Chicago Bears: Matt Nagy is not an idiot

The Chicago Bears have now lost following the bye week in consecutive years under Matt Nagy. First, it was the Dolphins, now the Saints in ugly fashion.

Matt Nagy and his Chicago Bears are consistent about a few things. It just isn’t what they would like. Their Week 7 outcome against the Saints is now the second time in as many years the Bears have lost with extended time to prepare.

The bye week seems to be Nagy’s most consistent obstacle. It is also the second time they were favored in the game. This time against an injury-ravaged New Orleans team missing its two biggest offensive stars. One would think, with more time, there is more preparation for an opponent. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The offense looked atrocious until “garbage time,” the defense looked lost at times, but it was the lack of execution that sticks out. The Saints managed to out-execute Chicago in two of three phases. Nagy, the offensive guru had plenty of time to examine his offense. He had time to make a decision at quarterback. The only change made was at the RG position. Kyle Long was replaced and it took the IR for that switch.

Nagy dialed up another pass-happy scheme that provided his squad with roughly 23 minutes in Time of Possession. No defense can keep up a high level of play when it is on the field for almost two-thirds of the game. The run game didn’t reach 10 total attempts. It begs the question, “What were they doing all that time in Halas Hall?” No one would argue the Bears looked unprepared against the Saints while the running game remained non-existent.

Some Positives

Chicago has the same record through the first six games of the season sitting at 3-3 (same as last season). This is not intended to be an indictment on Coach Nagy. He is the reigning Coach of the Year and led Chicago to an NFC North title. The mojo is in him. Maybe that is the problem, on stage, spectators call for an encore after a spectacular performance. That is exactly what the Windy City faithful are calling for, “Encore!”

Nagy has to deliver after that 13-3 performance and near comeback win against the Eagles during the opening round of the playoffs, right? Nevermind his inaccurate quarterback, who looks more inept as the season goes on. Nevermind a defense that has been struck by the injury bug, unlike last season. Nevermind a shaky offensive line that was once a strength now a weakness.

Week after week, it is the same song and dance. We gotta get the ground game going. This latest loss only demonstrates how Nagy may want to start asking himself if he should continue calling plays. A new running back room hasn’t helped. Extra time doesn’t work. Three more losses haven’t swayed him yet. Maybe another loss to a (2-5) Chargers team coming to town will add to the fire.

Nagy’s comments from today’s press conference:

The only thing consistent about Nagy is his team’s inconsistency. Let’s hope for his sake he speaks the truth.