Sep 28, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
It was an infuriating day to say the least. The offense appeared to be poised to keep up with the Packers. They had a terrific game plan to run the ball and keep Rodgers and the Packer offense off the field. The Bears achieved the goal and won the time of possession battle 36:22 to 23:38.
More from Bear Goggles On
- Franchise tag and transition tag windows open for Chicago Bears and NFL
- How the Chicago Bears can control the running back market in 2023
- The Chicago Bears can own the city of Chicago moving forward
- Chicago Bears NFL Combine Preview: Quarterback
- 7 best free agent tackle options for Chicago Bears
As good as the offensive game plan was, the defensive game plan was that much worse. I can’t imagine what the Bears were thinking to just let Rodgers sit back in the pocket and pick them apart. Rodgers faced more pressure from the media last week than he did against the Bears defense. Just as he told the media, all Rodgers had to do was R-E-L-A-X. It didn’t seem like there were any blitzes or different looks to try to pressure Rodgers. Not even after he repeatedly torched them did they ever think to bring some heat.
And this was on a day when three of your defensive starters, including top pass rusher Jared Allen, Shea McClellin and Jeremiah Ratliff were all out. This was on a day when the Packers mixed it up and ran a hurry up offense to limit substitutions. Where was even a shred of creativity by Mel Tucker? Where the adjustments at halftime to change it up on the Packers after they didn’t stop them the entire first half?
Jay Cutler had a chance to get the green and gold monkey off his back. Instead he moved his winning percentage to 0.09 against the Packers. The Bears had a chance to make a statement in the NFC North and the conference overall. Instead, they dropped into the crowd with the rest of the 2-2 teams.
It doesn’t get any easier, as the Bears go back on the road with back to back visits to the NFC South’s Carolina and Atlanta before they return to Soldier Field again. With a 2-0 record on the road and an 0-2 record at home, maybe another road trip is for the best.
What do you think? Where did the Bears fall short? Who gets the bulk of the blame, Cutler or the defense?