Bears' pass rush lacking
Just a week after the Bears' pass rush, spearheaded by the defensive line, tormented Panthers rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen with 5 sacks on 27 dropbacks, Seahawks veteran QB Matt Hasselbeck was able to fling 40 passes without being sacked once.
“It wasn't as good an effort, Bears coach Lovie Smith said. “But we did some good things. We did get to him. There were a couple times when we should have had a sack and we weren't able to because he got the ball out of his hands fairly quick because he's a pretty good player, too.
“But we're not pleased with where our rush is right now. We need to improve on that.
The Bears' rushmen have been blanked in half of their six games, and their total of 9 sacks is 25th in the league. Sackmaster Julius Peppers has been held to 2 sacks as opponents have focused on keeping him away from the quarterback.
“What else can you do to him? Smith said. “He gets double-teamed each week. He gets chipped. The tight end stays in. He's going to get that each week. So there's nothing new. He's going to have to deal with that. It's a part of life for him.
Israel Idonije leads the Bears with 3½ sacks but missed an opportunity to add to his total against Seattle.
“We had opportunities to get to the quarterback, Idonije said. “Myself, I had one where I thought he was throwing the ball. I had him there in my hands and rather than just continue and take him to the ground, I let up, and he held the ball and was able to check it down. You can't wait for a second chance. You've got to finish. We've got to do better this week.
Let's stay together:
Coach Lovie Smith says he still has faith in his offensive linemen because of the Bears' record.
“We've won four games with this offensive line, Smith said. “Keep in mind, too, that we've worked different combinations. I'm excited about this week hopefully of having the same combination start the game. Hopefully all that will help.
Despite allowing 5 sacks and leading a ground game that produced just 61 yards (on 14 carries), Smith said he hopes to have (from left tackle to right) Frank Omiyale, Chris Williams, Olin Kreutz, Edwin Williams and J'Marcus Webb together again vs. the Redskins at Soldier Field.
“Believe me, each week we haven't said, ‘Hey, new week, let's try a different combination,' Smith said. “Injuries have forced us to do it a little bit, but we're getting guys back healthy right now. Hopefully we can go with this same line again this week. And just that in itself, guys playing together more, will help.
After further review:
Even on replay, it's difficult to identify the holding call on Rod Wilson that nullified an apparent 89-yard kickoff-return TD by Danieal Manning early in the fourth quarter.
“Do I agree with the call? coach Lovie Smith said. “Of course we can debate that. But I never sit here and talk about officials' calls. That's what they called. It could have gone either way.