We're taking a look at the top 10 plays that most shaped the Chicago Bears' season, which culminated in a disappointing 5-11 campaign, and forced the organization to clean house.
Date: Sept. 14, 2014.
Location: Levi's Stadium.
Game: Week 2 in the first regular-season game at Levi's Stadium.
The play: Brandon Marshall's one-handed touchdown reception in the second quarter.
Why it mattered: With the Bears trailing 17-0, Marshall pulled down a one-handed catch for a 17-yard touchdown over rookie free safety Jimmie Ward with 13 seconds left in the first half, which played a role in the team rallying to a 28-20 victory. Prior to Marshall's touchdown reception, the 49ers had outgained the Bears in total yards 197-33. Sure, Kyle Fuller's two second-half interceptions helped lead the rally. But former Bears coach Marc Trestman said Marshall's touchdown catch ignited the offense. Remember, going into that game Marshall and Alshon Jeffery were hampered by injuries suffered in the season opener, and their availability for the contest was determined shortly before kickoff. Marshall finished the game with three touchdowns, despite San Francisco limiting him and Jeffery to only one catch for 4 yards in the opening quarter. The team's ability to adjust to the 49ers' game plan provided early optimism about the offense's prospects for the season, especially with the Bears rallying on the road against what at the time was considered one of the league's top teams.
Quotable: "I was really frustrated," Marshall said. "I tried to stay positive and it worked. We just stayed in it and believed if we could get in the end zone just once, we'd be able to build off that."
Here's the list so far in reverse order:
No. 10: QB Jay Cutler's interception to Kyle Williams.
