JP's Postgame Presser - Bears vs. Dolphins

Posted 1:40 PM October 20, 2014 by Jarrett Payton

In honor of Eminem’s Birthday on Friday, “will the real Bears team please stand up?” After the Falcons game it looked like the Bears were finally coming together on both sides of the ball, but the roller coaster season continues. I’m not sure what Bears team I’m going to see week in and week out. The team that clicks in all aspects or the team on the back of the milk carton yesterday… MISSING!

As a fan it’s frustrating because coming into this season I expected so much more. With all the defensive additions, the draft class and the returning pieces from the offense, the bar was set high. Can this team bounce back? Yes, but can they win at home is the question that keeps bothering me. Another thing that is concerning is the offense failing to put any points on the board in the first half.

The players need to take half of the blame and the other half falls on Marc Trestman.The players need to take half of the blame and the other half falls on Marc Trestman. We have become accustomed to the offense having problems in the 2nd half, but yesterday was even more out of character. I understand this team is built to air the football out to the big time targets down field, but I feel it has to go through Matt Forte. Establishing the run only helps open up the passing game and creates more manageable 3rd downs.

All week on JHS talking with @GameChicago’s beat guy Adam Hoge he told us that heading into week 7 the emphases was on taking care of the football. The Bears once again lost the turnover battle and their record when that happens…0-4.

Defensively the Bears got sliced and diced by Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill who went 25 for 35 with 277 yards and 2 TDs. Don’t forget the 6 rushes for 48 yards, 1 short of Forte. The Bears made him look like a Pro Bowler. When I look at the 25 for 35 it leads me to one conclusion, not enough pressure by the Bears front 7. The Dolphins must have seen something watching film because they used the read option, which is not a big part of their offense.

With Lance Briggs being out another week we had a chance to see a new group starting at the LB position. Shea McClellin made his way back into the line up and frankly it might be time for the Shea LB experiment to be over. He keeps showing me that he is a liability trying to stop the run and defending the pass.The big blow to this def was Kyle Fuller going out The D-Line has to be the difference makers for this defense moving forward.

Injury report

Kyle Fuller (Hip)

X-Factor

Jeremiah Ratlif

It’s so good to have JRat back on the field. Coming into the season I thought he would be the anchor of the line. With his size and his athletic ability he should dominate every time he lines up. Ratliff had a career-high 3.5 sacks in the 1st half alone and got in on 7 tackles. Now that he is back and healthy it will be fun to watch him and Stephen Paea establish a nice rapport.

Matt Forte

Forte keeps showing us why he is one of the best running backs in the league with another tough performance vs the Dolphins. He ended the day with 109 total yards and 2 TDs. He is the best all around player 9 times out of 10 when he steps on the football field. I know I’m not the only one that sees it but..they need to use him more.

Last Question

What’s the problem with this team?

The Bears need to be more consistent in all three phases of the game.I’m trying to pin point it myself right now. The one thing I see through 7 weeks is the lack of an identity. Are they a passing team or a running team? What kind of defense are they? If you have the answer please tweet me @Paytonsun. The Bears need to be more consistent in all three phases of the game. When the season started I said the Bears offense was going to have to carry the whole squad this season. Zero points in the 1st half is unacceptable. Turning the ball over repeatedly just adds to it. Last week after talking with some of the players they talked about having all the injuries and “no excuses”. You can’t go back and replay the game, but you can watch film and correct your mistakes. That should be the game plan for this Bears squad. Figuring things out is a must when looking at upcoming meetings with Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers next on the schedule. By the looks of Brady’s Facebook page he’s super excited to play the Bears…super excited and what QB wouldn’t be. The Bears didn’t have good luck finishing down by the lake front, but it is time to get ready for a tea party with the Patriots.