Patriots Beat Bears: The Morning After
Oct 26, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) is tackled by New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) and strong safety Patrick Chung (23) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
What’s the worst thing your parents could say to you after getting in trouble as a kid?
“I’m not mad. I’m disappointed.”
This soul-crushing phrase came to mind after mulling over yesterday’s route, courtesy of Tom Brady, Gronk, and the rest of the Patriots that scored on the absolutely pitiful Bears defense.
I’m disappointed that the Bears are 3-5. I’m disappointed that one of the deadliest offenses in the league can’t put up more than 20 points per game. I’m disappointed in Marc Trestman’s weirdly conservative play calling. I’m disappointed in Mel Tucker’s vanilla defensive scheme. I’m disappointed in Jay Cutler, for not being able to sustain a scoring drive to save his life. I’m disappointed in these Chicago Bears, because they are the most underachieving team on the planet.
The Pats wasted no time exposing Chicago’s porous defense. In the first half alone, Tom Brady had three touchdown passes, hitting Rob Gronkowski twice, and Tim Wright once. Gronkowski dominated the game. And, it looked like the Bears hadn’t made any defensive adjustments to stop Gronkowski, either. It legitimately looked like the Bears had no game plan for the best tight end in the league. Patriots rookie running back Jonas Gray gashed the Bears front seven, gaining big chunks of yards with every touch. The Bears newly revamped and incredibly expensive defensive line generated no pressure, allowing Tom Brady to sit in the pocket, and comfortably hit his targets.
Fans are going to call for Cutler’s head, but this loss does not fall on him. Jay Cutler isn’t what’s wrong with the Bears, but recent performances aren’t helping. I think the problem runs deeper than Jay Cutler. Marc Trestman’s play calling has been shaky since week one; couple that with an underwhelming defensive scheme, and you get three wins and five losses.
I normally write more in my ‘Morning After’ posts, but I’m truly at a loss for words. The Bears lost in all three phases of the game, and it was over before the second half even began. What’s most upsetting is the visible lack of energy and passion on this squad. Does this team have any fight? Is this ball club going to take these next eight games lying down? Check back with me in December.
The Bears are on a BYE next week, and I think I need a week off from Bears football just as much as the players do.