Bears 27, Lions 23

At Soldier Field
Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008

The Bears (5-3) seem to love living on the edge as it took a late game rally to beat the lowly (0-8) Lions. After jumping out to a 10-0 lead, it appeared the Bears would cruise to victory. The rollercoaster ride began with the Lions posting, what turned out to be, all 23 of their points in the second quarter. An eerie feeling then set in over Halloween weekend as Rex Grossman entered the game for the injured Kyle Orton. When the terror of the situation wore off, fans were surprised and relieved by the come-from-behind 27-23 victory.

Bears on offense

Kyle Orton came back from the bye week looking confident, completing 8 of 14 passes for 108 yards and a rushing touchdown. Unfortunately, he had to be carted off the field late in the first half with a high ankle injury. Insert Rex Grossman. Grossman only passed for 58 yards, but managed to hook up with Rashied Davis for a crafty six-yard touchdown. He also ran in a one-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter which proved to be the game winner. Matt Forte also lifted the team in the second half with a career high 126 yards rushing.

Bears on defense

Prior to succumbing to his annual injury bug, Mike Brown set the tone early with a key interception. CBs Nathan Vasher and Peanut Tillman returned from injuries but had trouble stopping the Lions in the first half. Little help was provided by the defensive line that couldn't spot pressure from a tire gauge. But, rookie Craig Steltz came up big in the fourth quarter with a goal line interception. A Lance Briggs late fumble recovery also helped secure the victory. Tommy Harris, who recorded only his second sack of the season, lowered his annual income average to $5 million a sack.

Bears special teams

Devin Hester fumbled on one return and looked as if he was running through a pile of wet bananas most of the day. Critics continue to point out his lack of a touchdown return this year. Bears' future left tackle and first round pick Chris Williams also made his highly overpriced debut on special teams.

Why they won

It's hard to attribute the win to brilliant schemes and execution from the two weeks of prep they had to face the worst team in football. While the defense looked shaky to say the least, they were able to hold the Lions scoreless in the second half. And, a rusty-armed Grossman lead the offense and sealed the game on two second half touchdown drives.

Quote of the game

"I knew I'd have a chance to play this year," said an excited Rex Grossman. "Sticking pins in my Orton voodoo doll finally paid off."

Number of the game: 292

Total passing yards on the day for Lions QB Dan Orlovsky. Yeah, that's right, Dan Orlovsky. It's hard to believe this was the same guy that unknowingly stepped out of his own end zone just a few weeks back.

Up next for the Bears

An about face. The Bears barely escape the winless Lions only to face the undefeated Titans next week. Yikes!

By Brian Berns, Bears beat writer