eight-yard touchdown. Chicago scored first in the second quarter of the preseason-ending game against Cleveland with David Fales' 19-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marc Mariani, after capitalizing on linebacker Lamarr Houston forcing Darius Jennings to fumble and Mitchell recovered. On the Browns' next drive, the Bears' linebacker Jonathan Anderson sacked Thad Lewis, leading to another fumble, this time recovered by defensive lineman Cornelius Washington; however, Gould missed a 43-yard field goal.https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791105 Bears vs. Browns - Play-By-Play ESPN September 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150906003631/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791105 September 6, 2015 live mdy-all In the third quarter, Fales was able to throw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Umodu after escaping Tank Carder's blitz. Later in the quarter, Sherrod Martin intercepted Lewis and scored on the ensuing 25-yard return. With 5:35 remaining in the game, Gould scored the final points of the game with a 28-yard field goal, as the Bears recorded the team's first preseason shutout since 1994.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-gamerecap/Fales-defense-lead-Bears-to-victory/ee9a2d50-2feb-4fab-b21d-b6b3c0b30590 Fales, defense lead Bears to victory Chicago Bears September 3, 2015 September 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150909214113/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-gamerecap/Fales-defense-lead-Bears-to-victory/ee9a2d50-2feb-4fab-b21d-b6b3c0b30590 September 9, 2015 dead mdy-all By the end of the game, the defense excelled, with seven sacks, three turnovers forced and limiting the Browns to 2.7 yards per play.Kaberon Eli http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Veterans-contribute-in-preseason-win/06267096-1c20-478d-b25d-f46e98b66da2 Veterans contribute in preseason win Chicago Bears September 3, 2015 September 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150906210051/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Veterans-contribute-in-preseason-win/06267096-1c20-478d-b25d-f46e98b66da2 September 6, 2015 dead mdy-all The Bears concluded the preseason with a 3–1 record, while also not allowing a score in the second half across the four games; turnover-wise, the Bears forced ten, while allowing only one. Regular season Transactions Regular season roster changes Chicago Bears 2 Additions On September 14, the Bears signed Sam Acho. On September 16, the Bears signed Lavar Edwards. On September 19, the Bears elevated Brandon Dunn to the active roster. On September 22, the Bears elevated David Fales to the active roster. On September 25, the Bears signed Mitch Unrein. On September 29, the Bears signed Chris Prosinski and LaRoy Reynolds. On October 3, the Bears signed Spencer Lanning. On October 6, the Bears elevated Nick Becton to the active roster and signed Sherrod Martin On October 7, the Bears elevated Demontre Hurst to the active roster. On October 12, the Bears signed Antone Smith. On October 14, the Bears elevated Jonathan Anderson to the active roster. On October 17, the Bears signed Bruce Gaston. On October 19, the Bears elevated Bryce Callahan to the active roster. On October 22, the Bears signed Ziggy Hood. On November 10, the Bears elevated Deonte Thompson to the active roster. On November 17, the Bears elevated Jacoby Glenn to the active roster. On November 23, the Bears elevated David Fales to the active roster. On November 28, the Bears signed Patrick Scales. On December 8, the Bears signed Rob Housler. On December 12, the Bears elevated Demontre Hurst to the active roster. On December 15, the Bears elevated John Timu to the active roster. On December 22, the Bears elevated D'Anthony Smith to the active roster. On December 30, the Bears signed Greg Scruggs and Terry Williams. Departures On September 15, the Bears released David Fales. On September 19, the Bears released Demontre Hurst. On September 22, the Bears released Bryce Callahan. On September 25, the Bears released Lavar Edwards. On September 28, the Bears traded Jared Allen to the Carolina Panthers and Jon Bostic to the New England Patriots. On September 29, the Bears released Brock Vereen. On October 3, the Bears released Brandon Dunn. On October 6, the Bears released Spencer Lanning and John Timu. On October 13, the Bears released David Fales. On October 22, the Bears released Jeremiah Ratliff. On November 17, the Bears released Terrance Mitchell. On November 23, the Bears released Jimmy Clausen. On November 28, the Bears released Thomas Gafford. On December 15, the Bears released Ziggy Hood. On December 22, the Bears released Antone Smith. Reserve lists On September 14, the Bears placed Cornelius Washington on the injured reserve list. On October 6, the Bears placed Will Montgomery and Jalen Saunders on the injured reserve and practice squad/injured list, respectively. On October 12, the Bears placed Jacquizz Rodgers on the injured reserve list. On October 17, the Bears placed Ego Ferguson on the injured reserve list. On November 10, the Bears placed Tayo Fabuluje on the reserve/suspended by commissioner list. On December 8, the Bears placed Martellus Bennett on the injured reserve list. On December 12, the Bears placed Marquess Wilson on the injured reserve list. On December 14, the Bears placed Antrel Rolle on the injured reserve list. On December 30, the Bears placed Eddie Goldman and Alshon Jeffery on the injured reserve list. Practice squad additions On September 17, the Bears added David Fales to the practice squad. On September 21, the Bears added Paul Lasike to the practice squad. On September 22, the Bears added Demontre Hurst and Deonte Thompson to the practice squad. On September 24, the Bears added Bryce Callahan to the practice squad. On October 6, the Bears added Brandon Dunn and Barrett Jones to the practice squad. On October 7, the Bears added Ryan Seymour to the practice squad. On October 8, the Bears added John Timu to the practice squad. On October 13, the Bears added Nathan Palmer and D'Anthony Smith to the practice squad. On October 14, the Bears added David Fales to the practice squad. On October 21, the Bears added Demontre Hurst to the practice squad. On November 10, the Bears added Martin Wallace to the practice squad. On November 18, the Bears added Terrance Mitchell to the practice squad. On November 24, the Bears added Danny Mason and Justin Worley to the practice squad. On December 8, the Bears added Matt Blanchard to the practice squad. On December 15, the Bears added Toby Johnson and Marcus Lucas to the practice squad. On December 22, the Bears added De'Vante Bausby and Davon Coleman to the practice squad. Practice squad departures On September 21, the Bears removed Bronson Hill from the practice squad. On September 22, the Bears removed Ify Umodu from the practice squad. On October 6, the Bears removed Terry Williams from the practice squad. On October 13, the Bears removed Ryan Seymour and Brandon Dunn from the practice squad. On November 23, the Bears removed Terrance Mitchell from the practice squad. On November 30, Barrett Jones was signed from the practice squad by the Philadelphia Eagles. On December 8, the Bears removed Justin Worley from the practice squad. On December 22, the Bears removed Toby Johnson from the practice squad. Schedule The regular season schedule was released on April 21. Aside from the standard six games against NFC North teams, the Bears also played the AFC West and NFC West teams, along with the two last-place finishing NFC East (Washington) and NFC South (Tampa Bay) teams.http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/04/21/chicago-bears-2015-schedule-released/ Chicago Bears' 2015 Schedule Released WBBM-TV April 21, 2015 August 13, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150811150346/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/04/21/chicago-bears-2015-schedule-released/ August 11, 2015 live mdy-all The Bears' opponents had a combined record of 136–120 (136 120), making their schedule the 13th-strongest in the league.Breech Josh http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25066031/2015-nfl-strength-of-schedule-steelers-at-no-1-falcons-at-no-32 2015 NFL strength of schedule: Steelers at No. 1, Falcons at No. 32 CBSSports.com February 11, 2015 August 12, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150814042956/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25066031/2015-nfl-strength-of-schedule-steelers-at-no-1-falcons-at-no-32 August 14, 2015 live mdy-all Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site GameBook NFL.comrecap 1 September 13 Green Bay Packers L 23–31 0–1 Soldier Field GameBook https://web.archive.org/web/20150927032332/http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56505/CHI_Gamebook.pdf September 27, 2015 Recap 2 September 20 Arizona Cardinals L 23–48 0–2 Soldier Field GameBook https://web.archive.org/web/20150925093311/http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56522/CHI_Gamebook.pdf September 25, 2015 Recap 3 September 27 at Seattle Seahawks L 0–26 0–3 CenturyLink Field GameBook https://web.archive.org/web/20150928221931/http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56548/SEA_Gamebook.pdf September 28, 2015 Recap 4 October 4 Oakland Raiders W 22–20 1–3 Soldier Field GameBook https://web.archive.org/web/20151216033944/http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56555/CHI_Gamebook.pdf December 16, 2015 Recap 5 October 11 at Kansas City Chiefs W 18–17 2–3 Arrowhead Stadium GameBook https://web.archive.org/web/20160304223230/http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56571/KC_Gamebook.pdf March 4, 2016 Recap 6 October 18 at Detroit Lions L 34–37 (OT) 2–4 Ford Field GameBook https://web.archive.org/web/20151023071624/http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56583/DET_Gamebook.pdf October 23, 2015 Recap 7 Bye 8 November 1 Minnesota Vikings L 20–23 2–5 Soldier Field GameBook https://web.archive.org/web/20151106045848/http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56612/CHI_Gamebook.pdf November 6, 2015 Recap 9 November 9 Monday at San Diego Chargers W 22–19 3–5 Qualcomm Stadium GameBook https://web.archive.org/web/20151112161052/http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56634/SD_Gamebook.pdf November 12, 2015 Recap 10 November 15 at St. Louis Rams W 37–13 4–5 Edward Jones Dome GameBook https://web.archive.org/web/20151117015304/http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56640/STL_Gamebook.pdf November 17, 2015 Recap 11 November 22 Denver Broncos L 15–17 4–6 Soldier Field GameBook https://web.archive.org/web/20151129020819/http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56653/CHI_Gamebook.pdf November 29, 2015 Recap 12 November 26 at Green Bay Packers W 17–13 5–6 Lambeau Field GameBook https://web.archive.org/web/20151212164334/http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56665/GB_Gamebook.pdf December 12, 2015 Recap 13 December 6 San Francisco 49ers L 20–26 (OT) 5–7 Soldier Field GameBook https://web.archive.org/web/20151208081301/http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56681/CHI_Gamebook.pdf December 8, 2015 Recap 14 December 13 Washington Redskins L 21–24 5–8 Soldier Field GameBook Recap 15 December 20 at Minnesota Vikings L 17–38 5–9 TCF Bank Stadium GameBook https://web.archive.org/web/20151224030755/http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56716/MIN_Gamebook.pdf December 24, 2015 Recap 16 December 27 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 26–21 6–9 Raymond James Stadium GameBook https://web.archive.org/web/20160106041313/http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56737/TB_Gamebook.pdf January 6, 2016 Recap 17 January 3 Detroit Lions L 20–24 6–10 Soldier Field GameBook https://web.archive.org/web/20160823023148/http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56746/CHI_Gamebook.pdf August 23, 2016 Recap Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. Legend #03202F # white Games played with color uniforms. white # #03202F Games played with white uniforms. #03202F # #df6108 Games played with 1940s throwback uniforms. #cfc – black Light green background indicates a victory. #fcc – black Light red background indicates a loss. Game summaries Week 1: vs. Green Bay Packers Chicago Bears 41thru48 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week One: Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears – Game summary September 13 12:00 p.m. CDT Packers 7 3 7 14 Bears 3 10 3 7 Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois 62,442 68 F C, mostly sunny Craig Wrolstad Fox Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews Recap, Gamebook First quarter CHI – Robbie Gould 28-yard field goal, 9:28 (CHI 3–0). Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 5:32 GB – James Jones 13-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers, Mason Crosby XP good, 0:43 (GB 7–3). Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 4:42 Second quarter CHI – Matt Forte 1-yard run, Robbie Gould XP good, 7:49 (CHI 10–7). Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 7:54 GB – Mason Crosby 37-yard field goal, 2:32 (TIE 10–10). Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 5:17 CHI – Robbie Gould 50-yard field goal, 0:08 (CHI 13–10). Drive: 12 plays, 47 yards, 2:24 Third quarter GB – James Jones 1-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers, Mason Crosby XP good, 11:56 (GB 17–13). Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 3:04 CHI – Robbie Gould 44-yard field goal, 4:57 (GB 17–16). Drive: 12 plays, 56 yards, 6:59 Fourth quarter GB – Randall Cobb 5-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers, Mason Crosby XP good, 10:26 (GB 24–16). Drive: 16 plays, 78 yards, 9:31 GB – Eddie Lacy 2-yard run, Mason Crosby XP good, 1:55 (GB 31–16). Drive: 4 plays, 48 yards, 1:46 CHI – Martellus Bennett 24-yard pass from Jay Cutler, Robbie Gould XP good, 0:34 (GB 31–23). Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 1:21 Top passers GB – Aaron Rodgers, 18/23, 189 yards, 3 TD CHI – Jay Cutler, 18/36, 225 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT Top rushers GB – Eddie Lacy, 19 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD CHI – Matt Forte, 24 carries, 141 yards, 1 TD Top receivers GB – Randall Cobb, 5 receptions, 38 yards, 1 TD CHI – Alshon Jeffery, 5 receptions, 78 yards Top tacklers GB – Sam Shields, 6 tackles CHI – Shea McClellin, 4 tackles thumb|The Bears played all of their home games at Soldier Field The Bears opened the season hosting rival Green Bay Packers, the 191st meeting in the two teams' history and the third season opener in which both teams played each other in Chicago; the Bears held a 93–91–6 all-time lead, and also led the series in season opener record with 17–12–2.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-pregamewarmup/Bears-set-to-host-Packers-in-opener/0d933a87-d525-4b94-9bcf-3c3e5d66e689 Bears set to host Packers in opener Chicago Bears September 13, 2015 September 19, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150916000606/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-pregamewarmup/Bears-set-to-host-Packers-in-opener/0d933a87-d525-4b94-9bcf-3c3e5d66e689 September 16, 2015 dead mdy-all However, the Packers had won nine of the last ten games between the two, including the last game, a 55–14 victory at Lambeau Field.http://www.packers.com/news-and-events/article-infographic/article-1/Infographic-Packers-vs-Bears-game-preview/212b95aa-c1a6-42fc-97dd-35eda98ac0c4 Infographic: Packers vs. Bears game preview Green Bay Packers September 11, 2015 September 19, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150914011759/http://www.packers.com/news-and-events/article-infographic/article-1/Infographic-Packers-vs-Bears-game-preview/212b95aa-c1a6-42fc-97dd-35eda98ac0c4 September 14, 2015 dead mdy-all WBBM-TV analyst Jeff Joniak believed the Bears would have to run to gain an advantage against the Packers; when Chicago played Green Bay in week four last season, the latter had the 30th-ranked run defense, and allowed 235 rushing yards in that game. Additionally, the offense had to avoid drives that required long yardage, as the Bears had scored 74 points outside of the red zone (the 29th-best in the league), while also protecting quarterback Jay Cutler from linebackers Julius Peppers and Clay Matthews III. On defense, the new 3–4 defense faced a fast-paced Green Bay offense featuring quarterback Aaron Rodgers and tailback Eddie Lacy. The Rodgers-led Packers, who led the NFC North in touchdowns with 58, along with having the highest average yards per play (6.17) in the NFL in 2014,Kaberon Eli http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Packers/366fbcd8-bb91-4aff-b61e-cf10c1848465 Opponent breakdown: Packers Chicago Bears September 9, 2015 October 15, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151013040255/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Packers/366fbcd8-bb91-4aff-b61e-cf10c1848465 October 13, 2015 dead mdy-all also provided a challenge for the Bears defensive backs; blitzing Rodgers was also a liability, as he had a league-best 130.4 rating with 15 touchdowns and one interception against the blitz.Joniak Jeff http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/09/11/joniak-keys-to-bears-packers-3/ Joniak: Keys To Bears-Packers WBBM-TV September 11, 2015 September 19, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150914014333/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/09/11/joniak-keys-to-bears-packers-3/ September 14, 2015 live mdy-all However, the Packers did not have receiver Jordy Nelson, who had caught 13 touchdowns in 2014, as he had suffered an ACL tear during the preseason. quarterback David Fales, cornerback Tracy Porter, runningback Ka'Deem Carey, linebacker Jon Bostic, center Hroniss Grasu, tackle Tayo Fabuluje and receiver Cameron Meredith were inactive for the game.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Packers/76b23f67-a08a-48d5-97a1-1a20ae2a5c41 Read and React: Bears-Packers Chicago Bears September 13, 2015 September 19, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150914172529/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Packers/76b23f67-a08a-48d5-97a1-1a20ae2a5c41 September 14, 2015 dead The Packers won the coin toss, and elected to defer, meaning the Bears started the game with the ball. On the first possession of the game, the Bears offense reached as far as the Packers' eight-yard line, but ended with Robbie Gould kicking a 28-yard field goal. After the Packers punted,https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791489 Packers vs. Bears - Play-By-Play ESPN September 19, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150916095358/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791489 September 16, 2015 live mdy-all the Bears came close to allowing a turnover when Cutler was sacked by Peppers and fumbled, though the call was reversed. The next four drives of the game ended in scores for both teams: the Packers scored with Rodgers' 13-yard touchdown pass to James Jones, followed by the Bears reclaiming the lead in the second quarter with Matt Forte's one-yard touchdown run; the next two possessions concluded with field goals: Mason Crosby tied the game with a 37-yarder, though the Bears ended the first half with the 13–10 lead with Gould's 50-yarder. Prior to Forte's touchdown run, Gould had kicked a 27-yard field goal, but Sam Shields was offsides on the play, giving the Bears a 4th and 1, which the Bears capitalized with via Forte's one-yard run. The Bears then had two potential touchdowns nullified by Forte dropping a pass, and receiver Alshon Jeffery's touchdown was canceled by tackle Jermon Bushrod's holding penalty. The Packers also had a potential touchdown hurt by a penalty, as Rodgers had an eight-yard touchdown pass to Jones voided by holding penalties. In the second half, the Packers scored quickly with Jones' one-yard touchdown catch. The Bears responded with Gould's 44-yard field goal, but the Packers eventually scored again via Randall Cobb's five-yard touchdown catch. On Chicago's following drive, the offense drove to Green Bay's six-yard line to set up a first and goal situation. While Forte's four-yard run brought the Bears to the two, Cutler's passes to Eddie Royal, Jeffery and Royal again fell incomplete, leading to the Bears turning the ball over on downs. The Packers punted again, but the Bears failed to score when Cutler was intercepted by Matthews; the turnover set up Lacy's two-yard touchdown run to increase the score to 31–16 with 1:55 left in the game. With 34 seconds left, the Bears scored with Cutler's 24-yard touchdown pass to tight end Martellus Bennett, narrowing the margin to eight points. However, Green Bay's Davante Adams recovered the onside kick, and the Packers ran out the clock to end the game. Gould's first field goal of the game allowed him to set the franchise record for the most field goals with 244, breaking a tie with Kevin Butler. Forte recorded 184 rushing yards in the game, the most by a Bears running back in a loss since Walter Payton's 175 yards in a 1984 loss to the Packers.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-insideslant/Forte-runs-wild-in-loss-to-Packers/67f4a583-c0c7-4207-a3a9-bbedeb69fded Forte runs wild in loss to Packers Chicago Bears September 13, 2015 September 19, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150916222148/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-insideslant/Forte-runs-wild-in-loss-to-Packers/67f4a583-c0c7-4207-a3a9-bbedeb69fded September 16, 2015 dead mdy-all Week 2: vs. Arizona Cardinals Chicago Bears 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Two: Arizona Cardinals at Chicago Bears – Game summary September 20 12:00 pm. CDT Cardinals 14 14 14 6 Bears 7 13 3 0 Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois 62,351 70 F C, mostly sunny Jerome Boger Fox Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis and Tony Siragusa Recap, Gamebook First quarter ARI – David Johnson 108-yard kickoff return, Chandler Catanzaro XP good, 14:47 (ARI 7–0) CHI – Josh Bellamy 48-yard pass from Jay Cutler, Robbie Gould XP good, 3:20 (TIE 7–7). Drive: 6 plays, 89 yards, 3:02 ARI – Jaron Brown 6-yard pass from Carson Palmer, Chandler Catanzaro XP good, 1:13 (ARI 14–7). Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 2:07 Second quarter CHI – Jeremy Langford 1-yard run, Robbie Gould XP good, 10:02 (TIE 14–14). Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:11 ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 8-yard pass from Carson Palmer, Chandler Catanzaro XP good, 3:51 (ARI 21–14). Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 6:11 ARI – Tony Jefferson 26-yard interception return, Chandler Catanzaro XP good, 2:59 (ARI 28–14). CHI – Robbie Gould 40-yard field goal, 0:59 (ARI 28–17). Drive: 4 plays, 0:16 CHI – Robbie Gould 23-yard field goal, 0:00 (ARI 28–20). Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 0:54 Third quarter ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 28-yard pass from Carson Palmer, Chandler Catanzaro XP good, 12:41 (ARI 35–20). Drive: 2 plays, 32 yards, 0:52 ARI – David Johnson 13-yard run, Chandler Catanzaro XP good, 6:06 (ARI 42–20). Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:23 CHI – Robbie Gould 51-yard field goal, 2:26 (ARI 42–23). Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 3:40 Fourth quarter ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 9-yard pass from Carson Palmer, XP failed, 2:42 (ARI 48–23). Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 5:04 Top passers ARI – Carson Palmer, 17/24, 185 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT CHI – Jimmy Clausen, 14/23, 121 yards, 1 INT Top rushers ARI – Chris Johnson, 20 carries, 72 yards CHI – Matt Forte, 15 carries, 61 yards Top receivers ARI – Larry Fitzgerald, 8 receptions, 112 yards, 3 TD CHI – Eddie Royal, 7 receptions, 41 yards Top tacklers ARI – Tony Jefferson, 9 tackles CHI – Shea McClellin, 4 tackles Chicago hosted Arizona in week two, the 92nd meeting all-time; the Bears, who possessed a 58–27–6 record against the Cardinals entering the game, won the most recent meeting in 2012 28–13, though Arizona won the last game at Soldier Field in 2009 41–21.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=chi&tm2=crd&yr=all Boxscore finder: Chicago Bears vs Arizona Cardinals Pro-Football-Reference.com September 27, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150928153448/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=chi&tm2=crd&yr=all September 28, 2015 live mdy-all The Bears faced a 3–4 defense for the second consecutive week, and the Cardinals had a blitz-heavy defense. To attack it, Jeff Joniak wrote Matt Forte would have to be utilized. When passing, the Bears had to be wary of left-side cornerback Patrick Peterson; in 2014, Arizona's opponents only threw passes of at least ten yards to that side 29 times, the fifth-lowest in the NFL. As a result, teams attempted to throw to the right, with 51 deep passes, though only 29.4 percent were completed, the sixth-lowest in the league. Defensively, the Bears had to provide pressure to Carson Palmer, who had excelled in the season opener against the Saints with a three-touchdown game, against a line that allowed no sacks in week one,Kaberon Eli http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Cardinals/ce04b082-452e-4c57-87e6-5c04c08475b2 Opponent breakdown: Cardinals Chicago Bears September 15, 2015 October 15, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151020053229/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Cardinals/ce04b082-452e-4c57-87e6-5c04c08475b2 October 20, 2015 dead mdy-all while also focusing on challenging the speed of the Arizona receivers.Joniak Jeff http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/09/18/joniak-keys-to-bears-cardinals/ Joniak: Keys To Bears-Cardinals WBBM-TV September 18, 2015 September 27, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150928125725/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/09/18/joniak-keys-to-bears-cardinals/ September 28, 2015 live mdy-all lineman Ego Ferguson, Ka'Deem Carey, Hroniss Grasu, Jon Bostic, Tayo Fabuluje were inactive for the game.http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-what-time-channel-bears-cardinals-20150920-htmlstory.html Bears fall to 0-2 after 48-23 loss; QB Jay Cutler injured Chicago Tribune September 20, 2015 September 27, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150929020907/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-what-time-channel-bears-cardinals-20150920-htmlstory.html September 29, 2015 live mdy-all The Cardinals won the toss and decided to receive. On the opening kickoff, David Johnson returned it 108 yards for a touchdown.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Cardinals/a2e6a0ad-0440-4edf-9557-5e42ff86449a Read and React: Bears-Cardinals Chicago Bears September 20, 2015 September 20, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150921233338/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Cardinals/a2e6a0ad-0440-4edf-9557-5e42ff86449a September 21, 2015 dead After both teams exchanged punts, receiver Josh Bellamy caught a 48-yard touchdown pass from Cutler, his first career touchdown reception. On the Cardinals' ensuing drive, the Bears forced fourth down after Palmer's pass to Johnson went out of bounds, but was reversed after it was determined he had a knee and elbow inbounds. Two plays later, Arizona gained 42 yards on Palmer's pass to John Brown, added with a defensive pass interference penalty on corner Kyle Fuller, placing the offense at the Bears' 11-yard line. After two plays, Palmer threw a six-yard touchdown pass to Jaron Brown.https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791661 Cardinals vs. Bears - Play-By-Play ESPN September 25, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150926082730/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791661 September 26, 2015 live mdy-all On Chicago's next drive, runningback Jeremy Langford scored on a one-yard dive. However, the Cardinals scored two touchdowns in 52 seconds:Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-gamerecap/Bears-struggle-in-all-phases-in-defeat/1fd83391-693e-4210-82dd-3767065dab67 Bears struggle in all phases in defeat Chicago Bears September 20, 2015 September 25, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150926042406/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-gamerecap/Bears-struggle-in-all-phases-in-defeat/1fd83391-693e-4210-82dd-3767065dab67 September 26, 2015 dead mdy-all after Larry Fitzgerald's eight-yard touchdown reception, Tony Jefferson intercepted Cutler, scoring on the 26-yard return. Cutler tried to dive to tackle Jefferson, but landed on his right shoulder and suffered a hamstring injury; Jimmy Clausen replaced Cutler for the rest of the game. Despite losing Cutler, the Bears were able to score three points with Robbie Gould's 40-yard field goal, and got the ball back on the next drive with linebacker Jared Allen intercepting Palmer's pass intended for J. J. Nelson on the first play; however, the Bears had to settle for Gould's 23-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Clausen's pass for Marquess Wilson was intercepted by Patrick Peterson, with the Cardinals capitalizing on the turnover with Palmer's 28-yard touchdown pass to Fitzgerald. After the Bears punted, Arizona increased the score with Johnson's 13-yard touchdown run. Gould eventually kicked a 51-yard field goal to make the score 42–23, but Fitzgerald caught another touchdown pass, this time of nine yards, to widen the margin by 25 points, though Chandler Catanzaro's extra point was wide left. The Bears fell to 0–2 for the first time since 2003, while the 48 points allowed were the most at home in team history. Week 3: at Seattle Seahawks Chicago Bears 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Three: Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary September 27 3:25 pm. CDT/1:25 p.m. PDT Bears 0 0 0 0 Seahawks 3 3 14 6 CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington 69,002 60 F C, sunny Carl Cheffers CBS Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Tracy Wolfson Recap, Gamebook First quarter SEA – Steven Hauschka 31-yard field goal, 5:16 (SEA 3–0). Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:29 Second quarter SEA – Steven Hauschka 21-yard field goal, 0:00 (SEA 6–0). Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 2:37 Third quarter SEA – Tyler Lockett 105-yard kickoff return, Steven Hauschka XP good, 14:48 (SEA 13–0). SEA – Jimmy Graham 30-yard pass from Russell Wilson, Steven Hauschka XP good, 4:28 (SEA 20–0). Drive: 7 plays, 85 yards, 3:53 Fourth quarter SEA – Steven Hauschka 45-yard field goal, 14:03 (SEA 23–0). Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 3:24 SEA – Steven Hauschka 48-yard field goal, 6:16 (SEA 26–0). Drive: 12 plays, 50 yards, 6:09 Top passers CHI – Jimmy Clausen, 9/17, 63 yards SEA – Russell Wilson, 20/30, 235 yards, 1 TD Top rushers CHI – Matt Forte, 20 carries, 74 yards SEA – Thomas Rawls, 16 carries, 104 yards Top receivers CHI – Martellus Bennett, 4 receptions, 15 yards SEA – Jimmy Graham, 7 receptions, 83 yards, 1 TD Top tacklers CHI – Antrel Rolle, 7 tackles SEA – K. J. Wright, 5 tackles The Bears' first away game of the season occurred in Seattle, who led the all-time series 10–6, including the last three regular season games. However, the Bears had won the last game in Seattle in 2009 25–19. The Bears offense, not featuring Jay Cutler nor Alshon Jeffery,Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Cutler-Jeffery-will-not-play-Sunday/9a709361-5e33-4504-929c-8ecd8d0789e5 Cutler, Jeffery will not play Sunday Chicago Bears September 25, 2015 October 6, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151009113329/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Cutler-Jeffery-will-not-play-Sunday/9a709361-5e33-4504-929c-8ecd8d0789e5 October 9, 2015 dead mdy-all faced a defense led by Kam Chancellor, who returned to the Seahawks after a holdout. Without Chancellor for the first two games of the season, the defense had allowed quarterbacks to complete 72 percent of their passes with a passer rating of 116.4.Kaberon Eli http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Seahawks/75f0839e-ddff-4b74-9847-903db3347593 Opponent breakdown: Seahawks Chicago Bears September 23, 2015 October 6, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151007103056/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Seahawks/75f0839e-ddff-4b74-9847-903db3347593 October 7, 2015 dead mdy-all Jeff Joniak believed that to counter the Legion of Boom, the Bears had to balance the rushing and passing attacks, while watching for a blitz that pressured Aaron Rodgers 19 times in week two. On defense, the Bears had to watch for quarterback Russell Wilson, though he had struggled with pressure in the first two games, being sacked a total of eight times.Joniak Jeff http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/09/25/joniak-keys-to-bears-seahawks/ Joniak: Keys To Bears-Seahawks WBBM-TV September 25, 2015 October 6, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151007185434/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/09/25/joniak-keys-to-bears-seahawks/ October 7, 2015 live mdy-all Additionally, the run defense had to be aware of a running game led by Marshawn Lynch; the corps had averaged 121.5 yards per game. On special teams, the Bears had to stop speedy rookie receiver Tyler Lockett, who had scored on a punt return earlier in the season. The Seahawks won the coin toss and kicked off. Before the Bears' first offensive play, they were penalized for delay of game, and eventually punted. After both teams each traded punts once, Seattle's Richard Sherman utilized a trick punt return, similar to one the Bears had utilized with Devin Hester and Johnny Knox in the past,Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Seahawks/2c622a23-d89e-418b-93e5-ad42410aa6f3 Read and React: Bears-Seahawks Chicago Bears September 27, 2015 October 7, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150930233744/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Seahawks/2c622a23-d89e-418b-93e5-ad42410aa6f3 September 30, 2015 dead to record a 64-yard return to the Bears' 19-yard line. Seattle eventually scored first with Steven Hauschka's 31-yard field goal. Five drives (all of which ended in punts for both teams) later, the Seahawks ended the first half with Hauschka's 21-yarder.https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791626 Bears vs. Seahawks - Play-By-Play ESPN October 7, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151003084305/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791626 October 3, 2015 live mdy-all Prior to the Seahawks' last drive, controversy over the Bears' last punt arose: after Pat O'Donnell punted, the ball started to bounce out of bounds, but it hit Seahawks linebacker Brock Coyle in the leg, making it available to recover, with defensive back Sherrick McManis taking advantage. However, the officials ruled the punt as downed by McManis, which led to John Fox challenging the call, though it stood. The Bears special teams struggles continued in the second half, when Lockett returned the opening kickoff 105 yards for the touchdown.Campbell Rich http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-1side-bears-seahawks-spt-0928-20150927-story.html Special teams miscues, misfortune help bury Bears Chicago Tribune September 27, 2015 October 7, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151001022436/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-1side-bears-seahawks-spt-0928-20150927-story.html October 1, 2015 live mdy-all The Seahawks increased the score with another touchdown later in the third quarter via Jimmy Graham's 30-yard touchdown catch from Wilson, followed by 45- and 48-yard field goals by Hauschka in the fourth quarter to make the final score 26–0. The Bears were shut out for the first time in 194 games (a 15–0 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week 17, 2002), which was then the sixth-longest streak in the league. After three games, the Bears had allowed 105 total points, the most since the 2003 season, when they allowed 111. Additionally, the Bears punted on all ten drives in the game, the first time since the data was first compiled in 1980.https://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/109813/its-a-statistically-ugly-ledger-for-the-bears Bears: Punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt ESPN September 27, 2015 September 28, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150928122909/http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/109813/its-a-statistically-ugly-ledger-for-the-bears September 28, 2015 live mdy-all Despite the hardships, the defense improved, allowing only one touchdown after allowing five against the Cardinals; additionally, having the game as one of two teams without a sack, the Bears recorded four against Seattle, two each by defensive end Jarvis Jenkins and linebacker Pernell McPhee.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-insideslant/Defense-shows-improvement-in-defeat/14ccd81e-c538-4a32-9fd7-bf9174494e99 Defense shows improvement in defeat Chicago Bears September 27, 2015 October 7, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151010020427/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-insideslant/Defense-shows-improvement-in-defeat/14ccd81e-c538-4a32-9fd7-bf9174494e99 October 10, 2015 dead mdy-all Week 4 vs. Raiders 2015 Oakland Raiders season Chicago Bears 2015 2; text-align:center collapsed Week Four: Oakland Raiders (2–1) at Chicago Bears (0–3) October 4 12:00 pm. CDT Raiders 0 14 3 3 Bears 6 10 0 6 Soldier Field • Chicago, Illinois 62,409 Cloudy • 55 F C • Wind NE 12 mph km/h knot Jeff Triplette CBS Greg Gumbel, Trent Green, and Jamie Erdahl Gamebook Raiders Derek Carr20/33, 196 Yds, 2 TD, INT Latavius Murray15 Rush, 49 Yds Michael Crabtree5 Rec, 80 Yds Bears Jay Cutler28/43, 281 Yds, 2 TD, INT Matt Forte25 Rush, 91 Yds Martellus Bennett11 Rec, 83 Yds, TD Returning to Soldier Field for week four, the Bears hosted the Oakland Raiders, who held a 7–6 all-time lead entering the game.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=rai&tm2=chi&yr=all Boxscore finder: Oakland Raiders vs Chicago Bears Pro-Football-Reference.com October 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150906231820/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=rai&tm2=chi&yr=all September 6, 2015 live mdy-all This was the first game between the two at Soldier Field since 2003, where the Bears won 24–21, and the first since 2011, when the Raiders won 25–20 in Oakland.Kaberon Eli http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Raiders/93eca4b6-452c-41c5-ab5c-8c68d1d98bf1 Opponent breakdown: Raiders Chicago Bears September 30, 2015 October 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151010111122/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Raiders/93eca4b6-452c-41c5-ab5c-8c68d1d98bf1 October 10, 2015 dead mdy-all The Bears offense faced a defense led by defensive end Khalil Mack, while the secondary is guided by 39-year-old Charles Woodson, who possessed 61 career interceptions, and had sealed the Raiders' win the previous week against the Browns. However, the Raiders had struggled against tight ends, allowing five catches of at least 25 yards, with a total of 20 catches for 298 yards and five touchdowns across the first three games. On defense, Chicago was against quarterback Derek Carr, who led the Raiders offense to 74 combined points in the last two games, along with rookie receiver Amari Cooper, who had 20 receptions entering the game, while also recording a 68-yard touchdown in week two. Jeff Joniak wrote that the Bears had to prevent the Raiders from gaining yardage after touching the ball; the Raiders were seventh in yards after the catch, while Latavius Murray – who had recorded 139 rushing yards in week three, was ranked fourth in the league in rushing yards and was leading the AFC in yards per carry with 4.8 – ranked fifth in yards after contact. Cooper had 177 yards after the catch, the second-most in the league among wide receivers, while 53.7 percent of Carr's passing yards occurred due to these plays. In comparison, the Bears allowed the fewest yards after contact.Joniak Jeff http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/10/02/joniak-keys-to-bears-raiders/ Joniak: Keys To Bears-Raiders WBBM-TV October 2, 2015 October 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151010192707/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/10/02/joniak-keys-to-bears-raiders/ October 10, 2015 live mdy-all David Fales, punter Patrick O’Donnell, Alshon Jeffery, Ka’Deem Carey, Hroniss Grasu, tackle Jermon Bushrod and nose tackle Jeremiah Ratliff were inactive.Jones Brian https://247sports.com/Bolt/Bears-release-inactives-for-Sundays-game-vs-Raiders--39968265 Bears release inactives for Sunday's game vs. Raiders 247Sports.com October 4, 2015 October 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151008061158/http://247sports.com/Bolt/Bears-release-inactives-for-Sundays-game-vs-Raiders--39968265 October 8, 2015 dead mdy-all The Raiders won the coin toss and deferred in the second half. The Bears managed to record an 80-yard drive to score on the opening possession via Jay Cutler's seven-yard touchdown pass to Eddie Royal. During the drive, lineman Charles Leno landed on center Will Montgomery's leg, injuring the latter and prompting Matt Slauson to replace him. Robbie Gould's extra point was blocked, and his struggles continued with the following kickoff when his squib kick bounced out of bounds.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-vs-Raiders/9e703f2e-0475-4eaf-ad75-b3c286ec3726 Read and React: Bears vs. Raiders Chicago Bears October 4, 2015 October 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151006231844/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-vs-Raiders/9e703f2e-0475-4eaf-ad75-b3c286ec3726 October 6, 2015 dead After the game's four next drives culminated with punts, the Raiders scored on Carr's 26-yard touchdown pass to Cooper; despite initially being ruled out of bounds, the Raiders challenged the call and the ruling was overturned. On the Bears' next series,https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791706 Raiders vs. Bears - Play-By-Play ESPN October 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151007021010/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791706 October 7, 2015 live mdy-all Slauson botched the snap to Cutler, and the Raiders' Dan Williams recovered. Oakland capitalized on the takeaway with Roy Helu scoring on a four-yard touchdown reception, though the Bears responded with Cutler taking advantage of an open Martellus Bennett to score on a five-yard touchdown. On Oakland's next drive, Carr's swing pass to Murray was deflected and landed towards Pernell McPhee, intercepting the pass; Gould eventually kicked a 19-yard field goal. In the second half, the Raiders punted on the first drive, though they reclaimed the ball after Stacy McGee recovered Matt Forte's fumble. Oakland eventually took the lead with Sebastian Janikowski's 29-yard field goal. Gould eventually gave the Bears the lead back with Gould's 54-yard kick, and reclaimed possession of the ball with Murray dropping a pitch and Sam Acho recovered. However, the Bears gave the ball back when Cutler's pass for Bennett fell short and was intercepted by Woodson, leading to Janikowski's 41-yard field goal. With 2:05 left in the game, Cutler began leading a two-minute drill: after a six-yard run by Forte, followed by a sack by Mack and incomplete pass to Josh Bellamy to bring up fourth down, Cutler successfully converted with a seven-yard pass to Bennett, who beat Keenan Lambert.Kaberon Eli http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-run-two-minute-drill-to-perfection/9ff4c8fe-0ec7-4940-9849-9afa9f05c869 Bears run two-minute drill to perfection Chicago Bears October 4, 2015 October 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151011031541/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-run-two-minute-drill-to-perfection/9ff4c8fe-0ec7-4940-9849-9afa9f05c869 October 11, 2015 dead mdy-all Cutler's next pass to Marquess Wilson fell incomplete, and Forte's seven-yard run led to another third-down situation, which led to Cutler's first-down conversion of seven yards to Wilson with 56 seconds left. On the next set of downs, Cutler's pass for receiver Cameron Meredith was overthrown, though a 12-yard pass to Royal allowed the offense to enter Oakland territory, where the Bears elected to use a timeout with 40 seconds remaining. The offense entered field goal range with Cutler's nine-yard pass to Wilson, followed by a two-yard run by Forte. With seven seconds left, the Bears used another timeout, and allowed Gould to attempt the 49-yard field goal; Gould successfully converted the field goal with two seconds remaining on the clock to give the Bears the 22–20 lead. In a last-second attempt to score, the Raiders attempted lateral passes on the kickoff return, but were penalized for an illegal lateral in the early stages of the play, and the Bears eventually recovered to clinch the win.Wagner-McGough Sean https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/watch-raiders-try-to-recreate-the-play-craziness-ensues-for-30-seconds/ WATCH: Raiders try to recreate 'The Play,' craziness ensues for 30 seconds CBSSports.com October 4, 2015 October 10, 2015 Gould was later named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, his third ST POTW honor and tying him with kickers Jeff Jaeger and Paul Edinger for the most in team history. The field goal was Gould's eleventh career game-winner.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Gould-earns-player-of-week-honor/ae280823-abc5-4ef1-841c-7ab4fa80fb50 Gould earns player of week honor Chicago Bears October 7, 2015 October 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151008134128/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Gould-earns-player-of-week-honor/ae280823-abc5-4ef1-841c-7ab4fa80fb50 October 8, 2015 dead mdy-all Forte ran for 91 yards in the game to increase his career rushing yards total to 8,071, becoming the 14th player in NFL history to record 8,000 and 3,500 career rushing and receiving yards, respectively, while becoming the second-fastest player to achieve the milestone with 111 games.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Forte-joins-exclusive-club-in-victory/43cc7f6f-920d-480c-bea0-839929f8f919 Forte joins exclusive club in victory Chicago Bears October 5, 2015 October 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151007180504/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Forte-joins-exclusive-club-in-victory/43cc7f6f-920d-480c-bea0-839929f8f919 October 7, 2015 dead mdy-all The win would be the only home win for the Bears all season, finishing the year with a horrific 1–7 home record. The Bears would finish 3–13 at home in both 2014 and 2015 combined. OAK CHI collapsed 1 10:57 Bears 8 80 4:03 RecTD Eddie Royal Jay Cutler 7 no good (blocked) Robbie Gould run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 6 2 11:10 Raiders 7 51 3:38 RecTD Amari Cooper Derek Carr 26 good Sebastian Janikowski run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 6 2 7:12 Raiders 3 25 1:05 RecTD Roy Helu Derek Carr 4 good Sebastian Janikowski run/pass good/failed/incomplete 14 6 2 3:30 Bears 7 80 3:42 RecTD Martellus Bennett Jay Cutler 5 good Robbie Gould run/pass good/failed/incomplete 14 13 2 1:26 Bears 6 14 1:52 FG 19 Robbie Gould 14 16 3 10:53 Raiders 7 35 2:28 FG 29 Sebastian Janikowski 17 16 4 13:01 Bears 10 54 5:01 FG 54 Robbie Gould 17 19 4 2:05 Raiders 11 68 4:36 FG 41 Sebastian Janikowski 20 19 4 0:02 Bears 12 48 2:03 FG 49 Robbie Gould 20 22 20 22 Week 5: at Kansas City Chiefs Chicago Bears 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Five: Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary October 11 12:00 pm. CDT Bears 3 0 3 12 Chiefs 7 10 0 0 Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri 75,799 72 F C, sunny Tony Corrente Fox Sam Rosen, John Lynch and Pam Oliver Recap, Gamebook First quarter KC – Ramik Wilson fumble recovery, Cairo Santos XP good, 8:13 (KC 7–0). CHI – Robbie Gould 44-yard field goal, 0:53 (KC 7–3). Drive: 14 plays, 54 yards, 7:20 Second quarter KC – De'Anthony Thomas 19-yard pass from Alex Smith, Cairo Santos XP good, 9:57 (KC 14–3). Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:28 KC – Cairo Santos 35-yard field goal, 0:09 (KC 17–3). Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 3:00 Third quarter CHI – Robbie Gould 30-yard field goal, 3:29 (KC 17–6). Drive: 11 plays, 73 yards, 5:13 Fourth quarter CHI – Marquess Wilson 22-yard pass from Jay Cutler, conversion failed, 3:05 (KC 17–12). Drive: 11 plays, 88 yards, 4:46 CHI – Matt Forte 7-yard pass from Jay Cutler, conversion failed, 0:18 (CHI 18–17). Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 1:46 Top passers CHI – Jay Cutler, 26/45, 252 yards, 2 TD KC – Alex Smith, 16/30, 181 yards, 1 TD Top rushers CHI – Matt Forte, 18 carries, 71 yards KC – Jamaal Charles, 12 carries, 58 yards Top receivers CHI – Marquess Wilson, 6 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD KC – Jeremy Maclin, 8 receptions, 85 yards Top tacklers CHI – Christian Jones, 4 tackles KC – Marcus Peters, 8 tackles For the fifth game of the season, the Bears visited Kansas City, who trailed the Bears 5–6 in the all-time series; the game was the first in Kansas City since 2003, which the Chiefs won 31–3. Entering the game, the Bears were plagued by injuries, with 16 players listed on the injury report: Jermon Bushrod (concussion) was ruled out, safety Antrel Rolle (ankle) was doubtful, and 13 others were questionable.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-list-16-players-on-injury-report/0bd9500d-57af-4b2d-ae64-f570eeb01f74 Bears list 16 players on injury report Chicago Bears October 9, 2015 October 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151012232705/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-list-16-players-on-injury-report/0bd9500d-57af-4b2d-ae64-f570eeb01f74 October 12, 2015 dead mdy-all Jeff Joniak wrote that the offense had to be cautious of Bob Sutton's 3–4 defense, particularly the front five guided by linebacking duo Tamba Hali and Justin Houston. However, the pass rush only had nine sacks in 2015.Kaberon Eli http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Chiefs/67f0f56e-6706-4858-b813-cfc5e5654a22 Opponent breakdown: Chiefs Chicago Bears October 7, 2015 October 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151011104558/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Chiefs/67f0f56e-6706-4858-b813-cfc5e5654a22 October 11, 2015 dead mdy-all To combat the defense, the Chiefs' cornerbacks had to be targeted, particularly Jamell Fleming and rookie Marcus Peters, who was targeted the most among cornerbacks in the NFL and four touchdowns, respectively. Additionally, the Chiefs had allowed 15 touchdowns, the most in the NFL, and in the red zone, was ranked the worst in the league. Also, the Chiefs pass defense allowed eleven passing touchdowns and 295.5 passing yards per game (ranked 28th in the league), while recording only two interceptions. The Bears defense, which had recorded six sacks in the last two games, faced an offensive line that allowed a league-high 19 sacks. Despite the struggles on the OL, Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith had receivers like Jeremy Maclin, who had recorded 148 receiving yards in the previous game, though Smith had a 49.5 completion percentage to receivers, one of the worst in the league. In the rushing attack, the Chiefs had running back Jamaal Charles, who was tied with Matt Forte for the most rushes of ten yards or more in the NFL with eleven; however, Charles had fumbled 26 times in his career, including twice in 2015. On special teams, facing former Bears ST coordinator Dave Toub, the Kansas City return unit was led by Knile Davis (kickoffs) and De'Anthony Thomas (punts); Davis ranked fourth in the NFL in KR yards, while Thomas was tied for seventh in PR yards. The Bears' coverage unit took on Pro Bowl punter Dustin Colquitt, who was ranked fourth in gross punt average and third in net average, while allowing only 51 yards on the return, along with kicker Cairo Santos led the league in field goals.Joniak Jeff http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/10/09/joniak-keys-to-bears-chiefs/ Joniak: Keys To Bears-Chiefs WBBM-TV October 9, 2015 October 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151012045418/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/10/09/joniak-keys-to-bears-chiefs/ October 12, 2015 live mdy-all Bushrod, Rolle, Alshon Jeffery, Eddie Royal, David Fales, guard Patrick Omameh and defensive end Will Sutton were inactive.Jones Brian http://chi.247sports.com/Bolt/Bears-release-inactives-for-Sundays-game-vs-Chiefs--40164429 Bears release inactives for Sunday's game vs. Chiefs 247Sports.com October 11, 2015 October 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151012222629/http://chi.247sports.com/Bolt/Bears-release-inactives-for-Sundays-game-vs-Chiefs--40164429 October 12, 2015 dead mdy-all The Chiefs won the toss and deferred until the second half.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Chiefs/0b159ebb-58d1-49a9-8d2c-246b9c439ff6 Read and React: Bears-Chiefs Chicago Bears October 11, 2015 October 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151013002931/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Chiefs/0b159ebb-58d1-49a9-8d2c-246b9c439ff6 October 13, 2015 dead After the Bears and Chiefs' first drives ended with punts, the Bears' next possession started at their own nine-yard line after an 18-yard punt return by Marc Mariani was nullified by Jeremy Langford's holding penalty. Three plays into the drive,https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791488 Bears vs. Chiefs - Play-By-Play ESPN October 12, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151014173031/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791488 October 14, 2015 live mdy-all Chiefs Jaye Howard and Allen Bailey sacked Jay Cutler in the endzone, leading to a fumble that was recovered by Ramik Wilson and gave the Chiefs the touchdown. After getting the ball back, the Bears were able to score three points late in the first quarter with Robbie Gould's 44-yard field goal. The Chiefs eventually punted again, and the Bears were again pinned inside their own five-yard line; the drive stalled, and Pat O'Donnell punted from the endzone. Despite playing a team with offensive line struggles, the Bears failed to employ a pass rush during the Chiefs' next drive, and once they did on third down, Smith threw a pass to Thomas, who scored on the 19-yard play. Kansas City increased the margin to 17–3 with nine seconds left in the second quarter, with Santos' 35-yard field goal; Cutler kneeled to end the first half. On the Chiefs' first drive of the second half, the offense reached the Bears' nine-yard line, but Santos' field goal was blocked by Pernell McPhee, allowing the Bears to take over at their own 17. The first play of the Bears' drive was a ten-yard run by Forte for a first down, marking the Bears' first since the opening quarter, and the series concluded with Gould's 30-yard field goal. The next four drives of the game ended with punts, while one of the series, held by the Bears, concluded with a turnover on downs. With 7:51 left in the game and down 17–6, Cutler attempted to lead another comeback for the second consecutive game.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-insideslant/Cutlers-clutch-performance-lifts-Bears/1ba130e9-d745-4350-80ef-4a752eb99171 Cutler's clutch performance lifts Bears Chicago Bears October 11, 2015 October 12, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151013002921/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-insideslant/Cutlers-clutch-performance-lifts-Bears/1ba130e9-d745-4350-80ef-4a752eb99171 October 13, 2015 dead mdy-all The first drive lasted eleven plays and 88 yards, concluding with Cutler throwing a 22-yard touchdown pass to Marquess Wilson in the corner of the left endzone. The Bears attempted to go for two, but Cutler's pass for Mariani was ruled out; after a challenge, the ruling was upheld. The Chiefs eventually punted again, with the Bears starting their next drive on their own 33. Cutler led the offense on an eight-play, 67-yard drive, concluding with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Forte despite dropping the snap. However, the Bears failed the two-point conversion. The Chiefs started their final drive on their own 33 with eleven seconds left in the game. Smith reached the Bears' 48 with a pass to Maclin, and on the next play, threw a nine-yard pass to Maclin. However, Maclin juggled the pass while going out of bounds. As a result, with two seconds left, the Chiefs elected to try an NFL record 66-yard field goal. However, Santos' kick fell short, giving the Bears the 18–17 win. This was Chicago's first victory at Arrowhead since 1993 where the Bears won 19–17. Two team records were set during the game. After converting his second field goal of the game, Gould became the leader of the most points in franchise history with 1,168 points, surpassing Kevin Butler.Wagner-McGough Sean http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25335908/kicker-robbie-gould-now-holds-bears-franchise-record-for-points-scored Kicker Robbie Gould now holds Bears franchise record for points scored CBSSports.com October 11, 2015 October 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151119151820/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25335908/kicker-robbie-gould-now-holds-bears-franchise-record-for-points-scored November 19, 2015 live mdy-all The win was Cutler's 46th with the Bears, tying Jim McMahon for the most in team history.Finley Patrick http://chicago.suntimes.com/bears-football/7/71/1021932/jay-cutler-ties-punky-qbs-wins-record Jay Cutler ties Jim McMahon's Bears wins record Chicago Sun-Times October 11, 2015 October 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151014042406/http://chicago.suntimes.com/bears-football/7/71/1021932/jay-cutler-ties-punky-qbs-wins-record October 14, 2015 live mdy-all Week 6: at Detroit Lions Chicago Bears 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Six: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – Game summary October 18 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 pm. CDT Bears 3 10 3 18 0 Lions 7 14 3 10 3 Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan 57,648 Played indoors (dome stadium) Walt Coleman Fox Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale Recap, Gamebook First quarter DET – Lance Moore 20-yard pass from Matthew Stafford, Matt Prater XP good, 9:29 (DET 7–0). Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:31 CHI – Robbie Gould 27-yard field goal, 4:48 (DET 7–3). Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 4:41 Second quarter CHI – Jeremy Langford 1-yard run, Robbie Gould XP good, 12:48 (CHI 10–7). Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 4:51 DET – Tim Wright 8-yard pass from Matthew Stafford, Matt Prater XP good, 9:17 (DET 14–10). Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 3:31 CHI – Robbie Gould 23-yard field goal, 4:50 (DET 14–13). Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 4:27 DET – Golden Tate 2-yard pass from Matthew Stafford, Matt Prater XP good, 0:53 (DET 21–13). Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 3:57 Third quarter CHI – Robbie Gould 38-yard field goal, 5:12 (DET 21–16). Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:30 DET – Matt Prater 39-yard field goal, 1:05 (DET 24–16). Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 4:07 Fourth quarter CHI – Alshon Jeffery 11-yard pass from Jay Cutler, Robbie Gould XP good, 12:27 (DET 24–23). Drive: 3 plays, 21 yards, 1:31 CHI – Matt Forte 2-yard run, conversion good, 7:50 (CHI 31–24). Drive: 7 plays, 24 yards, 3:09 DET – Matt Prater 32-yard field goal, 2:46 (CHI 31–27). Drive: 13 plays, 67 yards, 5:04 DET – Calvin Johnson 6-yard pass from Matthew Stafford, Matt Prater XP good, 0:21 (DET 34–31). Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 2:02 CHI – Robbie Gould 29-yard field goal, 0:00 (TIE 34–34). Drive: 3 plays, 69 yards, 0:21 Overtime DET – Matt Prater 27-yard field goal, 2:29 (DET 37–34). Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 3:54 Top passers CHI – Jay Cutler, 26/41, 353 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT DET – Matthew Stafford, 27/42, 405 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT Top rushers CHI – Matt Forte, 24 carries, 69 yards, 1 TD DET – Ameer Abdullah, 14 carries, 48 yards Top receivers CHI – Alshon Jeffery, 8 receptions, 147 yards, 1 TD DET – Calvin Johnson, 6 receptions, 166 yards, 1 TD Top tacklers CHI – Christian Jones, 6 tackles DET – Stephen Tulloch, 9 tackles The second NFC North game of the season took place in Detroit, when the Bears played the winless Lions. Although the Bears led the all-time series 96–69–5, the Lions had won the last four meetings. The Bears' offensive players had success against Detroit in the past: in 12 career games against the Lions, Jay Cutler threw for 2,669 yards, 17 touchdowns, seven interceptions and an 89.9 passer rating, while Matt Forte (in 14 games) had 1,066 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns and four touchdown receptions, his most against any opponent.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-begin-prepping-to-visit-Lions/e332edf2-54df-4adb-a33a-fb7c387ea461 Bears begin prepping to visit Lions Chicago Bears October 14, 2015 October 15, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151015150019/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-begin-prepping-to-visit-Lions/e332edf2-54df-4adb-a33a-fb7c387ea461 October 15, 2015 dead mdy-all A potential weakness that Forte and the Bears rushing attack could exploit was the Lions' run defense; with the departures of defensive linemen Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, the run defense, which had allowed a league-low 69.3 rushing yards per game in 2014, regressed in 2015, allowing 126.6 yards per game (ranked 27th in the league). The Lions pass defense also suffered during the season: the Lions allowed quarterbacks to complete 78 percent of passes and a league-high combined 128.7 passer rating, while also allowing the second-most plays of 20 yards or more, with 25. To take advantage of this, the Bears saw the returns of Alshon Jeffery, Eddie Royal and Martellus Bennett from injuries. As for the Bears defense, they faced an offense that recorded 4.9 yards per play, ranked 29th in the NFL. Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford had also struggled, having an average of 6.2 yards per pass, the worst in his six-year career, and had been benched in the Lions' week five game against Arizona.Kaberon Eli http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Lions/a7b7726c-4ee3-4003-abfe-071f4170e84a Opponent breakdown: Lions Chicago Bears October 14, 2015 October 15, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151015141956/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Lions/a7b7726c-4ee3-4003-abfe-071f4170e84a October 15, 2015 dead mdy-all Detroit running backs also struggled, averaging only 2.8 yards per carry. As a whole, the Lions offense led the league in turnovers with 15. On special teams, the Lions led the league in kickoff returns of at least 20 yards, with running back Ameer Abdullah leading the NFL in the same category with nine.Joniak Jeff http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/10/16/joniak-keys-to-bears-lions-2/ Joniak: Keys To Bears-Lions WBBM-TV October 16, 2015 October 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151020021456/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/10/16/joniak-keys-to-bears-lions-2/ October 20, 2015 live mdy-all Terrence Mitchell, Antrel Rolle, runningback Antone Smith, linebacker Shea McClellin, tackle Nick Becton, Jermon Bushrod and nose tackle Bruce Gaston were inactive.Jones Brian http://chi.247sports.com/Bolt/Bears-release-inactives-for-Sundays-game-vs-Lions-40368736 Bears release inactives for Sunday's game vs. Lions 247Sports.com October 18, 2015 October 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151019230324/http://chi.247sports.com/Bolt/Bears-release-inactives-for-Sundays-game-vs-Lions-40368736 October 19, 2015 dead mdy-all The Bears won the toss and deferred. The Lions' opening drive concluded with a touchdown when Lance Moore beat Sherrick McManis to score on a 20-yard touchdown.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Lions/fb1e03a9-166b-4a23-b69e-bc8597419783 Read and React: Bears-Lions Chicago Bears October 18, 2015 October 20, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151019131007/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Lions/fb1e03a9-166b-4a23-b69e-bc8597419783 October 19, 2015 dead Chicago retaliated with ten unanswered points via Robbie Gould's 27-yard field goal and Jeremy Langford's one-yard touchdown run, the latter occurring in the second quarter. The Lions reclaimed the lead with Stafford's eight-yard touchdown pass to Tim Wright, though the Bears managed to score three points with Gould's 23-yard kick. Late in the first half,https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791629 Bears vs. Lions - Play-By-Play ESPN October 20, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151019074552/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791629 October 19, 2015 live mdy-all the Lions reached the Bears' two-yard line, where Stafford threw a pass to Golden Tate; as he crossed the goal line, he was stripped by Kyle Fuller, with the pass being intercepted by Jonathan Anderson and ruled a touchback. However, referee Walt Coleman ruled the play as a touchdown, stating that Tate "took three steps and broke the plane."Burke Chris https://www.si.com/nfl/2015/10/18/nfl-week-6-golden-tate-touchdown-chicago-bears-detroit-lions Definition of catch still unclear after Golden Tate's touchdown vs. Bears Sports Illustrated October 18, 2015 October 20, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151118191843/http://www.si.com/nfl/2015/10/18/nfl-week-6-golden-tate-touchdown-chicago-bears-detroit-lions November 18, 2015 live mdy-all On Chicago's first drive of the second half, the offense, aided by Cutler's 46-yard pass to Marquess Wilson, reached the Detroit five, but Cutler's pass for Jeffery in the endzone was intercepted by Rashean Mathis. The Bears nearly regained the ball on the Lions' ensuing possession when Sam Acho stripped Abdullah, but Abdullah managed to recover. Eventually, the Lions punted, and when the Bears also punted on the next possession, T. J. Jones muffed it, and Josh Bellamy recovered. Gould later kicked a 38-yard field goal. On the Lions' next series, the Bears defense struggled, allowing Stafford to complete passes of 42 and 16 yards to Tate and Theo Riddick, respectively, followed by a 22-yard touchdown pass to Tate, though it was nullified by Calvin Johnson's holding penalty. The Bears were forced to punt again, but Pat O'Donnell's punt hit Corey Fuller in the leg and safety Chris Prosinski recovered. In the fourth quarter, the Bears scored on Cutler's 11-yard touchdown pass to Jeffery, and regained possession quickly when Stafford's toss to Riddick deflected off of his hand and Anderson intercepted it. The Bears gained the lead with Forte's two-yard run, followed by Cutler's two-point conversion pass to Forte. However, the Lions took the lead with their next two scores: Matt Prater's 32-yard field goal and Stafford's six-yard touchdown pass to Johnson. With 21 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Bears drove 69 yards to the Lions' 11, where Gould tied the game with a 29-yard kick. In overtime, the first four drives ended with punts, and on the fifth, Prater kicked a 27-yard field goal to claim the 37–34 win. The game featured three controversial officiating calls. Regarding the second quarter Tate touchdown, Fox NFL commentator Ronde Barber and Fox rules analyst Mike Pereira believed Tate had not controlled the ball while falling to the turf. On the contrary, NFL Vice-president of Officiating Dean Blandino stated that Tate "controlled the pass right at the goal line. This is not a receiver who is going to the ground. He is taking his third step, he had demonstrated possession, had become a runner." Late in the fourth quarter, Pernell McPhee was penalized for roughing the passer when it appeared that he had been pushed into Stafford. During the Lions' game-winning drive in overtime, Willie Young was held, but no penalty was called. Due to the NFL's policies on criticizing officials, Cutler did not comment, while John Fox stated, "We’re not allowed to talk about officials."Emma Chris http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/10/18/bears-blame-themselves-not-officials-in-loss-to-lions/ Bears Blame Themselves, Not Officials, In Loss To Lions WBBM-TV October 18, 2015 October 20, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151020235117/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/10/18/bears-blame-themselves-not-officials-in-loss-to-lions/ October 20, 2015 live mdy-all Week 7: Bye week The Bears entered the bye week with a 2–4 record, third in the division. To comply with the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, which required at least four straight off-days off for players on byes, the Bears only held practices on Tuesday and Wednesday.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Focus-on-self-scouting-rest-during-bye/e8532000-48ab-40ce-8e63-3eb1bf8945d6 Focus on self-scouting, rest during bye Chicago Bears October 20, 2015 October 21, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151021120545/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Focus-on-self-scouting-rest-during-bye/e8532000-48ab-40ce-8e63-3eb1bf8945d6 October 21, 2015 dead mdy-all Entering the bye, the Bears had the seventh-best third down conversion percentage with 43.68, while having 118 first downs converted, one more than that of teams that the Bears had played.Kaberon Eli http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-bythenumbers/By-the-Numbers-Week-7/840ccdad-451f-40e8-8af7-984cf73bd005 By the Numbers: Week 7 Chicago Bears October 23, 2015 October 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151025143719/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-bythenumbers/By-the-Numbers-Week-7/840ccdad-451f-40e8-8af7-984cf73bd005 October 25, 2015 dead mdy-all On October 22, Jeremiah Ratliff, who had been suspended for the first three games of the 2015 season, was released. Outside the Bears' training facility, he and Ryan Pace had "an animated exchange", forcing security to escort Ratliff out and Lake Forest police to report to the area; no police intervention occurred.Inabinett Mark http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/10/chicago_bears_released_jeremia.html Chicago Bears release Jeremiah Ratliff, call police The Birmingham News October 22, 2015 October 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151025004919/http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/10/chicago_bears_released_jeremia.html October 25, 2015 live mdy-all Ratliff had reported to Halas Hall in poor condition, and when he was requested to leave and a relative to pick him up, he was "belligerent and insubordinate".Wiederer Dan http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-bears-ryan-pace-20151025-story.html GM Ryan Pace's message for Bears: If you don't fit, you don't stay Chicago Tribune October 25, 2015 October 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151026173906/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-bears-ryan-pace-20151025-story.html October 26, 2015 live mdy-all To replace Ratliff, the Bears signed Jaguar Ziggy Hood later in the day.Mullin John http://www.csnchicago.com/bears/bears-cut-ties-jeremiah-ratliff-sign-dl-ziggy-hood Bears cut ties with Jeremiah Ratliff, sign DL Ziggy Hood Comcast SportsNet Chicago October 22, 2015 October 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151024165623/http://www.csnchicago.com/bears/bears-cut-ties-jeremiah-ratliff-sign-dl-ziggy-hood October 24, 2015 live mdy-all Week 8: vs. Minnesota Vikings Chicago Bears 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Eight: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary November 1 12:00 pm. CST Vikings 7 3 0 13 Bears 3 7 3 7 Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois 62,311 62 F C, sunny John Hussey Fox Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Holly Sonders Recap, Gamebook First quarter CHI – Robbie Gould 55-yard field goal, 10:56 (CHI 3–0). Drive: 6 plays, 17 yards, 3:07 MIN – Marcus Sherels 65-yard punt return, Blair Walsh XP good, 3:37 (MIN 7–3). Second quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 43-yard field goal, 9:05 (MIN 10–3). Drive: 12 plays, 51 yards, 6:46 CHI – Alshon Jeffery 21-yard pass from Jay Cutler, Robbie Gould XP good, 0:42 (TIE 10–10). Drive: 3 plays, 34 yards, 0:19 Third quarter CHI – Robbie Gould 33-yard field goal, 8:28 (CHI 13–10). Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 6:32 Fourth quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 48-yard field goal, 13:29 (TIE 13–13). Drive: 9 plays, 29 yards, 3:23 CHI – Jay Cutler 4-yard run, Robbie Gould XP good, 4:55 (CHI 20–13). Drive: 14 plays, 74 yards, 8:34 MIN – Stefon Diggs 40-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater, Blair Walsh XP good, 1:49 (MIN 20–20). Drive: 7 plays, 84 yards, 3:06 MIN – Blair Walsh 36-yard field goal, 0:00 (MIN 23–20). Drive: 4 plays, 48 yards, 1:00 Top passers MIN – Teddy Bridgewater, 17/30, 187 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT CHI – Jay Cutler, 22/33, 211 yards, 1 TD Top rushers MIN – Adrian Peterson, 20 carries, 103 yards CHI – Jeremy Langford, 12 carries, 46 yards Top receivers MIN – Stefon Diggs, 6 receptions, 95 yards, 1 TD CHI – Alshon Jeffery, 10 receptions, 116 yards, 1 TD Top tacklers MIN – Terence Newman, 6 tackles CHI – Christian Jones, 3 tackles The Bears returned from the bye week by hosting the 4–2 Minnesota Vikings. In their rivalry, the Vikings led the all-time series 55–51–2, the Vikings winning the last game 13–9, though the Vikings had not beaten the Bears at Soldier Field since 2007.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=chi&tm2=min&yr=all Boxscore finder: Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings Pro-Football-Reference.com October 30, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151118181248/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=chi&tm2=min&yr=all November 18, 2015 live mdy-all Jeff Joniak wrote that the offense had to protect Jay Cutler; the Vikings defense sacked Matthew Stafford seven times in week seven, with a total of 17 in 2015.Joniak Jeff http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/10/30/joniak-keys-to-bears-vikings-3/ Joniak: Keys To Bears-Vikings WBBM-TV October 30, 2015 October 30, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151031211903/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/10/30/joniak-keys-to-bears-vikings-3/ October 31, 2015 live mdy-all In eleven career games against Minnesota, Cutler excelled, throwing 23 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, with an 8–3 record.Kaberon Eli http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Vikings/53b33c40-735a-48a2-9f98-3fc4ab1aa991 Opponent breakdown: Vikings Chicago Bears October 28, 2015 October 30, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151029231836/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Vikings/53b33c40-735a-48a2-9f98-3fc4ab1aa991 October 29, 2015 dead mdy-all A player that Joniak believed Cutler could attack is cornerback Xavier Rhodes, who allowed four passing touchdowns and a league-worst ten penalties. Additionally, the running backs could target a defense that allowed six yards per carry, one of the worst in the NFL. On defense, the Bears had to watch for Adrian Peterson, who averaged 88 rushing yards per game, including two consecutive games with at least 120 yards in each. Another player was quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who completed 25 passes to eleven players in week seven, while watching for the speed of the Minnesota receiving corps. Despite such successes, as a whole, the Vikings offense was averaging 325.5 yards per game, the third-least in the league. In the red zone, the Vikings scored touchdowns on 42.11 percent of their drives, among the worst in the NFL. Terrance Mitchell, Shea McClellin, Hroniss Grasu, Jermon Bushrod, Bruce Gaston, Ka'Deem Carey and Cameron Meredith were inactive.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Vikings/67d98ab8-a1e5-46ee-b54b-fe3b22c11656 Read and React: Bears-Vikings Chicago Bears November 1, 2015 November 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151103234137/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Vikings/67d98ab8-a1e5-46ee-b54b-fe3b22c11656 November 3, 2015 dead The Bears won the coin toss and deferred until the second half. The Bears special teams unit struggled, with returner Marc Mariani muffing the return on both of the Vikings' first two punts. Despite this, the Bears took the lead with Robbie Gould's 55-yard field goal.https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791642 Vikings vs. Bears - Play-By-Play ESPN November 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151102182922/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791642 November 2, 2015 live mdy-all However, Minnesota scored on Marcus Sherels's 65-yard punt return touchdown, the third return touchdown allowed by the Bears in 2015.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-twoMinuteDrill/Bears-yield-another-special-teams-TD/68c03116-1ea3-4867-940c-827c38009a06 Bears yield another special-teams TD Chicago Bears November 1, 2015 November 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151105064831/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-twoMinuteDrill/Bears-yield-another-special-teams-TD/68c03116-1ea3-4867-940c-827c38009a06 November 5, 2015 dead mdy-all Despite this, Sherels muffed his return on the ensuing punt; Blair Walsh eventually kicked a 43-yard field goal in the second quarter to make the score 10–3. After the game's next three drives ended in punts (twice by the Bears), the first turnover of the game occurred when Kyle Fuller intercepted Bridgewater's pass for Stefon Diggs. The Bears capitalized on the takeaway with Cutler's 21-yard touchdown pass to Alshon Jeffery, who jumped over Rhodes to make the catch in the left corner of the endzone. In the third quarter, the Bears reclaimed the lead with Gould's 33-yard field goal, and after the Vikings punted, had the chance to increase the margin to six points on Gould's 51-yard attempt. However, Gould's kick went wide left, his first miss of the season and ending a 17-kick streak. Minnesota took advantage by tying the game via Walsh's 48-yard field goal. The game's next two possessions ended with touchdowns for both teams: the Bears scored with Cutler, whose targets (Jeffery and Mariani) were unavailable, running four yards and colliding with safety Harrison Smith at the goal line for the touchdown.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-insideslant/Cutler-survives-collision-on-TD-run/bcc210ac-04d8-4773-bcab-01fcf464b1f2 Cutler survives collision on TD run Chicago Bears November 1, 2015 November 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151103234112/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-insideslant/Cutler-survives-collision-on-TD-run/bcc210ac-04d8-4773-bcab-01fcf464b1f2 November 3, 2015 dead mdy-all Afterwards, the Vikings tied the score with Bridgewater throwing a pass to Diggs, who escaped Sherrick McManis to score on the 40-yard play. With 1:49 left in the game, the Bears' next drive ended with a punt to the Vikings' 22-yard line. However, aided by Bridgewater's 35-yard pass to Charles Johnson, Walsh kicked a 36-yard field goal as time expired to seal the win. On Cutler's touchdown pass to Jeffery, he tied Sid Luckman for the most touchdown passes in Bears history with 137. Defensively, Pernell McPhee recorded his fifth sack during the game, and he became the first Bears player since Brian Urlacher in 2000 to have at least five sacks and one interception in the first seven games. During the second half, Matt Forte suffered a knee injury, and along with Eddie Royal, were missed the following week's game. The loss of Forte had been crucial for the Bears, as he had been responsible for 32 percent of yards gained in 2015, the most among running backs.Patra Kevin https://www.nfl.com/news/bears-rule-out-matt-forte-eddie-royal-for-mnf-0ap3000000574648 Bears rule out Matt Forte, Eddie Royal for 'MNF' National Football League November 7, 2015 November 17, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151118173816/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000574648/article/bears-rule-out-matt-forte-eddie-royal-for-mnf November 18, 2015 live mdy-all Week 9: at San Diego Chargers Chicago Bears 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Nine: Chicago Bears at San Diego Chargers – Game summary November 9 Monday 7:30 pm. CST/5:30 pm. PST Bears 0 7 0 15 Chargers 7 9 0 3 Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California 68,033 63 F C, cloudy Craig Wrolstad ESPN Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters Recap, Gamebook First quarter SD – Danny Woodhead 14-yard pass from Philip Rivers, Josh Lambo XP good, 6:50 (SD 7–0). Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 4:42 Second quarter SD – Jason Verrett 68-yard interception return, XP failed, 9:58 (SD 13–0). CHI – Martellus Bennett 1-yard pass from Jay Cutler, Robbie Gould XP good, 6:53 (SD 13–7). Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:05 SD – Josh Lambo 31-yard field goal, 0:03 (SD 16–7). Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards, 2:03 Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter CHI – Jeremy Langford 1-yard run, Robbie Gould XP good, 14:02 (SD 16–14). Drive: 15 plays, 93 yards, 8:16 SD – Josh Lambo 22-yard field goal, 7:53 (SD 19–14). Drive: 14 plays, 76 yards, 6:09 CHI – Zach Miller 25-yard pass from Jay Cutler, conversion good, 3:19 (CHI 22–19). Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:34 Top passers CHI – Jay Cutler, 27/40, 345 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT SD – Philip Rivers, 26/42, 280 yards, 1 TD Top rushers CHI – Jeremy Langford, 18 carries, 72 yards, 1 TD SD – Danny Woodhead, 6 carries, 33 yards Top receivers CHI – Alshon Jeffery, 10 receptions, 151 yards SD – Stevie Johnson, 7 receptions, 68 yards Top tacklers CHI – Jonathan Anderson, 11 tackles SD – Eric Weddle, 9 tackles On Monday Night Football, the Bears traveled west to face the 2–6 San Diego Chargers. The two teams last met in 2011 at Soldier Field, the Bears winning 31–20, though their last meeting in San Diego was in 2007, which the Chargers won 14–3, and the last MNF game in San Diego was a Chargers 20–7 victory in 1984; in eleven games, the Bears led the series 6–5.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=chi&tm2=sdg&yr=all Boxscore finder: Chicago Bears vs San Diego Chargers Pro-Football-Reference.com November 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151118170735/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=chi&tm2=sdg&yr=all November 18, 2015 live mdy-all Jeff Joniak wrote that the Bears offense could capitalize on a defense that allowed the most yards after the catch in the NFL. Additionally, offenses often started drives at 32-yard line, ranked 31st in the league, while the Chargers also had the fewest points off turnovers with seven. The Chargers were also allowing 6.34 yards per play, the second-worst in the NFL. To attack, the offense would balance passes that focused on favorable receiver/cornerback matchups and run with Jeremy Langford, who was making his first career start with Matt Forte out.Joniak Jeff http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/11/06/joniak-keys-to-bears-chargers/ Joniak: Keys To Bears-Chargers WBBM-TV November 6, 2015 November 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151109205125/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/11/06/joniak-keys-to-bears-chargers/ November 9, 2015 live mdy-all Defensively, the Bears faced an offense struggling with injuries, particularly at the line: of the five positions, four have seen two or more players starting.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Chargers/26f0c116-02fa-48ac-8779-d3550b35117b Opponent breakdown: Chargers Chicago Bears November 4, 2015 November 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151107204942/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Chargers/26f0c116-02fa-48ac-8779-d3550b35117b November 7, 2015 dead mdy-all However, quarterback Philip Rivers excelled despite the injuries, having thrown for 18 touchdowns and 7.9 yards per pass, both of which were among the highest in the NFL; Rivers' performance had also enabled him to be in position to overtake Peyton Manning's single-season passing yards record. The Chargers had the top-ranked offense in the NFL, and also ranked first in yardage after the catch. Another offensive player that the Bears faced was tight end Antonio Gates, who led the league in career touchdowns with 101. However, the San Diego running game was struggling, with 3.6 rushing yards per play, which ranked 30th in the league. Special teams-wise, both teams were among the worst in the NFL: the Chargers were ranked 30th in average return yardage allowed, while the Bears were 31st; the former also allowed a league-high ten returns of 30–39 yards. For the Chargers' punt return unit, they had only one yard in 2015. San Diego also had league-worsts in starting yard line after kickoffs with 19.3 yards, drives starting within their own 20-yard line (11) and average starting area (21). Forte, receiver Eddie Royal, safety Harold Jones-Quartey, Shea McClellin, Hroniss Grasu, Tayo Fabuluje and defensive lineman Ziggy Hood were inactive.Jones Brian http://chi.247sports.com/Bolt/Inactives-for-Week-9-Chicago-Bears-vs-San-Diego-Chargers-40953922 Bears release inactives for Sunday's game vs. Chargers 247Sports.com November 9, 2015 November 11, 2015April 2024 medicmedic The Chargers won the coin toss and elected to kick off. Despite reaching the Chargers' 28-yard line, two scoring opportunities were denied with Jason Verrett deflecting Jay Cutler's pass for Alshon Jeffery and Robbie Gould's field goal sailing wide left.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Chargers/daa6cac6-bccb-41c7-b24a-0631c3b36e95 Read and React: Bears-Chargers Chicago Bears November 9, 2015 November 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151112184317/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Chargers/daa6cac6-bccb-41c7-b24a-0631c3b36e95 November 12, 2015 dead Afterwards, the Chargers scored with Danny Woodhead's 14-yard touchdown catch from Rivers. On the Bears' next possession, the offense entered Charger territory again, reaching as far as the 10-yard line, where Cutler was sack-stripped by Melvin Ingram, with the ball being recovered by Eric Weddle, though the Chargers failed to capitalize and punted. After the Bears punted as well, they reclaimed the ball when Tracy Porter stripped Dontrelle Inman and linebacker Christian Jones recovered.https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791735 Bears vs. Chargers - Play-By-Play ESPN November 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151110202515/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791735 November 10, 2015 live mdy-all However, after two plays, Verrett intercepted Cutler's pass for Jeffery, returning it 68 yards for the touchdown; the Chargers eventually missed the extra point, making the score 13–0. On the next drive, Cutler threw a one-yard touchdown pass to Martellus Bennett. After both teams exchanged punts, the Chargers scored the final points of the first half with Josh Lambo's 31-yard field goal. In the second half, after the Chargers punted, Gould's 34-yard field goal attempt hit the left upright. San Diego punted again, and the Bears engineered a 93-yard drive that culminated with Langford scoring on a one-yard run. The Chargers increased the margin to five points with Lambo kicking a 22-yard field goal. Guiding an 80-yard drive, Cutler threw a 25-yard pass to tight end Zach Miller, who caught the pass with one hand as he scored the go-ahead touchdown. Afterwards, Langford scored on the two-point conversion. The Chargers' final drive fell apart with plays like Lamarr Houston's two sacks, and on 4th down and 23, Rivers' deep pass fell incomplete. With 1:09 left in the game, Cutler kneeled three times to end the game. With Cutler's touchdown to Bennett, he overtook Sid Luckman for the most passing touchdowns in franchise history with 138.https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14094573/jay-cutler-sets-chicago-bears-record-138th-touchdown-pass Jay Cutler unseats Sid Luckman as Bears' TD pass leader ESPN November 9, 2015 November 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151110210713/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14094573/jay-cutler-sets-chicago-bears-record-138th-touchdown-pass November 10, 2015 live mdy-all Additionally, his final touchdown marked his twelfth fourth quarter touchdown, the most in the league.Ogden Rob http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1088210/jay-cutlers-12-game-winning-fourth-quarter-touchdown-drives-nfl-since-2009 Jay Cutler's 12 game-winning, fourth-quarter touchdown drives are most in NFL since 2009 Chicago Sun-Times November 10, 2015 November 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151114153252/http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1088210/jay-cutlers-12-game-winning-fourth-quarter-touchdown-drives-nfl-since-2009/ November 14, 2015 dead Miller's touchdown catch was his first since the 2011 season.Gaines Cork http://www.businessinsider.com/zach-miller-touchdown-catch-chicago-bears-2015-11 Chicago Bears tight end makes the catch of the year Business Insider November 9, 2015 November 11, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151110115439/http://www.businessinsider.com/zach-miller-touchdown-catch-chicago-bears-2015-11 November 10, 2015 live mdy-all Week 10: at St. Louis Rams Chicago Bears 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Ten: Chicago Bears at St. Louis Rams – Game summary November 15 12:00 pm. CST Bears 10 14 0 13 Rams 10 0 3 0 Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri 58,653 Played indoors (dome stadium) Jeff Triplette CBS Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein and Steve Tasker Recap, Gamebook First quarter STL – Todd Gurley 6-yard run, Greg Zuerlein XP good, 12:01 (STL 7–0). Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:59 CHI – Zach Miller 87-yard pass from Jay Cutler, Robbie Gould XP good, 11:10 (TIE 7–7). Drive: 2 plays, 86 yards, 0:51 STL – Greg Zuerlein 26-yard field goal, 5:09 (STL 10–7). Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 2:30 CHI – Robbie Gould 35-yard field goal, 0:03 (TIE 10–10). Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 0:49 Second quarter CHI – Zach Miller 2-yard pass from Jay Cutler, Robbie Gould XP good, 6:56 (CHI 17–10). Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 7:18 CHI – Jeremy Langford 83-yard pass from Jay Cutler, Robbie Gould XP good, 5:00 (CHI 24–10). Drive: 2 plays, 86 yards, 0:59 Third quarter STL – Greg Zuerlein 38-yard field goal, 2:41 (CHI 24–13). Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 4:24 Fourth quarter CHI – Robbie Gould 37-yard field goal, 11:24 (CHI 27–13). Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 6:13 CHI – Robbie Gould 36-yard field goal, 8:05 (CHI 30–13). Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 2:07 CHI – Jeremy Langford 6-yard run, Robbie Gould XP good, 4:55 (CHI 37–13). Drive: 5 plays, 24 yards, 1:43 Top passers CHI – Jay Cutler, 19/24, 258 yards, 3 TD STL – Nick Foles, 17/36, 200 yards, 1 INT Top rushers CHI – Jeremy Langford, 20 carries, 73 yards, 1 TD STL – Todd Gurley, 12 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD Top receivers CHI – Jeremy Langford, 7 receptions, 109 yards, 1 TD STL – Todd Gurley, 3 receptions, 44 yards Top tacklers CHI – Shea McClellin, 6 tackles STL – Mark Barron, 6 tackles Week 10's game was on the road in St. Louis, where the Bears played the 4–4 Rams. Historically, the two teams have played each other often, with the Rams joining the Cardinals as the most common opponent outside of the NFC North; the Bears held the series lead 52–36–3,Kaberon Eli http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Rams/abcb576f-a121-4d76-8351-6b390d72f5a7 Opponent breakdown: Rams Chicago Bears November 11, 2015 November 17, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151118134946/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Rams/abcb576f-a121-4d76-8351-6b390d72f5a7 November 18, 2015 dead mdy-all though the Rams won the last game in 2013 42–21.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=chi&tm2=ram&yr=all Boxscore finder: Chicago Bears vs St. Louis Rams Pro-Football-Reference.com November 17, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151118165707/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=chi&tm2=ram&yr=all November 18, 2015 live mdy-all Chicago's offense faced a defense with a stingy pass rush that featured 14 players with at least .5 sacks and eight with at least two. The rush had the second-most sacks in the league with 27, while Robert Quinn, despite missing the previous week's game with a knee injury, led the Rams with five. The Rams blitzed often, with six sacks on first down and five on second and third, with the combined 16 sacks on blitzes being the most in the league. The St. Louis secondary starred Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson, who broke up a combined 18 passes and allowed only two touchdowns in 2015. As a unit, the Rams defense allowed no touchdowns in the last ten-quarters, while also having the second-best scoring defense in the NFL with 13.8 points per game, while also being one of three teams to force at least 70 negative plays. Jeff Joniak wrote that the Bears had to excel on third down; the Bears' 30th-ranked third down offense took on a defense that was ranked fifth in the category.Joniak Jeff http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/11/13/joniak-keys-to-bears-rams/ Joniak: Keys To Bears-Rams WBBM-TV November 13, 2015 November 17, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151118145508/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/11/13/joniak-keys-to-bears-rams/ November 18, 2015 live mdy-all For the Bears defense, rookie running back Todd Gurley was a target; in his first four games, he averaged 141 rushing yards on 22 attempts, and by week ten, had the fourth-most rushing yards in the league and a league-high 5.6 yards per carry. Additionally, the defense had to pressure quarterback Nick Foles: in the red zone, he completed only 47 percent of his passes with two interceptions; on third down situations, he completed only 46 percent with four interceptions; when blitzed, he completed 54 percent with five sacks, though he also has five touchdowns. Like the Bears, the Rams' third-down offense struggled, being ranked last in third down conversions with 23.8 percent. Special teams-wise, the punt unit had to stop Tavon Austin, who scored one of the NFL's eight punt return touchdowns in 2015. To get to Austin, punter Pat O'Donnell's hang time of 4.56 seconds (third-best in the NFL) could allow the unit's gunners to reach him. In contrast, the Rams kick return team was struggling, being ranked 30th with nine starts after kickoffs within their own 20-yard line, while also ranking 23rd in kick return yards with 22.4. Rams kicker/punter duo of Greg Zuerlein and Johnny Hekker are among the best in the NFL: Hekker had a gross punt average of 48 yards, one of seven punters to do so, while also being ranked fourth in net average with 43.3; Zuerlein had kicked a 61-yard field goal against the Vikings in week nine, but was missing a league-high seven field goals, including two that were blocked. Eddie Royal, Matt Forte, return man Deonte Thompson, Harold Jones-Quartey, Hroniss Grasu, Ziggy Hood and Pernell McPhee were inactive.Jones Brian http://chi.247sports.com/Bolt/Inactives-for-Week-10-Chicago-Bears-vs-St-Louis-Rams-41107366 Inactives for Week 10: Chicago Bears vs. St. Louis Rams 247Sports.com November 15, 2015 November 7, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151118070301/http://chi.247sports.com/Bolt/Inactives-for-Week-10-Chicago-Bears-vs-St-Louis-Rams-41107366 November 18, 2015 dead mdy-all The Bears won the coin toss and elected to kick off. The Rams scored on the opening possession with Gurley's six-yard touchdown run, but the Bears tied the score on a two-play drive; after Jeremy Langford was stopped for a one-yard loss,https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791543 Bears vs. Rams- Play-By-Play ESPN November 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151118011057/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791543 November 18, 2015 live mdy-all Jay Cutler threw a short pass to Zach Miller, who managed to break free and score on the 87-yard play.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Rams/30870783-fdcc-49ac-bc8c-4e1b5f648d86 Read and React: Bears-Rams Chicago Bears November 15, 2015 November 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151117182812/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Rams/30870783-fdcc-49ac-bc8c-4e1b5f648d86 November 17, 2015 dead The next drive for the Rams saw the offense go three-and-out, but on the punt return, Marc Mariani was quickly hit by Bradley Marquez and fumbled, with the ball being recovered by St. Louis' Maurice Alexander. On the first play since the turnover, Austin scored on a 17-yard reverse, but the touchdown was nullified by Greg Robinson's holding penalty; the Rams eventually had to settle for Zuerlein's 26-yard field goal. After the Bears punted, they regained possession on the first play of the Rams' next drive, when Shea McClellin stripped Tre Mason and recovered the ball. Robbie Gould eventually kicked a 35-yard field goal to tie the score at the end of the first quarter. The Rams punted on their next drive, and the Bears took the lead with Cutler throwing a two-yard touchdown pass to Miller. St. Louis later punted again, and Chicago's next series started at their own 14-yard line due to cornerback Alan Ball's holding penalty on the punt return. After Langford's three-yard run, Cutler held off a blitzing defense to throw a screen pass to Langford, who scored on the 83-yard play. The two teams exchanged punts for the remainder of the half; the first three drives of the second half also ended in punts. Afterwards, the two teams traded field goals, Zuerlein's being 38 yards and Gould's being 33 yards. On St. Louis' next drive, the team elected to try a fake punt, but Hekker's pass to Cody Davis fell short. The Bears increased the lead to 17 points with Gould's 36-yard field goal, and after the Rams' turned the ball over on downs again, scored on Langford's six-yard touchdown run. The next two drives ended with turnovers for both teams: Willie Young intercepted Foles, but runningback Ka'Deem Carey fumbled after being hit by Rodney McLeod, with the fumble being recovered by Aaron Donald. With 2:23 left in the game, the Rams reached the Bears' 28-yard line before time expired. Miller's first touchdown was the longest catch by a tight end since Byron Chamberlain's 88-yard play in 1999 and the longest touchdown reception by a Bear since Matt Forte's 89-yard score in 2010.Dubin Jared http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25375449/bears-zach-miller-goes-87-yards-for-longest-catch-by-te-since-1999 Bears' Zach Miller goes 87 yards for longest catch by TE since 1999 CBSSports.com November 15, 2015 November 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151119151827/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25375449/bears-zach-miller-goes-87-yards-for-longest-catch-by-te-since-1999 November 19, 2015 live mdy-all With the score and Langford's 83-yard touchdown, the Bears became the first team since the 2006 Buffalo Bills to score multiple touchdowns of at least 80 yards in a game. Week 11: vs. Denver Broncos Chicago Bears 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Eleven: Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears – Game summary November 22 12:00 pm. CST Broncos 7 3 0 7 Bears 0 6 3 6 Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois 62,483 29 F C, sunny Pete Morelli CBS Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Evan Washburn Recap, Gamebook First quarter DEN – Demaryius Thomas 48-yard pass from Brock Osweiler, Brandon McManus XP good, 12:14 (DEN 7–0). Drive: 4 plays, 74 yards, 1:34. Second quarter CHI – Robbie Gould 46-yard field goal, 10:32 (DEN 7–3). Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 4;16. CHI – Robbie Gould 37-yard field goal, 6:13 (DEN 7–6). Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 2:57. DEN – Brandon McManus 24-yard field goal, 0:00 (DEN 10–6). Drive: 13 plays, 82 yards, 3:40. Third quarter CHI – Robbie Gould 37-yard field goal, 0:49 (DEN 10–9). Drive: 8 plays, 79 yards, 3:33. Fourth quarter DEN – Cody Latimer 10-yard pass from Brock Osweiler, Brandon McManus XP good, 11:42 (DEN 17–9). Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 4:07. CHI – Jeremy Langford 2-yard run, conversion failed, 0:24 (DEN 17–15). Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 1:25 Top passers DEN – Brock Osweiler, 20/27, 250 yards, 2 TD CHI – Jay Cutler, 18/32, 265 yards, 1 INT Top rushers DEN – Ronnie Hillman, 21 carries, 102 yards CHI – Ka'Deem Carey, 9 carries, 32 yards Top receivers DEN – Vernon Davis, 6 receptions, 68 yards CHI – Marquess Wilson, 4 receptions 102 yards Top tacklers DEN – Danny Trevathan, 7 tackles, 1 INT CHI – Christian Jones, 6 tackles John Fox, joined by coordinators Adam Gase and Jeff Rodgers and quarterback Jay Cutler, faced their former team in the Denver Broncos for week eleven.Joniak Jeff http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/11/20/joniak-keys-to-bears-broncos/ Joniak: Keys To Bears-Broncos WBBM-TV November 20, 2015 November 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151123133349/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/11/20/joniak-keys-to-bears-broncos/ November 23, 2015 live mdy-all It would also be the coldest game the Bears would play in 2015. In 14 games, the two teams split the series, though the Broncos won the most recent game in 2011 13–10.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=chi&tm2=den&yr=all Boxscore finder: Chicago Bears vs Denver Broncos Pro-Football-Reference.com November 24, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151125211652/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=chi&tm2=den&yr=all November 25, 2015 live mdy-all In the last game at Soldier Field, the Bears won 37–34. The offense took on one of the league's top defenses, Denver's pass rush leading the NFL in sacks with 32, with twelve players with at least .5 sacks. The Broncos defense was allowing the fewest average yards with 277.3, while also allowing the third-fewest points per game with 18.7.Kaberon Eli http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Broncos/545713f6-0610-4745-99aa-b6e867a5fd28 Opponent breakdown: Broncos Chicago Bears November 18, 2015 November 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151121222040/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Broncos/545713f6-0610-4745-99aa-b6e867a5fd28 November 21, 2015 dead mdy-all Despite DeMarcus Ware being out with a back injury, the Broncos still had Von Miller, who had more than five sacks in 2015. For the Bears, despite Alshon Jeffery and Eddie Royal's injuries, Martellus Bennett and Zach Miller could still play a role. If passing, Cutler had to watch for defensive lineman Malik Jackson, who had four pass breakups in the previous four games. When the Bears decide to run, they faced a run defense that led the league in multiple categories, including sack percentage. The Broncos offense was without Peyton Manning, and in his place was Brock Osweiler. Osweiler, who had 305 career passing yards, had only played in garbage time during his NFL career, but fits Gary Kubiak's West Coast offense. Jeff Joniak believed with Osweiler, the Broncos' plays, which consisted of 64 percent passes, would decrease, though tight ends Owen Daniels and Vernon Davis could be targeted more often. Meanwhile, Denver's rushing attack was struggling during the season, with an average of 86 rushing yards per game, 29th-ranked in the NFL. The Broncos won the coin toss and deferred until the second half. After the Bears punted, Osweiler threw a pass to Demaryius Thomas, who escaped Chris Prosinski to score on the 48-yard play.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Broncos/8224d972-b591-47e7-9925-b56faa8c139a Read and React: Bears-Broncos Chicago Bears November 22, 2015 November 27, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151125035009/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Broncos/8224d972-b591-47e7-9925-b56faa8c139a November 25, 2015 dead After both teams exchanged punts, the Bears scored their first points of the game in the second quarter with Robbie Gould's 46-yard field goal, and narrowed the margin to one point when Gould scored on a 37-yard kick. Denver and Chicago traded punts again, but the former scored with Brandon McManus' 24-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter to make the score 10–6. The first three drives of the second half ended with punts,https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791673 Broncos vs. Bears - Play-By-Play ESPN November 27, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151125035324/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791673 November 25, 2015 live mdy-all though the first turnover of the game occurred on the next series, when Cutler's pass for receiver Marquess Wilson was intercepted by Danny Trevathan. However, the Broncos failed to capitalize when Ronnie Hillman was tripped by Osweiler's feet on fourth down. Afterwards, aided by two consecutive 29-yard plays (via Brandon Marshall's defensive pass interference, followed by Wilson's 29-yard catch), the Bears reached the Broncos' 19-yard line, where Gould eventually kicked a 37-yard field goal. The Broncos later increased their lead by eight when Osweiler threw a ten-yard touchdown pass to Cody Latimer. On the Bears' next series, Cutler capitalized on a late hit by T. J. Ward and a 40-yard pass to Wilson to reach the Broncos' seven-yard line. Despite reaching as far as the four, the Bears turned the ball over on downs with three consecutive incomplete passes. Although Denver punted again and the Chicago offense reaching the Broncos' 33-yard line, Cutler was hit from behind by Marshall while throwing, and the ball was intercepted by Malik Jackson. The Broncos were forced to punt again, and with 1:25 left in the game, the Bears drove 65 yards, where Jeremy Langford scored on a two-yard run. However, Langford was stopped short on the two-point conversion, and on the onside kick, Thomas recovered. Osweiler kneeled once to end the game. The Bears ended the game with no penalties for the first time since 1995 against the Philadelphia Eagles and becoming the 24th team to do so in the last 15 years; the Bears also became the first team to accomplish the feat in a loss since the 2013 Packers' loss to the Bears in week nine.Dickerson Jeff https://www.espn.com/blog/chicago-bears/post/_/id/4700955/bears-lose-despite-playing-penalty-free-football-first-time-since-1995 Bears find way to lose despite their first penalty-free game since 1995 ESPN November 22, 2015 November 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151123141906/http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago-bears/post/_/id/4700955/bears-lose-despite-playing-penalty-free-football-first-time-since-1995 November 23, 2015 live mdy-all The defense recorded five sacks, the team's most in 2015.http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Gould-celebrates-his-brother%E2%80%99s-title-win/04e2efea-29d9-4fc3-b798-1c277533dcc8 Gould celebrates his brother's title win Chicago Bears February 8, 2016 February 9, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160209093707/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Gould-celebrates-his-brother%E2%80%99s-title-win/04e2efea-29d9-4fc3-b798-1c277533dcc8 February 9, 2016 dead Week 12: at Green Bay Packers Thanksgiving Day game Chicago Bears 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Twelve: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers – Game summary November 26 Thursday 7:30 pm. CST Bears 0 14 0 3 Packers 7 6 0 0 Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin 78,488 39 F C, rain Ed Hochuli NBC Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya Recap, Gamebook First quarter GB – Eddie Lacy 25-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers, Mason Crosby XP good, 5:20 (GB 7–0). Drive: 5 plays, 44 yards, 1:51. Second quarter CHI – Zach Miller 3-yard pass from Jay Cutler, Robbie Gould XP good, 6:03 (TIE 7–7). Drive: 9 plays, 34 yards, 4:39. GB – Mason Crosby 22-yard field goal, 1:58 (GB 10–7). Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 4:00. CHI – Jeremy Langford 1-yard run, Robbie Gould XP good, 0:30 (CHI 14–10). Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 1:28. GB – Mason Crosby 50-yard field goal, 0:00 (CHI 14–13). Drive: 5 plays, 36 yards, 0:26. Third quarter Fourth quarter CHI – Robbie Gould 21-yard field goal, 12:15 (CHI 17–13). Drive: 15 plays, 65 yards, 7:33. Top passers CHI – Jay Cutler, 19/31, 200 yards, 1 TD GB – Aaron Rodgers, 22/43, 202 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT Top rushers CHI – Jeremy Langford, 12 carries, 48 yards, 1 TD GB – Eddie Lacy, 17 carries, 105 yards Top receivers CHI – Alshon Jeffery, 7 receptions, 90 yards GB – Randall Cobb, 6 receptions, 74 yards Top tacklers CHI – Chris Prosinski, Shea McClellin, Adrian Amos, 7 tackles GB – Morgan Burnett, 6 tackles The second game of 2015 against the Packers was held on Thanksgiving Day in Green Bay. The two teams, in their 190th meeting, had never played each other on the holiday; in Thanksgiving games, the Bears were 16–15–2, while the Packers were 14–19–2.Cahill Dan http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1130714/bears-packers-never-played-thanksgiving-day Bears, Packers have never played each other on Thanksgiving Day Chicago Sun-Times November 25, 2015 November 30, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208063058/http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1130714/bears-packers-never-played-thanksgiving-day December 8, 2015 dead Chicago's offense took on a defense that ranked second in the league in first quarter points allowed with 1.9, along with a defense that recorded six sacks in week eleven against Minnesota.Kaberon Eli http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Packers/5d921e75-689f-4299-a7cc-5a50ea7875f9 Opponent breakdown: Packers Chicago Bears November 24, 2015 November 30, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151126032635/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Packers/5d921e75-689f-4299-a7cc-5a50ea7875f9 November 26, 2015 dead mdy-all Jeff Joniak added that the offense had to improve its red zone performance; against Denver, the Bears failed to score on three of the four trips to the red zone, leading to a 41.2 percent touchdown efficiency in 2015; in ten games, the Bears were only able to score 14 touchdowns within the 20-yard line. On the other side, Joniak stated the defense had to stop the Packers offense early; since 2014, the Packers had outscored opponents 151–27 at Lambeau, while also leading the league in first quarter points with an average of 7.6. Aaron Rodgers had thrown eight first quarter touchdown passes (the most in the NFL) in 2015, while the Packers had a league-best +57 scoring differential. Meanwhile, the Bears defense had allowed nine touchdowns in the first, though the defense had not given up a touchdown in the third quarter. Joniak also wrote that the Bears had to "match and surpass the emotion" on a night that featured Brett Favre's jersey retirement "with their most physical, error-free and consistent performance".Joniak Jeff http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/11/24/joniak-keys-to-bears-packers-4/ Joniak: Keys To Bears-Packers WBBM-TV November 24, 2015 November 30, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151128054848/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/11/24/joniak-keys-to-bears-packers-4/ November 28, 2015 live mdy-all Eddie Royal, Ka'Deem Carey, Martellus Bennett, Antrel Rolle, cornerback Jacoby Glenn, Nick Becton and Will Sutton were inactive.Jones Brian http://chi.247sports.com/Bolt/Inactives-for-Week-12-Chicago-Bears-vs-Green-Bay-Packers-41416860 Inactives for Week 12: Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers 247Sports.com November 26, 2015 November 30, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151128064439/http://chi.247sports.com/Bolt/Inactives-for-Week-12-Chicago-Bears-vs-Green-Bay-Packers-41416860 November 28, 2015 dead mdy-all The Bears won the toss and deferred.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Packers/a5708f4c-44dd-4562-977c-74ae42e2df1c Read and React: Bears-Packers Chicago Bears November 26, 2015 December 6, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151130022103/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Packers/a5708f4c-44dd-4562-977c-74ae42e2df1c November 30, 2015 dead The first four drives of the game ended without scores, as the Packers turned the ball over on downs during their first drive and the ensuing series were punts.https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791510 Bears vs. Packers - Play-By-Play ESPN December 6, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151201214634/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791510 December 1, 2015 live mdy-all On the next drive, Tracy Porter intercepted Rodgers, but was penalized for illegal contact, and the play was nullified. Afterwards, Rodgers threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Lacy. The Bears' woes continued with the following kickoff, when Marc Mariani and Deonte Thompson collided while attempting to catch the kick and the latter had to kneel in the endzone for the touchback. The next four possessions led to punts; on Green Bay's next drive, Lacy recorded a 15-yard run, but was hit from behind by Chris Prosinski and fumbled, with the ball being recovered by Lamarr Houston. Chicago took advantage of the takeaway when Jay Cutler threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Zach Miller. However, on the next kickoff, nickelback Bryce Callahan missed a tackle and allowed Jeff Janis to record a 64-yard return; the Packers eventually converted it into a 22-yard field goal. Assisted by a 37-yard kickoff return by Thompson, the Bears offense scored with Cutler's 20-yard touchdown pass to Marquess Wilson, but the play was overturned after he was downed at the one. Afterwards, Jeremy Langford's one-yard run gave the Bears the 14–10 lead. Mason Crosby kicked a 50-yard field goal to end the half. The third quarter featured no scores, though the Bears' last drive of the quarter (which lasted into the final quarter) ended with Robbie Gould's 21-yard field goal to extend the lead by four points. After two further punts, Rodgers' slant pass for Davante Adams was intercepted by Porter. However, the Bears were unable to capitalize, and punted. With 2:23 left in the game, the Packers drove from their own 20-yard line to the Bears' eight. Rodgers' passes to James Jones, Richard Rodgers and Adams all fell incomplete, and Cutler kneeled once to seal the win. With the win, the Bears won their third consecutive away game for the first time since 2012.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-gamerecap/Late-defensive-stand-preserves-big-win/f24c32a1-2662-4358-b769-5f6ccf57dfef Late defensive stand preserves big win Chicago Bears November 26, 2015 December 6, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151205034302/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-gamerecap/Late-defensive-stand-preserves-big-win/f24c32a1-2662-4358-b769-5f6ccf57dfef December 5, 2015 dead Over the last four games, the Bears allowed less than 20 points in each, also last accomplished in 2012.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Fangio-not-looking-to-exact-revenge/6fd92da9-fb81-42ac-bcd2-5664fca0ace6 Fangio not looking to exact revenge Chicago Bears December 3, 2015 December 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151212152231/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Fangio-not-looking-to-exact-revenge/6fd92da9-fb81-42ac-bcd2-5664fca0ace6 December 12, 2015 dead mdy-all The game averaged 27.8 million viewers, the most-watched Thanksgiving primetime game in NFL history and the second-highest viewed regular season game for NBC.http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-bears-packers-ratings-20151127-story.html Bears-Packers most-watched Thanksgiving prime time game ever Chicago Tribune November 27, 2015 November 30, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151130020003/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-bears-packers-ratings-20151127-story.html November 30, 2015 live mdy-all Week 13: vs. San Francisco 49ers Chicago Bears 41thru48 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Thirteen: San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears – Game summary December 6 12:00 pm. CST 49ers 6 7 0 7 6 Bears 6 7 0 7 0 Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois 62,088 50 F C, sunny Jerome Boger Fox Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin Recap, Gamebook First quarter CHI – Robbie Gould 40-yard field goal, 10:17 (CHI 3–0). Drive: 7 plays, 19 yards, 3:25 CHI – Robbie Gould 51-yard field goal, 5:59 (CHI 6–0). Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards, 2:52 SF – Jimmie Ward 29-yard interception return, XP failed, 2:49 (TIE 6–6). Second quarter CHI – Matt Forte 5-yard run, Robbie Gould XP good, 13:37 (CHI 13–6). Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:12 SF – Shaun Draughn 1-yard run, Phil Dawson XP good, 6:53 (TIE 13–13). Drive: 16 plays, 81 yards, 6:44 Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter CHI – Ka'Deem Carey 4-yard run, Robbie Gould XP good, 3:32 (CHI 20–13). Drive: 6 plays, 83 yards, 3:53 SF – Blaine Gabbert, 44-yard run, Phil Dawson XP good, 1:42 (TIE 20–20). Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 1:50 Overtime SF – Torrey Smith 71-yard pass from Blaine Gabbert, 12:50 (SF 26–20). Drive: 1 play, 71 yards, 0:11 Top passers SF – Blaine Gabbert, 18/32, 196 yards, 1 TD CHI – Jay Cutler, 18/31, 202 yards, 1 INT Top rushers SF – Blaine Gabbert, 6 carries, 75 yards CHI – Matt Forte, 21 carries, 81 yards, 1 TD Top receivers SF – Shaun Draughn, 5 receptions, 50 yards CHI – Matt Forte, 5 receptions, 39 yards Top tacklers SF – NaVorro Bowman, 13 tackles CHI – Shea McClellin, 9 tackles The 3–8 San Francisco 49ers visited Soldier Field in week thirteen; in 63 all-time meetings, the 49ers held the lead 32–30–1, though the Bears won the last game in 2014 28–20. The Bears offense took on a defense featuring linebackers NaVorro Bowman, Aaron Lynch and Ahmad Brooks, who had a combined 12.5 sacks in 2015, including 6.5 by Lynch. Alshon Jeffery provided a size advantage over cornerbacks Tramaine Brock and Kenneth Acker, the duo having a combined 90 tackles, six interceptions, and 14 pass breakups. As a unit, the 49ers defense had struggled, allowing an average of 400 yards, 8.13 yards per pass (29th overall), 17 touchdown passes and a 100.5 opponent quarterback rating (also 29th-ranked). Despite these troubles, the 49ers had held the Cardinals, who had the league's best scoring offense, to just 19 points in week twelve. As for the Bears defense, the 29th-ranked rushing defense took on a running attack without Carlos Hyde. 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert had been improving, throwing for 318 yards against Arizona, while his top receiver Anquan Boldin had recorded 44 catches for 558 yards, 28 of which resulted in first downs.Kaberon Eli http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-49ers/5da1f16f-04ef-4d52-8a8a-aa2e256343c7 Opponent breakdown: 49ers Chicago Bears December 2, 2015 December 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151212234933/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-49ers/5da1f16f-04ef-4d52-8a8a-aa2e256343c7 December 12, 2015 dead mdy-all However, the San Francisco offense had the fewest points in the NFL with 152, a league-low 14 combined touchdowns, and a worst-ranked 31 plays of at least 20 yards.Joniak Jeff http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/12/04/joniak-keys-to-bears-49ers-2/ Joniak: Keys To Bears-49ers WBBM-TV December 4, 2015 December 4, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151207040850/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/12/04/joniak-keys-to-bears-49ers-2/ December 7, 2015 live mdy-all Meanwhile, the Bears had allowed an average of 17 points per game in the last five, the fourth-fewest in the league. Marquess Wilson, Eddie Royal, Antrel Rolle, Nick Becton, Jacoby Glenn, Antone Smith and Bruce Gaston were inactive.Jones Brian http://chi.247sports.com/Bolt/Inactives-for-Week-13-San-Francisco-49ers-vs-Chicago-Bears-41786086 Inactives for Week 13: San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears 247Sports.com December 6, 2015 December 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151211183744/http://chi.247sports.com/Bolt/Inactives-for-Week-13-San-Francisco-49ers-vs-Chicago-Bears-41786086 December 11, 2015 dead mdy-all The Bears won the coin toss and elected to defer. The 49ers went three-and-out and punted; on the return, the Bears behaved as if Marc Mariani was returning on one side of the field, though Bryce Callahan actually returned it, and scored on the 65-yard play.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-49ers/86aad6b3-b74b-47a3-b2fd-46d7e7b14cea Read and React: Bears-49ers Chicago Bears December 6, 2015 December 6, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151207093706/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-49ers/86aad6b3-b74b-47a3-b2fd-46d7e7b14cea December 7, 2015 dead However, a holding penalty on linebacker LaRoy Reynolds nullified the play. The Bears eventually scored a field goal with Robbie Gould's 40-yard kick. After the 49ers punted again, the Bears scored another field goal, this one being 51 yards. San Francisco subsequently punted, but scored on the second play of the Bears' next drivehttps://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791647 49ers vs. Bears- Play-By-Play ESPN December 10, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151209114846/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791647 December 9, 2015 live mdy-all when Jimmie Ward intercepted Jay Cutler's screen pass for Alshon Jeffery and returned it 29 yards for the touchdown; the score remained tied after defensive tackle Eddie Goldman blocked the extra point. Chicago's next drive lasted into the second quarter, where Matt Forte took advantage of two consecutive 14-yard plays to score on a five-yard run. The 49ers scored on their drive with Shaun Draughn's one-yard touchdown run to tie the score. The first half ended with both teams tied 13–13. The Bears received the ball to start the third quarter, but failed to score when new long snapper Patrick Scales' snap was low and Gould missed the 40-yard kick. The next seven drives all ended in punts; the trend was broken when Ka'Deem Carey scored on a four-yard run, followed by San Francisco retaliating with Gabbert scoring on a 44-yard run. On the ensuing kickoff, Deonte Thompson's return went 74 yards to reach the 49ers' 28-yard line. On the drive, the Bears ran on each play, forcing the 49ers to use all three timeouts. With two seconds left, Gould's 36-yard field goal sailed wide left, resulting in overtime. The 49ers won the coin toss but punted, though the Bears were also forced to punt. On the first play of the next series, Gabbert threw a 71-yard touchdown pass to Torrey Smith to seal the win. Week 14: vs. Washington Redskins Chicago Bears 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fourteen: Washington Redskins at Chicago Bears – Game summary December 13 12:00 pm. CST Redskins 7 7 7 3 Bears 0 7 14 0 Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois 61,026 62 F C, cloudy Ron Torbert Fox Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin Recap, Gamebook First quarter WAS – Alfred Morris 1-yard run, Dustin Hopkins XP good, 6:30 (WAS 7–0). Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 8:30 Second quarter WAS – Kirk Cousins 3-yard run, Dustin Hopkins XP good, 14:19 (WAS 14–0). Drive: 8 plays, 93 yards, 3:18 CHI – Alshon Jeffery 20-yard pass from Jay Cutler, Robbie Gould XP good, 0:18 (WAS 14–7). Drive: 5 plays, 58 yards, 0:52 Third quarter WAS – Jordan Reed 5-yard pass from Kirk Cousins, Dustin Hopkins XP good, 8:00 (WAS 21–7). Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 5:35 CHI – Zach Miller 9-yard pass from Jay Cutler, Robbie Gould XP good, 3:42 (WAS 21–14). Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:18 CHI – Matt Forte 7-yard run, Robbie Gould XP good, 1:24 (TIE 21–21). Drive: 3 plays, 21 yards, 1:18 Fourth quarter WAS – Dustin Hopkins 47-yard field goal, 14:07 (WAS 24–21). Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 2:17 Top passers WAS – Kirk Cousins, 24/31, 300 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT CHI – Jay Cutler, 19/31, 315 yards, 2 TD Top rushers WAS – Matt Jones, 18 carries, 62 yards CHI – Matt Forte, 10 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD Top receivers WAS – Jordan Reed, 9 receptions, 120 yards, 1 TD CHI – Alshon Jeffery, 6 receptions, 107 yards, 1 TD Top tacklers WAS – Mason Foster, 6 tackles CHI – Lamarr Houston, 8 tackles The fourteenth week of the season featured a game between 5–7 teams as the Washington Redskins visited Soldier Field. In 48 games, the Redskins led the series 24–23–1 and had won the last five meetings.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=chi&tm2=was&yr=all Boxscore finder: Chicago Bears vs Washington Redskins Pro-Football-Reference.com December 17, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151222145846/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=chi&tm2=was&yr=all December 22, 2015 live mdy-all The Chicago offense took on a Washington defense that excelled against passers, being ranked tenth in the category; Dashon Goldson led all defensive backs in tackles with 95,Kaberon Eli http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Redskins/fdfb6d55-68d1-43ed-865f-04a0ee2d1d02 Opponent breakdown: Redskins Chicago Bears December 9, 2015 December 15, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151211125609/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Redskins/fdfb6d55-68d1-43ed-865f-04a0ee2d1d02 December 11, 2015 dead mdy-all while Bashaud Breeland led the team in passes defended with 13. The Redskins defensive rush, which had 20 sacks in 2015, was led by Ryan Kerrigan, who has 6.5. Despite such performances, the Redskins rush defense was ranked 29th in yards per carry with 4.64 and 25th in average rushing yards at 124.2. Jeff Joniak writes that the Bears could exploit this with the three-man rushing attack of Matt Forte, Jeremy Langford, and Ka'Deem Carey. On defense, the Bears faced a Kirk Cousins-led offense that focuses on quick passes;Joniak Jeff http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/12/11/joniak-keys-to-bears-redskins/ Joniak: Keys To Bears-Redskins WBBM-TV December 11, 2015 December 15, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151213145153/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/12/11/joniak-keys-to-bears-redskins/ December 13, 2015 live mdy-all Cousins completed a league-high 68.6 percent of his passes, with 7.1 yards per pass. One of Cousins' main targets was tight end Jordan Reed, who scored six touchdowns and led the Redskins in yards after the catch. Rankings-wise, the pass attack was ranked 17th in the league in passing yards per game and 16th for yards per play. Joniak states that the Bears had to force turnovers, and an area was on third down, as five of Cousins' interceptions had been on third down. The Bears won the coin toss and elected to defer. Washington recorded a 15-play, 80-yard drive en route to scoring on Alfred Morris' one-yard touchdown run.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Redskins/0e212e33-e225-4a38-ad14-c7950d2f574a Read and React: Bears-Redskins Chicago Bears December 13, 2015 December 17, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151216035407/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Redskins/0e212e33-e225-4a38-ad14-c7950d2f574a December 16, 2015 dead After the Bears punted, the Redskins scored againhttps://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791580 Redskins vs. Bears - Play-By-Play ESPN December 17, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151216212421/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791580 December 16, 2015 live mdy-all with Cousins' fake read option leading to a three-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Chicago's woes continued when the offense began the next drive on their own seven-yard line, and despite reaching the Washington 49, Jay Cutler was strip-sacked by Trent Murphy, who recovered the fumble. The Redskins failed to capitalize on the turnover and punted; the following two drives also ended with punts. With 52 seconds left in the first half, the Bears took over at their own 42, and managed to score with 18 seconds left when Cutler threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Alshon Jeffery. Cousins kneeled once to end the half. After the Bears punted on the first drive of the second half, Cousins threw a five-yard touchdown pass to Reed. The Bears responded with Cutler's nine-yard touchdown pass to Zach Miller, who managed to escape DeAngelo Hall and made contact with Goldson as he reached the endzone. The score was the Bears' first third quarter touchdown of 2015. Afterwards, Cousins' pass for Pierre Garçon was intercepted by Kyle Fuller, and the Bears took advantage with Forte's seven-yard touchdown run to tie the score. Dustin Hopkins gave the Redskins the 24–21 lead on the first drive of the final quarter with a 47-yard field goal. Five drives later, the Bears attempted a 53-yard field goal with 1:40 left in the game. However, Robbie Gould's kick sailed wide left, and the Redskins ran the ball three times to end the game.https://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015121306/2015/REG14/redskins@bears Official Site of the National Football League NFL.com December 13, 2015 January 7, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190107233141/https://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015121306/2015/REG14/redskins@bears January 7, 2019 live mdy-all Week 15: at Minnesota Vikings Chicago Bears 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fifteen: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary December 20 12:00 pm. CST Bears 0 7 3 7 Vikings 7 10 7 14 TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota 52,421 36 F C, cloudy Brad Allen Fox Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver Recap, Gamebook First quarter MIN – Stefon Diggs 15-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater, Blair Walsh XP good, 5:44 (MIN 7–0). Drive: 13 plays, 93 yards, 6:22 Second quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 53-yard field goal, 14:22 (MIN 10–0). Drive: 8 plays, 36 yards, 4:16 CHI – Alshon Jeffery 10-yard pass from Jay Cutler, Robbie Gould XP good, 5:40 (MIN 10–7). Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards, 2:25 MIN – Jerick McKinnon 17-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater, Blair Walsh XP good, 0:26 (MIN 17–7). Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 5:15 Third quarter MIN – Stefon Diggs 33-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater, Blair Walsh XP good, 10:40 (MIN 24–7). Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 3:10 CHI – Robbie Gould 51-yard field goal, 4:23 (MIN 24–10). Drive: 15 plays, 47 yards, 6:14 Fourth quarter MIN – Teddy Bridgewater 12-yard run, Blair Walsh XP good, 8:45 (MIN 31–10). Drive: 3 plays, 13 yards, 1:10 CHI – Matt Forte 4-yard pass from Jay Cutler, Robbie Gould XP good, 5:13 (MIN 31–17). Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 3:32 MIN – Zach Line 4-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater, Blair Walsh XP god, 1:50 (MIN 38–17). Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 3:23 Top passers CHI – Jay Cutler, 26/37, 231 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT MIN – Teddy Bridgewater, 17/20, 231 yards, 4 TD Top rushers CHI – Matt Forte, 8 carries, 47 yards MIN – Adrian Peterson, 18 carries, 63 yards Top receivers CHI – Matt Forte, 6 receptions, 57 yards, 1 TD MIN – Jerick McKinnon, 4 receptions, 76 yards, 1 TD Top tacklers CHI – John Timu, 8 tackles MIN – Terence Newman, 8 tackles The second game of the Bears-Vikings rivalry took place in Minneapolis and was the third game at TCF Bank Stadium; the Bears won the first game in 2010 while the Vikings won in 2014. To succeed against the Vikings, Jeff Joniak writes that the Bears had to excel at the start of the game; offensively, the Bears had a first quarter scoring differential of -48, 31st in the league, while scoring only twice on game-opening possessions. In the third quarter, the Bears scored a league-worst 32 points; in comparison, the Vikings defense had allowed only one touchdown on opening drives and a league-low 37 points in the third quarter.Joniak Jeff http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/12/18/joniak-keys-to-bears-vikings-4/ Joniak: Keys To Bears-Vikings WBBM-TV December 18, 2015 December 20, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151222082331/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/12/18/joniak-keys-to-bears-vikings-4/ December 22, 2015 live mdy-all The defense took on a Vikings offense spearheaded by Adrian Peterson, whose 1,251 yards led the league.Kaberon Eli http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Vikings/d6e8a3bd-87bd-4e3a-97e4-d6e46352dbb2 Opponent breakdown: Vikings Chicago Bears December 16, 2015 December 17, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151218050759/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Vikings/d6e8a3bd-87bd-4e3a-97e4-d6e46352dbb2 December 18, 2015 dead mdy-all On special teams, the Vikings led the league in post-kickoff starting position, while being ranked third in returns of at least 20 yards with 26 and first in returns of at least 40 yards with five. Additionally, kickoff returner Cordarrelle Patterson led the league in return average with 31.1 yards. Christian Jones, Cameron Meredith, Bryce Callahan, Nick Becton, Tayo Fabuluje, Jacoby Glenn and Antone Smith were inactive.Jones Brian https://247sports.com/Bolt/Inactives-for-Week-15-Chicago-Bears-vs-Minnesota-Vikings-42174156 Inactives for Week 15: Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings 247Sports.com December 20, 2015 December 20, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20180519042624/https://247sports.com/Bolt/Inactives-for-Week-15-Chicago-Bears-vs-Minnesota-Vikings-42174156 May 19, 2018 dead mdy-all The Vikings won the toss and deferred. Despite a 49-yard kick return by Deonte Thompson, the Bears' struggles began quickly, with the drive stalling after a holding penalty on Hroniss Grasu and a sack. Afterwards, the Vikings scored on their first drive when Stefon Diggs beat Tracy Porter to score on a 15-yard touchdown.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Vikings/e0b5307d-7ae8-451b-9c3c-971dd92e54aa Read and React: Bears-Vikings Chicago Bears December 20, 2015 December 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151222073546/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Vikings/e0b5307d-7ae8-451b-9c3c-971dd92e54aa December 22, 2015 dead The Vikings increased the score with Blair Walsh's 53-yard field goal in the second quarter. After the next two drives ended with punts,https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791660 Bears vs. Vikings - Play-By-Play ESPN December 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151222090616/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791660 December 22, 2015 live mdy-all Alshon Jeffery caught a ten-yard touchdown pass from Jay Cutler to draw the Bears within three points. On the following series, the Vikings responded when Teddy Bridgewater escaped a blitz to throw a pass to Jerick McMcKinnon, who beat Shea McClellin to score on the 17-yard play. To start the second half, the Bears attempted an onside kick, and Sherrick McManis recovered. However, after three plays, Brian Robison sacked and stripped Jay Cutler, recovering the fumble; Minnesota took advantage with Stefon Diggs beating Alan Ball to score on the 33-yard touchdown. The Bears decreased the margin to two touchdowns when Robbie Gould kicked a 51-yard field goal; the next three consecutive drives concluded with punts. Afterwards, Cutler's screen pass to Matt Forte was intercepted by Justin Trattou, and the Vikings capitalized on the turnover with Bridgewater's 12-yard touchdown run, though the Bears retaliated with Cutler's four-yard touchdown pass to Forte. The Bears attempted another onside kick, but failed, and the Vikings later scored again on Zach Line's four-yard touchdown. With 1:50 left in the game, the Bears drove as far as the Vikings' 28-yard line, but time expired. The loss dropped the Bears to 5–9 and officially eliminated them from playoff contention.http://wgntv.com/2015/12/20/chicago-bears-officially-eliminated-from-2015-16-nfl-playoff-contention/ Bears officially eliminated from 2015-16 NFL playoff contention WGN-TV December 20, 2015 December 31, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151226052719/http://wgntv.com/2015/12/20/chicago-bears-officially-eliminated-from-2015-16-nfl-playoff-contention/ December 26, 2015 live mdy-all Cutler's touchdown pass to Jeffery was his 200th career touchdown pass, while the onside kick attempted at the start of the third quarter was Gould's first successful kick in his eleven-year career with the Bears. Week 16: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Chicago Bears 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Sixteen: Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary December 27 1:00 pm. EST/12:00 pm. CST Bears 0 13 0 13 Buccaneers 7 0 7 7 Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida 63,734 83 F C, cloudy Pete Morelli Fox Sam Rosen, Matt Millen and Peter Schrager Recap, Gamebook First quarter TB – Doug Martin 4-yard run, Connor Barth XP good, 6:27 (TB 7–0). Drive: 1 play, 4 yards, 0:07 Second quarter CHI – Ka'Deem Carey 1-yard run, Robbie Gould XP good, 11:35 (TIE 7–7). Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 3:14 CHI – Robbie Gould 26-yard field goal, 3:00 (CHI 10–7). Drive: 12 plays, 47 yards, 6:30 CHI – Robbie Gould 27-yard field goal, 0:08 (CHI 13–7). Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 1:40 Third quarter TB – Charles Sims 50-yard pass from Jameis Winston, Connor Barth XP good, 11:24 (TB 14–13). Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 3:36 Fourth quarter CHI – Ka'Deem Carey 1-yard pass from Jay Cutler, Robbie Gould XP good, 14:55 (CHI 21–14). Drive: 5 plays, 23 yards, 2:40 CHI – Robbie Gould 50-yard field goal, 9:04 (CHI 24–14). Drive: 10 plays, 40 yards, 4:18 CHI – Robbie Gould 39-yard field goal, 1:07 (CHI 27–14). Drive: 10 plays, 37 yards, 5:21 TB – Austin Seferian-Jenkins 43-yard pass from Jameis Winston, Connor Barth XP good, 0:01 (CHI 27–21). Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 1:06 Top passers CHI – Jay Cutler, 20/27, 156 yards, 1 TD TB – Jameis Winston, 15/29, 292 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT Top rushers CHI – Jeremy Langford, 19 carries, 83 yards TB – Doug Martin, 17 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD Top receivers CHI – Zach Miller, 7 receptions, 69 yards TB – Mike Evans, 4 receptions, 64 yards Top tacklers CHI – Christian Jones, John Timu, 4 tackles TB – Bradley McDougald, 10 tackles The final road game of the season took place in week sixteen, when the Bears visited the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 55 all-time meetings, the Bears led the series 37–18, while also winning the most recent game in 2014 21–13 and the last game in Raymond James Stadium in 2005 by a score of 13–10.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=chi&tm2=tam&yr=all Boxscore finder: Chicago Bears vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pro-Football-Reference.com December 24, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151225145554/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=chi&tm2=tam&yr=all December 25, 2015 live mdy-all Jeff Joniak writes that the offense, taking on a defense guided by former Bears head coach Lovie Smith, had to "be patient", a philosophy that teams had used during Smith's tenure in Chicago; Smith's defenses force offenses to work with long series, followed by forcing a turnover. In 2015, the Bucs defense recorded 22 fumbles, 11 interceptions and 33 sacks, 7.5 of which are by defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. Another player that the Bucs defense featured was linebacker Lavonte David, who recorded 12 pass breakups, three interceptions, two sacks and a forced fumble in 2015. Tampa's defense also excelled in the run and passing games; in the former, the Bucs allowed the second-fewest average yards per carry with 3.3, while being ranked fifth in yards allowed after the catch. The Bucs also ranked eighth in yards per play. However, opposing quarterbacks were completing a league-high 69.2 percent of passes, while also throwing for a total of 28 touchdowns.Joniak Jeff http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/12/24/joniak-keys-to-bears-bucs-2/ Joniak: Keys To Bears-Bucs WBBM-TV December 24, 2015 December 24, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151225092620/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/12/24/joniak-keys-to-bears-bucs-2/ December 25, 2015 live mdy-all The Bucs defense was also without linebacker Kwon Alexander, who ranked second in the team in tackles with 93, as he was suspended for drug use. On defense, the Bears took on rookie Jameis Winston, who recorded 3,422 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes in 2015.Kaberon Eli http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Buccaneers/f7b90119-0693-4052-b488-1448b8159e02 Opponent breakdown: Buccaneers Chicago Bears December 23, 2015 December 24, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151225145703/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Buccaneers/f7b90119-0693-4052-b488-1448b8159e02 December 25, 2015 dead mdy-all However, the Bucs receiving corps had 29 drops and a 7.9 drop percentage, the second-highest in the NFL. Chicago's run defense faced Doug Martin, who had averaged 5.1 yards per carry, 1,305 rushing yards and a league-best 2.4 yards per carry after contact. Alshon Jeffery, Bryce Callahan, Jacoby Glenn, Shea McClellin, Nick Becton, Tayo Fabuluje and Bruce Gaston were inactive.Jones Brian https://247sports.com/Bolt/Inactives-for-Week-16-Chicago-Bears-vs-Tampa-Bay-Buccaneers-42301558 Inactives for Week 16: Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 247Sports.com December 27, 2015 December 29, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20160105135509/http://247sports.com/Bolt/Inactives-for-Week-16-Chicago-Bears-vs-Tampa-Bay-Buccaneers-42301558 January 5, 2016 dead mdy-all The Bucs won the coin toss and deferred. The Bears opened the game with a hurry-up offense and gained a first down, but were eventually forced to punt.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Buccaneers/3d5d1ff7-e1c6-4b91-99a1-7fb3652e74d5 Read and React: Bears-Buccaneers Chicago Bears December 27, 2015 December 29, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151230225358/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Buccaneers/3d5d1ff7-e1c6-4b91-99a1-7fb3652e74d5 December 30, 2015 dead Tampa Bay also later punted, but regained the ball at the Bears' four-yard line after a blocked punt;https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791538 Bears vs. Buccaneers - Play-By-Play ESPN December 29, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151228105437/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791538 December 28, 2015 live mdy-all Jeremiah George escaped LaRoy Reynolds to block Pat O'Donnell's punt and Howard Jones recovered. The Bucs converted the play into a four-yard touchdown run by Martin. Both teams later punted on their next drives, Jay Cutler's screen pass was deflected and intercepted by William Gholston, who returned the pick to the Bears' 15-yard line, but Jacquies Smith's facemask penalty nullified the play. Afterwards, Ka'Deem Carey scored on a one-yard touchdown run to tie the score. On Tampa's next drive, Martin was stripped by Harold Jones-Quartey, and the fumble was recovered by John Timu; the takeaway led to Robbie Gould's 26-yard field goal. The Bucs were later forced to punt again with two minutes left in the first half, and the Bears offense drove 40 yards to the nine, where Gould kicked a 27-yard field goal with eight seconds left. Winston kneeled to end the half. On the first drive of the second half, the Bucs scored when Winston threw a 50-yard touchdown pass to Charles Sims, who took advantage of Tracy Porter to score. Although the Bears punted on their next drive, they regained possession after Christian Jones and Lamarr Houston's blitz forced Winston to throw to Charles Sims, where Jones-Quartey pulled the ball away. The Bears eventually punted, but got the ball back when Pernell McPhee stripped Martin, with the fumble being recovered by Timu. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Cutler's play-action pass to Carey resulted in a one-yard touchdown. The Bucs punted on their next series, and Gould kicked a 50-yard field goal to increase the score to 23–14; Connor Barth later missed a 52-yard field goal wide left, leading to Gould's 39-yard field goal. With one second left in the game, Winston threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to Austin Seferian-Jenkins, and on the ensuing onside kick, Cameron Meredith recovered as time expired. With the win, the Bears officially improved upon their 5–11 record from 2014. The three turnovers forced in the game was a best for the defense, while also tying the total in the last five games. Week 17: vs. Detroit Lions Chicago Bears 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Seventeen: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – Game summary January 3, 2016 12:00 pm. CST Lions 7 3 7 7 Bears 0 0 10 10 Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois 61,177 31 F C, cloudy John Hussey Fox Joe Davis, Brady Quinn and Molly McGrath Recap, Gamebook First quarter DET – Tim Wright 9-yard pass from Matthew Stafford, Matt Prater XP good, 10:14 (DET 7–0). Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 4:46 Second quarter DET – Matt Prater 59-yard field goal, 0:00 (DET 10–0). Drive: 3 plays, -2 yards, 0:11 Third quarter CHI – Robbie Gould 49-yard field goal, 9:03 (DET 10–3). Drive: 10 plays, 52 5:57 CHI – Josh Bellamy 34-yard pass from Jay Cutler, Robbie Gould XP good, 5:28 (TIE 10–10). Drive: 3 plays, 41 yards, 1:22'' DET – Calvin Johnson 36-yard pass from Matthew Stafford, Matt Prater XP good, 1:07 (DET 17–10). Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 4:21Fourth quarter CHI – Matt Forte 23-yard pass from Jay Cutler, Robbie Gould XP good, 13:20 (TIE 17–17). Drive: 6 plays, 83 yards, 2:47 DET – Eric Ebron 1-yard pass from Matthew Stafford, Matt Prater XP good, 8:46 (DET 24–17). Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:34 CHI – Robbie Gould 34-yard field goal, 5:39 (DET 24–20). Drive: 7 plays, 37 yards, 3:07 |stats=Top passers DET – Matthew Stafford, 28/39, 298 yards, 3 TD CHI – Jay Cutler, 17/23, 245 yards, 2 TD, 3 INTTop rushers DET – Ameer Abdullah, 10 carries, 44 yards CHI – Matt Forte, 17 carries, 76 yardsTop receivers DET – Calvin Johnson, 10 receptions, 137 yards, 1 TD CHI – Marc Mariani, 6 receptions, 80 yardsTop tacklers''' DET – Stephen Tulloch, 7 tackles CHI – John Timu, 8 tackles The Bears ended the regular season at home against the Lions; in Chicago, the Bears led the series 50–26–3.Kaberon Eli http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Lions/7ea32724-3e9c-4b60-ba82-4eb5c3874831 Opponent breakdown: Lions Chicago Bears December 30, 2015 December 31, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20160101165023/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-opponentbreakdown/Opponent-breakdown-Lions/7ea32724-3e9c-4b60-ba82-4eb5c3874831 January 1, 2016 dead mdy-all Jeff Joniak writes that the Bears offense had to hold off the blitz; in 2015, the Lions had 38 sacks, including 13.5 by defensive end Ezekiel Ansah, and ranked fourth in sack percentage, while recording the second-most negative plays in the NFL. In comparison, the Bears had the fewest negative plays in the league. Despite the frequency to blitz, the Lions only had eight sacks when doing so. Through the air, the Lions pass defense struggled, allowing a 30th-ranked passer rating of 101.7 and 30 touchdown passes while recording only interceptions. To excel, the Bears had to maintain the ball, as they were ranked sixth in the NFL in time of possession.Joniak Jeff http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/01/01/joniak-keys-to-bears-lions-3/ Joniak: Keys To Bears-Lions WBBM-TV January 1, 2016 January 1, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160103202611/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/01/01/joniak-keys-to-bears-lions-3/ January 3, 2016 live mdy-all On defense, the Bears took on a Lions offense that had improved under offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter after Joe Lombardi's firing, going from 18.6 points per game to 26.4 under Cooter. With Matthew Stafford, the Lions were one of eleven teams with over 4,000 yards, while also being ranked in the top ten with 30 touchdown passes. However, Stafford was sacked 40 times, while the rushing attack averaged only 84.5 yards per game and 3.8 yards per carry. Eddie Royal, Zach Miller, Hroniss Grasu, Jarvis Jenkins, Jacoby Glenn, Tayo Fabuluje and Terry Williams were inactive.Jones Brian https://247sports.com/Bolt/Inactives-for-Week-17-Detroit-Lions-vs-Chicago-Bears-42511659 Inactives for Week 17: Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears 247Sports.com January 3, 2016 January 3, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20180519042620/https://247sports.com/Bolt/Inactives-for-Week-17-Detroit-Lions-vs-Chicago-Bears-42511659 May 19, 2018 dead mdy-all The Bears won the toss and elected to defer. On the first drive of the game, the Lions scored first when Harold Jones-Quartey slipped while covering and Stafford threw a nine-yard touchdown pass to Tim Wright. The Bears offense reached the Lions' five-yard line on their first possession, but Jay Cutler's pass to Cameron Meredith deflected off Nevin Lawson's helmet and was intercepted by James Ihedigbo. However, two consecutive sacks forced the Lions to punt.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Lions/571fbeda-7e11-410c-8f90-902ddcdfc692 Read and React: Bears-Lions Chicago Bears January 3, 2016 January 3, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160107124307/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-readReact/Read-and-React-Bears-Lions/571fbeda-7e11-410c-8f90-902ddcdfc692 January 7, 2016 dead In the second quarter, after the Bears punted, Matt Prater attempted a 54-yard field goal, but missed wide right. The Bears eventually punted again, and the Lions reached the Bears' 35-yard line, but on 4th and 3, Stafford's pass for Calvin Johnson fell incomplete. Three plays later, the Lions regained possession of the ballhttps://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791659 Lions vs. Bears - Play-By-Play ESPN January 3, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160104193811/http://espn.go.com/nfl/playbyplay?gameId=400791659 January 4, 2016 live mdy-all when Ansah hit Cutler's arm as he threw to Marc Mariani, the pass being intercepted by Tahir Whitehead. Detroit converted the turnover into Prater's 59-yard field goal to end the first half. The Bears scored on their first drive of the second half with Robbie Gould's 49-yard field goal, and after Detroit punted, tied the score with Cutler's 34-yard touchdown pass to Josh Bellamy. Although the Lions scored with Stafford's 36-yard touchdown pass to Johnson, the Bears retaliated with Cutler's 23-yard score to Matt Forte; Detroit eventually responded with a one-yard touchdown by Eric Ebron. The Bears narrowed the score to 24–20 when Gould kicked a 34-yard field goal. The Lions punted again, and the Bears took over with 3:35 left in the game. Despite reaching the Lions' 37-yard line, Cutler was hit by Ansah while throwing to Deonte Thompson and was intercepted by Glover Quin. With less than two minutes left in the game, the Bears held the Lions to 3rd and 5, but Stafford's six-yard pass to Johnson gave the Lions a first down, where Stafford kneeled thrice to end the game. Cutler threw multiple interceptions in a game for the first time in 2015, ending the game with three. Adding the two field goals from the game, Gould ended the season with 33 field goals, breaking his 2006 record for the most in franchise history by one.Jones Brian http://chi.247sports.com/Bolt/Robbie-Gould-breaks-his-own-record-in-season-finale-vs-Lions-42517839 Robbie Gould breaks his own record in season finale vs. Lions 247Sports.com January 3, 2016 January 3, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160105180548/http://chi.247sports.com/Bolt/Robbie-Gould-breaks-his-own-record-in-season-finale-vs-Lions-42517839 January 5, 2016 dead mdy-all Standings Division CHI Conference CHI Statistics In comparison to their 2014 counterpart, the 2015 Bears were more competitive in games; in 2014, three of the worst losses were by 41, 28 and 21 points, while six of the 2015 team's losses were by less than a touchdown, two of which ended in overtime. The Bears ended the season 5–3 in away games, but won only once at home, the worst home record in team history. Additionally, the Bears were swept at home by division opponents for the first time since the NFL realignment in 2002.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Take-a-look-back-at-Bears-2015-season/3d6953d8-c4b0-499b-b2b5-f6656d874ff2 Take a look back at Bears' 2015 season Chicago Bears January 13, 2015 January 13, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20160116061039/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Take-a-look-back-at-Bears-2015-season/3d6953d8-c4b0-499b-b2b5-f6656d874ff2 January 16, 2016 dead mdy-all The Bears struggled with injuries during the season; only four players started all sixteen games: Kyle Long, Matt Slauson, Adrian Amos and Kyle Fuller.Potash Mark http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1228364/first-10-upgrade-ryan-pace-cant-ignore-injuries First-and-10: The upgrade Ryan Pace can't ignore – injuries Chicago Sun-Times January 5, 2016 January 6, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160109105401/http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1228364/first-10-upgrade-ryan-pace-cant-ignore-injuries January 9, 2016 dead In each of the sixteen games, there was a different starting lineup.Kaberon Eli http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-bythenumbers/By-the-Numbers-2015/c1660e9e-fb2a-4649-806c-ab92e93a1412 By the Numbers: 2015 Chicago Bears January 6, 2016 January 6, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160108235044/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-bythenumbers/By-the-Numbers-2015/c1660e9e-fb2a-4649-806c-ab92e93a1412 January 8, 2016 dead Chicago's top four receivers (Alshon Jeffery, Kevin White, Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson) missed a combined 35 of 64 games. Jeffery never played four consecutive games in 2015.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Focusing-on-Bears-receiver-position/7afc4803-00aa-4599-b3a8-fa23bb267762 Focusing on Bears receiver position Chicago Bears February 3, 2016 February 5, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160204093603/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Focusing-on-Bears-receiver-position/7afc4803-00aa-4599-b3a8-fa23bb267762 February 4, 2016 dead mdy-all Without the four, the Bears relied on Marc Mariani, Joshua Bellamy, Cameron Meredith and Deonte Thompson. Mariani recorded 22 receptions for 300 yards, while excelling on third down, recording eleven catches that resulted in first downs. Tight ends Martellus Bennett and Zach Miller missed games; the latter led the Bears in touchdowns with five.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bennett-Miller-picked-up-slack-in-2015/a52cfa66-444c-4108-bd83-3eda34a79c16 Bennett, Miller picked up slack in 2015 Chicago Bears February 4, 2016 February 5, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160206080502/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bennett-Miller-picked-up-slack-in-2015/a52cfa66-444c-4108-bd83-3eda34a79c16 February 6, 2016 dead mdy-all The offensive line also fell victim, with left guard Matt Slauson playing some games at center and right guard Kyle Long moving to tackle. The former alternated between guard and center during the season, playing weeks seven to nine and sixteen at center. At left tackle, second-year player Charles Leno Jr. started 13 games after taking over for an injured Jermon Bushrod.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Long-Slauson-part-of-versatile-o-line/4a50626f-61c8-4c39-8e0e-284796b0ac49 Long, Slauson part of versatile o-line Chicago Bears February 5, 2016 February 5, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160206083636/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Long-Slauson-part-of-versatile-o-line/4a50626f-61c8-4c39-8e0e-284796b0ac49 February 6, 2016 dead mdy-all The offense improved from 2014, progressing from 21st overall to 18th. The unit also recorded 5,514 total net yards and 344.6 per game. The passing attack improved from 28th in yards per play to 12th.Poupart Alain http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/article-1/INSIDE-THE-NUMBERS-Adam-Gase/3e7c7c44-7cd4-4ff8-9a8f-41783988deda INSIDE THE NUMBERS: Adam Gase Miami Dolphins January 11, 2016 January 11, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160112104404/http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/article-1/INSIDE-THE-NUMBERS-Adam-Gase/3e7c7c44-7cd4-4ff8-9a8f-41783988deda January 12, 2016 dead On third down, Chicago ranked sixth in efficiency after converting 42.5 percent into first downs. With 21 turnovers allowed (13th in the NFL), the Bears had the fewest since the introduction of the 16-game schedule in 1978. Also, the Bears were able to score at least 30 points twice, after not doing so in 2014. In the first and third quarters, the Bears scored only 41 and 45 points, respectively, but scored 125 and 124 in the second and fourth. However, with 20.9 points per game, the Bears ranked 23rd in the NFL in the category, while also scoring only 24 touchdowns on 50 red zone attempts for a 48 percent red zone efficiency, 27th in the league.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-offense-in-NFL-Rankings/04b36127-0415-491d-b6ee-cf424e8a5fa3 Bears offense in NFL Rankings Chicago Bears January 22, 2016 January 23, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160124031330/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-offense-in-NFL-Rankings/04b36127-0415-491d-b6ee-cf424e8a5fa3 January 24, 2016 dead The Bears defense vastly improved in comparison to the previous two seasons; after allowing the two most points in franchise history in 2013 (478) and 2014 (442), the 2015 defense allowed 397, which ranked 20th in the league.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-defense-in-NFL-Rankings/70644a1c-0fb2-46d0-8bfb-a2bbc0c1e0e4 Bears defense in NFL Rankings Chicago Bears January 22, 2016 January 23, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160124022111/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-defense-in-NFL-Rankings/70644a1c-0fb2-46d0-8bfb-a2bbc0c1e0e4 January 24, 2016 live mdy-all The defense gained 26 places in the pass defense category to end the season fourth in the ranking. While the unit also allowed only 225 passing yards per game, the number is skewed due to opposing offenses' frequency to run the ball; Bears opponents passed 512, the fourth-least in the NFL. Yardage-wise, the defense allowed an average of 345.1, gaining 16 spots to finish 14th. Statistically, the Bears allowed 7.5 yards per pass and a 62.9 completion percentage, 20th- and 14th-ranked in the league, respectively. The pass defense also allowed a passer rating of 99.2 passer rating (26th), 31 touchdowns (25th),Stoltz Jeremy http://www.scout.com/nfl/bears/story/1634342-bears-2015-season-review-cornerback Bears 2015 Season Review: Cornerback Scout.com January 20, 2016 January 20, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160222090734/http://www.scout.com/nfl/bears/story/1634342-bears-2015-season-review-cornerback February 22, 2016 live mdy-allJanuary 2016 while recording only eight interceptions, the second-least in the NFL. In total, the Bears forced only 17 turnovers (28th-ranked), failing to record one in seven games, and twice in only two games. In the red zone, the Bears allowed 27 touchdowns and 14 field goals on 45 attempts (60 percent), which ranked 21st in the league. Meanwhile, the pass rush recorded 35 sacks (22nd in the NFL), 20 of which occurred in the last seven games of the year, the seventh-most in the league. Christian Jones led the team in combined tackles with 87,https://www.espn.com/nfl/stats/player?season=2015&seasontype=2 Combined Tackles Leaders ESPN January 23, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160130081825/http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/player/_/stat/defense/sort/totalTackles/year/2015/seasontype/2/qualified/false January 30, 2016 live mdy-all while outside linebackers Lamarr Houston (8), Willie Young (6.5) and Pernell McPhee (6) recorded a combined 20.5 sacks, becoming one of only five defensive trios with at least six sacks per player in 2015. Kicker Robbie Gould ended the season with 33 of 39 field goals converted for an 84.6 percentage, 19th in the league,https://www.espn.com/nfl/stats/player?season=2015&seasontype=2 Percentage Of Field Goals Made Leaders - Qualified ESPN January 23, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160130080817/http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/player/_/stat/kicking/sort/fieldGoalPct/year/2015/seasontype/2 January 30, 2016 live mdy-all while leading the Bears in scoring with 127 points.https://www.espn.com/nfl/stats/player?season=2015&seasontype=2 Total Points Leaders ESPN January 23, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160130082817/http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/player/_/stat/scoring/sort/totalPoints/year/2015/seasontype/2/qualified/false January 30, 2016 live mdy-all The 33 fields goals were the second-most in the NFL. Despite his consistency, Gould struggled during the later portion of the season, missing two field goals against the 49ers and a potential game-tying kick against the Redskins,http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/chicago-bears-robbie-gould-slump-special-teams-coordinator-not-concerned-121615 Bears ST coordinator is 'not concerned' about Robbie Gould's slump Foxsports.com December 16, 2015 January 23, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160324174226/http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/chicago-bears-robbie-gould-slump-special-teams-coordinator-not-concerned-121615 March 24, 2016 live mdy-all with a combined two of five field goals converted in those two games. He was released before the 2016 season began.Dickerson Jeff http://www.espn.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/17469296/chicago-bears-sign-connor-barth-replace-robbie-gould Bears sign Connor Barth as new kicker ESPN September 5, 2016 September 6, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160907142902/http://www.espn.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/17469296/chicago-bears-sign-connor-barth-replace-robbie-gould September 7, 2016 live mdy-all Pat O'Donnell punted 70 times for 3097 yards in 2015, 28 of which landed in the red zone with only four touchbacks.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Special-teams-in-NFL-Rankings/dcc9aef0-53e4-40ba-a77d-f81ce36aab68 Special teams in NFL Rankings Chicago Bears January 22, 2016 January 23, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160124095832/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Special-teams-in-NFL-Rankings/dcc9aef0-53e4-40ba-a77d-f81ce36aab68 January 24, 2016 live mdy-all He ended the year with a net punting average of 39.6, the second-highest in team history since the stat began to be recorded in 1966.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Position-focus-on-special-teams/79081ad2-5c5e-4854-8a9b-cbdef1319d51 Position focus on special teams Chicago Bears February 15, 2016 February 15, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160216091747/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Position-focus-on-special-teams/79081ad2-5c5e-4854-8a9b-cbdef1319d51 February 16, 2016 dead In his lone start with the Bears, Spencer Lanning punted three times for 156 yards with a net average of 35.7.https://www.espn.com/nfl/stats/player Net Punting Average Leaders - All Players ESPN January 23, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160130095604/http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/player/_/stat/punting/sort/netAvgPuntYards/seasontype/2/qualified/false January 30, 2016 live mdy-all On punt returns, Marc Mariani averaged 6.6 yards on 29 attempts with his longest being a 20-yard return. The longest was a 65-yard touchdown by Bryce Callahan against the 49ers, which was eventually nullified by a holding penalty. The group ended the year with a 7.8-yard return average, 20th in the league. For kickoffs, the Bears finished with an average of 27 yards, which ranked third in the NFL. Mariani averaged 26.1 yards on 16 returns, while Deonte Thompson averaged 29.2 yards on 14 attempts, with his best being a 74-yard return. Thompson's average is the second-best in the league among players with at least ten attempts and the highest for a Bear since Devin Hester in 2010.Biggs Brad http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-deonte-thompson-returns-20160324-story.html Bears bringing back return man Deonte Thompson Chicago Tribune March 24, 2016 March 24, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160324194543/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-deonte-thompson-returns-20160324-story.html March 24, 2016 live mdy-all The kickoff team started the year on a sour note after allowing returns of 105 and 108 yards against the Cardinals and Seahawks, but was able to allow just one return of at least 40 yards in the next thirteen games, while also forcing opponents to return an average of 25.2 yards, which ranked 21st in the league. For the punting unit, despite allowing 64- and 65-yard returns against Seattle and Minnesota, opposing return teams recorded 7.5 yards, 14th in the NFL. Sherrick McManis led the special teams unit in tackles with eleven. Awards and records On December 22, the rosters for the 2016 Pro Bowl were announced, with no Bears players making it for the first time since 1998.http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/No-Bears-selected-to-Pro-Bowl/531ba095-dc3a-4ea3-898c-9ce65484715f No Bears selected to Pro Bowl Chicago Bears December 22, 2015 January 6, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20151226052001/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/No-Bears-selected-to-Pro-Bowl/531ba095-dc3a-4ea3-898c-9ce65484715f December 26, 2015 dead mdy-all However, on January 14, 2016, Kyle Long was named as an alternate for Eagles lineman Jason Peters, marking his third consecutive Pro Bowl appearance.Hawley Larry http://wgntv.com/2016/01/14/bears-tackle-kyle-long-named-to-3rd-straight-pro-bowl-replacing-eagles-tackle-jason-peters/ Bears tackle Kyle Long named to 3rd-straight Pro Bowl, replacing Eagles tackle Jason Peters WGN-TV January 14, 2016 January 14, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160128044122/http://wgntv.com/2016/01/14/bears-tackle-kyle-long-named-to-3rd-straight-pro-bowl-replacing-eagles-tackle-jason-peters/ January 28, 2016 live mdy-all On January 7, Eddie Goldman and Adrian Amos were named to Mel Kiper Jr.'s All-Rookie TeamOgden Rob http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1235186/eddie-goldman-named-espn Eddie Goldman, Adrian Amos named to Mel Kiper's all-rookie team Chicago Sun-Times January 7, 2016 January 14, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160112084723/http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1235186/eddie-goldman-named-espn January 12, 2016 dead and the Pro Football Writers of America's All-Rookie Team.Mayer Larry http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Goldman-Amos-on-NFL-all-rookie-team/4ecb941d-f8bf-442b-b9ae-480e845a0bd2 Goldman, Amos on NFL all-rookie team Chicago Bears January 19, 2016 January 20, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160121144055/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Goldman-Amos-on-NFL-all-rookie-team/4ecb941d-f8bf-442b-b9ae-480e845a0bd2 January 21, 2016 live mdy-all At the start of the season, Robbie Gould's first field goal marked the 244th of his career, surpassing Kevin Butler for the most in franchise history. By the end of the season, Gould set the all-time franchise record for most points scored (1,207), field goals (276) and field goals made from at least 50 yards (23), along with the most field goals in a season (33). Against the Chargers, Jay Cutler threw his 138th career touchdown pass to Martellus Bennett, breaking a tie with Sid Luckman; the record had stood since September 17, 1950. References 30em External links http://www.chicagobears.com Chicago Bears Report at ESPN Chicago Chicago Bears Team Page on NFL.comJanuary 2022 InternetArchiveBot yes Chicago Category:Chicago Bears seasons Chicago Bears Category:2015 in Chicago