Chicago Bears Week 11: What To Look For

Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

The offensive line has to do its job better.

One of the main reasons for the Bears success last year offensively was the offensive line. It was healthy and effective the entire season. The offensive line protected well for the quarterback, and opened holes for Forte.

Things have been different this season. The only healthy lineman has been Kyle Long. everyone else has missed games on the line. As a result, its effectiveness has lowered.

Jordan Mills will probably not play on Sunday, and even if he does, he has been largely ineffective this season. Shutting him down for the rest of the season might be a good option for him. He just has not been healthy all season long.

Cutler has gotten sacked many times over the course of his Bears career. Because of that, I feel he gets flustered when the pocket protection gets shaky. Looking at game film, he sometimes feels pressure that is not there, and then rushes throws. His internal clock seems to be running too fast, and he ends up making bad throws.

The offensive line has to protect better. Last week, they allowed three sacks in the first half. In the last five games, the protection has really broken down. I think Cutler is feeling that, and trying to compensate.

The line also has to improve in the running game. A few times early last week, Forte was getting buried in an avalanche of Packers. The line has to have a push up front to allow some space for Forte to run. The game is won in the trenches, and lately the Bears have been getting killed there.

Next: The defense needs to communicate better.