Three ways the Bears beat the Redskins

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Chicago Bears (5-7) will host the Washington Redskins (5-7) this Sunday in Soldier Field, where the home team has struggled. Both teams will be looking to stay relevant in the playoff hunt in this match up between NFC opponents.

Here are three ways the Bears come out with their sixth win of the season.

    1.  End drives with touchdowns: In last week’s loss to the 49ers the Bears only scored two rushing touchdowns and the rest field goals. The Bears need to capitalize on good starting field position and put the ball in the end zone. This is something that this Bears offense has struggled to do all season. Offensive coordinator Adam Gase needs to start the game out aggressive and get this offense in a good rhythm. Throughout the entire season this offense has stalled when reaching the red zone and with only four games left in the season the offense has to show it can get touchdowns and not settle for field goals.

     2. Utilize the Passing Game: It’s time to start passing the ball. The Bears did a great job last week running the ball, but never established any kind of passing game. Jay Cutler and his receivers need to get in sync early. If Cutler gets wide receiver Eddie Royal back this will help in third down situations and provide a weapon that can attack the middle of the field. The Redskins will try and stack the box when the Bears run so the receivers and Cutler need to be ready to make some plays. Play action should be a big part of the game for the Bears and could be a good opportunity to throw the deep ball to Alshon Jeffrey.

     3. Finish game strong defensively: The Bears defense in last week’s loss to the 49ers played well for three quarters, but had huge breakdowns in the fourth quarter and overtime. The Bears defensive allowed two long touchdowns in critical moments to the 49ers. When the game is close which it most likely will, the Bears need to stay disciplined and stay on their assignments. Especially with a play maker like Desean Jackson, who can score at any time when he has the ball in his hands.

Credit to: Zimbio.com

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Bears lose must win game to 49ers

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Bears playoff chances are slim to none with today’s disappointing 26-20 overtime loss to the 49ers.

At the end of regulation Robbie Gould missed a game winning 35-yard field goal. If Gould would have made the chip shot, the Bears would be sitting at 6-6 and in great position for a wildcard spot. Instead the Bears are now 5-7 and questions remain on all sides of the ball.

What happened? – The Bears offense came out flat against a 49ers defense that was ranked in the lower part of the league in all defensive categories.

It seemed today that Jay Cutler wasn’t prepared for the 49ers defense. Multiple times throughout the game Cutler waited for the play clock to wind down before audibling the play, putting the offense in bad situations. Usually Cutler gets his offensive to the line of scrimmage, reads the defense and gives the team plenty of time to adjust to an audible.

That didn’t happen today.

When Cutler threw the pick six, he audibled the original play and gave the 49ers an easy six points.

Cutler also had plenty of overthrown and inaccurate balls, and never established any kind of rhythm with any of his receivers. A reason for lack of rhythm on the offense could be the questionable play calling by Adam Gase. The offense didn't use a lot of play action despite committing to the run early on in the game.

Gase loves to call screen plays and throw towards the sidelines, but wont attack the middle of the field with a slant, in, or post route. The offensive at times becomes repetitive and predictable.

The Bears didn’t lose the game solely because of their offense, their defense collapsed at the end of the game as well.

The defense did a great job of forcing three-and-outs against the 49ers offense the whole game, but when it came to crunch time, the Bears couldn't make enough plays to win.

The Bears gave up a 44-yard touchdown run to Blaine Gabbert to tie the game at 20 in the fourth quarter. Then gave up a 71-yard touchdown bomb to Torrey Smith in overtime.

Special Teams had a disappointing day too, with Gould missing two field goals.

Now What: The Bears lost another game they should have won, failed to make it to .500 and will most likely miss the playoffs again.

The Bears host the Washington Redskins next week in Soldier Field.