Redskins 24, BEARS 16: BEARS Suck, Therefore They Lose

What more can I say about the BEARS? They played poorly in almost every facet of the game Thursday night.

The offense failed to convert deep in the red zone on several occasions. Brian Griese was ineffective in place of the injured Rex Grossman. The running game, despite Adrian Peterson’s heart, managed a mere 60 yards. Bernard Berrian and Greg Olsen made couple of acrobatic catches on one third-quarter drive, but it wasn’t nearly enough.

The defense was suspect, too. Sure, they held Washington to 31 net yards rushing, but the passing defense was non-existent in the fourth quarter, allowing the Redskins to march down the field and into the end zone behind a backup quarterback after the BEARS had clawed to back within four points late in the game.

Even special teams was suspect, letting the Redskins block a field goal attempt and botching an onside kick in the final minute.

So the defending NFC champions bow out of the playoff picture with a whimper. It doesn’t really matter – losses in the next week at Minnesota and against Green Bay are pretty likely.

Of course, the BEARS will beat New Orleans in the last week to drop their draft position. But then again, a lifetime of watching the BEARS take the likes of Cade McNown, Daid Terrell and John Thierry in the first round has made me see why it’s better to learn how to win with the guys you’ve got.