Week 11. The good, the bad, and the flus.
Well week 11 is in the books. Coming as a surprise to no one, the Bears found another creative way to lose on a last second blocked field goal, dropping the 11th straight game to those cheese eating turds. It would seem that the Bears season is over, even though I think we are all watching Calebs Development for the rest of this year. who knows, maybe the boys have a strong run in them, but given the remaining strength of schedule I highly doubt it.
The good
I think after the ugly week 10 loss to the lowest rung on the NFL totem pole, everyone should be pleased with some offensive life under new OC Thomas Brown. I thought he made a good game plan to combat the Packers strong pass rush, and give Caleb William a little confidence. Things looked more rhythmic, and despite only scoring 19 points, I do think it was a step in the right direction.
Our rookie QB also took a step in the right direction. Caleb turned in 23/31 for 231 yards and rushed for an additional 70. He looked more comfortable, got the ball out quickly, and also displayed his ability to escape and his athleticism. He also mad some absolutely phenomenal play on the would be game winning drive. the downside was that he didn’t manage to get a touchdown, but he got it to the end zone twice and that’s what matters. Caleb is also on pace to break both the bears rookie TD record, and the Rookie passing yards record as early as this week. It’s important to remember that progression is not linear in this process, but this was a good showing for the rookie.
The rest of the offense also looked better. The pass catchers and running backs all got involved. Also noticeable was an improved O line with the return of Tackles Darnell Wright and Braxton Jones. If we could get back Tevin Jenkins (and he could stay healthy) I think this O line would return to at least servicable.
Here’s a few numbers.
D.J. Moore was 7/7 for 70 yards. It was good to see D.J. looking a bit more animated and getting involved instead of moping on the sidelines.
Rome Odunze 6/10 for 65 yards. I wanted to see Rome get some chances at contested catches and he did.
Cole Kmet finally saw some action going 3/3 for 42 yards. Im really glad to see that Brown knows Cole is a really good tight end.
D’andre Swift had 71 yards on the ground, 13 through the air, and a touchdown. He is on pace for a 1000 yard season, and the signing looks a lot better than it did to start the year.
Roschon Johnson was also more involved collecting 33 yard on ten carries with another touchdown.
The Bad
I have trouble putting the Bears defense on this list as they once again allowed only twenty points. However they are a lot closer to middle of the pack than the elite defense we thought we had at the beginning of the season. It has to be noted that along with one sack and one interception, they did allow the Packers to compile nearly 400 offensive yards, and a season high 56.2% conversion rate on 3rd down. I know there are some notable injuries to this group, but I don’t think the Bears can lean as heavily on the defense as they did at the beginning of the year.
I also have to point out the Amen Ogbongbemiga personal foul after Tory Taylor pinned the Packers at the 5. Can they stop getting these brain dead penalties they are not good enough to overcome? The penalty counts on both sides of the ball really need to drop. In a week when special teams is already going to be under the microscope, that play really put the icing on the shit cake.
Also, Tory Taylor still has more punt yards than Caleb Williams has pass yards. Lets hope that stat flips.
The Flus
So Caleb Williams leads what should be a game winning drive, only for Chicagos most hated Matt Eberflus to spoil it again. With time on the clock to run another play and attempt to get the field goal attempt closer, Flus made the decision to let the clock run and a have Cairo Santos attempt a 47 yard field goal. Yes, I know that 47 is in range for Santos, and yes, I know there can’t be a negative play there, but that’s just coaching scared to not try and make it easier. Maybe you get a touchdown, maybe you set up an easier field goal. Either way it was another example of the gutless wonders coaching.
Once again Flus dodged accountability by citing worry of a negative play or a fumble. It’s getting to be a broken record how he thinks these plays don’t matter. If he refuses to take accountability for these decisions, imagine the “culture” and “process” he is using in the locker room and at practice. As I believe he is definitely in a fight for his job, it should be in his best interest to try and win, but instead we get another word salad from the HC.
I know it’s a broken record, but Flus simply doesn’t know how to win and should be getting the boot. Ryan Poles will certainly have to address this, though I doubt it happens until after the season. Until then be prepared for more of the same from the man with the new haircut.
