Bears Can’t Overcome Slow Start, Fall 26-18 to Saints for Second Straight Loss

Dumb Mistakes

Oct 6, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis (28) breaks up a pass to Chicago Bears wide receiver Earl Bennett (80) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Saints beat the Bears 26-18. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

There are three critical errors I can point to that might have had an impact on the outcome of the game.   Kyle Long getting flagged for an ineligible man downfield with the Bears trying to score inside the 5 yard line proved really costly.  The Bears had to settle for a field goal.  It’s possible there was a greater miscommunication on the play, but either way, this error (Long’s or someone else’s) really hurt.

The other play that really left a sour taste in my mouth was Lance Briggs jumping offsides on 4th and inches late in the game.  There is almost no way the Saints were going to actually run a play, not with that time and field position.  Briggs had a hell of a game, but that boneheaded play killed the Bears.  This cannot happen from the leader of your defense.

The third big error I noted and perhaps the most costly, was the Earl Bennett drop on 4th and 2.  I wasn’t thrilled with the play call, because it called for Cutler to hit a pinpoint out route to the usually sure-handed Bennett.  Bennett whiffed and any real chance for a Bears win went with it.

Silver Lining

Oct 6, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) makes a catch against New Orleans Saints strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Saints beat the Bears 26-18. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Of course, there are still some silver linings despite the loss.  The most notable was Alshon Jeffery’s record setting day.  He set a Bears single game record with 218 receiving yards.   Jeffery is forcing Brandon Marshall into diva mode by taking away his spotlight.  Jeffery had 10 catches for 218 yards and a touchdown.  His 58 yard bomb that just missed getting into the end zone was a great play, but his catch in the red zone to set up his touchdown was a thing of beauty.