North: Chicago Bears fans can feel encouraged
As a Chicago Bears fan I am somewhat encouraged, but far from satisfied, after Sunday's opening loss to the Green Bay Packers 31-23.
Quarterback Jay Cutler, who was 1-11 against the Packers going into the game, left with his 12th loss against his NFC north division rival. Just think about how hard it is to go 1-12 against an opponent.
Before the game, I thought for the Bears to win the contest their drives had to be over seven plays, and they had to win time of possession.
They accomplished both of those things, but still lost, so I think Cutler has to manage the game better, because that's what good quarterbacks do.
The Bears were losing 24-16 with 5 minutes left to play, and Cutler threw a crucial interception to linebacker Clay Matthews, who made a heck of a play returning the ball for 48 yards. It sealed the loss for the Bears and was totally inexcusable.
To succeed, the 10 yard-pass-or-less approach is the way to go. Safe, dependable and smart.
Four-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady lives off it. Two-time Super Bowl winner Eli Manning did pretty well with the same tactic.
Cutler also had two or three other passes that could have been intercepted, but I won't blame him alone for the loss. Kyle Fuller, who played his first game at right tackle, and cornerback Alan Ball were victimized by the Packers and their star quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Running back Matt Forte played well and carried the ball for 141 yards, but offensive coordinator Adam Gase and coach John Fox forgot to give him the ball in the second half. They made offensive adjustments at halftime that maybe didn't have to be made. Forte should have continued to carry the ball.
Even though they lost the game, there was a semblance of order on the sidelines that was missing last year. I'm not dismissing that mistakes were made by the coaching staff, but the necessary adjustments will be made.
The Packers are just a better team than the Bears, but I'm not ready to say the Detroit Lions or the Minnesota Vikings are. The Lions lost to the San Diego Chargers (33-28), and at first glance look better than the Bears. The Vikings will be better this year because of the return of their infamous running back Adrian Peterson.
Next up we have the Arizona Cardinals, who will be feeling good coming off a nice victory (31-19) over the New Orleans Saints. The over-under for Bears victories is six. I think we let one get away on Sunday.
Yep, I think the game was winnable, but "shoulda, woulda, coulda" won't get it done. Let's hope we can turn it around or misery is set to descend on Bears fans.
Program notes:
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