Chicago Bears - Monday Night Meltdown

In their first primetime game of the season, the Chicago Bears self-destructed on the road to the undefeated Detroit Lions 24-13. The Bears (2-3) once again showed inconsistency on both sides of the ball with the offense’s inability to protect Jay Cutler, and the defense’s failure to stop big plays.

Despite the constant pressure from Detroit’s pass rush, Cutler did manage to put up solid numbers in the passing game. The six-year veteran completed 28 of 38 passes for 249 yards and one touchdown. Unfortunately, Cutler was sacked three times, in addition to running for his life on just about every pass play. Running back Matt Forte continued his productive play with 116 yards rushing on 22 carries.

The offensive committed eight false start penalties in a very hostile environment in Ford Field, five of which was by the struggling offensive line. Both left tackle J’Marcus Webb and right tackle Frank Omiyale were constantly beaten on plays leading to sacks and constant pressure and hits on Cutler. Eventually, some more shuffling took place on the o-line when Lance Louis replaced Omiyale, and Edwin Williams replaced Louis at guard.

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Chicago continued to give up long plays from scrimmage. In the second quarter, Lions receiver Calvin Johnson split safeties Chris Harris and Brandon Meriweather for a 73-yard touchdown bomb from Matthew Stafford. Late in the third quarter, Lions running back Jahvid Best ran untouched for an 88-yard touchdown, the third longest run given up by the Bears in their storied history.

Johnson and Best both finished with game-highs of 130 yards receiving and 163 yards rushing respectively.

Once again, the defense couldn’t get any consistent pressure on the quarterback, only recording one sack which was by Israel Idonije. Chicago’s defense also continued to struggle in the takeaway game. Cornerback D.J. Moore did manage to snag his second interception of the season, but that was all Chicago could muster.

The Chicago Bears are digging themselves in a deeper hole week by week. Along with injuries, questions of who will start a safety on defense, and who will play at what position on the o-line still haunts the team after five weeks of play. This uncertainty shown by head coach Lovie Smith and the rest of the coaching staff is not what the Bears need going into another division battle. For Chicago’s sake, everything will be settled before their Sunday night battle at Soldier Field versus the 1-4 Minnesota Vikings.

By Clyde Speller
ProFootball-fans.com Chicago Bears Correspondent