Health & Fitness
Bears: Learning on the Job is Tough to do in Oakland
Backup-turned-starter Caleb Hanie makes too many mistakes that prevent the Bears from winning their 6th straight.
When Caleb Hanie was thrown into the NFC Championship game last January, most Bears fans admired his courage to play on the fly. He made mistakes that day, but that was understandable. As a third-stringer, he took no reps in practice and had to improvise in a hurry.
This game was different. Hanie and the Bears had an entire week to prepare and one could draw the conclusion that we would see a more successful Caleb Hanie. Martz would draw up more plays that aligned more towards Hanie's strengths. This, however, was not the case.
Hanie doesn't lack any confidence, or intelligence, but he does lack the talent that is needed to be a consistent NFL quarterback. What the Bears and Hanie need to realize is that you don't need Hanie to go out and win the game. You need him to not lose it, and throwing three interceptions won't cut it.
Find out what's happening in Bolingbrookfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
If you break down these three picks, the first two were clearly on Hanie, a bad throw away and an overthrow. However, the third interception I blame on Mike Martz. At the end of the second quarter, the Bears were down 9-7 at Oakland's 5-yard line. On third and one, Martz called a delayed tight end screen. This is a tough play to execute. And, in fact, Cutler and Davis screwed one up in the season opener.
The Raiders read Hanie like a book and took the pick back to the 5-yard line where they tacked on their fourth field goal of the day. That play was essentially the game. Even if the Bears just got a field goal on that drive, it is still a six point swing.
Find out what's happening in Bolingbrookfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
There are a few silver linings in this game though.
The Bears rushed for 172 yards against a pretty good run defense. The Bears are still 7-4 and in the driver's seat for the first wild card spot. The loss today was to an AFC team, which helps them in any tie breakers. Hanie grew as the game went on and hopefully things will come together next week against in a home game against a slumping Chiefs defense.
At 7-4, and with an injured quarterback, have your expectations changed?
Socring summary: (source - www.chicagobears.com)
