Chicago Bears gain steam in NFC with win over Titans

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap100...in-over-titans
Chicago Bears gain steam in NFC with win over Titans

By Marc Sessler

• Around the League Writer
• Published: Nov. 4, 2012 at 04:52 p.m.
• Updated: Nov. 4, 2012 at 05:22 p.m.

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The under-the-radar Chicago Bears don't get enough respect.
Despite the Bears' 7-1 start, some are reluctant to call them a Super Bowl contender. Following Sunday's 51-20 scattering of the Tennessee Titans, it's time for the Bears to be taken seriously in a crowded NFC.

In an age of parity, this was a parade of dominance. The Bears' defense and special teams -- with a dash of offense -- built a 28-2 lead after just one quarter of play. At one stage, they scored 21 points in a little over two minutes.
The Titans' inability to hold onto the ball helped. Four of their five turnovers came in the first half and led to 28 Bears points. That included a blocked punt for a touchdown and linebacker Brian Urlacher's 46-yard interception return.
How one-sided was this team effort by the Bears? Consider the following:
» The Bears are the first team in NFL history with a touchdown pass, touchdown run, pick six and a blocked kick for a score in the same quarter.

» The Bears are just the third team in NFL history with eight defensive/return touchdowns through eight games.
The knock on the Bearshas to do with the team's offense. People aren't in love with Jay Cutler -- fair enough -- but the quarterback isn't asked to do it alone on this team. We're seeing what the Bears are capable of when all the lights are flipped on.
Coach Lovie Smith has his veteran-led squad playing as one, which should have the rest of the conference on high alert.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.