Bears Blitz

Published by Joseph Goode on October 4, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The season is still young, but I am not so sure if the Bears can make the playoffs this season. The NFC is stacked with teams that have improved and other teams who need time to get it going. Not to mention that the Bears have the 4-0 Lions and Packers ahead of them. 

The Chicago Bears have one of the more difficult schedules of any team. Three of the first four games have been against Super Bowl contenders, and this week, they have to face a very confident Detroit Lions team. The Lions win because they have solid defensive play, studs in the passing game and most of all, heart. This team is never down for the count, as evident of the miraculous comeback against the Cowboys. If the Bears want to make any sort of push for the playoffs, then it is going to start this week by beating the Lions. 

In the game against the Carolina Panthers, quarterback Jay Cutler threw only 17 passes, and running back Matt Forte went bananas, rushing for 205 yards on 25 carries. Can I say pay the man, by the way. Coach Lovie Smith must have hired a psychiatrist to get offensive coordinator Mike Martz to pass less and run more.  

The teams also played great on defense and special teams, which is what Chicago Bears football is all about. Against the Panthers, the Bears took an interception for a touchdown and had great field position throughout the game thanks to the special teams.

I know the Bears feel like they have the best quarterback since forever, but they must rely on the running game. Matt Forte is an All-Pro player who can run wild, while back up Marion Barber can be the bruiser wearing the defenses down. The Bears do not have the pass protection to keep Cutler upright for the passing plays that Martz wants. This weak line is much more suited to run block.  

In order for this team to succeed, Lovie Smith must put the clamps down on Martz’s playbook and keep a more balanced offense.  

There are only six spots to make the playoffs. The NFC East has four teams competing for playoff spots. The South and North have three, and the lowly West automatically has one team making it in. So there will be many solid teams that will be on the outside looking in. 

The Bears need to win the remaining games against the Lions and Packers to try and squeeze into the playoffs. Overall, the two teams are better then the Bears, and it will be difficult for the Bears to make the playoffs. 

The weak offensive line and lack of weapons for Cutler is a recipe for disaster, and I am not sure if Martz will be pleased with the lack of pass plays called. I really thought this would be Cutler’s year for a Pro Bowl, but his situation on offense is tumultuous. He should be regulated to being a game manager and throw from play action for the rest of the season to keep him upright.

The receiving corps is horrendous, with the new acquisition, Roy Williams, looking average and unmotivated while Devin Hester is still confused on offense. The trade of tight end Greg Olsen was a mistake as he was Cutler’s security blanket. Cutler only trust his running back Matt Forte in the passing game. There is no identity for this team, and the way this team is set up, they should be a running team. 

To make the playoffs, the Bears will need to win at least 10 games to get the wild card spot. Beating the weaker teams and the NFC playoff contenders will be essential in making their run to this years playoff. They will look to prove if they are worthy of a playoff spot against the Detroit Lions this week.

Honestly, I don’t see the Bears making the playoffs. GM Jerry Angelo did not address the offensive line, and so, the passing cannot flourish. This team will ultimately come of short with too many teams that are far better.

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