For me, it all came down to one play. One play to encapsulate three quarters of offensive ineptitude that left a fan base reeling and a defense exhausted. Third quarter. Down five. 2nd and 1. Indianapolis 45 yard line. I said to myself, "Run, run, run. If you can't get a yard on three carries, you deserve to lose." Points of any kind - any kind - change the entire landscape of the game.
Instead? Ron Turner, saving his worst performance for the world to see, calls a deep drop. Rex is sacked for an eleven yard loss and anyone watching this ballgame knew the Bears had just been beaten. It doesn't take Columbo to discover how this guy went winless at the University of Illinois.
Oh yeah. And Grossman fumbled the next snap. But he recovered this one which is starting to become the barometer of success/failure for him. But how? How can a coaching staff watching the same game I was think it wise to put the game in Grossman's hands at that point? How can they not give the ball to Thomas Jones - the best running back in football this postseason? This self-proclaimed "running team" apparently left their identity on Rush Street.
It's the same old script, you see? In the brightest of lights. In the biggest of games. The Bears were out coached and out quarterbacked. You just start to wonder if they currently employ the answer to either issue.
Coming Tomorrow: I'm going to break down how we'll operate here at da site for the next couple months. Hopefully you'll all stick with us going forward.
#2 BRIANsong said . . .I'm sure they lost because it was a meaningless game and rex was distracted by groundhog's day
February 5, 2007
#3 Coxy said . . .Are you still harboring the Packers game? If so...wow.
February 5, 2007
#4 Megan said . . .Yea, I thought the playcalling was very suspect on both sides of the ball. You could see Urlacher was fired up that every third down when they played it safe and did not blitz. Just too conservative.
Offensively, I could not understand why Turner called those deep bombs. No reason for it. Rex actually looked decent through the first 3 quarters throwing underneath. The Colts do not give up the long pass, so there was no reason for them. The first ball should not have been thrown by any stretch of the imagination, the second one, Rex underthrew and didnt lead Berrian.
The colts were much better than I expected. Payton recovered and started taking the short passes we were giving them. The backs ran the ball down our throat. Despite all this, we were in the game until Interceptasaurus Rex showed up. Blown opportunities.
Next year, healthier D, Rex with a full year experience under his belt. (I still support him). Playing in a bad conference. We will be back.
February 5, 2007
#5 mikebdot said . . .All dickheads aside... (see #1 post)
We were out- coached yesterday. I don't know why RT chose to put it in Rex's hands at that point in the game. Why didn't we run more, were we trying to mix things up by throwing deep so we could do more run plays? Was RT trying to sell himself to Dallas??
We can continue speculating and whining if we want, I think we are smarter then that and we just have to learn from it, yet again. I wonder if Turner will learn from this.. I don't even want to think about it.
You are right, we didn't deserve to win that game. The Colts made mistakes, we caused turnovers but we couldn't produce results from either one and so, here we are.
Seriously, I am not mad about this. I am disappointed because I know we have played and we can play better. I think there was alot of miscues on all sides of the ball. The defense really couldn't stop the run, put reasonable pressure on the QB at the end of the first half and into the rest of the game because they were on the field way too long. The offense couldn't burn the clock because our running game was lacking (Benson fumble, Benson hurt, we couldn't give them the one-two-punch of mix-it-up running backs) without a decent running game our QB and WR's couldn't produce a decent passing game and it all crumbled down from there.
Sheeeesh I am no analyst (don't wanna be thanks) but that is what I saw and felt. It broke my heart last night. But I am not going to bail as a fan. I think all of these guys don't know what hit them last night. I think Lovie is a good coach. How long has he been here? Look how far we have come in that time!
COME ON! We have much more to give and we will!
February 5, 2007
#6 mikebdot said . . .Jeff, I know you do not want to ban commenters unless there is a personal attack, etc., but I think it is fairly obvious that PIB serves no purpose than to do this, every single post. He adds no value.
As for Tuner's play calling, yes, I agree with that specific play. Running the ball would have been a much better idea. Running the ball every play would have made me much happier.
I am mentally preparing myself to throw Rex under the bus come September...I'm tired of defending him to my dad.
I agree we should have blitzed more and depending on covering one on one. Nickel and diming will kill a team. Manning blew coverage on Wayne on the TD to Wayne, but other than that we played straight up very well. I think the way to beat the Colts is to cover one on one every play. Take a few deep passes every so often, but you'd get a lot more three and outs if you blitzed 6 guys every play and played man on man...
Why didn't we call a timeout with 6 seconds left in the first half so they would have had to kick it off (had they made it)? Instead, we could have thrown a 60 yard heave into the endzone to end the half. We never do that though for some reason...
I hope we get lucky and get a steal at QB in the draft...not likely though...we need linemen. Replace Garza and Miller in a heartbeat.
I'm clinically depressed today.
February 5, 2007
#7 Megan said . . .Also, we need to get better at blitzing. We hardly ever get past the RB. That's fucking sad.
February 5, 2007
#8 The Pack is Back said . . ."Coming Tomorrow: I'm going to break down how we'll operate here at da site for the next couple months. Hopefully you'll all stick with us going forward.
Like Glue Baby!
February 5, 2007
#9 Bill Hans said . . ."Why didn't we call a timeout with 6 seconds left in the first half "
Why not call time-out with 30 seconds in the 1st half? Why would you even want to wait for 6 seconds? There's only two resons.
1. The coach isn't smart enough to realize that he can get the ball back with a fair amount of time remaining.
2. The coach is smart enough to realize that his offense will have to do something with the ball if he calls time-out.Either way, it's not good.
I'm guessing its a little of both.
February 5, 2007
#10 Pissed off said . . .Bad Coaching...Turner needs to be fired. I watched him turn U of I (I'm from the class of '74) into a high school team. When the Bears rehired him, it was like dating an old girlfriend, they tried to get lucky quickly.
And, O' Mr. Defensive Genius Ron Revera, got
his game plan lost in the news paper articles about his Dallas head coaching job. The commentators kept asking...where are the blitzes? Where was the bumping of the wide receivers. It looked like an evening of prevent defense.Lovie, I do like him but too much "love". Did anyone on this team dislike the Colts? This is an agressive game. Did everyone have breakfast together?
Maybe, it was just a massive badly scripted and produced TV Show by Sony and MasterCard.
Payton, he is hi-resolution perfect...even in the rain.The best part of the show was Hester. Next year? Watch out for the Saints! They might be closer to God than both Lovie and Dungy.
What do da' Sox look like this spring?
February 5, 2007
#11 Vocal Cords said . . .Oh I'm sticking around, I'll be here weekly at a minimum during the offseason, probably daily on weeks leading up to and after the combine, draft, free agency etc.
In regards to the game, I was surprised to see them pass on that down where they needed one yard. The sack, the botched snap, again. That fucked us. Even with about 5 mins remaining I thought if we could get a FG or a TD, after Rex's 2nd INT I thought we had a chance. Then the third pic...ouch. At that point how do the recievers even continue to play hard and run routes when its over. I suppose to pad their stats in the one and only Super Bowl.
I also want to say that everything we needed to happen happened.....or at least what I thought/wanted to happen for us to win. Hester takes one back, we pick off Manning right away, and then we finally get Moose in the game for a TD after a mediocre postseason thus far and then with a couple fumble recoveries I thought "aint no stoppin' us now" (singing it as the song goes). But the offense couldnt do shit.
ALSO...TO ALL THE NON REGULARS ON HERE, NONE OF US ARE ACTUALLY READING YOUR POSTS.
Thats why I'm not even upset because I know people are talking trash, I'm just not reading posts from them.
February 5, 2007
#12 Bill Hans said . . .It doesn't matter which plays were called. Gross Rex couldn't even execute Center/QB exchange. Bears will never win a championship with him at QB. I'm so glad he's not on my team. Why couldn't he have played like that against my Seahawks?!?
At least the officials called a good game this year.
I won the final score on my square board. Gruelling last 11:44 hoping for no more scores.
Bears coming to Seattle next year to play in the loudest stadium in the NFL. Any of you planning a trip? Let me know and perhaps I'll invite you to our tailgate where we can share a cold one before the game.
P On: You're not invited. I hear it's nice and cold out there in Fargo land. Why don't you go stick your little willy on flagpole today?
Jeff: Good site. I'll be back next year in advance of our rematch.
February 5, 2007
#13 jeff said . . .Bad Coaching...Turner needs to be fired. I watched him turn U of I (I'm from the class of '74) into a high school team. When the Bears rehired him, it was like dating an old girlfriend, they tried to get lucky quickly.
And, O' Mr. Defensive Genius Ron Revera, got his game plan lost in the news paper articles about his Dallas head coaching job. The commentators kept asking...where are the blitzes? Where was the bumping of the wide receivers. It looked like an evening of prevent defense.
Lovie, I do like him but too much "love". Did anyone on this team dislike the Colts? This is an agressive game. Did everyone have brunch together?
Maybe, it was just a massive badly scripted and produced TV Show by Sony and MasterCard. Payton, he is "hi-resolution " perfect...even in the rain.
The best part of the show was Hester. Next year? Watch out for the Saints! They might be closer to God than both Lovie and Dungy.
What do da' Sox look like this spring?
February 5, 2007
#14 Gone_Postal said . . .VC...sounds good. maybe i will come out. PO'd...you're right. we got the special teams td. we got all the turnovers. we just abandoned the run while down 5...i dont understand it
February 5, 2007
#15 BRIANsong said . . .Bears had no buisiness being in the Super Bowl to begin with, and to arrogant teamates who boasted claims they were better than Chicago of 1985 it had to be a moment of sobriety. Too funny, bout spit my beer all over the television watching Grossman take that hot potato snap one snap after he tripped over his own 2 feet. Keep him as your starter and join Detroit in the "Forever have no quarterback saga"
A defense alone does not make Super Bowl
champions. They dominated in a weak division conference, then got hammered when it came time to seperate the men from the boys.February 5, 2007
#16 Al said . . .They deserve the criticism so I won't defend them. But they needed a quarterback yesterday. That's it.
February 5, 2007
#17 jeff said . . .Just like Carolina, Bears failed to make adjustments especially to Colts short passing game. And everyone knew the Bears were going to try and run early, so we ended up in 3rd and long all game. We should have passed to set up the run early in the game.
And how about the lack of effort by Mose on that game changing pick, turn around and look for the ball!!
I'm just ranting, but I honestly think we're kidding ourselves by blaming Grossman. We were outcoached, and outplayed on the lines.February 5, 2007
#18 Don said . . .we ran the ball well. we needed to stick with it. we also had non-existent defensive tackles. did ian or tank make a play?
February 5, 2007
#19 ESK said . . .oxymoron --- Bears quarterback. Let's hope for something else next year.
February 5, 2007
#20 craig said . . .Da Bears Still Suck! Da Bears Still Suck!
They really really really really really really suck
yes the Bears still suck!!February 5, 2007
#21 Bill said . . .Al's right about the line play. How many times did a defender get a hand on Manning? Five? With only one sack? Out of like 170 snaps or whatever it was? How many times did Saturday and his crew blow an enormous hole in the middle of our D? I know the D line was tired, but that was just embarrassing.
And the O-line was supposed to be able to have their way with the Colts' much smaller defensive front. I didn't see it, other than on a few nice runs.
It was a hard game for me to watch, because I've always disliked the Colts as a "finesse" team, and loved the Bears because of their toughness. Yesterday they were tougher than us, and that hurt.
February 5, 2007
#22 Big Mike said . . .craig - good points. Someone esle mentioned Urlacher looking angry at the defensive calls, letting Manning sit back and find the open guy underneath. I'm not sold on Rivera as an in-game coach, but he may make a good head coach.
My ideal scenario woud be for Lovie to take the job in Dallas and give Rivera a shot here as head coach. Why? Because Lovie is too forgiving of Rex - he will be firmly implanted as the #1 QB - when he apparently needs ot be pushed (remember - it took that threat - with Griese taking half the snaps - to get him out of the funk. And then they get to the SB, he gets his $1 million bonus before the game is even played - and he makes HORRIBLE decisions.
February 5, 2007
#23 Gone_Postal said . . .Poor bears fans...go cry in your cheap beer. I guess beating your wives and spitting on Indy fans wasn't enough to inspire your blue collar team to victory. GO SAINTS. See you next year. Don't forget to bring your white bread and bologna sandwiches for half time snacks SUCKAS!!!
February 5, 2007
#24 jeff said . . .Who knows maybe over the summer Grossman will hit puberty.
February 5, 2007
#25 Just Bob said . . .big mike, that made me laugh. i have to give saints fans a lot of credit...they're pretty intense...i'd like to see a saints/bears rivalry.
February 5, 2007
#26 FlyBait said . . .It seemed RT lost it when Ced went out. It appeared he couldn't adapt a game plan that didn't include CB and he started shooting in the dark. Or maybe he did use the same gameplan and had TJ run as anticipated and had Rex throw in lieu of Ced running? Sounds crazy, but this game looked crazy. And why would he give Rex the go ahead for long when he was doing fine hitting in mid field? Some of the unsound decisions just don't add up.
And to top it off RR let up on the blitz, what happened to bringing pressure on Manning??
Thank you Devin; for without your heroic return it would have been even uglier.February 5, 2007
#27 Phil from SATX said . . .Its nice to see the Bears fans realize what some have seen all year.
1. It takes a good offense to help an outstanding Defense (the bears have the D)
2. Front lines are just as important as QBs (even rex needs help)
3. Hester, Urlacher, and Harris are not the Bears (the media and fans do differ on this)It was a good run, I hoped the NFC Reps could shut the critics up! The NFC is not as weak or are we? Damn!
A QB is needed even if it requires Rex growing up, that one snap was not Rex fault, the ball appeared to come out funny from the center.
But at the end of the day, the Bears got burned! I do not like Payton and the Colts! but they did pick the Bears appart, there is something for the Bears team to learn from this great season they had.
It will be exciting to host the Bears here in the Northwest!February 5, 2007
#28 Gone_Postal said . . .Totally agree with Bill Hans. Outcoached on both sides of ball. Even Dave Toub had a rare off day with not being able to take advantage of Indy's decision to kick short after the initial burn. We should have been able to take advantage. Gabe Reid (thought it was Hunter Hillenmeyer when watching - was that because of the announcers? #82 vs. #92) totally screwed us with the turnover.
You're all talking about the 2nd and 1 call. I keep thinking about 3rd & 4 when they handed it off to Jones on the left side. This wasn't when we were buried deep - we were on the 30's. Needless to say we didn't pick it up. That's when I knew we were screwed. Turner doesn't commit to the run when we need to, and hands it off when he should be passing (makeable 3rd and mediums). I felt like after Benson went out it totally threw Turner for a loop. I kept wondering why we couldn't use the same game plan Indy was using against us. Then, when we're down 5 and finally getting a little rhythm with some intermediate passes, he calls a deep sideline route - TO MUHAMMED? I love Moose but beating people deep is NOT his deal. An inexplicable pick 6 results (was the offense even trying to tackle the picker on either pick?) and it is GAME OVER. Why does Turner always think he needs the deep ball? And by the way, it IS a great idea to throw the ball to your running backs (see Indianapolis Colts, Super Bowl XLI), it is NOT a great idea to throw it to your running back when no deception is involved (i.e. waiting out the pass play, clearing people out, THEN deliver with a dump off, not immediately when the defense is all there to stop it). I'm no football genius but it seems to me there are weapons aplenty in the Bears arsenal. Were they being used yesterday? No way, no how. Hire someone else please. And it will have to be a free agent quarterback - we do not have time to train a rookie! The time is now! Somebody said Jeff Garcia - hell yes give me him or somebody like him. WE DON'T HAVE TIME TO WAIT FOR GROSSMAN! Some day, some how, he may become a great QB. It won't happen next year, and we can win the Super Bowl next year. Who's out there as a free agent - does anyone know? Sorry Rex, I appreciate all you've done for us, BUT IT'S OVER.
February 5, 2007
#29 Phil from SATX said . . .Im no Bears fan, but I guess you cant be too disapointed if you are. They did make it to the Super Bowl. .. Just was kinda obvious they had no buisiness being there. Its kind of nice having a break from New England winning every Super Bowl.
February 5, 2007
#30 Coxy said . . .Sorry Just Bob, you posted as I was writing, we think exactly alike. Didn't mean to be redundant.
February 5, 2007
#31 The Dude said . . .The word is "business"...You're a tard.
February 5, 2007
#32 BK said . . .well, as a loyal bears fan im keeping my head up high. we did what 30 other teams couldnt do this year and thats get to the big game. we play in a weak division and a weak conference, and we have a pretty young team. Theres no reason we cant get back next year, hopefully with a different qb but my heart tells me lovie's gonna give that whole "rex is 15-4 as our starter were stickin with him blah blah" speech. as far as my break down of the game, why werent the corners getting physical off the line of scrimmage? the whole tampa 2 scheme obviously wasnt working. hey ron ever heard of a mid game adjustment? nah lets just let them run up the field ten yards then stop with the corner about 10 yards back. ron turner makes me sick. the bears are a RUNNING FRANCHISE. were only down 5 going into the 4th. we get a stop, get the ball with a chance to take the lead. so lets give up on the run? 1st and 10, and your throwing a double move on the outside that HASNT WORKED ALL GAME!?!?!? the corner didnt bite on it whatsoever, and rexy tosses it up for grabs anyway. just made me sick. unbelievable, i didnt mind losing, but not losing like we did. i would of rather run it and kick it away than putting it in rex's hands. ron turner blows, and so does his brother i feel sorry if dallas hires him. but anyway enough ranting, all i know is we seriously need to draft a qb in the 2nd or 3rd round we need to find a new leader cuz grossman obviously cant handle the pressure.
February 5, 2007
#33 Gone_Postal said . . .This was the exact play that really ticked me off too. Not only do they not run, but they motion Jones out of the back field so it is an obvious pass play.. just an awful play call.
February 5, 2007
#34 jeff said . . .Suck my tard dork. Get out and get a job with your good grammer skills. Instead of milking yer poppa's sac.
February 5, 2007
#35 The Dude said . . .the game plan for the second half never made sense. why only throw go routes? why not involve the short passing game being dictated by the weather. rash davis, des clark...
February 5, 2007
#36 bluebottle said . . .Phil from SATX,
I TOTALLY AGREE we need a online bears fans petition to hire garcia. your right the time is now we cant wait 3 or 4 seasons for rex to get er..somewhat better. were way under the cap are we not? SPEND THE MONEY ANGELO GET GARCIA!! GET HIM NOW!!!February 5, 2007
#37 Heywood Jublomey said . . .In defense of Turner's call on the 2nd and 1, that's one of those situations that gives you the chance for the big play, which has been Grossman's forte at various times during the regular season. Running the ball in that situation is a tacit admission that you're not going to go long unless you have to. That said, Grossman took the sack, which is something he never should have done.
Water under the bridge, anyway. Your team had a great year and they'll be back. Good luck next year.
February 5, 2007
#38 jeff said . . .i actually thought 2nd and 1 was a good place to take a shot at a deep ball, given that we were behind and time was running out.
February 5, 2007
#39 The American Mutt said . . .it was the third quarter.
February 5, 2007
#40 Jakub said . . .On behalf of all reasonable Colts fans, I sincerely apologize for the assholes posting. I would like to point out that there are in fact asshole fans on every team--"Bears, Finishing what Katrina started"--I think we can all agree that classlessness is part of the NFL. They played a good game (until the fourth quarter), unfortunately the Colts played better. I still don't think Rex deserves the shit he's getting from you people though. He's essentially a rookie, and he took you to the super bowl on his first full year.
February 5, 2007
#41 Pissed off said . . .I have been reading and lurking for a long time and have not had anything constructive to add, but today, I just feel like I had to say something. I've been a Bears fan since I knew what a football was and have not missed a game in years, even though I live in Seattle (yes, THAT was a great weekend), but today, man, I find myself reading article after article about Manning this and Colts this and destiny and...
I can't help to think about all the what if's of the game, so many chances to do something, ANYTHING. I don't question our defensive strategy too much. People say we should have blitzed more, and maybe they are right, but Peyton can burn you on the blitz more often than not. I mean, we held them to 22 points on D. If someone said that to me before the game and that Hester would have a return for a TD I would have thought we win the game handily. I'm sorry, the way we played yesterday, it looked like our offense was playing a pre-season game with no concrete game plan and just trying random stuff with no plan. So many calls made no sense to me. Completely outcoached. The D is not to blame, I really think they played well. This game was ours to win no matter what the whiney Colts fans say. I said it to everyone I know before the game and I still say it today, the only team that could beat the Bears this year are the Bears themselves.
A nice thing about being in the Super Bowl is that the offseason is just a little bit shorter. Can't wait for my first Sunday Ticket payment...
PLEASE PAY BRIGGS
Next year...always next year. But really, next year. I don't know what to think of Rex anymore. I have stuck with him all year, always defending him to all of my friends that ridicule him constantly. He's better than he played yesterday. Those picks were good decisions, but bad throws. Or am I just being delusional. They looked like they were there, just underthrown, probably due to the rain.
Sorry for the rant, had to say something to someone that feels like I do today.
February 5, 2007
#42 Bill said . . .I agree with Jeff and others, why not continue to let Rex hit people underneath, I can see taking a shot here and there but he was doing fine up until the long ball came along. Rex did fuck up overthrowing Rash for a TD and also leaving the bomb for Berrian short, those two are on him. The guys were there. He did make the right reads all game just bad passes a few times.
Another thing I want to do is the comparison b/w Manning and Rex, not the numbers or stats but the way the careers started. Look at Rex's numbers in his first full season compared to Manning, nuff said.....and we went 13-3 not 3-13. Also Manning has has the wrap of not being able to win the big one for years now, this is Rex's first full year and I think he will be a good QB and will win a SB faster than Manning (9 years in the league I believe). And hopefully for us Bear fans sooner than later, like next year.
February 5, 2007
#43 Are You Crazy said . . .The "game plan" looked bad becasue fo so many 3 and outs. We never saw the game plan.
When they got the ball in the 4th quarter down 5, we all said that somehow the Bears had to act like the preceeding 3 quarters didnt' happen. Down 1 TD, decent field position - we need a drive. Play it relatively safe, mix it up, nothing high risk. All of us agreed - and then he did it! WHY??!!
I really wonder if the press got to him, and maybe RT also. A feeling like "let's make a big play and show them what Rex can do." I hope not - but it's as good an answer as any.
Just think - if the Bear's had driven somehow and took the lead, and the D was inspired for one last stop and we won the game, then the press would have left Rex alone basically. The story woudl have been "Rex - in his first full year, with all the ups and downs - still came away with the victory."
I know - hypothetical thinking is for losers. My only point is that I will always wonder if Rex and Turner choked because they were trying to prove the critics wrong rather than win the game.
February 5, 2007
#44 Coxy said . . .The Bears didn't even stand a chance. You must have forgot AFC and NFC are two completely different ball games. The Bears were lucky they were only down by 5 cause the colt were completely man handling them.
February 5, 2007
#45 Rex said . . .I am not for throwing Rex under the bus. Garcia would not be that much of an improvement over Rex. He did well this year, but he had some bad games for Philly also. I look forward to seeing Rex next year, but it seems I am in the minority.
Two awful throws and two fumbled snaps does not make me give up on a guy in his first full year.
Postal -
"Suck my tard dork. Get out and get a job with your good grammer skills. Instead of milking yer poppa's sac."
I just want to let you know you spelled the following words wrong in that pathetic attempt at a comeback: grammar, your, sack.February 5, 2007
#46 Max said . . .P.S. you are not giving Rex enough credit. I don't really think it was his fault so much as your offensive line could not stand their ground.
February 5, 2007
#47 Bring back Rex said . . .I support Rex. I supported Rex all year. And i'll support him all next year. Although that doesnt make this feeling, like getting my heart ripped out of my chest, any better. Love you guys, and ill be here all year
February 5, 2007
#48 MVP Payton ? said . . .It wasn't that bad. See below:
Top Five Awful QB Performances
5. Jim Kelly
He stands alone as the only quarterback to lose four Super Bowls (XXV, XXVI, XXVII and XXVIII). In his four Super Bowl appearances with Buffalo, he completed 81 of 145 passes for 829 yards, with two touchdowns compared to seven interceptions. He was intercepted four times against the Redskins in Super Bowl XXVI (tied for the second most all-time), and was knocked out midway through the second quarter against the Cowboys in Super Bowl XXVII, having already thrown two interceptions and fumbling once.4. Earl Morrall
While Super Bowl III is most remembered for Joe Namath’s bold prediction, it was Morrall who pretty much guaranteed the Jets would upset the Colts. The NFL’s MVP in 1968 was 6-for-17 for 71 yards and no touchdowns and three interceptions before being benched by Colts coach Don Shula in the second half. Morrall did achieve a certain level of redemption two years later, replacing an injured Johnny Unitas early in Super Bowl V and leading the Colts to a victory over the Cowboys.3. Craig Morton
Tom Landry didn’t make many bad decisions during in his great career, but one he may have wanted to grab back was starting Morton over Roger Staubach in Super Bowl V against the Colts. Morton, who alternated with Staubach during the season, completed just 12 of 26 passes for 127 yards and threw three interceptions as Dallas lost 16-13. He had his shot at redemption in Super Bowl XII when he returned to the big game as Denver’s starting quarterback to face, ironically, Staubach and the Cowboys. Morton was awful in that game, completing four of 15 passes for 39 yards and four interceptions.2. Fran Tarkenton
He undoubtedly is one of the top quarterbacks in the history of the game, but you wouldn’t know it by his Super Bowl appearances (VIII, IX and XI). The Vikings’ quarterback was on the losing end each time and tossed just one touchdown compared to six interceptions. In Super IX against the Steelers, he was 11-for-26 for 102 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions.1. Tony Eason
After helping the Pats become the first team in NFL history to win three games on the road to reach the Super Bowl, Eason had the unenviable task of facing Chicago’s "46" defense. He didn’t last long in Super Bowl XX, getting knocked out of the game in the first quarter after being sacked by Richard Dent and Wilber Marshall. He achieved an ignominious honor, becoming the only starting quarterback in Super Bowl history not to complete a pass, going 0-for-6.February 5, 2007
#49 mikebdot said . . .Can some one explain to me how payton why payton got the mvp?
What a sad day it is in this blog today, no Lombardi, good rex bad rex, its rex fault, how did this happen, the bears beat the bears.
I call bullshit!
The bears didnt win cause the colts outplayed them! Thats Final! Stop saying the bears beat the bears, that sounds so nausiating, any team can say that about any game so they dont have to say the other team is actually playing better.February 5, 2007
#50 Jakub said . . .Re #46: I'm mentally preparing myself to throw rex under the bus...yes, for ripping my heart out and stomping all over it...
Nobody had business going deep unless it was completely busted coverage. The pass to Wayne from Manning fell way short (Wayne was standing there all alone because for some reason Daniel Manning ran up to cover an already covered tight end). The other passes that were thrown twenty plus yards down field were all defensed well or intercepted by both teams. Nobody should have even been running past 20 yards! Shit, they could have whipped out the hook and ladder, especially with awful rain.
I really thought Turner was good for us knowing his past with us with Erik Kramer, but I was wrong. He didn't know what the hell he was doing. Rivera doesn't look as brilliant when he loses two Pro Bowl players, eh? I think we should just go with no defensive coordinator. Let Urlacher call the plays. Old school and shit.
American Mutt: You smell.
February 5, 2007
#51 Phil from SATX said . . .Peyton won the MVP by default as no one else stood out, IMO. When there is no one better, you pick the QB. But yeah, that has to be one of the most lack-luster MVP performances ever.
February 5, 2007
#52 Pissed off said . . .It's not about whether there have been others that are worse. It's about what you need to win a Super Bowl TODAY. Those two quarterbacks last night did not appear to belong on the same field. And I don't credit the Colts defense, and I don't fault the Bears offensive line. After mostly supporting Rex all year, I now realize that the Super Bowl is right there for us - and the window is narrow.
Look how ready we are - by far the best special teams in the league, the only one with a Hester, a Maynard, and a Gould. Cannot let Dave Toub go, he's the only one that absolutely has to stay. This unit is an all-time all star unit.
The defense is right there! The game plan didn't work against Manning, but he's the best, right? And we still limited him to 22 points of which 7 was a gimme that doesn't happen with Mike Brown, or a better safety, on the field. Let's not forget what our defense did to the Saints. The defense is more than excellent and think about getting Tommie Harris back and maybe Mike Brown, and who knows about Dusty Dvoracek? He was excellent and mean at OU. The Manning defensive additions have worked out great. We have budding world class corners. It's all there.
We have offensive weapons. TJ, Ced, Moose, Bernard (who can blow by every single corner in this league, think if someone could get him the ball consistently, he seems to be open every single time), underused Rashied, Des Clark, Jason McKie - weapons all of them. Just one missing ingredient (two, counting an offensive coordinator who figures out how to use them).
This team is so ready, it kills me that we let this one go. But now it's imperative to learn the lesson from this season. I don't know how I will handle it if we start hearing that they consider themselves set at QB. Please, please, bring in someone who is ready to go right now! And don't be fooled by practices - Rex can be great when not facing stiff opposition, or when in optimal conditions, like at home in good weather. Don't be fooled! I can only hope and trust that Lovie is as sick about this loss as we are, and will look around to find the culprits.
I want to be loyal, I want to give people time, I, like you have spent much time and energy defending Rex, but it just became clear as day to me last night - he's not good enough for right now. We need a right now quarterback. And before you start saying "he brought us all the way to the Super Bowl" I am going to have to reveal that scales fell off my other eye too, as I realized that the AFC truly is better than the NFC. I was thinking the following: If we played the Patriots last night, we would have lost in much the same way. Manning was very Brady-like last night, taking exactly what we were giving, only that and nothing more. Brady would have done the same thing, and Patriots have a better defense and better special teams. Rex may be good enough to get to the Super Bowl in the NFC - now we know he's not good enough to win the Super Bowl, to take out the AFC. And time is a-ticking, folks. WE DON'T HAVE TIME TO WAIT, NOR TIME TO WASTE.February 5, 2007
#53 Bill said . . .I still support Rex with you Coxy.
Hey Coxy, who is it on here that is bothering you the most. Let me know and I will join in the "rip his ass apart" game. I've noticed some harsh words from you for a few bloggers. I havent ripped anyone much since the Seattle and NO games. I feel like I'm ready to start talking trash and taking whatever the douches say and turn it on them and shove it down their throat. Now who is it that is the biggest idiot on here?
As I said I havent read any posts from anyone other than the regulars so I dont know who is the biggest douche here.
February 5, 2007
#54 Pissed off said . . .I agree that Manning shoudl not have gotten the MVP; but unless he was horrible, it was pre-ordained he would get it.
The list of bad SB QBs is no comfort. Three of them were bad QBs, and the other two are way out of Rex's league. I wish there was an example of a bad SB QB that eventually began a decent one. No examples I woudl guess.
I'm not throwing Rex under the bus, but I'm done supporting him for a while. My rap on him is he is a good QB that tries too hard to be great at times - and as a result often is horrible.
But the biggest problem - as someone already pointed out - is he completely falls apart under pressure. He refused to run (afraid of injury?) even when he had 10 yards and a blocker ahead of him. Once he starts moving in the pocket, his mechanics no longer exist.
And as someone said - any pass last night more than 20 yards was foolish unless the receiver was wide open due to a blown coverage. Manning knew it - Rex was too stubborn to figure it out.
So I won't "throw him under the bus" - but I won't argue against those that want to.
February 5, 2007
#55 jeff said . . .Ok WOW......I went back and read a couple posts, what idiot would petition for Garcia, he's older than the hills and had a mediocre run with Philly. He's washed up. Shit, you guys what the fuck is going on here. I dont care if you dont like Rex but Garcia is not the answer. Lucky for us we wont even get a chance to sign him anyway. WHEW.
I just cant believe some of you are petitioning for Garcia! Seriously, Garcia?!?
February 5, 2007
#56 Pissed off said . . .seriously. jeff garcia? should i buy benchgarcia.com now? jeff garcia...
February 5, 2007
#57 Phil from SATX said . . .Totally hear ya Jeff.....see post #54.
February 5, 2007
#58 Vocal Cords said . . .Hey PO'd how about someone who is more skilled at the overall job of quarterbacking? Because quarterbacking is not just about having a good arm. Rex has a good arm. It is a combination of physical skills and mental skills, of game management, seeing the field, making good decisions within split seconds, and improvising when the planned play goes wrong. I don't see Rex performing well in most of these categories. When everything goes well, he does great. Under pressure, he breaks down and makes bad decisions. He couldn't even get the most basic fundamental down last night, the center-QB exchange.
Maybe the guy isn't Jeff Garcia, but we need a battle-tested QB. Rex lost the battle last night, and while another 16-18 games will undoubtedly improve his play, do you want to get to another Super Bowl only to find out that he's still not good enough under pressure?
If someone wants to make an argument that it's more Ron Turner than Rex, I will listen, it's not easy for me to give up on such a great arm either, but my eyes saw what they saw last night.
February 5, 2007
#59 BRIANsong said . . .Rick Mirer might be available...
...Oh, that's right, you've already got him.
February 5, 2007
#60 Midway Monster said . . .Can we borrow Dave Kreig?
February 5, 2007
#61 Phil from SATX said . . .still in Bear Rehab seeking deep psychoanalysis.
--Midway--
February 5, 2007
#62 AfroCelt said . . .Okay, how about Damon Huard from KC? Played in parts of 9 games, posted a 97.6 quarterback rating with a 60.6% completion rate, and 11 touchdown passes to just one interception.
Noting that the free agent list is not long or particularly illustrious:
The aforementioned Garcia (threw for 1,309 yards and ten touchdowns to just two interceptions), Tim Rattay... Looks like experts think the best one out there is Matt Schaub, a restricted free agent with Atlanta. Don't know anything about him.
If the Bears don't think Griese is good enough to compete with Rex (and their actions this year suggest they don't) how about bringing in another free agent and letting them duke it out? It looks like Griese was insurance against injury, with the assumption that Rex was the guy of the future if he could stay healthy.
Remember that the schedule toughens up considerably next year with games against the Cowboys, Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs, and Eagles. The Bears showed last year that they would respond to the playoff loss against the Panthers. How will they respond to this playoff loss? Just by hoping their key part will get better? I hope more than that.
February 5, 2007
#63 Megan said . . .im not sure if buying yet another QB will be the answer...maybe Grossman will pull together.
We might want to use some of our cap room to keep Briggs around...maybe...I don't know actually. I'll shut up and watch the paid professionals' moves.
February 5, 2007
#64 Bill said . . .AfroCelt, YES! Stop talking about buying another QB!
We wanna keep Briggs and pay Lovie more..
Man, are you guys serious about Garcia? STOP ALREADY!February 5, 2007
#65 Bearly Bob said . . .At the VERY least, I hope they draft a QB after the first couple of rounds - we need too much to use a #1 or #2.
Since my son is at Purdue, I'd hate seeing Orton go - but we already know he isn't a franchise QB. Rex needs to know that he has a serious game attitude problem - and if since the window will close fast, he needs to develop it NOW. The tougher schedule tell us if he is up to the task. I would give him 8 games max to show he can make good decisions under pressure. I'd allow him no more than 2 "Horrible Rex" games before I went to Griese.
February 5, 2007
#66 Bill said . . .didn't Rex come out looking like a Pro Bowler the first 8 or so games this last season??
February 5, 2007
#67 Sweetness said . . .Yes - not sure he went 8 games. Have ot look it up again. But there was no "good-bad" business like there is now (well, the Minnesota game - but he pulled that one out. Adn in hindsight - didn't he talk trash after that - which now makes him look like he really IS sensitive to criticsim and doing bad - like he really CAN'T just shake it off. Like - despite his confidence - he feels he has something to prove. Which he does - but you can't play like that - you just have to play smart.)
Still - I'm afraid he's going to be in a no-win situation and as a result, struggle for the next year or two; then they cut/trade him and the change of scenery helps him focus and pull it together.
I remember thinking during his really bad stretch that he was a year or two behind the rest of the team - the rest of the team was ready now but he wasn't. His injuries really hurt the Bears in that with one more year of game expereince, he may have had the ability to play under more control.
Just "loser talk" though. The fact is, we can't tell anything until the the preseason at the earliest.
February 5, 2007
#68 Bear with head in the sand! said . . .Jeff, I wholeheartedly agree with what you're saying about Turner. It was so frustrating to see him stray from what makes our Bears work on offense.
Still, no matter what fell apart on the Bears' side of the football, the Colts outdid us. Dungy and Manning deserved the title in the end. It's just too bad that so many of the Colts fans don't have the class that their team does.
I'm still proud of my Bears, though, and they gave us one helluva season! Now we begin the long wait for August...
February 5, 2007
#69 DTB said . . .Man, what a dismal display of talent! I am so disappointed. I mean, come on Rex. I defended him all week last week saying that he's going to perform up to par in the biggest game of his life and what do you do, you throw the ball into double coverage for an int which resulted in a td. I MEAN COME ON! If anyone really thinks about it, despite how horrible the bears were playing most of the game, until that play, they were only down by 5 points. THINK ABOUT IT! The defense may not have stopped Addai and Rhodes from running amuck but..........they only allowed field goals for most of the game despite the blown coverage with Reggie Wayne. HOW MANY TURNOVERS DID THE BEARS HAVE? They turned the ball over so many times it would beg to question if they really did give away that game! DAMNIT! I'M STILL HURTING!#$@#$!#%
February 5, 2007
#70 DTB said . . .For some reason I knew that there was another person out there that shared my sediment. I stayed away from the computer all day until just now, I open this page and see your post. I've been harping on that exact moment all day. 2nd and 1! Monentum just beginning to swing. RUN THE FUCKING BALL!!!!At the end of the game Phil Simms claims that the only chance we had was to run it down their throat and we failed in doing so. What happened to imposing your will upon the opposing defense? 4th and 1 against Seattle, 4th and 1 against the Saints. Ron Turner? What the fuck?
February 5, 2007
#71 Gone_Postal said . . .Did anyone remember how to wrap up?
February 5, 2007
Coxy our online blog editor. Since when did a cheerleader like Coxy know anything about football?
February 7, 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.