2002 Chicago Bears season

The 2002 season was the Chicago Bears' 83rd in the National Football League (NFL) and their fourth under head coach Dick Jauron.

2002 Chicago Bears season
Owner	The McCaskey Family
General manager	Jerry Angelo
Head coach	Dick Jauron
Home stadium	Memorial Stadium (Champaign, Illinois)
Results
Record	4–12
Division place	3rd NFC North
Playoffs	Did not qualify
Pro Bowlers	Marty Booker Olin Kreutz Brian Urlacher[1]
All-Pros	LB Brian Urlacher (1st team)
← 2001 Bears seasons 2003 →

The team had hopes of returning to the playoffs after an unexpected 13–3 season the previous year, However, the team failed to improve on that record and finished with a 4–12 record and missed the postseason for the second time in three years. The Bears had problems on both sides of the ball, finishing 27th in the league in points scored and 23rd in points allowed.^[1] The Bears began the season 2–0, but things quickly fell apart as the team fell into an eight-game losing streak, including a loss at home to the New England Patriots where, despite having a 27–6 lead at some point, the Patriots came back and won the game late in the fourth quarter. After this, the Bears never recovered, finishing 4–12 and in third place in their division, the newly aligned NFC North.

With Soldier Field being rebuilt, the Bears opted to play all of their home games Downstate in Champaign, at Memorial Stadium on the campus of the University of Illinois.^[2] The arrangement was similar to the one made by the newly-relocated Tennessee Oilers five years earlier, in that the Bears continued to be based in Chicago and travelled to Champaign (a two-hour drive to the southwest) only for games, essentially consigning themselves to playing sixteen games on the road.

While (unlike the 1997 Oilers) the venture was reasonably successful at the box office, with the Bears drawing more than 50,000 fans to every game in Champaign and more than 60,000 to all but two games, the Bears never seemed to get used to their "new" home field. Injuries piled up as the season went on for both offense and defense. Starting quarterback Jim Miller was injured throughout the year, leaving the team no choice but to use backup Chris Chandler and rookie third-string quarterback Henry Burris for both spot relief and as starters. 2001 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Anthony Thomas suffered a broken right index finger in Week 15 against the Green Bay Packers.^[3] These injuries and the league's 23rd worst turnover differential contributed to the team's franchise record-tying eight-game losing streak and their poor record.^[4]

Offseason

Signings	Departures
QB Chris Chandler (Falcons)	QB Shane Matthews (Redskins)
DB Damon Moore (Eagles)	RB James Allen (Texans)
LB Mike Caldwell (Eagles)	WR D'Wayne Bates (Vikings)
DT Christian Peter (Colts)	T Blake Brockermeyer (Broncos)
	CB Walt Harris (Colts)
	FS Tony Parrish (49ers)

2002 Expansion Draft

Main article: 2002 NFL expansion draft

Chicago Bears selected during the Expansion Draft

Round	Overall	Name	Position	Expansion Team
—	17	Danny Wuerffel	Quarterback	Houston Texans

Draft

Main article: 2002 NFL draft

Round	Overall pick	Player	Position	College
1	29	Marc Colombo	Offensive tackle	Boston College
3	72	Roosevelt Williams	Cornerback	Tuskegee
3	93	Terrence Metcalf	Guard	Ole Miss
4	104	Alex Brown	Defensive end	Florida
5	140	Bobby Gray	Safety	Louisiana Tech
5	165	Bryan Knight	Linebacker	Pittsburgh
6	199	Adrian Peterson	Running back	Georgia Southern
6	203	Jamin Elliott	Wide receiver	Delaware
6	210	Bryan Fletcher	Tight end	UCLA

^[5]

Undrafted free agents

2002 Undrafted Free Agents of note

Player	Position	College
Luke Butkus	Center	Illinois
Travis Coleman	Defensive back	Hampton
Eric McCoo	Running back	Penn State
Edell Shepherd	Wide receiver	San Jose State

Training camp

2002 marked the first Bears Training Camp at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, after practicing at University of Wisconsin–Platteville from 1984 to 2001. Other candidates in the selection process included universities like Eastern Illinois in Charleston, Illinois State in Normal, Millikin in Decatur, Northern Illinois in DeKalb, Southern Illinois Carbondale and Edwardsville, and Urbana–Champaign; smaller schools like Knox College in Galesburg, Monmouth College in Monmouth, and Rockford College in Rockford; and the Chanute Air Force Base near Rantoul, where the Illinois Fighting Illini held their offseason camps.^[6]

The list was eventually narrowed to Eastern Illinois, Millikin, Northern Illinois, and Olivet Nazarene. On July 17, 2001, the Bears announced Olivet Nazarene as the new Training Camp site on a two-year deal.^[7]

Staff

2002 Chicago Bears staff

Front office Chairman emeritus – Ed McCaskey chairman of the board – Michael McCaskey Secretary – Virginia Halas McCaskey President and CEO – Ted Phillips Vice president of player personnel – Mark Hatley Director of college scouting – Greg Gabriel Director of pro personnel – Bobby DePaul Head coaches Head coach – Dick Jauron Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator – John Shoop Running backs – Earle Mosley Wide receivers – Todd Haley Tight ends – Pat Flaherty Offensive line – Bob Wylie Offensive quality control – Charlie Coiner

Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Greg Blache Defensive line – Rex Norris Linebackers – Gary Moeller Defensive backs – Vance Bedford Defensive quality control – Chuck Bullough Special teams coaches Special teams – Mike Sweatman Strength and conditioning Physical development coordinator – Russ Riederer Assistant physical development coordinator – Steve Little

Roster

2002 Chicago Bears roster

Quarterbacks (QB) 10 Henry Burris 12 Chris Chandler 17 Cory Sauter Running backs (RB) 27 Rabih Abdullah KR 32 Leon Johnson 29 Adrian Peterson 36 Stanley Pritchett FB 31 Daimon Shelton FB Wide receivers (WR) 86 Marty Booker 87 Jamin Elliott 81 Ahmad Merritt 88 Marcus Robinson 80 Dez White Tight ends (TE) 82 John Davis 85 John Gilmore

Offensive linemen (OL) 73 Kevin Dogins C/G 79 Steve Edwards G/T 67 Mike Gandy G/T 78 Aaron Gibson G/T 57 Olin Kreutz C 60 Terrence Metcalf G/T 74 Bernard Robertson T 58 Chris Villarrial G 67 Josh Warner C/G 71 James Williams T Defensive linemen (DL) 70 Alfonso Boone DT 96 Alex Brown DE 93 Phillip Daniels DE 72 Ernest Grant DT 97 Christian Peter DT 98 Bryan Robinson DE/DT 76 Bobby Setzer DE 95 John Stamper DE 99 Joe Tafoya DE 94 Keith Traylor NT

Linebackers (LB) 55 Mike Caldwell OLB 49 Marq Cerqua MLB 59 Rosevelt Colvin OLB 52 Bobbie Howard OLB 90 Bryan Knight OLB 54 Brian Urlacher MLB Defensive backs (DB) 23 Jerry Azumah CB 30 Mike Brown FS 39 Travis Coleman CB 43 Mike Green SS 38 Eric Joyce CB 21 R. W. McQuarters CB 37 Damon Moore FS 33 Larry Whigham LB/S 20 Roosevelt Williams CB Special teams (ST)  2 Paul Edinger K 65 Patrick Mannelly LS  4 Brad Maynard P

Practice squad 63 Chris Demaree DE 45 Tyree Foreman FB 47 Teddy Gaines CB 68 Shane Grice G 84 Bryan Fletcher TE 16 Edell Shepherd WR (IR) Reserve 24 Reggie Austin CB (IR) 75 Marc Colombo T (IR) 25 Bobby Gray S (IR) 22 Maurice Hicks RB (NF-Inj.) 53 Warrick Holdman LB (IR) 89 Dustin Lyman TE (IR) 91 Roshaun Matthews DE (PUP) 26 Todd McMillon CB (IR) 15 Jim Miller QB (IR) 83 David Terrell WR (IR) 35 Anthony Thomas RB (IR) 64 Rex Tucker T (IR) 92 Ted Washington DT (IR) Rookies in italics 53 active, 14 reserve, 5 practice squad

Preseason

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	NFL.com recap
1	August 10	Denver Broncos	L 3–27	0–1	Memorial Stadium	Summary
2	August 16	St. Louis Rams	W 19–17	1–1	Edward Jones Dome	Summary
3	August 23	Jacksonville Jaguars	L 16–24	1–2	Memorial Stadium	Summary
4	August 29	Miami Dolphins	L 22–24	1–3	Pro Player Stadium	Summary

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	NFL.com recap
1	September 8	Minnesota Vikings	W 27–23	1–0	Memorial Stadium	Summary
2	September 15	at Atlanta Falcons	W 14–13	2–0	Georgia Dome	Summary
3	September 22	New Orleans Saints	L 23–29	2–1	Memorial Stadium	Summary
4	September 29	at Buffalo Bills	L 27–33 (OT)	2–2	Ralph Wilson Stadium	Summary
5	October 7	Green Bay Packers	L 21–34	2–3	Memorial Stadium	Summary
6	Bye
7	October 20	at Detroit Lions	L 20–23 (OT)	2–4	Ford Field	Summary
8	October 27	at Minnesota Vikings	L 7–25	2–5	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	Summary
9	November 3	Philadelphia Eagles	L 13–19	2–6	Memorial Stadium	Summary
10	November 10	New England Patriots	L 30–33	2–7	Memorial Stadium	Summary
11	November 18	at St. Louis Rams	L 16–21	2–8	Edward Jones Dome	Summary
12	November 24	Detroit Lions	W 20–17 (OT)	3–8	Memorial Stadium	Summary
13	December 1	at Green Bay Packers	L 20–30	3–9	Lambeau Field	Summary
14	December 9	at Miami Dolphins	L 9–27	3–10	Pro Player Stadium	Summary
15	December 15	New York Jets	W 20–13	4–10	Memorial Stadium	Summary
16	December 22	at Carolina Panthers	L 14–24	4–11	Ericsson Stadium	Summary
17	December 29	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	L 0–15	4–12	Memorial Stadium	Summary

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	3	17	0	3	23
Bears	7	3	3	14	27

Game information

First quarter MIN – Doug Brien 30-yard field goal, 6:15. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 3:18. CHI – Marty Booker 29-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 1:03. Bears 7–3. Drive: 3 plays, 29 yards, 1:31. Second quarter MIN – Daunte Culpepper 2-yard run (Doug Brien kick), 13:32. Vikings 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 81 yards, 2:31. CHI – Paul Edinger 49-yard field goal, 9:19. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 4:13. MIN – Doug Brien 22-yard field goal, 3:30. Vikings 13–10. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 5:49. MIN – Randy Moss 33-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Doug Brien kick), 0:55. Vikings 20–10. Drive: 1 play, 33 yards, 0:06. Third quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 49-yard field goal, 10:28. Vikings 20–13. Drive: 10 plays, 39 yards, 4:32. Fourth quarter MIN – Doug Brien 42-yard field goal, 9:07. Vikings 23–13. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 4:24. CHI – Anthony Thomas 1-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 6:13. Vikings 23–20. Drive: 5 plays, 78 yards, 2:54. CHI – David Terrell 9-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 0:28. Bears 27–23. Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 2:06. Top passers MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 16/28, 234 yards, TD, 2 INT CHI – Jim Miller – 20/33, 297 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers MIN – Michael Bennett – 16 rushes, 53 yards CHI – Anthony Thomas – 19 rushes, 45 yards, TD Top receivers MIN – Randy Moss – 6 receptions, 58 yards, TD CHI – Marty Booker – 8 receptions, 198 yards, TD

Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears

at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois

• Date: September 8, 2002
• Game time: 1:00 p.m.
• Game weather: Partly Cloudy, 85 °F (29 °C)
• Game attendance: 63,226
• Referee: Mike Carey (94)
• TV: FOX
• Recap, Game Book

Week 2: at Atlanta Falcons

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bears	0	7	7	0	14
Falcons	0	10	3	0	13

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter ATL – Warrick Dunn 10-yard pass from Michael Vick (Jay Feely kick), 11:33. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 38 yards, 4:00. CHI – Anthony Thomas 3-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 1:10. Tied 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 86 yards, 5:04. ATL – Jay Feely 37-yard field goal, 0:00. Falcons 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 1:10. Third quarter CHI – David Terrell 14-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 9:27. Bears 14–10. Drive: 3 plays, 16 yards, 0:55. ATL – Jay Feely 27-yard field goal, 6:08. Bears 14–13. Drive: 7 plays, 14 yards, 3:19. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Top passers CHI – Jim Miller – 12/24, 143 yards, TD, INT ATL – Michael Vick – 17/28, 166 yards, TD Top rushers CHI – Anthony Thomas – 26 rushes, 84 yards, TD ATL – Michael Vick – 10 rushes, 56 yards Top receivers CHI – Marty Booker – 5 receptions, 48 yards ATL – Brian Finneran – 6 receptions, 76 yards

Week 2: Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: September 15, 2002
• Game time: 1:00 pm
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 68,081
• Referee: Jeff Triplette (42)
• TV: FOX
• Recap, Game Book

Week 3: vs. New Orleans Saints

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Saints	0	14	7	8	29
Bears	10	10	0	3	23

Game information

First quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 31-yard field goal, 7:36. Bears 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 38 yards, 4:01. CHI – Dez White 10-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 2:47. Bears 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 52 yards, 3:10. Second quarter CHI – Marty Booker 22-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 13:35. Bears 17–0. Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 3:05. CHI – Paul Edinger 25-yard field goal, 11:47. Bears 20–0. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:30. NO – Jerome Pathon 16-yard pass from Aaron Brooks (John Carney kick), 7:21. Bears 20–7. Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards, 4:26. NO – Aaron Brooks 7-yard run (John Carney kick), 6:23. Bears 20–14. Drive: 2 plays, 8 yards, 0:58. Third quarter NO – Joe Horn 5-yard pass from Aaron Brooks (John Carney kick), 8:15. Saints 21–20. Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 6:45. Fourth quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 25-yard field goal, 8:43. Bears 23–21. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 5:59. NO – Donte Stallworth 29-yard pass from Aaron Brooks (Aaron Brooks run), 1:11. Saints 29–23. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 2:01. Top passers NO – Aaron Brooks – 22/34, 233 yards, 3 TD, INT CHI – Jim Miller – 26/40, 236 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers NO – Deuce McAllister – 17 rushes, 45 yards CHI – Anthony Thomas – 27 rushes, 111 yards Top receivers NO – Jerome Pathon – 5 receptions, 71 yards, TD CHI – Marty Booker – 8 receptions, 97 yards, TD

Week 3: New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears

at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois

• Date: September 22, 2002
• Game time: 1:00 p.m.
• Game weather: Partly Cloudy, 68 °F (20 °C)
• Game attendance: 63,216
• Referee: Ron Blum (7)
• TV: FOX
• Recap, Game Book

Week 4: at Buffalo Bills

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Bears	7	7	3	10	0	27
Bills	7	10	3	7	6	33

Game information

First quarter BUF – Peerless Price 2-yard pass from Drew Bledsoe (Mike Hollis kick), 10:55. Bills 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:12. CHI – Mike Brown 62-yard fumble return (Paul Edinger kick), 3:00. Tied 7–7. Second quarter BUF – Mike Hollis 48-yard field goal, 13:05. Bills 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 41 yards, 4:24. BUF – Eric Moulds 4-yard pass from Drew Bledsoe (Mike Hollis kick), 5:55. Bills 17–7. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 4:59. CHI – David Terrell 5-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 0:34. Bills 17–14. Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 4:08. Third quarter BUF – Mike Hollis 49-yard field goal, 11:30. Bills 20–14. Drive: 5 plays, 13 yards, 2:13. CHI – Paul Edinger 46-yard field goal, 6:55. Bills 20–17. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 0:45. Fourth quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 24-yard field goal, 12:51. Tied 20–20. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 2:42. BUF – Dave Moore 1-yard pass from Drew Bledsoe (Mike Hollis kick), 9:30. Bills 27–20. Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 3:44. CHI – John Davis 4-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 3:39. Tied 27–27. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 6:09. Overtime BUF – Travis Henry 26-yard pass from Drew Bledsoe, 13:15. Bills 33–27. Drive: 2 plays, 56 yards, 0:53. Top passers CHI – Jim Miller – 19/31, 188 yards, 2 TD BUF – Drew Bledsoe – 28/36, 328 yards, 4 TD Top rushers CHI – Anthony Thomas – 23 rushes, 48 yards BUF – Travis Henry – 12 rushes, 68 yards Top receivers CHI – Marty Booker – 4 receptions, 82 yards BUF – Eric Moulds – 8 receptions, 124 yards, TD

Week 4: Chicago Bears at Buffalo Bills

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

• Date: September 29, 2002
• Game time: 1:00 pm
• Game weather: Sunny, 66 °F (19 °C)
• Game attendance: 72,780
• Referee: Tom White (123)
• TV announcers (FOX): Kenny Albert, Tim Green and Bob Trimble
• Recap, Game Book

Week 5: vs. Green Bay Packers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Packers	14	10	7	3	34
Bears	7	7	0	7	21

Game information

First quarter GB – Donald Driver 85-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 10:56. Packers 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 85 yards, 0:12. GB – Tyrone Davis 19-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 3:32. Packers 14–0. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 5:14. CHI – Marty Booker 4-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 1:53. Packers 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 37 yards, 1:39. Second quarter GB – Bubba Franks 5-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 13:02. Packers 21–7. Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 3:51. CHI – John Davis 1-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 2:50. Packers 21–14. Drive: 3 plays, 4 yards, 0:56. GB – Ryan Longwell 49-yard field goal, 0:00. Packers 24–14. Drive: 6 plays, 32 yards, 0:38. Third quarter GB – Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila 72-yard interception return (Ryan Longwell kick), 8:53. Packers 31–14. Fourth quarter GB – Ryan Longwell 35-yard field goal, 13:21. Packers 34–14. Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards, 2:44. CHI – John Davis 21-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 6:50. Packers 34–21. Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 2:12. Top passers GB – Brett Favre – 22/33, 359 yards, 3 TD CHI – Jim Miller – 27/49, 353 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT Top rushers GB – Ahman Green – 27 rushes, 107 yards CHI – Anthony Thomas – 15 rushes, 45 yards Top receivers GB – Terry Glenn – 8 receptions, 154 yards CHI – Marty Booker – 12 receptions, 141 yards, TD

Week 5: Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears

at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois

• Date: October 7, 2002
• Game time: 9:00 p.m.
• Game weather: Clear, 46 °F (8 °C)
• Game attendance: 63,226
• Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
• TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels, John Madden and Melissa Stark
• Recap, Game Book

Week 7: at Detroit Lions

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Bears	0	10	10	0	0	20
Lions	0	14	3	3	3	23

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 53-yard field goal, 9:13. Bears 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 36 yards, 4:58. DET – James Stewart 6-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 4:59. Lions 7–3. Drive: 1 play, 6 yards, 0:03. DET – James Stewart 1-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 1:11. Lions 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 16 yards, 2:53. CHI – Marty Booker 14-yard pass from Chris Chandler (Paul Edinger kick), 0:05. Lions 14–10. Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 1:06. Third quarter CHI – Anthony Thomas 1-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 10:11. Bears 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:49. CHI – Paul Edinger 42-yard field goal, 8:29. Bears 20–14. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 0:13. DET – Jason Hanson 30-yard field goal, 0:34. Bears 20–17. Drive: 14 plays, 66 yards, 7:55. Fourth quarter DET – Jason Hanson 24-yard field goal, 0:02. Tied 20–20. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 2:19. Overtime DET – Jason Hanson 48-yard field goal, 10:12. Lions 23–20. Drive: 8 plays, 30 yards, 4:48. Top passers CHI – Chris Chandler – 16/25, 163 yards, TD, INT DET – Joey Harrington – 16/29, 199 yards Top rushers CHI – Anthony Thomas – 26 rushes, 92 yards, TD DET – James Stewart – 32 rushes, 172 yards, 2 TD Top receivers CHI – Dez White – 3 receptions, 70 yards DET – Aveion Cason – 3 receptions, 57 yards

Week 7: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

• Date: October 20, 2002
• Game time: 1:00 p.m.
• Game weather: none (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 60,421
• Referee: Bernie Kukar (86)
• TV: FOX
• Recap, Game Book

Week 8: at Minnesota Vikings

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bears	0	0	0	7	7
Vikings	0	13	12	0	25

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter MIN – Gary Anderson 44-yard field goal, 8:51. Vikings 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 6:09. MIN – Moe Williams 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 1:42. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 5:47. MIN – Gary Anderson 24-yard field goal, 0:03. Vikings 13–0. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 0:52. Third quarter MIN – Randy Moss 39-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper (Gary Anderson kick), 10:19. Vikings 20–0. Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 2:38. MIN – Anthony Thomas tackled in endzone by Fred Robbins and Nick Rogers for a safety, 7:13. Vikings 22–0. MIN – Gary Anderson 24-yard field goal, 1:24. Vikings 25–0. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 5:49. Fourth quarter CHI – Marty Booker 27-yard pass from Chris Chandler (Paul Edinger kick), 14:54. Vikings 25–7. Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 1:30. Top passers CHI – Chris Chandler – 15/25, 176 yards, TD, INT MIN – Daunte Culpepper – 22/29, 216 yards, TD Top rushers CHI – Henry Burris – 2 rushes, 19 yards MIN – Michael Bennett – 29 rushes, 106 yards Top receivers CHI – Marty Booker – 4 receptions, 80 yards, TD MIN – Randy Moss – 9 receptions, 119 yards, TD

Week 8: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Date: October 27, 2002
• Game time: 1:00 p.m.
• Game weather: none (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 64,122
• Referee: Bill Leavy (127)
• TV: FOX
• Recap, Game Book

Week 9: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Eagles	0	7	6	6	19
Bears	0	13	0	0	13

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 30-yard field goal, 9:28. Bears 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 5:19. PHI – Donovan McNabb 5-yard run (David Akers kick), 4:42. Eagles 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 4:46. CHI – Anthony Thomas 6-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 1:17. Bears 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 3:25. CHI – Paul Edinger 53-yard field goal, 0:00. Bears 13–7. Drive: 5 plays, 42 yards, 0:38. Third quarter PHI – David Akers 23-yard field goal, 10:22. Bears 13–10. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 4:38. PHI – David Akers 36-yard field goal, 5:42. Tied 13–13. Drive: 7 plays, 19 yards, 3:22. Fourth quarter PHI – David Akers 27-yard field goal, 13:29. Eagles 16–13. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 1:13. PHI – David Akers 22-yard field goal, 3:42. Eagles 19–13. Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 2:40. Top passers PHI – Donovan McNabb – 18/33, 209 yards, INT CHI – Jim Miller – 19/36, 205 yards Top rushers PHI – Donovan McNabb – 9 rushes, 46 yards, TD CHI – Anthony Thomas – 16 rushes, 52 yards, TD Top receivers PHI – Antonio Freeman – 4 receptions, 67 yards CHI – Anthony Thomas – 4 receptions, 52 yards

Week 9: Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears

at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois

• Date: November 3, 2002
• Game time: 1:00 p.m.
• Game weather: Light rain 38 °F (3 °C)
• Game attendance: 54,049
• Referee: Terry McAulay (77)
• TV: FOX
• Recap, Game Book

Week 10: vs. New England Patriots

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	0	6	10	17	33
Bears	0	6	21	3	30

Game information

Second quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 39-yard field goal, 14:51. Bears 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 46 yards, 7:14. NE – Adam Vinatieri 57-yard field goal, 10:15. Tied 3–3. Drive: 10 plays, 31 yards, 4:36. CHI – Paul Edinger 40-yard field goal, 5:31. Bears 6–3. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 4:44. NE – Adam Vinatieri 31-yard field goal, 0:04. Tied 6–6. Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 1:24. Third quarter CHI – Stanley Pritchett 11-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 12:21. Bears 13–6. Drive: 2 plays, 14 yards, 0:40. CHI – Marcus Robinson 44-yard pass from Marty Booker (Paul Edinger kick), 10:09. Bears 20–6. Drive: 1 play, 44 yards, 0:09. CHI – Anthony Thomas 2-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 6:42. Bears 27–6. Drive: 3 plays, 36 yards, 0:37. NE – Kevin Faulk 15-yard pass from Tom Brady (Adam Vinatieri kick), 3:04. Bears 27–13. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:38. NE – Adam Vinatieri 42–yard field goal, 1:50. Bears 27–16. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 0:58. Fourth quarter NE – Adam Vinatieri 25-yard field goal, 11:02. Bears 27–19. Drive: 16 plays, 54 yards, 4:44. CHI – Paul Edinger 32-yard field goal, 5:22. Bears 30–19. Drive: 9 plays, 38 yards, 5:40. NE – Kevin Faulk 36-yard pass from Tom Brady (run failed), 2:46. Bears 30–25. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 2:16. NE – David Patten 20-yard pass from Tom Brady (Tom Brady–Troy Brown pass), 0:21. Patriots 33–30. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 1:29. Top passers NE – Tom Brady – 36/55, 328 yards, 3 TD, INT CHI – Jim Miller – 8/18, 72 yards, TD, INT Top rushers NE – Antowain Smith – 10 rushes, 41 yards CHI – Anthony Thomas – 21 rushes, 99 yards, TD Top receivers NE – Kevin Faulk – 7 receptions, 109 yards, 2 TD CHI – Marty Booker – 4 receptions, 65 yards

Week 10: New England Patriots at Chicago Bears

at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois

• Date: November 10, 2002
• Game time: 4:15 p.m.
• Game weather: Overcast, 60 °F (16 °C)
• Game attendance: 63,105
• Referee: Bob McElwee (95)
• TV: CBS
• Recap, Game Book

Week 11: at St. Louis Rams

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bears	0	6	7	3	16
Rams	7	7	0	7	21

Game information

First quarter STL – Ernie Conwell 1-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick), 10:05. Rams 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 4:55. Second quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 37-yard field goal, 14:10. Rams 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 66 yards, 6:59. CHI – Paul Edinger 48-yard field goal, 6:15. Rams 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 2:08. STL – Lamar Gordon 22-yard pass from Marc Bulger (Jeff Wilkins kick), 0:42. Rams 14–6. Drive: 4 plays, 81 yards, 0:46. Third quarter CHI – Anthony Thomas 13-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 9:23. Rams 14–13. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 5:37. Fourth quarter STL – Ricky Proehl 8-yard pass from Marc Bulger (Jeff Wilkins kick), 9:01. Rams 21–13. Drive: 10 plays, 82 yards, 5:14. CHI – Paul Edinger 50-yard field goal, 3:48. Rams 21–16. Drive: 6 plays, 32 yards, 3:04. Top passers CHI – Chris Chandler – 20/33, 157 yards STL – Marc Bulger – 21/35, 347 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers CHI – Anthony Thomas – 14 rushes, 61 yards, TD STL – Lamar Gordon – 16 rushes, 45 yards Top receivers CHI – Marty Booker – 7 receptions, 65 yards STL – Isaac Bruce – 6 receptions, 141 yards

Week 11: Chicago Bears at St. Louis Rams

at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

• Date: November 18, 2002
• Game time: 9:00 p.m.
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 66,250
• Referee: Gerry Austin (34)
• TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels, John Madden and Melissa Stark
• Recap, Game Book

Week 12: vs. Detroit Lions

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Lions	0	3	14	0	0	17
Bears	0	7	0	10	3	20

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter CHI – Marcus Robinson 3-yard pass from Chris Chandler (Paul Edinger kick), 13:42. Bears 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 14 yards, 2:18. DET – Jason Hanson 22-yard field goal, 5:46. Bears 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 74 yards, 5:42. Third quarter DET – Germane Crowell 1-yard pass from Joey Harrington (Jason Hanson kick), 5:09. Lions 10–7. Drive: 15 plays, 69 yards, 8:05. DET – James Stewart 23-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 2:38. Lions 17–7. Drive: 4 plays, 35 yards, 1:35. Fourth quarter CHI – Dez White 23-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 2:33. Lions 17–14. Drive: 12 plays, 91 yards, 3:46. CHI – Paul Edinger 22-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 17–17. Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 1:56. Overtime CHI – Paul Edinger 40-yard field goal, 8:58. Bears 20–17. Drive: 13 plays, 43 yards, 6:02. Top passers DET – Joey Harrington – 21/40, 213 yards, TD, INT CHI – Jim Miller – 21/35, 250 yards, TD Top rushers DET – James Stewart – 22 rushes, 85 yards, TD CHI – Anthony Thomas – 14 rushes, 40 yards Top receivers DET – Scotty Anderson – 5 receptions, 70 yards CHI – Marty Booker – 10 receptions, 157 yards

Week 12: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears

at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois

• Date: November 24, 2002
• Game time: 1:00 p.m.
• Game weather: Partly cloudy 45 °F (7 °C)
• Game attendance: 62,375
• Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
• TV announcers (FOX): Pat Summerall, Brian Baldinger and Dan Jiggetts
• Recap, Game Book

Week 13: at Green Bay Packers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bears	7	7	0	6	20
Packers	3	3	10	14	30

Game information

First quarter CHI – Dustin Lyman 12-yard pass from Brad Maynard (Paul Edinger kick), 2:31. Bears 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 18 yards, 1:14. GB – Ryan Longwell 21-yard field goal, 2:31. Bears 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 3:15. Second quarter CHI – Dustin Lyman 8-yard pass from Jim Miller (Paul Edinger kick), 5:20. Bears 14–3. Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 6:04. GB – Ryan Longwell 31-yard field goal, 1:03. Bears 14–6. Drive: 11 plays, 52 yards, 4:17. Third quarter GB – Bubba Franks 6-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 11:43. Bears 14–13. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 3:17. GB – Ryan Longwell 27-yard field goal, 1:05. Packers 16–14. Drive: 14 plays, 90 yards, 6:21. Fourth quarter GB – William Henderson 1-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 8:09. Packers 23–14. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 3:39. GB – Tony Fisher 2-yard run (Ryan Longwell kick), 1:10. Packers 30–14. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 2:11. CHI – Marcus Robinson 45-yard pass from Henry Burris (pass failed), 0:10. Packers 30–20. Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, 1:00. Top passers CHI – Jim Miller – 25/36, 191 yards, TD, INT GB – Brett Favre – 24/42, 221 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers CHI – Leon Johnson – 11 rushes, 46 yards GB – Tony Fisher – 17 rushes, 91 yards, TD Top receivers CHI – Dustin Lyman – 7 receptions, 58 yards, 2 TD GB – Donald Driver – 5 receptions, 65 yards

Week 13: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

• Date: December 1, 2002
• Game time: 1:00 pm
• Game weather: Cloudy, 23 °F (−5 °C)
• Game attendance: 64,196
• Referee: Ron Winter (14)
• TV: FOX
• Recap, Game Book

Week 14: at Miami Dolphins

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bears	3	0	3	6	12
Dolphins	7	7	7	6	27

Game information

First quarter MIA – Jed Weaver 5-yard pass from Jay Fiedler (Olindo Mare kick), 7:30. Dolphins 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 38 yards, 2:01. Second quarter MIA – Ricky Williams 15-yard run (Olindo Mare kick), 4:12. Dolphins 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 84 yards, 3:14. Third quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 52-yard field goal, 10:15. Dolphins 14–3. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 0:54. MIA – Ricky Williams 63-yard run (Olindo Mare kick), 9:16. Dolphins 21–3. Drive: 2 plays, 65 yards, 0:59. Fourth quarter MIA – Olindo Mare 23-yard field goal, 7:26. Dolphins 24–3. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:39. MIA – Olindo Mare 29-yard field goal, 5:41. Dolphins 27–3. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:31. CHI – Marty Booker 6-yard pass from Henry Burris (pass failed), 0:44. Dolphins 27–9. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 1:26. Top passers CHI – Chris Chandler – 7/17, 86 yards, 2 INT MIA – Jay Fiedler – 15/29, 196 yards, TD, INT Top rushers CHI – Henry Burris – 5 rushes, 52 yards MIA – Ricky Williams – 31 rushes, 216 yards, 2 TD Top receivers CHI – Marty Booker – 5 receptions, 46 yards, TD MIA – James McKnight – 4 receptions, 90 yards

Week 14: Chicago Bears at Miami Dolphins

at Pro Player Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: December 9, 2002
• Game time: 9:00 p.m.
• Game weather: Cloudy, 72 °F (22 °C)
• Game attendance: 73,609
• Referee: Ron Blum (7)
• TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels, John Madden and Melissa Stark
• Recap, Game Book

Week 15: vs. New York Jets

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets	0	0	10	3	13
Bears	0	10	7	3	20

Game information

Second quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 53-yard field goal, 8:30. Bears 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 26 yards, 3:23. CHI – Adrian Peterson 5-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 1:41. Bears 10–0. Drive: 11 plays, 67 yards, 5:23. Third quarter NYJ – Wayne Chrebet 5-yard pass from Chad Pennington (John Hall kick), 11:11. Bears 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 4:05. CHI – Leon Johnson 2-yard run (Paul Edinger kick), 7:42. Bears 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 63 yards, 3:36. NYJ – John Hall 42-yard field goal, 0:36. Bears 17–10. Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 7:06. Fourth quarter NYJ – John Hall 28-yard field goal, 7:26. Bears 17–13. Drive: 11 plays, 83 yards, 4:42. CHI – Paul Edinger 48-yard field goal, 2:44. Bears 20–13. Drive: 11 plays, 31 yards, 4:44. Top passers NYJ – Chad Pennington – 22/33, 207 yards, TD CHI – Chris Chandler – 22/27, 177 yards Top rushers NYJ – Curtis Martin – 21 rushes, 127 yards CHI – Leon Johnson – 14 rushes, 56 yards, TD Top receivers NYJ – Laveranues Coles – 5 receptions, 71 yards CHI – Marty Booker – 9 receptions, 62 yards

Week 15: New York Jets at Chicago Bears

at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois

• Date: December 15, 2002
• Game time: 1:00 pm
• Game weather: Partly Cloudy, 43 °F (6 °C)
• Game attendance: 62,226
• Referee: Mike Carey (94)
• TV: CBS
• Recap. Game Book

Week 16: at Carolina Panthers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bears	7	0	0	7	14
Panthers	0	21	0	3	24

Game information

First quarter CHI – Dez White 76-yard pass from Chris Chandler (Paul Edinger kick), 14:13. Bears 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 80 yards, 0:47. Second quarter CAR – Dee Brown 2-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), 12:12. Tied 7–7. Drive: 6 plays, 85 yards, 2:33. CAR – Dee Brown 1-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), 8:38. Panthers 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards, 0:51. CAR – Muhsin Muhammad 3-yard pass from Rodney Peete (Shayne Graham kick), 3:52. Panthers 21–7. Drive: 4 plays, 41 yards, 1:54. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter CHI – Dez White 5-yard pass from Henry Burris (Paul Edinger kick), 11:48. Panthers 21–14. Drive: 3 plays, 8 yards, 1:32. CAR – Shayne Graham 25-yard field goal, 5:16. Panthers 24–14. Drive: 4 plays, -1 yard, 2:08. Top passers CHI – Chris Chandler – 7/8, 113 yards, TD CAR – Rodney Peete – 18/35, 179 yards, TD Top rushers CHI – Leon Johnson – 16 rushes, 29 yards CAR – Dee Brown – 23 rushes, 55 yards, 2 TD Top receivers CHI – Dez White – 2 receptions, 81 yards, 2 TD CAR – Steve Smith Sr. – 4 receptions, 97 yards

Week 16: Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers

at Ericsson Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

• Date: December 22, 2002
• Game time: 1:00 pm
• Game weather: Sunny, 56 °F (13 °C)
• Game attendance: 72,602
• Referee: Terry McAulay (77)
• TV: FOX
• Recap, Game Book

Week 17: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	0	6	0	9	15
Bears	0	0	0	0	0

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter TB – Martin Gramatica 30-yard field goal, 3:22. Buccaneers 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 48 yards, 6:48. TB – Martin Gramatica 32-yard field goal, 0:02. Buccaneers 6–0. Drive: 5 plays, 20 yards, 0:58. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter TB – Martin Gramatica 33-yard field goal, 13:12. Buccaneers 9–0. Drive: 15 plays, 65 yards, 8:10. TB – Martin Gramatica 26-yard field goal, 7:01. Buccaneers 12–0. Drive: 10 plays, 40 yards, 6:04. TB – Martin Gramatica 33-yard field goal, 3:09. Buccaneers 15–0. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 0:25. Top passers TB – Rob Johnson – 16/25, 134 yards CHI – Henry Burris – 7/19, 78 yards, 4 INT Top rushers TB – Michael Pittman Sr. – 21 rushes, 90 yards CHI – Adrian Peterson – 7 rushes, 42 yards Top receivers TB – Keyshawn Johnson – 5 receptions, 41 yards CHI – Marty Booker – 4 receptions, 25 yards

Week 17: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears

at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois

• Date: December 29, 2002
• Game time: 8:30 pm
• Game weather: Partly Cloudy, 43 °F (6 °C)
• Game attendance: 55,832
• Referee: Bernie Kukar (86)
• TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann and Suzy Kolber
• Recap, Game Book

Standings

Division

NFC North
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
(3) Green Bay Packers	12	4	0	.750	5–1	9–3	398	328	L1
Minnesota Vikings	6	10	0	.375	4–2	5–7	390	442	W3
Chicago Bears	4	12	0	.250	2–4	3–9	281	379	L2
Detroit Lions	3	13	0	.188	1–5	3–9	306	451	L8

Conference

NFC v t e
#	Team	Division	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	SOS	SOV
Division leaders
1[a]	Philadelphia Eagles	East	12	4	0	.750	5–1	11–1	.469	.432
2[a][b]	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	South	12	4	0	.750	4–2	9–3	.482	.432
3[a][b]	Green Bay Packers	North	12	4	0	.750	5–1	9–3	.451	.414
4	San Francisco 49ers	West	10	6	0	.625	5–1	8–4	.504	.450
Wild Cards
5	New York Giants	East	10	6	0	.625	5–1	8–4	.482	.450
6	Atlanta Falcons	South	9	6	1	.594	4–2	7–5	.494	.429
Did not qualify for the postseason
7	New Orleans Saints	South	9	7	0	.563	3–3	7–5	.498	.566
8[c]	St. Louis Rams	West	7	9	0	.438	4–2	5–7	.508	.446
9[c]	Seattle Seahawks	West	7	9	0	.438	2–4	5–7	.506	.433
10[d]	Washington Redskins	East	7	9	0	.438	1–5	4–8	.527	.438
11[d]	Carolina Panthers	South	7	9	0	.438	1–5	4–8	.486	.357
12	Minnesota Vikings	North	6	10	0	.375	4–2	5–7	.498	.417
13[e]	Arizona Cardinals	West	5	11	0	.313	1–5	5–7	.500	.400
14[e]	Dallas Cowboys	East	5	11	0	.313	1–5	3–9	.500	.475
15	Chicago Bears	North	4	12	0	.250	2–4	3–9	.521	.430
16	Detroit Lions	North	3	13	0	.188	1–5	3–9	.494	.375
Tiebreakers[f]
Philadelphia finished ahead of Tampa Bay and Green Bay based on conference record (11–1 vs 9–3/9–3). Tampa Bay finished ahead of Green Bay based on head-to-head victory. St. Louis finished ahead of Seattle based on division record (4–2 to 2–4). Washington finished ahead of Carolina based on common games (2–3 to 1–4) Arizona finished ahead of Dallas based on head-to-head victory. When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.