Brandon Marshall really wanted to see the football more.
It came his way plenty Thursday night.
Brandon Marshall desperately needed a Bears victory.
He helped provide it.
With a pair of glowing green cleats and two crowd pleasing touchdown catches Marshall lit the wick for Week 6 in the NFL catalyzing a 27 21 defeat of the Giants at Soldier Field.
After several days of Marshall mood checks and nonstop debate around Chicago about the mercurial receiver's true intentions and vacillating feelings Thursday became a showcase of Marshall's elite skills.
His athleticism was obvious on his first catch a leaping 20 yard grab over Antrel Rolle.
His first touchdown was an all too easy 10 yarder Marshall gliding past Rolle and finding plenty of room in the middle of the end zone.
You don't get those layups like that very often quarterback Jay Cutler said. That was one of the easier ones he'll have all year.
Added Marshall Versus that coverage that's a play we like.
Later in the first half Marshall showed strength and awareness separating from cornerback Terrell Thomas to snatch a 3 yard back shoulder touchdown toss from Jay Cutler near the right sideline.
The receivers' final numbers nine catches 87 yards two scores.
That along with being targeted a team high 11 times ought to be enough to quell his frustrations for a while. It should help lift the spirits of an entire locker room even if the victory featured far more survival than dominance against an obviously inferior opponent.
After dispiriting losses to the Lions and Saints the Bears knew they had to be sharp against a Giants squad that came to town winless and reeling. Must win was too strong a label. But shouldn't lose had to be in the conversation.
Lance Briggs was asked how much different the emotions in Chicago might have been if the Bears had let a double digit halftime lead evaporate instead of pulling out a victory ugly as it sometimes was.
I have a smile on my face Briggs said. That's the big difference.
The Bears have 10 days before they meet the Redskins in Washington to soak in the relief of a performance that included 372 yards of offense and three key takeaways.
Jay Cutler's night (24 for 36 262 yards) was equally encouraging particularly because it was sack and turnover free.
The Bears got back on the winning track in large part because of Marshall's productivity. But they certainly had help from a Giants squad that's creating its own problems.
The night's first score came courtesy of a 48 yard Tim Jennings interception return a play the cornerback made when Giants quarterback Eli Manning and receiver Rueben Randle had a clear disconnect.
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