Chicago Bears-Carolina Panthers: 10 Things We Learned

The Chicago Bears have won a game that they should have won this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers even though they had problems passing the ball.  They did rediscover their running game however and that was the difference for the Bears in this game.  Without it, they wouldn’t have won this game.

Let’s take a look at ten things that we learned from the results of the Bears game against the Panthers this Sunday.

Todd Collins Is Washed Up

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 03: Todd Collins #10 of the Chicago Bears drops back to pass against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 3, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

I think that many Bear’s fans will agree, it doesn’t look like Collins is the kind of guy that the Bears want backing up Cutler.  Despite his experience, Collins threw four interceptions and looked confused at times in the Bears offense.  Once Caleb Hanie came in, the Bears offense did look better (passing the ball) and it appeared as if Hanie is much better adapted to this offense then Collins is.  Is Collins going to get cut soon?  Can the Bears afford to do something like that?

Forte Is Back!

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CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 10: Running back Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears runs with the ball against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

Running back Matt Forte had a monster game for the Bears this past Sunday and showed everyone that the Bears are fully capable of running the ball when they put their mind to it.  Chicago came into this game with a plan to run and that was very clear and they did a great job of doing it.  Now, let’s just hope that they can keep it up in future games.

The Line Still Can’t Pass Block

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 03: Olin Kreutz #57 looks at Todd Collins #10 of the Chicago Bears as he lays on the field after getting injured against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 3, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Pho

Although they did things much better in this game the offensive line still had problems pass blocking and gave up some sacks.  They did rework part of the line (the right side) and added two new players there (ones that hadn’t started before) to help try to come up with a combination that works.  Perhaps we will see this combination of linemen next week when the Bears host the Seahawks.  It may not have stopped the Carolina pass rush all together but they did do a much better job than what we saw on Sunday Night Football against the Giants.

Hanie Needs to Be the Second String Quarterback

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CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 10: Quarterback Caleb Hanie #12 of the Chicago Bears is sacked by cornerback Richard Marshall #31 of the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Ima

This one is a no brainer.  Collins showed his “value” on Sunday and he isn’t that valuable and doesn’t work well in this kind of offense.  Hanie is a much more mobile quarterback with a much better arm and thanks to him time with the team has a much better understanding of the offense.  If quarterback Jay Cutler has to remain sidelined against the Seahawks, it would be wise if the Bears started Hanie and left Collins sitting on the bench.

Julius Peppers Is Worth His Weight in Gold

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CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 10: Quarterback Jimmy Clausen #2 of the Carolina Panthers throws the ball over defensive end Julius Peppers #90 of the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Geoff Burke

It’s true.  Peppers has definitely made his money for the Bears so far this season.  Coming up with a batted ball and an interception as well as helping to free his line mates (in particular Israel Idonije) to make plays has really helped the Bear’s defense.  Peppers may not have the sack totals but his presence and the “little” things that he does really helps the Bears defense control the game and help the team earn wins.

Idonije Is the Real Deal

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CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 12: Israel Idonije #71 of the Chicago Bears awaits the start of play against the Detroit Lions during the NFL season opening game at Soldier Field on September 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Lions 19-14. (Photo b

After the Bears let defensive end Mark Anderson go (and subsequently signed Charles Grant) Idonije got the start this Sunday and collected three sacks, a career high.  Granted, he had some help from Peppers but Idonije looked very good getting pressure on the Panther’s quarterback (Jimmy Clausen) and looks like the right guy to start at the defensive end position opposite Peppers.

Mike Martz Misses Jay Cutler

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CHICAGO - AUGUST 21: Offensive coordinator Mike Martz of the Chicago Bears watches warm-ups before a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders at Soldier Field on August 21, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Raiders defeated the Bears 32-17. (Photo by Jona

If you saw any shots of Martz on the sideline, you would have seen how disgusted he was with the play of Collins.  You could tell that he wanted to get his passing game going but he just couldn’t thanks to the way that Collins was playing.  You can bet that Martz will be happy when Cutler returns hopefully next week against the Seahawks.

The Bear’s Secondary Isn’t All That Bad

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 03: Hakeem Nicks #88 of the New York Giants runs with the ball against Chris Harris #46 and Charles Tillman #33 of the Chicago Bears at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 3, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mi

The Bears secondary may not have had much of a chance to prove themselves so far this season because they haven’t been tested that often but in their game against the Panthers, the secondary locked down Carolina’s receivers and didn’t allow too many passing yards.  They also had an interception (by Charles Tillman) and played well in run support.  There will be bigger tests in the future however.

The Bears Are One of the Better Teams in the NFL

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CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 10: Defensive end Julius Peppers #90 of the Chicago Bears throws his gloves into the stands as he leaves the field after the Bears game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Charlotte, Nort

It’s true, the Bears are one of the better teams in the NFL and may actually be the best team in the NFC.  Yes, the Falcons and Buccaneers have only one loss as well but the Bears beat the teams they are supposed to and with some luck can have one of the better offenses in the NFC.  They already have one of the best defenses and if they can put the two together they can continue to win games that they are supposed to win and even those that no one thinks that they will win.

The Tight Ends Blocked Better

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CHICAGO - AUGUST 28: Brandon Manumaleuna #86 of the Chicago Bears participates in warm-ups before a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field on August 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cardinals defeated the Bears 14-9. (Photo by Jon

Watching the game closely, we saw that tight end Brandon Manumaleuna was pretty stout run blocking and helped out with the run on several occasions.  He started the game as the Bear’s H-Back (and fullback) and was the lead blocker on several runs for Forte.  Perhaps he is now earning his money?