The season is still young. Teams are hitting their stride. The Bears are 3-2 and have aspirations to make some noise in the NFL this year. Their seismic trade to obtain Jay Cutler spoke volumes of management's desire to field a winning team.
But somewhere along the way, the Bears forgot their rushing game. While Cutler has been impressive, except for his propensity to throw an interception, Chicago seems to have forgotten what made the Bears rough and tumble. They play smash mouth football, and can stop the other team from scoring. Lately, the team hasn't played enough smash-mouth and when the game is on the line, look like matadors on defense. Oh, you want to pass 18 yards for a first down. Move the cape, senor. Want to score with less than a minute in the game? Move the cape, and step out of the way.
If the Bears keep this up, the team will find themselves out of the running for any post-season berth. And, look forlornly, as Kyle Orton does his John Elway impersonation. So far, it's a pretty good performance for Orton, who has never looked better out in Denver. And Cutler, while he shows so much talent, can only heave at a flashy Johnny Knox or a beaten-up Devin Hester. Hester looks like he just finished the Chicago marathon and ran into the Bears locker room and put on No. 23. He is a marvel on special teams. He just can't be Jerry Rice at the same time or wear a cape.
Matt Forte had an impressive rookie season. But 15 carries for 60 yards isn't going to get it done. If the team can't run, it can't get it done. The Bears need Adrian Pederson to step up and carry the ball for 50 yards too. He has been injured and hopefully he will return soon. Unless Forte can get some blocks and sneak through for yardage, the team is looking at an 8-8 year. Mediocre. Lord, how many Bear teams have been that? Too many.
