2006 Monday Night Bears Comeback

17 Oct 2006, Tue Waco Tribune-Herald (Waco, Texas) Newspapers.com

The Chicago Bears’ miraculous comeback against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football, October 16, 2006, stands as one of the most bizarre and thrilling wins in NFL history. The undefeated Bears looked dismal early, with quarterback Rex Grossman committing six turnovers (four interceptions, two fumbles) as the Cardinals soared to a seemingly insurmountable 23−3 lead late in the third quarter.

The deficit forced a legendary performance from the Bears’ defense and special teams. The comeback began when the defense scored two touchdowns on fumbles recovered and returned by Mike Brown and Charles Tillman (following a Brian Urlacher strip). With the score at 23−17 in the fourth quarter, rookie Devin Hester sealed the victory with an electrifying 83-yard punt return touchdown, putting the Bears ahead 24−23.

The Bears famously won the game without scoring a single offensive touchdown, setting an NFL record. The loss prompted Cardinals coach Dennis Green’s infamous post-game tirade, declaring, “The Bears are who we thought they were! And we let ’em off the hook!” The improbable victory propelled the Bears to a 6−0 record and ultimately, an NFC Championship.