Bears appreciate fans' road support
TORONTO — While Sunday's game technically was a home game for the Bills, it didn't feel that way as most of the announced crowd of 50,746 were cheering for the Bears.
“Shout out to the Bears fans here in Canada, and the people who came out,” said safety Chris Harris, whose first interception of the season sealed the victory with 27 seconds remaining.
“It kind of felt like almost a semi-home game. We had a lot of support here; that's always good when you're on the road.”
It wasn't just Canadians cheering for the Bears.
There seemed to be many more fans who made the trip from Chicago than Buffalo, which is about 100 miles away.
“We have good fans,” said Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. “When we were down in Dallas it was the same thing. We had a lot of fans down there and in Carolina. Bears fans travel well historically, so that helps us.”
Back in the mix:
Since missing all of the preseason and the first regular-season game with a pulled hamstring, Earl Bennett has been the Bears' most consistent receiver, with at least 3 catches in six of the last seven games.
He found the end zone Sunday for the first time this season, catching a 2-yard toss from Jay Cutler with 6:41 left that provided the winning points in a 22-19 victory.
“It was all man coverage,” Bennett said. “Great call by coach (Mike) Martz, and Jay threw a great ball.”
Bennett led the Bears with 4 catches and 52 yards, giving him 24 catches and 263 yards on the season.
Thanks for nothing:
Late in the fourth quarter, Julius Peppers remained motionless in the end zone after hitting his head against the knee of Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick just after he threw a 16-yard completion to Steve Johnson.
Peppers, who appeared to suffer a neck stinger, immediately was surrounded by the Bears' medical staff and teammates. After a few anxious moments, he walked off the field without assistance.
“He took a hit,” coach Lovie Smith said, “nothing more than that.”
They'll take it:
Sunday's victory against a winless team may not have been a masterpiece, but the Bears weren't about to throw it back.
“It gets us back on the right track,” said linebacker Brian Urlacher, who tied for the team lead with 9 tackles. “It's good for our team after losing two in a row at home.”
The Bears return home Sunday to face the Minnesota Vikings, who rallied for a 27-24 overtime victory over the Arizona Cardinals to raise their record to 3-5.
“There's so much parity in the league, it's hard getting a win,” Bears coach Lovie Smith said. “That's why we feel so good about this.”
Sitting it out:
In addition to Edwin Williams, Sunday's other inactives were safety Craig Steltz, running back Kahlil Bell, cornerback Zack Bowman (foot), tight end Desmond Clark (neck stinger), defensive end Corey Wootton and defensive tackle Marcus Harrison.
Steltz was replaced by rookie Major Wright, who played for the first time since suffering a pulled hamstring in Week 2. Harrison was inactive for the seventh time.