The Bears offensive line went through a few changes this week thanks to injuries. And for the most part, the line had a solid outing.
Jay Cutler was sacked just onceand that was when he fumbledand the Bears rushed for 132 yards in their 23-17 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Bears had to make some switches on the offensive line, including moving Gabe Carimi to right guard. And all things considered, the offensive line was fine.
We didnt give up a lot of sacks and things like that, coach Lovie Smith said. We did what we needed to do to stay in the game. We just needed to get some help in other places.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Chicago sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Cutler said the line was OK. They could still anchor a little better. But they are giving me time.
While the Bears running game got off to a slow start, it ended up producing. Matt Forte and Michael Bush combined for 105 yards, an average of 3.8 yards per carry.
They played well, given the switch around, and Gabe playing guard and Ed (Williams) having to be in there, Forte said. They played very well.
But for Roberto Garza, the offensive lines adjustments were of little consolation.
News
At the end of the day, you want to win the football game, he said. Thats all that matters. We didnt do enough.
SO CLOSE, YET
Major Wright hoped he had caused a turnover in overtime, hoped that he had jarred the ball loose from Seattle receiver Sidney Rices hands before Rice got into the end zone. But it wasnt to be, as officials ruled Rice and the ball broke the plane before Wright knocked the ball looseand knocked out Rice for a moment.
I thought we had a chance, Wright said. But at the end of the day, the refs made a call. They came out and made a call.
Rice said he and quarterback Russell Wilson had practiced the route all weekand he knew he scored.
I definitely knew I was in. They just made me stay down because I got a little dinged up, Rice said. I had a couple concussions before. They just wanted to make sure I was all right.
QUICK HITS
-- Safety Chris Conte left the game early due to the flu, and was replaced by Craig Steltz. Safety Major Wright said Conte said he wasnt feeling well early.
It was probably the second series. He said he felt dizzy, light headed, was throwing up. I thought, Wow, I didnt know.
-- Entering Sunday, Jay Cutler was 25-0 when he had a 100-plus passer rating. Cutler had a 119.6 passer rating in Sundays loss to Seattle.
-- The Bears recorded their 300th takeaway since 2004 when Brian Urlacher stripped Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch in the first quarter on Sunday. Cornerback Kelvin Hayden recovered the fumble.