[ Before we get to the post, I want to apologize for my internet issues and not being able to finish last week’s Postgame Show. I am currently working hard to solve those issues in order to ensure a better product. -BH ]
Ouch
For the first time since 2002, the Chicago Bears put up a goose egg on the score board and Seattle pretty much had their way with the Bears in the 26-0 beating.
The Bears staff knew that Jimmy Clausen did not have the same skill-set that Jay Cutler has, so Fox and company put the ball into Matt Forte’s hands.
Again… Ouch
However, the defense looked ready to play. A sackless defense ended up getting four against Russell Wilson. Two for Jarvis Jenkins and two for Pernell McPhee.
Thomas Rawls, a rookie out of Central Michigan, had a hay day running for 104 yards on 16 carries. Rawls is the first back to break 100 yards rushing against this Bears defense this season.
The Current Bears Roster
Before I begin my rant I want to make a couple things clear.
1. I hold a traditional mind set that building a great team takes time.
2. I don’t believe that there is a good long-term philosophy behind a “win now” mind set.
I have a hard time calling this year a rebuilding year.
The roster currently has 28 guys that have four or less years of experience. That’s over half the roster, and that’s not counting the four on the injured reserved list.
I know that some of the 28 of these guys do not play, for example Brandon Dunn, Ka’Deem Carey, and John Timu, just to name a few. Perhaps, some of these young guys on the roster can at least can develop into solid players. We saw what they are capable of in the preseason. Granted, there’s a learning curve, but this leads into my argument.
The team is full of young, potentially solid players.
I have read from multiple sources that there is no such thing as a grace period in the NFL anymore unless the quarterback is in discussion. Once guys are drafted, they are expected to come in and make an immediate impact. I think that is the wrong mindset. Of course there are some guys that will come in and have that immediate positive impact, but a majority of guys should still have a grace period to learn the NFL.
Here are two examples of guys that I think are good examples of needing a grace period.
Kyle Fuller
From what I can see, a lot of fans are wanting to give up on Kyle Fuller already. After he came in and replaced Peanut Tillman, Kyle played just like “Peanut” for the first couple games and then slowly dwindled away.
Why?
Is it the coaching staff? Keep in mind that in his second year he is playing under his second set of coaches. He has shown us what he is capable of when he first took over, but I think that he is still getting used to playing in the NFL. Remember, he has only played in 19 games.
Is that enough to warrant us to jump ship on the young corner?
No, I don’t think so. While he has Alan Ball and Antrel Rolle to offer him help, he is also surrounded by guys with just as much inexperience as him. Terrance Mitchell is only in his second year in the league and Sherrick McManis has found himself on Special Teams more than playing corner back. Give him another year under this coaching staff and I bet Kyle finds the confidence he needs in order to play at a higher level.
Shea McClellin
This is his fourth year in the league, and he still looks as lost as a puppy out there at times. He’s played twice as many games as Kyle Fuller and I find myself questioning Shea more than Fuller.
At this point, he has gotten a taste at multiple positions, but that’s all he’s done. Only a taste test at each position. He has yet to play any extended time at any of one position. Keep in mind, Fangio is Shea’s third defensive coordinator.
What’s the Point?
There is still a grace period in the NFL.
The grace period is different with each player. Some players don’t mold into their element until their fourth year and other guys can come right in and make an impact. If you ask me, a grace period is necessary for every NFL player.
Developing a team, just like an individual player, can take some time. If a player cannot develop by his third or fourth year, while playing a constant position or having consistency within coaching, then I would say that it is fair to move on past that player. One of those has to be a constant, or else the grace period may take longer than expected.
Stay Positive
I’m sticking to my guns Bears fans. I still think that the Bears can finish 8-8 on the year. As cliche as it sounds, there’s still a lot of football left to play.
The offense was hard to watch with Jimmy at quarterback, but under Jay the offense moves. What would you rather have Bears fans? A quarterback that can put up points, but turn the ball over at least once a game, or 10 punts with no points?
Let’s hope Jay Cutler and Alshon Jeffery return next week versus Oakland.
I know I said earlier that the special teams might win some games, but oh my. I’ll admit that I am wrong.
The special teams has been the breaking point for two of the games. It was obvious that the team was deflated after giving up those long kick off returns for touchdowns.
The Defense
Before I could even get this post finalized, Ryan Pace had traded away Jared Allen to the Panthers, and Jon Bostic to the Patriots for two sixth round picks.
Pace said he wants to unload players “who don’t fit the scheme from the prior regime.”
Good for Ryan Pace!
When talking to Will before the season started, I brought up how the Bears have a log jam at linebacker and should unload a few for draft picks.
I guess I’m just a couple steps ahead. 😉
Expect more trades as the week goes on. From the sounds of it, there might be few more in the works!
Next Week vs Oakland
Derek Carr went 20 of 32 for 314 yards passing without getting sacked in a 27-20 win over the Cleveland Browns and the week before against the Ravens he threw for 351 yards. Carr targeted Amari Cooper 11 times for eight catches and 134 receiving yards to lead all the receivers against Cleveland. Latavius Murray is creating a name for himself as he had 139 rushing yards and a touchdown run on 26 carries.
Oakland’s defense on average gives up 415 yards.
If Jay Cutler returns, expect him to take full advantage of that. If Jimmy Clausen starts, we might get to see him throw the ball more. Defenses know now that the Bears struggle to pick up the blitz in the middle (that’s where Seattle had a lot of success) so expect that to be a point of emphasis for Oakland’s defense.
This is a tough prediction to make because I’m not sure who will be playing at quarterback… or who will be even on the team for that matter come kickoff time.
I’ll make two predictions, one with Cutler under center and another without.
With Jay, the Bears win their first game of the year 28-24.
Without Jay, the Bears lose by a score of 21-12.
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