Bears Survive the Lime Green Pacific Northwest

It is a win.  Every win in the NFL is tough, especially on the road at the loudest stadium in the league.  However, the 2-1 Bears have a lot to get done if they want to win the very competitive NFC North.

It all starts with the offensive line.  The big guys need to improve in a hurry.  It is amazing how difficult any type of rushing yard is to come by.  A four yard run now feels like 40.  I keep waiting for Matt Forte to bust a big one.  Against the Seahawks, Chicago rushed 28 times for 85 yards.  That is only 3.0 yards per carry.  That has to change soon.

Then there is the protection issue.  Jay Cutler has so little time before the pocket collapses.  As soon as Cutler gets the snap, here come several players in those insane neon green uniforms to swarm him.  Watching the Sunday Night game between the Colts and Cardinals, I wondered how nice it must be for Peyton Manning to have so much time to throw.  Peyton is pump faking, looking off the safeties…Cutler barely has time to set his feet and throw. 

I still have major issues with Ron Turner’s play calling.  There is just so little creativity.  There is no question that the Bears were trying to re-establish the running game against Seattle.  I totally agree with that gameplan, however, it became so predictable.  The stretch running play to the outside didn’t work one time.  I would have liked to see more play action on first down.  That would give Cutler more time to throw, and it would keep the playcalling less predictable. 

Credit the defense for keeping the Seahawks out of the endzone.  Besides the miserable attempt on the 3rd and 19 screen pass for a score, the defense kept Seattle to kicking field goals.  Seneca Wallace neutralized the Bears great pass rush by escaping out of the pocket and making plays.  Chicago might have been better with the much less mobile Matt Hasselbeck.   Bottom line:  when the banged up defense needed a stop to win the game, they came through. 

Cutler played great.  His accuracy and quick throws beat the Seahawks pass rush.  He finished 21-27 for 247 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception.  The first touchdown was pretty amazing.  He had no time to throw the ball.  As soon as he turned to pass, Cutler got crushed, yet still got the ball up over the defense to a wide open Greg Olsen.  If that 4th down and goal pass is incomplete, it is hard to say if the Bears win the game.

I felt pretty confident on the game-winning drive.  I just wanted a touchdown and not a field goal, which would force Seattle to go the distance.  Devin Hester made a great catch in traffic and scored from 36 yards out.  Hester had a couple of really tough catches. 

Once again, the Bears score at the end of each half.  I wish Chicago would come out in that quick-paced offense throughout the game.  Cutler thrives in those situations.

I really thought this game was going to be an easy one for the Bears.  Nope, three straight weeks of yelling at the TV.  I was at my in-laws in Kansas City.  I tried so hard to just relax and enjoy the game.  No chance, I just cannot do it.  I will be at the Lions game.  Maybe it will be easier being at Soldier Field than in front of a TV! 

BEAR DOWN!

Photos Courtesy in Order:

AP/Elaine Thompson
AP Photo/John Froschauer
Brian Cassella, Chicago Tribune

Comments

[BearFan51]

Good article!

Great points about time in the pocket, and play calling.