Noots’ Notes Game 11: 36-10 Loss at Minnesota
Noots’ Notes-Game 11: 36-10 Loss at Minnesota
By
Michael Nudo
The Bears (4-7) were outclassed in every aspect against the 10-1 Vikings in Minnesota. This was slightly less competitive than a scrimmage. The Bears can’t seem to change what they’ve been doing. Other teams see this and have no problem toying with them. The format for Noots’ Notes, however, is changing for this week.
Just a big Viking party at the Bears’ expense (AP Photo/Hannah Foslien).
OFFENSE
How can you assess an offense that was only on the field for 20 minutes, to the opponents’ 40? They gained 169 yards. Jay Cutler threw two interceptions, but one of them was a deflected pass. That deflection came on what should have been pass interference. It wouldn’t have made much difference in the outcome. Matt Forte had few chances to run. His 8 carries weren’t very impressive. Jason McKie made a nice block on Forte’s long of 7 yards. Anthony Adams lined up at fullback for a short yardage play. They failed to convert the first down, and Adams failed to report as eligible. Ineptitude compounded by stupidity. That summed up the offense for them right there. GRADE: D
DEFENSE
Let’s see…Favre completes 32 of 48 for 392 and 3 touchdowns. The defense allows 537 yards. The Vikings converted 12 of 18 third downs, many of them 8 yards and longer. Tillman and Briggs left with injuries, but it didn’t matter. I had the feeling it would have been a double-digit loss even if they were playing with Jackson at quarterback and Taylor at running back. I can no longer blame the players for this messterpiece. They’re not playing well, but it’s clear as day that the coaching has let this team down. Hillenmeyer should not be expected to cover the deep middle. The cushion given to wide receivers is ridiculous. Nice play by Afalava on the sack. Lack of discipline leading to numerous offside penalties.
GRADE: F
Special Teams
Robbie Gould made his one field goal and kicked well. Brad Maynard put a punt down inside the 5-yard line. Johnny Knox had a 77-yard kickoff return. He and Danieal Manning had good returns. Coverage on kicks and punts was solid. Hester didn’t do much returning punts. GRADE: B
Coaching
Never a contest for them at the venue that could have been renamed “Maul” of America. The Bears are not learning from their mistakes. They’re an open book that is easy for anyone to read. Can anyone on their OWN coaching staff see this? When you see them run near the end of the half and end of the game you just wonder what they’re thinking. At the end, you have to wonder why Cutler is still playing. It’s like watching a Greek tragedy every Sunday. A common motif there is the violated prohibition, in spite of the knowledge of the consequences. Keep doing the same things, and teams will pick you apart. GRADE: F
Noots’ Nut Crackers
Payne on Peterson
Ogunleye on Berrian
J. Williams on Taylor
Nudo’s Kudos
Knox
Hillenmeyer
Horns
The entire coaching staff
November 30th, 2009 at 3:30 am
I think the predictable runs into the middle on 3 and 1 sum up the unimaginative offense all stopped ,of course .The same play was used on first down after Knox’s great runback. I noticed that Cutler was more a drop back quarterback than mobile—with predictable results. Vikings on the other hand had great runs to the outside including end arounds and toss outs to Percy H. Favre was more mobile ,as well,to the outside than Cutler. Why did the Bears new runner not get used more?One run only ? I notice also that the 2 Vikings runners were used in a much more alternating style.Gives a change of pace etc. Why the Bears hate outside runs and throw the ball only to outside receivers who dont get close to or past the first down marker is a thing I dont understand. Your review of the game and the consequent ratings is so accurate. To think that negative results broke several records or hadnt been seen in decades says it all.You were so right to give coaching an F. The amount of rebuilding needed for this team will take a few wasted years—if it is done at all.Keep up the good work and forgive my long rant.Leigh(fan from Canada)Btw,really just enjoyed watching the Grey Cup game from Calgary.Good ball and a one point victory for Montreal over Saskatchewan on the final play.