We're already nearly half way through the 2026 NFL season, in the blink of an eye at that! But that doesn't slow this time machine, let's take a look at three more SPoooooooKY games from the Bears past! Happy Halloween!
1. 2005, Bears @ Lions: Peanut walks it off in overtime
October 30, 2005 | Bears win 19-13 (OT)
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The 2005 Bears were still finding their identity when they traveled to Detroit for a Week 8 matchup with significant implications for the NFC North standings.
Chicago entered at 3-3, tied with Detroit for first place in the division.
Rookie quarterback Kyle Orton put together one of his better performances of the season, completing 17-of-31 passes for a career-high 230 yards and a touchdown. His 23-yard scoring strike to Muhsin Muhammad capped a 99-yard touchdown drive, helping Chicago build a 13-3 halftime lead.
Detroit battled back, tying the game at 13 early in the fourth quarter. Neither offense could break the deadlock, sending the game into overtime.
That's when Charles Tillman decided he'd seen enough.
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Lions quarterback Jeff Garcia rolled to his right before attempting an ill-advised throw back across the field toward Mike Williams. Tillman stepped in front of the pass and raced 22 yards for the game-winning touchdown.
Chicago improved to 4-3, taking sole possession of first place in the NFC North.
The victory also carried historical significance, as the Bears became the first franchise in NFL history to reach 650 regular-season victories.
2. 2006, Bears vs. 49ers: Chicago scores 41 points before halftime
October 29, 2006 | Bears win 41-10
The 2006 Bears entered Week 8 undefeated, having survived their unforgettable Monday Night Football comeback against Arizona two weeks earlier.
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Apparently, they were interested in making this one a little less stressful.
Chicago welcomed San Francisco to Soldier Field and proceeded to put together one of the most dominant first halves in franchise history.
The Bears scored 24 points in the opening quarter alone, establishing a franchise record for first-quarter scoring. By halftime, Chicago had built an absolutely ridiculous 41-0 advantage.
Quarterback Rex Grossman rebounded from his disastrous outing against Arizona, completing 23-of-29 passes for 252 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. His 137.4 passer rating was among his best performances of the season.
Tight end Desmond Clark caught six passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns, while Thomas Jones contributed 111 rushing yards and another score.
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The defense was equally impressive.
Brian Urlacher delivered one of the afternoon's most memorable plays, batting an Alex Smith pass into the air before securing a remarkable one-handed interception.
Chicago forced four first-half turnovers, converting each into a touchdown.
The 41 first-half points tied a franchise record established against Washington in 1948. The Bears eventually cruised to a 41-10 victory, improving to 7-0 for the first time since their legendary 1985 season.
3. 2012, Bears vs. Panthers: Cutler and Gould pull off a Halloween miracle
October 28, 2012 | Bears win 23-22
The 2012 Bears entered Week 8 riding a four-game winning streak and sitting comfortably atop the NFC North at 5-1.
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For three quarters against Carolina, however, Chicago looked nothing like a division leader.
The Panthers thoroughly dominated the Bears, building a 19-7 advantage while making life miserable for Jay Cutler.
Cutler was sacked six times in the first half alone, throwing an interception and losing two fumbles. At one point late in the third quarter, Carolina had outgained Chicago 369-59.
Then things got weird.
With just under seven minutes remaining, Cutler connected with Kellen Davis for a 12-yard touchdown, trimming Carolina's lead to 19-14.
Eight seconds later, the Bears were winning.
On Carolina's very next offensive snap, receiver Steve Smith slipped while running his route, allowing Tim Jennings to intercept Cam Newton and return the football 25 yards for a touchdown.
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Chicago had somehow scored two touchdowns in eight seconds.
The Panthers weren't finished, though, reclaiming a 22-20 lead on a 45-yard field goal with 2:27 remaining.
That left Cutler one final opportunity.
He completed six of seven passes for 52 yards on the ensuing possession, including several crucial completions to Brandon Marshall, setting up Robbie Gould for a 41-yard field goal as time expired.
Good as Gould. Bears win, 23-22.
Cutler finished 19-of-28 for 186 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Marshall caught nine passes for 98 yards, while Jennings recorded two interceptions, including the game-changing pick-six.
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Chicago improved to 6-1 despite being outgained 416-210.
Gary Baugher Jr.
is a second year contributor to WCG, bringing football insight backed by over 16 years of experience in organized football and more than 30 years as a passionate fan of the game. You can follow him on Twitter at
@iamcogs
.
