It wasn’t pretty, but I’ll take it. The Bears put down the Cleveland Browns by a final score of 30-6 Sunday at Soldier Field. While a 24-point win against a number of other teams would have been memorable, that margin wasn’t enough for Bears fans who wanted to see domination like they saw in Cincinnati. Instead, they saw Lovie Smith’s squad do little more than take advantage of Cleveland’s never-ending mistakes.
After exchanging a total of five three-and-outs to start the game, the Bears finally broke through on the scoreboard with a Robbie Gold field goal. An interception and a fumble on the two following Browns possessions lead to another field goal and a Matt Forte touchdown, putting the Bears up 16. A Browns score made it 16-6 early in the third, which was too close, even though I never felt like they were going to get the upper hand.
Another Forte run and a Charles Tillman interception return put the game far out of reach, securing a 4-3 record for Chicago. Still, the victory was not without its major flaws, as Jay Cutler’s battered body can attest to. Chicago’s franchise QB was sacked five times, not including a “Jay-Roughing” penalty on massive Shaun Rogers which left Cutler’s mouth bloody. I’m officially coining the term “Jay-Roughing” to be used on roughing the passer calls. So I should get a quarter every time you say it. I hope I don't make too much money off it though, as Cutler needs to stay mostly upright during his lengthy stay under center for Chicago.
The offensive line play was atrocious, even with the insertion of Josh Beekman at guard over Frank Omiyale. Orlando Pace is an easily-movable husk of his Pro Bowl self, providing no protection for Cutler’s backside. To me, it always seems like the coaching staff has never seen pressure before and can’t prep their players on how to guard against it. Still, someone is missing their assignments. On one play I saw three Bears blocking one Brown, only to let another by on his way to hit Cutler. Inexcusable.
On defense what didn’t go right? Sure the Browns scored a touchdown, but that was only after normally fantastic Brad Maynard shanked a 12-yard punt! We blocked the extra point, so I call this one a win. Hunter Hillenmeyer looked more at east at middle-linebacker than Nick Roach, able to adjust to slow defensive play-calls and read the opposing offense. Marcus Harrison did not provide a lot of spark at the DT spot opposite Tommie Harris, replacing Anthony Adams. Speaking of Harris, he still looks injured. Just lettin’ you know.
Cornerback Charles Tillman looked solid as always, one of the most consistent performers for Chicago this season. An interception and fumble recovery to go along with four tackles proved his worth to me.
Unfortunately, this win did nothing to alleviate fears after two disappointing losses. It certainly didn’t aggravate them though. All it proved to me is how utterly atrocious the Browns are. Derek Anderson was FINALLY replaced by Brady Quinn, but only after it was clear Quinn would not get 70% of the year’s offensive snaps and therefore not trigger $11 million dollars worth of bonuses. I guess going 6 for 17 with two interceptions was enough for Mangini. Just ridiculous. Every aspect of that organization has major issues.
Well, enjoy the victory as much as you can. I’ll be back later in the week with a preview of the Bears next match-up with the defending NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals. Ugh.
Happy Jay Cutler Day!
