Recap: Chicago vs. Arizona

Sports Network | November 8, 2009

Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Kurt Warner rebounded from a lackluster performance last week against Carolina by matching a career-high with five touchdown passes to lead the Arizona Cardinals to a 41-21 win over Chicago at Soldier Field.

The former Super Bowl MVP was picked off five times in the loss to the Panthers, but carved up the Bears' defense Sunday, completing 22-of-31 passes for 261 yards. Arizona produced points on its first six possessions to build a comfortable lead.

Larry Fitzgerald led all receivers with 123 yards and two scores on nine grabs, while Steve Breaston, Anthony Becht and Ben Patrick also caught a touchdown pass for the Cardinals (5-3), who remain unbeaten in four games on the road this season.

Tim Hightower rushed for 77 yards on 15 carries and rookie Beanie Wells totaled 72 yards on the ground for Arizona.

Jay Cutler amassed 369 yards through the air on 29-of-47 efficiency with three touchdown passes to Greg Olsen and one interception for the Bears (4-4), who were dealt their first home loss of the year and have dropped three of four overall.

"We're not happy about how we're playing right now," said Bears head coach Lovie Smith. "We know things have to change. If they do, we can still accomplish our goal."

Trailing 34-7, Cutler and Olsen hooked up for a three-yard TD. The score capped an epic nine-play drive that extended into the fourth quarter and originated from the Chicago seven-yard line.

Matt Leinart was given an opportunity to guide the offense with Arizona seemingly in firm control. However, Leinart was picked off on the third play of the ensuing drive.

The Bears quickly capitalized on the turnover as Olsen hauled in a 20-yard TD pass to trim the deficit to 34-21 with 9:04 remaining.

Cutler, though, was intercepted on the next drive, and Warner, inserted back into the game, topped off his brilliant day with a four-yard TD pass to Breaston.

"We played a very good game today. It was good to get a win here. I know they hadn't lost at home," said Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt. "I was excited by the way our team played -- in all phases. It was good to see Kurt bounce back. I was excited that we were able to run the ball a little bit better today."

Arizona got the ball to begin the game and Warner led the Cardinals on an eight-play, 81-yard drive that culminated in an 11-yard toss to Fitzgerald for an early 7-0 lead.

The Bears immediately countered on their first possession, which did not feature a running play. Cutler completed five of his six pass attempts, including a 42-yard strike to Devin Hester, charging down the right sideline, and a 33-yard toss to Olsen in the back of the end zone.

Warner came right back with a six-yard TD pass to Patrick, and threw TD passes of 17 and 15 yards, respectively, to Fitzgerald and Becht in the second quarter.

The Bears were in position to attempt a field goal before the end of the first half, but Robbie Gould's 48-yard try was blocked by Dominique Rodgers- Cromartie and returned to midfield by Antrel Rolle. Neil Rackers then booted a 43-yarder as time expired, extending Arizona's lead to 31-7 at the break.

Rackers' 30-yard field goal accounted for all the scoring in the third quarter.

Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin missed the game because of an ankle injury...Chicago defensive tackle Tommie Harris was ejected from the game after punching Cardinals offensive tackle Deuce Lutui on the game's opening drive...The Bears were limited to 70 rushing yards...Hester had 94 yards on six receptions...Arizona hosts Seattle next Sunday...Chicago visits San Francisco on Thursday.