The Bears' unpredictable up-and-down season continued Sunday at Soldier Field as they followed their best performance of the year a week earlier in Atlanta with one of their worst.
With the offense mustering just 54 yards and two first downs in the first half, the Bears fell behind 14-0 at halftime and never recovered in a disappointing 27-14 loss to the Dolphins.
"Today was an unacceptable performance by our football team," said coach Marc Trestman. "The guys worked very hard this week. We came to work today and we didn't get it done.
Week 7: Bears vs. Dolphins
Chicago Bears receiver Brandon Marshall (15) catches a ball during warmups before an NFL football game between the Bears and Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. The pink backdrop is for the NFL's breast cancer awareness campaign. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, left, and wide receiver Brandon Marshall warm up before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago, (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears guard Matt Slauson, left, and center Roberto Garza warm up before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago, (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler warms up before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall jokes around with a Miami Dolphins staff member before an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago, (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Former Ohio State players Chicago Bears wide receiver Santonio Holmes, left, and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline talk before an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago, (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) warms up before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman runs onto the field during warmups before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears defensive ends Jared Allen (69) and Cornelius Washington (94) warm up before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) looks for a receiver during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff (90) reacts after sacking Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) hands off to running back Lamar Miller (26) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws a pass Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Miami Dolphins tight end Charles Clay (42) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Miami Dolphins tight end Charles Clay (42) celebrates his touchdown reception with wide receiver Mike Wallace (11) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws a touchdown pass to tight end Charles Clay during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Miami Dolphins linebacker Koa Misi (55) tackles Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones (20) tackles Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) rushes against the Chicago Bears defense during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones (20) tackles Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. At right is Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (21). (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) catches a pass from quarterback Ryan Tannehill during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) is tackled by Miami Dolphins linebackers Koa Misi and Jelani Jenkins (53) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) is sacked by Miami Dolphins defensive end Derrick Shelby (79) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. at right is Dolphins defensive tackle Jared Odrick (98). (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) tackles Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones (20) after Jones intercepted a pass during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) is tackled by Chicago Bears linebacker Khaseem Greene (52) and defensive tackle Stephen Paea (92) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Miami Dolphins safety Louis Delmas, right, tackles Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Miami Dolphins receiver Brian Hartline (82) gets tackled by Chicago Bears cornerback Demontre Hurst (30) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Fans cheer and hold a sign wishing happy birthday to former Chicago Bears player and coach Mike Ditka during the first half of an NFL football game between the Bears and the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) is tackled by Chicago Bears cornerback Demontre Hurst (30) and linebacker Darryl Sharpton (53) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws a pass against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) adjusts his helmet after getting tackled during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff, right, celebrates a quarterback sack against the Miami Dolphins with defensive ends Lamarr Houston (99) and Jared Allen (69) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) celebrates his touchdown with receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) rushes for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) celebrates his touchdown with receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) is tackled by Miami Dolphins cornerback Cortland Finnegan and linebacker Koa Misi (55) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (21) tackles Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) sits on the bench with tight end Martellus Bennett (83) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) carries the ball past Chicago Bears linebacker Shea McClellin (50) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) breaks between Chicago Bears cornerback Sherrick McManis (27) and linebacker Shea McClellin (50) on his way to rushing for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) carries the ball as Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings tries to tackle him during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
El defensive end Cameron Wake (91) de los Dolphins de Miami le quita el balón al quarterback Jay Cutler de los Bears de Chicago, el domingo 19 de octubre de 2014. (AP Foto/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Miami Dolphins running back Damien Williams (34) carries the ball as Chicago Bears safety Ryan Mundy (21) is blocked on the play during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) celebrates a touchdown with guard Kyle Long (75) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) celebrates his touchdown with guard Matt Slauson (68) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin argues a call with officials during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) carries the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. The Dolphins won 27-14. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman, right, congratulates Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin after an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. The Dolphins won 27-14. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) talks to Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) after their NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. The Dolphins won 27-14. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) talks to Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) after their NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 in Chicago. The Dolphins won 27-14. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
"I think we were ready to play. And that starts with me because we didn't get it done and we didn't execute, particularly offensively. But collectively—because it is a continuity game—we didn't get the job done and that starts with me coaching these guys and getting ready to play."
Sunday was the first time the Bears have been shut out in the first half in 23 games under Trestman.
"It was totally disappointing," he said. "We couldn't put any drives together. We put our defense in a bad way. They were on the field for far too long. We just couldn't get any continuity going with our plays. As I said, it starts with me that we didn't get it done."
The Bears lost the turnover battle 3-0, giving the Dolphins the ball following two fumbles and an interception at the Chicago 23, 16 and 35. In losing their first three home games this season, the Bears have generated one takeaway and committed eight turnovers.
Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill completed his first 14 passes and finished the game connecting on 25 of 32 attempts for 277 yards with two touchdowns and a 123.6 passer rating. Tannehill also rushed for 48 yards on six carries, including a 30-yarder that set up a touchdown.
"We got to him early," said linebacker Shea McClellin. "But he definitely did a great job passing and running the ball, too. We just didn't execute."
The Bears offense awoke from its slumber in the second half, scoring two TDs to cut the margin to 14-7 midway through the third quarter and 24-14 halfway through the fourth period. But the Dolphins responded both times, widening their lead to 21-7 with a TD and 27-14 with a field goal.
With the loss, the Bears (3-4) dropped two games behind the co-leaders in the NFC North, the Packers (5-2) and Lions (5-2), both of whom won at home Sunday.
"The Chicago Bears should not be 3-4 right now," said receiver Brandon Marshall. "It's absolutely unacceptable, and it starts with the offensive side of the ball."
"The second half of the season [is looming] and we've just got to figure this out," added quarterback Jay Cutler. "We've got to play better or we're going to end up 8-8."
Two bright spots for the Bears were provided by defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff, who recorded 3.5 sacks; and running back Kyle Long, who generated 109 yards from scrimmage (49 rushing and 60 receiving) and scored both Bears TDs on a 10-yard catch and 1-yard run.
The Dolphins (3-3) took a 7-0 lead on Tannehill's 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Charles Clay with 6:51 left in the first quarter, capping an 8-play, 83-yard drive.
Later in the half, Cutler's pass intended for a well-covered Martellus Bennett was intercepted by safety Reshad Jones, who returned it 50 yards. The pick set up Tannehill's 10-yard TD pass to Mike Wallace, giving the Dolphins a 14-0 lead with 5:20 left in the first half.
After Cutler dropped back to pass on 16 of 18 plays in the first half, the Bears featured Forte on the opening possession of the second half, and it paid dividends. He had seven carries for 33 yards and caught a 10-yard TD pass from Cutler to cut the deficit in half at 14-7.
But the Dolphins widened the margin to 24-7 on Lamar Miller's 2-yard TD run and Caleb Sturgis' 33-yard field goal. The Bears climbed to within 24-14 on Forte's 1-yard touchdown run with 7:38 left in the game, but that was as close as they would get.
"We should be playing a lot better at this point in the season," Trestman said. "You leave Atlanta [after last Sunday's win] and you're feeling like you're going in the right direction, you go to work and then come out and perform in this fashion. It obviously just wasn't good enough. That's a very sick locker room right now in terms of how we played."
