Chicago Bears: 10 Things Bears Fans Learned In Their Division Clinching Win
On a freezing Monday night, the Chicago Bears dominated their rival Minnesota Vikings to clinch the NFC North championship, propelling the Bears to their first postseason appearance since their failed Super Bowl bid of 2006.
In this critical division-clinching win, which followed an embarrassing loss to the New England Patriots, Bears fans learned 10 things.
1. The Bears Are Resilient
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After a crushing defeat a week ago, the Bears bounced back big time and wiped the floor with the Minnesota Vikings under the national spotlight.
This victory demonstrates how resilient this Bears team is—a trait of a champion. Credit the ever optimistic Lovie Smith and his staff with keeping this teams' spirits high and focus on winning.
2. Jay Cutler Can Win the Big Games
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Critics have panned Jay Cutler throughout his professional career for not winning the big games.
And in his brief stint with the Bears, Cutler has had some horrendous performances at inopportune times. However, this Monday night win enabled Cutler to prove his critics wrong as he led the Bears offense to victory.
Now, fans will see how Cutler can handle the pressure of postseason play.
3. Chicago Can Throw the Deep Ball
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When the Bears signed Jay Cutler and, in 2010, paired him with offensive coordinator Mike Martz, fans expected to see an explosive offense that thrived on the deep route behind Cutler’s big arm.
However, poor pass protection has prevented the Bears from setting up deep routes.
But when given time, the Bears speedy receivers can find holes down field for Cutler. The Cutler bomb to Knox that put the Bears in control of last night's game demonstrates how good this Bears offense can be when offensive pass protection holds up.
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4. The Bears Have Excellent Defensive Line Depth
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Say what you want about Bears GM Jerry Angelo’s drafting acumen, but give the man credit for putting together a diverse and talented group of defensive linemen.
Bears fans should be especially excited with the excellent play of second year DT Henry Melton, who consistently makes big plays.
5. Brett Farve Is Done
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I bet rookie DE Corey Wooten never would have thought his first NFL sack would likely end the career of a future hall of fame quarterback.
Favre’s days of facing off against the Monsters of the Midway are officially over and, unfortunately for him, he bowed out unceremoniously with injuries and scandal.
6. Devin Hester Is Ridiculous
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Devin Hester’s recording breaking return for a TD on Monday earns him a spot in the record books for most TD returns.
This is an especially impressive feat, given Hester has only played five seasons and still has many productive years ahead of him.
7. Cutler Has a Lightening Fast Release
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On a second half TD pass to WR Rashid Davis, Jay Cutler rocketed the ball through good coverage before the defenders even had time to react.
Cutler’s quick release has enabled the Bears offense to thrive, even without adequate pass protection.
8. The Offensive Line Has Improved
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Against a good defense, the Bears offensive line held their ground most of Monday night.
This young unit has a lot of potential and, with more reps, may solidify into a solid group. Nevertheless, upgrading the offensive line remains priority one in the off-season.
9. Matt Forte Is a Legitimate NFL Back
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Some analysts, including myself, have criticized Matt Forte for his low rushing averages throughout his career.
In his first two NFL seasons, Forte averaged under 4.0 yards per carry making me wonder whether he was best suited as a third down back.
However, since the bye week this season Forte has impressed. Last night, against an excellent Vikings running defense, Forte averaged 5.4 yards per carry while compiling 92 yards on the ground.
10. The Vikings Are in Trouble Offensively
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The Vikings are facing a tough road ahead offensively.
The Bears, Packers, and the Lions appear to have solidified their offenses behind young quarterbacks. The Vikings, on the other hand, are about to lose their starting QB to retirement and lack a viable replacement.
For the Vikings to keep up with the rest of their divisional counterparts, they may have to orchestrate a trade or pick up a QB in the first round of the 2011 draft.
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