Bears Blitz

Published by Nathan Venegas on November 8, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The Bears show fire but not in time to stop the Cardinals.

It seems like the inconsistent play that plagued the Bears last season is alive and well this season. The Bears haven’t been able to have a balanced three phase game all season.  

The defense was essentially non-existent as it was pushed up and down the field at will by the Cardinals offense.  

Kurt Warner was given time in the pocket and carved up the Bears secondary much like Carson Palmer did a few weeks ago.

The lack of pass rush, even with blitzes, left the Bears corner backs on an island with the Arizona receiving corps who even without Anquan Boldin are amongst the best in the league.

Larry Fitzgerald had a big day despite being in a physical battle with Charles Tillman in the first half. Peanut would later leave the game due to injury.

We were reminded that the Cardinals do in fact have tight ends as Ben Patrick and Anthony Becht  both caught touchdown passes when the Bears had Fitzgerald covered.

The attention given to the passing game left the middle of the line open for the Cardinal running backs Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells who ran for 70+ yards a piece.

The news wasn’t all bad for the Bears as the offense was able to move the ball fairly consistently and even scored on their opening drive.

Since the Bears trailed almost from the start the running game was abandoned leaving Forte with 33 yards on five carries. Had the Bears been able to stop a few drives we may have seen Forte have a big day.  

Bears tight end Greg Olsen had five receptions for 71 yards and three touchdowns and was one of the few bight spots on the game.

The others being Devin Hester and Earl Bennett who combined for 13 receptions for 187 yards and show continued growth and continuity with Jay Cutler.  

The offense looked pretty good on the whole but the defense was carved up for the second time this season.

The Good: Jay Cutler. Some mental errors and rough penalties cost the Bears a couple series in the first half but Cutler still threw for 369 yards, three touchdowns and only one pick.

The Bad: Defense. The Bears defense hemorrhaged yards and points throughout the entire first half. What’s most disheartening is that it wasn’t missed assignments or trick plays but rather that the Bear defenders were outplayed on almost every play.

The Ugly: Tommie Harris. After being benched by Lovie Smith for not practicing Harris gets into trouble by slugging the opponent. Call me old fashioned but if you’re a big money player on a team that isn’t playing well shouldn’t you be on your best behavior?

The Difference: Pass rush. The Bears couldn’t get in Kurt Warner’s face enough to disrupt his timing and even when the coverage was good Warner was patient and able to find the open player regardless if it was Fitzgerald or the oft-forgotten Arizona tight ends.

Five Questions

What does Earl Bennett have to do to get a touchdown?

Who was expecting Lovie Smith to pull a Denny Green?

How about we trade Tommie Harris to Oakland for a couple draft picks?

How much have injuries really played a part in the Bears season?

How many of you were hoping for a “Bear Weather” day?

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