I Love Turnovers!

October 23, 2017

I love turnovers!

I have said all along that the Bear defense will make them competitive in most games. I didn’t think they would make plays to actually win games. Eddie Jackson gets a game ball for fumble recovery and interceptions that turned into 14 points. There are many others who made big contributions

This team seems a whole lot better with Danny Trevathan on the field. He caused the fumble, had an interception and was a disruptive force. I believe he makes others better. Backup linebacker Christian Jones led the team in tackles. Goldman. Hicks, Unrein and even Bullard stuffed the run and put pressure on Panthers quarterback, dangerous Cam Newton. The front seven had 5 sacks and constant pressure makes things easier on your secondary. The back end had good coverage that led to some of the sacks and errant throws. For the most part this was textbook defense. Everyone is playing exceptionally well.

I hate to rain on the feel good vibe, however, there are some things that need correcting. The Panthers had driven the ball downfield twice before the turnovers. They were converting most third downs, some over 10 yards. That’s why both touchdowns covered over 70 yards. Then again, the Bears did cause three turnovers.

Although the Bears won this one, if the offense doesn’t put up some points you will lose a lot of close games. The only long gain was a 70 yard play on an under thrown pass. With first and goal the Bears had to settle for a field goal. In most games 153 yards total offense is not going to cut it. The next opponent, the Saints, have a high powered offense. Chances are, as good as the defense is the Saints will put up points. A better offense will be needed to have a chance at winning. Trubisky needs help and he won’t get it from the receivers.  He was sacked four times in the pocket. Maybe you need to roll him out. The offensive line has to do better job of keeping him clean. He needs to be developed, not sacked.

Only a small amount of stupid allowed the Bears to win this game. It came after the Trevathan interception. With good field position Trubisky completes a 10 yard pass. Tanner Gentry lines up illegally for a five yard penalty. I will never understand this penalty. False start by Massie another five yard loss. By this time they are out of Conner Barth’s range, but wait there’s more. Dumb delay of game penalty. I have never seen Conner Barth kick a field goal from over 40 yards out. The decision is punt the ball deep or the dumb one of trying a 52 yard field goal, which if missed gives the Panthers the ball at the42 yard line. The Bears need a new kicker.

All in all the Bears are better than the 1-6 or at best 2-5 I thought they would be.  After the Saints the schedule softens. I have to add to my early prediction of 5-11.  Without Aaron Rodgers, the Packers game is winnable. They play two games against win-less teams (San Francisco and Cleveland). There other games they may win. 7-9 would be progress, although I hope it doesn’t save John Fox’s job.