CHICAGO -- A few thoughts on the Chicago Bears' 21-13 win Sunday over the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field.
What it means: Not much for the team's divisional standing or push for the postseason, but the Bears finally won a game at Soldier Field for the first time all season and snapped their three-game losing streak. With six games left, it's unlikely the Bears will win out and advance to the playoffs, but it's worth noting that the club plays four of the last six at home, including three outings against warm-weather teams Tampa Bay, Dallas and New Orleans.
Stock watch: Jay Cutler completed 72 percent of his throws with three touchdowns for a passer rating of 98.0. But Cutler's stock continues to tumble because of his inability to play turnover-free football. Cutler has thrown multiple interceptions in five games, with four resulting in losses. The Bears captured this win despite Cutler's turnovers because they finally met a team as bad as they are on offense in the Minnesota Vikings.
Out of practice: Robbie Gould squandered the club's first real opportunity to tie the score at 3 when his 47-yard field goal attempt at the end of Chicago's first drive sailed wide right. Forgive him, though. Up until Sunday's game against the Vikings, Gould hadn't attempted a field goal since the team's Oct. 12 win at Atlanta. If you're counting at home, it had been more than a month since Gould attempted a field goal in a game.
Game ball: Brandon Marshall challenged a Detroit Lions fan Thursday to a fight on Twitter. Three days later, he delivered a couple of knockout shots to the Vikings, catching seven passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns. Marshall and Alshon Jeffery combined for 18 catches for 225 yards and three touchdowns. Sunday marked just the second time this season Marshall and Jeffery scored touchdowns in the same game and just the eighth time in the three seasons they have played together.
What's next: The Bears start preparing Wednesday for a reunion with former coach Lovie Smith, who was fired at the conclusion of the club's 10-6 campaign in 2012. It will mark the first time Smith has coached against his former team.
