5 Biggest Culprits Behind 2014 Chicago Bears\' Failures

5 Biggest Culprits Behind 2014 Chicago Bears' Failures

By Bill Zimmerman

Top 5 Culprits Behind 2014 Chicago Bears' Failures

Chicago Bears v New England Patriots Jay Cutler
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It's been a disappointing season for the Chicago Bears. After many predicted the Bears would be playing postseason football in January, that prediction looks to be fading into oblivion. It's difficult to blame any one particular person, but let's take a look at who is most to blame for this underachieving season.

5. Injuries

Philadelphia Eagles v Chicago Bears Charles Tillman
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5. Injuries

Philadelphia Eagles v Chicago Bears Charles Tillman
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This season has been a disappointment, but is talent the problem? Brandon Marshall has been banged up, the offensive line has been missing key parts for several games and the defense has been a MASH unit at times. Chicago has lost their entire linebacking corps for stretches, as well as their defensive leader, Charles Tillman, for the entire season.

4. Lamarr Houston

Philadelphia Eagles v Chicago Bears Lamarr Houston
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4. Lamarr Houston

Philadelphia Eagles v Chicago Bears Lamarr Houston
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Is there a more disappointing player on the roster? Here's a summary of Houston’s year: He signed a five year, $ 35 million contract with Chicago, ripped the fans for being upset with the team’s performance, had eight total tackles in eight games and finally managed to record a sack against the Patriots, which resulted in a celebration where he blew out his knee and will miss the remainder of the season.

3. Mel Tucker

Detroit Lions v Chicago Bears Mel Tucker
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3. Mel Tucker

Detroit Lions v Chicago Bears Mel Tucker
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The Bears' defensive coordinator has his unit struggling again in his second season at the helm. The Bears' defense is 21st in the NFL in yards allowed, 29th in points allowed and were absolutely embarrassed by Bill Belichick and the Patriots. The offense hasn’t been as electric as predicted, but the defensive unit has been a serious letdown.

2. Jay Cutler

Chicago Bears v New England Patriots Jay Cutler
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2. Jay Cutler

Chicago Bears v New England Patriots Jay Cutler
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Cutler’s inconsistencies have been maddening once again. He’s been great at times -- he was flawless against the Falcons and led a dramatic comeback against the 49ers -- but he continues to turn the ball over at inopportune times and has cost the Bears several opportunities to win football games.

1. Marc Trestman

Chicago Bears v Carolina Panthers Marc Trestman
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1. Marc Trestman

Chicago Bears v Carolina Panthers Marc Trestman
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The problems start at the top. Trestman is an offensive guru, but he hasn’t taken Cutler to the next level; and the offense, despite loads of talent, is far from dynamic. His hire, Mel Tucker, has failed as the defensive coordinator, and Trestman’s lack of leadership has caused in-house fighting and left the team in turmoil at midseason.

Bill Zimmerman is a Chicago Bears writer for www.RantSports.Com. Follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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