Chicago Bears Have Serious Cornerback Issues

Nov 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback

(35) returns a punt for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

This was supposed to be a must-win game for the Chicago Bears. They have yet to win a division team this season. No one expected it to be easy and what happened on Sunday proved to be true. But again, as it has been all season, the defense could not shut down in crucial plays, and allowed the momentum to shift to the Vikings. Finishing games must be a first priority for the Bears.

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The obvious weakness comes from special teams and the cornerback situation.  They have allowed three touchdowns this season from punt returns. Marcus Sherels of the Minnesota Vikings ran a return kick for a 65-yards, untouched down the sideline for a touchdown in the first quarter.  Even though Coach John Fox did not want to name any names, you can see safety Chris Prosinski run towards Sherels, instead of cutting him off at the 50-yard line and stopping the run.

It was great to see cornerback Kyle Fuller make an interception. He has not done that since the start of last season. Fuller looked like he was regaining his confidence and that there was more to come. But by the fourth quarter this happened:

Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater had been pressured all day. Rookie corner Bryce Callahan was an integral part of shutting down the pass plays. He led all cornerbacks for the Bears with 4 tackles in that game until he sustained a concussion and was sidelined. The Bears then replaced Callahan with Sherrick McManis and quickly Callahan was missed.

With a 1:55 seconds left on the clock, all the Bears had to do was keep Bridgewater contained in the pocket. But the pass rush was not there and Bridgewater had time, lots of time, to find rookie wide receiver Stephon Diggs wide open in the area that the Bears struggle to cover. Diggs was able to spin around cornerback Sherrick McManis and took it to the house for a 40-yard touchdown to tie the game.

Nov 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver

(14) carries the ball to score a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. The Vikings won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The worst part of that play came after McManis’s missed tackle. As Diggs was headed down the sideline to the 4-yard line, Fuller was aiming for Diggs and had him in his sights.

A clean swift hit to the waist would have stopped that play, but instead Fuller overshot his run and ended up trying to pull the top of Diggs jersey in a feeble attempt to stop a player in a full run. It was hard to watch. But you can see in the above video that Diggs was preparing a hit by Fuller only for Fuller to be just a vapor in front of him.

With the game now tied, the Bears were about to repeat the game against the Detroit Lions just a few weeks ago. The Vikings knew very well that the Bears weakness was in covering space and all they needed to do was get the ball there.

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Bridgewater throws a bomb down to the 30-yard line on 2nd & 7 with 29 seconds left and hits wideout Charles Johnson.

Standing behind him was cornerback Alan Ball, who had spaced himself a little farther behind Johnson than he should have.  Seeing that the ball was being thrown his direction, he fails to grasp the opportunity for an interception by getting in front of the receiver, or jumping first.  Another missed opportunity.

This was all kicker Blair Walsh needed to sail it through the sticks and the running theme for the Bears is a montage to Pat Benatar’s “Heartbreaker”. The Bears had this game in their grasps, but again the defensive backs and safeties are struggling to press against receivers and go for the ball. They have one job: stop the run and break up plays in the red zone. Missing textbook tackles and failing to recognize the need for tight coverage has caused the Bears defense to erase the explosive plays that the offense put on display.

Next: Denver Broncos Defense Sends a Resounding Message

Part of finishing games is the completion of all phases. The offense looked good, solid and productive, but the focus needs to be on the effectiveness of special teams and the defense in covering the gap. Look, these are not blow out wins, but the games are won by finishing them. The Bears are itching to close out a game with a decent lead, but it starts with focus and determination. With a Monday night game against the San Diego Chargers on the road, the Bears will need to close out a comfortable win.