Bears Win Despite Windy Weather

Overcoming a strong gusty wind, costly turnovers and a key injury, the Bears rallied to beat the San Francisco 49ers Sunday behind a stifling defense, their third-string running back and a play you had to see to believe. Nathan Vasher set a new NFL record when he returned a missed field goal 108 yards for a score as time ran out in the first half. Give the Bears a 7-3 lead at the half, and propelling them to a 17-9 win. "We had to get a big play," Vasher said. "I was just lucky that my guys threw some great blocks and I took it in. I didn't even know it was an NFL record, but it's a blessing all the same." In winning their fifth straight in the same season for just the second time since 1992, the Bears (6-3) maintained their two-game lead atop the NFC North over the Vikings (4-5) and Lions (4-5). Minnesota beat the New York Giants 24-21 and Detroit defeated Arizona 29-21. The wind was so bad that both teams only attempted 13 passes and the 49ers only completed 1 pass for 28 yards. When asked about the wind Kyle Orton said this, "It was ridiculous, but that's Chicago home-field advantage right there," an Iowa native who starred at Purdue. "It was bad. I played in a game last year at Northwestern that was close to it. But this was consistent the entire game. It was almost impossible to throw." On a sour note, rookie running back Cedric Benson sprained his knee when he was tackled awkwardly, and is expected to miss about a month. The Bears look forward to playing the top team in the NFC next week, the Carolina Panthers. GO BEARS!!