Why I’m Fuming Mad about the Bears 21-19 Loss to the Lions
Nov 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) reacts after tackling Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (not pictured) during the second half at Soldier Field. Detroit defeats Chicago 21-19. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Even at the end of the game, when Josh McCown finally came in to lead the Bears on a scoring drive when they were down 8 points, the Bears missed an opportunity. The first attempt at a 2-point conversion was stifled, but the stupid Lions committed a personal foul and gave the Bears another chance to tie the game. The Bears couldn’t cash in on the new life and Matt Forte was swallowed up by Nick Fairly. Ballgame.
Why am I so angry? Because Matt Forte gained 33 yards on 17 carries behind the “revamped” offensive line. That’s a paltry 1.9 yards per carry. The Lions had averaged giving up over 100 rushing yards per game and the Bears gained a measly 38 yards rushing.
I’ve sat through plenty of Bears games were I thought they were outmatched or outplayed. This was not one of those games. I’m mad because they should have won this game going away. You watch McCown make throws and move around in the pocket against a fierce Lions pass rush and you have to believe that a gimpy Cutler cost the Bears a chance at a win.
I don’t know which team doctors or trainers cleared Cutler to play, but think about this. A few weeks ago, Lance Briggs was cleared to go back into the Redskins game by the docs on the sidelines only to find out that despite passing a battery of tests, Briggs couldn’t put his own helmet on. Cutler was hobbling around out there the entire second half. What were the coaches and doctors watching?
I feel like Trestman stood by his man to a fault and it cost the Bears. It’s as though Cutler went out of his way to show the world how tough he was to come back ahead of schedule and gut it through this game. I’m sure we’ll all be thinking about that when the Bears are watching the playoffs instead of playing in them. This game is Exhibit A why an injured quarterback shouldn’t be in the game, regular season or NFC Championship or whatever. You’re not doing anyone any favors when you can’t make the plays.
The Bears will lick their wounds and prepare for the Baltimore Ravens, who head to Soldier Field next weekend. Who will be under center? This should be an interesting week.
What do you think? Feel free to vent, you’ll feel better. By the end of 1000 words, I do.