I didn't get back from the game last night until late nor have I seen a broadcast of the game, but here are some of my thoughts on yesterday's game.1. Chicago's game plan was very apparent from their first possession onward. They wanted to throw the ball into the flat area, either a few yards behind or beyond the line of scrimmage. Many times the defense seemed up to the task even as there were a number of times Chicago would make 5-10 yards. This is why Cutler's completion rate was so high. It is difficult to stop that pass. On at least one of these occasions, one of these longer gains came against a zone blitz where the defensive lineman couldn't keep up with the back. The result of that though, is a middle which is more open for your running game, especially when Langsford can side step as well as he does. It was a very well executed plan on Fox's part. 2. One of the reasons Doug Martin's rushing totals were down this game is that we were often running on first down against a nine man front. Even on our first offensive play, you could see the safeties coming up to defend against the run. A little more variation on first down would have helped us. Along this line of thought, while Winston played a good game overall, he should have checked out into a plassing play on some of these first downs to keep the Bears from doing that as often as they did. As it was, I do not remember us throwing a designed bomb until the fourth quarter, and on both of those throws Mike Evans and Dye were open. Once again, I haven't seen a replay, but both of those balls looked catchable from where I sat.3. I've been a defender of Doug Martin up until now, and still am. However, no matter what he says, you cannot turn the ball over twice like he did. Langford carried the ball quite a bit, and he didn't fumble it once. What's the deal there?4. Despite his INT (which looked to be an attempted throwaway to me), Winston played a good game. On his touchdown pass to Sims, you could see it develop live. As Winston ran to his left, Sims saw him and took off simultaneously with Winston directing him. That was a perfect example of how a running back can help his qb when things break down. That they are being coached well could be seen in that he did it again later right before the missed FG, but Jameis just missed him on what was a great read but a tough throw. By the way, kudos to the offensive line holding up well, giving him protection, and stopping those stupid penalties.5. Why couldn't that botched snap occur on a meaningless play? Why do these things have to occur when we are in sure fire field goal range on third down...at least until it puts us back ten yards or so and then we miss a 52 yarder?!6. For those who were at the game, the timing of some of the digital directions was lacking. Don't do a kiss cam right after we throw an interception in the red zone...people weren't in the mood. Also, don't do a noise meter and try to get people to start screaming right after the Bears call timeout and you've given them a first down on your own one yard line and we know they are going to score. At least wait until the Bears come out of their huddle. No one was yelling...at least not those fans rooting for Tampa...and what was amazing was that the board still had the noise measurer go up all the way. Did anyone else at the game notice that?
