Bears Blitz

Published by Jon Snowdon on September 22, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Robbie Gould’s kick with 15 seconds left sealed the fate of the defending champions and washed the bad taste of last week’s 21-15 loss to Green Bay out of the Bears’ mouths.

The Bears improved in every facet of the game in week two—whether it was Jay Cutler throwing two touchdowns and no interceptions, or the defense getting a takeaway in a crucial point of the game. Even special teams played well, with the aforementioned Gould booting the game-winner, along with the fumble recovery on the ensuing kickoff.

All in all, the game was a treat to Bears fans, who after the loss to Green Bay were likely assuming an 0-2 start after a game against the Steelers.

The statistics themselves are there for anyone to read, and since this is not an immediate response to the win, you the fan/reader can just as easily look up these statistics as I can.

However, there are two statistics that I would like to draw attention to: one, in hopes of drawing attention to them, and two, because it is relevant to the Bears’ ability to win future games.

I am speaking, of course, of the rushing attack and the takeaways.

The Bears so far this season have rushed for 129 yards total in two games; this includes 14 by Jay Cutler and similar numbers by Garrett Wolfe and Adrian Peterson. That means Matt Forte has 84 rushing yards, which is absolutely not acceptable.

While it is true that the first two games came against tough defenses in Green Bay and Pittsburgh, one would think that there would be some way to spring a runner as talented as Forte.

There may be a positive side to this, though, if that is possible: At least Forte will be well rested later in the season with Cutler throwing the ball more often.

Moving on to the defense, it is easy to see that this unit is jelling with confidence this year—something that has been lost in the past few years.

Even with the loss of Brian Urlacher, the Bears are putting pressure on the quarterback, as we saw in the game against Pittsburgh. Though the Steelers do not have a very fearsome offensive line, it is still worth noting that Adewale Ogunleye and Alex Brown are reaching quarterbacks.

Hopefully with a stretch of two games against lackluster QBs, fans will be able to see more takeaways as well.

Overall, the Bears impressed me yesterday, as I am sure they did many Chicagoans. I will say, though, that I take this victory with a grain of salt, and until I am proven otherwise, the Bears are still going to miss the playoffs due to the strength of the Vikings.

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