Bears Know They Have Plenty Of Room To Improve Offensively
By Chris Emma--
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- Bears quarterback Jay Cutler had finally beaten the Packers in Green Bay, a thrilling victory on Thanksgiving night that came just three days after the birth of his third child, Saylor. He had three days off ahead and time with the family.
Yet, with so much else on the forefront of his focus, Cutler had his mind on some of the points left on Lambeau Field.
"Offensively, I don't think we are going to like the film that much, because we didn't play as well as we wanted to," Cutler said after the win in Green Bay.
Forward focus is part of the NFL, where a one-game-at-a-time mindset flows quickly to the next contest. Even with three days of rest, following a short, chaotic week, Cutler was eager to get the faults corrected. For a Bears offense ranked 24th in scoring offense at 21.0 points per game entering Week 13, there's much room for improvement.
Just days after coming up short in a 17-15 loss to the Broncos, the Bears managed to hold off the Packers by a 17-13 margin, one that could've been greater. Cutler called it a sloppy game.
"To be able to consistent win in the NFL on Sundays, we got to be better than that," Cutler said.
Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase was managing his first game plan in some time knowing both Matt Forte and Jeremy Langford would be included in the offense. Forte had 15 carries for 44 yards in his return from an MCL sprain, while the rookie Langford had 12 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown.
Moving forward, Gase will be challenged in finding the ideal rotation at running back. Gase wants a two-headed monster.
"We're looking for that game," Gase said. "We're working towards that.
"I wish there were more plays in the game to get both those guys more touches."
For Sunday's home game with the 49ers, it appears the Bears offense will have a full complement of playmakers. Tight end Martellus Bennett practiced in full Thursday after missing the game in Green Bay, joining Zach Miller at a position of strength, and Forte is back to full health after missing three games in a recovery from his injury before his return last Thursday.
The Bears have been without receiver Eddie Royal again this week in practice and lost receiver Marquess Wilson on the final play of Wednesday's practice, but Cutler has dealt with the loss of his prime targets -- rookie receiver Kevin White included -- all season. But add in healthy top receiver Alshon Jeffery and cohesiveness on the offensive line, and Cutler seems to be in position to succeed this Sunday.
For all the recent strides the Bears (5-6) have made this season with plenty of replacement parts -- the Bears rank 20th in total offense this season -- they believe the potential is in place for better performances. So work, Gase and Cutler have simply had to make it work.
"It's a testament not only to the guys themselves, being ready to play, but the system we're under," Cutler said. "The coaching staff is doing a good job of using everybody to the best of their ability and putting guys in position to succeed."
Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
