Chicago Bears’ poor roster construction was on display in the loss to Minnesota

The Chicago Bears nearly pulled off a stunning come-from-behind victory against the Minnesota Vikings.

A penalty wiped out a phenomenal touchdown run by Justin Fields that would have given the Bears a four-point lead late in the fourth quarter. Ihmir Smith-Marsette was called for a questionable illegal block in the back on Fields’ run to the endzone.

The Chicago Bears had a chance to tie the game on their final drive but Smith-Marsette fumbled with just over a minute to go to effectively end the game.

Well, it was more like he had the ball ripped away from him by Cam Dantzler.

The fumble stings not just because it ended the Bears’ comeback hopes. It also hurts because Smith-Marsette could have run out of bounds, stopped the clock, and the Chicago Bears drive would have continued. Instead, he tried for a few more extra yards.

The fact that Smith-Marsette was even on the field is a reason the Chicago Bears lost. It is nothing against Smith-Marsette personally. He had a great career at Iowa but Smith-Marsette should probably be on a practice squad or preparing for XFL tryouts.

Instead, he was identified by Bears general manager Ryan Poles as a receiver who should be part of offensive coordinator’s Luke Getsy year one offense. He was part of a group of playmakers that Poles assembled that are not going to keep opposing defensive coordinators from losing sleep.

The Chicago Bears’ lack of talent on offense was a big reason why Fields and company fell just short of victory.

Justin Fields played well after he struggled mightily in his first four games. Fields completed 15 of 21 passes for 208 yards and threw a touchdown pass. He finished with 118.8 passer rating. Fields was outstanding in the second half.

He hooked up with Darnell Mooney for a spectular 39-yard catch. After four horrible games, Chicago finally got to see hope that Fields can be the solution to the Bears’ nearly 75-year-old franchise quarterback problem.

The issue he faces is what many pointed out coming into this season: he does not have a lot of weapons outside of Mooney. It is not like Mooney has gotten off to a blazing start. He has just 10 catches to start the season.

Tight end Cole Kmet finally made a chunk play when he hauled in a 23-yard reception. He has been very quiet in the passing attack with just nine receptions on the season. Part of Kmet’s lack of effectiveness is because he is required to spend a lot of time blocking.

Fields has running backs David Montgomery, who had 82 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown, and Khalil Herbert whom he can count on. It seems like Getsy feels that same way with Fields needing three games to officially attempt over 20 passes. The other reason has been the offensive line’s play.