More coffee? Less coffee? Not sure which. The Bears were both jumpy and lethargic all at once.

The Olsen fumbles were certainly huge. But both Ron Turner and Kyle Orton had bad games. Orton looked as if his fingers were numb on all his deep balls. Turner got cutesy when he shouldn’t have–that lame WR screen to Booker, and the all too predictable McKie up the gut on 4th down. Everyone saw that coming and I was screaming for play-action there.

Then there were the 12 penalties. Unnecessary roughness, false starts, illegal shifts, neutral zone encroachments, offsides, holding–did these guys practice this week?

Special teams did their job, as did the D and the running game. Turnovers happen. At some point you need your QB to step up and make plays to seal the deal. Orton couldn’t do it and the Bears lost. Of course he isn’t to blame entirely. But 19-32 for 141 yards doesn’t get it done. He hits on one of those deep balls and we win.

That said, the Bears split 2 road games against 2 formidable opponents. They could have won both games. It could be worse.

Next week against Tampa is not a gimme. The Bucs have been running all over their opponents with the Earnest Graham-Warrick Dunn combo. Their D shut down Michael Turner and Matt Ryan and did not allow a TD against the Falcons.

The Bears must win this game. They have Philly at home next then go back on the road for 2 before getting the Vikes at home before their bye.