Bears make a comeback, but don’t touch the ball in OT
The Chicago Bears found themselves down 20-10 to the Washington Redskins in the 4th quarter at Soldier Field, but they made a comeback to tie the game. Bears’ QB Eric Kramer connected with FG Tony Carter on a 16-yard pass to cut the lead to 20-17. Then the Bears got the ball back and drove down into Redskins’ territory but had to settle for a 44-yard field goal to tie the game at 20 that send the game into overtime.
The Washington Redskins won the coin flip and the Bears never saw the ball again. Redskins’ QB Gus Frerotte moved the Skins into position when he connected with WR Leslie Shepherd on a 32-yard reception. After a few runs, Redskins’ kicker Scott Blanton booted the game-winning 28-yard field goal. The Redskins won 23-20.
Redskins’ returner Brian Mitchell is having a great season. On the opening second half kickoff of this game, Mitchell returned an 84-yard kick the distance to give the Redskins a 17-7 lead. On the season, Mitchell has returned 3 kickoffs for TDs. He is averaging 28.1 yards per kick return. He also has returned a punt for a TD and is averaging 9.9 per punt return.
The Bears did roll up 381 total yards of offense, but three turnovers spelled their doom. RB Raymont Harris rushed for 96 yards on 20 carries and QB Eric Kramer threw for 257 yards with a TD but had 2 INTs.
The Redskins are now atop the NFC East Standings, but they will have a tough matchup next Sunday as they host Barry Sanders and the Detroit Lions. The Bears (1-8) will travel to Minneapolis to face the Vikings in the Metrodome.