The Bears simply ran out of gas down in Houston. Andre Johnson made two terrific TD catches, catching 10 passes for 148 yards. Well, Johnson may be a great receiver. But a team can't allow that to happen in a big game. This was a big game. The Bears didn't get it done.
They lost 31-24. After taking a quick 10-0 lead, The Texans went to the air and scored two touchdowns to take a 14-10 lead. Right then, I knew the game was over. The Bears were exposed by an excellent passing attack. They gave up over 350 yards in the air, maybe more.
I read qoutes from Bears' players that "They wanted it more than we did." "We just didn't do the job." That in a nutshell, sums up their game, and the season. The Bears could have won a game against Tampa which they gave away, and the one in Atlanta, which they gift-wrapped as well. Ok, the Bears got lucky against Green Bay. But, they could have been an 11 win team that would have gotten them in the playoffs.
Even if they made the playoffs, for some reason, this year, they would have been a quick out. They have talent, but not enough in key positions. And, the defense is inconsistent. Sometimes it looks solid, and creates turnovers. Other times, it looks like a Matador D. "C'mon, move down the field."
In order to be in the playoffs you have to win like the Eagles did against Dallas. Here was this Eagles team in a must win game, only being there because Venus cast a shadow on Mars, if that is likely. And, Philadelphia absolutely dismantled Dallas. They won 44-6 and caused some uproar down in Big D. The Bears had to have a game like that and they didn't.
So, it is time to get some players. The defense is getting old. Get some new players who have the hunger and desire to play. Who like stopping people. Orton had a decent year, but when is a QB who had a decent year going to lead a team deep in the playoffs? Jim McMahon was more than decent. And, that was many years ago.
The Bears will continue to be 9-7, 8-8, or 7-9 until they upgrade their talent on the field. Until that happens, we'll be out of the playoffs.
