Oct 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) looks to pass against the New York Giants during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
It’s become clear that the Chicago Bears will need their offense to pull their weight and probably a little bit of the defense’s too. Call it payback for decades-long imbalance and the defense carrying the burden for winning games lo these many years. Marc Trestman was brought in to fix the Chicago Bears offense and there are signs of life coming from that side of the ball, but they clearly have a long way to go. One thing the offense needs to do to take the next step in their growth is to develop a killer instinct.
The Bears cannot sit back and cling to a 4 or 5 point lead and expect the defense to hunker down and protect that lead. Mel Tucker might be able to make some mid-season adjustments to try to navigate around the pile of bodies lost for the season, but the 2013 Chicago Bears defense isn’t going to be the reason this team gets into the playoffs. No, instead, the offense is going to have to outscore teams and in order to do that, they’re going to need to step on the opponent’s throat and put them away offensively.
The offense has been steadily improving but there have been a few instances when it seemed to be really disorganized – the hurry up offense. That aspect must improve if they’re going to pick up the slack for the defense. I’ve noticed this on a few occasions over the first few weeks, but took special notice at the end of the first half against the Giants. Even the announcers noticed.
It looked like Jay Cutler had picked up a first down on a scramble and slide, but ended up being marked short of the line to gain. The Bears take over with 1:59 in the half at the 43 yard line armed with one time out.