With just three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, it seemed like the Bears were on their way to an impressive road victory over the streaking Denver Broncos. However, two key mistakes from RB Marion Barber at the end of regulation and beginning of overtime doomed the Bears to a heartbreaking 13-10 loss.
After a Demaryius Thomas TD on a pass from Tim Tebow with 2:08 remaining cut the score to 10-7, the Bears knew that they had a chance to run the clock way down. Following the recovery of the onside click, Chicago gave the ball to Barber with that intent. However, the Bears RB made a crucial mistake on second down, when he went out of bounds in an attempt to gain more yards. With the clock stopped, the Broncos were able to get the ball back and drive down the field for the tying field goal. While it wasn't easy, Matt Prater nailed a 58-yard field goal to send the game to overtime.
Despite struggling throughout the game, Caleb Hanie delivered on the overtime drive. He led the Bears into Denver territory and seemed to have Chicago on its way to a game-winning field goal. Instead, Barber committed his second mistake late in the game, as he was stripped on a run that had the potential to be a TD. The fumble from Barber was recovered by the Broncos, who drove down the field and kicked a 51-yard field goal for the win.
The Bears, who now trail the Detroit Lions by a game in the NFC North, host Seattle next Sunday. Denver will look to continue its winning streak when it hosts New England on Sunday.
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