The Chicago Bears have kept control of the NFC North courtesy of a high-scoring 38-31 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns got the only score the first quarter courtesy of a 35-yard Billy Cundiff field goal, but that was cancelled out at the start of the second when Robbie Gould restored parity with a 23-yard kick of his own.
The first touchdown of the match went to the hosts as the returning Jay Cutler sent an overthrown pass straight into the hands of Tashaun Gipson, who returned it 44 yards for the score.
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Cutler redeemed himself late in the second quarter, however, finding Brandon Marshall at the front of the endzone with a five-yard pass to send the sides into the half-time break locked at 10-10.
The Bears wasted no time at the start of the second half, taking the lead for the first time in the match when Zack Bowman easily intercepted Jason Campbell's pass before sprinting up the line for a 43-yard touchdown.
Cleveland responded quickly, though, drawing level once again courtesy of a first career touchdown for Edwin Baker, who powered his way over the line from two yards.
The Browns then regained the lead when Martellus Bennett was stripped of the ball, allowing TJ Ward to scoop it up and return the fumble 51 yards for a touchdown.
Chicago once again brought things level early in the fourth quarter, however, when Cutler hoisted a huge pass downfield for Alshon Jeffrey to complete a 45-yard touchdown.
The visitors then took the lead with 5:45 left in the match as Cutler fired a quick four-yard pass to Earl Bennett at the front of the endzone.
The Bears sealed the victory soon after when Michael Bush skipped past the defense before sprinting 40 yards for a touchdown that opened up a 14-point gap.
There was still time for one more score for the hosts as Josh Gordon and Campbell combined for a 43-yard touchdown, but it was too little too late as they fell to their fifth home defeat of the season.
Barney Corkhill
