 After week five the 3-1 Chicago Bears, but the next four games found the Bears going 1-3 with two blowout losses. The team is not stuck in the middle of the NFC North at 4-4, tied with the Green Bay Packers and three games back of the 7-1 Minnesota Vikings. This is not the season fans expected with Jay Culter at quarterback as suddenly it is more than just the lack of a QB that is giving them fits. Jay Cutler has been the Jay Cutler Denver Broncos came to simultaneously love and hate. He has 14 touchdown passes through eight games, but also 12 interceptions. Of course, a number of those interceptions can be blamed on receivers for not following through on routes or simply tipping passes that hit them right in their hands, but some of them can also be blamed to ridiculously inadvisable throws. Bears fans are getting to learn what it is like to have a quarterback like Brett Favre and it is not a relationship full of just fond memories. Now, some of the blame for the struggles on offense can be blamed on the offensive line. Left tackle Orlando Pace has been dreadful and the run blocking has been atrocious. If not for a few long runs, Matt Forte would be averaging just 3 yards a carry instead of a mediocre 3.6. Running the football is very important to this offensive scheme, and the failure to pose a real threat is negatively affecting Cutler as he sees more blitzes. The next big issue for the Chicago Bears is the defense. The defense has allowed 40 plus points twice as they have proved completely inept in stopping the pass or the run. The problems start when they are forced to cover a franchise receiver. This draws more players into coverage, which then pulls a safety out the box and allows just about any running back to run over the linebackers. I am not sure if a healthy Brian Urlacher would make a difference. This has been a trying season so far, but with eight games left on the schedule, the Bears could turns thing around and end the 2009 NFL season with a trip to the playoffs. Chicago has a few struggling teams coming up and four division games ahead. Fans should look at that schedule and the four remaining games at Soldier Field to at least get a look at Cutler playing live once this season. Look for Chicago Bears tickets through OnlineSeats and find terrific seats.
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