Fansided

NFL: Grading Each Team’s First Half

By Brad Rowland

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out an audible in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out an audible in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) looks on from the sideline during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 51-23. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) looks on from the sideline during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 51-23. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bears

The wheels have flown off the wagon in Chicago. The Bears have been out-scored by 41 points over the past two weeks, and frankly, that number would have been significantly larger if not for some “window dressing” against the Patriots in Week 8. Jay Cutler has not been nearly the player that many expected, and as a result, the Brandon Marshall-Alshon Jeffery duo has been somewhat disappointing.

Still, it has been the defense that has really let the Bears down this season, and only the Buccaneers and Jets have allowed more total points this season. Chicago has personnel issues virtually everywhere on that side of the ball, and in a division that features Aaron Rodgers and Calvin Johnson, that is less than ideal.

On the bright side for Chicago’s fan base, the Bears have managed to stay somewhat afloat at 3-5, giving them every chance to get back in the race, but when I predicted an 11-5 record before the season, things haven’t gone according to plan.

Grade: D+

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