Chicago Bears win with back-up QB Todd Collins
How do you win a football game when your quarterback completes only six passes on 16 attempts and throws four interceptions? Ask the Chicago Bears quarterback, Todd Collins, who did just that as the Bears
came away with a 23-6 win over the miserable Carolina Panthers.
How it went down
Despite a pathetic performance under centre in place of the injured Jay Cutler, backup quarterback Collins still had running back Matt Forte to hand the ball off to. Forte was the difference in the game
running for two touchdowns in the first quarter including a 68-yard romp on the Bears' second possession. Forte had a total of 166 yards on 22 carries.
The Carolina Panthers quarterbacks were just as ineffective as those of the Bears, as rookie Jimmy Clausen and 4th year quarterback Matt Moore combined for only 96 yards and three interceptions.
What they're saying
"You're not going to go from a rookie quarterback to an All-Pro quarterback in one week or a few games or a season," Clausen said of his performance after being replaced by backup Moore late in the game.
"It's just a progression that you've got to go through."
The Bears' defence was also instrumental in their victory as they were led by former Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Julius Peppers, who was excited about his team as well as his own performance which
included an acrobatic interception that set up a field goal.
"I think it speaks for itself," Peppers said. "I was able to get a hand on the ball and slapped it into the air and I came down with it. The celebration was self-explanatory."
"I loved it. I'm (in Chicago) now," Peppers explained. "You see the shirt. I'm not for the home team, so that's what I expected."
Bears head coach Lovie Smith further emphasized Peppers' excitement at playing against his old team:
"Julius was trying to be low-key as much as possible, but when you come home, it's always exciting," he said. "He has a lot of fans here and a lot of people saw him grow up from a young kid to the guy
he is today. To come back with another team and win the football game and let everyone see how well you are doing is big."
What it all means
The Panthers are now 0-5 as they head into their bye week. They will have their best chance to get a win as they host a struggling San Francisco 49ers side in week seven.
The Chicago Bears are top of the NFC North at 4-1, but will be looking to get quarterback Jay Cutler back as soon as possible as against any other team their performance would likely have translated into
a loss. The Bears host the Seahawks next Sunday.
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