Chicago Bears’ Effort On Field Unacceptable

The Chicago Bears lost to the Miami Dolphins 27-14 on Sunday in a very uninspiring effort. After the game, an upset Brandon Marshall called the team’s effort and record unacceptable. 

What if I told you the Chicago Blackhawks would have more wins at Soldier Field in 2014 than the Chicago Bears? Well, that is the case, as the Blackhawks have ONE win, while the Bears have lost all three of their games at home this season.

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The Bears’ play on the field on Sunday was about as uninspiring as it could be. There was no sense of urgency at key moments, and this high-octane offense seemed to be stuck in the mud all day long.

It seemed what did work for the Bears was unacceptable so they stopped doing it. Matt Forte had 49 carries on just 12 carries. I don’t know what it is, but coach Marc Trestman and Jay Cutler just keep going away from the running game. I know this is a pass-happy league, but when you have a runner like Forte, he opens things up for the passing game. Just look what the Philadelphia Eagles are doing with LeSean McCoy.

Speaking of unacceptable, that word seemed to be the theme of the day. Guard Kyle Long said the booing by the fans was unacceptable. “I don’t know if upset is the word I would use,” Long said. “But as somebody who is blood, sweat and tears like the other guys in this locker room and the coaches, the trainers, the staff, the equipment guys, to be getting booed at home when you’re walking off the field down two possessions is unacceptable.”

You know what, Kyle? A supposed high-powered offense that is plodding along, without a care in the world, while getting shut out in the first half is unacceptable. I’m pretty sure those boos weren’t directed at the trainers or equipment guys, Kyle. They were doing their jobs, unlike the players. The fans are just voicing their displeasure and don’t like the play. Someone has to.

“There are a lot of guys this means a lot to. We’re 3-4. We need to play better. That’s unacceptable.” -Brandon Marshall on the Bears’ season.

Another player who used unacceptable to describe things was wide receiver Brandon Marshall.

After the game, there was  a lot of yelling that could be heard from the Bears’ locker

Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

room.  Reporter heard Marshall dressing down the team. At one point, it appeared that kicker Robbie Gould said something, to which Marshall supposedly replied “When you play with heart, it’s supposed to hurt! You just kick the ball.”

Asked about what happened in the locker room, Marshall angrily replied. “Were you in here? Were you in this locker room? That’s a team matter. This has nothing to do with you,” Marshall said. “There are a lot of guys this means a lot to. We’re 3-4. We need to play better. That’s unacceptable. That’s unacceptable. Unacceptable. Shouldn’t have lost today. Shouldn’t be 3-4. Offense gotta play better. It’s as simple as that.”

Marshall also might have called out Cutler, his bff. Cutler’s turnovers again contributed to the offense’s struggles. He also had trouble finding the proper receiving target.

Marshall was right in being upset. It looked as if NO ONE ELSE WAS UPSET. Someone had to point things out. Someone has to go to Cutler and call him out when he deserves it. It is good to see that Marshall’s friendship with Cutler doesn’t prevent him from criticizing him when needed.

Trestman was his usual monotone, unemotional self in his post game press conference. What the Bears need now is someone to kick them in the pants to get them going. Jerry Rice voiced his concern about Trestman’s demeanor he was hired by the Bears. “Marc Trestman is one of those coaches who isn’t confrontational, and I don’t know if a player will use that as an advantage,’’ Rice said. “He might be having this good relationship with Jay Cutler right now because everything is not heated. But what happens when it is?’’

The Bears are at a crossroads right now. They could take what Marshall said and go south, or take what he said and look at themselves in the mirror and ask if they are playing to their full capability.