Yes, this is The Midway live from the glass enclosed nerve center of Da Bears Blog main computer bank- I have been privileged to get the keys from Jeff and start us off for the 07 season.
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Nothing new here. It’s the same story we’ve all forecasted. The Defense is strong- hell, more than strong. The Special Teams are solid (okay, one stupid play on a punt return). And if you go by what Midway preaches; that ought to be enough to post a Dubya. Not so this week. Way to many turn overs and the 80-ton gorilla is still in the room - we need to get our Offense to play at least a zero sum game and put up some points.
So tonight, I am sitting at my favorite pub. This brew tastes a tad sour… and I know the somewhere the likes of Peterson & Grossman will be sitting at similar bar with the same sour taste and the same mental battle. We need …
to put some gas in the O, to some how shake this off, and to post a damn Dubya.
--Midway--
#2 ron - not a rex hater said . . .Thomas Jones is laughin himself silly...wait...he's got too much class for that.
September 9, 2007
#3 HesterFan23 said . . .First...
God. Flight to sd to see a d that held sd to 14 and LT to almost nothing. And an O that can't get out of its way. God am I tires of it. Feels like my 10K dollar miami trip all over again.
September 9, 2007
#4 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .This loss shouldn't hurt to bad....
The D looked amazing holding LT to nothing. And all the TD's allowed were from turnovers. They blocked a FG, made some other nice places, and really impressed me.
The offense was going against another good D, so I didn't expect to come out and dominate or anything. Without those two fumbles, it would have been a completley different game. Berrian looked pretty good, and the main things that upset me were those fumbles, and stupid play calling by Turner.
Mainly the three plays in a row when he ran the ball up the middle.
McBride needs to pull his head out, that fumble took away the momentum, and really hurt.
Can't wait to get this loss out of the way, and go home to play the Chiefs next week.
September 9, 2007
#5 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .Ron, go to El Indio for great mexican food....or at least In'N'Out for a great burger while you're out there.
Hey, sorry peeps...the Pack is leading the division (with the Viqueens)
See you next week.
September 9, 2007
#6 mikebdot said . . .Ron Turner.....anyone? Anyone? Bueller...Bueller...Bueller?
September 9, 2007
#7 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .I thought the fumble was McGowan???
Berrian's route running didn't make me very happy on that INT.
The play calling was terrible. Running straight up the middle on that team was just stupid. Running way wide was stupid. We actually have decent players on the left side of the line, why not run behind them? That line made Benson look terrible.
The fumbles didn't make me happy either.
The Chiefs suck, so we should be good...
September 9, 2007
#8 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .Great job Midway,Sums up how I feel.
Before we throw everybody under the bus.
We went into a hostile enviroment an held up pretty nice. 4 TO is hard to overcome,but this was the exception not a norm.O line did a good job holding the pocket,an giving Rex time to find WR(BB) down the field instead of our dink an dunk pattern.
D did great but just ran out of gas.(Alex block on the FG attempt was exciting,Can't recall that happening ever)ST fustrating mistake but didn't allow any big returns.
So as the weekend ends I see nothing but good thing in the future with this team.
Bring on the Chiefs,an lets get to 1-1!Bear Down!!
September 9, 2007
#9 Midway Monster said . . .Sorry, leading with the Viqueens and the Lyings.
September 9, 2007
#10 mikebdot said . . .Man... as the night sets in, I am feeling worse and worse. yeah the Chiefs are next but posting an early L sucks doesn't it.
Excuse me while I go kick the cat. Be back later.
--Midway--
September 9, 2007
#11 Al in WI said . . .Well, I guess, not so much "fumble" as "touching of the ball".
September 9, 2007
#12 mikebdot said . . .Where to start, but this was rough. My vote for goat of the week is Cedric Benson. On Chicago Post Game Live, both Azumah and Miller said that he was benched because the big hits early to Rex were his fault. Not to mention his awful fumble and lack of effort on short yardage plays. I've been cautiously optomistic about him but he's going to need to pick up the pace the few weeks to regain some confidence from me. I really miss TJ today.
PS Memo to Bernard: No taking plays off.
PPS Memo to Ron Turner, what the fuck kind of play calling was that in the fourth. Rex had the team moving and you to drive 3 straight runs to the right down by 11?September 9, 2007
#13 HesterFan23 said . . .I wonder if they'd go all Jim Harbaugh on Grossman if he had decided to throw a pass when it was 3rd and 1. Play action would have worked, especially on 2nd down. He'd been hitting Clark all day.
I can't wait til Olsen is healthy...
September 9, 2007
#14 Max said . . .Windy City Packer Fan,
Sorry to say, but you won't be leading the division for long.
Did you see the Bears D today?
September 9, 2007
#15 The Pack is Back said . . .. . . say it was a tough game, it was. Say the defense played well, they did. Say that 7 times outa 10 that ball doesnt hit McGowan, cause its true. Say Rex played alright with a bad pick, he did.
BUT WE CANT RUN THE BALL. Benson was terrible. and I love A.P., totally thought he was playing his way into the starting role, but then he coughed that ball up. WHAT THE HELL!? i hate life right now. I know its one game. I know its the toughest of the year, but still it was so damn ugly that i dont even know how i am supposed to be happy this week. god. now i gotta wait nother week. god damn it
September 10, 2007
#16 The Pack is Back said . . .How is that future HOFer and pro-bowl bound QB that plays for the bears doing? I'm glad for you guys. You should feel lucky to have such a QB and a coach who is smart enough to see that he has a future HOFer behind center. Good thing that smart coach doesn't try to play anyone else.
September 10, 2007
#17 Pissed Off said . . .Did you see the Packer's defense today? They did so shitty. Almost gave up as many points as the bears. Of course the bears weren't charged for the extra 7 points that the chargers should have made if the officials would keep their eyes open.
September 10, 2007
#18 StartOlsen said . . .Ok here come some random thoughts, no particular order of importance:
If we are going to get burned on a trick play we deserve to give up those points and maybe lose the game-giving up too many 3rd and long completions-can someone put a body on #85-Hester is not returning kicks I dont like it would rather have him do kicks and punts and not be a WR if thats what their reason for not having him return kicks is-special teams not very special today, not good field position all day-Rex's pick was Berrians fault, not Rex's, very upset Berrian gave up on the route, Rex looked good most all game, run game is what hurt us-Rex looked good with time in the pocket- good run D-Ced looked bad-AP looked bad-stupid penalties hurt us like roughing passer on 3rd down, idiot-AP comes in on 3rd downs?, better blocker, more trust in him?-They bring AP in when it counts that drive in the 4th and then he fumbles it-too many turnovers-D wearing down in 4th quarter-BIG SHOCKER THAT MIKE BROWN GOT HURT, no...you dont say?-If you cant beat the best, you are not the best and cannot be the best until you beat the best-proven today we are quite a way from the best-finally we put hester in to return kicks when its too late in the 4th quarter-Sure glad we were able to use our 1st round pick-Rex looked good down the stretch, no one else did unfortunately-We cant rush for 2 f-ing yards on 2nd,3rd or 4th down??-How in the hell were we the one of the top scoring offenses in the NFC last year? - Oh wait I know, he wore #20, I miss TJ!!
September 10, 2007
#19 mikebdot said . . .We will come out and absolutely kill the Chiefs, I mean like the 49er game last year. Like 56-3 type of game. Mark my words. This team is pissed off and revved up and will hear the criticism despite the D playing out of their minds.
KC, look the fuck out.September 10, 2007
#20 StartOlsen said . . .PO'd: We were one of the top scoring teams in the league because of tremendous special teams and many many turnovers. TJ had nothing to do with it. Our line SUCKED today. TJ would not have helped. He could have TRIED to bounce stuff outside, but it wouldn't have helped against that D, especially with our piss poor blocking.
You'd think TJ had 31 TDs last year. He had 4 rushing TDs. That is crap. He played well in the playoffs, I'll give him that, but it's not as though he set TD records....
Just saying.
September 10, 2007
#21 StartOlsen said . . .Are you seriously comparing the Pack D to ours??? You fucking headcase moron asscrack eater. Get your head out of your ass and watch the game we just played.
Are you telling me your team would hold LT to 25 yards rushing? Your D would hold SD to 14 points? Get a fucking clue fudgepacker. You'll have your chance against SD, I can't wait.
Our offense played bad and lost the game. So, the Pack offense will be better against that D?
moron.September 10, 2007
#22 Shamen said . . ....and one more thing. SCREW Thomas Jones. Go look up his stats for today. Or for early games last year. He would not have made the difference here.
September 10, 2007
#23 Midway Monster said . . .Well, damned if Rex didn't play okay and the O still cost us the game. Protection for Rex will pretty darn good considering how good the Chargers pass rush is. Berrian was great but giving up on his route and causing that INT was unacceptable. When two relatively equal teams face each other the team who wins the turnover battle will usually win the game. Frickin' turnovers.
TPIB - I know it's fun to post inflammatory stuff on a rival teams blog, but I think you're as deluded about the Packers as some of the people on this blog are about the Bears. Do you really think the way the Packers played today they would have beaten the Bears? Philly isn't bad, but they aren't the Chargers. If it wasn't for the gift fumbles from Philly's special (olympics) teams it would have been a Packer loss today. Do you think 46 yards rushing and no offensive TDs is going to cut it against the Bears? Or any team that doesn't hand over the ball on kick returns? Then again, maybe it will if the Bears RBs play like they did today.
September 10, 2007
#24 jdawg said . . .If there's anything true about the NFL it's that there are no sure things- anyone can beat anyone on any given Sunday.
But come on- we're in the NFC North cellar! Want to know the worse thing... I have to face my bud who owns the dinner joint I frequent... my bud is a die hard Vike fan and I've been talking trash for months.
Damn - looks like Midway has to order a bowl of crow tomorrow morn. ::sigh::
--Midway--
September 10, 2007
#25 HesterFan23 said . . .in the words of John Stewart:
I got nothing
September 10, 2007
#26 HesterFan23 said . . .You Packer fans know who you played and who we played?
Don't get to excited about your D.
We stopped Gates, LT and Rivers pretty well. Who did you stop?
September 10, 2007
#27 Rancid said . . .It'll all be okay guys.
One game against maybe the best team, and THE best team in the AFC for sure.
Our D played well, and our offense will do better against other teams.
September 10, 2007
#28 flo said . . .Benson sucked but I am of the opinion we don't need to be moaning over losing TJ yet. He didn't do so well today either. Let's see how he does against other defenses. Gosh, he had more yards than LT and I don't think anyone in SD is calling for LT to sit. If I've got to pick a goat, It's Ron Turner . . . again. If the Bears game plan is working we are fine, but the man has no ability to adjust the strategy to the offense. The Boltboys adjusted their game when we slammed the door on LT and that's why they won. This one's on Ron Turner.
September 10, 2007
#29 mikebdot said . . .I'm watching the Cowboys-Giants right now and BOTH teams have offensive lines that run block and pass block effectively. I know the Chargers have some studs up front but jeez how many times did Benson and 29 get hammered behind the line? Also, Benson missed a couple of assignments and if I can see it live they gotta be real bad misses. Last year the O' scored a lot of points against some sorry defenses. I was looking forward to this year because of the many tough defenses they will have solve and of the array of weapons at the Bears disposal. Without some better blocking it'll be another season of hoping the D and the special teams do the scoring. The good? This is just the first game. Hopefully they can straighten out the blocking problem.
September 10, 2007
#30 Jimbo said . . .Did you know we ran the football to the left side of the field exactly 2 times? Both very wide to the left? Why the hell don't we run between Tait and Brown? Almost every play was up the middle or right guard. I can't believe how awful that play calling was. They ran the ball directly at their Pro Bowl tackle? What kind of stupid is that? Seriously, at least run toward the edges. My god.
September 10, 2007
#31 The Pack is Back said . . .TJ and Benson couldn't stand each other and as a result there was a year long competition to see who was the best. That was a good thing. Benson is a good back, he's just friggin' lazy. AP has got to become a major part of the equation.
BB looked great and he and Rex are on the same page like no Chicago QB/WR duo in recent memory (one play notwithstanding).
What can you say about our Defense. The phrase "play with heart" is thrown around loosely, but I'm sorry. Our "D" plays with heart. I love our new coordinator, Babich.
It's tough to go into The Whale's Vagina and pull out a win. I'm not worried. We'll blow out KC.
Bear Down.
P.S. Grossman displayed some attitude during the game. He took the hits like a pro. Once Lovie straightens out Ron, we should be OK.
September 10, 2007
#32 The Pack is Back said . . .Yes the Pack offense will be better than 3 points against SD and your D won't hold philly to 13. Dumbass.
September 10, 2007
#33 Pissed Off said . . .Let's not forget the bears D was forgiven by the officials. They REALLY played bad enough to give up 21.
September 10, 2007
#34 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .Mike dont be a douche, I know your upset at the loss but no question TJ would have helped bigtime, two fumles on key drives we would have had back that could have led to 14 points not to mention picking up block after block that benson fucked the dog on and left Rex to dry.
Dont read or reply to Pack is Back comments, I told you he is an idiot homer with no clue as to the real world outside green gay.
Again, I'm not going to say TJ is the answer but yeah with him we probably win that game, mainly cuz of the fumles. Also I dont care that TJ had 4 rush TDs last year, he ate up a ton of yards, its not all about the TDs, they gave Benson a lot of goaline carries and ran a lot of passes from the goalline to Gilmore and Clark. TJ could have easily had 10+ Tds last year but they called different plays. I cant believe some people can be so naive.
September 10, 2007
#35 Pissed Off said . . .I find it very amusing that a Pack fan comes to a rival team website to try an validate Her/himself team as if there somebody.Your team has nothing to really hang it's hat on that it did well to brag about.An next week doesn't look promising either.
September 10, 2007
#36 BEARer of Bad Tidings said . . .Almost forgot, as I said I didnt read any of fudge pack in the back's posts but I can about imagine what he's saying, so I will say that the only way GB won today is because Philly had some bad special teams moments, thats it. If I were the return guy today, Philly would have won.
September 10, 2007
#37 The Pack is Back said . . .Sounds like Brown might be out for the season. He was choking back tears during the post game interview.
September 10, 2007
#38 flo said . . .If you can do a better job of returning punts, then try out for the team. I'm guessing your full of shit though.
September 10, 2007
#39 HesterFan23 said . . .Philly should have that game spacker. I'm betting the Chargers put 30 up on the spackers.
September 10, 2007
#40 The Pack is Back said . . .Well, the Brown injury looks worse than thought.
Also, I'll wager that the Bears end the season with a better record than the Packers.
September 10, 2007
#41 Catch-88 said . . .Typical bullshitting bear fan. Good special teams only matter when it's the bear's special teams. Other times it's meaningless play that doesn't count. You talk out of your ass.
September 10, 2007
#42 BearDown1982 said . . .Will join the woe club and say the game bummed me out today -- began with some promise, and watched it slowly fall apart. I'll agree with some of the earlier comments; there were a lot of tough breaks, that could have really gone either way, but the running game is the thing sticking out as most worrying. Our runners looked absolutely weak out there (despite AP saving Grossman's ass momentarily).
However, I thought I'd pass along a cool bit. Was reading the NY Time's coverage of the game, and I came across this:
"On the sideline and in the huddle, Tomlinson tried to calm his teammates, who looked as anxious as his fantasy football owners. “This isn’t the kind of team we’re going to run up and down the field on,� Tomlinson said he told them. “It’s just not going to happen.
“At some point, they are going to make a mistake and we have to capitalize.� "
It feels pretty good to me that one of the absolute best teams in football right now, and one of the best players available (despite a lackluster one today), respects the ability of our D to dictate a game. It's pretty sweet to have that feeling of respect coming from teams that face us, and I know it will be a real foundation for years to come. I definitely liked what I saw from Babich today; hopefully it sticks around.
Oh yeah, and what's up with Mike Brown?? I knew this would happen. It's bad karma coming back.
September 10, 2007
#43 BEARer of Bad Tidings said . . .wow...you think a packer fan happy about his teams win today would get on a packer blog...guess not.
In regard to the Bears game...I was happy with what I saw out of the defense today. Stuffed the run and pressured the QB. Really hurts losing Brownie again though...that guy played great today. He certainly doesn't deserve this bad luck by any means...he is a true football player. I also hope Dusty isn't hurt badly, especially on a non defensive play. (blocking on special teams?) Tommie Harris...welcome back.
Offensively...not much to be happy about. Very disappointed in Bernard for that INT... should NEVER happen, not for a team competing for a Super Bowl. Fumbles suck, no need to go into something that obvious. Rex was ok, nothing spectacular yet nothing totally terrible. Benson was obviously a disappointment. O-line needs to open up some holes in the running game..not many places to run. Didn't like the game plan, especially late in the game offensively.
That said. We need to win next week and we should. Can't be 0-2 with Dallas coming to town. Keep your heads up Bears fans.
September 10, 2007
#44 BearDown1982 said . . .The rumbling out of Chicago is a torn ACL for Brown - out for the season. That would likely mean that he's played his last game for the Bears.
And on a dirty play, too. That really adds insult to injury.September 10, 2007
#45 startOlsen said . . .Bearer of bad news...Where did you get that info about Mike Brown?
September 10, 2007
#46 Objective Charger Fan said . . .fudgepack, promise you will get on the blog the day the chargers play your sorry ass team. fair is fair you slutty fucking bitch. did I tell you yet that I fucked your mom?
September 10, 2007
#47 startOlsen said . . .That was a good game today. The Bears have a terrific defense, good special teams (except one mistake) and a good offensive line. Grossman is not really that bad. He just needs to pay better attention to where the pressure is coming from. The biggest disapointment for both teams should be the way that the Turners called the offenses. As far as the Packers go, while I respect Favre, he is really way past his prime. The Packers are going to get rolled when they face San Diego. For that matter, the Packers aren't even in the same class as the Bears and I see them getting beat in both of there meetings with da Bears.
September 10, 2007
#48 startOlsen said . . .charger fan, we will see you again in Arizona. Hopefully this time our offense will make the trip.
LT is fucking amazing, as hard as it is to say something nice right now.September 10, 2007
#49 startOlsen said . . ..... and, lets get off Benson's ass. That D was freaking incredible. TJ had plenty of games like that. Have some faith in the guy. Chrissakes, this town will stand behind Rex after disasters but bag Ced after one poor outing against one of the best Ds in the league?
September 10, 2007
#50 startOlsen said . . ....finally, this just in: the rest of the NFC still sucks ass. Phily a contender? Couldn't beat a 4-12 team today. Dallas? the G-men will not make the playoffs, yet they couldn't stop them.
Let's hold off on the panic button. We'll all be patting asses in a gay manner after Herm and Co. visit next week. LJ is crapping himself after watching this game. Hey, Larry, better work on that halfback option pass bud.September 10, 2007
#51 GP said . . ....finally, this just in: the rest of the NFC still sucks ass. Phily a contender? Couldn't beat a 4-12 team today. Dallas? the G-men will not make the playoffs, yet they couldn't stop them. And the Saints... funny.
Let's hold off on the panic button. We'll all be patting asses in a gay manner after Herm and Co. visit next week. LJ is crapping himself after watching this game. Hey, Larry, better work on that halfback option pass bud.September 10, 2007
#52 GP said . . .From where I sit, neither the running nor the passing games were anything to be proud of today. Did the running game suffer because our QB couldn't complete a pass to anyone other than Berrian? Or did the passing game suffer because our RBs/OL stunk? My suspicion is the first one, but damn, I do sort of miss Thomas Jones.
September 10, 2007
#53 Max said . . .Also, poor Mike Brown! He was playing such an awesome game...picking off a pass, putting a monstrous smackdown on Antonio Gates and then he gets hurt on a dirty play. He's one of my all-time favorite Bears (ever since those 2 consecutive game-winning INTs), and now it sounds like his career with the Bears is over. That was really the worst part about today's loss for me.
September 10, 2007
#54 BEARFANVA said . . .I agree GP. its a shame about Brown and the fact that Neal basically tried putting him in a strangle hold. this whole day sucks. im goin to bed. . . maybe i will wake up and itll all be better
September 10, 2007
#55 mikebdot said . . .Rex is the leader of the team and when you do not play like playoff quarterback, the domino effect begins, his poor playing rubs off on the rest of the team. One fumble, how many passes over thrown! Get rid of the tunnel vision and he might be able to avoid being sacked. I can't have another year determining which Rex shows up for the game.
Plus hats off to offensive coordinator, 3-1 and run to the same spot three times to get stuffed. Maybe he will learn something.
Also, Defense did great against the run but why can't our defense make adjustments and shut down Gates, didn't we learn this lesson in Panthers game with Smith, why does Bear's defense let other team's quarterback pass to his favorite receive all day and be sooo wide open!!!September 10, 2007
#56 Rancid said . . .PO'd: You can make outrageous claims about what TJ did last year, but you fail to show anything concrete to prove your point. Who knows if he would have fumbled? If Benson does this habitually, turning into Salaam or something, then maybe you have a point, but people fumble. We had bad luck today. You're the one sounding crazy after a loss. How many yards did TJ have today against NE? I'd say it's a fair comparison. Not to mention the fact he didn't have Turner calling "run right up the middle at their pro bowl tackle" or "run right behind Miller and Garza, the weakest part of our line". I don't recall many runs where TJ was met 2 yards in the back field and did anything with. Every time he had 20+ yards the whole was fucking huge (which was only 4 times during the regular season if you'll recall).
September 10, 2007
#57 mikebdot said . . .Prettymuch everyone is missing the point. It's not about the running back. They played fantastic run defense and shut down Ced, we played fantastic (slightly moreso) run defense and shut down LT (LT people!), So the Chargers changed their gameplan and found a way to move the chains. We didn't. We did the same damn thing all game. Ron Turner, people, Ron Turner.
September 10, 2007
#58 Rancid said . . .Rancid: If you want to simplify it that much, perhaps you could point to the 4 turnovers vs. 2. Those 2 drive killing fumbles, the 1 drive killing INT and the special teams screw up on a terrible punt killed us. We also got very lucky on that second "turnover" for them, in case you didn't notice.
September 10, 2007
#59 Rancid said . . .mikebdot - I didn't say it wasn't about turnovers, I said it wasn't about the running backs. So the pick is a big deal, the special teams fluke (that's what it was, watch the tape) did hurt us/cost the game. My argument is that you can't blame the running backs for the loss, as many in here are doing. Does anyone honestly believe that with the play calling we saw all day that if those 2 running back fumbles don't happen those are both TD drives and we win? Sorry, I don't buy it.
September 10, 2007
#60 mikebdot said . . .I'm also not ready to be totally negative about this. I have a friend who is a Cowboys fan and after watching last nights game, I told him he was screwed. So they won. They have no defense. They were just lucky enough to be playing the hapless Giant defense. They won't get that every week. So we lost to the Chargers in the opener. We won't have to play them every week. We prettymuch shut down LT, so who can't we shut down? Now we get a chance for the offense to gel when they're not playing one of the top 5 defenses in the league. Hopefully Ron Turner watches the tape and learns how to modify a game plan at the half. I haven't heard anyone on here predict that the Bears would go undefeated this season. Most were 12-4 or 13-3. So this was a game we knew we could lose. I'm impressed enough with the defensive performance that I can live with this one. Bear Down! Next week we dominate
September 10, 2007
#61 mikebdot said . . .Rancid: I don't buy the loss being solely the RBs fault, but they certainly played a part. The O-line was a bigger part, in my opinion. The two fumbles, though, killed our drives, so perhaps it equals out. The INT was not a big deal in my opinion. It was completely on Berrian. Yes, as in, 100%. The ST screw up (yes, Hester was signaling to everyone to get out of the way, presumably there was something audible that McGowan didn't hear, if not, that is Hester's fault, you MUST yell for everyone to get out of the way on a shit ass punt like that).
September 10, 2007
#62 mikebdot said . . .Rancid: I don't buy the loss being solely the RBs fault, but they certainly played a part. The O-line was a bigger part, in my opinion. The two fumbles, though, killed our drives, so perhaps it equals out. The INT was not a big deal in my opinion. It was completely on Berrian. Yes, as in, 100%.
The ST screw up was not just bad luck (yes, it was a "screw up" one way or the other, Hester was signaling to everyone to get out of the way, presumably there was something audible that McGowan didn't hear, if not, that is Hester's fault, you MUST yell for everyone to get out of the way on a shit ass punt like that).
September 10, 2007
#63 Pissed Off said . . .Rancid: I predicted 19-0. Mostly because last year I predicted a SB win, so we got mostly there. So, we could presumably go 18-1 and I'd still feel pretty good.
http://www.dabearsblog.com/2007/08/column_of_the_week.php
I did put the qualifier in there "if Rex fixed his fundamentals". I suppose it should have been "if the offensive coordinator actually puts all the fucking talent on the field" (i.e. Hester/Bradley)
September 10, 2007
#64 JB said . . .We'll just agree to disagree mike, I'm not buying any of your logic, I think you have some deep love for Ced or AP and for some reason hate TJ. He would not have fumbled twice, most likely not even once. If you watched any Bear games last year there is the proof, or read last years games play by play, I'm not going to spend 2 hourse reading last years play by play to prove you wrong but if you watched the games TJ would have had at least 10 rush TDs last year from the goalline. I dont like our RB carosel right now.
Bear fan in VA, I dont know what the hell your talking about, Rex was fine yesterday, his INT was Berrians fault, even Aikman showed the reply and explained that. It was obvious. Yeah he had a fumble but it was recovered and I'll bet about half of the QBs in the league had a fumble yesterday via sack or snap or whatever. Rex mistakes are blown up. That will hurt his rating (int) but I blame Turner more, why not keep passing when its working instead of trying to run 3 straight times for 2 yards. Too proud to pass? I dont know.
September 10, 2007
#65 Heywood Jublomey said . . .If ever I've seen a silver lining in a week where the Bears lose, and the Vikings, Lions & Pack all win, I saw it yesterday.
Lions defense looked awful, they beat the hapless raiders...vikings D looked really good, but against the falcons, and I didn't think Atlanta was even going to field a team this year...and packers, the defense looked good as expected (and stated earlier TPIB, so don't bring that attitude), but i've never seen a game gift wrapped like that before.
Bears loss...defense looked great against a very talented offense...how about the intensity of Bob Babich?!?! SD score off those two turnovers, putting the D on a short field. The ST turnover is just really bad luck. The 3 offensive TOers...jesus, both backs fumbling just killed us...let's hope they got that out of their system. The Rex INT...shit Berrian, run the fucking route and its 6 points.
Overall though, I come out of this with positive thoughts. Rex had the offense moving against a really good defense and then 3 potential scoring drives were stopped by turnovers...I think that can be corrected. Agree with everyone that KC will be absolutely blown out. Let's take a collective deep breath and chill out.
Final thought...I don't like to get mad at anyone, 'cause we're all brothers (and sisters, megan and nicole), but Fuck you if you said "I knew mike brown would get hurt"...this guy is part of our team and is absolutely integral to our success, and to "know" he's going to get hurt, or scoff at his injury, or write him off as being injury prone, I feel sorry for your lack of compassion. This guy has had the worst luck I've ever seen, and what happened yesterday I've never seen a guy do that and not get called for it (not to mention that led to a TD that put the game on ice)...so feel sorry for the guy please. Who gives a damn about an early season loss to a nonconference opponent when we may have lost our heart and soul of the defense.
September 10, 2007
#66 Pissed Off said . . .I knew mike brown would get hurt.
September 10, 2007
#67 Phil from SATX said . . .Sorry JB, I like Mike Brown but I cant help but get sick of the guy being hurt, I say cut him to save money. Maybe it wouldnt make sense until the end of the year so do it then but this guy is the most fragile player ever. He could be a pro bowler every year and even go to the Hall someday if he wasnt hurt 495 consecutive years in a row. He does us no good on the sideline every year, maybe he should coach. It doesnt sound like it but I like MB, I want him playing on this team, keyword: "playing." Maybe I'm uncompassionate but whatever.
I dont see the silver lining, yeah I guess we will still be a 10-12 win team and I prepared for the loss opening week but when it happens it just hurts so bad no matter how much you prepare for it. Until we win the SB (meet the chargers again) they are a better team than us and what hurts is that it was proven we are not the best team in the NFL and I truly thought we were going into this year. Play on, here come the Cheifs
September 10, 2007
#68 Al in WI said . . .Jeez, it took me all morning just to read these posts! Good job people!
I agree with Rancid, and Start Olsen, and most who reflect on the positive - the fact is that was a superlative team we played who deserved to play in the Super Bowl with the likes of the Colts and Patriots. The defense did an absolutely amazing job for most of the game.
The running game is the biggest concern, but once again I've got to go to the "mastermind" behind this offense - as excited as we were to be able to use all these weapons, they're useless when they stay in the scabbard. Absolutely terrible terrible play calling, and none worse than 2nd and 2 with 3 straight runs to the right side, no deception apparent. You can do that when you know you're better than the other team. The Bears weren't better than the Chargers on that play, and since the Chargers knew it was coming, it was no contest.
So maybe Greg Olsen's getting back next week, is it going to make a difference? Will he see the ball? Different defense entirely, so maybe he will.
I think the Ced vs. TJ deal is just irrelevant now. The bigger worry are two RB fumbles, in the first game. That either gets fixed quickly or we're in for a long season. Otherwise these guys should be okay, but Wolfe should get mixed in too, right? Isn't he one of the weapons?
Rex wasn't horrible. Rex wasn't helped by Turner, AGAIN. The thing I worry about Rex is I don't see the leadership that I see from lots of other quarterbacks, Philip Rivers included. Tony Romo last night? He was in control. He inspired confidence, even after mistakes. He's a second year QB. Eli Manning also looked in control. Rex needs to develop leadership abilities and be able to inspire confidence, and he needs to do it quickly.
But all is far from lost, we can still go 15-1, and looking the schedule, it's actually possible. The Chiefs are going to be a great "right the ship" game, and Cowboys is a MUST WIN. After that, we'll start counting up the win streak, and hopefully the offense will get better and better.
September 10, 2007
#69 Pissed Off said . . .Silver lining: Rex Grossman. He did everything his critics said he couldn't do, he showed real poise after taking some huge hits (thanks ced) and still stood in the pocket. And after Berrian’s int he didn't let it bother him and go into the tank. He also displayed patients out there taking the underneath routes when he had time, and throwing the ball away to avoid disaster
September 10, 2007
#70 Al in WI said . . .Phil I agree with all your points except Rex's leadership. Of course I defend rex and oh sure I'm a Rex apologist but I saw several times yesterday clips of him sitting on the sidelines talking to his WRs or others. And by several I mean 3, I think. Now I'm not in the huddle or on the sideline or in the locker room but I think he's already more of a leader than he was last year. Didnt the team nominate him for some award last year, Al in WI knows what I'm talking about. That shows he gets respect and he's a leader.
September 10, 2007
#71 mikebdot said . . .Po'd: Ed Block Courage Award.
Two thoughts: A trade made, and a move not made.
The trade made was getting rid of Chris Harris that now looks like a shaky move given Mike Brown's injury.
A move not made was, not landing Chris Brown of the Titans. Benson and Peterson looked average or worse. And Chris Brown got 150+ on a tough Jax D.
We spend a lot of time aplauding JA, but these are two moves that hurt yesterday.September 10, 2007
#72 Phil from SATX said . . .PO'd: That's fine. Reading through the play by plays of last year shouldn't be a big deal. I might do so at a later date when I have more time. Benson and TJ performed nearly identically last season. 4.1 yards/carry, 2 TDs for Benson and 4 for TJ (Benson with nearly exactly half as many carries). If you're thinking TJ can get big chunks of yards, he only had a few 20+ yard gains last season (reg season), same with Benson. I just don't think TJ could CLEARLY have done better. The fumble thing is a one day thing, hopefully. If not, I'll eat crow, no big deal.
Apparently Parcells was sucking Favre's penis on air talking about how magical his performance was. He literally almost gave the game to the Eagles fumbling in the 4th quarter at their 38, but the Eagles couldn't move the football even a few yards and were flagged for a holding penalty to move them out of field goal range. A pathetic showing by the Eagles. Then the Eagles fumbled the Packers next drive's punt giving the Pack the win. Favre did nothing of note, putting up a game Rex Grossman would have been ridiculed mercilessly for...instead his penis is sucked on air by Bill Parcells. Good news though, INT number 274...only 3 off of 277 by Blanda...
Wouldn't it be funny if Favre couldn't even get the 6 TD passes required to pass Marino this season?
September 10, 2007
#73 BearFanInViqueensTerritory said . . .PO'd I think he does do that on the sideline, I'm not saying he's completely without those qualities, there's just something about him in the huddle that looks a lot different, in a non-confidence way, than a lot of other quarterbacks that I see. I know other teams say he looks scared, or rattled - I think you know what I mean. He takes hits as good as anybody, he's a tough kid, but don't you know what I mean about commanding the situation?
I think he can get there, but a lot is about his internal confidence, which needs to grow, despite how confident he is in his sideline and podium interviews.
September 10, 2007
#74 JB said . . .I agree...Thomas Jones slept well last night...
Regardless of what route Berrian ran it's still another turnover for Rex and he had another stupid fumble...
It seems like we have taken a step backwards...
September 10, 2007
#75 Mike said . . .I talked about this some time ago, and everyone booed me, but it's Cedric's attitude that I've never liked. TJ had this great attitude where you could really get behind him...plus those biceps were ridiculous.
Give the Chargers their due, they are a very talented football team. If this is played in Soldier, it's a different story, but alas, 0-1, let's move on.
I do like the point made by Al about the trade and no trade. We do have Daniel Manning, who is no slouch himself. I was never high on Chris Harris, and I think we basically have that player in a much better form in AA. As for Chris Brown...that one's tougher...but I believe Tenn promised him a starting job which is why he signed there. It would've been nice to have that insurance policy, I agree, but AP showed some great flashes yesterday (minus the fumble obviously) including blitz pick ups and I think he'll be big moving forward. Cedric...whatever, he still has a long way to go to winning me over.
September 10, 2007
#76 Pissed Off said . . .This was a bad and depressing loss. Not because the Bears lost to a solid (and superior) San Diego Chargers squad, but for the following.
1. Cedric Benson is Curtis Enis all over again. The Bears are going to struggle with the running game all season, which puts a huge damper on things.
2. Rex Grossman remains an enigma and one of the bottom 1/3 QBs in the NFL. Grossman crumbles against quality competition. But a portion of Bear fans will continued to be seduced by his good play against the weak Nancy's of the league. Bottom line, he isn't good enough to get the job done.
3. Mike Brown is finished for the year for the fourth consecutive season in a row. Huge blow and a demoralizaer for the defense.
4. Dusty Dvoracek also appears finished for the season.
5. Green Bay and Detroit are much improved, and Minnesota has found themselves an All-Pro caliber franchise back in Adrian Peterson.
The Bears couldn't have come out of San Diego in much worse shape. Sure, the Bears "SHOULD" make the playoffs. But things are very depressing right now. And a convincing win against Kansas City won't do much to extinguish the "reality" of matters.
September 10, 2007
#77 StartOlsen said . . .No Phil I guess I dont know what you're talking about Rex commanding the situation, not sure what you mean actually but I think he is a leader. I think he's confident and one of the toughest guys mentally/emotionally for going thru what he does and coming back a winner every time.
Mike I am confident that if you read the play by play of all games last year you will find about a dozen plays from inside the 5 yard line that either went to Benson or were a play action or some sort of pass, most of those I remember went to Dez and Gilmore, pretty sure TJ could have scored on most all of those if given the ball. Let me know what you find, If I'm wrong I'll admit it, my number of a dozen might be a bit high but maybe not. If I get time I'll check it out too.
Regarding the 20+ yard gains, who gets a bunch of those each year seriously, its about totals not how many 20+ yard rushes he had. What does that matter anyway? I will not say that TJ CLEARLY would have done better yardage/rushing wise but he would have picked up more blocks than Benson (not necesarily AP cuz he is a good blocker) leading to possible completed passes for gains (1st downs, etc, which lead to scores) and he would not have fumbled twice. No chance
September 10, 2007
#78 Pissed Off said . . .Im done with this thread. Its over. Bring on the fucking Chiefs already, we need to see our boys tear someone to shreds.
Please, please folks, just forget the offense for a moment. Our defense literally sent chills up and down my spine in that game. Good God they are tough. On the road, no less. In the heat, no less. LT, no less. Tommie promised Rivers an ass whupin and delivered. Anderson and the DE crew got some sacks. Dusty D. looked like one of Vick's pitbulls unleashed. 54 was everywhere. AdamA laid some big hits down. the list goes on.
Bear down.September 10, 2007
JB I agree with you on Ced mainly. However I dont think Chris Brown is the answer, he had a good day yesterday but come mid season you wont be wishing we had him, everyone gets lucky once in a while and yesterday way Browns day. Lets not forget he was deactivated several times the past two years not because of injury but because he sucked.
Ive learned to live with MB not playing. Big Deal, Manning and McGowan will step in. Theres no point in ever counting on MB.
Mike (not mikebdot) Im not ready to write off Benson yet, maybe he just had a horrible day, SD defense is good, just the fumbles piss me off. You dont know what your talking about with Rex, look at Rivers stats, he wasnt any better and he's a pro bowler? Thats what happens when you play superior teams. I dont get that comment at all. What happened to Dvoracek? GB, Det and MN all suck, neither will win more than 6 games, I cant believe you said that, seriously you must know next to nothing about the NFC north.
September 10, 2007
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