Picking up the pieces

There will be plenty of elements from Sunday’s bewildering 34-31 loss to Minnesota to dissect from just about every angle. Players should be released from meetings starting in about an hour, and Lovie Smith will address the situation at 3 p.m.

There were a few things that looked pretty good. The Bears got somewhat creative running the ball, going outside with Cedric Benson to stay away from the run-stuffing combo inside of Pat Williams and Kevin Williams. But don’t listen to analysts who tell you he did well, averaging 5.1 yards per carry in the first half. A first half does not make an entire game. Benson finished with another underwhelming average of 3.7. That doesn’t cut it.

Brian Griese can throw the ball downfield, we found that much out. But things really didn’t click until there was less than four minutes to play and the Bears trailed by 14.

TE Greg Olsen looked good again. He needs to become a key component in the game plan every week. More Olsen needs to be preached as much as more Hester.

A couple key questions, in no particular order:

1. What in the world happened with the run defense?

2. Exactly why did the Bears choose to put the ball in the hands of the man who beat them all day, Adrian Peterson, with the late kickoff?

3. Why was SS Adam Archuleta benched at halftime, introducing yet another change to the secondary? The group has literally been made over almost on a weekly basis.

4. Are turnovers becoming an issue for Griese?

5. Were any halftime adjustments made?

6. Can Hester play defense too?

7. Is it too late for this team to rebound in 2007?