4th Phase Chicago Bears Week 3 Game Ball: Jay Cutler

Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s be honest. The Bears were never going to lose the game against the Steelers. The Bears had too much talent to lose in front of a national audience. Despite never trailing throughout the game, Bears fans were getting a little nervous as the Steelers pulled within four points early in the 4th quarter.

With the Bears getting the ball back after a Steeler field goal, the offense needed a defining moment that would help keep the game out of reach. That defining moment came when the offense was faced with a 3rd and 10. Cutler scrambled for twelve yards for a first down, throwing his shoulder into Steelers’ defensive back Robert Golden driving him backwards. Not only did it keep the drive alive, it showed a national audience that Cutler was not someone to be messed with.

A minute in a half later, facing a 3rd and 12, Cutler stayed patient in the pocket and hit Brandon Marshall on a forty one yard strike. Marshall, despite being blanketed by Ike Taylor the entire game, made a play on a perfectly thrown ball.

Nearly two minutes later, the Bears were again forced with a 3rd down. A field goal would only put them up seven points but knowing that Ben Roethlisberger was hot, the Bears knew they needed a touchdown to seal the victory and make it a two possession game. Cutler answered by throwing to the corner of the end zone where only Earl Bennett could catch it.

On the drive, Cutler converted three clutch 3rd and longs to keep the drive alive. For the third consecutive game, Cutler has shown brilliance in the 4th quarter when it mattered most. This is why he earns the 4th Phase game ball for the second consecutive week.

Bear Down!

Do you think someone else should’ve received the 4th Phase game ball? Major Wright, Julius Peppers? Let us know in the comments below!