Here’s the Quick -n- Dirrty…
- Bears lost again to the Saints, now 2-7 on the season. Tyson Bajent had some good moments but 3 interceptions ultimately hurt.
- Offense and running game looked decent in the first half, but fell apart in the second half due to offensive line penalties and pressure on Bajent.
- Dante Foreman should be RB1 – he runs with passion. Offensive line needs to get younger.
- Too many penalties again for the Bears, giving the Saints free yards. Valus Jones experiment should end.
- Play-calling by Luke Getsy falls apart in the second half. Bears need a new offensive coordinator.
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Hey there, fellow Bears Fans!
Another Tough Loss Drops Bears to 2-7 as Offensive Struggles Continue
The Chicago Bears suffered another disappointing loss on Sunday, falling to the New Orleans Saints 27-20 on the road. This defeat drops the Bears to a bleak 2-7 record at the season’s midway point. As a diehard Bears fan who prides himself on “keeping it real,” I have to call it like I see it – this team has major issues that need fixing. In this article, I’ll break down the key problems I observed in the latest Bears loss.
To start, quarterback Tyson Bajent had some bright moments, but ultimately his three interceptions proved too costly. While Bajent passed for 151 yards and two touchdowns, his picks allowed New Orleans to pull away late. The Bears must evaluate whether Bajent can truly lead this offense or if it’s time to move on. Chicago has struggled to find stability at quarterback since trading up to draft Mitchell Trubisky over Patrick Mahomes in 2017. Poor QB play has held this franchise back.
Beyond Bajent’s erratic performance, the Bears continue to shoot themselves in the foot with drive-killing penalties. Against the Saints, Chicago committed eight penalties for 71 yards, inexcusable for what should be a disciplined, well-coached team. The Bears rank near the bottom of the NFL, averaging over 60 penalty yards per game. Sloppy play like offensive lineman Cody Whitehair’s boneheaded offsides call shows a lack of focus. Chicago must clean this up quickly.
The offensive line as a whole remains a glaring weakness, failing to protect Bajent or open consistent holes in the run game. While the line held up decently in the first half, the Saints dialed up the pressure after halftime. New Orleans sacked Bajent three times and forced a fumble. With veteran Braxton Jones still hampered by injury, this patchwork line can’t hold up. The Bears must address OL this offseason.
Despite the loss, running back Dante Foreman continues to run with passion and physicality. He tallied 83 yards on 20 carries for a solid 4.2 average. Foreman deserves to be Chicago’s lead back even when Khalil Herbert returns from injury. The Bears would be wise to build their offensive identity around a formidable rushing attack led by Foreman. A grind-it-out style would enable them to control the clock and take pressure off the QB.
Rookie receiver Velus Jones Jr. continues to disappoint after the Bears traded up to draft him. Jones made yet another blunder on special teams and dropped a pass on offense. The “Velus Jones experiment” has failed in my eyes. Chicago needs to explore other options at punt returner and WR depth. Jones lacks the fundamentals to get snaps on a rebuilding team at this stage.
Amid the negatives, receiver Darnell Mooney finally flashed some of his potential, posting 5 catches for 82 yards to lead the team. The Bears must make a point to feature Mooney more heavily in the game plan going forward. At 2-7, it’s time to see what Mooney can do as the top passing target. His connection with Justin Fields holds promise for Chicago’s future.
Speaking of Fields, the Bears need him back from injury soon to properly evaluate him as the potential franchise QB. While Bajent has filled in admirably, Chicago must use the second half of 2022 to determine if Fields can be “the guy.” His athleticism and arm strength provide an intriguing ceiling. Getting Mooney more involved would also aid Fields’ development.
The other standout player against New Orleans was tight end Cole Kmet, who snagged two touchdown passes from Bajent. Kmet’s strong hands and route running perfectly complement his size. He finished with four catches for 49 yards, exploiting the middle of the field. The Bears should continue targeting him as a primary red zone threat given his massive catch radius.
In summary, while Bears fans shouldn’t overreact to one loss, this game highlighted concerns that have plagued Chicago all season – penalties, porous blocking, questionable quarterback play, and unimaginative offensive coaching. To me, it’s clear head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy need to reassess their approach coming out of the bye. The Bears have the talent to be far more competitive than their 2-7 record suggests. But continued sloppy play and poor scheming will only lead to more disappointing Sundays this fall.
As a lifelong fan who supports the Bears through thick and thin, I hold out hope for better days ahead. However, the McCaskey family can no longer cling to outdated philosophies. To turn the tide, Chicago must build through the draft, add blue-chip free agents, and modernize coaching. Only then can the Bears recapture past glory and give fans reason to cheer again. We deserve so much more than this frustrating team has delivered lately. But the solution starts from within Halas Hall.
Bear Down Bears fans! and as always… PEACE!
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