Chicago Sports Then and Now

Matt Forte must pick up his game against the surprise Bengals run defense.

Overview: Both the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals are coming off losses and need a win to stay in contention in their respective divisions.

Last Week: The Bears fell just short in a 21-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Chicago had a chance to tie the game at the end, but were unable to convert. Jay Cutler passed for 300 yards and two touchdowns, but the rushing game continued their season-long struggles.

The Bengals had a rough second half in a 28-17 loss to the Houston Texas. Leading 17-14 at intermission, the Bengals were unable to score in the second half while surrendering two scores. They allowed Texans quarterback Matt Schaub to pass for 382 yards and four touchdowns.

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Jay Cutler went airborne in more ways than one against the Lions.

If you take a look at the box score from this game, you would think that the Detroit Lions won the game. The Lions had 25 first downs (eight more than the Bears), 308 passing yards (183 more than the Bears) and had the ball for 36 minutes (13 minutes more than the Bears). So, how did the Bears win this game. Well it was mix of great special teams play throughout and some good defense in the second half.

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Lance Briggs and the Bears will look to keep the Lions from gaining momentum following their first win since 2007.

Overview: Now that the Detroit Lions have proven that they can win a football game, the question is whether they are good enough to compete on a regular basis or were they just fortunate to be playing a Redskins team that seems destined for turmoil.

The Bears have recovered from their struggles on opening night and now seem to be settling into their role as a solid defensive team with some flashes of offensive prowess.

Last Week: Detroit ended their 19-game losing streak with a 19-14 victory over the Washington Redskins. Rookie quarterback Matt Stafford had his finest day completing 21 of 26 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown. Kevin Smith rushed for 105 yards before an injury forced him from the game. Washington had a chance to win at the end, but the Lions held on.

The Bears needed a 36-yard touchdown pass from Jay Cutler to Devin Hester to defeat the Seahawks 25-19. Jay Cutler was 21 for 27 for 247 yards and three touchdowns in the victory. The defense allowed 346 yards of offense, but held on for the win.

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After a standout rookie year, Matt Forte has struggled in 2009.

Could it be that the Bears running back Matt Forte is having a sophomore slump?

Maybe… Maybe not.

It could be the offensive line’s fault or Matt Forte’s fault. Maybe Forte is just not running hard enough. I think it is a mixture of both.

The Bears have three new starters on the offensive line, left tackle Orlando Pace, left guard Frank Omiyale and right tackle Chris Williams. Right guard Roberto Garza and center Olin Kreutz are returning starters from last year.

Pace, Williams and Kreutz have played very well so far this season. To me Roberto Garza and Frank Omiyale have not played good enough. Read the rest of this entry →