NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Bears set a new team-record by scoring 28 points in the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. The previous high was 24 points against the San Francisco 49ers in 2006.
The Bears’ offense, defense and special teams were all involved. Here’s a recap of the scoring plays:
Bears 7, Titans 0 at 6:44: With both teams’ offenses struggling to move the ball, the Bears’ special teams delivered the first scoring highlight of the game. Reserve cornerback Sherrick McManis blocked a punt by the Titans’ Brett Kern. Defensive end Corey Wootton picked up the ball and carried tacklers into the end zone. McManis was on untouched as raced in from the right side to block the kick.
Bears 7, Titans 2 at 4:51: After penalties pinned the Bears against their own goal line, left tackle J’Marcus Webb was called for illegal use of hands in the end zone during a pass play. As result, the Titans got a safety. Quarterback Jay Cutler did escape pressure to find running back Matt Forte for a good gain, but it didn’t matter.
Bears 14, Titans 2 at 3:40: Forte scored on an eight-yard run. Devin Hester took advantage of a line-drive punt and recorded his best return of the season. Hester returned it 44 yards to the Titans’ eight-yard line. Forte plowed his way through tacklers before receiving an extra boost from his offensive line to get into the end zone.
Bears 21, Titans 2 at 2:59: Linebacker Brian Urlacher returned an interception of Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck 46 yards. Urlacher stepped in front of a pass intended for receiver Damian Williams, niftily sidestepped a tackle by Hasselbeck and raced into the end zone. It wasn’t the most athletic-looking play, but it was a testament to Urlacher’s wits.
Bears 28, Titans 2 at 1:33: Cutler threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Marshall. Cutler and Co. took advantage of forced fumble, by – guess who? – cornerback Charles Tillman. With linebacker Lance Briggs corralling Titans running back Chris Johnson, Tillman knocked the ball free. It was his second forced fumble of the game. Cutler capitalized by stepping up and firing a pass to Marshall in the back of the end zone.
