Bears Eliminated From Playoff Contention

The Chicago Bears’ final attempt to make the postseason resulted in their fifth straight loss on Christmas night, which has come on the heels of a five-game winning streak. The defending world champion Green Bay Packers manhandled Chicago (7-8) 35-21 at Lambeau Field. This will be the fourth time in the last five years that the Bears will have missed the playoffs.

Quarterback Josh McCown and running back Kahlil Bell both were the third starters for Chicago this season at their respective positions. McCown finished the game completing 19 of 28 pass attempts for 242 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Bell had a very productive game with 121 rushing yards on 23 carries, and four receptions for 38 yards.

Although Bell, who was replacing the injured Marion Barber, did stand out for Chicago, he did fumble on the goal line in the third quarter. Fortunately, guard Edwin Williams recovered the ball for a touchdown, narrowing Green Bay’s lead to 14-10. Another miscue Bell had was failing to block Packers linebacker Clay Matthews on a designed screen pass to fullback Tyler Clutts. As a result, Matthews picked off McCown’s pass, stopping the Bears drive to the end zone.

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Wide receiver Roy Williams had his best game yardage wise with 81 yards on six receptions.

However, Chicago’s defense didn’t have an answer for Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Super Bowl MVP had 283 yards passing and a career-high five touchdown passes in virtually three quarters of play.

If there is only one thing that can be said about the Chicago Bears’ season, it is that there is no way that any team can win with 70% of their offense not on the field. Jay Cutler and Matt Forte were definitely what kept the Bears’ offensive machine running. With an entire offseason to heal, and assuming that they will stay healthy next season, Cutler and Forte should spearhead one of the more productive offenses in the league.

Now all the Bears have to look forward to this season is the finale in Minnesota when they meet the Vikings on New Years Day.

By Clyde Speller
ProFootball-fans.com Chicago Bears Correspondent