Who would have thought that after the pounding Jay Cutler has taken over the past few years in the pocket, breaking a thumb while attempting to make a tackle after an interception (that wasn’t even his fault), would be the reason for potentially missing the rest of the season.
For what it’s worth, Cutler’s relentless ability to track down the runner and at least slow him down until Matt Forte was able to push him out of bounds proved to be crucial, as San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers was intercepted in the end zone just a few plays later by safety Major Wright.
In hindsight, maybe he should have just let cornerback Antoine Cason score on the play.
Regardless, what’s done is done, and here is why Bears fans shouldn’t panic, and why the Bears will still make the playoffs, and contend.
+11.
That’s Chicago’s turnover ratio so far this season.
The Bears have arguably the best line backing corps in the league, dominating oponents with veterans such as Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher and Nick Roach.
At safety, which was one of the weak spots in the beginning of the year, has been extremely disciplined as of late, particularly after rookie Chris Conte and second year man Major Wright got the starting nod.
The defensive line is as good as any other in football. Julius Peppers speaks for himself, while Amobi Okoye, Israel Idonije, and the rest of the defensive line is consistently getting pressure up field and on the quarterback – the key to Chicago’s coveted cover-2 defense.
Needless to say, the defense will hold it’s own. Numerous times this season, they have gotten turnovers when they need them, and Jay Cutler being out for an extended period of time only motivates Peanut Tillman to punch a little extra hard next time he goes for the ball.
On special teams, Devin Hester continues to run his way to Canton this season, bringing back two punts and one kickoff return for scores. Teams continue to kick to him for either one of two reasons: They are just plain stupid, or they are ‘confident’ they can stop him – the classic “Let me get a piece of him, coach. We can stop him,” attitude.
Mistake. He’s a threat to go the distance every time.
Kick it to him or not, the Bears are going to have great field position on the majority of their drives, making it that much easier for Caleb Hanie.
Hanie may be young, but he knows what he’s doing. Mike Martz may be crazy, but he’s not stupid.
Hanie is a fourth year man out of Colorado State. He’s been in the system just as long as Cutler. Granted, he hasn’t gotten the experience Cutler has, but Martz can make it work.
Don’t believe me? Look back in last year’s NFC Championship game against the to be crowned Super Bowl champion, Green Bay Packers. Hanie came in and sparked the offense, throwing for the team’s only two touchdowns.
Yes, he did throw two interceptions as well, but this is one year later, one more year in the system, and one year wiser.
Hanie is mobile, accurate, and has a solid arm. With some help, he can do what he needs to do, manage the game.
Receivers Johnny Knox, Earl Bennett, and Roy Williams have emerged as the true starters and are begining to become legitimate threats to move the chains. Bennett, orange shoes or not, has been spectacular since coming off a torso injury earlier in the season, and continues to prove he’s the best, most reliable receiver on the roster.
The club also has that Forte guy in the backfield. Forte is having his best season as a pro, rushing for 926 yards, a 5.0 yards/attempt average, while being second in receiving (465), just 12 yards behind receiver Johnny Knox.
Does Caleb Hanie have the confidence to lead Chicago to the playoffs after throwing two touchdowns in last years NFC Championship game. Photo courtesy of ESPN
Martz isn’t going to force Hanie to make the big play; he just has to avoid the wrong one – which he can do. Pounding it on the ground, screen passes to the backs, receivers, and even tight ends, will be a big part of this new, re-invented offense.
Now, possibly the most important thing to look at is the upcoming schedule, particularly the next four games. The Bears travel to Oakland next week, followed by a home matchup against Cassel-less Kansas City, at Denver, then finish up with Seattle at home.
Combined, these teams have a 19-20 record. This is one of the major reasons why the Bears will reach the playoffs.
Oakland will be their toughest challenge, but without running back Darren McFadden, Chicago again catches somewhat of a break.
Kansas City on the other hand is struggling to put up points against bad defenses. And although I like Tebow, I think the Bears put up enough points in the first three quarters to bring his fourth quarter heroics to a halt. Seattle on the other hand, just doesn’t match up well against an angry Bears team playing at home, as seen in last year’s divisional round of the playoffs.
After this four game stretch, they travel to Lambeau to face Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, and then finish up the regular season in Minnesota. Realistically, going 1-1 here isn’t the worst thing that could happen.
This, in addition to Detroit’s recent struggles will lead to a 4-2 finish of the season, an 11-5 overall record, and a wild card playoff birth. Yes, I know Stafford threw for five touchdowns last week, but Carolina has one of the worst defenses in the league (31st in points allowed).
Overall, Chicago will rely on its relentless, stout and experienced defense, world-class special teams, a strong running game and a favorable schedule to get into the playoffs.
By then, Cutler should be back, fresh, hungry, and ready to go.
Fear not Bears fans, fear not.
For now, #HanieDoesIt.
Feature Image courtesy of Yahoo Sports.
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