Offensive Offense as Bears Fall to Packers 27-17

Just plain offensive.  That’s about the best you could say about the Bears offense.  There were opportunities to take advantage of the 32nd ranked pass defense throughout the day at Soldier Field, but for one reason or another, it seemed like the Bears offense just couldn’t get it together.  Whether it was a drop, a penalty, an interception or a sack the Bears offense fizzled when it needed to shine.  17 points will not get it done against a top caliber offense.  Heck, it might not be enough against Cam Newton and the 1-2 Panthers.  For the record, that’s the same record as our Beloved Bears.

It’s time to face some cold hard facts when it comes to the pathetic offense.  Let’s go bullets after the jump.

• The Bears want no part of running the ball.  Whether it’s Mike Martz or the offensive line Jay Cutler or any combination therein, they have completely forsaken the legacy of Sayers and Payton.  When you have -1 yards rushing midway through the third quarter, that about says it all.  For a while there I thought that the Bears would not be eligible for Final Jeopardy if they finished the Double Jeopardy round in negative territory.  When your quarterback, who is running for his life, leads your rushing attack with 11 yards, that’s a problem.
• The Bears wide receivers STINK.  There’s no way to sugar coat it.  There’s no beating around the bush.  Earlier this week, wide receivers coach Daryl Drake asked us to give them a big group hug.  How about a group choke hold instead.   When they signed Roy Williams off the scrap heap, Mike Martz predicted a 70-80 catch season.  At the rate he’s going, he’ll need to go all Wes Welker on the league to get to that level because he’s on pace for a generous 22 catch season.  Undrafted rookie Dane Sanzenwaddle is co-leader among the wide receivers with 9 catches and leader with 2 TD’s in 2 games.  Note, that’s not a good thing.  It’s an indictment on the guys you’ve drafted and brought in here.
• The offensive line is BAD.  Chris Williams should pack up his belongings and head out to Spain to become a bullfighter because he’s got that whole Ole thing down pat.  Guys were just running by him as if he wasn’t there.  They did a respectable job in the first half, keeping Cutler clean, but there were still breakdowns, oh wait, Frank Omiyale just false started again.  Where was I again?  Oh yeah.  Breakdowns that killed drives.
• Let’s not forget Jay Cutler in all this mess.  I know the receivers STINK and the offensive line is BAD, but he’s got to be better.  Time to step up and make those around you better.  Stop throwing interceptions.  Stop overthrowing receivers.  Stop throwing off the back foot.  It’s like a broken record.  Over and over and over again.
• While this game gets pinned mostly on the offense, don’t give the defense a free pass either.  The Packers were able to run at will on the Bears, especially right up the middle.  The defensive tackles got owned.
• I hate to toot my own horn, but TOOOT TOOOT.  In my Keys to the Game post, I warned the Bears about Jermichael Finley.  I guess Rod Marinelli didn’t read it this week:

"Tighten UpThe Bears have given up 11 catches and 151 yards to top opposing tight ends over the last couple of weeks.  Jermichael Finley represents that next elite tight end to face the Bears.  It’s time for the defense to figure this riddle out and tighten up on the Packers tight end."

Throw a shared game ball to Urlacher and Briggs for manning up in the second half and helping make a game of it.  Urlacher had another sweet interception while Briggs had arguably his best game of the season with a few tackles for loss and a forced fumble.

Stay tuned for plenty more coverage as we wrap up this loss and as the 1-2 Bears prepare to take on Cam Newton and the Ron Rivera led Carolina Panthers.