When they start using the BCS to decide the Super Bowl champion, I'll start paying attention to Power Rankings for the National Football League. With that said, IT IS TIME TO ACTUALLY PLAY SOME GODDAMN FOOTBALL. Here's how we beat the Chargers in three not-so easy steps.
STEP ONE: THROW EARLY AND OFTEN
I'm going to spit in the balls of conventional wisdom and recommend the Bears put this game IN the hands of Rex Grossman. The worst thing that can happen to #8 is being forced into third and longs early in the ballgame, especially with the aggressive SD linebackers. Open in shotgun, spread the Chargers out and put those backers on their heels. The hole in this defense is on the third level so the Bears can win one-on-one matchups on the outside. Then attack with Cedric, Cedric, Cedric.
STEP TWO: CONTAIN THE BEST PLAYER IN THE LEAGUE
With Mike Brown and AA on the backline, the Bears should be proficient at keeping LT from big gains. The genius of him as a player is his ability to gain 3 yards, 2 yards, 1 yard and then break one for 80. Allowing Tomlinson the moderate gains is tolerable but the defense must force the Chargers to pick up the sizable yardage with Phil Rivers and the pretty crappy receiving corps.
STEP THREE: BRAD TO THE BONE
On the road. Good football team. Great, ball-control running game. Brad Maynard must have a great game. Allowing this team short fields could spell disastrous for the Bears. Maynard must pin them inside the twenty all day.
Your turn.
#2 Max said . . .FIRST!
1) We need to win the turnover battle. A MUST!
2) Defense needs to bring the A game. Best way to contain LT, and by contain I mean not allow him to stomp all over us, is by having the 4 down linemen get constant pressure on Rivers. If we can do that, it leaves the other 7 guys to focus on LT, Gates, and the receivers.
3) I agree Jeff, pass to set up the run. But that means Ced has to step up, unlike the preseason.
September 5, 2007
#3 DTB said . . .FIRST!
1) We need to win the turnover battle. A MUST!
2) Defense needs to bring the A game. Best way to contain LT, and by contain I mean not allow him to stomp all over us, is by having the 4 down linemen get constant pressure on Rivers. If we can do that, it leaves the other 7 guys to focus on LT, Gates, and the receivers.
3) I agree Jeff, pass to set up the run. But that means Ced has to step up, unlike the preseason.
September 5, 2007
#4 Lou Mangione said . . .I hope to GOD we win the toss. Dev "in the enzone and up six before you can blink" Hester.
September 5, 2007
#5 mikebdot said . . .Agreed about Grossman. He'll be in enough high pressure third-down situations over the course of the season, let's see if we can play a different card on the first few drives. Maybe he should read Kissing Suzy Kolber (possibly his biggest fan base!) to get fired up for Sunday:
http://kissmesuzy.blogspot.com
September 5, 2007
#6 Rancid said . . ."San Diego", which means, a whale's vagina.
September 5, 2007
#7 JB said . . .I'm sick of hearing about our O-line and I think that this game may very well be decided on how well they play. They have to give Rex some time to get rid of the ball, and they must make holes for Ced. Are they the experienced solid veteran line we here believe they are or are they the aging faltering line that the Bear-hating media talking heads report that they are. The answer will likely be the deciding factor.
September 5, 2007
#8 Phil from SATX said . . .I'm looking at this team and I'm thinking what comes to mind when you think about San Diego and what can hurt you. My answer, 1. LT, 2. Antonio Gates, 3. Swarming/Blitzing defense.
So my keys to beating them:
Answer to LT & Antonio Gates...Urlacher. BU has the biggest responsibility of any Bear this week...which is awesome for us. It's their best players against our best player. This is a great chance for 54 to start another Defensive MVP campaign. I honestly think that he will be the difference in this game by containing LT and shutting down any deep routes for AG (assists to HH & LB on the other routes).
The swarming blitz, it's on the O-line and the RB to give Rex time.
September 5, 2007
#9 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .Last year was pass to set up run, which typically worked well. When we tried to do the opposite, it failed. This year will be worse in that department, so it's even more important. All that's to say I totally agree with the need to start out fast, which means open the playbook and let Grossman play.
On defense, Rivers appears to be vulnerable to the sack, and throws at least 1 INT against good defensive teams. Agree that we should be able to contain the long stuff from Tomlinson. Two things to watch for (positive) on defense: Mark Anderson now starting, and Babich at the helm, so let the blitzes/sacks begin!
Fast start, field position, sacks/turnovers. Bears win.
September 5, 2007
#10 Pissed off said . . .Ugh- this is painful to see the blue team in the #1 slot and my beloved Bears down at #6.
From Fox Sports article today: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/powerRankings?MSNHPHCP>1=10437"Though it’s likely a little too early to get all excited over it (hold your horses, Bears fans), Rex Grossman’s looked absolutely great this preseason. Chicago’s offense was functioning on all cylinders in the Week 3 game vs. the 49ers. The Bears put up 31 first-half points against San Francisco’s first team defense, and Grossman connected on 13-of-20 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns. Lance Briggs’ automobile incident aside, Chicago’s had a very positive camp and preseason. Grossman will have his critics this season. So will Cedric Benson. But with a rather manageable schedule, you can probably pencil Chicago in as the likely NFC North champions in 2007."
September 5, 2007
#11 big rob said . . .Great points from everyone. My take is that we need to pass early. Get the defense on its heels and set up that run. We've heard the O-line has been shaky this preseason and its now time for them to step up and show that their previous play was a farce.
We need to get pressure on Rivers and hold LT to short gains. If we can contain LT on 1st and 2nd and force long 3rd downs I dont think Rivers is good enough to beat us. Personally I think their WRs will be overmatched by our DBs.
I believe San Diego plays a 3-4 Defense which should allow Benson some inital room to get running and if he gets those few steps before 1st contact he can probably run over most of their linebackers who will be hitting him first. And of course Hester will be key. I havent paid much attention to how good San Diego's special teams coverage is but hopefully Hester can get us good field position all day. I'm going to do some checking on how good San Diegos kick and punt coverage was last year, probably wont find anything but if I do I'll let you know.
September 5, 2007
#12 mikebdot said . . .Stat to remember...
Bears D only gave up 1 rushing TD ALL last season....
September 5, 2007
#13 Jimbo said . . .PO'd: Hopefully there is another comment forthcoming once it is approved...but here is a link to some return stats via yahoo:
Hopefully that one doesn't get eaten too. Basically, the San Diego return coverage last year as decent, slightly worse than us, but not much.
September 5, 2007
#14 Al in WI said . . .My guess is San Diego will FORCE us into putting the game in Grossman's hands.
I've got my concerns, but screw me and screw my concerns. I'll take my chances with Kid Gunslinger.
Go Grossman.
Go Bears.
September 5, 2007
#15 Pissed off said . . .I agree completely that the Bears need to attack early through the air. I call it playing to win, instead of playing not to lose which I still believe is what they did @ XLI.
Play action deep passes, roll outs to the tight ends, and dump passes to the running backs to start with would be nice. I'm also hoping to see two things we say little of last season; screen passes, both running back, and wide out, and of course the shotgun formation.
The with a defense like SD's is to use their agressiveness against them and keep them off balance.September 5, 2007
#16 mikebdot said . . .Totally agree with everything Al said. Not to rehash old memories but do you think after Hester returned that opening TD in the Bowl that the game plan changed and we played not to lose instead of playing to win? Maybe, just maybe that kick return did more bad than good. Dont you think we would have been more agressive throughout if we were tied or down 3 when we took our first offensive snap? Not sure, mabye I'm talking out of my ass here but its food for thought anyway.
I love watching a well executed RB screen which we didnt see much of last year and also more shotgun would be great. The problem with shotgun is that they know your going to pass. I'm not a huge proponent of it but I would like us to use it maybe 10% of the time??? I'd like to see screens used more on 1st and 2nd downs rather than 3rd downs but thats just me. Maybe 2 or 3 screens a game would be nice.
September 5, 2007
#17 JB said . . .The shotgun would be useful on 3rd and 8+ since it's likely a pass anyway, or you can still run a draw, or an end around with Hester if you're feeling sporty.
To build a bit on PO'd's logic, I think TDs on kickoffs can run havoc on the flow of a game. The offense is psyched up to take the field and all of the sudden the defense is going back out there. Also, it makes the defense have to work an extra series since the Colts received the ball at the start of both halves and were more tired then by the end of the game.
Did you know the time of possession for the SB was 38:04 vs. 21:56 in favor of the Colts? That probably had more to do with the 5 turnovers than anything else, but I'm sure the opening KO TD didn't help. It also allowed the Colts to take offensive control to begin both halves.
Occasionally I read through the play by play, I have no idea why, but I do. God, how depressing. Did Manning fumble a snap? I didn't tape the game or record via DVR (as I don't have one) so I don't remember. It just says he fumbled once and we recovered. I'm assuming "aborted" after saying "fumble" means it's a botched snap. If so, Grossman had two of them, correct? Manning had one. Not sure I understand why Grossman is taking so much heat about it if the premier passer in the NFL had one as well. Yeah, I know 2 is greater than 1, but not by much. If it was just a fumble, then, whatever, just was wondering aloud.
September 5, 2007
#18 mikebdot said . . .Kick off return for touchdown hurting the team more than helping?
No.
No.
No.
I don't like the argument at all. Special teams touchdowns and defensive touchdowns are huge for winning ball games. Look at the Rams game last year or the Cardinals game. Jesus, ruining the flow of the game...come on guys. It juices everyone up.
I was listening to Mike & Mike & well Mike (Ditka) this morning and da coach said that the SB was a team loss. That the defense not being able to get off the field and allowing manning & co. to run for close to 200 yards and chew the clock was the biggest reason for the loss...not Grossman. He knows a little something about football, I like it when I'm backed up by a HOFer.
I'm interested in this opener tomorrow night...Manning vs. Brees...two teams that are overrated coming into this year. I wonder how many points will be put up in this one...70? 80?
September 5, 2007
#19 beardown1982 said . . .JB: I didn't say hurting the team, just making the flow of the game awkward. It can certainly make the defense more tired in the 4th quarter, correct? Unless of course they are able to get three and outs every so often.
September 5, 2007
#20 beardown1982 said . . .In my opinion, the Bears absolutely have to win the battle for field position. Rex always plays better with short fields, and it will take the pressure off of both sides of the ball against a strong team like San Diego.
Offensivly, obviously, limit the turnovers. That goes for any game. That said, I think the Chargers will go after Rex so it will be up to our line and backs to give him some time..and up to Rex to stay poised in the pocket. Let's hope Ced and AP can have some success on the ground.
Defensivly, stop the run as much as possible. I fear LT, but they have a very good back up in Turner as well...need to limit their big plays on the ground and force Rivers to beat us. (hopefully, with their less than impressive receivers)
And of course, must win on special teams. That is a Bears main stay with this group.
September 5, 2007
#21 JB said . . .In my opinion, the Bears absolutely have to win the battle for field position. Rex always plays better with short fields, and it will take the pressure off of both sides of the ball against a strong team like San Diego.
Offensivly, obviously, limit the turnovers. That goes for any game. That said, I think the Chargers will go after Rex so it will be up to our line and backs to give him some time..and up to Rex to stay poised in the pocket. Let's hope Ced and AP can have some success on the ground.
Defensivly, stop the run as much as possible. I fear LT, but they have a very good back up in Turner as well...need to limit their big plays on the ground and force Rivers to beat us. (hopefully, with their less than impressive receivers)
And of course, must win on special teams. That is a Bears main stay with this group.
September 5, 2007
#22 mikebdot said . . .Mike, our defense is good enough that having a fairly quick turn around shouldnt be an issue. You still get the extra point, a time out for the kickoff then the change of possession, so it's about like a quick 3 and out. I just don't see it affecting the stamina into the 4th quarter to any appreciable amount. I'll give the ball to any team to start both the game and the 3rd quarter in exchange for spotting us 7 points. What do you want DH to do? Step out at the 1 so Benson can try to get it in and pad your fantasy football stats?
I think if anything, the kick return for a TD, ESPECIALLY to start a half would pump the D up w/ momentum.
September 5, 2007
#23 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .JB: I don't play FF, so that doesn't play into my opinion at all.
I think our problem in the SB was a team loss. I don't really think the opening KO for a return hurt us. Maybe it did since from that point on they didn't kick to DH at all, so that sort of sucked (and we weren't prepared? My god, that was awful). I would loved to have seen a lateral back to DH at some point. I'm honestly surprised we didn't throw him into the game to run an end around or something. That would have been the perfect time, especially late in the game when we were down 5. I'm surprised we didn't practice that any during the weeks off we had.
Anyhow, I'm not arguing that I wouldn't take a TD from DH to start the game every week, but I'm just saying it wouldn't surprise me if it had some effect on the D late in the game and on the O since they're pumped and their adrenaline just sort of piddles out. I could (hypothetical, not indication of actually having noticed this) see some of them almost having a let down feeling after the weeks of anticipation of their first offensive series, etc.
September 5, 2007
#24 JB said . . .JB: Along with your comment about the blue team being overrated, this city is going nuts about tomorrow. There's been a ton of publicity and the celebration is all day tomorrow. It's like they want people to skip work and spend the day getting pumped for the game. There's a free concert downtown before the game and the news is telling people to get there as early as possible. They are riding this train as long as they can milk it. Bleh!
September 5, 2007
#25 JB said . . .Mike, you're killing me...and PO'd since he started this line of thought. It's maybe the craziest thing I've heard. Next thing will be Urlacher hurts our team because he's so good, other guys don't play as hard because they think he'll make the play. Since I'm a total bearimist, I assume we will only see 16 kickoffs this year, and I'll take as many TD's on those as DH wants to give us... 4th quarter defensive stamina be damned.
All right, let's move on. This discussion is almost too ridiculous to continue. I'll make sure to tell Rex not to throw any 1st play long touchdowns to Berrian so that the D can rest on the sidelines between possessions.
September 5, 2007
#26 Phil from SATX said . . .Nicole...that's funny, it'll be short lived, but for what its worth, I'm sure they'll take it.
And per my previous post, I'm pretty sure I'm coining the word "Bearimist"...feel free to use it.
September 5, 2007
#27 mikebdot said . . .Shared responsibility on the Super Bowl loss is right - I think the defense, Grossman, the offensive line, and Ced, TJ and the receivers all shared. Special teams too - although they spotted 7, they contributed to a huge turnover and weren't able to capitalize on the Colts kicking away from Hester after the first play.
PO'd gives a great example about how passionate fans like the ones around here can overthink things (I do it myself, like having Kreutz sabotaging Rex) - we'll take a spotted 7 points any day. The defense was tired because they couldn't get off the field, and because the offense gave them no time to rest - shared responsibility there as well.
I think there will be many more checkdowns in this game (and this season), and I think that the new additions will mean that those checkdowns will be much more effective than last year. That alone could be a huge difference maker for Rex's game - instead of going crazy and trying to make a play that is too tough to make or chucking it 40 yards up in the stands, he will be looking for the checkdowns. Now this may come with a cost of fewer long plays, but the result should be a lower risk offense with fewer wasted plays and more chain moving.
It will also contribute to a more calm and self-assured Rex - the more passes he completes the more likely it is that Good Rex will be the story of the game. Great story in the Trib today about how others in the league view him - would link it if I knew how to. Go read it, very interesting stuff.
September 5, 2007
#28 Max said . . .JB: I wasn't even really into that argument anyway, just playing devil's advocate. :) That being said, yes, when a team throws a bomb and scores a TD, it does, in a way hurt the defense by putting them on the field longer. If you end up losing your lead and have some three and outs on offense, it adds even more time on the field. Certainly you can agree that a time of possession of 38 vs. 22 is no good. It never tells the whole story as the team that had the ball 22 minutes could have moved the ball very quickly in their possessions, but generally, it's no good.
September 5, 2007
#29 JB said . . .T.O.P, turnovers, and field position are three key factors in a win. If you win those three things, then odds are really good that you will win the game. Not guranteed, but more times than not. That said, I would take a DH return for a touchdown any and every chance i could get.
September 5, 2007
#30 Pissed off said . . .Mike... i figured as much...didn't seem like your argument. Okay, first of all, I'm a huge proponent of TOP...I think it's a big deal and 38-22 is an absolute pasting. Where does the blame get placed? 1. The defense for not being able to get off the field. 2. The offense to not sustaining any drives. But notice my order, and special teams touchdowns doesn't rank.
September 5, 2007
#31 mikebdot said . . .Wow I'm glad this topic is getting so much response. I didnt mean for it to get this far but read my writing (as opposed to read my lips): All I'm saying is that I think the game plan MAY have changed after Hesters opening TD from us playing "to win" instead shifting to us playing more conservitavely with the lead and playing "not to lose". Lets be clear that I will take retrun TDs as much as possible no matter when they come.
You guys can have your T.O.P., turnovers, field position, etc. arguements all you want but I will say that the team with the most points on the scoreboard at the end of the game will be the team that wins, regardless of T.O.P., turnovers and field position. HA!
September 5, 2007
#32 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .JB: I'm not saying the ST should be BLAMED...just that it contributed to making a more tired defense since items 1 and 2 occurred. Just part of the story line, not a part of the blame.
September 5, 2007
#33 Max said . . .JB: I'll join the Bearimist fanclub.
Can you even imagine if Chicago media was 'encouraging' employers to allow people to leave work hours early to get downtown for a pregame rally? This place is such small potatoes.
September 5, 2007
#34 Mike said . . .I gotta say, the term "play not to lose" as opposed to "play to win" is the exact way i felt when I used to watch the Bears of my childhood (and by childhood, I mean the early to late 90's) Wanny and especially Jauron would play games as if they were trying not to lose. They were not playing the game to win. And it was so damn frustrating.
The first time i heard that phrase was when my dad said it when we were watching a game with Jauron and Gary Crowton in control and the bears were facing ANOTHER 3rd and 7 and threw the ball only 3 yards (which seemed to happen far to often) and it has been a constant pain to me ever since because it was so right.
I cant stand losing, but i prefer losing in an attempt at winning slightly more than losing by just laying down and letting the other team run over us, which is what it seemed like we were doing for the whole Jauron era. . . if that makes any sense to anyone else. . .?
September 5, 2007
#35 Pissed Off said . . .I don't like the Bears to win this game. First game of the season on the road against a monster in the Chargers. They are very solid on offense and very good on defense. Rex Grossman needs to have a true quality game for the Bears to win this one.
Prediction: Chargers 23, Bears 17
Season prediction: 11-5 record and a trip to the NFC title game once again.
September 5, 2007
#36 Ed in CO said . . .Um the season before last was a "play not to lose" season when we had Orton starting all year, thats the most recent season of that shit. I dont care to watch that ever again. But I do know what you mean Max, those 90s were horrid. Now that Rexys the guy we can run some damn offense that we havent seen in a while. Last season is proof (#1 in scoring in the NFC) and its because of Rex.
Well I'm off to my fantasy draft tonight, the night before the opener. See ya'll tomorrow.
September 5, 2007
#37 Coxy said . . .I guess I'll continue to hijack the thread and throw in my 2 cents about the super bowl. I got the feeling that the Bears D played to stop the long throw to Harrison by Manning. So Manning being a very good quarterback would recognize our defensive setups, and would audible at the line to change to play to either a run, or a short 5-10 yard pass. Both of which killed us. Without putting 8 guys in the box, and without Tommie Harris and Mike Brown, two of our best run stoppers, Addai and Rhodes ran all over us. That's what kept our D on the field.
For San Diego, not only will we have Harris and Brown back, we will have AA, also a run stopper, and Dvocheck (dammit, how do you spell his name...) who is more of a nose tackle run stopper. They will be good enough to contain LT to under 100 yards. If we get those 3rd and long situations, we put in Walker, who is more of a pass rusher. Viola, 3 and out.
I don't know if Rex needs to win this game if our D holds. But if the D can't hold and it turns into a shootout, there is still a good chance that Rex and Co can put up some points. Good Rex with some good field position by D-Manning or D-Hester can make enough plays to get a couple of touchdowns.
September 5, 2007
#38 Mike Hunt said . . .Max I agree. I think that is why I like Grossman so much. All the years of 3rd and 9 and the offensive coordinator calling a 2 yard pass to a fullback who has no prayer of getting a first down has made me stand by Rex no matter how bad he plays.
On a similar note, I can accept aggressive mistakes. It's the mistakes where the guy isn't giving it all that drives me nuts. ie Plaxico Burress not tackling after an interception. And I think one thing about Rex is he is ballsy (stupid at times yes) but he is more of the aggressive mistake all out effort guy than not.
September 5, 2007
#39 Midway Monster said . . .The Chargers feature a lethal one-two running back punch in Tomlinson and Michael Turner. Holding those two to under 130 yards will be a feat. My biggest worry for this game is the stout pass rush of the Chargers against our offensive line. Grossman will need to be cat-quick in his reads and not be prone to his typical indecisiveness and stupid play.
This could be a preview of the Super Bowl.
September 5, 2007
#40 Rancid said . . .Ok my Blog Brothers and Sisters:
It's time to stand up and spit into the night. From here on out we turn from fans to fanatics. There is no turning back or swaying aside. It's full speed ahead.
I for one will defend any decisions by Lovie & crew with a blind allegiance and unwavering passion. I will go down with the ship if need be.
So, it starts with beating the Bolt-Heads. By god... I almost feel sorry for them dumb bastards, by god I do. We gonna wade into them- spill their blood- and kick their grandmothers down the steps as we depart in victory.
I am rested, tan, and out of rehab. Oh its great to be young and insane!
So strap em on and saddle up boys -
ITS GAME WEEK!--Midway--
September 6, 2007
#41 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .I don't think anyone with a 7 point lead on the freaking Colts switches their game plan from trying to win to trying not to lose. That's insane. It's the Colts. You need more than 7 and Lovie and everyone else knew that. We just fell apart.
With that said, I want them in the Superbowl. Tempting as a replay of the 85 Superbowl would be I want the Colts again. After last year, I want revenge. I want a rematch. I want our Bears to have the chance to play their A game and show that they're a better team. That road starts with a win over the Chargers on Sunday. Will it be hard , sure. But if it wasn't hard, women and children would do it.
(No offense to our Bears Female Faithful intended).
September 6, 2007
#42 Phil from SATX said . . .-Good save there Rancid. A woman's wrath is not pretty.
Da Bears femfan has a ferocious wrath you don't wanna mess with :)September 6, 2007
#43 Phil from SATX said . . .Way to go Midway. If the Bears are who we thought they are, we're winning Sunday, pretty or ugly. Don't really care which way.
I have a prediction for tonight. I'm a little surprised to hear some comments here about the "overrated" Colts - let's remember they took out the Patriots and our heroes last year. Peyton Manning is here to stay, and he's had a taste of glory, the monkey's off his back, and now he wants history. The prize is going to have to be wrenched out of his hands.
It's the Saints who are overrated, and they will lose tonight, likely in convincing fashion. After tonight the conversation will be about Colts, Patriots and Bolts...until Sunday...
After Sunday it will be about Colts, Patriots and BEARS. And there's where the conversation will stay all season. In the end, I'd love to get another shot at a repeat SB - but this time the good guys will win.
September 6, 2007
#44 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .Way to go Midway. If the Bears are who we thought they are, we're winning Sunday, pretty or ugly. Don't really care which way.
I have a prediction for tonight. I'm a little surprised to hear some comments here about the "overrated" Colts - let's remember they took out the Patriots and our heroes last year. Peyton Manning is here to stay, and he's had a taste of glory, the monkey's off his back, and now he wants history. The prize is going to have to be wrenched out of his hands.
It's the Saints who are overrated, and they will lose tonight, likely in convincing fashion. After tonight the conversation will be about Colts, Patriots and Bolts...until Sunday...
After Sunday it will be about Colts, Patriots and BEARS. And there's where the conversation will stay all season. In the end, I'd love to get another shot at a repeat SB - but this time the good guys will win.
September 6, 2007
#45 Phil from SATX said . . .Phil: I'm not saying the Colts don't deserve some attention but you'd think Jesus Christ was attending tonight's festivities in Indy they way people are behaving.
September 6, 2007
#46 Don K. Balls said . . .Nicole, it was really JB I was talking about, who I typically agree with. I don't expect you to give the Colts their due, it must be excruciating living there as a Bear fan.
And just to clarify with your comment about Jesus, are you saying Peyton's not coming?
On the other hand, think about how much fun you will have the day after the Super Bowl when you get to go to work wearing your Bears Super Bowl Championship T Shirt. THAT will be a good day. (assuming someone from Chicago will have to overnight you one).
Let's win one for Nicole!
September 6, 2007
#47 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .The Colts were the clearly superior team in the Super Bowl. The worst kept secret was that Peyton Manning was going to be unstoppable in the game, and indeed he was.
I'll tell you what, the Chargers strike the fear fo God into me. We are going up against an outstanding football club no longer under the schackles and stupidity of Marty Schottenheimer. A big, big, big acid test for the Bears right out of the box.
September 6, 2007
#48 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .Phil- a man after my heart.
My boss is going to the game. I decorated her car in Bears garb this morning to be nice. I used the right color blue & orange window polish with sayings of "GO BEARS, Colts suck" streamers, confetti and a huge "C" on her back window. I'll have to park my car in the woods the rest of my tenure here but it was worth it.
September 6, 2007
#49 Pissed off said . . .Oh one more thing- All Bears playoff/ Superbowl will be viewed in Chicago. I can barely exist here during regular season and must be surrounded by my fellow superfans during such glory.
September 6, 2007
#50 Phil from SATX said . . .Its almost time, I'm getting ready to do some yelling. Better do some voice exercises so i dont go hoarse Monday.
Jeff still no reply email from you to set up Sundays blog.
September 6, 2007
#51 JB said . . .DonK, the more I learn about the Chargers (having barely seen them last year) the more I think there is reason to be scared of them. On the other hand, do you really fear Norv Turner as a coach? I see no reason to. I don't think this was a coaching upgrade for them, and it was such a strange move given how well they did last year.
I agree that Schottenheimer has major, and likely fatal, flaws, (5-13 playoff record) but it was still a weird deal. If that Chargers safety doesn't fumble that interception late in the 4th, Chargers win, Marty's still there and the post season could have been very different.
But you said it all, BIG BIG game. I will argue that it's nothing like a must-win, as it's the first game AND the toughest on the schedule, but a win here and the Bears are on their way.
Go Bears!
One more question - who's the right team to root for tonight? I say Colts. Get the mystique off the Saints, get it on the Colts so it will be even greater when we beat them.
September 6, 2007
#52 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .Philmont: I had to search for that post, but I said two overrated teams, as I believe both are a bit overrated. The Saints, however, are more overrated. We destroyed them in the Championship game and a lot of people have them going to the SB, not us...that's a product of offense being sexier than defense to the average fan / media.
I do believe that the colts are a little overrated coming into this year. They certainly deserve the press for winning the big one and Manning makes great commercials, but all I hear is Colts, Pats, Chargers over and over. The answer, i believe, is you cheer for the colts to smash the saints tonight and take out Brees or Bush or Colston etc. Because? We compete with the Saints for homefield advantage...who cares what the colts do all year?
I'm probably not as afraid of the chargers as I should be. I just think games like these come down to matchups, and being such a bearimist, I like how our team matches up...big time. I don't think they can throw on us, and we will be able to stop the run at full strength better than we were doing it at the beginning of last season. I wouldn't be surprised if we won by two touchdowns...call me Bearimistic.
September 6, 2007
#53 Pissed off said . . .Sorry Phil but I can't root for the Colts, I hope you understand.
My boss is letting me watch her dog tonight despite my artist efforts on her vehicle.
Bears decor on the dog courtsey of moi :)
September 6, 2007
#54 StartOlsen said . . .Hey nicole is there anything you dont touch or have in your possession that you havent put Bears garb on?
September 6, 2007
#55 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .key to the game is how many times Merriman and co. get to Rex, how many TOs they get. Those kill us more than anything.
September 6, 2007
#56 jeff said . . .PO- I spead my Bearlove to those in need or parking lots that need a blue-rito smashed on it.
Mother said it's nice to share the wealth :)September 6, 2007
#57 Shamen said . . .pissed off, are you up sunday night. email me again at hughesreviews@aol.com. midway and jb, do the same for me again. my bearsblog email sucks.
September 6, 2007
#58 The Pack is Back said . . .Apologies to JB for stealing his theme, but I'll call myself a Bearealist.
San Diego is a wicked good football team. Can we beat them? Absolutely, but it depends on Good Rex showing up early. The guy is upbeat to the point of stupidity when he's talking to reporters, but last year if he played poorly early it was game over. If he started good - look out. I've never seen another quarterback whose performance hinges that much on early game success or failure. Hopefully that was because it was his (pseudo-)rookie season and he'll be more steady this year.
I fear the SD pass rush. Those kids are fast and our O-line isn't exactly a bunch of spring chickens. In the end, I'm pulling like crazy for the Bears, but a loss on the road to a team almost universally considered top 5 in the NFL is by no means a season-breaker.
September 6, 2007
I had to repost because I doubt anyone would read it from the other thread:
You guys still think your little girl who is usually too wimpy to play QB all year is in his second year? I've told you before, hold up all the fingers on one hand (not the thumb, just fingers) and that's how many years he's been playing.
Also, I'm just wondering how many people here think that the Packers teams of the last couple of years were great and the problem was ONLY Favre. I'm just wondering because I'm guessing most of the people here don't know anything about assessing talent.
September 8, 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.