The2007 season was theChicago Bears' 88th season in theNational Football League (NFL), and the fourth under head coachLovie Smith. The season officially began on September 9, 2007, against theSan Diego Chargers, and concluded on December 30 against theNew Orleans Saints.^[1] The Bears entered the 2007 season as theNational Football Conference (NFC) Champions and had hopes of returning to theSuper Bowl,^[2] but instead finished the season with a 7–9 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since2004. The season marked the most recent time that the Bears swept theGreen Bay Packers.

One of the biggest stories in the Bears' off-season wasTank Johnson's jail sentence. In December 2006, Johnson came under increased scrutiny after police entered his house inGurnee, Illinois, and found several guns and weapon paraphernalia.^[3] The situation was further complicated when Johnson's friend, William Posey, was murdered the following evening while defending Johnson at anightclub. On March 15, 2007, a judge inSkokie, Illinois sentenced Johnson to 120 days in jail and fined him $2,500.^[4] He was released from jail on May 13, 2007, due to good behavior.^[5] Johnson also faced an additional eight-game suspension from the NFL.^[6] The league ultimately suspended Johnson for half of the regular season on June 4.^[7] Despite vowing to amend his ways, Johnson was pulled over for speeding inArizona, and was later given ablood test after an officer suspected he wasdriving under the influence. The incident prompted the Bears to waive Johnson on June 25.^[8] Johnson was replaced byDarwin Walker.

Additionally, controversy ensued between the Bears' management andLance Briggs. Only weeks after losingSuper Bowl XLI, the Bears placed afranchise tag worth nearly 7.2 million dollars on thePro Bowl-caliber linebacker, keeping him with the team for another year.^[9] Briggs became unhappy with the action and voiced his anger onThe Mike North Morning Show.^[10] He even went as far to claim he no longer wanted to be a member of the Bears, a statement he later reiterated nationally onFoxSports.com.^[11] Despite Briggs' remarks, the Bears stated that they planned to keep him with the organization for the 2007 season.^[12] TheWashington Redskins offered to exchange first-round draft picks with the Bears in exchange for Briggs.^[13] Angelo deferred the offer on April 3,^[14] but later stated they were interested in negotiating another deal the following day.^[15] Briggs came to terms with the Bears on July 25, and accepted the 7.2 million dollar contract.^[16]

The team tradedrunning backThomas Jones to theNew York Jets and their second-round (63rd overall) pick for the Jets' second-round (37th overall) pick in the2007 NFL draft.^[17] In addition to the loss of Jones,Todd Johnson,Cameron Worrell, andJustin Gage left the Bears for other teams later.^[18][19] In order to fill the void, the Bears acquired strong safetyAdam Archuleta from theWashington Redskins in exchange for their sixth-round draft pick.^[20] They also signed former Redskins' kickerNick Novak to back upRobbie Gould.^[21] Defensive tackleAnthony Adams also was signed to further bolster the Bears' defensive line, following the departures ofAlfonso Boone andIan Scott.^[22][23]

The Bears re-signedRuben Brown, the team's last remainingfree agent from the previous season, to a one-year extension for an undisclosed amount of money.^[24] Amidst these significant changes,Jerry Angelo, the team'sgeneral manager, stated, "I know on the outside it looks like we want to dismantle the team. It has nothing to do with that. We want to keep this the best possible football team that we can. And that's what we're trying to do.", while addressing the media in March.^[25] By the end of May, the Bears had lost ten members of their2006 roster.^[26]

The team re-signedNathan Vasher andCharles Tillman to multi-year contracts.^[27][28] The team traded one of their draft picks to theBuffalo Bills forDarwin Walker, who will replace Tank Johnson.^[29] The Bears traded safetyChris Harris to theCarolina Panthers in exchange for an undisclosed draft pick in 2008.^[30]Dante Wesley was also traded to theNew England Patriots in exchange for a seventh-round pick.^[31]

The Bears' coaching staff also saw significant changes during the off season. The team did not re-sign defensive coordinatorRon Rivera, whose contract expired at the end of the2006 season.^[32][33] He was replaced by linebackers coachBob Babich, who had followed head coachLovie Smith from theSt. Louis Rams.^[34] Eventually, five assistant coaches, including quarterbacks coachWade Wilson, would leave the Bears for other teams.^[35] The team worked out a contract extension withLovie Smith, which extended his contract for four years to 2011. Smith will make a total of $22 million during the course of the deal.^[36]Jerry Angelo, the team'sgeneral manager, also signed a six-year deal on the same day.^[37] The Bears billed Pep Hamilton of theSan Francisco 49ers as their new quarterback coach, and Charles London ofDuke University as the team's offensive quality control coach.^[38]

Going into the2007 NFL draft, the Bears did not reveal which prospects they were interested in, but stated that they entered the draft looking for the "best athlete available".^[39] As the loser of the previous Super Bowl, the Bears entered the2007 NFL draft ostensibly with the thirty-first selection in each of the seven rounds of the draft.^[40] However, as a result of trading activity, both before and during the draft, the Bears ended up with nine picks instead of seven, and only five of those nine were in the 31st position.

The Bears improved their placement in the second round by tradingThomas Jones and their second round pick for theNew York Jets' second round pick, which was the fifth pick of the second round. Thus, the Bears then possessed the 31st and 37th overall picks of the draft.^[17] However, the Bears then traded this second round pick toSan Diego in exchange for the Chargers' 2007 draft picks in the second round (62 overall), third round (93), and fifth round (167), as well as the Chargers' third round pick in the2008 draft. The Bears also traded away their sixth round pick (186th overall) to theWashington Redskins forAdam Archuleta.^[41] Additionally, the Bears acquired the 11th pick of the 7th round (221) by tradingLennie Friedman to theCleveland Browns. (This pick had earlier been acquired by Cleveland from theSan Francisco 49ers.)^[42]

The team used their 31st overall selection to draftGreg Olsen to solidify theirtight end position.^[43] They later traded their second round, 37th overall selection to theSan Diego Chargers, in exchange for the team's second (62), third (93), fifth (167) and next year's third selection.^[44] Next,Dan Bazuin was selected to further bolster the Bears' defensive line, whileChicago nativeGarrett Wolfe was selected in the third round followingThomas Jones' departure.^[45][46] The team spent their other third-round pick to acquirelinebackerMichael Okwo.^[45] The bears drafted Offensive guardJosh Beekman in the fourth round, and then selected twodefensive backs,Kevin Payne andCorey Graham in the fourth round.^[47][48] Lastly, the team draftedoffensive tackleAaron Brant and cornerbackTrumaine McBride in the seventh round.^[49]

Following the Draft, the Bears signed several undraftedfree agents. Most notably, the team acquiredChris Leak, who had previously led theFlorida Gators to aBCS National Championship title, andDave Ball, who brokeJerry Rice'sDivision I-AA record with 58 career touchdowns.^[50] The team acquired six otherrookie free agents to reinforce other positions.^[51] An additional six undrafted rookies were recruited following the team's rookie mini-camp to fill various needs in their team's depth chart.^[52] The Bears became the first team in the League to sign all of their draft picks when they came to terms withDan Bazuin on July 25.^[53]

Though the team started conditioning for the upcoming season as early as February, the Bears had scheduled several training camps between the2007 NFL draft, and the first game of the 2007 preseason.^[54] The first mini-camp for first year players was held less than a week after the Draft so that coaches could further evaluate the talent ofrookie players.^[55] Next, the team had a mandatory mini-camp, which started on May 18, 2007.^[56] During the Bears' first mini-camp,Tommie Harris,Dusty Dvoracek, andMike Brown returned to practice after missing portions of the2006 season.^[57][58] Additionally, the team convertedDevin Hester towide receiver in hopes of using his play-making ability on offense as well as special teams.^[59]

The Bears held training camp from July 27 to August 18 atOlivet Nazarene University.^[60][61]

The team won their first preseason game against theHouston Texans by a score of 20–19.^[62] The game was highlighted by a staunch performance from their three quarterbacks.^[63]Rex Grossman completed eight of ten passes for fifty yards, while his back-up,Brian Griese, went six for seven with seventy-two yards and one touchdown and interception.^[62] However, third-stringquarterbackKyle Orton played an integral part in their victory. Orton, who played nearly two-quarters, completed sixteen of twenty-five passes for 151 yards and a single touchdown.^[62] At one point, he had completed twelve consecutive passes.^[62] Running backJosh Allen and Orton got the Bears to the Texans' twenty-nine-yard line, whereRobbie Gould kicked the game's winningfield goal.^[62] While the team's defense and offense performed productively, their special teams unit drew skepticism after allowing the Texans to produce several large kick returns.Dave Toub, the Bears' special team coach, blamed the problems on a lack of experience and poor tackling, which have since been properly addressed.^[64]

The following week, the Bears faced theIndianapolis Colts forSuper Bowl XLI rematch.^[65] Although the game took place duringprime-time, they would treat the game as if it were any other preseason game.^[66] Regardless, the Bears won by a score of 27–24, but not without controversy.^[67] Grossman, making his homecoming toIndiana, struggled throughout the night. Hefumbled the ball three times (though only turning it over once), and threw an interception.^[67] Despite completing the night by completing nine of eleven passes for fifty-nine yards and one rushing touchdown,^[67] Grossman's struggles became the focus of the night.^[68] Griese, however, threw ten completions on thirteen attempts with one touchdown.^[67] The Bears defense was able to record three interceptions, while the special teams unit was able to force a fumble on a return.^[67] Return specialistsDevin Hester andDanieal Manning also performed productively as kick returners.^[67]

The Bears trumped their third opponent, theSan Francisco 49ers, by a score of 31–28. Grossman opened the game with a forty-yard pass toBernard Berrian.^[69] He went on to throw two touchdowns, but also threw an interception toWalt Harris, who returned the pick for a touchdown.^[69] Benson continued to struggle and only averaged less than a yard on each carry.^[69] Nevertheless, the team's first-string defense held the 49ers offense to only six points, and caused two turnovers.^[69] The Bears' special team's unit, who lost Hester to an injury in the first quarter, was plagued with fumbles, missed-snaps, inaccurate field goals.^[70] The 49ers, who had fallen behind by thirty-one points before the second half, mounted a fifteen-point rally in the fourth quarter. Their second-string quarterback,Trent Dilfer completed nine of twelve passes for two touchdowns, en route to earning a perfectquarterback rating (158.3) for the night.^[69][71]

The team lost their preseason finale to theCleveland Browns, 19–9. Grossman and most of the team's starters saw limited action during the night.^[72] Instead, the team turned to Orton andChris Leak to lead their offense.^[72] The Browns initially struggled but used their special teams unit to score twelve points in the first half. Their second-stringrookie quarterback,Brady Quinn allowed the Browns to score their first offensive points of the night.^[72] The Bears quarterback, Kyle Orton, lead the game in passing but failed to engineer a touchdown drive. The Bears turned to their fourth-string quarterback, Chris Leak, to finish the game.^[72] While Leak threw the Bears' lone passing touchdown of the night, much of the night's praise went toDavid Ball andMike Hass, who both made difficult catches.^[73] The Bears finished the preseason with a 3–1 record. However, the team's top three draft picks,Greg Olsen,Dan Bazuin, andMichael Okwo sustained injuries.^[74] While Banzuin and Okwo were lost for the season, the team was optimistic that Olsen may play in the season's opener.^[74]

The Bears traveled to San Diego'sQualcomm Stadium to start the 2007 season. They initially succeeded at containingLaDainian Tomlinson, the league's reigningMVP, but received little support fromRex Grossman andCedric Benson. The Chargers drove into Bears' territory on their second drive, but came up empty afterAlex Brown blocked a thirty-three-yard field goal.Mike Brown thwarted another Chargers' drive by interceptingPhilip Rivers, which was eventually followed by a twenty-seven-yard field goal. However, Grossman drove the team into field goal position, only to throw an interception (the result of a miscue between him andBernard Berrian) deep within Chargers' territory.^[75]

However, the Bears blew their shutout in the third quarter. After a punt return mishap, the Chargers capitalized on great field position and drove into Bears' territory. Tomlinson threw a touchdown pass toAntonio Gates to cap off the drive. On the Bears' following drive,Adrian Peterson fumbled a carry, which eventually allowed Tomlinson to score a rushing touchdown. The Bears failed to cover Antonio Gates, who collected 107 yards for the afternoon. In addition to the loss, the Bears were forced to cope with the season-ending injuries to Mike Brown andDusty Dvoracek.^[76]

Q2 – CHI – 14:13 –Robbie Gould 27-yard FG (CHI 3–0)

Q3 – SD – 0:45 – 17-yard TD pass fromLaDainian Tomlinson toAntonio Gates (Nate Kaeding kick) (SD 7–3)

Q4 – SD – 9:09 – LaDainian Tomlinson 7-yard TD run (Kaeding kick) (SD 14–3)

After their season-opening loss to the Chargers, the Bears rebounded by winning their home opener against theKansas City Chiefs.Bernard Berrian fumbled on the team's opening drive, but a staunch defensive effort held the Chiefs at bay, and eventually allowed the Bears to engineer a successful drive.John St. Clair, a reserveoffensive tackle, scored the Bears' first offensive touchdown of the season from a one-yard pass fromRex Grossman. The team forced the Chiefs to punt on their next drive, which was returned for a touchdown byDevin Hester.The Chiefs scored their first points of the game afterDamon Huard threw a sixteen-yard touchdown pass toDwayne Bowe.

During halftime, the Bears received thePro Team Community Award for their charity efforts.^[77] The Bears' defense held the Chiefs to only three more points, after forcing pivotal turnovers in two red zone situations and also a blocked field goal attempt.Pro BowlersBrian Urlacher,Lance Briggs, andTommie Harris each recordedsacks, and forcedLarry Johnson and Huard to leave the game with injuries.Cedric Benson recorded his first one hundred-yard rushing game. With 20–10 win, the Bears advanced to 1–1 record.

Q2 – CHI – 10:29 – 2-yard TD pass fromRex Grossman toJohn St. Clair (Robbie Gould kick) (CHI 7–0)

Q2 – CHI – 9:33 –Devin Hester 73-yard punt return TD (Gould kick) (CHI 14–0)

Q2 – CHI – 2:30 – Robbie Gould 47-yard FG (CHI 17–0)

Q2 – KC – 1:24 – 16-yard TD pass fromDamon Huard toDwayne Bowe (Dave Rayner kick) (CHI 17–7)

Q3 – CHI – 8:36 – Robbie Gould 38-yard FG (CHI 20–7)

Q3 – KC – 3:12 – Dave Rayner 45-yard FG (CHI 20–10)

The Bears returned home to play aSunday night match with theDallas Cowboys. The game was close early as the Bears'Robbie Gould and the Cowboys'Nick Folk each hit field goals to make it a 3–3 tie at halftime. The Cowboys took the opening drive of the third quarter and ended it with aTony Romo toJason Witten touchdown pass. The Bears responded on the ensuing drive with aCedric Benson goal line plunge. The Cowboys struck again before the end of the third quarter, Romo connecting on his second touchdown pass, this time to running backMarion Barber. Folk converted a 44-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, and on the next play from scrimmage, Bears quarterbackRex Grossman threw an interception to Cowboys cornerbackAnthony Henry, who ran it back for the score. With the lead in hand, the Cowboys proceeded to kill the clock, which they did effectively with Barber, who capped the scoring with a one-yard touchdown run. Barber ended the night with over 100 yards rushing, and Cowboys wide receiverTerrell Owens caught eight passes for 145 yards. The Cowboys improved to 3–0, while the Bears dropped to 1–2.

Q1 – CHI – 3:09 –Robbie Gould 20-yard FG (CHI 3–0)

Q2 – DAL – 8:49 –Nick Folk 30-yard FG (3–3)

Q3 – DAL – 10:14 – 3-yard TD pass fromTony Romo toJason Witten (Folk kick) (DAL 10–3)

Q3 – CHI – 7:14 –Cedric Benson 1-yard TD run (Gould kick) (10–10)

Q3 – DAL – 1:18 – 10-yard TD pass from Tony Romo toMarion Barber (Folk kick) (DAL 17–10)

Q4 – DAL – 12:10 – Nick Folk 44-yard FG (DAL 20–10)

Q4 – DAL – 11:49 –Anthony Henry 28-yard interception return TD (Folk kick) (DAL 27–10)

Q4 – DAL – 3:10 – Marion Barber 1-yard TD run (Folk kick) (DAL 34–10)

Following the aftermath of the team's loss to Dallas, the Bears turned toBrian Griese to replaceRex Grossman. The change came in an attempt to protect the ball, and reduce turnovers. Nonetheless, the turnovers continued to haunt the team en route to a 37–27 loss against theDetroit Lions. The Lions took a first-quarter lead by blocking aRobbie Gould field-goal attempt, and then using the field position to score a field goal. The Bears' offense struggled to move the ball in the first quarter, and but began to pick up momentum in the second quarter. Griese threw a fifteen-yard touchdown toMuhsin Muhammad, but also threw two interceptions in two red zone visits.

Jon Kitna and the Lions' top-tier passing offense exploited the Bears' injury-depleted secondary. He threw two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, to keep the Bears four points behind the Lions. Griese threw an interception toKeith Smith, who returned it for a touchdown. However,Devin Hester responded by returning the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown. The Lions established their running game later, and allowedKevin Jones to score a rushing touchdown, sending the Lions up by ten again. Griese led the Bears downfield on the subsequent drive. After several unusual penalties and mishaps, the Griese threw a touchdown toDesmond Clark. Now trailing by three points, Gould attempted by anonside kick, but it was recovered and returned byCasey FitzSimmons, sealing the Bears' loss. The 34 points allowed in the fourth quarter by the Bears are the most in NFL history.^[78]

Griese completed thirty-four of fifty-two passes for 286 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions in his first start as a Bear. The team's running game mustered a combined total of sixty-nine yards, ousted by the Lions' ninety-five yards. Both defenses unleashed equal punishment on their opposing quarterbacks, combining for a total of twelve quarterback sacks. The Lions' victory snapped their four-game losing streak against the Bears.

Q1 – DET – 10:05 –Jason Hanson 49-yard FG (DET 3–0)

Q2 – CHI – 4:16 – 15-yard TD pass fromBrian Griese toMuhsin Muhammad (Robbie Gould kick) (CHI 7–3)

Q3 – CHI – 5:08 – Robbie Gould 49-yard FG (CHI 10–3)

Q3 – CHI – 0:49 – Robbie Gould 41-yard FG (CHI 13–3)

Q4 – DET – 14:56 – 4-yard TD pass fromJon Kitna toShaun McDonald (Hanson kick) (CHI 13–10)

Q4 – DET – 13:14 –Keith Smith 64-yard interception return TD (Hanson kick) (DET 17–13)

Q4 – CHI – 12:57 –Devin Hester 97-yard kickoff return TD (Gould kick) (CHI 20–17)

Q4 – DET – 10:06 – 15-yard TD pass from Jon Kitna toTroy Walters (Hanson kick) (DET 24–20)

Q4 – DET – 3:34 –Kevin Jones 5-yard TD run (kick failed) (DET 30–20)

Q4 – CHI – 0:52 – 1-yard TD pass from Brian Griese toDesmond Clark (Gould kick) (DET 30–27)

Q4 – DET – 0:45 –Casey FitzSimmons 41-yard kickoff return TD (Hanson kick) (DET 37–27)

The Bears played theGreen Bay Packers, their longtime rivals, during week five. The game was a must-win situation for the Bears, who needed a win to preserve any chance of winning the division. The Packers entered the game with a 4–0 record, but suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of a staunch Bears defense. The Packers took a quick lead asDeShawn Wynn rushed for over sixty yards and scored a touchdown on the team's opening drive.Cedric Benson responded by scoring a rushing touchdown, but the Packers broke the tie whenBrett Favre threw a touchdown pass toGreg Jennings.

The Packers' offense drove into Bears territory several times during the second quarter, butCharles Tillman forced two fumbles. The two turnovers allowed the Bears to hold the Packers at bay, and keep hold their deficit to ten points. However,Brian Urlacher provided the game's biggest turnover, when he intercepted Favre at the Packers' fifteen-yard line. The turnover allowedBrian Griese to throw a touchdown toGreg Olsen. Later,Charles Woodson fumbled while returning a punt, which allowedRobbie Gould to kick a game-tying field goal. The Bears defense prevented the Packers from scoring again. With two minutes left on the game clock, the Bears offense seemingly moved the ball in hopes of setting up a Gould field goal. However, Griese threw a play-action touchdown pass toDesmond Clark, and gave the Bears a seven-point lead.

Favre tried to lead the Packers down field again, but threw an interception to rookieBrandon McGowan in the end zone. The pick sealed a Bears victory, allowing the team to progress to 2–3.Al Michaels named Tillman as the 'Horse Trailer Player of the Game' for forcing two pivotal fumbles.

Q1 – GB – 11:01 –DeShawn Wynn 2-yard TD run (Mason Crosby kick) (GB 7–0)

Q2 – CHI – 7:52 –Cedric Benson 10-yard TD run (Robbie Gould kick) (7–7)

Q2 – GB – 4:55 – 41-yard TD pass fromBrett Favre toGreg Jennings (Crosby kick) (GB 14–7)

Q2 – GB – 0:01 – Mason Crosby 37-yard FG (GB 17–7)

Q3 – CHI – 12:03 – Robbie Gould 44-yard FG (GB 17–10)

Q3 – GB – 9:02 – Mason Crosby 37-yard FG (GB 20–10)

Q3 – CHI – 4:19 – 19-yard TD pass fromBrian Griese toGreg Olsen (Gould kick) (GB 20–17)

Q4 – CHI – 14:13 – Robbie Gould 36-yard FG (20–20)

Q4 – CHI – 2:05 – 34-yard TD pass from Brian Griese toDesmond Clark (Gould kick) (CHI 27–20)

• 
  The Bears defense take on Packers quarterbackBrett Favre
• 
  Chicago faces a rush byVernand Morency
• 
  Mason Crosby kicks a field goal, held byJon Ryan
• 
  Play at the goal line, Chicago at Green Bay

Following their victory against the Packers, the Bears returned home to play theMinnesota Vikings. The Bears' return specialistDevin Hester allowed the Bears to take a lead by returning a punt 89 yards for a touchdown. However,Tarvaris Jackson tied the game by throwing a 60-yard touchdown pass toTroy Williamson.Brian Griese threw a 39-yard touchdown toBernard Berrian that helped the Bears regain the lead, but Minnesota running backAdrian Peterson helped the Vikings gain control of the game by scoring rushing touchdowns of 67, 73, and 35 respectively. With roughly two and a half minutes left on the clock, Griese threw a 33-yard touchdown pass toMuhsin Muhammad and later an 81-yard touchdown pass to Hester. The two touchdowns tied the game, butRyan Longwell kicked a 55-yard field goal in the game's final seconds. With the loss, the Bears dropped to 2–4.

Q1 – CHI – 1:56 –Devin Hester 89-yard punt return TD (Robbie Gould kick) (CHI 7–0)

Q1 – MIN – 0:00 – 60-yard TD pass fromTarvaris Jackson toTroy Williamson (Ryan Longwell kick) (7–7)

Q2 – CHI – 11:45 – 39-yard TD pass fromBrian Griese toBernard Berrian (Gould kick) (CHI 14–7)

Q2 – MIN – 2:19 –Adrian Peterson 67-yard TD run (Longwell kick) (14–14)

Q3 – MIN – 2:31 – Adrian Peterson 73-yard TD run (Longwell kick) (MIN 21–14)

Q4 – MIN – 11:31 – Ryan Longwell 48-yard FG (MIN 24–14)

Q4 – CHI – 8:37 – Robbie Gould 32-yard FG (MIN 24–17)

Q4 – MIN – 4:10 – Adrian Peterson 35-yard TD run (Longwell kick) (MIN 31–17)

Q4 – CHI – 2:36 – 33-yard TD pass from Brian Griese toMuhsin Muhammad (Gould kick) (MIN 31–24)

Q4 – CHI – 1:38 – 81-yard TD pass from Brian Griese to Devin Hester (Gould kick) (31–31)

Q4 – MIN – 0:00 – Ryan Longwell 55-yard FG (MIN 34–31)

The Eagles fell to theChicago Bears in the closing seconds of the game. The first three-quarters were essentially a battle of field goals.David Akers successfully converted all three of his first-half field goal attempts, the longest from 37 yards out.Robbie Gould was one for two, and the score was 9–3 Philadelphia at halftime. The Bears took the ball to the Eagles' one-yard line on their first drive of the third quarter, but settled for a field goal. Gould connected for two more field goals early in the fourth quarter to tie the game, then put the Bears ahead 12–9. On their ensuing possession,Donovan McNabb guided the Eagles down the field and fired a touchdown pass to tight endMatt Schobel, putting Philadelphia back on top 16–12 with less than five minutes to play. The Eagles forced a three and out, but their offense could not kill the clock. Chicago got the ball back with less than two minutes left andBrian Griese, with his headset broken, commanded his own drive, marching his team down the field, completing the winning touchdown pass toMuhsin Muhammad with nine seconds remaining. The Eagles fell short on their final opportunity, as the Bears improved to 3–4 with the win.

Q1 – PHI – 1:01 –David Akers 24-yard FG (PHI 3–0)

Q2 – PHI – 4:08 – David Akers 33-yard FG (PHI 6–0)

Q2 – CHI – 1:46 –Robbie Gould 31-yard FG (PHI 6–3)

Q2 – PHI – 0:22 – David Akers 37-yard FG (PHI 9–3)

Q3 – CHI – 8:04 – Robbie Gould 22-yard FG (PHI 9–6)

Q4 – CHI – 14:52 – Robbie Gould 41-yard FG (9–9)

Q4 – CHI – 9:21 – Robbie Gould 45-yard FG (CHI 12–9)

Q4 – PHI – 4:57 – 13-yard TD pass fromDonovan McNabb toMatt Schobel (Akers kick) (PHI 16–12)

Q4 – CHI – 0:09 – 15-yard TD pass fromBrian Griese toMuhsin Muhammad (Gould kick) (CHI 19–16)

Coming off a last-second road win over the Eagles, the Bears went home for Week 8, donned their alternate uniforms, and played an NFC North rematch with theDetroit Lions. After a scoreless first quarter, Chicago trailed as Lions kickerJason Hanson got a 26-yard field goal, while RBKevin Jones got a 4-yard TD run. Afterwards, Hanson increased Detroit's lead with a 52-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Bears got on the board with QBBrian Griese completing a 20-yard TD pass to rookie TEGreg Olsen for the only score of the period. The Lions sealed Chicago's doom as Hanson nailed a 20-yard field goal, while Detroit's defense held its ground and got the season-sweep.

With the loss, the Bears entered their bye week at 3–5.

Q2 – DET – 14:56 –Jason Hanson 26-yard FG (DET 3–0)

Q2 – DET – 1:53 –Kevin Jones 4-yard TD run (Hanson kick) (DET 10–0)

Q2 – DET – 0:05 – Jason Hanson 52-yard FG (DET 13–0)

Q3 – CHI – 5:26 – 20-yard TD pass fromBrian Griese toGreg Olsen (Robbie Gould kick) (DET 13–7)

Q4 – DET – 14:42 – Jason Hanson 20-yard FG (DET 16–7)

Coming off their bye week, the Bears flew toMcAfee Coliseum for a Week 10 interconference duel with theOakland Raiders. In the first quarter, Chicago trailed early as Raiders kickerSebastian Janikowski got a 37-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Bears tied the game as kickerRobbie Gould kicked a 32-yard field goal for the only score of the period. However, during the period, starting QBBrian Griese (10/14 for 97 yards) had to leave the game as his left shoulder was injured during a sack. It would mark the return of QBRex Grossman.

After a scoreless third quarter, Oakland regained the lead in the fourth quarter with Janikowski nailing a 52-yard field goal. Chicago took the lead for good as Grossman completed a 59-yard TD pass to WRBernard Berrian, along with RBCedric Benson getting a 3-yard TD run.

With the win, not only did the Bears improve to 4–5, but it also marked their first road win against the Raiders since 1987 when playing in Los Angeles and first at Oakland since 1981. The Bears did beat them at Soldier Field in 2003, 24–21.

Q1 – OAK – 9:18 –Sebastian Janikowski 37-yard FG (OAK 3–0)

Q2 – CHI – 6:51 –Robbie Gould 32-yard FG (3–3)

Q4 – OAK – 4:04 – Sebastian Janikowski 52-yard FG (OAK 6–3)

Q4 – CHI – 3:11 – 59-yard TD pass fromRex Grossman toBernard Berrian (Gould kick) (CHI 10–6)

Q4 – CHI – 1:35 –Cedric Benson 3-yard TD run (Gould kick) (CHI 17–6)

Coming off their road win over the Raiders, the Bears flew toQwest Field for a Week 11 duel with theSeattle Seahawks, in a rematch of last year's NFC divisional game (which took place in Chicago). QBRex Grossman made his first start since Week 3.

In the first quarter, Chicago took the early lead with RBCedric Benson getting a 43-yard TD run, while kickerRobbie Gould made a 31-yard field goal. The Seahawks replied with QBMatt Hasselbeck completing a 19-yard TD pass to WRD.J. Hackett. In the second quarter, Seattle took the lead with RBMaurice Morris getting a 19-yard TD run. The Bears regained the lead as RBAdrian Peterson got a 5-yard TD run. The Seahawks tied the game prior to halftime as kickerJosh Brown made a 40-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Seattle retook the lead as Hasselbeck completed a 4-yard TD pass to WRNate Burleson for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Chicago tried to come back as Gould kicked a 47-yard field goal. However, the Seahawks pulled away with Brown kicking a 23-yard and a 46-yard field goal. The Bears' final response was Gould nailing a 48-yard field goal.

With the loss, Chicago fell to 4–6.

For Rex Grossman's first starting appearance in eight weeks, he went 24/37 for 266 yards.

For Bernard Berrian, in his last three games against the Seahawks, he had a combined 315 receiving yards.

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Seahawks, the Bears went home for a Week 12 interconference duel with theDenver Broncos. In the first quarter, Chicago got the early lead as kickerRobbie Gould made a 24-yard field goal. The Broncos tied the game as kickerJason Elam made a 23-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Denver took the lead as RBAndre Hall got a 16-yard TD run. Afterwards, the Bears responded with Gould kicking a 44-yard field goal. The Broncos ended the half with Elam kicking a 22-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Bears tied the game with WR/KR/PRDevin Hester returning a punt 75 yards for a touchdown. Denver responded with FBCecil Sapp getting a 5-yard TD run, but afterwards, Hester went right back to work for Chicago as he returned the following kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, the Broncos replied with QBJay Cutler completing a 68-yard TD pass to WRBrandon Marshall. In the fourth quarter, Denver increased its lead with Cutler completing a 14-yard TD pass to TETony Scheffler. Afterwards, the Bears tied the game with RBAdrian Peterson getting a 4-yard TD run, along with QBRex Grossman completing a 3-yard TD pass to WRBernard Berrian. In overtime, Chicago came out on top as Gould made the game-winning 39-yard field goal.

With the win, the Bears improved to 5–6.

Devin Hester became the fifth player since 1970 to return a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown in the same game.

Coming off their overtime win over the Broncos, the Bears stayed at home for a Week 13 intraconference duel with theNew York Giants. In the first quarter, Chicago struck first with QBRex Grossman completing a 1-yard TD pass to TEDesmond Clark for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Giants got on the board with RBDerrick Ward. Afterwards, the Bears ended the half with kickerRobbie Gould getting a 35-yard and a 46-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Chicago increased its lead with Gould nailing a 41-yard field goal for the only score of the period. However, in the fourth quarter, New York took the lead with QBEli Manning completing a 6-yard TD pass to WRAmani Toomer, along with RBReuben Droughns. The Bears did have one final attempt, but it ended with a thud.

With the loss, Chicago fell to 5–7.

Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Giants (along with keeping any hope of a playoff spot alive), the Bears flew toFedExField for a Thursday Night intraconference throwdown with theWashington Redskins. After a scoreless first quarter, Chicago trailed as Redskins QBTodd Collins completed a 21-yard TD pass to TETodd Yoder for the only score of the second quarter.

In the third quarter, the Bears continued to trail as Washington continued its night with FBMike Sellers getting a 1-yard TD run. Afterwards, Chicago would get on the board with kickerRobbie Gould getting a 30-yard field goal, while QBBrian Griese completed a 17-yard TD pass to WRBernard Berrian. In the fourth quarter, the Redskins replied with kickerShaun Suisham getting a 23-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Bears responded with Gould kicking a 22-yard field goal. Later, Washington struck big as Collins completed a 16-yard TD pass to RBLadell Betts. Chicago would draw closer as Gould nailed a 21-yard field goal. However, a failed onside kick sealed their doom.

With the loss, the Bears fell to 5–8.

Starting QBRex Grossman (2 of 6 for 14 yards) left the game in the first quarter with a left knee injury.

Trying to snap a two-game skid, the Bears flew to theHubert H. Humphrey Metrodome for a Week 15 Monday night NFC North rematch with theMinnesota Vikings. In the first quarter, Chicago struck first as kickerRobbie Gould got a 29-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Vikings tied the game with kickerRyan Longwell getting a 42-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Bears would take the halftime lead as Gould kicked a 47-yard field goal and FBJason McKie managed to get a 1-yard TD run.

In the third quarter, Minnesota started to creep closer as RBAdrian Peterson got a 1-yard TD run (with a failed PAT) for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Vikings took the lead with Peterson getting an 8-yard TD run. Chicago tried to rally, but Minnesota's defense was too much.

With their third-straight loss, not only did the Bears fall to 5–9, but they were knocked out of playoff contention.

On a positive note, LBBrian Urlacher had a good day with 4 tackles, 2 sacks, and an interception. It was also the first time since 2004 that Urlacher had a sack and an interception in the same game.

The Bears went into Week 16 knowing that any chance of a playoff berth was over, but they still had the chance to end the season on a high with their rivals theGreen Bay Packers traveling toSoldier Field. The game was a must-win for the Packers if they wanted to have any chance of getting the No. 1 seed and gain home-field advantage in the playoffs.

On a 16-degree afternoon inChicago, reserve RBAdrian Peterson ran for 102 yards from 30 attempts including and 8-yard run for a TD (only the second 100-yard game of his career and his first since 2005) whileGarrett Wolfe also gained 67 all-purpose yards from the RB position. However, it was theChicago special teams that really excelled in this game.

After Green Bay previously going 12 years (929 punts) without a blocked punt, the Bears blockedJon Ryan twice on a slippery afternoon. In the second quarter,Darrell McClover got his hand onto a Ryan punt but more damaging wasCharles Tillman's charge down midway through the third quarter which allowedCorey Graham to pick up the football and run in 7 yards for a TD to put the Bears up 28–7.

Kyle Orton,Lovie Smith's third-choice QB, went 8-for-14 for 101 yards including a 3-yard touchdown pass toDesmond Clark in the third quarter. It was also a good day for LBBrian Urlacher who ran home an 85-yard interception early in the fourth quarter, the first of his career.Alex Brown, starting for the injuredMark Anderson, also got an interception which set up Clark's touchdown.

In the end, it was a fairly comfortable win for the Bears, who ran out 35–7 victors which meant that they completed the double over their arch rivals having previously beating them atLambeau Field in Week 5 27–20. Also, these 35 points were their most againstGreen Bay since a 61–7 win on December 7, 1980. This game remains the most recent time the Bears have beaten the Packers by more than a one possession margin.

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