Bears Top The Steelers
Published by Nathan Venegas on September 20, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Bears opened Soldier Field in style by defeating the defending champion Steelers.
Aside from Pittsburgh’s opening drive it was a rough and tumble game that saw both offenses working hard on every possession.
Jay Cutler looked like a Pro Bowl passer by adjusting to the blitz and keeping things close with his arm. He completed over 70% of his passes and was efficient in the fourth quarter.
Little decisions have big implications on the game, and knowing when to force a ball down field or just throw it away is often the difference between a win and a loss.
There were five Bears with at least three catches. Not having a go-to target has its advantages, such as being able to spread the ball around and not having one of your receivers facing constant double teams.
Johnny Knox made his presence felt with big runs after the catch and the fourth quarter touchdown to tie the game.
This young man has break away speed and could be a nice compliment to Devin Hester.
The running game stalled again this week against a 3-4 defense and couldn’t get much of anything going. That is definitely going to have to change if the Bears are going to contend for the division.
Matt Forte is able to contribute as a receiver, but establishing the run should be top priority heading into next week’s game.
The defense looked solid and was able to pressure Ben Roethlisberger at the right times.
Aside from a Rashard Mendenhall 39 yard run, the Bears defense kept the Steelers run game in check and made key stops for losses or no gain.
Hunter Hillenmeyer did an admirable job filling in for Brian Urlacher and helping call the plays on defense. There was one instance where the defense looked confused, but aside from that they played well against a good Steeler team.
The linebackers and defensive backs against the Steeler receivers and even helped Alex Brown get a couple of coverage sacks.
The Good
Jay Cutler: Bouncing back from a four interception performance against the Packers, he looked poised and patient in the pocket making tight throws to put points on the board.
The Bad
Bears running game. For the second straight game, Matt Forte was held in check
The Ugly
Pittsburgh’s opening drive. Things did not get off to a good start for the Bears after they let the Steelers roll all the way down the field for the game’s first touchdown.
The Difference
Special Teams. Missed filed goals and a fumble on the final kick off sealed the Steelers’ fate.
People can talk all they want about injured stars but at the end of the day you still have to show up and play. The Bears played tough and made plays when they had to. Here’s hoping it continues.
Five Questions
Are Desmond Clark’s days as a Bear numbered?
How much whining are Steeler fan boys going to do concerning the absence of Troy Polamalu?
Was that a Craig Steltz sighting?
Is it safe to say Cutler just doesn’t like press conferences?
If Alex Brown is out for an extended period, do the Bears trade for another defensive lineman?
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