John Nestor
Jay Cutler led a four-touchdown barrage during the middle periods as the Chicago Bears won their fifth straight game, 31-20, over the visiting San Diego Chargers Sunday.
Cutler completed 18-of-31 passes for 286 yards and two TDs and added another running as Chicago (7-3) handed San Diego (4-6) its fifth straight loss.
The Bears used a 42-yard punt return by Devin Hester and a 53-yard kick return by Johnny Knox to score two TDs in the second quarter for a 17-10 halftime lead. Cutler than capped an 83-yard drive in the third with a 1-yard plunge and found Knox on a 24-yard pass as the Bears extended to a 31-20 edge.
Chicago had forced 12 turnovers during its four-game win streak while San Diego QB Philip Rivers entered with a league and career-high 15 interceptions and 19 turnovers.
Rivers and the Chargers didn't yield a turnover until the third when a fumble by Ryan Matthews led to the Knox TD. Two fourth-quarter picks by Rivers - one in the end zone - doomed San Diego to its fifth straight setback.
Chicago, which got 59 yards rushing and 26 receiving from Matt Forte, outgained San Diego 117-0 in the fourth quarter.
Rivers completed 21 of 31 for 280 yards and two TDs. Vincent Jackson had seven catches for 163 yards and a score.
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NFL 2011 Week 11 - Jay Cutler Leads Chicago Bears to Fifth Straight Win