Chicago Bears win in ugly fashion against Detroit Lions, 26-24

Recap

After an ugly second half, the Chicago Bears (10-6) held on to defeat the Detroit Lions (4-12) 26-24. Forget the stats — they don’t tell the whole story. Let’s look at reality.

Here’s the good news: The Bears did what they had to do to beat the Lions.

The bad news is the offense left so much to be desired.  Questionable play calling once again marred what should have been a dominant Bears victory.

The Bears offense is completely unpredictable, and that’s not a compliment.  They do not seem to have any idea from drive to drive what they want to do.  I’m sure the “goals” are there, but the path to achieve those goals seems idiotic.  Even if they make the playoffs, there doesn’t seem to be much hope of their accomplishing much.

Detroit made a valiant effort in the second half, but it was simply too little, too late.

Game Ball: Offense

Again I have to give the game ball to Matt Forte. He finished the game with 24 carries for 103 yards, 4.3 ypc, and ground out tough yards on the final drive to seal the Bears victory. The Bears will certainly need Forte’s production in the postseason if the Packers bring home a victory.

Game Ball: Defense

The Bears offense had many opportunities to add meaningful points after turnovers and put the game out of reach, but each time the Lions defense stepped up and held the Bears to field goal attempts. In the end it won’t mean much after losing, but give the Detroit defense credit for stepping up and keeping their team in the game.

Goat

Devin Hester, what are you doing? His days in Chicago may be numbered. Once regarded as the most dangerous returner in the league, Hester has continually this year dumbfounded all around him with his decision making and physical non-accomplishments. As a fan, it tears me to pieces as Hester has been such a pivotal special-teams player for the past seven seasons. But all good things must come to an end, and it’s just hard to believe Hester will be around for training camp 2013.

Injuries

There were no significant injuries to report.

What’s next

The Bears’ playoff fate is out of their hands. They now have to hope the Green Bay Packers beat the Minnesota Vikings if they want to keep playing.

Coming off a 4-12 season just one year removed from a 10-6 record and postseason appearance, Detroit will have major questions to address heading into the offseason. Certainly injuries to key offensive personnel hurt, but that does not justify taking such a major step back after returning 21 of 22 starters from the previous year.  Detroit must focus on regrouping and shoring up key areas through next year’s draft. This remains a team that can and will compete in the NFC North for years to come. It will be interesting to see how management handles their pending salary cap issues and what they can legitimately do to add needed talent.

In the meantime, go Packers!