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Earl Bennett helps key second half comeback for Chicago Bears

After a quiet first half in Sunday's win over the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears wide receiver Earl Bennett made some big plays in the second frame to fuel a comeback from 12 points down.

Scott Boehm

Chicago Bears wide receiver Earl Bennett was missing in action during the team's ugly first half against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. However, Bennett stepped up big in the second half and helped fuel the Bears' 23-22 comeback win from 12 points down.

After posting a goose egg in the first half, Bennett caught three passes for 47 yards in the second half. One of those catches came on the game-winning drive. The receiver was frustrated with the poor performance in the first half, but ultimately, he was satisfied with the result (via ESPN Chicago):

"It was really frustrating. We really couldn't get anything going. We didn't get a rhythm. But at the end of the third quarter, we really got a rhythm, started throwing the ball, moving the ball on them. They started mixing their defense a little bit and we led to the win."

Bennett has dealt with some injury issues this season, as he missed two games with a hand injury. Even before the injury he had contributed very little, with just nine catches heading into Sunday's game.

With rookie receiver Alshon Jeffery out with a hand injury, Bennett needs to get more involved with the offense to help take some pressure off Brandon Marshall. Perhaps it should be no surprise that the offense started clicking against Carolina when Bennett started making plays.