The Sky Is Falling: Bears News And Notes

By Rob Winn in News on Nov 24, 2012 5:00PM

Once again the apocalypse has descended on the Bears following Monday night's debacle against the San Francisco 49ers. Not only did the offense continue to sputter (and that's putting it kindly), the defense was carved up by a quarterback making his first start. The Bears have tried to brush the game aside as an aberration, but the moves they have made in the past week prove otherwise. Coach Lovie Smith obviously knows the importance of Sunday's game against the Vikings. Not only would a loss drop them out of first place, but they would slide to third in their division and outside the current playoff picture. Here are the latest updates on the Bears after they officially entered def-con territory:

• Quarterback Jay Cutler moved one step closer to playing Sunday after practicing on a limited basis Thursday and Friday. He will have to pass all concussion tests in order to play, but right now it appears as though he is on-track to return to the field. "I know you all want to know about Jay Cutler. He was able to do some things on a limited basis," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "So it's looking better for (him) to get him back on the football field."

• The Bears benched two of their offensive linemen this week, one more surprising than the other. First-round draft pick Gabe Carimi has officially lost his starting right tackle job after his latest struggles. Carimi was informed Thursday and called the move, "obviously upsetting, they just told me that the new guy's coming in, (and) just keep on working hard like I always do." Guard Chilo Rachal was also demoted and subsequently left the team. Jonathan Scott will replace Carimi while Chris Spencer will take over for Rachal. Scott has previously started games for the Bills, Lions and Steelers.

• Coach Lovie Smith brushed off questions about removing offensive coordinator Mike Tice from play calling duties. "There is no consideration on that, at all, so I don't know where you got that from," Smith said. The Bears currently rank 30th in total offense and 31st in total passing, leading many to question Tice's ability to coach the offense. Observers have noted that many of the Bears' plays are simplistic at best and have led to third and long situations. Tice is in his first year as a play caller and it will likely be his last if the offense doesn't improve.

The Bears surprised many with the benchings on the offensive line, but after the dismal performance against the 49ers not much else could be done. If the team continues to struggle they will quickly find themselves on the outside looking in for the playoffs.