Tribune reporter Fred Mitchell answers pressing questions from the game.
1ST DOWN
How could the Bears look so invincible one week and then so inept the following week?
The Bears’ offense was not adequately prepared Sunday to face the Bengals’ gambling defense. Quarterback Kyle Orton admitted to being confused. Some of the culpability should fall on the shoulders of offensive coordinator Ron Turner. The rest should be chalked up to the learning curve of a rookie quarterback. While the Bears’ defense set up the offense, poor field position and lack of execution on special teams ruined them Sunday.
2ND DOWN
How close was Kyle Orton to being benched?
The sentiment in the Soldier Field press box was seven interceptions, although Lovie Smith maintained afterward, “He’s our quarterback.” The Bears’ franchise record for most interceptions in a game is seven, set by Zeke Bratkowski on Oct. 2, 1960, at Baltimore.
3RD DOWN
The Bears couldn’t wait to dump kicker Paul Edinger in favor of Doug Brien. How is Edinger doing with the Minnesota Vikings?
While Brien has missed 3 of 4 field-goal attempts with the Bears, Edinger has connected on 6 of 7 with the Vikings, including kicks of 53 and 48 yards. He booted four field goals in Minnesota’s win over New Orleans on Sunday. Brien has connected from 48 but missed from 36, 48 and 39 yards.
