For much of the way, the Chicago Bears struggled on third down in Sunday night's 40-23 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Coach Marc Trestman's offense converted just 3 of 12 opportunities before Bears quarterback Jay Cutler caught fire in the final quarter.
Facing third-and-10 at the Chicago 26, Cutler tucked the ball and galloped for 12 yards. Clearly beyond the first-down marker, Cutler -- instead of sliding -- capped his run by charging full speed into Steelers cornerback Robert Golden with his right (throwing) shoulder.
A gritty move, but one that put Cutler in harm's way. The quarterback was asked Monday if he regrets lowering the boom.
"No, I don't," Cutler told WMVP-AM, via CSN Chicago. "I know what I'm doing out there, but thanks for your concern, I appreciate it ... But I have to play the game and that's how I sometimes have to play the game. Sorry, I'm not sorry."
Said Cutler: "We needed a first down. We were struggling in the second half with third downs, and we had to make something happen."
The Bears did exactly that. Cutler went on to complete a 41-yard strike to Brandon Marshall on third-and-12 before hitting Earl Bennett for a 17-yard touchdown on third-and-5 that built a 34-23 lead Chicago never lost.
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