THEWEEK THATWAS

Some weeks are better than others for the Bears:

Goodweek

Backup tackle Bradley Sowell entered the game at left guard and Cody Whitehair moved to center when Hroniss Grasu hurt his right hand after only 14 plays Sunday. Behind their blocking, Jordan Howard ran for 138 yards— the secondmost of his career— and Tarik Cohen for 78 more.

‘‘ He’s a tough dude, and he is fearless,’’ guard Kyle Long said of Sowell. ‘‘ And he is a throwback offensive lineman. He can play any number of positions on the offensive line— tackle or guard— and he’s done so for us on short notice at the drop of a hat.’’

Badweek

Cornerback Marcus Cooper’s slow-down- andfumble play was so stupid, it should win the award every week for the rest of the season. But it wasn’t the Bears’ only mistake Sunday. They fumbled five times but lost the ball only once. That’s called lucky.

‘‘ I don’t believe in ugly wins,’’ coach John Fox said. ‘‘ Whatever it takes to win.’’

Bestweek

Had Lyons alum Jake Elliott not kicked the Eagles’ game- winning 61- yard field goal Sunday, Sherrick McManis would be the favorite to win NFC specialteams player of the week after recovering a muffed punt and blocking a field goal.

‘‘ I think the kid has great effort all the time, regardless of what his job description is— whether it’s covering a punt or blocking a PAT or field goal,’’ Fox said. ‘‘ He’s got good speed and has good explosion and acceleration, and that permits him to do that.’’