Evaluating The Bears Offense Against Minnesota

 

The Bears offense committed four turnovers today.

 

CHICAGO- The Bears offense wasn’t at it’s best today, but they managed to overcome four turnovers and a six point fourth quarter deficit to defeat the Minnesota Vikings 31-30. The Bears for the most part did stick to their offensive game plan, but there were some miscues along the way.

The good thing is, Marc Trestman has shown for two straight weeks now that the Bears can overcome adversity. There were also some positives for the Bears today. Here is the breakdown of the Bears offensive performance:

Positives:

1. Jay Cutler had another 200-plus yard, multi-touchdown game.

2. Matt Forte had 161 yards from scrimmage.

3. Brandon Marshall was once again the Bears leading receiver {Seven receptions, 113 yards and a touchdown}.

4. Martellus Bennett continues to earn his money {seven catches for 76 yards and two touchdowns}.

5. The offensive line only gave up one sack, it’s first of the season.

Jay Cutler continues to flourish in Marc Trestman’s offense thanks to the offensive line continuing to hold it’s own. The Bears are also making good use of Matt Forte, the way he should be used.

Martellus Bennett is living up to the $20 million contract he signed in the offseason. The running game is getting better and Marc Trestman and offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer keep calling the right plays. It’s just a matter of how those plays are executed.

Negatives:

1. Cutler’s two interceptions. The first one happened on the goal line in the second quarter. There were too many Vikings defenders in the area and the ball was easily batted and picked off in the air.

The second one in the fourth quarter showed that Jay Cutler is still willing to force throws if it means getting the ball to Brandon Marshall. Cutler needs to make better decisions in these types of situations.

2. The two fumbles also hurt the Bears. The first one was recovered and returned for a touchdown. The second one gave the Vikings decent field position.

3. Cutler still tends to lean too much on Brandon Marshall, especially when he’s covered. Cutler needs to break that habit.

Cornerback Tim Jennings bailed the Bears out after that first Cutler pick by grabbing his own INT and taking it back 44 yards for a touchdown on Minnesota’s ensuing possession. The second interception led to a Vikings fourth quarter field goal.

The Bears offense was unable to mount a response after the first fumble. Instead, Cutler threw that goal line pick. The Vikings turned the second fumble into points with a field goal. So while the positives may outweigh the negatives, those negatives almost cost the Bears the game.

When asked about having to come from behind for the second week in-a-row, Brandon Marshall said “It shows you the type of guys we have in this locker room and the type of coaches we have“.

Jay Cutler’s response was a little different: “We kept killing ourselves on offense but the plays were there“. I give the offense a B- for today’s game. They did most things right, but what they did wrong could have sent them home with a loss.

If the Bears are to make the playoffs in 2013, they will need to start winning games outright. Playing catch up every week will only get you so far. Follow me on Twitter @GabeSalgado82

 

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