Finding Bennett could solve Bears' third-down woes

The most noticeable offensive failure in the past 2 losses has been on third down, an indication of how poorly the passing game has performed.

The Bears converted just 2 of 26 third downs against Kansas City and Denver.

“We just haven't been able to execute on third downs is what it comes down to,” wide receiver Earl Bennett said.

“We haven't been able to get a rhythm the past couple games, and that's been hurting us, and we haven't made those plays that we needed to when given the opportunity.”

Caleb Hanie's inability to get the ball to Bennett has been alarming.

Bennett has just 2 catches for 10 yards in Hanie's three starts. In the three previous games, with Jay Cutler at quarterback, Bennett caught 14 passes for 251 yards.

Since Week 9 of last season Bennett has caught 16 third-down passes, and all 16 have resulted in first downs.

“We've just got to take advantage of those,” Bennett said, “because those two to three plays can definitely decide the ballgame.”

Coming on strong:Defensive tackle Henry Melton has 1 sack in each of the past three games and 4 sacks in the past five games to give him 7 for the season, second on the Bears only to Julius Peppers' 9.Unfortunately for Lovie Smith's squad, Melton missed practice all week with a shin injury and may not play against Seattle today. But he has impressed as a starter in the first 13 games.#8220;He's really playing very well,#8221; defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said. #8220;I'm very happy with him. (He has) the athleticism, has the ability to get up the field and make plays. He's making really good progress.#8221;Melton had just 2frac12; sacks last season in a backup role but showed enough promise to go into training camp this year as the starter at the #8216;3' technique, replacing Tommie Harris. Melton added 30 pounds of bulk in the off-season in preparation for his move inside and has been able to maintain his speed and quickness. #8220;He had the movement and the speed and the explosion,#8221; Marinelli said. #8220;Now he's just getting better and better every week.#8221;Filling in:Amobi Okoye is expected to start Sunday if Henry Melton isn't able to play, and rookie Stephen Paea will see increased playing time after getting 2 sacks last week.#8220;His progress gives us more depth,#8221; coach Lovie Smith said of Paea. #8220;He has been playing well, and Amobi Okoye has played well in a backup role, so we have a couple of options.#8221;Comfort level:Josh McCown will be the No. 2 quarterback for the second straight week, and after three weeks in the system he provides a little more security.#8220;He's jumped right in right away,#8221; coach Lovie Smith said. #8220;Each week he gets a little more comfortable in what we're doing.#8220;If it would come down to a situation where we had to play him, we'd feel pretty comfortable.#8221;Versatility helps:With the release of Sam Hurd and Devin Hester's tender ankle, the wide receiver crew is a bit thin.#8220;He'll be fine,#8221; Earl Bennett said of Hester. #8220;We've got a lot of guys who can play different positions. Roy (Williams) knows three or four, Johnny (Knox) knows three or four. Dane (Sanzenbacher), and I know all of them, so we'll be fine.#8221;Sanzenbacher has been active every week but has not caught a pass in the past six games after catching 19 in the first seven games.