Chicago Bears vs. Arizona Cardinals: Live Score, Highlights and Analysis
By on December 23, 2012
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Chicago Bears 28, Arizona Cardinals 13
It was complete and utter domination on the part of the Bears' defense Sunday. Cardinals quarterback rookie Ryan Lindley completed 17-of-30 passes for 141 yards and one interception. His third-quarter pick-six spelled out the end of his afternoon, as new addition Brian Hoyer came in the very next possession.
Hoyer looked more comfortable in the offense than Lindley and John Skelton did, and he completed 11-of-19 for 105 yards and an INT of his own.
Larry Fitzgerald had one of his best games of the season, catching eight passes for 111 yards. It is just the second time he surpassed the 100-yard mark in 2012.
Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was bad in the first half. He threw a late-half touchdown to Brandon Marshall, but other than that he looked lost against the Cardinals' good defense. Cutler ended up completing 12-of-26 (46.2 percent) for 146 yards, one touchdown and no INT.
Matt Forte was great for Chicago before leaving with an ankle injury early in the third quarter. He finished his day with 12 carries for 88 yards (7.3 yards per carry) and a touchdown.
The Cardinals drop to 5-10, cementing the second double-digit loss season in the last three for coach Ken Whisenhunt and his team.
The Bears improve to 9-6 and control their own destiny in the NFC playoff picture. If they win at Detroit next week, they will represent the NFC as one of two wild-card teams.
Should the Vikings win next weekend, #Bears could also make the playoffs if the Seahawks lose tonight's game and next week's game.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 24, 2012
Touchdown!
Adrian Wilson blocks a Bears field goal attempt and rookie Justin Bethel takes it 82 yards for a touchdown.
Bethel has been one of the best special teams players in the league in his first season. This solidifies that notion.
Hoyer throws his first career Cardinals interception. Let the "hating" commence.
I like what the kid has to offer.
Hoyer: 10-of-17 for 96 yards
Cards begin the drive from their own 29.
More punting for the Bears. It's officially a punt-fest in Arizona.
Impressive.
Zastudil set club record w 6 punts inside 20 last week vs DET; has matched that today vs CHI; extends NFL record with 44 for season
— MarkDalton (@CardsMarkD) December 24, 2012
The drive stalls, and Zastudil extends his own NFL record with his 44th punt inside the 20-yard line.
As I type that, Hoyer hits Fitz on a perfect back-shoulder throw for a fourth-down conversion.
Fitzgerald: Eight catches, 113 yards
Hoyer's anticipation of his receivers' routes is impressive. Despite being on the roster two weeks, he looks more comfortable than Skelton and Lindley did.
Bears forced to punt and the Cards get it at their own 30.
I'm guessing at the future, but at this point I'd be surprised if Hoyer isn't the starting QB in San Francisco next week.
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) December 24, 2012
Yet another Zastudil punt downed inside the 10-yard line.
Nate Potter has struggled today against Julius Peppers.
But lots of left tackles have that same problem.
Brian Hoyer is the best active quarterback on the Cardinals roster.
A three-and-out is forced by the Cardinals defense after Zastudil's beauty.
The offense cannot ask for any better situations.
Dave Zastudil NFL-record watch:
Another inside the 20 for Zastudil tying NFL single-season record; 4 others w 42 inc KC's Dustin Colquitt who is also at 42 w 1 gm to go
— MarkDalton (@CardsMarkD) December 23, 2012
The drive stalls again as protection breaks down. Hoyer sacked for the first time as the Cardinals signal-caller.
Zastudil pins the Bears deep again (this is his RCF moment to win player of the week).
So sad.
Fitz has 85 yards receiving today. He had 89 yards receiving combined the past five games. #CHIvsAZ
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) December 23, 2012
By the way, Beanie Wells has been on the sideline since he fumbled. LaRod Stephens-Howling and William Powell have shared carries.
Great throw from Hoyer to Fitzgerald. Seam route gains 24 yards.
Cards cross midfield.
Hoyer looks to be pretty accurate. He missed Floyd on his first possession, but that was a miscommunication, not a bad throw.
Floyd went one way, the pass went another.
The Bears drove into Cards territory, but the defense holds, forcing another Podlesh punt.
Hoyer begins his second drive from the 20.
But he doesn't protect the blind side.
Brandon Marshall's feelings are hurt that Jay Cutler didn't tie his shoe...
— Sean Jensen (@seankjensen) December 23, 2012
Marshall makes the catch, but he loses his orange cleat.
— Sean Jensen (@seankjensen) December 23, 2012
Said orange cleat flew roughly 74 yards backward.
And Matt Forte injury news is not good for Chicago:
Bears RB Matt Forte out with an ankle injury.
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) December 23, 2012
What is the duplicate article?
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Arizona Cardinals: Like this team?
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