Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler had a rough night on Monday while helping guide his team to a 13-7 win over the Detroit Lions to claim the top spot in the NFC North.

The game turned into a classic NFC North defensive struggle of a bygone era with both defenses dictating play. Detroit defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh did his part to leave Cutler with bruised ribs, temporarily knocking the Chicago QB out of the game in the second quarter after a vicious body slam to the turf.

But Cutler came back to stand up to the Lions' defense in the second half and in the process managed the rest of the game without turning the ball over and allowing Chicago's defense the chance to return the favor and make life miserable for Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Lions' offense.

Cutler's effort was no surprise to coach Lovie Smith, as he discussed following the game.

"He's a tough guy," coach Lovie Smith said. "Most people thought Jay would get up. Unless it's a broken leg or something like that, he's going to get up. He is a tough guy. That's what you should have as your Chicago Bear quarterback and he does it time after time. He was in some pain, but he fought through."