I didn't get to see the game last night for reasons not worth writing about on here today. I have - through the magic of the modern media - been able to assemble collections of highlights and reports from the game. I bring you those now. And let me start here.
The Bears are going to be very good this year. From David in the Trib:
Rex Grossman, carrying over the sharpness from Bourbonnais, went 8-for-10 in one quarter and spread those completions among five receivers.Muhsin Muhammad didn't look like a guy who had missed most of the last week of practiceâ€â€or a 34-year-old one, either. Bernard Berrian and Mark Bradley each made tough catches that suggested the receiving corps is coming of age. Devin Hester resembled a veteran pass-catcher by making a reception in traffic, and the stadium gasped when he faked a reverse.
And perhaps the best and most significant news for the Bears' passing game and the rest of the NFC came when tight end Greg Olsen caught two of Grossman's passes.
Olsen, who started the game in the Bears' two-tight end set, continued a seamless transition to the NFL that has made him the franchise's most natural tight end since da guy in the announcer's booth Saturday night, Mike Ditka.
"We looked pretty sharp," Grossman said.
From what I saw, Grossman looked terrific and was a perfect 8-for-8 to start the game. Orton clearly outplayed Griese - who just looked lost. Benson is a horse. Olsen is going to be a star. I need the season to start.
#2 Hester 4 President said . . .so freakin pumped.
four weeks from today. those hours during the early games are going to be torture, waiting for the bears-chargers kickoff.
the only bad news? we'll have joe buck announcing the game.
but it is still the matchup of the two most talented teams in each conference in week one. pressure is all on the chargers though at home and with a new coach. should be a fantastic time, a win there would be huge.
August 12, 2007
#3 BPT said . . .I didn't get to watch it either, but followed a bit of it on the radio.
I agree, Orton obviously outplayed Greise.
Anybody think we'll trade him eventually if it continues?I think Orton, Grossman and Leak would be fine for now if Ortin truly is better.
August 12, 2007
#4 BPT said . . .The defense is dominant. We have an arsenal of weapons on offense, including a new one in Olsen. We field the scariest punt returner in the league. The coaching staff is steady and the front office is remarkable.
With a little luck in the form of no injuries and elimination of the "Bad-Rex" games...
August 12, 2007
#5 g. halas' ghost said . . .Q&A taken from NFL.com
Question - I noticed your prediction for the Bears returning to the Super Bowl read as, "Only if Cedric Benson can provide the same support for Rex Grossman that he and Thomas Jones provided on the way to Super Bowl XLI." Although I thought the world of Thomas Jones, it appears as though you have ignored the defense, special teams, O-line, receivers, and pretty much everybody but Cedric Benson. If you are not choosing the Bears to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, who are you predicting to go and why do you think they have a better chance than Chicago? --Brian
Answer - New Orleans and Philadelphia are the two NFC teams I included in the "Super Bowl Reality" portion of the column you referenced, so I think they have the best chance of going the distance. I reserve the right to change my mind, depending on what happens between now and the start of the regular season. But for now, I believe the Saints and Eagles are better choices than the Bears and the rest of the NFC. The primary reason is that each team has better quarterbacking than the other teams in the conference. I also think their receivers give them the chance to be more explosive offensively (the Saints should continue to have one of the top offenses in the league). And, addressing the specific comparison with the Bears, I have more confidence in the ability of the Saints and Eagles to run effectively with their backfield combinations than I do in Benson's ability to carry Chicago's rushing load.
August 12, 2007
#6 Hester 4 President said . . .I did watch most of the game, and no question that Orton showed a lot of improvement from two years ago, even playing against the scrubeenies and despite some terrible protection. But it's too soon to say he's ready to replace Griese. Griese's interception read was godawful, but the sideline pass to Bradley on the next possession was a thing of beauty. Competition for second-string QB could make this a meaningful preseason. (Well, special teams look like they need the work, too.)
And in response to the nfl.com comment about explosive receivers, here's a stat WBBM radio brought out postgame: 17 Bears caught passes last nite. 17!! That's riditkalous.
August 12, 2007
#7 Megan said . . .On ESPN, they were saying that they think the Bears have three good QB's, and with their new Hurricanes (Olsen and Hester) on offense, they could really break out.
I have to say, I agree.
August 12, 2007
#8 Al in WI said . . .I'm so sad I missed the game. It just killed me to not be able to watch it.
sounds like the team is tight, and ready for action. Oh, that could be taked WAAAY wrong, but you all know what I mean.
I am so stoked for this season!
BEAR DOWN!August 12, 2007
#9 Ted in IA said . . .Halas Ghost nailed it on the backup qb issue.
Orton looked solid and much improved, and Griese did throw a terrible pick. But Griese came right back and had excellent td drive, and Kyle didn't do anything spectacular really.
The biggest area of concern was the special teams didn't look so hot. Part of that was Hester not returning kicks but also the coverage needs to improve. But it's early and so far the game backed up what we've been hearing out of camp.August 12, 2007
#10 Max said . . .It was a fairly dull game, but still glad to see the orange-and-blue out there doing damage to the opponents.
Just some thoughts: Comcast did the broadcast that we received here, and the audio was so bad, had to turn off the sound almost entirely. Oh, well.. this should be the only preseason game on their ragtag lineup.
1. Benson looked kick-ass. Can't wait to see him in real combat (and not wearing a bandage).
2. Olsen looked fine in limited duty. He may be the answer we have all been seeking.
3. We really missed Harris and Urlacher. Texan QBs had the middle open for short passes all game long - almost uncontested.
Probably good to keep those big guys out of meaningless contests like this, and let the scrubs decide who makes the team.4. Pass receivers looked great. Grossman was right on target, and showed no tendency to snapfumblitis, or throwing it up for grabs. Maybe he wasn't scared of the Texans.
Griese looked OK except for the pick, and the pass to Bradley was a thing of beauty.
Maybe we have judged Orton too harshly - he looked more than competent (and not with just 5-yard completions). Thank gawd he lost that ugly beard - now if he would just find a barber....
5. Oline looked mediocre, giving little protection. Dline was not much better. Briggs and Williams came to play, and that was good.
6. Gould and Maynard can kick the lights out, but Stelly better find another line of work.
August 12, 2007
#11 AfroCelt said . . .Special teams coverage was miserable. There was a long punt return that wasn't a touchdown because Peterson tripped the guy up and Mathis had a 78 yard kickoff return that wasnt a TD because Gould made the tackle. We were the number 1 special teams last year and we did not play like that yesterday. I know its only the first game, but we lost alot of special team players from last year. . . did it really hurt us that much???
The rest of the game was interesting and I was very happy that we did not have to watch Chris Leak try to lead the offense.
August 12, 2007
#12 Al in WI said . . .ugh are any local channels covering preseason games? Damn Green Bay channels...
August 12, 2007
#13 Rancid said . . .NFL Net re-broadcasts them all at random times. They did the Bears game at 11pm CT. I watched live at Alary's bar in Saint Paul, and let me tell you, the bartenders wearing #26 were in midseason form....
Anyway, next week the game's a MNFer on Espn.August 12, 2007
#14 jdawg said . . .I'm happy with these Bears. They look good, especially for their first real go on special teams together. Give 'em a little time to get some chemistry and we'll be the best in the league again. Even though I think Greise looked good after the pick, if Orton continues to be as improved as he looked, I like him as the #2 and then I think it would be best to trade Greise. He makes too much for a #3, plus there are a few teams who should be interested in a quality veteran backup. I know there are a few guys here who shudder at the thought of Leak and his "wet noodle" arm on the roster, but we must remember that he would be the #3, which means that he would get about as much playing time as I will. So it's no big deal. He can make good short throws and manage a game. If the world crumbles and we have to put our #3 on the field, no one asks a 3rd string QB to throw bullets downfield and win games anyway.
We all know it and every "expert" out there is going to find out soon enough, These Bears are going to come out of the gate strong and take this league by storm. This is defenitely the year!August 13, 2007
#15 Pissed Off said . . .news flash
Orton will not be the #2, so let's let that issue drop.
Didn't see the game but heard parts of it.
I'm looking forward to Cedric lowering the boom. If the offense is able to pass the ball, maybe he can get 20 carries a game and not be ground to dust by game 16.
Sounds like Bradley stepped up and it warms my heart that Olsen caught the first ball.
Did Berrian catch a ball?
The ST coverage seemed pathetic.
Anyway, its the first preseason game so it matters not, but its still great to see the beloved on the field.
August 13, 2007
#16 Midway Monster said . . .Well hate to admit it but after several hours of heavy drinking I fell asleep at the start of the 4th quarter. Did Leak play, he hadnt played the whole time I watched.
Devin looked good catching that pass in traffic. Olsen will be a stud, he looked real good. Wolfe, not so much. Mark Bradly looked real good too.
August 13, 2007
#17 Phil from SATX said . . .What I saw was your basic practice scrimmage to run through the very basics of game day conditions. It was one of those "so does everyone know the playbook and their basic assignments?" . Substitution to evaluate the cut list was paramount.
The first preseason game is a snooze, I rather watch a good team practice.
--Midway--
August 13, 2007
#18 StartOlsen said . . .Love the commentary - got a quick sliver of time between jury duty lunch - here's my thoughts -
Jeff, you must have dozed off for the Griese series - a terrible pick and then near perfection including the best looking pass of the night - no way can it be said that he looked lost except on that first play -
HOWEVER
Orton kicked ass and stole the #2 spot right there imo. It was great watching his 6' 4" frame letting him stand tall amidst pressure.
I'm right there with you Max on special teams - VERY disturbing, looks like we went from best to worst on coverage - hope the loss of Todd Johnson, Cameron Worrell and who knows who else won't screw us - having the most dominant special teams is what really separated us from the crowd and made games much easier for our heroes. Look at the field position last night - atrocious throughout the game. Hope it gets fixed.
Garrett Wolfe, great to meet ya! Lovin what that guy is going to bring to the table - he DOES look like he's stout enough to handle the pounding.
Watching Hester make that grab in traffic made me start daydreaming - what if he actually becomes like the next Steve Smith (who I read had a very similar background and NFL start as he did) - could we have not just an end around decoy but a budding great receiver on our hands? (no not predicting it from one catch, just daydreaming).
And was it just me that thought Ditka was totally entertaining in the second half? He made me laugh, he made me cry (not really but I enjoyed his mentor/mentee chat with Greg Olsen, who was very humble and respectful with da Coach), and I loved his slurred close -
now we're going to move the ball, kick a field goal and gettheheckouttahere - something to that effect - and we did!Awesome game, lots to see, who says preseason isn't fun?
August 13, 2007
#19 Max said . . .jdawg is correct- the talk of Orton passing Griese is bullshit. Stupid talk.
1. how can you not remember Orton's inability to hit the broad side of desmond clark's ass two years ago? we won in spite of the offense all year.
2. how can you discount griese's solid career including a pro bowl? If we have to call on someone in the regular season, we need to start with the proven winner.Final riff- its fucking preseason, already. can the excitement. meaningless, and a recipe for a terrible injury (see grossman). if they had played terrible, like last year, everyone would be panicking. yet it is proven over and over to mean nothing. wake up, withhold judgement until October, and pray nobody gets hurt in a meaningless game.
August 13, 2007
#20 big rob said . . .Olsen, I agree that Griese is still the #2 QB. He actually had the highest passer rating of all 3 quarterbacks for what its worth.
But on the flip side, bringing up Orton's play from 2 years ago is about as useful as using the preseason to predict how the regular season will go. . . completely pointless. Orton looked better. He is becoming a more complete quarterback and lets not forget that when the Bears won 10 games "despite him" he was only a rookie. He is still #3 on the depth chart but his progress is encouraging and I think that could lead to him being a number 2 someday soon or even a starter somewhere else in the league down the road.
August 13, 2007
#21 Pissed off said . . .My only input is about Grossman.. Last year in EVERY preseason game he looked like garbage... thats what started all the craziness about starting griese... I was just glad to see him go out there and make some good decisions... he was 7-7 to start the game... funny how no one is mentioning anything about the Bears game.... gotta love the sports media..... GO BEARS!!
August 13, 2007
#22 mikebdot said . . .Though I dont think Orton should or will be the #2 guy ahead of a one-time pro bowl QB in Greise I will agree with Max that we cant take Ortons rookie season as any sort of omen as to what kind of QB he can be. I'm sure he's improved, if he hadnt theres no way he's still on this team but he's not better than Greise.
Lets remember last year was Rex's first full year and though I liked a lot of things he did last year (in my mind he proved to be a good starting QB for years to come) we really should judge him on how he looks this year more than how he looked last year.
August 14, 2007
#23 Pissed Off said . . .PO'd: Wow, that's a turn of opinion regarding Orton. Just last week you went on and on about how we should remember two years ago. Regardless, at least you think there is some potential there, not necessarily starter potential, but good quality back-up potential.
Also, Griese had one bad pass, then came back and threw a TD. There were plenty of times last year when Rex had multiple bad passes and threw no TDs. But we shouldn't use that to judge.
The way I will judge Grossman this year: if he throws one or two picks in a game, I want to see confidence that he can come back and make some solid throws. A TD pass in the second half, or at least solid drives, after a poor first half showing will be a necessity.
August 14, 2007
#24 said . . .Its not like I've come all the way around on Orton, I still think he pretty much sucks and is a career backup, #3 on this team. However what I am saying is that he has improved from his horrible rookie season which wasnt hard to do.
August 14, 2007
#25 Phil from SATX said . . .F'ing fair weather fans badmouthing Wolfe. I checked his first preseason game stats against Jim Brown and Walter Payton and Wolfe's are much better. Anyone down on him doesn't know anything about football.
August 14, 2007
#26 StartOlsen said . . .startOlsen, was that you? Very funny indeed.
Interesting stuff in the Trib about the special teams - an explanation given that the poor showing on coverage was due to Lovie's no-tackling policy in camp that helps the veterans but may not have the new guys, who are the ones looked to on special teams, ready for full speed tackling. Would assume that means that should not be an issue, but who knows... I do have faith in Dave Toub, that dude knows what he's doing.
While the Benson hit on the Texans' safety was a highlight of the game for me, I did not realize that it resulted in a season-ending broken foot for Glenn Earl.
Now that's what I'm talking about!
Nothing against Earl, but Ced's going to be dealing out some PUNISHMENT this year!
Can't wait!
August 14, 2007
#27 Al in WI said . . .All I can do is repeat what I screamed at people all year last year- Ced just runs people over. He rarely goes down on the first hit, and dishes out some serious punishment. I can't wait to see what he does this year. The only issue is, will he remain healthy? If so he will be awesome.
One other note- Grossman had just one bad pass, an overthrow to a back. The long pass to Davis looked like it should have been caught. Davis seemed to stumble, and I thought it looked like he got an early forearm in the back. Man I hope this translates to the regular season for Rexy.
August 14, 2007
#28 Max said . . .If Benson stays healthy, and that's a big if, he will far out rush what Jones was able to do the last couple of years. He runs nasty, he rarely goes down on the first hit, and he has better speed than most people realize.
August 14, 2007
#29 Ed in CO said . . .I like Benson, he can runover people, but he does not have home run speed. He is not a danger to take it to the house every carry that some other backs are. I am not saying TJ did either, but if its outside the 30 yard line, Benson is not carrying it to the end zone unless there is exceptional blocking downfield. . . In my personal opinion.
August 14, 2007
#30 Pissed Off said . . .I'm glad I got DirecTv and the NFL network. Sure it's just preseason, but it's still guys in navy blue jerseys running around!
It's not Benson's job to take it to the house everytime. That's why we have Hester and Berrian. And maybe Garrett Wolfe. His job is to punish the defense and make them put an 8th man in the box. Watching Benson lower his shoulder and take down that safety was a thing of beauty ("sorry about the breaking your foot, but you were in my way"). Knocking over a linebacker and a safety or two and getting 5 or 8 yards is what Benson brings. He also looked pretty good catching some outlet passes too. (What was with the terrible overthrow by Grossman? I can make that throw!)
Since we didn't see Leak, this is based on all the camp reports; Leak is a terrible quarterback who doesn't even have potential as a NFL backup QB. Maybe there's a reason he was undrafted and is stuck at #4. Maybe he just isn't trying very hard. But trading Griese and having Leak as our #3 makes me nervous. Except for last year, we haven't had a QB go 16 games since Erik Kramer. So I'm very comfortable having 2 good backups on the roster. Right now, I think it's a toss up between Greise and Orton for #2. They both played pretty good in a preseason game against 2nd, 3rd, 4th stringers. I'm not ready to crown either of their asses (to paraphrase).
August 14, 2007
#31 Phil from SATX said . . .Big question mark if Benson can stay healthy. He seems to get hurt in limited action so who knows what a full load will do to him. Lets hope he doesnt have fumbleitis too. I am not ready to say he's the best back ever to play like some others on here...I want to see it first. We saw one preseason game and that doesnt mean shit. TJ was a great back for us and some of you seem to think Ced will be far and away better. I am not going to say he'll out do what TJ did for us if he stays healthy, that would be a huge gamble to say that. Lets let it play out. I hope he is the guy and I'm rooting for him to be the next Alexander, LT, LJ, in other words the great RB who can carry a team. TJ carried us for a few years so lets see what Ced can do but by no means am I ready to saw he's gonna do what TJ did the last few years. Lets remeber the past couple years TJ was the starter, not Ced, probably because he was the better back.
Ed, I think the reason last year was the first year we had a QB go 16 in such a long time is because we have had such crap back there for so long. Its not the health issue so much (it was a little) as the "suck ass" issue so when Rex went 16 last year it was a great feat, to say we have a guy good enough to start every game. I do kinda wish that Leak was good so we could dump one of those two (mainly Greise to save $) but thats the way it goes. We gotta keep the best QBs on the roster even if it means overpaying Greise.
August 15, 2007
#32 Pissed off said . . .Couple of comments here. Let's remember that TJ has always faced his own injury bugaboos - last year was the most injury free year for him, and even then he was forced out of action in the latter part of the year. Now he has a strained calf (or something) that the Jets HOPE will have him back for the start of the season.
I don't believe Ced was in the backup role last year because TJ was the better back. I think it was in deference to TJ's seniority, leadership and support from the rest of his team. And he did a great job in the #1 role, no doubt, but Ced did equally well when he got his shot later in the season. If the team truly thought TJ was better than Ced, they wouldn't have traded him.
The reason we haven't had a 16 game quarterback is due more to injury than to shit quarterbacks. Jim Miller and Erik Kramer were both good enough to warrant sticking with throughout seasons. They couldn't stay healthy. Although there definitely were starter busts - Cade McNown, Rick Mirer, and Kordell (although Kordell was only there as a stop-gap measure for Rex's rookie season) - the poor QB stability more reflects the injuries. Injuries to Rex, Miller and Kramer accounted for 7 of the 10 years in that the Bears had the QB carousel between 1995 and 2006.
What is true is the Bears of those years couldn't pick a backup QB to save their lives/jobs (ultimately it cost Mark Hatley his job). At least now it appears we have some solid backups. As an aside, a brief review of Bears seasons past revealed how horrible Hatley was, and especially when compared with Jerry Angelo. What a difference between the Bears now and the Bears then. Bearshistory.com makes for great reading, reliving painful memories.
August 15, 2007
#33 Megan said . . .I'll give you that TJ had his injury issues too, thats cuz he'd wear down toward the end of the year becuase he was being responsible for 40+% of the total offense, or some ridiculous number. Some of that was a couple years ago when we had Orton or the year before that when it was a QB carosel and the pass game and QB were horrible. Now that we have a viable QB and pass game he wasnt asked to be responsible for all the offense and he was fine last year because of it.
We'll have to agree to disagree cuz I definitely thing Ced was the backup. My opinion is based on the fact that he was listed as #2 all year (coaching staff decision) and he didnt get as much action as TJ overall. Thats pretty good reason to think he was the backup. I'm not big on the seniority thing or whatever, if the coaches truly believed that Ced was better, he would have started or gotten more action. This is a business, you put your best out there who you think will get the job done.
And again I think your wrong that injuries was more of a problem than bad QBs regarding the 1st 16 game starter last year issue. Even your list is longer for bad QBs than it is for injuries!! Lets also throw in Orton, Burris, Hutchinson, that guy from Ohio State, Walsh, and more. Its obviously due to shitty QBs more than injuries. Kramer and Miller were decent. They may have warranted sticking around any given year but my money would be on that they wouldnt have gotten the job done year in and year out and would have eventually been benched. Those two were not the answer. Rex is baby!
August 15, 2007
#34 StartOlsen said . . .I like the fact that we have a potentially solid running and passing game. If we can hold those through most of the season, (plus a shotgun play or two) then we will have other team's defenses in a tizzy!
Is "tizzy" an appropriate word? Or does that sound too...feminine? (picturing Urlacher even saying that word makes me bust a gut).
I can't help my girlie-ness. Come the first regular game of the season, I'll be ready to rip somebody's head off.
PO'd, did you get a the new baby Bears wear?
Beareth Downeth!
August 15, 2007
#35 Pissed Off said . . .best quote on this blog so far, from PO'd post #30: "Its not the health issue so much as the 'suck ass' issue."
that sums up the QBs we've run out there pretty well. Henry Burris, anyone? Say what you want about Rex, he's the best we've had in a long, long time.
August 15, 2007
#36 mikebdot said . . .Holy Crap, someone agrees with me. I am not alone in my thoughts.
Megan I am working on getting my son some more bears wear, he has already out-grown an urlacher shirt he has, and an orange bears onesie. We have two sleep n plays in waiting for when he gets big enough to fit in them in about 3 months. Kind of on the fence right now, some stuff too small, some to big. I will be buying him a jersey about midseason, that will ensure he will not grow too big to wear it throughout the playoff/super bowl run.
And wow thanks for bringing up the shotgun issue, I had somehow forgot about it but it didnt look like it was used much in that preseason game. Maybe Lovie isnt going to show other teams much in preseason but yeah, I didnt see it at all now thinking back, I was a bit drunk while watching though.
August 15, 2007
#37 Max said . . .I didn't watch the game, but when reading through the play by play it said they lined up in the shotgun formation when Grossman was in there one time, but there was a false start or illegal procedure and then they used some other formation.
Like I said, third party via espn.com, but whatever. I remember saying "oh, good, at least we were GONNA do it..." as I read it.
August 15, 2007
#38 mikebdot said . . .Honestly I think TJ at this very moment is a better back than Ced is. But the reason Ced is here and TJ isnt is because of 1) Benson has more upside.
and 2) Benson was the number 4 pick in the draft and with the amount of money being paid to him, Bears managment and coaches want a return on that investment (plus they probably didnt want to admit that they are giving all this money to a back up if they kept TJ around for another year) so they want to see what he can do. They made a business decision as opposed to a football decision.
And you are correct mike, the only time we used the shotgun, Miller i believe was called for a false start.
August 15, 2007
#39 Rancid said . . .Max: It said St. Clair on the sheet I read...whatever though. Nothing new. We had a lot of them last year. Pisses me off to no end. They should just go "on 1" every time when they do that shit. As a punishment. Treat them like fucking high school kids.
August 15, 2007
#40 Phil from SATX said . . .Ced is a good back. The only fear is the injury bug, but all backs have that fear. TJ is injured right now! I think Ced and TJ are pretty much the same back right now. Ideally we would have kept them both and split time, but egos did not allow. If I was in charge of choosing, at this point in their careers, I would pick Benson. He is younger and could still potentially develope into a star back. TJ is a good back, but closer to the end of his career, and unlikely to have a "breakout" season. So, to sum up, I do think TJ is a good RB but I also agree with the decision to go with Ced.
August 15, 2007
#41 Max said . . .Rancid, yes, yes and yes. That is the correct analysis. And I honestly believe that had these two guys gotten along better (the fact that they didn't which I blame equally on both of them) I think the Bears would have figured out a way to keep Jones. But the personality clash and the way it impacted the locker room was too much to overcome. And the reality is, if you do indeed have to pick between the two, you're going to pick Benson for the Rancid-mentioned reasons.
Still, I'm feeling stronger and stronger about the fact that Benson is going to outpace all expectations this year and be a significant force on our road to the Super Bowl.
August 15, 2007
#42 StartOlsen said . . .For what it is worth, we cut Aaron Bryant today. He probably wasnt going to make the team anyway, just figured it was worth mentioning.
August 15, 2007
#43 StartOlsen said . . .not to over analyze preseason games, but after watching the Bears-Texans for the 9th time off the DVR I had these random thoughts
at the 2:59 mark Ditka says something to the effect of "ok, here's what's gunna happen, we're gunna get the ball, drive down the field, kick a field goal to win the game and go home. Sound good?" and the Bears do exactly that. Good call coach.2. McBride can play. Nice pick Angelo.
3. Diddo Wolfe. Quickness!
4. Allen sucks- cut him already.
5. Orton seems much more sharp and accurate than he has in the past.
6. Mark Bradley is a physical specimen and can flat out play. If he could stay healthy, good by Moose. IF.Of course, this from the guy who ranted how about meaningless/overrated preseason is. But hey, its the Bears.
August 16, 2007
#44 Megan said . . .not to over analyze preseason games, but after watching the Bears-Texans for the 9th time off the DVR I had these random thoughts
at the 2:59 mark Ditka says something to the effect of "ok, here's what's gunna happen, we're gunna get the ball, drive down the field, kick a field goal to win the game and go home. Sound good?" and the Bears do exactly that. Good call coach.2. McBride can play. Nice pick Angelo.
3. Diddo Wolfe. Quickness!
4. Allen sucks- cut him already.
5. Orton seems much more sharp and accurate than he has in the past.
6. Mark Bradley is a physical specimen and can flat out play. If he could stay healthy, good bye Moose. IF.Of course, this from the guy who ranted how about meaningless/overrated preseason is. But hey, its the Bears.
August 16, 2007
#45 jdawg said . . .I got to see the game replayed on NFL network last night. Wow, the crew they had out there for special teams was lacking. Our field position left much to be desired. I had a pretty good attitude about it while watching it, "just pre-season, trying out the newbies and ironing out the wrinkles"
Whomever was playing right side offensive line in the first quarter let a few get by him. That was a little unsettling.August 16, 2007
#46 StartOlsen said . . .If I'm not mistaken one of the O-lineman was quoted as saying Benson was faster than TJ. I believe Kruetz was loving the sound of the impact Benson makes when he hits the line. It will be interesting to see if Benson looks for a little revenge against Sanders Monday night.
August 16, 2007
#47 Ed in CO said . . .I gotta admit, I'm really psyched about Benson. I loved watching him run last year, and I can't wait to see what he does with 28 carries against some of the sorry ass defense lining up against us this year. I predict a 200 yard game against the Chiefs.
August 16, 2007
#48 Phil from SATX said . . .I think some of you guys are forgetting the real reason why TJ was the #1 back and not Benson. Picking up the blitz. The coaches knew Benson could run the ball. In Benson's rookie year, AP would be the back to spell TJ when it was a passing down, and Benson would only go in on running downs. And last year at the beginning of the season, when they started to do 1/3 of the series for Benson, they'd still occasionally bring in TJ on important passing downs, ie 3rd and long, 3rd and goal, etc. Towards the end of the year, the coaches saw the Benson was good enough to stay in the game for entire series. That made him a better runner, because defenses couldn't just assume that the bears were going to run the ball when Cedric was in the backfield, and I think his improved yards per carry showed that.
And someone already brought up the fumblitis, I think the coaches trusted TJ more to hold onto the ball. Any one remember the 1st carry of the Super Bowl for Cedric?
August 16, 2007
#49 Ed in CO said . . .I'm not sure where this "fumbleitis" shit came from - it's completely unwarranted. In the 2006 regular season, Cedric had zero fumbles. Zero. I guess you can't get much better than that. TJ was excellent too, he had One. In the postseason, Ced had One. In the Super Bowl, with a hit that knocked him out of the game. For the record, TJ also had One in the postseason.
Again, with the blitz pick up, that was a 2005 issue. Didn't really hear anything about that in 2006. We're in 2007 now.
Sorry if I sound a little crabby. Let's get on the Benson bandwagon, aiiight?
August 16, 2007
#50 Max said . . .Phil, you're right. For whatever reason, I had it in my head that he fumbled the ball. He had one early in his rookie season. Maybe that stuck in my head somehow, compounded with the fumble in the superbowl. But he's only had those 2 in his career.
I disagree that we didn't hear about the blitz pickup in 2006. It was a big question going into the season. But certainly by mid season it was a total non-issue and the coaches trusted him. It's the same sort of thing as "can he stay healthy" kind of questions this year. We fans need something to talk about right? I'm sure by the end of the year, we'll be wondering why we questioned Benson.
August 17, 2007
#51 Phil from SATX said . . .By the end of the year, I won't remember the fact that i questioned Benson. Ideally I will be to busy singing his praises.
August 17, 2007
#52 Phil from SATX said . . .All is forgiven, Ed - I really was crabby yesterday, so I apologize for undue negative tone - that ain't me. I watched more of the preseason game yesterday at home - heavy rains in Texas knocking out DirecTV signal (ah, but a small price to pay for the nirvana of NFL Ticket) - I was struck by two things -
1) Grossman was even better than I remembered during the game, some of those passes he made were difficult, belying the short per pass average
2) Benson delivered punishment not just on the play where he broke the guy's foot, but every time he touched the ball. He may be the most punishing runner I have ever seen, shades of Walter but more pain delivered given his size and strength. You've heard the phrase about certain running backs "running mad" - that seems to describe him. It's inspirational to watch. BUT... double edged sword there - hard to see how he's not going to get hurt, at least a dislocated shoulder, given how hard he runs and the punishment he dishes out. Odds do not seem to favor him staying healthy for the whole year. As long as he's back for the playoff run...
August 17, 2007
#53 Phil from SATX said . . .and to preempt any comments
(watching a preseason game again? and the first preseason game at that?)
I AM NOT A LOSER
I am a Chicago Bear fan.
August 17, 2007
#54 Max said . . .Let's go for 3 posts in a row - I just logged on to chicagosports.com and see David Haugh wrote the exact same thing about Benson - sounds like I plagiarized -- I didn't - not that anyone cares. Don't even think anyone's reading this morning.
Sucks to wait for Monday - I need fresh meaningless material to analyze!
August 17, 2007
#55 Joe Barrett said . . .Amen Phil
August 17, 2007
#56 Rancid said . . .Phil,
I can't help it anymore I have to put you in your silly little place. You and your Thomas Jones man crush is making me sick. Let's look at the facts! Jones was not starting over Bensen because he was the better back. He was starting out of seniority and the respect the coaching staff had for him, not because he was the better player. You logic of he was the one starting and got the majority of work is flawed and the facts will prove you wrong. Thomas Jones basically lost his job as the main ball carrier for the Bears following the Bears 11th game last year. From game 12 on Cedric Bensen received more of the load the Jones. Sure the coaches still opened the game with TJ, but then the majority of the work was Ced's, especially in the second half of games. Here are the number to prove it. In games 1 - game 11 Jones had 235 carries to Bensen's 89. In games 12 - game 16 Bensen had 68 carries to Jones' 61 carries. As you could see the tide was turning. Bensen is the better back, he knows, the coaches know have known it and that is why he was traded. ENJOY!
August 17, 2007
#57 Ed in CO said . . .Joe,
I think you are referring to ED (post 47) , not Phil. Phil is a big benson fan.August 17, 2007
#58 Phil from SATX said . . .I don't know if I have a big man crush on TJ. Maybe just a tiny man affection. But I do respect him and appreciate what he's done for the team. In 2005, with Orton starting, everybody and their mother knew TJ was going to carry the ball. He got some tough yards against some stacked fronts.
I do agree that running the ball in the 2nd half of the season, Benson was the tougher, more punishing back. Jones got the start because he didn't do anything to lose it. Benson wasn't so good that he had to start the games. I still think Jones was better, though not the best, as a blocker on blitz pickup. I think Benson will pick up at least 1500 yards (barring injury of course) this year. With the improved passing game, and the more spread out offense, he'll have running room. After he puts a few more people in the hospital (not that I want anyone hurt), I think safeties and corners will be reluctant to hit him head on, and will go for weak leg tackles.
August 18, 2007
#59 Joe Barrett said . . .Rancid, thanks for the backup. Still waiting for my apology from Joe Barrett. Ed, I think we can all agree here, TJ was a huge player for us, underrated and getting better as his career progressed, even at this stage. I'm sure he was a better blitz blocker than Benson, although that is clearly a teachable skill and with Benson's strength and power, there should be no reason he couldn't become as good.
I AM a huge Benson supporter, but it still would have been even better to keep both of these backs. As I said before, couldn't happen because of the egos and personalities involved. And there still should be some upside to the trade in that Benson is scouted as getting stronger as the game goes on and the more carries he gets - we'll get to see if that's true this year, and we wouldn't in a shared back system. Many backs are described similarly, and it is a plus of the one back system vs. sharing.
Support of Benson doesn't equate to lack of love for TJ, but he's gone.
Saw that the OTHER Adrian Peterson ran for 70 some yards and a touchdown in his preseason game - looks like he'll be galloping out of the gate. He could end up being a steal of a 7th pick - time for Ced to show that he was worth a #4 - and for my money he will.
August 18, 2007
Rancid & Phil,
Please accept my apology! I get so geeked up over the Bears and I am itching for the regular season to start. I get a little fired up, and I back the Bear players like they are my own kids. GO BEARS!
August 20, 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.