1. We witnessed one of the the best kicking displays in the history of the NFL. If there’s two better place kickers in the NFL than Sebastian Janakowski and Robbie Gould, I would like to know where they play. It’s amazing that neither guy has ever kicked in a Pro Bowl. While Adam Podlesh is one of the better punters in football, Shane Lechler is in a world by himself. Watching an 80-yard punt is something we’ll probably never see again in our lifetimes. Sometimes you have to tip your cap to the other team, and Lechler is the best I’ve ever seen.
2. Caleb Hanie played like I do in Madden during the first half. He seemed to throw passes that ended up in the other team’s hands. While he settled down in the second half, he’s got to see the field better. Hanie has some talent, but he’s a bit too quick to run with the football. He also takes too long to make decisions. He needs to be decisive on his passes and not second-guess himself. Once he does that, he will see more success. It’s his first start as a Chicago Bear, so he’s going to make mistakes. Now with a week under his belt, he should improve. The skills are there, now he just needs to believe in himself and his teammates to make plays.
3. A game ball should go to Lance Louis. While the Bears lost the game, Louis saved a potential touchdown towards the end of the first half. It’s nice to see a guy sacrifice himself and play the game with want-to…
4. Mike Martz please never call that throwback pass to the tight end. The first time would have worked against the Atlanta Falcons if Jay Cutler didn’t sail the football, but the second one wasn’t even close to being open. You just cannot put Hanie in that position to make a touch-throw like that when three valuable points were available. Ultimately, it cost this team the game.
5. Johnny Knox is Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He either looks like a goat or a stud. There’s little middle-ground with this guy. Can the Bears get him cleats that actually work please?
6. The defense played exceptionally well today. The defensive line was creating pressure. Amobi Okoye continues to impress with his up-the-field push. Good pick up for the Bears. Henry Melton also had one of his best games today. I haven’t even mentioned Julius Peppers. There’s times where he plays a game that few of us have ever seen.
7. Let’s face it…this wasn’t a game that was a must-win for the Bears. The Raiders are a tough team at home and the Bears are getting used to a new quarterback. That being said, THE CHICAGO BEARS MUST WIN NEXT WEEK AT HOME AGAINST THE CHIEFS!!! The winnable games must be won down the stretch. Even the following week against the Broncos should be won. While Tim Tebow continues to win, the Bears have to be the better team in Denver. Going 3-1 against the AFC West will be about as well as the Bears can play considering the loss of Cutler.
8. Major Wright had a solid game today…Chris Conte did not. I’ve been one of Wright’s biggest critics but he was solid today. Brandon Meriweather also had his best game as a Chicago Bear.
9. We’ve always taken Patrick Mannelly for granted. Chris Massey was solid, but his snaps on the field goals were a bit off. It’s easy to assume with Mannelly that he will make perfect snaps.
10. It’s nice to see Marion Barber running the football so well. He’s a powerful back that can gain tough yards between the tackles. That allows Matt Forte to be more of an outside threat.
That’s all for now. Follow me on Twitter at ChicagoBearJew.
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