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

Cutler's second INT of the game was caused by a big Hester blunder. He was on his face as the ball was coming his way; the pass hit the defender in the numbers and was returned deep into Bears territory. Frank Gore ran in the touchdown.

Defense Showing Up

Zack Bowman intercepted a deep pass from Alex Smith, Bears ball.

Marcus Harrison recorded a sack on the drive.

Another Red Zone TO

The Bears red zone woes continue. After driving the field, Cutler throws an INT from the 2 yard line.

The offense moved the ball very well on the drive, Greg Olsen was especially impressive with almost 50 yards on the drive.

Where's the Offense?

Another 3 and out by Chicago. They have 9 yards passing and 1 yard rushing on two possessions.

Harris shows up.

Harris gets a sack on 3rd down to force San Francisco to kick a field goal. Nedney missed the 39 yard attempt.

Walk the Walk

Vernon Davis made his first step to back up his talk from earlier this week, running through Nick Roach. Roach was injured on the play.

Bears Not off to a good start

The Bears received the kickoff and promptly punted.


But seriously, Cutler went 2 of three for four yards. Forte caught both passes.

Bears Must Win

With their only win in the last three games coming against the lowly Cleveland Browns, Chicago faces a must-win game in San Francisco on Thursday. The Bears defense is reeling after allowing Cincinnati to score on their first seven drives a few weeks ago and the Cardinals scored on their first six last week. Chicago is giving up an average of 43 points per game against opponents who aren't the Browns over the last three weeks. The scary part is that not only have the Bears been getting dominated in the passing game, but their normally solid run defense has been bad lately too.

Critical Stretch at Home

The Chicago Bears are 4-3. They have been frustratingly inconsistent. We have seen flashes of why Jerry Angelo went and got Jay Cutler; we have also seen why Josh McDaniels didn't consider him invaluable. The defense has had some brilliant stints despite major injuries; we have seen Lovie Smith field a defense that had no business being on an NFL field. What we haven't seen is the Chicago Bears play a solid game.

Cardinals Come to Town

The week 9 matchup between the Chicago Bears host the Arizona Cardinals game features two very inconsistent teams that still find themselves above .500 and in the playoff race halfway through the season. It all depends on which teams show up.

Walter Payton Highlights

A Walter Payton highlight video from chicagobears.com, commemorating the greatest football player to ever play the game. No matter how many highlights I watch, they never cease to amaze me. Enjoy.