NFL Recap (Baltimore-Chicago)
Posted: Sun December 20, 1998 at 5:32 p.m. EST
CHICAGO 24, BALTIMORE 3
CHICAGO (Ticker) -- James Allen, making his
first career start, rushed for 163 yards and a touchdown and the Chicago Bears frustrated Jim Harbaugh in his return
to Soldier Field en route to a 24-3 pounding of the Baltimore Ravens.
Allen, in his second year out of Oklahoma, was playing in place of Edgar Bennett, who is
sidelined with a knee injury. He carried 23 times to become the first Bear
to top the 100-yard mark since Raymont Harris had 116
against Tampa Bay on November 23rd, 1997.
"Not getting drafted and being on the practice squad for two years
made today great," Allen said. "Walking down the hotel hallway last night
I had a huge smile on my face because I knew today something big was going
to happen."
"We should have played him (Allen) more, of course, but the running
back situation with (Curtis) Enis and Bennett just did not permit it,"
Bears coach Dave Wannstedt said. "Allen showed some great things out there
today, and hey, it's better late than never."
Robert Chancey also rushed for a score and Steve Stenstrom and Curtis Conway hooked up on
a 16-yard TD for the Bears (4-11), who broke a six-game losing streak.
Chicago, which had been winless since a victory at Tennessee in Week Eight,
hosts rival Green Bay in its season finale next Sunday.
Harbaugh, who played for the Bears from 1987-93 and is their
second-leading all-time passer, completed 20-of-35 passes for 185 yards and
was picked off once. Baltimore was held to its lowest point total since
being blanked, 37-0, by Pittsburgh in Week 11 last season.
"It was pretty disappointing. We really stunk it up and I didn't
expect it," Harbaugh said. "I wasn't paying much attention to the crowd.
There are a lot of fans that like me but some hate me. But I knew that
going in. It (Solider Field) is a special place to play. It seemed like a
long time ago. But today the Bears just outplayed us."
The Ravens (5-10) suffered their third consecutive defeat and conclude
the season next week against Detroit.
The 5-10, 215-pound Allen did most of his damage in the first half,
gaining 130 yards on just 11 carries as the Bears raced to a 24-0 lead. Jeff Jaeger's 20-yard field
goal just under 10 minutes into the game capped a nine-play, 55-yard drive
and opened the scoring before the Bears offense exploded in the second
quarter.
Allen busted free for a 57-yard run to the Ravens' 1-yard line early
in the second quarter and the Bears rewarded him by giving him the ball for
a one-yard TD plunge. He set up the Chicago's next score, Stenstrom's
16-yard strike to Conway, by breaking free for a 54-yard gain to the
Baltimore 16.
Stenstrom was 19-of-28 for 202 yards without an interception for the
Bears, while Conway hauled in five passes for 83 yards and Bobby Engram totaled 35
yards on three receptions.
The Bears' best drive of the game came as the clock was winding down
in the first half, as they marched 82 yards in 11 plays. On 3rd-and-8 from
the Ravens' 11, Stenstrom scrambled for an eight-yard pickup and moments
later Chancey barreled his way for a four-yard score.
"We didn't play Raven football in the first half," said Baltimore
coach Ted Marchibroda. "That's as bad as we've played since I've been
here. The Chicago Bears could do whatever they wanted to do. Our
offensive line is beat up and its tough because then you have to throw all
the time."
Baltimore got its only points 3:30 into the third quarter when Matt Stover connected on a
27-yard field goal.
Michael Jackson
caught seven passes for 72 yards for the Ravens, whose running game was
completely shut down. Baltimore managed just 22 yards on the ground, with
Priest Holmes carrying
11 times for 17 yards.
"Today's win was a credit to all our players," Wannstedt added. "We
didn't turn the ball over for two weeks in a row now, that's a real
positive. I think today showed what this team can do when we hold onto the
ball."
© 1998 Sportsticker Enterprises, LP
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