Bears' Barkley almost completed unlikely comeback

Quarterback Matt Barkley overcame numerous obstacles, some of his own doing, to lead an unlikely comeback that fell just short in his first NFL start.

Barkley battled back from his 2 interceptions and 10 dropped passes to throw for 316 yards and 3 touchdowns.

"He rallied us and kept us going," tight end Daniel Brown said. "It's a testament to him and all the work he's put in."

Barkley may have put his name into discussions about the Bears' future at quarterback if, as expected, Jay Cutler moves on after the season.

Barkley insisted the numerous dropped balls didn't bother him.

"I don't look at it that way," Barkley said when asked if he was frustrated. "I'm one play and then on to the next one. I don't get wrapped up in the emotions of all that negativity."

Leading up to the game, he received advice about being himself and not being fazed by the enormity of the situation, but he already knew that from starting 36 games at USC.

"I'm not really fazed by situations," he said. "I just try to stay even keel and level-headed and let that reflect to the guys. Just be me and play my game. I don't try to morph into anyone else. I thought I did that."

Barkley should get more opportunities in the coming weeks. It's possible Cutler (shoulder) could be back next week, but he could also be done for the season.

The Bears are now 6-15 in games not started by Cutler, since he joined the team in 2009. The Bears are 51-51 when Cutler starts.

Injury to insult:

No Bears defeat this season would be complete without a significant injury to a key player, and so it was Sunday.

Inside linebacker Danny Trevathan, the second-leading tackler this season, hobbled to the sideline in the fourth quarter.

"It appears to be serious," said coach John Fox, who rarely provides details on injuries.

Trevathan, who missed two games early in the season with a fractured thumb and came back to play with a cast, had 5 tackles Sunday.

First one's special:

The Bears scored first on tight end Daniel Brown's 7-yard TD reception, his first catch as a Bear and the first NFL touchdown for the second-year player from James Madison.

"It's kind of like an out-of-body experience," said Brown, who has only been with the team since he was signed from the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad on Oct. 24. "I'm overwhelmed with joy."

He finished with 3 catches for 24 yards.

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