Bears Vs. Raiders: Caleb Hanie's Comeback Bid Falls Short

VIDEO: Shane Lechler 80-Yard Punt Puts Him In The Record Book

Oakland Raiders punter Shane Lechler set a new franchise record with an 80-yard punt today. Lechler’s punt came in the second quarter after the Raiders offense produced another three-and-out against the Chicago Bears. Lechler broke the franchise’s previous record of 77 yards held by Wayne Crow, who set it in 1961.

Check out the video of Lechler’s amazing punt right here.

Of course, the only downside to a punt of that magnitude was that it gave the Bears a touchback. Chicago drove to the Raiders’ 35-yard line and kicked a field goal. That cut the Raiders lead to 18-15.

Oakland’s special teams are playing a big role in this game. Kicker Sebastian Janikowski has done all of the scoring for Oakland, booting six field goals, including a 47-yarder. Janikowski set a record of his own today. His six field goals are a new franchise record for the most in a single game.

VIDEO: Bears QB Caleb Hanie Throws Third Pick

So Mike Martz may have been right about Caleb Hanie. That, or Jay Cutler’s place holder is just struggling in his season debut. Hanie just threw his third interception of the first half, just minutes after completing a touchdown throw to Johnny Knox. Raiders linebacker Kamerion Wimbley picked him off and returned the ball 83 yards, giving Oakland the chance to add to the score with less than 20 seconds left in the first half.

Check out the video of Hanie’s third interception and Wimbley’s 83-yard return right here.

After a 56-yard punt return from Johnny Knox, the Bears moved the ball all the way down to Oakland’s seven-yard line. Hanie tossed a short pass to running back Matt Forte on second-and-one that resulted in his third interception.

Oakland converted the interception into three points on their fourth field goal of the game. That gave them a 12-7 lead at the half.

Bears Vs. Raiders: Caleb Hanie Throws Two Interceptions, Touchdown Pass In First Half

The Chicago Bears began life without quarterback Jay Cutler with a rough start today. Facing the Oakland Raiders in Oakland backup quarterback Caleb Hanie threw two first quarter interceptions. The Raiders capitalized on both of the turnovers, kicking two field goals to go up by a score of 6-0 in the first quarter. Hanie later redeemed himself with a 24-yard drive-saving scramble before finally connecting with Johnny Knox on a 29-yard touchdown pass.

Check out the video of one of Hanie’s interceptions in this game.

Hanie was the source of controversy earlier this season when Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz spoke poorly in public of Hanie’s ability. The Bears tried to add Kyle Orton last week, who requested his release from the Denver Broncos to fill Cutler’s spot in Chicago. Instead, the Kansas City Chiefs scooped in and claimed Orton off waivers with a higher priority than the Bears.

Chicago signed Josh McCown to backup Hanie once they lost the waiver claim on Orton. McCown played for Mike Martz one season in Detroit as a backup.

Hanie hit Knox for a 29-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to give Chicago a lead. That pass accounts for more than half of Hanie's 51 yards of passing so far. He has completed five of 12 passes with four minutes left in the first half.

Darrius Heyward-Bey Status Update: Should Be Active Vs. Bears

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey has been nursing a concussion, but was limited in practice most of the week. Heyward-Bey is expected to be active on Sunday as the Raiders take on the Chicago Bears, but how much playing time Heyward-Bey will receiver is still up in the air. 

Heyward-Bey has been medically cleared to play and is believed to be slated to start on Sunday. He should be the primary receiving threat for quarterback Carson Palmer, as wide receivers Jacoby Ford and Denarius Moore are both expected to be out of the line up dealing with injuries themselves. Heyward-Bey got off to a good start to the season, but injuries have derailed him as of late. Heyward-Bey might be a solid WR3 play in most leagues and should be available on the waiver wire if you're desperate.

For more on this match up and Darrius Heyward-Bey, visit Raiders blog Silver And Black Pride, and Bears blog Windy City Gridiron . For all your professional football needs, visit our NFL hub.

Darren McFadden Ruled Out With Foot Injury

Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden has been ruled out for this Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears with a foot injury.

McFadden was injured during the Raiders' 28-0 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7 and has been inactive for all three of the team's games following their bye in Week 8.

According to Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network, McFadden is expected to miss next week's game against the Miami Dolphins, as well, with a target date for his return being a December 11 game against the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.

McFadden's absence means fourth-year running back Michael Bush will start and carry the bulk of the load in the Raiders' ground game. Over the last four weeks, Bush has rushed for 461 yards and two touchdowns since replacing McFadden during the Chiefs game.

For more on the Raiders, visit Silver And Black Pride.

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NFL Odds And Lines Week 12: Bears Vs. Raiders

Will Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Hanie be able to lead the team to victory over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday? The odds makers quickly turned against the Bears this week.