Chicago Bears Problems Lie In Defense, Not Offense

The Chicago Bears defense, once great, is now old and worn out. They get run over by receivers, and read like a book by opposing quarterbacks. With Jay Cutler, the Bears offense should be able to provide solid production, but defense does, and will always, win games.

The Bears defense has declined in talent after the Super Bowl loss to the Colts in 2006. It was ranked 5^th in the league that year. They also posted a 13-3 record that year. In 2007 the rank dropped all the way to 28^th in the league, and so did the win percentage. The team’s record in 2007 was 7-9. It was a huge disappointment after playing in the Super Bowl the season before. Last season the defense wasn’t great but was at least better than the 2007 season, ranked at 21^st. The defense was hit with injuries, and it seemed like the receivers were always open. Still, despite their problems, the Bears were one play away from making the playoffs. Unfortunately they didn’t make the cut with a 9-7 record.

The Bears are known for having a stellar defense. The 2006 defense was being compared to the ’85 Bears D (although not so much in the ’07 season). Another trait of the Bears is not having a franchise quarterback. They have mostly relied on their running back and defense to put up the points. In 2006 the Bears offense was ranked 15^th, proving that having a great defense but a mediocre offense could take you deep in to the postseason.

The 2008 team’s offense was also ranked 15^th but the defense was a miserable 21^st. A better defense would have had the Bears in the postseason. Bringing Jay Cutler helps the offense a lot, but the defense is the one that needs the help. I really like the Cutler trade because it gives us some years to improve the defense now, and not having to worry about what quarterback to start.

Some people say Cutler has no one to throw to, but that’s not true. He has one of the best Tight Ends in the league with Greg Olsen, a great receiving running back with Mate Forte, and a maturing receiver in Devin Hester. Earl Bennet and Juaquin Iglesias will also split the catches.

The offense is set for years to come, but it’s the defense that is rebuilding. Who knew the Bears could have a better offense than defense?

Bears Defense Must Step Up While Rex Grossman Fills in For Injured Kyle Orton

“And the Lions have scored on 3 straight possessions!”

Dan Orlovsky has never looked better than he did in the first half. He skipped into the end zone, chasing Shaun McDonald after his second touchdown in the second quarter. Coming off the bye, Bears’ fans wondered, how bad can we beat the Lions this week? How good will Kyle Orton look?

Well, that’s all for naught when your secondary starts out by making a winless NFL quarterback look like he’s Graham Harrell!

Of course, we got the win and that’s the important part. Like I’ve said before, this is a results league and that’s what matters. No one will remember that the defense gave up 20 unanswered points, except every team that watches the game tape and realizes how they can pick apart the Bears.

Dan Orlovsky threw for 292 yards, and while we did steal two picks from him, it seems that the only thing that can beat a quarterback facing the Bears is himself. The defense, the schemes, and the strange breed that is this inconsistent 5-3 team had fans on the edge of their seat against the worst team in football. The Bears made the Lions look like a team that really had a chance in this league. I look straight at the defensive side of the ball for that because how can you look disparagingly at an offense that runs for 126 yards and only turns the ball over once on a tipped pass? They did their job.

What isn’t doing the job well enough to keep the acid reflux or opposing slot receivers at bay is the Bears’ secondary.

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Bears’ Wrapup: Late letdown in last second loss to Falcons

Bears’ fans are livid today. How the heck do you drop a game to the Falcons in the last 11 seconds? Listening to fan reactions all day long on the radio, people point directly at the defense and special teams. The glue that made this team respectable last year, the leaders of the 05 Super Bowl run has fallen asleep on the job against 3 NFC South opponents this year. The Bears’ defense has given up game winning performances to Jake Delhomme, Brian Griese and Matt Ryan. While the Panthers, Bucs and Falcons have been impressive in some wins, none of them seem to be NFC Super Bowl contenders. Until they play the Bears, and the defense gives up late, heroic drives that are suitable for NFL films. Well, it’s not just the defense and special teams making these highlight reels, I say it starts at the top.
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