Two rookies made some of the biggest plays on offense.
Running back Brock Forsey, thrust into action after starter Anthony Thomas came down with viral pneumonia Saturday, made the NFL’s 12th-ranked rushing defense look mediocre in gaining 134 yards on 27 carries. The sixth-round draft pick from Boise State capped the day’s scoring with a 9-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Wide receiver Justin Gage became the first Bears receiver this season to surpass the 100-yard mark in a game, with four catches for 100 yards, including a 57-yarder on the first series that announced that the coaching staff hadn’t forgotten about him.
“I was really disappointed with myself that [Gage] didn’t have more snaps in Denver, and with the change in quarterbacks at halftime and the way our defense was playing, I think we did play a little close to the vest,” offensive coordinator John Shoop said. “We did want him to get more involved early.”
Gage’s big catch on the first series moved the ball to the Cardinals’ 2 and set up the Bears’ first first-quarter touchdown in 12 games. It came on a 2-yard rollout pass to Marty Booker on which Kordell Stewart had the option to run or throw.
Gage and Forsey became the first Bears rookie wide receiver-running back combination to each gain 100 yards since Gale Sayers ran for 113 yards and Jimmy Jones had 113 yards in receptions for the Bears against San Francisco on Dec. 12, 1965.
