Chicago Bears: 5 Observations from embarrassing Week 7 loss
5. Defense’s troubles are partly a result of the offensive troubles
The elite Chicago Bears defense took a hit the last two weeks they played. After allowing less than 100 yards in 12 of their last 14 games dating back to last season, they’ve given up more than 100 yards in two straight games. In fact, they’ve given up 320 yards in the last two games.
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Yes, the offensive troubles have something to do with the defensive struggles. On Sunday, the offense had 13 drives. Seven of them were three and outs and two of them were less than three that ended up in fumbles lost. The Bears offense was on the field for just 22:34 and the defense was on the field for 37:26.
- Week 1: Green Bay Packers 31 minutes, Bears 29
- Week 2: Denver Broncos 33 minutes, Bears 27
- Week 3: Washington 28 minutes, Bears 32
- Week 4: Minnesota Vikings 25 minutes, Bears 35
- Week 5: Oakland Raiders 37 minutes, Bears 23
As you could see, the Bears offense has not been on the field enough to help the defense. They did have the ball longer in two of their three victories, but they needed a miracle to beat the Broncos. The offense just needs to have longer drives. All that time on the field takes a toll on the defense. The longer the offense stays on the field, the more rest the defense receives. Also, the longer they’re on the field, the more chance they have of wearing down the opposing defense.
Yes, the defense needs to take some responsibility for what’s happening. There were a number of occasions that the defense could’ve gotten off the field with some third-down stops (the Saints converted on 46 percent of their third downs). Perhaps they make those stops if they aren’t on the field so much.