Bears vs. Lions: Final Grades and Analysis for Chicago
Published by Ross Read on September 29, 2013
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Jay Cutler‘s four turnovers, coupled with a huge day from Reggie Bush, put the Chicago Bears in a hole they were not able to climb out of against the Detroit Lions.
Final Score
Bears: 32
Lions: 40
Final Analysis
Passing Offense: Jay Cutler seemed to revert back to his old, inconsistent ways in this game. He was off the mark much too often, and four turnovers on the road isn’t going to win you many games.
Passing Defense: Matthew Stafford didn’t have a big game but he didn’t need to. It was nice to see Julius Peppers step up and have a good game, but the Bears still struggled to cover down the middle of the field.
Rushing Offense: For the second straight week, Matt Forte‘s numbers were highlighted by a big run. It would have been nice to see him get more than 14 carries. Michael Bush didn’t get a carry at all.
Rushing Defense: Reggie Bush had over 100 yards by halftime and finished the game averaging over seven yards a carry. It was a terrible effort by the defense against the run.
Special Teams: The Bears lost the battle of field position. Adam Podlesh struggled and Devin Hester never got going in the return game.
Coaching: Poor game plan against Reggie Bush by the coaching staff. They should have known he was going to be a big staple in the offense this week. Misdirection was supposed to be a big part of the offense, but it was abandoned way too early.
First-Half Analysis
Passing Offense: Too many poor decisions and passes by Jay Cutler. He looked sharp on the first drive but was not good after that. He came back with a nice throw to Alshon Jeffery before the half.
Passing Defense: No big plays from Calvin Johnson, but too many holes in the middle of the field for Matthew Stafford to throw. There still needs to be more of a pass rush from the ends.
Rushing Offense: The yards virtually came from two big running plays by Matt Forte and Alshon Jeffery. The Bears are really struggling to sustain any type of running game.
Rushing Defense: One of the worst efforts in a half in quite some time. Reggie Bush has been able to do anything he wants on the ground.
Special Teams: Adam Podlesh has had some poor punts that have really cost the Bears field position. Devin Hester was lucky he didn’t lose the ball on one particular kickoff return.
Coaching: Marc Trestman found success with misdirection plays on offense, and then he abandoned them. The defense has been gashed in every way up the middle. The Bears look unprepared against the Lions.
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