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NFL Week 9 Byes: The Good, the Bad and the Falcons

By Andrew Garda

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 26, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) looks on from the sideline during the last seconds of the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 51-23. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) looks on from the sideline during the last seconds of the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 51-23. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bears (3-5)

Like the Atlanta Falcons, the Chicago Bears desperately needed this bye.

After a strong 2-1 start the Bears collapsed in spectacular fashion, though the win over the Jets gave us some clear signs that something was off because it was far too close.

The defense is a problem, but while we had hoped it would improve, nobody can be shocked it is an issue. What is shocking is how off the offense looks.

Jay Cutler has been a bit wild, Brandon Marshall has struggled to make a consistent impact and the offensive line has been problematic. In fact, the only part of the offense which looks like it did last season is Matt Forte, who is having a great season out of the backfield.

The Bears have to take on Green Bay after the bye, this time in Lambeau Field, and after that should be two easy wins—but Minnesota isn’t as bad as we thought and the Bears have looked bad enough to where even the game against Tampa Bay is no sure thing.

Then it’s Detroit twice, Dallas, New Orleans and Minnesota again.

The Bears need to fix that offense and get it back into rhythm or else they are in for a long second half.

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