A fake pass, leading to a "clocking" of the ball which led to an intentional grounding call was a fitting end to the first chapter of the Caleb Hanie Experience for the Chicago Bears this season. It was a rough day for Hanie, and in talking with all non Bears fans today, they are leaving the team for dead. Newsflash to the uninformed: This team will bounce back and in a big way.
I make it sound like I'm a big homer and a fan, but in the first start of Hanie's career, you almost have to expect some growing pains, not only for him, but for the play caller, who, in this case, is Mike Martz. Late in the game, Hanie finally showed the flashes the Bears coaches had been talking about, connecting on an 81-yard pass that set up a touchdown. Prior to that, he started making great connections with Johnny Knox that kept the team in the game.
That said, there was more negative than positive to take away from this game for Hanie and it has to be expected. This is a guy who has been the backup quarterback for four years and hasn't played a meaningful minute in a game aside from the NFC title game last season when he had a touchdown and two interceptions. We'll have to give him some time to get things together. Another week of taking the reps in practice and getting the work in the meeting room and I expect to see vast improvements. I'm sure playing this week's game at home against the Chiefs should help, too.
As for the blame going beyond Hanie, Martz shares quite a bit of that with Hanie. With a guy making his first start one would think you would work with him and simplify things, especially early in the game when he's still getting his bearings in the game, and focus on the running game. The fact that Matt Forte had just 12 carries for 53 yards and Marion Barber 12 carries himself, says otherwise. That has to be the strength of the offense right now. Hanie showed Sunday he can throw the ball and down the field, but cannot be asked to shoulder the load.
The goal for Hanie is simple, just don't lose the game. Martz's playcalling on the seven yard-line didn't do Hanie any favors and led to the interception and 90-yard return that set up a Raiders field goal at the end of Sunday's first half. When you have one of the best running backs in the NFL you have to utilize him. Barber was effective between the tackles on Sunday, as well, creating quite a double threat that should have been utilized more.
Do you want me to heap any blame on the defense? Sorry. they forced six field goals, but did allow the Raiders to get inside the 30 yard-line seven times. That's bending, sure, but when they were on the field as much as they were they were gased and tested against a physical group of Raiders. It's a product of the offense not being able to move the ball, going three-and-out on five of the first nine possessions (Of the other four, three resulted in interceptions).
Of course, Peanut Tillman and Brian Urlacher took some of the blame in the media. It shows what kind of team this is, taking some of the pressure off Hanie and the offense now that Jay Cutler is out. But it was unnecessary. They did their job, for the most part. they gave up one touchdown and the offense had chances throughout to seize this game.
Looking forward to the Chiefs, you have to expect a similar game. Close to the vest and defensive dominated. The Chiefs are in the same boat as the Bears and Kyle Orton could be making his return to Soldier Field. One thing we know, he doesn't make mistakes with the ball which forces Hanie and the offense to take care of things and not turn it over.
I'm not all out on Hanie, but he needs to remember the simplest things that the end of the game showed. He doesn't have to do it all. He just can't lose the game for the Bears.
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