Bears Absolutely Manhandled in 32-7 Loss to 49ers
November 19, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jason Campbell (2, left top) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99, left bottom) and defensive end Justin Smith (94, right) during the first quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE
They say a picture is worth 1000 words. The photo above says it all. The Bears were obliterated by the 49ers to fall 32-7 in a game in which the score was not indicative of the beating they took. There are not many bright spots to discuss, so I won’t bother to list any except to say thank God Jay Cutler didn’t play. He may have gotten a concussion just watching that game.
The Bears offensive line was destroyed as they gave up 4.5 sacks to Aldon Smith alone. Somewhere in Minnesota, Jared Allen is drooling looking forward to this Sunday’s upcoming matchup. Gabe Carimi and J’Marcus Webb might have been better served to have stayed back in Chicago, because they were completely useless. There’s no sugar coating it- in run blocking, in pass blocking, they were awful.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears were focused on stopping Frank Gore and they largely accomplished that, limiting him to 78 yards rushing on 17 carries. They forgot, however, to stop Niners backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who racked up 243 yards and two TD’s as he carved up the Bears defense from the outset.
The Bears looked ill-prepared and that falls on the coaching staff. Sure, I understand that it was only announced on Monday morning that Alex Smith wasn’t going to play because he didn’t get clearance from his concussion. But the Bears had to know that it was possible they’d be facing Kaepernick. They played as if they were playing Peyton Manning. The defensive line didn’t generate any pressure and Kaepernick sat back and picked them apart, connecting on big plays to Vernon Davis, Kyle Williams (yes, Kenny’s son), Michael Crabtree, Mario Manningham, etc. Heck, even Randy Moss had a catch. Who didn’t make a big play for the Niners?
On the offensive side, it’s time to start calling Mike Tice out. He is the guy who has stood by J’Marcus Webb and Gabe Carimi. I’d like to see him stand behind them while some large men are chasing him. Besides the mess of the offensive line, the play calling is pathetic. It’s equal parts predictable, ineffective and just plain bad.
Let’s not pin everything on the lines and the coaches.
Campbell Hanie
Jason Campbell looked like a total waste of $3.5 million. He held the ball too long, especially early on, which led to some sacks. By the time the Niners had a big lead, it was open season and they were pounding away at him and he had no chance. You know it’s a rough night when Josh McCown, the backup quarterback you signed just days ago, had to start warming up.
There’s no rest for the weary, as the Bears have a short week to prepare for the Minnesota Vikings, who are now just a game in back of the Bears and Packers. Or should I say Packers and Bears, as the nemesis from the North has overtaken the Bears for the lead of the NFC North.