Morning Box Score: Bears Slaughter Rams

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Nov 24, 2008 5:15PM

Coming off last week's ugly loss in Green Bay, the Bears were looking for an opportunity to move forward in their quest to outlast their rivals and win the NFC North. Working in the Bears favor more than anything, perhaps, is their remaining schedule -- starting with Sunday's match-up against the St. Louis Rams. The Bears took care of business and headed north of .500 with a definitive 27-3 victory.

Replacing Devin Hester on kickoffs, Danieal Manning returned the opening kickoff to midfield and the offense then made quick work to give the Bears a 7-0 lead early in the game. While Kyle Orton had a quietly efficient day (18/29 for 139 yards, 1 TD), Devin Hester and Matt Forte helped fuel the offense. Hester ran for 32 yards on two plays out of the "wildcat" formation, and caught five passes for 57 yards. Forte had a career day, rushing for 132 yards and 2 TDs.

Defensively, the Bears finally showed some swagger in holding the Rams to just a single field goal. The defense shut down St. Louis' running game, allowing 14 yards on the ground. And while they put up a few more yards in the air, the defense found ways to shut down any offensive momentum with five sacks and four interceptions on the day. Tommie Harris and Adewale Ogunleye each had two sacks, with Ogunleye knocking Rams QB Mark Bulger form the game early in the first quarter. Lance Briggs picked off two passes and tipped another that landed in Brian Urlacher's hands.

With the win on Sunday, the Bears climb to 6-5 and keep pace with the Vikings, who beat Jacksonville 30-12. The Bears and Vikes play on prime time next Sunday. The Packers hope to remain tied atop the "Black & Blue" division tonight against the Saints [Ed's Note: Geaux Saints!!! - M.G.]

AP Photo/Tom Gannam