Bears' new offense under Gase shows promising signs despite loss
The Chicago Bears lost to the Green Bay Packers, 31-23, on Sunday, but the offense showed some promising signs under new coordinator Adam Gase.
Gase's strong commitment to the run allowed the Bears to pile up over 400 yards and convert more than 60 percent of their third down attempts, Peggy Kesinski of NBC Chicago points out.
#Bears under Adam Gase put up 402 yards of offense including a new commitment to the run (189 yds) while converting 11 of 17 third downs.
— Peggy Kusinski (@peggykusinski) September 13, 2015
Jay Cutler's quarterbacking had a lot to do with the Bears' overall offensive efficiency. Although he threw a costly interception late in the game, Cutler was 8-for-10 with a passer rating of 117.9 on third downs against the Packers, according to Bears senior writer Larry Mayer.
Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, who fought through a calf injury to catch five passes for 78 yards, endorsed Cutler's performance, per Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times.
#Bears WR Alshon Jeffery: “Jay (Cutler) played his ass off.”
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) September 13, 2015
A Week 1 loss to a division rival is never a cause for celebration, but it's important for the Bears to pull some positives from this defeat.
(h/t @peggykusinski)