Bears gave it away to Redskins

By Doug Halberstadt
Sports Columnist

When Bears’ quarterback Jay Cutler and head coach Lovie Smith fill out their 2010 income tax return next year they both need to remember last Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins. I think they both could legitimately claim the October 24^th game as a charitable gift. I’m just not sure which one of them should take the bigger deduction.

Let’s start with Smith. He failed to challenge a play that clearly looked like a one-yard quarterback sneak touchdown run by Cutler. The officials on the field mistakenly ruled the play a fumble. Instead of seven points on the board for the Bears, the Redskins recovered and took over possession. Smith did not challenge the call. Multiple replay angles showed that Cutler clearly had possession of the ball when he extended his arm across the goal line. It wasn’t until he was bringing the ball back into his body that he dropped the ball.

Why didn’t Smith throw the challenge flag? Possibly because on the play preceding the fumble call he had just lost a challenge. Perhaps it’s because he lacks the intestinal fortitude and brainpower to actually challenge a play that would have made a difference in the game. Whatever his reason for not adequately doing what he gets paid handsomely to do, he gave away a touchdown. That’s simply something that the Bears can’t afford to do. They are not that good.

Now let’s look at Cutler’s charitable giving during the same game. Not only did he get charged with the fumble at the goal line, he also threw four interceptions. I’m not sure why he continues to force the ball into situations that most other NFL quarterbacks wouldn’t even attempt. His judgment (or more accurately lack there of) puts his team at a huge disadvantage. Once again, the Bears are simply not that good of a team to overcome multiple turnovers, especially ones committed in the red zone. Unfortunately for Chicago fans it’s that location on the field where Cutler seems to be at his worst when it comes to giving the ball to the other team.

The Bears are 4-3 heading into their bye week next weekend. They clearly still have time to right the ship and take advantage of the fact that neither Green Bay nor Minnesota are as strong as originally expected at the beginning of the season. The Bears still have a shot at winning the NFC North Division, but to do so, first it might be a good idea for someone to take the time and explain to Smith and Cutler that charity does indeed begin at home.

Doug Halberstadt can be reached via e-mail at Dougster61@aol.com.

From the Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 2010 issue