Third-quarter impressions from the Bears-Rams game today at Soldier Field, where the Bears led 17-6 entering the final period:
** It was important that the Bears' defense hold the Rams without points on the first possession of the third quarter, given the Rams had enjoyed a momentum shift at the end of the first half.
** You hate to see Devin Hester limp off the field with a calf injury. He's played better than his numbers show. But if Hester can't play, it should give the Bears some opportunities to play Devin Aromashodu more. And if he can't play in future games, maybe Juaquin Iglesias can get in a game.
** How many times this year have the Bears had a big return brought back by a penalty? Happened again today with Adrian Peterson getting called on what could have been a 68-yard kick return by Johnny Knox.
** Good to see Kahlil Bell getting some chances today. He has some potential. Young guys should be getting more time in this game than they are.
** Scoring a touchdown instead of settling for a field goal at the end of the quarter was big for the Bears. It gave them a little breathing room going into quarter four. Now they can run the ball, eat the clock and finish off the Rams.
** Earl Bennett's first career touchdown was a long time coming.
Photo: Johnny Knox gets an interference call in his favor on this play with St. Louis' Quincy Butler. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Tribune)
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