Waddle: Last week’s beating isn’t
end of world
Waddle: Last week’s beating isn’t
end of world
Take a deep breath, step away from the edge, and try to separate your passion from your common sense. You had to know that this team had a stink bomb in it.
Let’s reassess: The Bears’ Week 1 win against the Detroit Lions was anything but convincing. Thanks to an insanely illogical rule, the Bears got off to a 1-0 start.
The win in Dallas was solid, but the schedule-makers did our Bears a favor, as the Cowboys they faced in Week 2 will be an aberration a month from now.
The Monday night victory against Green Bay came thanks to an undisciplined group of Packers who broke the rules 18 times. Don’t get me wrong, 3-0 was great, but the signs were there.
I’m not suggesting I expected a 10-sack disaster, but the offensive line has been an issue since last season.
Jay Cutler is a big-time talent, but he’s never handled pressure well. As creative as offensive coordinator Mike Martz is, the ineptitude up front is a challenge.
There was bound to be bumps along the way. I’m not going to lie, that 17-3 loss to the Giants last week was a disaster. But if you have reasonable expectations, you’ll be able to get over the mauling in the Meadowlands and still have hope.
From the start, I said this was a 10-6 team that probably was not ready for the postseason. I stand by that prediction.
So now what? As a fan, I suggest you enjoy the 3-1 start, secure your seat belt, and get ready for a season of breathtaking highs and discouraging lows. We’ve had a glimpse of both in the past month.
For the coaches, here’s some unsolicited advice: Start running the football unless you want to see your quarterback standing in street clothes battling the effects of multiple concussions.
It might not work. Well, behind this offensive line, I doubt it will work, but it’s the best way to keep Cutler safe when the floodgates open again. And they will open again.
Running the ball might not be Martz’s first choice, it might not make his top-10, but he has committed to the run in the past. Ask Marshall Faulk, or Frank Gore. Martz certainly is smart enough to know that running play-action is an exercise in futility if nobody believes you’re willing to run the ball in the first place.
On the bright side, Devin Hester has again instilled fear in opposing punters, and the defense looks as if it is a top-10 unit again.
Although Cutler won’t play Sunday, it’s not the end of the world because ultimately, his long-term health is what’s most important.
With Todd Collins under center, the game plan is simple: Run the ball, protect the ball, and rely on your defense.
The Bears need a game manager who won’t get them beat, and a veteran like Collins is a safe choice. Caleb Hanie has more mobility and more potential, but his inexperience is a liability.
If this Bears team was 1-3 or 0-4, then I would say go with the kid. But the Bears are 3-1 and lead the NFC North.
Bottom line, the game in Charlotte, N.C., is more about these Bears and less about the 0-4 Panthers.
The Bears need to make a statement that resonates inside their locker room. They have to quickly erase any doubt that might have set in after being beaten in the Meadowlands. I’m not nearly as nervous as most of you.
Waddle’s pick: Bears 23, Panthers 13.
