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:

• Cutler was bad, awful. In my opinion, Cutler played worse in this game than he did against the 49ers. His accuracy was as bad as I have seen. He was overthrowing his targets all night, literally. I saw him overthrow a ball in warmups and his last throw of the night, a bobbled pass to Olsen, was way too high. Cutler missed open receivers behind the defense on three separate throws, all three would have been touchdowns. He overthrew Olsen and Hester early in the game on back to back plays in the endzone on what looked like identical routes. Later on Cutler overthrew Johnny Knox on a deep route, Knox had several steps on the nearest defender. On the positive side, Cutlers decision-making seemed improved, he simply wasn't making the throws. Jay absolutely must get his mechanics under control and improve his accuracy, the Bears are going to need a big game from him this week.
• The defense got 3 turnovers against Philadelphia, including two forced fumble by Charles Tillman. The unit is going to have to take the ball away from what has become a very potent Vikings Offense. In his last six games against Chicago, Favre has thrown more touchdowns to the Bears (3) than his own team (2) as well as another ten interceptions. If that trend continues, Chicago just might have a chance this week, but don't hold your breath Favre is having the best season of his career with 21 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions.
• Ron Turner will not give up on his ridiculous attempts at wide receiver screens. I don't know what else to say; they are absolutely worthless plays. On the bright side...maybe it will help usher in the post-Turner era.
• Chicago only allowed one big passing play to Philly, but that was one too many. The Bears will need to play disciplined, nearly flawless defense to contain the explosive Minnesota passing game.
• The Bears did not play very well against the run last week. Peterson may be questionable, but against this offensive line, Chicago needs to play the run tough.
• I wouldn't make too much of Khalil Bell's big day. Minus his 71 yard run, Bell averaged only 3 ypc. Still, maybe being outperformed by Bell will give Forte some extra motivation. I can't help but wonder why Chicago hasn't been using Adrian Peterson on offense.
• The pass protection seemed improved, Cutler was only sacked once and was pressured less than he is accustomed to. The offensive line, especially Orlando Pace, will need to play lights-out against an impressive Vikings front seven.

If you read this blog, you know that I considered the Bears playoff hopes dashed when they lost to San Francisco two weeks ago. While Chicago isn't mathematically eliminated from the playoff race, their chances have only gotten slimmer as they have continued to pile up the losses. With only four wins, Chicago essentially has to run the table to make the playoffs. Considering tiebreakers, I find it unlikely that Chicago will win a wildcard berth with less than ten wins. If the Bears are able to upset the Vikings they will be able to keep games meaningful. I wouldn't bet on it.