Cutler, Bears offense needs to step up their game
Jay Cutler's 64.2 passer rating was his lowest of the season and included his third pick-6 of the season.
Former NIU star Jimmie Ward, the 49ers' nickel cornerback, intercepted Cutler near the end of the first quarter and the 2014 first-round pick went 29 yards for a TD. That tied the game at 6-6, even though the Bears' defense dominated the first quarter, holding the Niners to 5 yards.
The Bears' defense forced 3 of their 7 three-and-outs in the first quarter.
"We've got to play better offensively," Cutler said. "That starts with me. I know for a fact we're not going to like watching the film (Monday)."
Cutler completed 18 of 31 passes for 202 yards vs. the 49ers and had no touchdown passes for just the second time this season. Despite the 3 pick-6's, Cutler has thrown just 7 interceptions this season, along with 14 TD passes.
"It was just a quick screen," Cutler said of the pass intended for wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. "If he jumps it, it's probably going to be a pick-6. He had a good read on it, jumped it and made a good play."
Cutler's 90.8 passer rating vs. the Packers on Thanksgiving in Week 12 was the eighth time in the last nine games he' been over 88.0, but he says there is much room for improvement. "Offensively, we didn't play that great against Green Bay," Cutler said. "That's just the facts. Today we didn't play exceptionally well either. Offensively we have a lot of work to do."
Cutler went through the NFL's concussion protocol on the sideline after getting body-slammed in the fourth quarter on a sack by safety Jaquiski Tartt. Cutler was cleared and returned without missing a snap to lead an 83-yard drive that put the Bears on top 20-13 with 3:32 left in regulation.
Asked if the disappearance of his brother-in-law, who has been missing for more than a week affected his preparation, Cutler said: "We just stay focused and get ready to play."
Moral support:
Robbie Gould had plenty of support from teammates in the losing locker room after he missed what would have been a game-winning field goal from 36 yards on the final play of regulation.
"I told him in the sideline, 'Hey man, you're our brother, we got your back," linebacker Pernell McPhee said. "Nobody ain't ever gonna be perfect. He's going to be a legendary kicker one day, but it's football, that's our brother, we got his back and we're gonna fight through this together."
No place like home:
No one seemed to have a reason for the Bears' 1-5 record at Soldier Field.
"We just have to show up every Sunday, home or away, it don't even matter, on the moon, we just have to play ball and get that win," defensive end/linebacker Willie Young said. "That's what it comes down to. Yeah, we want to get that win for the fans and all, but it don't matter where we're at."
Young had 1 1/2 of the Bears' 4 sacks, his third straight game with at least 1. Young suffered a torn Achilles late last year and had just 1 sack in the first nine games but is now tied with rookie nose tackle Eddie Goldman for third on the team with 4 1/2 sacks. Goldman had 2 sacks vs. the 49ers and blocked the extra-point attempt after their first TD.
Sitting it out:
Wide receiver Eddie Royal (knee) missed his fifth straight game while safety Antrel Rolle (knee) missed his third in a row.
Although neither player has practiced since his injury both were listed "questionable" on Friday's injury report, meaning they "allegedly" had a 50-50 chance of playing.
The other inactives were wide receiver Marquess Wilson, who injured his foot on the final play of Wednesday's practice, defensive lineman Bruce Gaston (illness), cornerback Jacoby Glenn, running back Antone Smith and offensive lineman Nick Becton.
The Bears reported no injuries from Sunday's game.