I’m jazzed. Sunday morning I’ll wake up at the crack of dawn and walk in my mesh Champion shorts and sandals over to McDonalds for the most delicious iced coffee on the market. I’ll jump on the R train at 4th Avenue and 9th Street in Park Slope, Brooklyn around 11 AM in my navy blue 54 with my Florida Gators 8 draped over my right shoulder. My brother’s coming Sunday. My best friends. My Bears fans. My bar. Josie Woods Pub. Its football season, kids. Let’s hope it’s a long one.
Here are the picks for the weekend, as the season starts tonight. It is pretty pointless to break down week one because no one knows what these teams are going to be. Instead I’ll break down the Bears/Chargers and leave some notes next to the games I’ll be watching at one o’clock.
YOUR 2007 CHICAGO BEARS +5.5 OVER SAN DIEGO
Why do I like the Chicago Bears?
1. Because I always like the Chicago Bears.
2. I think the Bears will keep the Chargers under twenty points and I’ll take the Bears against any team in football under those circumstances.
3. I think the Bears will struggle most in pass protection and that doesn’t bode well for the quarterback. Every time he throws the ball away, clap your hands together. It is a good thing.
4. Benson won’t accumulate big yardage. But in short yardage situations, he’ll plow behind Olin and get big first downs.
I love all the primetime games this week….
INDIANAPOLIS -5.5 OVER NEW ORLEANS (tonight)
DALLAS -5.5 OVER NEW YORK GIANTS
CINCINNATI -2.5 OVER BALTIMORE
ARIZONA +2.5 OVER SAN FRANCISCO
I’m watching these games in the torture known as 1-4 on Sunday…
ST. LOUIS -1 OVER CAROLINA
BUFFALO +3.5 OVER DENVER
NEW YORK JETS +6.5 OVER NEW ENGLAND
But otherwise, what a shitty week…
PITTSBURGH -4.5 OVER CLEVELAND
PHILADELPHIA -2.5 OVER GREEN BAY
HOUSTON -3 OVER KANSAS CITY
JACKSONVILLE -6.5 OVER TENNESSEE
ATLANTA +2.5 OVER MINNESOTA
WASHINGTON -2.5 OVER MIAMI
OAKLAND -1.5 OVER DETROIT
TAMPA BAY +5.5 OVER SEATTLE
I'll be back before the end of the weekend and we'll have a post-game columnist all set-up before not too long.
#2 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .Here's to oakland, Philly, and atlanta for starting their seasons off on the right foot and putting us alone in 1st for the rest of the year.
September 6, 2007
#3 Pissed off said . . .I read this article because the title intrigued me.
Then I read his #10, tasted vomit in my mouth and quit reading.http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7196326?MSNHPHMA
September 6, 2007
#4 StartOlsen said . . .Jeff we havent set a rotation yet for the blogs. You tell us what order you want us to go in, I'll take the 1st one if you want, doesnt matter, it would be an honor. BTW email is on its way.
Regarding the picks I only disagree with Arizona, Buffalo, Jets, Houston, Oakland and Tampa. OK I guess I disagree with quite a few there, more than I thought. But thats why they take the damn field. (In my best Denny Green voice)
September 6, 2007
#5 Don K. Balls said . . .couldnt resist- this from my favorite writer bill simmons
Old quarterbacks are like old strippers, old rappers and older bottles of white wine -- with the exception of Don Strock and that's really it, they get dramatically worse with age. Most people think Brett Favre is just about washed-up; actually, he is washed up. According to Pro Football Prospectus, Green Bay led the league in overthrown passes last season. In 2005 and 2006, Favre turned the ball over 64 times. Heading into Week 14 last season, the Packers were 4-8 and lost to four teams with good defenses (the Bears, Pats, Eagles and Jets) by a combined 130-19 margin. What else do you need to know?
Doug Pensinger/Getty ImagesTrust Bill here: This is a picture of two washed-up old guys.
(Note: I feel bad for the underrated Packers defense, which has a chance to be really good this season. I also feel bad for the good people of Wisconsin. In the span of seven months, they could watch the Brew Crew blow its division to the hated Cubs, followed by the greatest QB in Packers history potentially embarrassing himself in his final season, and then Chairman Yi playing 20-25 minutes per game -- guaranteed by Herb Kohl to the Chinese government, as reported by Ric Bucher!!!!! -- and single-handedly killing the Bucks' playoff hopes. The only silver lining is they'll be covered in mustard and cheese sauce the entire time. Could we send an extra shipment of EKG machines to Wisconsin please? And make it a rush order. Thanks.)September 6, 2007
#6 Pissed Off said . . .Predictions, courtesy of diehard Bear fan Don K. Balls
Chargers 23
Bears 16New Orleans over Indy
Dallas over NY Giants
Cincinnati over Baltimore
San Francisco over Arizona
Carolina over St. Louis
Denver over Buffalo
New England over NY Jets
Pittsburgh over Cleveland
Green Bay over Philly
Houston over Kansas City
Tennessee over Jacksonville
Minnesota over Atlanta
Washington over Miami
Detroit over Oakland
Seattle over Tampa BaySeptember 6, 2007
#7 AfroCelt said . . .Got the email from Jeff. JB and Midway lets just work out a rotation for the Sunday blogs. We can just set a rotation and follow it throughout the year. Let me know what rotation you guys like.
September 6, 2007
#8 mikebdot said . . .@StartOlsen Send them to me. Since I'm living in GB atm, I'll distribute them on street corners on Onieda and Lombardi...right outside the Stadium.
September 6, 2007
#9 Eukanuba said . . .Does Olsen's return to the practice field absolve Lovie from his "inexcusable" behavoir?
http://www.webwaymonsters.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=28989
September 6, 2007
#10 JB said . . .Bears (family Ursidae) are large mammals in the order Carnivora. Bears are classified as caniforms, or doglike carnivorans, with the pinnipeds being their closest living relatives. Although there are only eight living species of bear, they are widespread, appearing in a wide variety of habitats throughout the Northern Hemisphere and partially in the Southern Hemisphere.
September 6, 2007
#11 Max said . . .Eukanaba, I count 9; Brown, Black, Polar, Asiatic Black, Sloth, Spectacled, Sun, Giant Panda, and Chicago. I am of the last variety.
September 6, 2007
#12 Coxy said . . .Amen JB, amen.
September 6, 2007
#13 JB said . . .Question: Which Bear is best?
September 6, 2007
#14 JB said . . .That's a ridiculous question.
False, Black Bear.
Well that's debatable, there are basically two schools of thought...
Fact: Bears eat beets. Bears, beets, Battlestar Gallactica.
September 6, 2007
#15 Midway Monster said . . .btw Coxy, season 3 just came out tuesday, I'm buying it today. And best buy has a great price on season 2, $25, if you don't have it yet. check it out, bestbuy.com
September 6, 2007
#16 Rancid said . . .Anyone else watching the game? The U-heads just came out of the tunnel and opened their World Championship banner. damn bastards. makes me puke.
--Midway--
September 7, 2007
#17 Tim Allen said . . .Bears 27
Chargers 21Bears jump out to a quick lead by going to the air early. Boltboys fall short in a 4 th quarter comeback when they lose a fumble in the red zone.
September 7, 2007
#18 Al in WI said . . .Why arnt the bears bringing in a Fullback? A bruiser old school slobber-knocker that can block?
I know a great one...Jesse Allen from VT..he was released by the NY Jets and is available...400 pound power clean, 4.67/40 at 255lbs....call somebody lol.....Chicago called him in April ready to sign him but he picked the Jets who were close to home....CALL HIM NOW!!! he needs a home because my grocery bills are huge :)
http://thefootballexpert.com/jessealleninterview070001.htmlSeptember 7, 2007
#19 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .I'd say tonight's game exposed the Aints, wouldn't you? I hope Sean Salsbury stopped drooling at Brees long enough to notice what happened to espn's super bowl pick. I'm sure however that this will be excused away as just an example of the AFC domination over the NFC. BS
The saints are overrated, I feel even better about the Bears taking the NFC again.September 7, 2007
#20 Pissed Off said . . .I'm so excited for this game to start Sunday,an shove a football sideways up alot of these critic arse's.After listening an reading,What the Bears can't do all off season.
Go Bears!!!
September 7, 2007
#21 Pissed Off said . . .If the so called high powered saints offense cant even muster a touchdown against the hapless colts defense, how is it that they will score at all this year? Pretty sure that spells about 6-10 for the Saints this year. What a horrible performance.
I was rooting for the Colts so that there will be no questions as to who the best team in the NFC is and so the Bears get easy home field advantage throughout the playoffs with the next team a very distant 2nd, and that point was proved but a little part of me, OK a huge part of me wanted to see the Colts super bowl presentation game get completely overshadowed by a Saints blowout.
September 7, 2007
#22 jeff said . . .BTW can someone direct me to an article or a pick anywhere on this world wide web where they think the Bears will win this weekend?
September 7, 2007
#23 Al in WI said . . .people like the use revisionist history on last season. the saints were 10-6. they were three games worse than the bears. they were the 2 seed by default. they weren't some dominating conference force and last night you saw why.
September 7, 2007
#24 Pissed Off said . . .The thing that stuck out for me about the saints last night was how gimke(y) their offense was. Wide out screens, running back bubble screens, and draws seem to be the base of their system. It very much reminded me of Gary Crowton's system, which worked well in season one, and after teams got a look at it, fell apart in season two.
I've said all along that the saints will crash back to earth this season, and now I'm convinced of it.September 7, 2007
#25 Don K. Balls said . . .Oh yeah the Saints will take a huge step back this year. They had an easy schedule last year too and now they will be about 8-8 will be my guess. Maybe not even make the playoffs more I think about it.
September 7, 2007
#26 Pissed Off said . . .I love the uniforms of the Bears. But damned, those powder blues of the Chargers with that yellow on white helmet is COOL. They should go to those old school uniforms for good.
September 7, 2007
#27 'ol Sut said . . .Probably the best uniforms in professional sports. Some of that throwback stuff is great, all sports have great throwbacks, college football, basketball, baseball etc. I sincerely hope that we tear to shreds whatever jerseys the Chargers are wearing on Sunday. Especially that of Phillip Rivers, lets get that guy concussed or something early in the game.
September 7, 2007
#28 Phil from SATX said . . .All that night cats moaned in the dark like cats.
The policeman’s face bore a constant look of tolerant interest. Set the sack down son and let’s see what all you got there
Harrogate rolled the sack from his shoulder and lowered it to the paving and spread the drawstring open with his thumbs. A musky smell rose. He tilted it slightly policeward. The officer thumbed his cap back on his head and bent to see. A prefiguration of the pit. Vouchsafed a crokersack vision of hell’s floor deep with the hairy damned screaming mute and toothy toward the far and heedless city of God. He raised his head and looked at the waiting Harrogate and he looked at the bright sky above Knoxville and he turned to the driver.
You know what he’s got in that sack?
September 7, 2007
#29 Pissed off said . . .Not sure, but my guess is...
Philip River's head?
September 7, 2007
#30 Al in WI said . . .Why do we have shit like that poster here? The only reason I read it is because there hasnt been anything on here to read all day. No hot new topics. We'll all be talkin' come Sunday.
September 7, 2007
#31 ol' Sut said . . .F'ing weird.
Anyway, Shawne Bonds of San Diego is all pissy because Urlacher called is gay dance, "stupid."
What a tard!
For the Chargers on Sunday, let's hope it is lights out.September 7, 2007
#32 Brian in Sec 430 Row 30 said . . .Why are you so pissed off? Is there something troubling you other than my posts... I hope? I surely don't mean to bother you.
I really hope one day you return to this blog and your new name is Joyous Wonder.
Maybe when the Bears take the Bowl this year? Will you return to us as Joyous Wonder?
That would be grand.
September 7, 2007
#33 Max said . . .Ol Slut....I believe you are missing your target audience by posting your short stories on Da Bears Blog. A da bears Blog Short story reads like this:
With the hot california sun reflecting off his eye shield the mystical figure moves ever so smoothly to his left. An innocent movement would have fooled the onlookers only a year ago, but now they know better, now they know that nothing should make them divert their attention....not for a moment...for they know the mystical figure is not only capable but likely to make a move that turns the ordinary into the sublime....and in that moment.....he's gone.
Who is this man?
September 7, 2007
#34 The Pack is Back said . . .Patrick Mannelly???
September 7, 2007
#35 Mike Hunt said . . .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
#36 DTB said . . .The powder blues of the Chargers are kick-ass. The helmets are even better.
I think the Bears win this game. But I do worry about the San Diego pass rush and what it might do to Rex Grossman's game.
Key for the Bears? Cedric Benson. As Benson goes, so do the Bears in this game.
I actually like having this monster matchup to start the year. It provides a real acid test, unlike a lot of our games last year which fooled people into delusional thinking at times.
September 8, 2007
#37 Mike Hunt said . . .Get over it, nobody cares about Favre. Never once has dude's name come up without having some pain in the ass continue pay homage to his legacy. In time Favre will fade away. And as we toast in the lots EVERY Sunday, "Fuck the Packers and bury Brett right next to his father."
September 8, 2007
#38 TheNaturalMevs said . . .The powder blues of the Chargers are kick-ass. The helmets are even better.
I think the Bears win this game. But I do worry about the San Diego pass rush and what it might do to Rex Grossman's game.
Key for the Bears? Cedric Benson. As Benson goes, so do the Bears in this game.
I actually like having this monster matchup to start the year. It provides a real acid test, unlike a lot of our games last year which fooled people into delusional thinking at times.
September 8, 2007
#39 JB said . . .I picked your bears this weekend. I picked them easily.
Now link me!!!
September 8, 2007
#40 StartOlsen said . . .I'm throwing this out there, because I've seen it more than once, and as the resident scientist, I feel I need to. "Acid test"...I don't really get that. It's a litmus test, which tests the pH of a solutions, ie. whether or not the substance is an acid or a base. So this game is a Litmus test, not an acid test.
Okay, sorry...nerd alert.
Pack is Back, I'm not sure I understand your motivation coming on here and arguing the validity of Favre and knocking Rex. You're like a senile old man yelling at the cars to slow down and talking about what life was like back in the good ol' days. Favre had some great years, and certainly had his way with some piss poor Bears teams, but his time has passed. The sooner you get on the Aaron Rogers bandwagon, the sooner your Packers will be able to compete with the Bears (although I suggest getting a running back). As for Rex...Brett Favre wasn't born a HOFer. As I remember it, he was a second round pick, traded from Atlanta, and struggled with forcing too many passes early in his career. Rex is maturing as a QB in this offense, and this year you will see a guy coming into his potential. Look for this to be a Pro Bowl year for Rex who will be next to Tommie Harris' favorite QB Donovan F McNabb in Hawaii.
Sorry for the long post....ready for tomorrow.
September 8, 2007
#41 StartOlsen said . . .JB I had another Pack ripping rant brewing, then I read your post and the analogy to old men yelling at cars.
When I stopped laughing, I decided "good enough" and Ill leave it at that.
As the Pack assfuck there way to another 4-12 wonder I'm sure Ill have that picture in my head, of Favre yelling at Hester to "slow down!"September 8, 2007
#42 The Pack is Back said . . .and, the "Bears, Beats, Battlestar Galactica" string from "the office" was funny as hell.
This thread had me laughing more than any previous one, thanks guys.September 8, 2007
#43 JB said . . .The following is perfect example of how screwed up you guys are. Favre is NOT the Packer's weak spot. Rex IS the bear's weak point.
"The sooner you get on the Aaron Rogers bandwagon, the sooner your Packers will be able to compete with the Bears (although I suggest getting a running back). As for Rex...Brett Favre wasn't born a HOFer. As I remember it, he was a second round pick, traded from Atlanta, and struggled with forcing too many passes early in his career. Rex is maturing as a QB in this offense, and this year you will see a guy coming into his potential. Look for this to be a Pro Bowl year for Rex who will be next to Tommie Harris' favorite QB Donovan F McNabb in Hawaii. "
September 8, 2007
#44 Max said . . .Pack, it's like your wife abuses you and has you convinced that it's good for you. Jesus, it's a bad relationship, it's time for you to get out. But because you are such a giant douche, I don't feel bad for you, nor will I when Brett throws another season to waste. Your defense could be fairly decent this year...it's too bad they'll be defending a short field all year.
And I love your come back...USING CAPITAL LETTERS....oooo, scary.
September 8, 2007
#45 StartOlsen said . . .I dont care bout anything other than SAN DIEGO. . . hope i didnt frighten anybody there with the caps. But seriously, i want the season to just start.
September 8, 2007
#46 Rancid said . . .Do all fudgepacker fans like nuts on their chins, or just this one?
Aren't you really on this blog hoping to be converted to a Bears fan?
Suck a dick cheesehead.September 8, 2007
#47 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .The great thing about blogs is that a bunch of great Bears fans who would never end up at the same bar at the same time in real life can get together and talk and argue about the best team in football. The bad thing is that weeny little cheesedicks like Pack is Back can stick their nose in and make ignorant annoying comments they wouldn't dare make if there were actually consequences for it.
When I occaisionally wonder what all the regular posters in here actually look like in real life, I also dream about Max, PO'ed, Midway, Coxy, Phil, StartOlsen, jeff, Megan and Nicole. . .Pretty much all of us, in a bar ,Beating the living shit out of Pack is Back and Dave. They'd never have the balls to walk in in real life, but hey, a man can dream...
September 9, 2007
#48 flo said . . .Come on, let's lay off the personal attacks and talk football like I did with you guys back in February.
Favre is past his prime, but I still feel as though he is the best QB in Green Bay, and many other NFL teams. No, they will not win because of him, but they could win despite him because of the improved defense. I think I remember posting sometime in Februrary that the Packers of 2006 reminded me of the Bears of 2003; the youngest team in the league with some promising defensive stars. No question, the time is now for the Bears. I'm not so sure the question is whether or not Rex or Cedric have the potential to get the Bears to the Superbowl, because they do. I would be more concerned about the guy calling the offensive plays. Ron Turner took a Big Ten program with great potential and almost single handedly turned them into bottom feeders, while spinning the revolving doors with his coaching staff.
As I said in February (look back at some damn post I made), I think they fired the wrong Ron. I'd like to pile on here, and ask you to look at the experience of the Asst. Offensive line coach, one Luke Butkus. I mean, not many guys have gone from being a graduate assistant (gopher) to NFL assistant in 2 years. But hey, if the Bears want to hire inexperienced coaches, fine by me.
With the Pack, their defense will be what keeps them in games this year. Brett needs to be aware of what he is capable of and play smart for the team to do well this year.
Enjoy the games tomorrow, I'll even tip an Old Style with any interested parties.
P.S. The Crew and Cubs are stilled tied as of 9:30 on Sat. nite.
September 9, 2007
Why piss off wingnut Merriman? Why not just knock the shit out of him and anyone else who gets close to Grossman? I guess I hate the hot air part of the game.
September 9, 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.