So from the looks of it the once promising season of the Chicago Bears is now over. While the Bears may not be mathematically eliminated, a 4 game losing streak and missing 3 key starters on offense would pretty much do the trick. Games versus their one loss rival Green Bay and reeling Minnesota Vikings will definitely tough since your starters might include Josh McCown (Who hasn’t started a game since 2007 with Oakland) Khalil Bell (Who did run well but come on now) and Roy Williams (Retire Please).

So who is to blame for the collapse? It’s plenty to choose from. Especially when you look at a team like the Houston Texas who lost an all pro running back in the beginning and now are down to their 3rd string quarterback win their division. People want answers. I’ll pass out a little blame and lets see if you will agree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jerry Angelo

One key in the Bears downfall of this is depth. This season it has been clear that the depth on the offense side is shallow at best. Caleb Hanie is way under his head this season and the running game has not been half as effective since injuries to Jay Cutler and Matt Forte. Bears Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz said last year that he believe Hanie was not the answer at the Backup position but no experienced backup was pursued. When Chicago native Donovan McNabb was put on waivers December 1 many believed while it may not have been the perfect fit, McNabb’s experience at the position was needed. The Bears passed and Hanie was gradually looked worse. Retirement anyone?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lovie Smith

While Lovie Smith deserves much respect taking the Bears to 2 NFC Champions ships and 1 super bowl, some of his decisions leaves Bears Nation flabbergasted. Many feel that Hanie should have been replaced 2 games ago. His use of the bend but don’t break Cover 2 Defense has broken often in the last 4 games. Many feel that he needs to reel in Martz in his play calling. Either way Smith is the captain of the ship so he goes down with it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Johnny Knox

I want to start this one off by saying I hope that Knox makes a speedy recovery from the injury he sustained yesterday in the loss versus the Seattle Seahawks. His body folded in a way the body shouldn’t and he must undergo back surgery to stabilize a vertebra in his lower to mid back. According to the Bears its “positive prognosis for his career and quality of life.” With all of that, the slip of Knox on an interception set off of chain of events that led to the thumb injury to Cutler. The slip led to the interception by Chargers Cornerback Antoine Cason, Cutler runs Cason down, tackles him and breaks his thumb. Sound like a another installment of the movie “Final Destination” doesn’t it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jay Cutler

Yes, the Quarterback himself. The game versus the Chargers was well in hand. It was no need for the QB to run him down. He may have saved a touchdown but that sacrifice may have cost the Bears the Season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Martz

After last season, Martz told the press that he wasn’t sold on Caleb Hanie. Hell, Hanie was the third stringer behind the terrible Todd Collins. Maybe we should have listened to Martz. Hanie’s no where near the QB we saw in the NFC championship game in which he nearly bought the Bears back during Cutler’s absence.  Maybe Martz needs to help his struggling QB out by calling better plays for him to succeed. Either way maybe it is time for Martz to find another place of employment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caleb Hanie

This is not the Caleb Hanie we saw in the NFC Championship game or is it? Remember Hanie was the 3rd string QB behind Cutler & Todd Collins. Collins is terrible in every since of the word and he was above Hanie on the depth chart? Leaves you to think huh? Hanie at times looks like he can get the job done but that’s not often. Questionable decision making will be a young quarterbacks downfall 100% of the time and Hanie either gotten it yet. When you add questionable play-calling into the mix you have no chance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fans

Yes, I am gonna put us in the mix as well. Remember after last year’s Championship game? Bears fans was aiming shots right at Cutler’s head. Felt he quit on the team with his knee injury. Complained about everything from his demeanor to his on again, off again fiancé Kristin Cavallari. People even wanted Cutler traded and Hanie to take over. Welp! Cutty got hurt again and Hanie took over and what do we have: a team destined for the playoffs to nothing. We got what we wanted right?

Blame can be sent to everyone. I don’t even need to mention former wide receiver Sam Hurd and his drug cause. It couldn’t be any worse timing than to get arrested during a bad losing streak. All we can do is hope Philadelphia, Detroit, Dallas, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons all slip up during the last two weeks of the season. Cutler can somehow miraculously come back Christmas day and defeat Green Bay and Minnesota on the road.

Nah… hats the season ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for supporting your Chicago Bears! See you next year!