Bears vs. Browns 2013 final score: Jay Cutler triumphant in return as Chicago wins 38-31

After a pair of early picks, Jay Cutler settled in for the Chicago Bears as they beat the Cleveland Browns, 38-31, in Cutler's return from injury on Sunday.

Bears coach Mark Trestman made the controversial decision to start Cutler instead of Josh McCown, who led Chicago to three wins while filling in for an injured Cutler during the last month and a half. That decision looked as though it would backfire early after two early picks put the Bears in 10-3 hole, but Cutler bounced back to finish with 265 yards and three touchdowns.

Cutler's day got off to a bad start when he threw a redzone interception on his first possession of the game. On just his fourth attempt, he attempted to fit a pass into double coverage and had it tipped and intercepted in the endzone by Tashaun Gipson.

The Bears would return the favor with an almost identical play early in the third quarter when Zack Bowman picked off Jason Campbell and raced 43 yards down the sideline to give the Bears a 17-10 lead.

The Browns then answered with a 14-0 run. Edwin Baker found the endzone on a two-yard rush, then T.J. Ward picked up a Chicago fumble and raced 51 yards for a defensive touchdown to put Cleveland up, 24-17.

Cutler really began to hit his stride in the fourth quarter, leading the Bears to touchdowns on three consecutive drives to pull away late. The comeback began when Alshon Jeffery climbed the ladder to haul in a 45-yard pass early in the quarter to tie the game at 24.

Cutler then found Earl Bennett on a four-yard score to take the lead. Michael Bush put the game way with a 40-yard run to take a two touchdown lead with just over three minutes remaining.

The Browns pulled back to within seven with just over a minute left when Josh Gordon busted loose for a 43-yard touchdown.

Cutler's strong play led to big days for two of his receivers. Brandon Marshall had six grabs for 95 yards and touchdown while Jeffery caught five passes for 72 yards and a touchdown. Matt Forte rushed 24 times for 127 yards, but failed to find the endzone.

Cleveland Browns travel to the New York Jets at 1 p.m. ET next Sunday, and the Bears travel to Philadelphia for an 8:30 p.m. ET game with the Eagles.