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Gabriel: Bears Continue To Fall Flat

By Greg Gabriel--

(CBS) Sunday's game against the Buccaneers was an important one for the Bears. Coming off a bye week after their most impressive win of the season, against the division rival Vikings, the Bears had a chance to set the stage for a successful second half of the season, even if the playoffs were pretty much out of the question.

The Bears were about as healthy as they have been all season, with some buying into the renewed hope. It was all a façade, as the Bears played their worst game of the season in a 36-10 loss to the Bucs.

The offense never got into any kind of rhythm, and though the defense started off well, that side of the ball came apart after all the offensive miscues.

There has been much written in recent weeks that this could be quarterback Jay Cutler's final season in Chicago. After his strong performance versus Minnesota, there was a chance he might be given a reprieve if he could play just as well for the remainder of the season.

Any chance of Cutler returning next season ended Sunday with perhaps his worst performance ever as a Bear. He was 16-of-30 for 182 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He also had two fumbles, one of which went for a safety. Cutler also easily could've been picked twice more. His accuracy, timing and anticipation were way off. He looked more like a rookie than an 11-year veteran.

What makes matters worse is Cutler had this game against a Tampa Bay defense that had allowed 73 points and nearly 1,000 yards passing in their last two games. There's no excuse for that.

Collectively, these Bears are a complete disappointment. They have spurts in which they play with enthusiasm, but for the most part, they've fallen flat all season long.

It won't get easier for Chicago. On tap for the Bears is a road game against the Giants and then an improving Titans team that just dominated the Packers on Sunday.

It's hard to see the Bears (2-7) winning five games this season. A top-five draft pick looks all but certain.

The Bears have reportedly hired a consultant to evaluate the entire organization. What he will find is a team and organization in disarray. Whether changes are made remains to be seen, but this much is certain: Since 2011, the Chicago Bears have been one of the worst franchises in the NFL.

That's not acceptable.

Greg Gabriel is a former NFL talent evaluator who is an on-air contributor for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @greggabe.

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