JEFF ALERT VOUME TWO! Yours truly will be on WGN Radio tonight at 7:40 pm ET (6:40 Chicago). Stream it or listen to me avoid saying incredibly inappropriate things on the live radio.
I don't usually post singularly about someone else's writing but the piece Wayne Drehs wrote for ESPN deserves to be read by every Bears fan who has a few minutes free. I've been a big supporter of how the Bears have treated Tank Johnson this season - putting their faith in a man they consider part of their family. Here's a few highlights...
Either way, there's a chance Johnson will have reached the pinnacle of his professional football career and not be allowed to participate..."I can't even fathom that," said teammate Ian Scott. "I don't know even know what to say. I can't imagine what that would be like."
But the two sides to Tank Johnson are nothing new. Since the days of growing up in Gary, where gang members once poured gas on Johnson and threw a match at him, his has been a life caught in the middle of the tug-of-war between good and bad.
"It felt like the weight of the world came off my shoulders," he told reporters afterward. "I've just been going through so much to be inside that arena and make a play, it just kind of washed away a lot of the bad thoughts I've been having in my life. It felt good."
Tank Johnson faces the biggest three hours of his life on Sunday. If he makes the plays he's capable of making, Tank can erase some of the pain and disappointment of 2006 and replace it with the hope and possibility of 2007. I'm rooting for him Sunday. Maybe more than any other player on the field.
#2 Starbuck said . . .
Man-o-man if the Tank can just turn it up a knotch on Sunday it'll lift the whole team. I wasn't aware he was from Gary (I lived there a bit), that's one tough town. I'd love to see him get a key QB sack (like last week).--Midway--
January 20, 2007
#3 Sunday yet? said . . .Tank must have a huge game on Sunday. But it is just not him alone, the whole D-Line must play huge.
On a side note, if you want to get pumped for this game, listen to some songs from NFL Films. They totally rock - all you need is the narrator's voice and it is like you are on the field. You can download them on iTunes.
Go Bears!!
January 20, 2007
#4 BRIANsong said . . .I believe Tank will have a decent if not great game. I think he can get past the O-Line of NO better than Seattle's, so we may see him with another stack or run stuffing play. However, for the majority of running plays I fully hope and expect to see more of Alfonso Boone.
I seriously can't wait until kickoff. I never though I'd hear myself say this, but I have to work a twelve hour shift tonight and I am relieved because of that. I won't get off until three hours before kickoff, but atleast I'll have something to do to pass the time. I think if I had to try and sleep tonight I would be up all night envisioning schemes for tomorrow.January 20, 2007
#5 Megan said . . .Michael Rosenberg at Fox thinks Sunday is a mandate for Urlacher. http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6382742
January 20, 2007
#6 Midway Monster said . . .Kids from bad areas have an out it they are any good at any sort of organized sports. It's easy for me to say that they should just leave the past behind and move forward responsibly. My job allows me to to see people at their worst in the worst condition. I feel like I have an advantage at perspective but I have a hard time understanding why people act the way they do. Life is so precious and I can't understand why people can't see that sometimes.
Well, I hope that Tank gives it his all and enjoys himself too. What's the point in playing if you can't have any fun? I mean, I hope he is not letting the pressure of this one game spoil it for himself.
I am really looking forward to tomorrow's game for many reasons. Knowing Tank a little better gives me another reason.
Thanks for the insight, Jeff.January 20, 2007
#7 Midway Monster said . . .Starbuck, whats the url to download them?
All, "ya ready for dis!".
--Midway--
January 20, 2007
#8 District Selectman said . . .
Here's my tribute to our main man of the night; Tank (I may just get this one framed its so damn beautiful):http://www.flickr.com/photos/aclark75/122898154/
Also, This may help you to recall the feeling and kick up that believing:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/guano/326029947/
Folks, it's nearly game day. Bust out that favorite jersey; use black sun-out under your eyes, slap on that Bear hat!
--Midway--
January 20, 2007
#9 Megan said . . .Welcome, fellow Bears fans. Jeff, great interview.
January 21, 2007
#10 District Selectman said . . .Great Job Jeff!
January 21, 2007
#11 Megan said . . .I'm so jacked for tomorrow I can't even think straight. I got nothin'. Bear Down.
January 21, 2007
#12 Midway Monster said . . .Hey all, I won't be back until Tuesday. I'm going to Chicago to watch the game with hubby and my brothers. I am looking forward to it, and wish you all well.
If I could, I would give you all great big hugs. Whatever happens tomorrow I am having a blast this season because of you all. Be safe.
Have fun, and keep the light on for me! Oh, could you feed my cat?
BO Gears!...errr I'm so nervous...GOOOOOO
BEARS!!!January 21, 2007
#13 Lacy Underall said . . .Okay- Lets break up the tension...
Albert Einstein arrives at a party and introduces himself to the first person he sees and asks, "What is your IQ?" to which the man answers, "241." "That's wonderful!" says Einstein. "We can talk about the Grand Unification Theory and the mysteries of the universe. We will have so much to discuss!!"
Next, Einstein introduces himself to a woman and asks, "What is your IQ?" to which the woman answers, "144." "That's great!" responds Einstein. "We can discuss politics and current affairs."
Finally, Einstein goes to yet another person and asks, "What is your IQ?" to which the man answers, "51." Einstein immediately responds. "How about those Saints?"
--Midway--
January 21, 2007
#14 jeff said . . .There are other ways to break up the tension..
Midway,
Wanna tie me up with some of your ties??January 21, 2007
#15 Megan said . . .yeah i'm a radio star now. the empire grows.
January 21, 2007
#16 Coxy said . . .Okay, one last post, then I'm outtie ( How's that Jdawg??)
Jeff/Barney, don't be getting a big head.
There isn't enough room here for Dave/PIB's hot air and your big head.
Although a little big-headedness is well deserved today for you. I'll cut you some slack.
Also, Phil from SATX missed your interview and wanted to know the jist of it. (he posted on "Big Bad Bears").
Were you going to write about it as a main page? I didn't want to steal your thunder.
January 21, 2007
#17 jdawg said . . .http://youtube.com/watch?v=IlyiMTslPOI
Saints fans will share similar experiences in about 16 hrs.
January 21, 2007
#18 Dave said . . .I leave you with these words of wisdom:
the bears will eat the
saints like a powdered beignet
woof woof woof woof woofJanuary 21, 2007
#19 Dave said . . .I have an idea. Tank needs to grow up and be a man. Quit blaming all this shit on being from a fucked area.
All these spoiled little fucking atheletes don't want to take responsiblility for their actions. Just blame it on some bullshit.
Hell that way they can just keep fucking up and dipshit fans like yourselves can give the jerk a pass.
If Lovie had any balls he would send this dickhead down the river. It sure would send a clear message to the rest of the guys who show up and work hard that he means business and this crap won't be tolerated.
You watch, when football ends for Tank he'll blow all his money, head back to the hood and get his ass shot.
Just another dumb SOB from the ghetto who failed to realize he is the problem and not were he came from.
So all you dumbasses who think rooting for this guy is somehow helping him. You're wrong. You have been sucked in to his game. Face he's a thug and criminal.
You only support him for selfish reasons. You don't care about the man.
Saints 41-10.
January 21, 2007
#20 Brian said . . .Is that fucking crook Daley going to put the city on suicide watch after the Saints kick your ass.
I like how one of you sorry bastards wrote about how the weather is going to be a factor in this game.
Are you fucking crazy? You assholes have more players from southern climates then the Saints.
Don't give me this shit about dome teams and outdoor teams.
If you bastards are hanging your hat on the weather then you all don't have much faith in your teams ability to win without it
Brees played in that weather. Did he all of sudden forgat what its like?
The weather isn't going to matter. Besides the Saints were a better team when playing outdoors this year, and on the road.
Don't think for a minute the Saints are going to be scared. After last year playing on the road every game, nothing will bother them.
They see your field as just another home game.
Losers.
January 21, 2007
#21 Starbuck said . . .It's 4am....can't sleep, headed to the game in 3 hours......soooooooo excited....I may need professional help.
BEAR DOWN!
January 21, 2007
#22 Midway Monster said . . .Midway Monster - Search for NFL Films on itunes. It should come right up.
Go Bears!
January 21, 2007
#23 Midway Monster said . . .hey Dave, good points- puuuuffftttttttt. go pack sand.
--Midway--
January 21, 2007
#24 Phil from SATX said . . .Brian, no need for professional help at all cuz.this is absolutely normal. What you need to do is put on your Bear jersey and go wake the neighbors. No need to worry about getting them up at 3am since iIam sure they are already up. Play highlights from the last game till 5. That'll put cha right back in the mood for a good solid rest.
-- Dr Midway --
January 21, 2007
This is it guys - it's hard explaining to my kids how big this game is - not once in a lifetime, maybe, but once in two decades is big enough - how many two-decade chunks do we have in our short lives? Going to church where I will continue to NOT pray for Bears victory, because, let's face it, it doesn't make sense that God picks sides in sports, and I rather Him work on big stuff like Iraq... then to basketball where today I'll be wearing a Bears shirt instead of regular team gear (where I will unfortunately likely coach to another loss)... then to home with about 1/2 hour to spare. Will be missing my girl's basketball game, she already gave me permission last week, so me and the boys will get to see the whole game this time. Fully expect to be celebrating after this game, big time, see you all then. Lots of running today, but big strikes aplenty as well. Offense is going to cruise and make the focus on stopping Saints' offense somewhat of a non-issue. They're going to be forced into catchup mode before the end of the half, and from there they're sunk. Turnovers galore coming (Saints turnovers of course). It's been great participating in this blog, thanks Jeff. GO BEARS!!!!!!
January 21, 2007
Here at DaBearsBlog, you are free to kill us or the Bears as you so wish. You are not free, however, to be an asshole. So if you spew racism or ill-meaning foul language (cursing about football is just fine) or anything of that ilk, your comments ain't gonna last long, jerk.