The Chicago Bears defeated the Washington Redskins on Saturday night thanks to a 57-yard field goal by Robbie Gould, winning by a final score of 33-31. Despite a 20-10 halftime lead that was extended to 27-10 early in the third quarter, the Bears nearly blew the game after a furious comeback by the Redskins put Washington ahead with less than two minutes remaining.
Chicago got off to a fast start when both teams had first string players in the game, scoring twice in the opening quarter to take a 14-0 lead. Jay Cutler completed two long passes of 41 and 20 yards to wide receiver Brandon Marshall on Chicago's first drive, which was finished off with a one yard touchdown run by Michael Bush. After a fumble by rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III, the Bears capitalized again on an eight yard score by Bush, his second of the game.
Jay Cutler ended his day 7-13 for 122 yards, with no touchdowns and no interceptions. In comparison, Griffin III was 5-8 for 49 yards while rushing for 17 more.
The Bears got a couple of field goals from kicker Robbie Gould, but Washington narrowed the deficit to 20-10 at the break thanks to a field goal and a punt return touchdown by Brandon Banks.
Chicago responded to Washington's return with a 105 yard return of their own from Lorenzo Booker. Gould converted on a 19-yard kick to make it 30-10 going into the fourth quarter.
Rookie fourth-round pick Kirk Cousins orchestrated a comeback for the Redskins in the fourth, putting up three scoring drives to give Washington the lead with 2:09 remaining. But undrafted quarterback Matt Blanchard took the Bears into Washington territory, setting up Gould for the game-winning kick.
The Bears now stand at 1-1 in the preseason and will next take on the New York Giants.
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