Chicago Bears struggle in loss to Broncos

Nov 22, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Marquess Wilson (10) runs past Denver Broncos strong safety T.J. Ward (43) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Offense’s grade: C-

Fifteen points, two turnovers, fewer than 90 rushing yards, consistent pressure on Cutler … all that back-slapping following the Bears’ win over the Rams should come to an end quickly following Sunday’s loss to Denver.

Nov 22, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6)throws against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s start with Cutler, as all discussion with the Bears does. He had two turnovers, an interception in the third quarter and a fumble in the fourth, but neither turnover led to points for Denver. He struggled with his accuracy at times, finishing 18 of 32 for 265 yards and managed to scramble for 29 yards on three carries.

But playing without Alshon Jeffery, Matt Forte and Eddie Royal, Cutler was badly handicapped entering a game against what is likely the best defense in the league, and still managed to come within a two-point conversion of tying the game in the final seconds. The turnovers hurt, but Cutler still managed to move a hobbled offense down the field in the fourth quarter.

That fight at the end to tie the game, and the play of the receiving corps, is about the only thing that saves the Bears from a “D” grade or lower.

The offensive line struggled all game, with Cutler consistently under pressure (he managed to be sacked only twice), and the running back tandem of Ka’Deem Carey and Jeremy Langford combined for just 57 yards on 22 carries. Without any kind of rushing threat, the Denver pass rushers were able to focus on harassing Cutler, which they did pretty successfully.

Nov 22, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Josh Bellamy (11) tries to go past Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The receiving corps – badly hindered by the above mentioned injuries to Jeffery and Royal – managed to put together a decent game, with Marquess Wilson in particular standing out with four catches for 102 yards. Josh Bellamy also played well, collecting four passes for 57 yards, and Zach Miller again contributed with three catches for 47 yards.

But Martellus Bennett, whose best contribution in this game was his ability to draw pass interference flags, seems to have disappeared from the Bears’ offense. He was targeted only six times in a game the Bears were playing without their best running back (and pass-catcher) and their top two wide receivers, and ended up with only two catches for 26 yards.

To top off the offense’s rough showing against Denver, Carey left the game with an injury, which ESPN reported was a concussion.

Hopefully Jeffery, Royal and Forte will be ready to go on Thanksgiving as the Bears look to avoid a carving at the hands of the hated Packers.

Next: Defensive Struggles