Coach Lovie Smith and the Chicago Bears were in need of a win and a prayer Sunday to make the NFC playoffs. The Bears must beat the Lions and have the Packers beat the Vikings to reach the playoffs and possibly extend Smith's nine-year run in Chicago.
The Bears' offense started well, with quarterback Jay Cutler hitting receiver Alshon Jeffery for a 55-yard gain on their first play.
The Bears' defense also started well, forcing a three-and-out on the Lions' opening possession of the game.
The Bears also could earn a playoff spot with a tie and a Vikings loss in Minneapolis. A Bears win and a Vikings loss or tie also would do the trick.
The Bears have been to the playoffs three times under Smith, with the last playoff appearance coming in 2010.
General manager Phil Emery had praise for Smith while speaking before the game on WBBM-AM 670.
"Great team-first person," Emery said of Smith. "He's done an outstanding job coaching the Bears."
As to whether Smith must reach the playoffs to retain his job, Emery said, "When you're evaluating players, you're always looking for body of work. No different when you're evaluating coaches.
"It's is the full season, and the whole body of work. ... It's about steady progress toward our goals, which is to win championships.''
As for needing help from Green Bay to reach the playoffs, Emery said, "We're rooting against Minnesota. ... we're not rooting for Green Bay."
fmitchell@tribune.com
Twitter@kicker34
Bears Game Day: Win and wait
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Bears Game Day: Win and wait
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