The Chicago Bears Lose a Close Game to the Oakland Raiders

Well, we have a quarterback, and his name is Jay Cutler.  I'm more determined than ever to get that Cutler #6 jersey.  After watching the game this past Sunday, he is more valuable than we all assumed during last year’s NFC championship game against the Packers.  Watching him with that injured thumb, and knowing how it took place, he should be considered for the All-Pro game. 

The fear of a Haine Quarterback is something some of the players didn't want to state; well…it rung true for the 1st quarter (loudly).  Haine threw two interceptions to players who had not had a pick all year.  Additionally, the Raiders were stopping the running game.  Not only were the Raiders slowing down the offense, but the Bears were hurting themselves with penalties. 

Kudos to the Chicago Defense for doing what they stated.  The first series for Oakland, they were really moving the ball in the air and on the ground.  They scored in less than 2 minutes after receiving the ball (Field Goal).  The commentators were saying that Chicago cares about points on the board than offensive yardage.  This has really rung true because when any team, so far this season, has made it to the red zone, the Bears will move you backwards in yardage or yield 3 points via a field goal. 

Matt Forte has not had a stats laden game the previous two contests.  It was great to see him burst for a large run, but the offensive scoring was not there yet for Chicago.  The defense for the Bears was allowing Oakland to move the ball again, but they are stern in their philosophy by only allowing a field goal.  Chicago is down by 6 points; scoring 0 in the first quarter.  

Da Bears open up the 2nd Quarter with a sack on C. Palmer.  This pressured attack hopefully will balance out the two interceptions already thrown by Haine in the first quarter.  Oakland cannot move the ball with their 3rd offensive series.  Chicago is back on offense but is having trouble moving the ball; mirroring the previous series.     

The defenses on both sides have stalled the offensive output for both teams.  Peppers and Tillman sacked Palmer after Oakland decides to go for a completed 4th down conversion.  The very next play, Tim Jennings almost picked off Palmer for an interception.  Again, ON THE VERY NEXT PLAY, Da Bears almost sacked Palmer again, and from this Bear Down pressure, Chicago gets an interception. 

Lets go BEARS!  Chicago has to score with this turnover; my thoughts.  Marion Barber is in the back field and implementing what everyone figured would be the Bears game plan against Oakland...running the ball.  Marion was bruising Oakland, while at the same time, losing his helmet after almost every run. 

Haine...he is not in synch with the offense at all. Not monitoring the clock, his passes are not on target, plus he is showing frustration on the field.  The running game is helping move the offense which allows a terrific strike, by Haine, to Johnnie Knox for a touchdown. 

Chicago is up in points and it seems like the celebration was premature because Oakland marched up the field to take the lead away with another field goal.  However, Chicago is flexing its muscle by coming right back and making its way to the 6 yard line of the red zone with 35 seconds left in the first half, ready to take the lead back….Haine throws an interception.  Oakland capitalizes off this event for yet another filed goal to increase their lead for the half. 

Chicago 7    Oakland 12

Breaking down the second half, the 3rd quarter was a defensive contest.  Oakland scored 2 field goals, but at the same time, the Bears defense had to have deflated them a bit for Oakland was running and passing the ball well with only 6 points to show for it. 

Chicago is running the ball, and within this half, the passing game has picked up; although not fluid.  Johnny Knox was in synch with Haine but the rest of the receiving core was not. It was sad to see because Roy Williams was getting back in form and Earl Bennett only had 1 catch the entire game.  Caleb Haine’s decision making really cost Chicago this game.  He didn't trust the pocket and he didn't know what to do when he scrambled with the ball.

When Oakland scored a touchdown with 3:47 left in the game and the score was 25 to 13, I left the house and was regulated to listening to the game on the radio.  I couldn’t watch anymore but at least I would know how the game ended.  Chicago quickly made it to a 3rd down situation with only 37 seconds off of the clock (frustrating).  Before I could say game over and turn off the ignition to go and purchase cookie sheets from the Dollar Store on 111th and Route 59, A HUGE 3RD DOWN CATCH BY JOHNNIE KNOX.

Kellen Davis scored a receiving touchdown and we are back in the game with 2:11 left for the contest.  Da Bears defense held and gave the offense an opportunity to win the game by causing a quick 3 and out against the Oakland Raiders.  But bad decision making possibly doomed the chances of a victory.  The game ended on a penalty….

Overall, this seemed like a game for the kickers from Chicago and Oakland.  Chicago racked up the yards offensively (401 net yards).  But it really came down to Defense and Takeaways.  Chicago had its chances, and this game came all the way to the end of this contest...see you next week.  Until then, BEAR DOWN. 

Chicago 20    Oakland 25