I'm still in shock - the Bears got beat after dominating much of the game. At 5-7, they're done. Last one out, please hit the lights. This loss hurt more than usual, just given how well they played in the beginning of the game.
The defense didn't play poorly. They didn't make a stop when they needed to, but, AGAIN, they spent way too much time on the field. The Bears had way too many 3-and-outs in the second half. Grossman's attempted heroics aside on that last drive, it should never have come down to the last drive.
While it has become fashionable in a sense, and I'm such a contrarian that I can't imagine doing something fashionable, I can't find blame with anyone other than Ron Turner and the coaching staff. Yes, it hurt that the Bears running game couldn't be counted on late in the game to eat up the clock and get 1 or 2 first downs. But at some point, the guy who's calling plays has to be held accountable for what's happened this season.
Breaks my heart to say it, but all would have been forgiven if Hester made that catch. Suddenly, it's a whole different ballgame. He can't be held responsible, though, since the Bears had outstanding field position because the Giants wouldn't kick to him.
Please tell me that no one is still talking playoffs. Yet, maybe a bad season only sets the table for the Bears to get back to the big game next year. It looks like we know where we're weak (offensive line, defensive depth, running back) and where we're strong (um, quarterback, special teams).
Rex Grossman's proving himself to be a better football player than anyone gave him credit for (me included) at the beginning of the season. Couldn't be happier for the guy or happier that I was wrong about him.
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4 comments:
I just wanted to point out that I never jumped on the "blame Grossman" train. I defended him and called the Bears out on their many faults that resulted in his being benched. With all of the dropped balls the Bears receivers have allowed it would even make Romo look bad;-)
This was a really aggravating loss, but we had it coming. We've won several games this year where we were thoroughly outplayed by the other team, only to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at the last second. This time, it went the other way.
Ron Turner has done a terrible job. I don't think he's a terrible judge of talent, and we does have some good plays. That said, he does absolutely nothing in terms of developing talent, or in terms of being creative to put his players in positions which maximize their talent & hide their deficiencies. His playcalling is below mediocre, and I think Lovie needs to take a serious look at replacing him next year.
This game (as almost all others this year) simply proved that our running backs, QBs, and receivers are not to blame for this crappy offense. I blame it on the o-line first, Turner second.
SR,
Hey, when you're right, you're right.
-MT
Pat,
If they had just converted a couple of first downs before that last-gasp drive, the Giants might not have had any time left. While the playcalling was terrible in the second half, I can't say I felt like we had it coming. Still hurts.
-MT
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