Recapping a Highly Frustrating Loss to the Vikings

First Career Start

In a case to get an invite back to training camp, the Bears elevated John Timu from the practice squad to the starting lineup on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. In his first career start, the rookie inside linebacker has warranted himself a chance to come in 2016 based solely on this one performance. He finished the day as the leading tackler with nine total tackles and one for a loss.

Games Are Won and Lost in the Trenches

Both the offensive and defensive lines did not show up to play. Kyle Long looks like the move to tackle has worn him out as he just looked slow out there on multiple snaps, as the offensive line gave up five sacks. Hroniss Grasu looked a tad bit better than he did against Washington, but that might be a stretch of a statement.
Looking at the defense, Eddie Goldman did not record a tackle in the game, Jarvis Jenkins made a couple of nice plays and Will Sutton was occasionally in the piles. Jenkins finished with two tackles and Sutton finished with four. Outside of those two guys, the defensive line was practically a nonfactor in Sunday’s loss.

Coming Out Flat

Recently, both sides of the ball have been coming up flat to start the game. We debated why in our post game show.
To start the game, Deonte Thompson took back a really nice kick return for 49 yards to give the Bears good starting position The next play was a Forte run outside the tackles for about 30 yards and the Bears got flagged with a holding penalty.
That seemed to set the tone for the afternoon.
Then after the Bears went three and out, Minnesota’s offense walked right down the field to put up seven points. From there, the whole game had no excitement to it. At least, there was nothing that got me off my feet.

Stat Leaders

Passing: Jay Cutler – 26/37 for 231 yards. 2 touchdown passes and 1 interception for a passer rating of 93.4
Rushing: Matt Forte – 8 carries for 47 yards

     Jeremy Langford – 11 carries for 46 yards

Receiving: Matt Forte – 6 receptions for 57 yards

Zach Miller – 6 receptions for 57 yards

Tackles: John Timu – 9 tackles
Sacks: Willie Young – 1 sack