The Bears defense ran over a completely inept Tyler Thigpen-led offense to improve to a division-leading 7-3. The Dolphins didn't get past the Bears 35-yard line. They couldn't even get into position to bring out the field goal unit. The Dolphins were shutout at home for the first time since 2001. That's impressive considering the gang of misfits the Dolphins have been running out there at quarterback in the last 10 years.
Not many teams are going to lose to Miami last night. The team had no confidence in Thigpen, and it looked like he had no confidence in himself. The Bears defense deserves some credit but Thigpen's play was not competitive. Brandon Marshall didn't do him any favors by dropping two balls before tweaking his hamstring and leaving the game. Jake Long played with his shoulder in a harness. They were using a 3rd-string guard at center. On top of that, Sparano abandoned the run game from the git-go, placing even more pressure on Thigpen. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams combined for 11 yards on only 6 carries. They were 0-5 on third down conversions.
The Bears are 7-3 and lead the division. How seriously should I take that record? It seems legitimate. Last night's shutout ensured the Bears will be in first place in the NFC North for at least one more week.
At face value, the Bears are a good team with with one of the best defenses in the league. If you look into each Bears game, you'll see a cause for concern. Look at the teams they've beat.
Carolina 1-8
Buffalo 1-8
Dallas 2-7
Detroit 2-7
Minnesota 3-6
Miami 5-5
Green Bay 6-3 Total: 20-45
Side note: Miami and Green Bay were decimated by injuries at the time.
You can only beat who's on your schedule. For that I will give the Bears credit. They are going out and getting it done 70 percent of the time and that's great in the NFL. The consistency is improving but let's wait a few more weeks before we crown them.
Bears remaining schedule: vs Philadelphia, @ Detroit, vs New England, @ Minnesota (Mon), vs NY Jets, @ Green Bay. Combined record: 31-23
Another Thing:
Let's compare the Bears to who I feel are the top teams in the NFC - Atlanta and Philadelphia.
Atlanta is 7-2. The record of opponent in wins is 29-34. Three wins over 6-3 teams.
Philadelphia 6-3: Record of those 6 wins: 27-27. And they beat Atlanta.
The Giants are suspect as well, like Chicago: They've only beat two teams over .500, and one is Seattle.
Here is the thing.....the bears are fully capable of beating most teams in the league. But they are also capable of losing to any team in the league. It's difficult to deal with their inconsistency. They might be the luckiest 7-3 team in history. After they beat the Eagles next week, maybe people will be taking them more serious.
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