Bears QB Jay Cutler somehow manages to play well despite constant booing in Denver

Well, that went well.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler’s much-anticipated return to Denver featured a lot of boos, animosity and a steady performance by the 26-year-old signal-caller.

Cutler was efficient, connecting on 15 of his 21 throws for 144 yards and a touchdown before exiting the game with a 17-3 lead at halftime.

He made a terrific throw on a 3rd-and-inches situation in the first quarter, connecting with tight end Desmond Clark on a 25-yard play to set up a Robbie Gould field goal.

In the second quarter, Cutler completed a 16-yard pass to wide receiver Earl Bennett on 3rd-and-8 from inside his own red zone and hit tight end Greg Olsen on a slant for 20 yards. On the same drive, he hooked up with Olsen for another 14-yard gain with Cutler scrambling to his right.

The possession — which began on the Bears’ 2-yard line and spanned 12 plays — ended with Cutler finding Matt Forte for a 7-yard touchdown pass.

Broncos fans continued to make their displeasure with the Santa Claus, Ind. native known by booing Cutler on virtually every play — even handoffs to running back Matt Forte.

Former Bears quarterback Kyle Orton completed 12 passes on 16 attempts for 96 yards before leaving the game with a bloody finger on his throwing hand.