Chicago Bears Come Up Short On a Fox Gamble

The Chicago Bears were expected to win but failed to do so on a 2-pt conversion attempt in the 4^th quarter as they came up short 17-15.

The game was in their hands, the Bears that is. So many times they were in the red zone, and except for the last drive of the game, the Bears failed to finish. The inability to be consistent in finishing games has been a thorn in the side of the Bears players. As hard-fought as the game was between the Chicago Bears and the Denver Broncos, the dropped passes and questionable coaching decisions, forced the Bears to rally at the end.  Quarterback Jay Cutler managed to move the chains and running back Jeremy Langford scored late in the fourth quarter.

Nov 22, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jeremy Langford (33) scores a touchdown during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Soldier Field. Denver won 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

With a chance to tie the game, a failed 2-pt conversion ended the Bears prolific drive. However, after reviewing the 2-pt attempt, it appears that tight end Martellus Bennett was in error. Cutler checks to run but instead, Bennett runs a route, which allowed T.J. Ward to cut in the inside and come free stopping Langford. But it was an all team effort and miscommunication from the entire line.

The Bears offense shouldn’t have lost this game.  In the early moments of the fourth quarter, Cutler hit wide receiver Marquess Wilson for 40-yards to the Denver 7. After three incomplete passes, it would have been a simple chip shot for kicker Robbie Gould to put the Bears up by two points. But for some reason, Fox and company chose to go for it instead. The lanes were open for Cutler to run through and get the touchdown, but he chose to toss it up for no play. Denver took advantage of that poor decision.

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The Broncos held the running game to just 57-yards. However, the passing game seemed productive as Wilson was able to put up 107 yards for the day, the most he has had with the Bears. The trouble spot seems to be that of Bennett who dropped several on-the-money passes from Cutler. Something is definitely off from Bennett, as he has not been as productive as expected for this season. The offensive line stood strong allowing Cutler to be sacked twice, however they could not garner enough space to allow Langford or fellow running back Ka’Deem Casey to make any progress.

"“Everybody knows, not just that play but all game long the issue was lack of communication, lack of finish, so that is now corrected and we are ready to move forward.” Matt Slauson"

The defense did show moments of sharp play and effective tackling, holding the Broncos to only 17 points. The Bears defense sacked Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler five times each from a different defenseman. Rookie Adrian Amos had a season-high seven tackles as well as cornerback Kyle Fuller, who matched his season-high seven tackles. Linebacker Christian Jones had six tackles and Shea McClellin had four.

Nov 22, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) is sacked by Chicago Bears defensive end Jarvis Jenkins (96) during the second half at Soldier Field. Denver won 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The defense held the Broncos to just a field goal through two-quarters and proved to be a defense working together.  By the time they click on all cylinders, the season might be over, but they will understand their jobs and what defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s expects from them.

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If the Bears can master their communication issues they may have a chance to overcome their deficit and win against the Green Bay Packers come Thursday night. The Bears are still in the hunt for the NFC Wild Card spot but they cannot afford any more losses. If they do not win against the Packers this week, they are out of the mix and will have to make it a priority next season.