Cutler's efforts not enough as Bears close season with home loss to Lions

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It's clear what one of the Bears' top goals will be next season: Win at home.

The Bears finished the 2015 regular season with a 24-20 loss to the Detroit Lions, ensuring a 1-7 finish at Soldier Field in John Fox's first year as head coach.

The Bears (6-10) were playing catch-up all day as Matthew Stafford and the Lions (7-9) marched downfield on the game's opening drive for a touchdown.

Slow starts have plagued the Bears all season and Week 17 was no different. They did not get on the scoreboard until the middle of the third quarter, when Robbie Gould connected on a 49-yard field goal.

The Bears looked as if they were going to have a chance to pick up a score on their first drive of the game, too, but Jay Cutler's pass in the endzone tipped off Cameron Meredith's hands and into the waiting arms of Lions safety James Ihedigbo.

Cutler also threw an interception right before halftime when his arm was hit, setting up a 59-yard field goal from Lions kicker Matt Prater as time expired in the first half.

The Bears' hopes were dashed on Cutler's final interception on the first play out of the two-minute warning when he was hit by Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah and the ball floated into the hands of Detroit safety Glover Quin.

The Lions picked up a first down on the ensuing drive before settling into victory formation and winding down the clock.

Working without his top five receiving options (Alshon Jeffery, Eddie Royal, Marquess Wilson, Zach Miller and Martellus Bennett), Cutler played some inspired football despite the three interceptions, executing the gameplan rather well in what may be offensive coordinator Adam Gase's last game in Chicago.

Cutler worked with Marc Mariani (6 catches, 80 yards), Josh Bellamy (3 rec, 49 yds, TD), Deonte Thompson (1 rec, 45 yds) and third-string tight end Rob Housler (2 rec, 18 yds) while also utilizing Matt Forte out of the backfield.

Forte scored on a 23-yard touchdown pass from Cutler, making for a nice moment in what is likely the star running back's final game with the Bears. Forte shared a touching minute with the Soldier Field faithful, who gave the veteran a standing ovation after crossing the goal line.

Forte also finished with 76 yards rushing on 17 carries plus 34 yards on three catches.

Cutler ended his day with 245 passing yards to go with the two touchdowns and three interceptions and a rating of 97.5.

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