Chicago Bears Vs. Arizona Cardinals: Are You Kidding Me?

Last night, I watched the 1-4 Arizona Cardinals trounce the undefeated Chicago Bears. Is it possible that the Bears walked into the desert with an air of smug complacence? Surely they could steamroll the Cardinals. Rex Grossman wouldn't even have to get off of the bench. He could simply point to Arizona's defensive line and they would fall over. On the other side of the ball, a dainty tap should have been enough to stop rookie Matt Leinart in his tracks. If the ball was in the air, it would gravitate toward a Chicago defender as though it were being willed into his arms by allegiant fans.

Or not. The Bears were held scoreless at the half, facing a daunting 20-point deficit. It should have been at least a 30-point deficit. The Cardinals had ample opportunities to take advantage of blundering turnovers, but they didn't. We all know what happened in the second half. Chicago's defense and special teams helped rally the Bears to a 1-point victory that most definitely deflated the thousands of screaming fans who saw the new stadium and new quarterback as a turning point. Cardinal fans have never had anything to cheer about, but last night, they were roaring with pomposity as if their team had won the Super Bowl the year before.

Er, sorry? Grossman threw the ball miserably, Chicago had no running game to speak of, and Arizona didn't allow a single offensive touchdown. Six turnovers fell into Coach Green's lap. Normally, this would signify a crushing defeat for the Bears, but they managed to knock over a woozy Cardinals team. Who's to blame? Green was incensed at this morning's press conference, but I'm pointing the finger at him.

His play calls were far too conservative. With a 14-point lead in the first half and excellent field position, he opted to establish a running game. Why, you ask? I don't know! Matt Leinart proved that he could find his receivers if given proper protection. With Edgerrin James averaging under 3 yards per carry so far this season, you would think that Green would try passing on first or second down, especially in the red zone.

Even with a swelling lead, Arizona stuck to James. You can't fault the former Colts runningback. Chicago was expecting the rush, and that's precisely what they got. You can't fault Matt Leinart. He did his job when he was given free reign to keep the ball moving. You can't fault Dennis Green…actually, you can fault him, and that's what I'm in the process of doing. He may lose his job at year's end, if not sooner.

As for the organization that he acts as a mouthpiece for, change something! Change the name. Change the uniforms. Change the city. Without change, Arizona fans have many more upsets to look forward to.