Plenty of Blame to Go Around as Bears Fall to Vikings 23-20 in Overtime

The most puzzling play – and the most talked about decision – is the decision to attempt a 47-yard field goal on 2nd down in overtime.  Asked about the thought process after the game, coach Trestman explained his reasoning:

"Well there were a couple things. We were definitely in range and I didn’t want to, at that point in time, risk a possible penalty that would set us back, something similar to what happened on the other side, or a fumble or something unique. I felt that we were clearly in range and we could get the game over at that time. Certainly we were running the ball really well."

Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman watches his team practice before the game with the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

It was a bad call.  Matt Forte was on fire in overtime.  He had just had carries of 7, 4, 9, 1 and 3 yards before Trestman iced him and put in a sleepless kicker for a 47 yard field goal.  As good as Gould is, that’s no chip shot.  Gould had previously missed a 67 yarder at the end of the half, Nick Sabad and Alabama be damned.

Trestman’s decision smacks of fear.  He was coaching scared.  If you’re not going to trust your offense to not lose yards or not commit a dumb penalty, that’s playing not to lose rather than playing to win.  The “Tresticles” that he flashed on the Monday Night game against Green Bay aren’t nearly as massive any more.  Trestman used to have to push them around in a wheelbarrow, they’ve since shriveled.

After nearly 1000 words, I’m not closer to pinning this loss on anyone in particular.  It’s probably the most painful loss of the season and sinks the Bears down to 6-6.  With the Wild Card leaders currently the 9-3 Carolina Panthers and 8-4 San Francisco 49ers, the Bears are pretty much out of the Wild Card race.  Their best chance to get into the postseason is to have the Lions be the Lions and the Bears to get at least three of the next four games and hope for the best.

What do you think?  Who do you blame for this latest Bears loss – offense, defense, special teams or coaching?  Let’s hear your comments.