Chicago Bears: A Kicker’s Nightmare?
Published by TAB BAMFORD on September 28, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Two weeks, two wins, four missed field goals.
Thus is life for the Chicago Bears.
After an absolute disaster in Week One at Lambeau Field, the Bears have now won consecutive games in large part because their opponents’ kickers have failed.
In the Bears’ home opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago won by just three points after the Steelers missed two field goals. On Sunday, the Bears won by six after Seattle’s Olindo Mare missed two field goals of his own.
Do I sense a trend?
Probably not. To expect missed field goals would be a little naive at this point in the season. Indeed, the fact that it’s happened in favor of the Bears in consecutive games is odd to say the least.
There do appear to be some developing trends for this Bears team, though—and they appear to be good trends.
Jay Cutler led a game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter for a second consecutive week and put the Bears in position to win against Green Bay despite his own miserable performance. He’s proving to be worth everything the Bears traded for him.
Rookie receiver Johnny Knox caught another touchdown pass and continues to emerge as a key contributor to the Bears’ pass-happy offense. The sweet irony is that Knox was selected in the fifth round this year with a pick the Bears received from Denver with Cutler.
Devin Hester was very impressive Sunday. His hands, which had been questioned in the past, now appear to be solid, and he’s running good routes. He might justify GM Jerry Angelo giving him a contract to become a receiver after all.
The Bears defense continues to get stops. They did a good job against Pittsburgh last week and made the plays they needed to against Seattle. In fact, if you take away Nathan “I Should Have Been Cut in August” Vasher’s busted coverage on Greg Jennings, the Bears defense played exceptionally well against Green Bay as well.
The only developing trend that causes some concern is the Bears’ offensive line continuing to struggle with run blocking. Matt Forte played a bigger role in the offense against Seattle, accumulating 40 receiving yards and running for over 50, but there continues to be too much penetration on run plays.
Next week the Bears will try to stop the Detroit Lions’ winning streak at one game. Smart money says don’t bet on Jason Hanson to make all of his field goals.
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