Bears Stuck in the Mud Against Broncos, 13-3

The Denver Broncos’ defense did the dirty work Saturday on a rainy, muddy day at Soldier Field. The Broncos (9-5) intercepted three passes and fell on two fumbles in soiling another performance by the Chicago Bears’ ineffective offense.

“We had to play their kind of game because of the weather,” Denver Coach Wade Phillips said after a 13-3 victory improved the Broncos’ playoff chances.

“It just shows that we can play any kind of game,” Phillips said.

Chicago backup quarterback Peter Tom Willis, starting for Jim Harbaugh, who has a bruised right hand, never got a grip--on the ball or the game--during a miserable afternoon at Soldier Field.

He completed 14 of 29 passes with three interceptions and also fumbled to set up Denver’s only touchdown, a go-ahead score late in the first half.

“I turned the ball over four times. I had the opportunity and I didn’t take advantage of it,” Willis said. “I’m sorry we lost, I didn’t help us.”

Bear Coach Dave Wannstedt said Harbaugh could have played and he talked about using him after the Bears fell behind, 10-3, at the half and again late in the game should Chicago have needed a two-minute drive.

“The main thing was the turnovers. We’ve got to make some plays down the field,” Wannstedt said, announcing that Harbaugh would return as the starter next week against Detroit, a game the Bears (7-7) must win to stay alive.

“We’re wounded badly in the playoff hunt,” Wannstedt said. “But we’re not out of it yet.”

Denver’s Rod Bernstine gained 103 yards in 20 carries, becoming the first back to rush for more than 100 yards against the Bears this season. After Mike Croel’s fumble recovery, Bernstine’s 15-yard run set up one-yard touchdown run by Robert Delpino that gave the Broncos a 10-3 lead.

“The field was horrible,” Bernstine said. “It was like wet dirt, as bad I’ve played on since high school.”