The Chicago Bears had a new look at the quarterback position with Brian Griese replacing Rex Grossman. However, the more things change, the more things stay the same. Hobbled by a number of significant injuries, the Bears were banged up on both offense and defense. The end result was a heart breaking loss that, while ugly, was a game which the Bears had very much in control until the 4^th quarter.

This was a game that very easily could have gone a different way. One needs only to look back to the ridiculous number of ball charity (5 fumbles, three interceptions) to see much of the problem. And it wasn’t even the interception returned for a touchdown that hurt the most. (Go back and check that play out. Fantastic coverage played by the Detroit Lions, lining up in man coverage and sliding into a weak zone. That sort of drop will make an offensive coordinator loose his lunch) What hurt the Bears’ offense most was the missed opportunities. Throwing two interceptions inside the 10 yard line? That’s a ballgame. (more…)