Aug 13, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) talks with offensive line coach Mike Tice during the second half of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Soldier Field. The Bears defeated the Bills 10-3. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE
The Bears head to Dallas to square off with the 2-1 Cowboys. Both teams boast winning records, but neither has really impressed. Sure, Dallas knocked off the Giants to open the NFL season in Week 1, but followed that up with an embarrassing loss to an improved Seattle team and then barely hanging on against Tampa in a 16-10 win last week.
Meanwhile the Bears had a big offensive showing in Week 1 against the Colts before laying another egg under the lights in Green Bay to be followed with a weak offensive showing in their 23-6 win over the Rams. The Bears have exceeded expectation on the defensive side of the ball, while the offense has failed to click since an impressive Week 1 performance. Who needs to step up for the Bears in Big D? Hit the jump to see.
Gabe Carimi
While we’ve been busy launching bombs at J’Marcus Webb, Carimi has quietly struggled on the right side of the offensive line. According to Pro Football Focus via ESPN Chicago, Carimi is far from innocent:
"Although Webb catches most of the heat for Chicago’s issues up front, Carimi has quietly struggled as well. Carimi has been a much more solid run blocker than pass protector at this point. Against St. Louis, the second-year veteran gave up a sack, a hit and three hurries in 72 snaps. On the season, Carimi has been responsible for 11 hurries, two sacks and three hits on Cutler, according to Pro Football Focus."
Let’s see if Carimi can atone for a rough start and help solidify the right side of the line on a night when Dallas is sure to bring pressure on Jay Cutler.
Kyle Adams
Here’s an under the radar pick for you. Rookie tight end/H-back Evan Rodriguez tweaked a knee in last Sunday’s win over the Rams, so Adams figures to be next man up in that H-back role. Kellen Davis and Matt Spaeth aren’t going to see much work in the backfield, so it’s up to Adams to help open up some holes for the running game.
DJ Moore
The Cowboys can throw some weapons at you with wide receivers like Miles Austin and Dez Bryant and tight end Jason Witten. That’s why third receiver Kevin Ogletree was able to have a monster game in Week 1 and it’s why nickelback DJ Moore needs to step up his game. Romo will put the ball up a lot, so it’ll be up to Moore to shut down in the nickel and dime coverage.
Jay Cutler
This is almost as obvious as putting J’Marcus Webb on the list, but I’m tired of writing about his tough matchup every week. As for Cutler, he’s looked disheveled since Week 1. Against an improving but relatively weak Rams defense, Cutler looked lethargic and disinterested at times. He routinely one-hopped throws and just can’t seem to get into a groove. Teams are taking away Brandon Marshall but Cutler appears determined to force it to him rather than taking what the defense is giving him. He’s got to step up his game if this Bears team is going to go anywhere in January.
Mike Tice
It’s tough to pin all the blame on J’Marcus Webb and Jay Cutler every week. At some point, the man in charge of the offense needs to be held accountable. Tice has never been an offensive coordinator and it’s shown at times. When opposing defenses have thrown wrinkles at the Bears, he’s failed to adapt. Take for example Monday night’s farce in Seattle. Aaron Rodgers was sacked 8 times in the first half, but the Packers adjusted and he didn’t get sacked once in the second half. That’s how you adjust and Mike Tice.
Where are all the rollouts and screen passes? Why aren’t the Bears running the ball more? What was up with those ridiculous Chris Williams reporting as eligible plays that were repeatedly blown up? The Bears offense has looked out of sync and it’s up to Tice to get them in sync in a hurry.
What do you think? Which Chicago Bear needs to step up for the Bears to get a win in Dallas on Monday night. Let’s hear your comments.