New look on O-line

An injury to Orlando Pace helped usher in a change that some thought should have happened weeks ago; Chris Williams has taken over at left tackle. Kevin Shaffer will fill in on the right side, where is was originally brought in to play. With Omiyale reclaiming the left guard posisition, this line will look like many anticipated prior to the Pace signing. While there is not much left to be positive about this season, there is always hope that this new lineup shows some potential.

Eagles - Bears Recap and Looking Forward

By now you all know the outcome of last weeks game so I won't take to much time recapping. Here are a few thoughts and observations relating to the Eagles game and tomorrows matchup in Minnesota:

Update

I haven't posted in a while because the last Bears loss made me sick, literally. The minute I got out of the car after driving home from watching the game I fell ill and was practically bedridden for several days. I am currently in the process of recovering and trying to catch up with all my school work.

I will try to get a preview post up before I leave for fall break... and the Bears, Eagles game! I will be watching the game in person Sunday and then be out of town the rest of the week, so I can't make any promises about posting. Though I will do my best.

Cutler Throws the Game away

Five interceptions by Rex Grossman Jay Cutler, sealed the fate of the Chicago Bears and wasted a dominant defensive performance.

Both red zone attempts ended in interceptions, ridiculous interceptions. Despite triple coverage, Cutler refused to target anyone other than Greg Olsen in the red zone. On several of the picks, some of the blame could be shifted away from Cutler, but anytime you turn the ball over FIVE TIMES you are responsible for the loss. Cutler ended the game with a passer rating of 33.6 while completing 29 of 52 passes for just over 300 yards; that is a bad game by any standard. Turnovers weren't their only problem, Chicago also had ten penalties for 75 yards.

Bears Within a Point

Chicago stopped a 4th down attempt, leading to another Gould field goal. Chicago 6, San Fran 7.

The defense forced the 49ers to punt again, Bears have another chance to take the lead.

Chicago's defense has played very well so far, limiting San Fran to 135 yards.

Halftime

Chicago 3, San Francisco 7

Chicago outplayed the 9ers for most of the half, but San Fran took advantage of their mistakes, unlike the Bears.

Chicago had several major blunders:

1. Cutler's first INT was ridiculous and inexcusable. He tried to force a pass to Olsen who was triple-covered. It landed right in the arms of a defensive lineman.
2. Blame for the second INT rests solely on Hesters shoulders. Had he not fallen, it would have been a safe pass. He already has a holding penalty in the game.
3. The coaching staff almost costed the Bears a field goal when they failed to call a timeout to avoid the delay of game penalty. Inexcusable

Other Notes

• Forte has run the ball 13 times for 37 yards. Beekman has made notable blocks on several plays.
• Chicago has failed to take advantage of Clemens' absence.
• Screen passes have been very succesful. Forte has 5 catches for 57 yards, leading the team.
• Olsen has been a presence, though almost all of his catches came on one drive.
• The defense gave up after Cutler's 2nd INT. No one watching doubted the 9ers would get in the endzone after that play. Hopefully that doesn't continue.

Succesful (barely) 2 minute drill

Cutler lead the Bears into field goal range but ran out of time. Gould hit his first attempt, but it was nullified by a delay of game penalty. Gould was good again after the penalty. 7-3 San Francisco