It’s hard to call this game close. In fact, part of me was ready to leave at halftime. I know the whole thing about “being a real fan” and “supporting your team no matter what”, but the product that was given to us this Sunday is far below what they can do.
So, some happy thoughts to begin.
It was a clear day at Soldier Field. We had pretty decent seats. No “99!”‘ers like the last game. People were pleasant and actively discussed the game.
…..and that’s about it for the happy thoughts.
Cutler was flat, I do NOT question his toughness like many other people are willing to do. If you can’t plant your knee without it wobbling all over the damn place, you can’t play the position of QB. Urlacher busted his wrist last year and didn’t play the whole season. I don’t recall too many people questioning his toughness…. And if his teammates are saying he didn’t quit on them, I don’t think he did.
Now, defense. Horrible scheme to start. They did adjust and thankfully the Packers didn’t. Second half was some real Bear defense. Unfortunately we were down 14 at that point, with our 2nd QB (Todd Collins is NOT going to be the hero of the game….the tutu is safe) and thankfully after a couple of miserable series, Caleb Hanie came in.
And Caleb did a fantastic job, for being the 3rd QB and not getting a single rep this week. But at this point it was, too little, too late.
So where does the blame on this loss lie?
Lovie. Seriously. Poor play calling. Poor clock management. Poor preparation. Oh, and deferring the kickoff? Keep Aaron Rodgers on the bench getting cold, this isn’t brain surgery. Especially when you have the all time leading kickoff returner sitting on the bench.
Todd Collins should never have had a Bears uniform on. Lovie, that was your call once again and you blew it.
I could go on and on, but if I was a Green Bay fan I would be concerned. The Bears almost pulled this one out. One play (that pick six by #90) and this game is tied and in OT. The Packers couldn’t do CRAP offensively in the second half. They play calling by the Packers in the second half was almost as abysmal as the Bears. At one point it looked like Aaron Rodgers went to the “Rex Grossman School of Quarterbacking”.
But in the end, I’m OK with this. If Cutler is as injured as people say, he probably wouldn’t be ready for the Superbowl. And knowing this coaching staff, this would mean two weeks of “Todd Collins is our Quarterback”. I wouldn’t want that guy embarrassing us on an even larger national stage.
Part of me is glad this is over. And for the Green Bay fans out there, I wouldn’t be planning any parades down Holmgren Way anytime soon. Pittsburgh sounded much tougher than what you saw anytime this year…
Brian, just noticed your site as I may be a new resident to Hunters Ridge. I was also at the game, as I’m a season ticket holder (section 101). This was undoubtedly the worst defeat in recent history, especially considering it was against Green Bay. Will be interesting to see when the Bears report to camp, I’m thinking early August. So much for Lovie’s #1 priority, and he got a nice contract extension.
Sorry I haven’t been able to reply sooner but I have been on vacation this week with my family in …..Green Bay. I have family up here now..,,
First of all, hope to meet you soon as a neighbor! I am on the season ticket waiting list, should get tickets this year based on my low number.
Second, I have sent the last few days looking at how the fans and hinge are up here. There’s the obvious sense that they are better than everyone in the league and honestly it’s a different sense than I get in Chicago. I really don’t see anything changing in the near future. This year for the bears was a fluke, easier schedule and then few injuries. We didn’t get here because of the stellar play calling or picking incredible talent (why Hanie was #3 I have no idea) and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. I don’t know if Martz is going to try to pull his antics again next year or if we’re going to have a balanced attack again….
Hope to talk to you soon!