Is it Over for the Bears following the dismal loss to the Redskins?

Chicago Bears quarterback, Jay Cutler is not expected to return for the season following the groin injury sustained during Sunday's game against Washington. MRI results won't be known until Monday with a possible press conference soon after.

Back up QB Josh McCown held his own standing in for the injured Cutler during the second half of the Bears/Redskins game. When McCown does take the field as starting quarterback Jordan Palmer will be there for support after receiving a call form the Bears. Palmer was impressive during preseason training and was smart to wait for the call.

The Bears offense can blame Cutler's injury but the defense has no one they can blame for their dismal effort against Washington. They lost a total of 499 yards and watched an 80 yard drive pass them by which sealed the game for a 45-41 loss. They can partly blame injuries as Lance Briggs was benched with a shoulder injury and Charles Tillman sidelined with a knee injury.

Griffin’s season high effort was throwing for 298 yards and running for 84 yards against the Redskins. The Redskins had the momentum with seven plays and 209 running yards. The Bears defense could never catch up.

McCown did bring the Bears back to the 41-38 lead with 4 minutes left on the clock. But the defense allowed the Redskins to get those 80 yards to win the game. 

As the Bears begin a two week break before their next game, some would have to wonder if they can rally themselves and divert a potentially disastrous latter portion of the season. The injuries to Cutler, Briggs and Tillman may have cost the Bears more than the game against Washington. It's still too soon to tell if this game has cost them the season.

Can the Bears steady their defense without Tillman or Briggs? If this game is any indication, it would appear they definitely have some re-planning ahead of them. Perhaps the 2 week layover will be well spent planning for the worst possible scenario.

The ailing Bears have lost 3 of their last 4 games even with a strong roster. After losing so many starters it's difficult to hope for a favorable outcome in the weeks ahead. 

The Bears meet Green Bay on November 4th and the Lions on the 10th. It may still be too soon to predict where they will place in the NFC North.