The Final Bears Mid-Season Reflection: Who’s to Blame?
May 14, 2013; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker during organized team activities at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
This was supposed to be the year, seriously this time. The offense had all the pieces in place, the defense seemed to be improved and the coaching staff remained in-tact (for the most part). This has to be the year!
Fast forward to mid-season and it has been anything but “the year.” This team has underachieved, been outcoached, turned the ball over, had mental lapses, shown little intensity and therefore, find themselves sitting at a well-deserved 3-5 mark – good for LAST PLACE in the NFC North. The fans are frustrated. I’m frustrated, and for good reason. Fans have endured too much losing in recent memory and they do not deserve it. This is the 3rd largest city in the country, the oldest and most historic franchise currently in the NFL and arguably the best sports city in the country. Personally, I have put my emotions, time and heart into this team, as well as time each week away from my family to write for this site and others. With that said, you are darn right I am going to call some people out in this organization.
Whenever there is failure, there has to be blame. So, who’s to blame? I have heard fans blasting Marc Trestman, Jay Cutler and Phil Emery. Obviously, every one of those people deserves blame. However, after I have calmed down and let the dust settle I have been able to come to one conclusion: the blame is widespread. The blame starts at the front office, to the coaches, to the players in all 3 phases. In fact, it’s hard to find a single position group on this team that does not deserve blame (maybe RB or long snapper?). It’s human nature to take the easy way out and look at one or two people to shoulder the blame, which is why you hear the same names being thrown out there. I’m not sure, however, if it’s responsible. The problems with this team go far beyond 1, 2 or even 3 people. Inspired by 670 the Score’s Lawrence Holmes and his recent article, I will attempt to give my NON-EXPERT OPINION as objectively as possible, in NO particular order: