After a disheartening loss at the hands of the Cleveland Browns in Week 15, the Chicago Bears started a new winning streak back home at Solider Field. On Christmas Eve, the Bears took care of business and battled their way to a 27-16 win over the visiting Arizona Cardinals.
Chicago Bears vs Arizona Cardinals Recap
First Half
The Bears won the opening coin toss, only to end their first offensive possession with a punt. Luckily for the Bears, the defense stood tall and also forced the Cardinals to punt on their ensuing drive. After trading punts on the respective opening possessions, the Bears took advantage of their second time with the ball.
Before a quality scoring drive came an injury scare. DJ Moore went down with an apparent ankle injury. Luckily for the Bears, Moore returned to the game despite having a minimal impact on the final score.
On 1st-and-10 from their own 26, the Bears orchestrated a touchdown-scoring drive. The first play was the beginning of the exclamation point, as Justin Fields connected downfield with tight end Cole Kmet for 53 yards, completely flipping the field.
Fields DEEP down field to Cole Kmet!! pic.twitter.com/r5IT3FNPxW
— Bears On Tap (@BearsOnTap) December 24, 2023
After a handful of penalties and short-yardage plays, the Bears ultimately capitalized. A defensive holding in the secondary voided a Cardinals sack that would’ve forced fourth down. Instead, the Bears received a fresh set of downs. On the ensuing play, Fields avoided pressure and scrambled into the end zone for the first score of the game.
Fields takes it himself for 6! pic.twitter.com/lxeL40J3YI
— Bears On Tap (@BearsOnTap) December 24, 2023
The Cardinals ended the first quarter with another drive resulting in a punt. On the following Bears drive, the home side capitalized. A 12-play drive, including a big 21-yard throw from Fields to Kmet and two long runs from Khalil Herbert, saw the Bears march the unit downfield. A 24-yard scamper from Fields ultimately set up Herbert for the scoring run from 11 yards out.
Khalil Herbert scampers for 11 yards and a score! pic.twitter.com/wXJK9RjCSr
— Bears On Tap (@BearsOnTap) December 24, 2023
Before the half, each team managed to flip the numbers on the scoreboard. The Bears marched on nine plays for yet another touchdown. This time, Marcedes Lewis was on the receiving end. The veteran made it a three-score game.
MARCEDES LEWIS GOT A PRESENT EARLY!! pic.twitter.com/lxZa5Q1Dyb
— Bears On Tap (@BearsOnTap) December 24, 2023
However, the Cardinals ultimately answered. Kyler Murray and the offense drove 75 yards on 11 plays for six points after Murray found running back James Conner for a score.
A trio of punts, two for the Bears and one for the Cardinals, ultimately led to the half. A strong showing from the Bears led to a two-score lead through two quarters.
Second Half
The third quarter didn’t offer up many huge highlights. Both teams added field goals, making it 24-10 before the end of the quarter. However, one notable highlight came from Kyler Gordon before the end of the quarter, who got home and picked up a sack on Kyler Murray.
Kyler Gordon GETS HOME! pic.twitter.com/iVtR9aW1Sy
— Bears On Tap (@BearsOnTap) December 24, 2023
The fourth quarter got too interesting for the Bears. The offense was driving, but an interception in the end zone ultimately ended some momentum. The Cardinals answered with a score of their own to narrow the defecit. However, a missed two-point conversion resulted in a 24-16 score.
A Bears’ defensive stand led to a turnover on downs for the Cardinals. The Bears ultimately put the nail in the coffin with a Cairo Santos 29-yard field goal. Santos made two field goals and all three of his extra points after inking a brand new four-year deal on Saturday.
The 27-16 held and the Bears captured their sixth victory of the season.
Chicago Bears Player Notes
Justin Fields – 15/27, 170 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 9 CAR, 97 yards, 1 TD
Khalil Herbert – 20 CAR, 112 yards, 1 TD
Cole Kmet – 4 REC, 107 yards
DJ Moore – 3 REC, 18 yards
Kyler Gordon led the defense with six tackles, including a sack on Kyler Murray. The Bears were unable to secure any turnovers, but did plenty to ultimately win. Justin Jones also recorded a sack.
Kyler Murray was rather efficient against the Bears. Murray went 24/38 for 230 yards and two touchdowns. Despite Murray’s solid showing, the defense couldn’t keep the Bears out of the end zone and the Bears defense caused just enough havoc to keep the Cardinals in check offensively.
The Bears improved to 6-9 after the win on Christmas Eve. On New Years’ Eve, the Bears will welcome the Atlanta Falcons to Solider Field in search of their seventh win. The Week 17 matchup is set to kick off at noon CT and will be the Bears’ final home game of the 2023 season.
