Noots’ Notes Game 10: 24-20 Loss to Philadelphia
Noots’ Notes-Game 10: 24-20Loss to Philadelphia
By
Michael Nudo
The Bears (4-6) fell in front of their home crown 24-20 to the Eagles (6-4) on Sunday night. They had many chances to win this game.
Opportunities squandered (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh).
OFFENSE
Quarterback
Jay Cutler (24-43-171, TD, INT) missed on consecutive passes to Olsen and Hester early in the game for what would have been touchdowns. His accuracy was poor the entire game. The one bright spot was a sweet lob to Kellen Davis for a touchdown while staring down a blitz. He saved his one interception for the end of the game. He was nearly picked off 3 or 4 times, and left probably 3 touchdowns on the field. He’s too locked in on Olsen, and defenses are keying on it. GRADE: D
Running Backs
Kahlil Bell (4/81) was activated from the practice squad for this game. He responded with a 72-yard run over left guard to set up a field goal. He ran with burst and energy and it makes you wonder if there really is something wrong with Matt Forte (14/34, 4-20, 2 Point). Forte over ran his blocking on a screen pass. He didn’t run with good vision on several occasions. Sounds like we need more K. Bell. Jason McKie delivered a crunching block to set up Bell’s big run. He had a holding penalty. GRADE: C-
Receivers
Earl Bennett (5-57) had a couple of good run after the catch plays. Johnny Knox (2-16) had another leaping grab. He got open deep a few times but Cutler could not connect. Devin Hester (4-18) also broke open deep a few times but was overthrown by Cutler. Tight end Greg Olsen (6-42) just missed a fingertip grab for a touchdown in the early going. Kellen Davis (2-17, TD) missed a block and was called for holding before later redeeming himself with a touchdown. GRADE: C
Offensive Line
Olin Kreutz allowed the only sack on a blitz by Trent Cole. He also had a holding penalty. Orlando Pace had a false start. Josh Beekman made some nice run blocks. Chris Williams didn’t get in any trouble in spite of being manhandled a few times. Pass protection was decent. How should we assess run blocking, when we see other runners with vision cut back and find holes? Forte is not helping the cause. GRADE: C
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
Alex Brown had his way with Jason Peters. He continually caused pressure and broke up potential passing plays including screens. Adewale Ogunleye deflected a pass at the line, resulting in an interception. Israel Idonije had some pressure but also committed a facemask penalty. Tommie Harris had a sack and then a big tackle for loss near the 2-minute warning. Mark Anderson (6 tackles, 0.5 sack) was very active at end and tackle. Marcus Harrison stopped a screen play from happening. Anthony Adams (5 tackles, FR) played the run well. Gaines Adams played but was not a factor. GRADE: C+
Linebackers
Lance Briggs (11 tackles, sack) made some nice plays, including a sack on a delayed blitz. He got lost on a few running plays. Hunter Hillenmeyer (3 tackles, 0.5 sack, FR) had half a sack and a fumble recovery. But he allowed a 10-yard touchdown run to McCoy. Nick Roach only had two tackles. GRADE: B-
Secondary
Charles Tillman (7 tackles, 3 FF) was a thief, picking the pockets of the Eagles 3 times. Zack Bowman (6 tackles, INT, PD) took advantage of a deflection by Ogunleye to pick off McNabb. DeSean Jackson beat Al Afalava for a 48-yard touchdown over the middle in the third quarter. He had good position but timed it very poorly. Danieal Manning stood passively as Mike Vick ran right past him for a 34-yard gain. Corey Graham (7 tackles) played extensively and did a decent job. Craig Steltz saw some action but was not a factor. GRADE: B
Special Teams
Robbie Gould connected on 4 of 5 field goals, making it from 45, 28, 28 and 49. Brad Maynard put 2 of 6 kicks inside the 20, but coverage allowed a big return. Corey Graham was whistled for a questionable penalty. Linebacker Tim Shaw was a demon on coverage. Kickoff returns were good, but Hester’s punt returns were nothing special. GRADE: B
Coaching
How many third and long plays are they going to allow? This is purely bad coaching. Too many stupid penalties yet again. Bad football teams don’t get the calls from the refs. There were no breaks. You have to make your breaks. The team lacks discipline in many areas. It has finally spilled over into a home loss. GRADE: D
Noots’ Nut Crackers
Kreutz on Cole
Shaw on Harris
Nudo’s Kudos
Alex Brown
Robbie Gould
Charles Tillman
Kahlil Bell
Horns
Danieal Manning
Jay Cutler
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:44 am
Thanks for the notes.
FYI I think his named is spelled Kahlil Bell
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Another great analysis of a lost cause. I was really impressed with Khalil Bell. He had a great run and guess what?? He almost disappeared for the rest of the game. Why he was not used more in tandem with Forte,I dont know. He had vigour and slash and I think you are on to something re Forte. What has happened to him? Your assessment of Cutler’s predictability is all too true .Chris Collingsworth made the point that he should have thrown more to Knox–esp his last picked off throw.Olsen is good but not as fast,and,as you have pointed out ,they were expecting this.He had to get it downfield in a hurry at the end and who better than Knox. I think you were too easy on Hester. There were times he should have caught stuff —not just the overthrow for a possible touchdown that was Cutler’s fault. Sad to see this team relegated to non playoff status so early but what is worse is to see the effect on Cutler.He was improved but your criticisms were valid.Is he just another Jeff George===an arm without judgement?? Lastly,the lack of imagination and judgement on short yardage from playcalling on offnese and really stupid odds defying plays like the failed attempt to get 2 yards on 2 and 3 down because of really long throws that didnt connect.One such pass is okay but then dont you go for the first down when you are in Eagles territory??Sorry for the long rant.Cheers.
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Thanks, fixed that spelling.