Bears analysis – Syndication Server

Bears vs. Saints game recap: Everything we know

The Bears exited the playoffs the same way they entered it, with a whimper. Chicago fell 21-9 to New Orleans in the wild-card round.

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The Chicago Bears exited the playoffs the same way they entered it, with a whimper. After stumbling into the seventh seed in the NFC — thanks to a pair of Arizona Cardinals losses — the Bears did what they’ve done all season long — they beat themselves in a 21-9 loss to the Saints.

Perhaps the most frustrating thing about this game was that it was winnable. If the Bears were any other team, they would’ve beaten the Saints. This game was right there for the taking, and Chicago reverted to the kind of play that will likely cost people jobs this offseason.

While the Bears’ defense rose to the challenge of containing the Saints’ offense, they eventually tired out as Chicago’s offense failed to mount anything more than a field goal in four quarters of play.

Matt Nagy led a team that was completely undisciplined and not prepared for this game, and it showed. Now, he — and general manager Ryan Pace — will await their fate as another Bears season ends in disappointing fashion.

Instant analysis of Bears’ 21-9 loss to the Saints in the wild-card round

Chicago couldn’t pull off the upset against New Orleans as they went one-and-done in the postseason with a 21-9 loss in the wild-card round.

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The Chicago Bears are back in the postseason as they squeaked their way into the seventh seed, but they had a tough matchup against the second-seeded New Orleans Saints. The Bears came in as heavy underdogs, and they couldn’t pull off the upset as they fell 21-9 to the Saints.

The Saints started the game with the ball and they were slowly moving down the field. They picked up three first downs and got into Bears territory, but the Bears defense was able to force a punt. However, the Bears’ offense didn’t do much work as they settled for a three and out.

Future Hall of Famer Drew Brees took advantage of the quick stand by his defense and was able to start at their 45-yard line. It took one play to get into Bears territory, then the Saints struck first with an 11-yard touchdown from Brees to wide receiver Michael Thomas.

On the Bears’ second possession, they started to get going. On the third play of the drive, Mitchell Trubisky found Javon Wims for a 28-yard gain. Unfortunately, Wims would make a crucial error on the next play. The Bears pulled off a little trickery in the backfield that had Trubisky throwing deep to Wims that would have been a wide-open touchdown, but Wims dropped it.

During the same possession, the Bears were looking at a fourth and four at the Saints 34-yard line. The Bears went for it and it didn’t go the way they hoped. Trubisky rolled out to his right and tried to run for the first down, but it seemed like he was unaware where the first down marker was and he was just short of extending the Bears drive.

It felt like it was going to be one of those games for the Bears where nothing was going to go their way. However, on the Saints’ possession, they ended up missing a 50-yard field goal. Then, after a Bears punt, the Saints utility player, Taysom Hill, was looking to throw deep, but safety Tashaun Gipson was able to knock the ball out of Hill’s hand and it was recovered by former Saints player John Jenkins.

The Bears were able to capitalize on the Saints turnover, but they weren’t able to tie the game. They had to settle for a Cairo Santos 36-yard field goal to cut into the Saints lead, but the Bears trailed 7-3 heading into halftime.

Even though not many people expected the Bears to win this game, they have kept it close. The Bears have kept it to a one possession game and will have the ball to start the second half. However, it was a terrible start. The first possession resulted in a three and out, then Anthony Miller got ejected

The Saints were down messing around with the Bears. On their first possession in the second half, New Orleans started at their 15-yard line and went on a 12-play drive that finished with a six-yard passing touchdown from Brees to Latavius Murray.

Then, it doesn’t help that the Bears offense, once again, goes three and out. At this point, it seems like all hope is gone. The Bears’ offense can’t move the ball, then the Saints kept marching down the field as they extended their lead 21-3 with a three-yard rushing touchdown.

After the Saints touchdowns, it was just déjà vu for the Bears’ offense. They couldn’t get anything going after they suffered another three and out. On the day, the Bears totaled five three and outs, then finished going 1-for-10 on three-down conversions.

The Saints didn’t care that the Bears were struggling on both sides of the ball, because they tried to keep extending their lead. On fourth and goal from the one-yard line, Brees tried to extend his way into the end zone but was rejected by the defense. The Bears had to start at their one-yard line with little time remaining but they saw their season come to an end after a 21-9 loss.

It was a long season for the Bears where they saw peaks and valleys throughout the year, but the season comes to an end in the wild-card round after going 8-8 in the regular season. The offseason will be an interesting one for the Bears as there’s a lot of questions marks circling the quarterback position, the roster, coaching staff, and front office.

Comparing Bears QBs Mitchell Trubisky and Jay Cutler through first 4 seasons

Now that Mitchell Trubisky has finished his fourth season as the Bears starter, it’s time to compare his first 4 seasons to Jay Cutler’s.

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After finishing his fourth regular season as the Chicago Bears starting quarterback, Mitchell Trubisky has done enough to bring his team to the playoffs. This will be Trubisky’s second playoff appearance in three seasons. That is something only three other quarterbacks have done in franchise history since 1970.

The three other quarterbacks to start a playoff game in multiple different seasons for the Bears were Jim McMahon (3), Mike Tomczak (2) and Rex Grossman (2).

The man who wasn’t on that list that many hoped would be was Jay Cutler. Cutler, who was under center for 102 games over eight seasons, only made the playoffs once. In fact, he only had a winning record in three of the eight seasons he was the Bears quarterback.

Things have changed with Trubisky under center. Though many have called for this to be his last season in Chicago, he’s already found more success under center than those who preceded him. So, how does Trubisky stack up against Cutler? Let’s go through both of their first four seasons with the team.

In 2009, the Bears made a franchise-changing trade to get Cutler as their signal-caller. Cutler, then 26, signed a five-year deal, worth $50.37 million.

During Cutler’s first four seasons, he started in 56 games, going 34-22 (.607). He threw 82 touchdowns, 64 interceptions for 12,292 yards and an 81.9 passer rating.

Cutler had a winning record in three of his first four seasons, along with one playoff berth. That lone playoff berth came in 2010, where he led the Bears to the NFC Championship.

In Trubisky’s first four seasons as the Bears quarterback, he is 29-21 (.580) as a starter, throwing for 64 touchdowns, 37 interceptions for 10,609 yards and an 87.2 passer rating.

Trubisky will start his second playoff game this Sunday against the Saints, giving him two playoff seasons in three years, which is more than Cutler did in his entire Bears career.

The disadvantage Trubisky has in this comparison is the fact that he ran a vanilla offense during his rookie season. At just 23, Trubisky was thrown into a wildfire with a rebuilding offense that little to no weapons. He also wasn’t throwing the ball much.

Outside of Trubisky’s rookie season, he’s had a winning record every season since. That’s three straight winning seasons for Trubisky, which is similar to what Cutler did from his second to the fourth season as the Bears quarterback.

In those winning seasons for both quarterbacks, Cutler went 27-13, throwing 55 touchdowns and 37 interceptions with an 84.3 passer rating. Trubisky, on the other hand, is 25-13, throwing 57 touchdowns and 30 interceptions with an 89.8 passer rating.

Not only is Trubisky statically better from Years 2-4, but he also has taken the Bears to the playoffs twice now. It’s fair to say Trubisky is underrated as a player.

The question now turns to, has Trubisky taken too much heat from the media and fans alike? The simple answer is yes. Trubisky has been great with fans, the media and has said all the right things. He’s outperformed Cutler since his rookie season, and it’s hard to make an argument where the team doesn’t extend him.

At the end of the day, the fans and media are missing the clean and obvious point. Trubisky is the better quarterback. He doesn’t turn the ball over as much as Cutler did, and he is by far a better leader.

No matter what happens in the playoffs, the Bears will be in a tough spot this offseason. The quarterback pool is very thin in free agency and they’re likely to miss the boat on some of the top-tier quarterback prospects.

So, the question becomes, has Trubisky played his final home game at Soldier Field? Or will he be their starting quarterback going into next season? The result on Sunday against the Saints could answer that question.

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Bears vs. Jaguars game recap: Everything we know

The Bears overcame an uneven first half to rout the Jaguars 41-17, moving into the seventh and final spot in the NFC playoff picture.

With the Chicago Bears in firm control of their playoff destiny, two wins to close out the season would lock up the seventh seed in the NFC. So even against a Jacksonville Jaguars team that had lost 13 straight games, there was a lot on the line.

The Bears overcame an uneven first half to rout the Jaguars 41-17 on Sunday in Jacksonville, moving into the seventh and final spot in the NFC playoff picture. Now, Chicago needs just one more win — or an Arizona Cardinals loss — to clinch a postseason berth for the first time since 2018.

Despite the victory — which included two takeaways — Chicago’s defense once again struggled, this time against a bad offense early on in the game. The rapid decline of this once-dominant Bears defense is especially concerning considering Chicago is heading into Green Bay in need of a win in Week 17.

While the Bears offense only managed 10 points in the first half against one of the worst defenses in the league, they came to life in the third quarter — of all times — to take firm control of the game. Chicago scored 21 points in the third quarter to jump out to a commanding 34-10 lead heading into the final quarter.

The Bears have now scored 30-plus points in four straight games for the first time since 1965, a clear indication that it’s likely head coach Matt Nagy and his coaching staff, and possibly quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, will return to Chicago in 2021.

Instant analysis of Bears’ 41-17 win over the Jaguars in Week 16

The Chicago Bears took care of business against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a 41-17 blowout win to keep their postseason hopes alive.

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Before we recap the game, we want to give a special thanks to the San Francisco 49ers for beating the Arizona Cardinals. With the Cardinals’ loss, all the Bears have to do is win out as they control their destiny. They got one of their wins in a 41-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

It was a tale of two halves for the Bears and Jaguars. The Jaguars were able to get on the board first with a 26-yard field goal, but the Bears were able to answer with a Mitchell Trubisky passing touchdown to tight end Jimmy Graham.

Then it seemed like the Bears were going to get off to that comfortable lead as they took a touchdown lead with a Cairo Santos 20-yard field goal, but the Jaguars would end up tying the game. Former Bears quarterback Mike Glennon was able to find DJ Chark Jr. for a 20-yard touchdown to make it 10-10.

The Bears were able to drive down the field, but Trubisky returned to old habits. After extending the play by running around in the backfield, Trubisky threw an interception in end zone where his target was covered by four Jaguars. Instead of taking the game into halftime, the Jaguars got aggressive and it costed them as Roquan Smith picked off Glennon and the Bears were able to get a quick field goal to take a 13-10 lead.

In the second half, it was all Chicago. On the first possession, the Bears drove down the field and capped it off with a rushing touchdown from Trubisky. Then the Bears scored with a rushing touchdown from David Montgomery. After the touchdown, Smith was able to get another interception and set the Bears up another touchdown from Trubisky to Graham.

At this point, it was a 34-10 game and the Bears were very well on their way to a win. However, they weren’t done yet. Undrafted rookie free agent running back Artavis Pierce scored the first rushing touchdown of his career from three yards out to extend the Bears 41-10 lead.

The Jaguars were able to get on the board in the second half as Glennon found rookie Laviska Shenault Jr. for a 34-yard touchdown. The Bears were able to run the clock out and the defense was able to keep the Jaguars from putting up more points.

The Bears have scored 30-plus points in four straight games for the first time since 1965, which has helped them gain the seventh seed in the NFC playoff picture.

Chicago hasn’t clinched a playoff spot yet. The Bears will have to beat the Green Bay Packers or hope for the Cardinals to lose to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17. Not many will like this, but the ideal situation is to root for the Packers to beat the Tennessee Titans.

A Packers win will secure them with the No. 1 seed and will most likely have their starters sit out in the contest with the Bears. If the Packers were to lose to the Titans, Green Bay will have something to play for and will be at full strength.

Instant analysis of Bears’ 33-27 win over the Vikings in Week 15

The Chicago Bears kept their playoff chances alive with a 33-27 win over the Minnesota Vikings.

There was a time during the 2020 season that the Chicago Bears were on a six-game losing streak and all hope was lost. Now, after a 33-27 win over the Minnesota Vikings, the Bears’ chances for a postseason spot looms large.

It wasn’t the ideal start for both teams as the Bears started the game with a three-and-out, but the Vikings did the same. However, on the next possession for both teams, they were able to find the end zone.

Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky found rookie receiver Darnell Mooney for an eight yard touchdown to start the game, but the Vikings responded with a touchdown pass of their own from quarterback Kirk Cousin to receiver Adam Thielen from three yards. The Bears were able to respond with a Cairo Santos 42-yard field to give the Bears a 10-7 lead into the second quarter.

Halfway through the second quarter, the Bears were able to extend their lead with a one-yard rushing touchdown from running back David Montgomery. The Bears offense was powered by Montgomery with 32 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns.

Just before halftime, the Bears and Vikings exchanged field goals that would give the Bears a 20-10 lead. The Vikings would got the ball to start the second half and they were cut into the Bears’ lead with a one-yard rushing touchdown from running back Dalvin Cook.

Even with the Vikings starting strong in the second half, the Bears never gave up and found ways to answer Minnesota. After the Cook touchdown, the Bears responded with a 14-yard rushing touchdown from Montgomery.

The Vikings kicked a 22-yard field goal, then the Bears kicked a 20-yard field goal. However, the Vikings scored on a 20-yard pass from Cousins to Tyler Conklin, then the Bears got themselves into the red zone and Trubisky tossed an ill-advised interception to Viking rookie cornerback Cameron Dantzler in the endzone.

Leading 30-27, the Vikings had a chance to keep their postseason chances alive, but they failed as the Bears defense forced a turnover on downs. The Bears weren’t able to get a first down to end the game, but Santos extended their lead to 33-27 as the Vikings had 0:56 to work for a comeback.

The Vikings had moved the ball into Bears territory after a few throws by Cousins, but they had to rely on a Hail Mary with seven seconds left in the game. The pass was deflected into the air by safety Eddie Jackson in the end zone and it resulted in an incompletion to give the Bears their seventh win of the season.

The Bears aren’t in the playoffs just yet, but they are still in the hunt. The team the Bears have to keep an eye on and root against is the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals will take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the evening, while the Bears will get ready for the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16.

Instant analysis of Bears’ 33-27 win over the Vikings in Week 15

The Chicago Bears kept their playoff chances alive with a 33-27 win over the Minnesota Vikings.

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Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky found rookie receiver Darnell Mooney for an eight-yard touchdown to start the game, but the Vikings responded with a touchdown pass of their own from quarterback Kirk Cousin to receiver Adam Thielen from three yards. The Bears were able to respond with a Cairo Santos 42-yard field to give the Bears a 10-7 lead into the second quarter.

Just before halftime, the Bears and Vikings exchanged field goals that would give the Bears a 20-10 lead. The Vikings would get the ball to start the second half and they were cut into the Bears’ lead with a one-yard rushing touchdown from running back Dalvin Cook.

5 reasons for optimism as Bears face the Vikings in Week 15

There are reasons to believe the Chicago Bears have an edge going into this game against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Chicago Bears are clinging to their slim playoff chances following a convincing 36-7 win over the Houston Texans in Week 14.

But Sunday’s divisional contest between the Bears and Minnesota Vikings will essentially serve as an elimination game for both teams that are looking to clinch a wild card spot.

Here are the reasons why the Bears could have an edge going into this game against the Vikings.

Instant analysis of Bears’ 36-7 win over the Texans in Week 14

The Chicago Bears finally broke their six-game losing streak with an impressive 36-7 win against the Houston Texans.

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It’s about time, but the Chicago Bears have ended their six-game losing streak as they defeated the Houston Texans 36-7 to move to a 6-7 record. The Bears got off to a hot start and didn’t look back.

After slowing down Deshaun Watson on their opening drive, on the first play for the Bears, running back David Montgomery got the Bears on the board with an 80-yard touchdown run. Then in the second quarter, the Bears exploded.

Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky got the second quarter started with a nice drive that finished with a touchdown pass to tight end Jimmy Graham. The Texans were able to get on the board with Watson creating time and finding receiver Keke Coutee. The Texans defense was able to force a Bears punt and it began to start some frustration.

However, outside linebacker Khalil Mack was able to get some points for the defense as he sacked Watson for a safety. Just before halftime Trubisky was able to get two quick touchdowns for the Bears with one to receiver Darnell Mooney and another to receiver Allen Robinson.

The Bears started the second half up 30-7 on the Texans and things started to settle. Even though the Bears have had trouble scoring points in the third quarter, they were able to score three with a Cairo Santos 39-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Santos added another field goal from 32 yards out.

It was a disastrous day for the Texans as they got nothing going, and the Bears defense was able to get to Watson with six sacks. In the turnover department, Mack and inside linebacker Josh Woods were able to recover two fumbles.

On the offense, Montgomery finished with a career-high 113 yards — with just 11 carries — and a touchdown. Robinson totaled nine receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown. Then, with the 2017 NFL draft narrative, Trubisky outperformed Watson by going 24-for-33 for 267 yards and three touchdowns.

Next week the Bears have a massive matchup with the Minnesota Vikings that will play a pivotal role for either team’s chances for a wildcard spot.

Bears vs. Packers game recap: Everything we know

Just when you think the Chicago Bears have hit rock bottom, they continuously surprise you with each passing week. Sunday night’s 41-25 beatdown by the Green Bay Packers on primetime was a new low in Chicago’s abysmal 2020 season. The Bears have now …

The Bears have now lost five straight games since their 5-1 start. Only this time, in a shocking turn of events, it was Chicago’s defense that let them down. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers carved up the Bears defense, where Green Bay’s offense scored four touchdowns in the red zone against the NFL’s best red zone defense.

But, to no one’s surprise, Chicago’s offense was once again a complete and utter disappointment. While things looked promising early on for Mitchell Trubisky in his first start since Week 3, things soon turned ugly as Trubisky committed three turnovers — two interceptions and a fumble. But it wasn’t just Trubisky, as has been the case all season. The entire offense stumbled.

In fact, the entire Bears team stumbled on the primetime stage against their biggest rivals. And you have to wonder if this game — and what’s to follow — has sealed general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy’s fates in Chicago.