Notes, Scribbles, and Things Jotted Down: Week 11, Chargers Edition

by Steven Schweickert on Nov 21, 2011 7:00 AM CST in Game Recap

So the Bears might have some kind of thing figured out with these receivers, or maybe that was a function of Cutler having time and mobility, or a function of a fairly unimpressive secondary. Either way, apart from Johnny Knox slipping while leaning through one of his cuts, the receivers had a pretty strong game. Roy Williams had a season-high five catches, including three consecutive on one drive, and all five catches went for first downs.
That being said, I'm starting to worry that Earl Bennett is going to become Cutler's safety blanket like Greg Olsen was - a lot of balls thrown his way, yet he can only come up with a few of them. ESPN has Bennett targeted nine times and converting only three of them. He had the one touchdown catch taken away from him and another catch later, but he also had a ball winged far over his head that two years ago to Olsen would probably have been picked off. Also... Bennett, on third down, why are you so close to the sideline so far from the first down marker?
The running game really struggled early on, and while Forte and Barber started getting a few better carries in the fourth quarter, the Chargers really came to stop the run. Seemed like lots of times the linebackers and safeties were brought in to stop the run while the receivers got to work in one-on-one situations, which even this collection of receivers can work with.

So what was that about not kicking to Devin Hester? Devin's two returns were on punts right down the middle of the field, one of which he was backed up to his own end zone yet had enough space to work with, and the other was called back on a penalty yet he returned it from about the 40 to the San Diego 10.
In the red zone, the Bears were 3-3 in converting points. The Chargers were 2-4.
Tyler Clutts is a solid football player. Not awful at long-snapping, solid lead-blocker, and a decent receiver out of the backfield. Unfortunately, not good at mixing it up with the Chargers players.
Speaking of Clutts, Pat Mannelly left the game. Yet we won the game. Feel free to express appropriate shock and awe.
So after last week, we were all set to send Peanut Tillman to the Pro Bowl. This week... Vincent Jackson ate him alive. 7 receptions, 23.6 yards per on nine targets? And I know the Cover 2 means play off to make the tackle... But why do you let him inside you in the end zone, especially when he's bigger than you? You KNOW the slant's coming when he tries that.
He exercised his desire to punch balls again, though, even while engaged with a blocker, reaching out and forcing the fumble.
Cutler can run an awesome quarterback keeper.
The fake punt was a surprise, but it made sense - if you make the first down, you keep control, and it wasn't some outrageous field position or distance, it was just a little rushed and overthrown
The Chargers have now had at least two turnovers in nine of their ten games this season.
Corey Graham did his best DJ Moore impersonation, with a perfectly timed interception to seal the game.
Frank Omiyale was in for one play at guard. The world rioted. Nothing went wrong at guard, Spencer came back in, and all was right with the world.
Speaking of guards, Edwin Williams and Spencer had pretty solid games. Cutler was dodging a lot of pressure, but a lot of it was blitzes and off the tackles.
I was generally impressed with Wright and Conte, although the Chargers got too many deep pass plays on the Bears' defense. That being said, Wright's interception was a throw that probably shouldn't have been made as he closed on it pretty easily.
Tim Jennings had another solid game, as he's really growing into that second cornerback spot.
I was surprised Gates didn't get more use than he did, as the Bears were allowing the middle of the field most of the game. Most of the throws were deep/sideline type stuff.
Third downs - the Chargers were 5-11 and the Bears were 8-14. No wonder the punters didn't get a lot of use!
The Bears' 286 passing yards are the third most San Diego has allowed this year. It seemed like a lot more, given the Bears' offense was on the field for 16 more plays.
That being said, the Chargers had one first down through running the ball. The Bears had 7.
I thought the defensive line generally had a good game. Peppers was chasing Rivers all over the place, Melton had some nice penetration on stuffing the run, and the pressure generated by Idonije and Paea forced some questionable, rushed throws by Rivers. Shame nobody could actually finish and put Rivers down.
Regarding a timeout-then-challenge sequence... Lovie Turner. That is all.
Time of possession: SD 26:50 / CHI 33:10
Penalties: SD 3-20 / CHI 6-61

That's all I've got for you. What did you notice?

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Comments

Too bad about Cutler, But time to move on with Hanie for now.

-Knox had a solid game and I hope he starts more throughout the rest of the season.
-Bennett looked pretty good as usual
-Roy did his thing but way too many first down gestures.
-O-line was pretty solid for the most part. anyone notice that Webb is starting to play better?
-Defense with the exception of Tillman was very good last night. And even Tillman made up for it with that punch out recovery.
-I really like Major Wright at SS. Even if His Int’s are coming off of bad throws, thats the name of the game.
-overall a good game and I hope Hanie can step it up and keep us in the playoff hunt till Cutler can come back!

Wouldnt it be funny if we had another DE with the last name Salters!

by fortefan09 on Nov 21, 2011 7:09 AM CST reply actions

The TD to Knox was some awesome athleticism

He’s so good at avoiding pressure and throwing accurately off balance. Dilfer is so jealous.

Sucks that he’s hurt…

How does one sign this thing? Do I use that stylus thingy that the kids have for they're silly do-hickies?

by Strategyfan on Nov 21, 2011 7:26 AM CST reply actions

Dilfer only has eyes for Aaron Rodgers.

Cacti are prickly.

by crackedcactus on Nov 21, 2011 3:40 PM CST up reply actions

It's strange, though.

Dilfer’s anti-Cutler Total QBR is actually putting Cutty as the #10 QB in the NFL, higher than QBRating currently has him…

by Doshi on Nov 21, 2011 4:52 PM CST up reply actions

Appropriate shock and awe!

by Arbusto on Nov 21, 2011 7:31 AM CST reply actions

CSN Chicago's Flannigan says Martz might be thinking about bringing in Bulger.

F-THAT! Hanie will (should) be good enough to at least win us 3 of these 6 last games and get us into the playoffs. He has done nothing but earn his oppurtunity. I fully support Hanie and I hope this shows that Lovie has confidence in who he suits up behind Cutler every week. Then again, Collins was last year and that was a terrible decision so I guess only time will tell.

Wouldnt it be funny if we had another DE with the last name Salters!

by fortefan09 on Nov 21, 2011 7:58 AM CST reply actions 1 recs

Bulger may be a backup

Perhaps you’d rather not put the season in the hands of a rookie if Hanie goes down.

by madcow256 on Nov 21, 2011 8:23 AM CST up reply actions

Exactly. Who's behind Hanie at this point?

Did you have to go look up the depth chart to remember his name?

Cacti are prickly.

by crackedcactus on Nov 21, 2011 3:40 PM CST up reply actions

I was ready to see Hanie before they signed Cutler

Then, they signed Cutler. You hate for it to happen this way but, now we get to see what Caleb’s got.

by Big Ike on Nov 21, 2011 8:03 AM CST reply actions

I agree. I like Hanie and always thought he deserved a chance. Oakland will be a good test for him.

I expect Oakland to stop the run but there Corners are not that good and we should be able to move the ball pending Martz’s hatred for Hanie

Wouldnt it be funny if we had another DE with the last name Salters!

by fortefan09 on Nov 21, 2011 8:12 AM CST up reply actions

im hoping for

a matt cassel/tom brady type situation where our starting qb gets injured and caleb comes in and has a hell of a season. then we trade him to the chiefs for some stupid reason. i dont know. go Bears!

by leftcoastsoxfan on Nov 21, 2011 11:19 AM CST up reply actions

Washington would probably be Hanie's destination if he's good.

Or Miami.

by Doshi on Nov 21, 2011 12:20 PM CST up reply actions

Isn't Hanie a free agent?

by BusterK on Nov 21, 2011 12:31 PM CST up reply actions

Yup. After this year.

Cacti are prickly.

by crackedcactus on Nov 21, 2011 3:41 PM CST up reply actions

Cassel’s stock seems down in KC without Charlie Weis at OC, so…

When I assume, I'm not "making an ass out of u and me"... I'm actually putting u between me and an ass.

by Spongie on Nov 21, 2011 5:45 PM CST up reply actions

Just saw it on ESPN

When Rachel Nichols called Devin Hester, Devin responded in that this was all news to him, and even said all of this could be a “Bad Rumor”

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Nov 21, 2011 8:12 AM CST reply actions

Well Devin Hester

has also proven himself to be absolutely terrible in media situations.

The head coach went on the radio and specifically said he has a fracture…so…I’m going to argue it’s not a bad rumor.

Took the 'G' out your waffle, all you got left is your Ego.

Editor at windycitygridiron.com | @KDoggers

by Kev H on Nov 21, 2011 8:32 AM CST up reply actions

The rumor is more about Cutler missing time

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Nov 21, 2011 8:33 AM CST up reply actions

And on the radio

When asked if Cutler will miss time, Lovie Smith said he doesn’t know. The official word will come later today.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Nov 21, 2011 8:36 AM CST up reply actions

She called him last night

well before Lovie confirmed it this morning

by torch on Nov 21, 2011 8:52 AM CST up reply actions

Hanie highlight

He does this and we’ll be fine

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011090160/2011/PRE4/browns@bears#menu=highlights%7CcontentId%3A09000d5d821e3b39&tab=analyze

by obanddoug on Nov 21, 2011 8:21 AM CST reply actions

Update:

Cutler did not break his thumb, rather it is a fracture in his right thumb as just reported by Zaidman:

@ZachZaidman "Lovie Smith to Newsradio 780 WBBM and 105.9 FM: "We took X-rays last night and he’ll be seeing a specialist this morning." / "Lovie Smith to Newsradio 780 WBBM and 105.9 FM: "Jay does have a right thumb fracture. He hurt it on the tackle on the interception

Credit goes to Jessica

Now I’m not a med specialist, but last I checked a fracture and a complete break are two different things. Instead, Cutler will be seeing a specialist as confirmed by Lovie Smith this morning. So, if we truly will be missing Cutler the rest of the way, the official news will not come out until later today. And there is a chance Cutler plays the rest of the way. That, at least, is what I hope. And if otherwise, then I suppose it is time for Hanie to show what he’s got.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Nov 21, 2011 8:34 AM CST reply actions

Never mind

Just looked it up myself. Fractures and breaks mean the same thing. :(

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Nov 21, 2011 8:38 AM CST up reply actions

…

When I assume, I'm not "making an ass out of u and me"... I'm actually putting u between me and an ass.

by Spongie on Nov 21, 2011 5:46 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah I think if there's any chance

for Jay to play he will. Here’s the thing though… let’s say Jay is going to play through it, it still may benefit him to sit out a few weeks. I’ve had some time to calm down now and the reality is if the Bears can’t go 3-3 with that schedule, we weren’t winning the SB anyway. The difference between us and the rest of the elite teams this year is that we’re a complete team. So here’s our chance to prove it.

Maybe Oak is a loss but there’s no reason that we should be losing to KC or SEA at home or Tebow in Denver. Then we can finish out with the Vikings. So we should be 10-6 or 11-5 while getting Cutler back and ready for the first playoff game after having 7 full weeks to heal if he does have surgery. That’s the reality and what we should expect if he isn’t gone for the year. We’ll be fine.

Hey Rose. I don't see the appeal!

by Dils on Nov 21, 2011 8:43 AM CST up reply actions

There are currently zero plans for Cutler to be placed on IR

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Nov 21, 2011 8:55 AM CST up reply actions

Right

So hopefully that means he’ll be ready by the first playoff game. So we’re all depressed and everything but honestly the goal right now is to basically win 3 games. That’s what they have to do. I think Hanie is capable of that.

Hey Rose. I don't see the appeal!

by Dils on Nov 21, 2011 8:59 AM CST up reply actions

If we can't win three games then we have no business playing in the playoffs anyways.

I would love for Cutler to come back completely healthy in right before the playoffs to make a magical run to the SB.

If Albert Pujols can magically have his arm repaired mid-season, Cutler deserves at least a few weeks to let it heal while being watched over by team docs.

Cacti are prickly.

by crackedcactus on Nov 21, 2011 3:44 PM CST up reply actions

Here's my question though:

Doesn’t Roethlisberger have a fracture in his thumb too and is playing with a splint on it? If a fracture and a break are the same thing then theoretically wouldn’t Cutler be able to play with a splint on his thumb too? Just asking a hypothetical

by frenchbears113 on Nov 21, 2011 8:45 AM CST up reply actions

I suppose it would depend

on the severity of the break….

by David in Maine on Nov 21, 2011 8:48 AM CST up reply actions

This

And isn’t Stafford playing with a bad thumb on his throwing hand as well?

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Nov 21, 2011 8:53 AM CST up reply actions

I thought he has injury to index finger....

by David in Maine on Nov 21, 2011 8:55 AM CST up reply actions

Not sure myself

Also wanted to say hewhosnameshallnotbementioned played with a broken thumb in his throwing hand, but can’t find anything to confirm my grandpa’s statement. He’s a fudgepackers fan himself.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Nov 21, 2011 8:57 AM CST up reply actions

It was Stafford's index finger, not his thumb

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/11/13/stafford-played-with-broken-finger/

by madcow256 on Nov 21, 2011 9:07 AM CST up reply actions

Thank you

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Nov 21, 2011 9:08 AM CST up reply actions

Stafford is brittle.

Cacti are prickly.

by crackedcactus on Nov 21, 2011 3:44 PM CST up reply actions

Well, if you want Cutler in and throwing as badly as Stafford was against us…..

When I assume, I'm not "making an ass out of u and me"... I'm actually putting u between me and an ass.

by Spongie on Nov 21, 2011 5:48 PM CST up reply actions

Exactly! If Cutler finished the game and did indeed throw a couple of passes with that injury then maybe he can play.

But to be honest I think it won’t be his decision. I think the coaches will keep him out if they think it’s too severe. I hope he tries to override them but I can see that scenario happening unfortunately

by frenchbears113 on Nov 21, 2011 8:56 AM CST up reply actions

ESPN keeps showing the replay where he was eluding a sack in the redzone and one of the chargers went full speed head first into his right thumb

And then Cutler noticibly was in pain after that. It could have been made worse when he went for the tackle, but still he finished the game.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Nov 21, 2011 8:59 AM CST up reply actions

BradBiggs Brad Biggs
The very latest on Jay Cutler’s thumb from #Bears coach Lovie Smith. Tribune story: trib.in/tklihh
3 minutes ago

Link

by David in Maine on Nov 21, 2011 8:59 AM CST reply actions

From same article

Smith has a news conference at Halas Hall scheduled for noon

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Nov 21, 2011 9:03 AM CST up reply actions

I can't link like a normal person but here is something I found on Sean Jensen's twitter about the differences in fractures in the thumb

http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2011/11/a_hand_surgeon_provides_insigh.html

by frenchbears113 on Nov 21, 2011 9:09 AM CST up reply actions

Ugh wasn't finished with post

Anyway this will likely be when either the good news some of us have been hoping for will be announced, or the bad news most expect.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Nov 21, 2011 9:04 AM CST up reply actions

I was wondering...

when the thumbs up/thumbs down jokes would start! My guess is Cutler is out for the rest of the regular season. Hanie should do enough to win 3-4 games which is about what it should take to make the playoffs. Cutler should just get his injury healed and return when he can be effective again. The Bears schedule is soft enough to allow Hanie to guide the offense to a few wins.

FORTE: PAY THE MAN!

by LostInSTL on Nov 21, 2011 9:06 AM CST up reply actions

Pessimism be damned!

Listen, I know that losing Cutler is a Very Bad Thing.
But look around the NFL, this year has been a year of defense. The teams that are winning are doing so on the shoulders of defense – for the most part. We have room to improve on an already stout defense, and we have stellar special teams. In fact, defense and special teams have been scoring points lately.
So all we need is our offense to do is manage the clock and put some points on the board. Matt Forte is having a year of elite production. The O-line is no longer a joke (that’s the best I can say). Hanie has had lots of reps in this system, and should have an intellectual grasp of the offense, at the least. His skills have been shown, if not with any consistency.
Now, let me scare you. I believe that the weight of the remainder of the season is not on Hanie’s shoulders. Instead, it all rests on Mike Martz.Look at Denver, their current QB does not have NFL ready skills (that comes straight from the coach). But good coaches will adjust the game plan – sometimes radically – to account for the talent on the field. Martz has already shown flexibility in his adjustments in the last five games, can he use his “genius” to devise ways to win? Next week, he has an advantage – there is no film on his new offense. Rollouts, quick slants and dump passes, and heavy doses of running can mask the loss of Cutler.
We have a schedule of mediocre teams ahead of us. I wish we played Minnesota, Indy, St. Louis, etc… But these next five are winnable games, even without Cutler. Hanie is an NFL player who has managed to stick due to his performance, even when it looked like coaches wanted to cut him in favor of “their” guys. That speaks well to his ability – he convinced Martz he belongs. It sucks that Cutler is out. But I am cautiously optimistic that if he misses games, the Bears can still win for a little while.Hopefully, when (if) Cutler comes back after some rest and healing, he will be better than if he were on the field getting hit.
That would be a Very Good Thing going into the playoffs.

Find out what the other team wants to do. Then take it away from them.
-George Halas

by NormalFan on Nov 21, 2011 9:32 AM CST reply actions

Green Bay would beg to disagree with your initial assertion.

by Doshi on Nov 21, 2011 9:42 AM CST up reply actions

Maybe

But their defense is good. Their offense has been great, but I would not consider them an offense-dominant team like Indy has been for so long.

Find out what the other team wants to do. Then take it away from them.
-George Halas

by NormalFan on Nov 21, 2011 9:47 AM CST up reply actions

New Orleans is the better example...

Find out what the other team wants to do. Then take it away from them.
-George Halas

by NormalFan on Nov 21, 2011 9:49 AM CST up reply actions

All I want to think about is the positives right now

That TD to Knox was an incredible play….

Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan
Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Coyotes, Arizona Rattlers fan
[I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].

Leading the NFL in swagtangibles

by JoeCB1991 on Nov 21, 2011 10:42 AM CST reply actions