Unless you live in the Midwest, the Chicago Bears are one of those teams that are usually forgotten about if they haven't become relevant by making the playoffs that year.
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Their playoff appearances have been so spotty in recent times (they've made the postseason just four times in the past 15 years) that they've been mostly absent from the public consciousness. And this year begins with more of the same.
Two games in and the team is already bogged down with the usual turmoil. The Bears followed a 23-14 week 1 loss to the Texans—-in which they could muster no second half points—-with an equally dismal showing at home against the Eagles Monday night, losing 29-14.
They not only lost the game, they stunk up the place on many levels. The offense sputtered again in the second half with just seven points, and Jay Cutler laid an egg; completing 12-of-17 for 157 yard, losing a fumble, and throwing a costly pick in the third quarter that led to a Philly touchdown.
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Injured linebacker Pernell McPhee voiced the team, and the city's, frustration with Cutler, whose intercepted pass would have been accurate if it had been intended for Eagles linebacker Nigel Bradham and not wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey. McPhee got in Cutler's face as he walked off the field, yelling something at him that didn't appear to be words of encouragement.
After the game, Cutler said he suffered a thumb injury that was preventing him from getting a firm grip on the ball. He also said he understand's people frustrations and he had no problem with McPhee shouting at him.
"I'm fine with that," Cutler said. "He's a passionate guy. Everyone's got a lot invested into this, and he does as well. No one likes to lose. No one likes to lose in that type of fashion. He's upset. I'm upset. Everyone is upset in that locker room right now. But the good thing is that we've got a bunch of good guys in there. We've got a bunch of good coaches, and we've got 14 games left."
But it was more than just Cutler. Running back Jeremy Langford carried 11 times for 28 yards and the team as a whole rushed for just 64 yards. Defensively, the Bears made Eagles rookie quarterback Carson Wentz look like the Rookie of the Year already. He completed 21-of-34 for 197 yards and 1 touchdown.
The Bears may have 14 games left, but after what they showed us last night, they'll be lucky to win more than four.
