{"id":97183,"date":"2020-11-02T01:32:42","date_gmt":"2020-11-02T06:32:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=97183"},"modified":"2020-11-02T01:32:42","modified_gmt":"2020-11-02T06:32:42","slug":"chicago-bears-out-of-excuses-running-out-of-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2020\/11\/02\/chicago-bears-out-of-excuses-running-out-of-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Bears Out of Excuses, Running Out of Time"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s to the point where the Chicago Bears<\/a> are out of excuses and are quickly running out of time to get things corrected following their 26-23 loss to the New Orleans Saints in overtime. They started out showing encouraging signs of growth but points have been a chore to come by for most of the season. There are questions about the quarterbacks, playcalling, and roster construction. No matter how it happened, it\u2019s disheartening to see after there was so much optimism following the hot start.<\/p>\n

Out of Excuses, Bears Risk Running Out of Time<\/h2>\n

The Good<\/h3>\n

The Mooney Team<\/h4>\n

Chicago has been trying to get rookie fifth-rounder Darnell Mooney<\/a><\/strong> involved in the offense all season. To his credit, Mooney has often been open when the Bears take these shots downfield. Unfortunately, the connection, much like the rest of this offense, has been mostly off. He and Nick Foles<\/a><\/strong> finally connected on a couple of key plays in this one. One was a 50-yard bomb that set up Allen Robinson<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s 24-yard touchdown reception. The other was a three-yard touchdown that brought the Bears to within three. Mooney finished with a 5\/69\/1 line and, perhaps, an improved rapport with his quarterback.<\/p>\n

Just Kickin\u2019 It<\/h4>\n

Not to be an alarmist, but the Bears have a kicker. Cairo Santos<\/a><\/strong> has stepped in for the injured (which might need quotes at this point) Eddy Pineiro<\/a><\/strong> and hit 14 of 16 on field goals. He hasn\u2019t missed a kick since Week 3, hasn\u2019t missed from inside of 40 yards, and has hit all of his (few) extra-point attempts. His last attempt and make tied it up, allowing for overtime. It\u2019s been some time since there was this level of confidence in the Bears kicking game. Chicago brass says Pineiro (groin) is still in its plans, but it\u2019s hard to imagine they\u2019d switch back barring injury.<\/p>\n

On the Corner<\/h4>\n

This is in appreciation of the entire defense, truth be told. But Kyle Fuller<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s play has been nothing short of extraordinary this season. Aside from ranking among the best in completion percentage allowed, he has been bringing the lumber from the secondary. He\u2019s been playing so physical that he has drawn a few defensive pass interference calls that were clean plays upon review. He and the rest of the defense have really done as much as can be expected. The \u201cbend but don\u2019t break\u201d approach isn\u2019t always effective. But it\u2019s almost a necessity with this offense. Their most damning stats from the night are allowing Drew Brees<\/a><\/strong> a nine-play, 55-yard touchdown drive in 96 seconds right before half time and allowing 163 yards to Alvin Kamara<\/a><\/strong> on 21 touches.<\/p>\n

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.@AllenRobinson<\/a> strrrrretches outttt for the TOUCHDOWN!#NOvsCHI<\/a> | #DaBears<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/aSmWLxigdB<\/a><\/p>\n

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 1, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n