Bears-Eagles: Chicago Loses Hope and Game to Philadelphia
Published by Nathan Venegas on November 23, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Bears kept it close but couldn’t put away the Eagles.
The offense played conservatively and even showed some spark in the running game with the addition of Kahlil Bell, who looks like he’s going to make the most of his opportunity.
Jay Cutler couldn’t find a rhythm and missed several wide-open receivers on passes that could have changed the momentum of the game.
Matt Forte continued to struggle thanks in part to poor offensive line play, and Greg Olsen was held in check.
All in all, a disappointing performance by the Bears offense, who needed a win to boost their confidence.
The Bear defense looked good for the second week in a row.
They were beat by some of the young Eagle playmakers a few times but for the most part kept the game close.
Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman played up to their potential and helped set the example for some of the younger Bear defenders.
When your team is 4-6, you have to take pride in the little things they do right.
With this loss the Bears need to hunker down and prepare for next season.
The Good: Defensive intensity
They gave up some big plays, but they also created turnovers and were flying to the football trying to make plays. The effort alone is something we haven’t seen at all times this season. Extra props to Tillman for forcing a few fumbles halting Eagle drives.
The Bad: Run defense
The Eagles ran for 157 yards, including a 34-yard dash by Michael Vick. The Bears’ defensive line didn’t play poorly; the Eagles were simply more physical.
The Ugly: Cutler missing open receivers
Opportunities down the field have been few and far between this season, and Cutler whiffed on three touchdown passes and a potential first down to Earl Bennett in the second half. That simply cannot happen.
The Difference: Third down conversions
The Eagles went a shade under 50 percent, and the Bears went 3-for-16. Penalties and bad play calls forced a few third and long situations that they couldn’t convert. There were also some third and short situations they couldn’t convert due to their lack of a consistent running game.
Five Questions
Did you appreciate Donovan McNabb giving Cutler a pep talk at the end of the game?
Should we petition Ron Turner to get Bennett a touchdown?
Was that Anthony Adams tumbling off the field?
Do you think Cutler is handcuffed by the Bears’ offensive style?
Are you disappointed when you see Olsen get outmuscled by a defensive back?
Read more Chicago Bears news on BleacherReport.com
