Lovie Smith was asked today. He answered.
Will Rex Grossman start Sunday? Well, our evaluation process is going on right now. If you come out to practice Wednesday, you'll have a better idea of who will be starting at all positions.
Rex Grossman hasn't been a good starting quarterback in the NFL for almost a year. 2006's Good Rex/Bad Rex has been replaced by 2007's Always Crap Rex and enough is enough. It's time to make a change if only to send the message to Grossman that his current level of play will no longer be tolerated. Brian Griese is not going to be Joe Montana. He's not going to send teenage girls into Modell's to buy their orange #14 jerseys. But he is going to replace the vomit-inducing anxiety I feel when Rex drops back to pass with a glimmer of hope. He's going to instill a new level of excitement into a fan base tired of seeing the same little results from the same little quarterback. If he can do that for us, what can he do for the players around him?
I expect Lovie Smith to make the change Wednesday because I expect Lovie Smith to the right thing. Tell your team their current play will not be tolerated. Tell them no one is safe, not even if the ever-protected golden child. Make the change to Brian Griese. Don't squander the 2007 season on misplaced loyalty.
(To hear my interview on MVN's Outsider radio, click here. I'm right at the start.)
#2 BEARS SUPERFAN said . . .jeff, we can only hope that Lovie will do exactly what you have written here. And you're right. If Griese starts I will honestly be excited for this game. If not I'll be braced for the hit. The team must feel the same way.
September 25, 2007
#3 BearDown1982 said . . .I AGREE COMPLETLY WITH U. REX IS UNACCEPTABLE. HE BLEW TOO MANY BIG GAMES FOR US. THE GAME AGAINST THE DOLPHINS WHICH WAS OUR FIRST LOST LAST YEAR. HE LOST AGAINST THE PARTIOTS. HE LOST AGAINST THE PACKERS. WHICH IS PLAIN AWFUL. IN THAT GAME HE THREW 2 COMPLETE PASSES TO THE PACKERS AND 1 COMPLETE PASS TO DA BEARS. THEN HE LOST THE SUPER BOWL FOR US. NOW HE LOST THE GAME AGAINST THE CHARGERS AND LOST THE GAME AGAINAST THE COWBOYS. IHATE YOU REX GROSSMAN. GO BEARS
September 25, 2007
#4 Max said . . .Honestly, I think the move has to be made. I'm not sure if I expect all that much from Griese myself, but we won't know for sure unless a change is made. This offense clearly needs a spark...maybe it will be the change they need.
Although, I fear that the offense is bad enough that it may not matter who is behind center.
Let's hope that no matter who plays, the Lions D continues to suck just as much as they have so far this season.
September 25, 2007
#5 Rancid said . . .I am on the Rex Bandwagon still. But only because I said i would give Rex 4 games this year. If he does jack the first half of Lions game, put in Orton or Griese.
I realize I am in the vast minority here, and I dont blame ya'll if you berate me for this, but I am staying true to my word. 4 games. That said, I could be getting off this ride at this next stop. . . in fact, this next stop might just be the last stop. I could be riding this wagon right over the edge of a cliff, cause that what it feels like right now.
September 25, 2007
#6 Jakub said . . .Max - I won't "berate you". I had said 4 games as well, but after looking at the schedule it makes no sense. If Rex blows it again at Detroit ( an easier defense) , that leaves a Griese to face GB (a good defense) in his first game. Lose that and we're at 1-4. Start getting excited about the draft. We can't let it go there. Griese needs a week of practice and then a game against a weak defense to be ready to have a shot at GB. I don't want to sacrifice the season just because I said "I'll give him 4 games" before I looked at the schedule closely. Of course, we don't make the decisions anyway. I'm betting they split reps all week, Grossman starts, and then Griese comes in when he sucks. That seems like a Lovie plan.
September 25, 2007
#7 Rancid said . . .Has anyone heard more about the injuries? I've scoured the net, but could not come up with anything new on Harris in particular.
Regarding Rex; I agree we need a change, but I think it's to light a fire under this team's ass and send a message to Grossman that his play in unacceptable. Hopefully he sits out a few games, get his head screwed back on and comes back a changed QB. I really really want to believe that his problem is 98% mental, but until he sits and watches from the sideline, I don't think the gravity of his situation will hit him.
September 25, 2007
#8 jdawg said . . .I'm not believing any injury reports from posters we don't know who won't give their sources. In the last thread there were tons of horrible reports. I think this is often people screwing with us. In the pre-season we had reports from unfamiliar posters that both Hester and Olsen were out for the season. Truth is there is no known info and we won't know until at least tomorrow. I'm sure at least a couple of our injuries are serious but theres no reason to go crazy just because people are screwing with us
September 25, 2007
#9 HesterFan23 said . . .you know, this bums me out because I think the coaching staff has handled this in a crappy way. Rex should have been pulled a couple of times last year when he was playing shitty. Christ, Leinert got pulled yesterday and his career isn't over.
Instead we get this soap opera, magnified by the sports press (who are ALL drama queens), that's like in junior high when somebody breaks up with their girlfriend.
Fuck.
Rex once looked like he could be a good QB. It amazes me when I look at his strange journey. I can't think of anything like it in the recent history of the NFL.
I just hope we all realize that this wasn't a one-man problem.
I say bench Rex, Moose, Benson, Davis and Berrian and start Griese, Bradley, Hester, Peterson, and fucking what's his name that caught everything in training camp.
We don't need to bench anybody on the D because they're all hurt.
September 25, 2007
#10 Lazarz said . . .Here is the injury report from the Tribune, and if it is right, things look worse than thought:
"Safety Adam Archuleta came out of the locker room Monday with an air cast and tape around his right hand. Offensive lineman Fred Miller had his right leg wrapped.
That added to the injuries from Sunday night, with Lance Briggs (groin), Nathan Vasher (hip abductor) and Tommie Harris (sprained MCL) all knocked out of the game. Ruben Brown had his left ankle wrapped, an injury he suffered in the second half Sunday.
In other news, the Bears waived punter Dirk Johnson and brought cornerback Ade Jimoh back for the third time. Safety Josh Gattis was back in the locker room, too. He said he is part of a nine-man rotation the Bears have on the eight-man practice squad."
Link:
http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/huddleup/2007/09/injury-update-i.htmlSeptember 25, 2007
#11 StartOlsen said . . .We need to win now.
September 25, 2007
#12 Viva said . . .Max I admire you sticking to your 4 game window. I said the same thing, but I give up.
I wont hate Rex for this, or bash on him. He won a lot of games and helped our team to the SB. He tried and often succeeded in being the man. He is just simply not good enough at this point, and we need to make a change. Sorry Rex, thanks for the crazy memories, and good luck in the CFL.
September 25, 2007
#13 Viva said . . .Here is some food for thought:
The two teams that have beat us thus far, each feature a new coach with Bear lineage.
San Diego - Ron Rivera (Defensive Coordinator)
Dallas - Wade Wilson (last years QB coach)If they do not know how to exploit Rex's weaknesses who would?
September 25, 2007
#14 Shady McBears Fan said . . .For what it is worth, Rex can not be cured while playing at home, this two game road trip is the time for him to realize his potential.
And for fucks sake, if he tosses one int the changes are astounding that he will do so again shortly therafter, which should serve as some sort of clue to Lovie to yank him. (Remember Dusty Baker in Game 5 against the Marlins in 03 after the Bartman Ball and Gonzalez error. He let Prior dangle in the breeze and forever alter his development, when he should have yanked him from the game.
September 25, 2007
#15 Jimbo said . . .Here's the best case scenario for Grossman: He splits time at practice with Griese and gets the start on Sunday knowing if he commits just one turnover, Lovie is gonna take his ass out for Brian.
Rex has shown he's a better player than he's showing right now. The Sex Cannon, believe it or not, is the Chicago Bear's best shot at winning games in the playoffs for the next couple years. He's the only quarterback on the team (currently) who can physically make the throws they need to win the big games.
But we all know the Bears can NOT start a quarterback that commits stupid fucking turnovers, we know they HAVE to win THAT battle (like they did last year). Maybe the heat of the QB competition will light a fire under his ass. I've always said Rex plays a LOT better when Griese gets a bit of playing time.
Try this:
Go ahead and make the comparison between the Cubs and the Bears. How did the Cubs start the season? And how are the doing right now at the end of the season? The NL Central is crap so a little better than .500 can win a division. Now look at how strong the NFC North looks to be this year, you could say the same thing about about the winner of this division too. Go Cubs.Last thing, NOBODY should get on the Defense's ass for ANYTHING. They have been used and abused and have carried this team for YEARS and haven't been given the credit they deserve. We may be seeing the long term effects of doing just that. Start handing out the HGH for recovery purposes. Just kidding... But seriously. Do it.
September 25, 2007
#16 HLT said . . .Well said StartOlsen. Grossman is undoubtedly a good guy. I guess that's life in a big city. Just ask Bartman.
It's on Lovie now, and Angelo. Grossman can't bench himself. Hell, last year when he admitted he wasn't prepared after the New Year's Eve Massacre the media hammered him. Imagine if he said he wasn't ready to be a starter. Wow.
Does anyone else feel like Angelo has a role in Grossman continually being trotted out there? Could it be that our Boy Wonder GM's ego has gotten large and he's not ready to admit he fired a 1st round dud on Grossman?
Maybe I'm reading too much into it.
Here's to 1-0 in the NFC Norris. Go Bears.
September 25, 2007
#17 Kidronmusic said . . .Ok, we replace Grossman, but what about the defense? Dallas took the 2nd half kickoff and drove 90 yards. After the Bears tied it up, they take the ball and do another 90 yard drive. Replacing Grossman doesn't fix that.
September 25, 2007
#18 Bill said . . .I think most people agree that Rex wont be allowed to play this way much longer. . . So lets start asking the questions about our future. What options do you like as the quarterback of our near future?
September 25, 2007
#19 Bill said . . .HLT -
The defense is hurting but was in the wrong scheme much of last night and it played into Dallas' hands. They blitzed and rushed and got worn down. An offense that can put drives together will help - and they need help now that they are missing so many starters. Time for Babich to prove his worth too. This is why coaches get paid.
September 25, 2007
#20 NY Bears Fan said . . .Well, misery loves company. The Saints are going to 0-3. And they have a GOOD QB and good RB (supposedly.)
September 25, 2007
#21 JL said . . .I think Drew Brees caught Rexitis...4 picks and a fumble. It has been a strange year!!
September 25, 2007
#22 Phil from SATX said . . .I hate Rex Grossman. I wish he could move. Even when he rolls out by design on play action he looks like he's counting his steps. We all thought it was his fundamentals but unfortunately it's his decision-making.
I watched Drew Brees throw 4 INTs tonight, some that were unfortunate tips and others that were hurled in desperation in a futile effort to come back. But you know what - his INTs looked natural - unfortunate and costly, yes - but still somewhat logical within the ebb and flow of the game. Rex's INTs on the other hand are so illogical and incredulous it's hard to believe it's professional football that he's playing. He floats balls into miniscule pockets in triple coverage. He stares down his target like a vulture. I curl up in disgust and dumbfounded despair when Grossman drops and waits. I'm tempted to vomit slightly when I realize we could've had Brees 2 offseasons ago.
I hate Rex. But the Lions D is really, really bad. Start Rex, let him play the first half, then reassess. Best case is we're up by several scores and get to see a full quarter and a half of Griese anyway. Griese needs as many in-game reps as possible to get ready for being called on when the inevitable next Bad Rex game.
Or just start Griese. I don't care anymore, damnit. I hate our QBs. Angelo may well be known for assembling one of the greatest modern day defenses, but I will remember him for pissing it away by not addressing the one problem area that has maligned the Bears for 20 years.
September 25, 2007
#23 Phil from SATX said . . .Hey you guys, I'm not sure why you're continuing to debate something that's already been decided! It seemed awfully clear to me from reading the Trib this morning that the decision's been made - Griese is starting the next game. I don't think there's going to be any split reps this week, unless it's with Orton. And that unfortunately is how it should be.
So I'm excited! Not that I think Griese's going to be great, but because I think a change, any change, at the position is exactly what this offense needs. I think everyone, and especially the line, is going to play better knowing that Rex is not behind center. It's got to be frustrating when you don't believe in your quarterback, yet you're forced by the rules of football professionalism and being a team player to not just keep your mouth shut about it but actually LIE about it. Sometime when it's all said and done we will learn what Grossman's teammates REALLY think about him and the truth will not be pretty.
I hope Griese actually does have some skills, because if he does, the momentum and optimism and bonding together of this team could be HUGE. If he doesn't, I want to see what Orton has. Also, if he doesn't, I need to ask the BT --- WTF was he doing on our roster the past two years?
Go Griese! Until further notice, you're our quarterback now! Go Bears! Beat the Lions!
September 25, 2007
#24 Coxy said . . .Memo to BT: Here's the formula for the 3 QB's to have on your roster:
1) Your starter, the one who it has to firmly be said "this guy can win a Super Bowl for us if we can get him there." If that statement can't be made about the starter, you don't have a starter.
2) A veteran backup. Someone who has proved he can do it, but because of age and possibly lack of durability has slipped into the 2nd position. But if called upon, full expectations are if this old QB is given time by the line, he can be a starter and win games for you, including the SB if necessary. A Brad Johnson, a Steve McNair.
3) Your wing and a prayer young late round pick that you still have high hopes for in the future - in other words, the potential future of the franchise, just not now. That way, if called upon because of disaster, it's your potential guy of the future getting reps, just earlier than expected. A Tony Romo. A Derek Anderson.
The Bears may have actually followed this formula - we just don't know if they did because they seemed to insist at every turn that #2 and #3 weren't good enough. Or maybe they just implied this by sticking with Rex, and we filled in the blanks. Whatever, we're going to see how they did in filling out #2 and #3.
September 25, 2007
#25 Phil from SATX said . . .Assuming Griese is starting, has Rex taken his last snap as a Bear?
If what I hear about Orton improving himself alot in the offseason (from the same preseason reports that also said we had weapons on offense), then I would not mind seeing Orton out there. We know what we would get from Griese (see Damon Huard). But with Orton, at least there is upside.
Also, looks like Griese just went from best job in the history of the world (millions to take a few reps at practice in a red jersey and get great sideline seat to NFL games), to one of the least desired (QB in Chicago).
September 25, 2007
#26 Pissed Off said . . .Great point Coxy, do you think Griese's happy or sad? I do believe that Rex HAS taken his last snap as a Bear. I also don't think we're going to see Orton this year unless Griese is injured. And then the off-season begins, possibly with the pursuit of a free agent like McNabb, certainly with the drafting of a QB (at least a later round drafting) and we'll see then if the BT actually likes Orton or if he fits the Bear definition of a #3 starter (cheapest guy we could get to put on a helmet and hold a clipboard).
And let's not be surprised if Griese actually shows that the formula of combining a decent, reasonably intelligent and efficient QB behind the reins of what still has to be considered a very good team actually works! We all wondered if it would, now we'll get to see it. I personally have high hopes.
September 25, 2007
#27 Bobby Douglass said . . .I cant even explain why I want Rex to succeed so badly. I dont know why, I'm not related to the guy, I dont know him. I think it might be the flashes of greatness we have seen and just the lingering hope that he can do that all the time, or at least consistently or hell even once in a blue moon. Because he was great on a few occassions it has made me realize that he is the QB with the most potential we have seen in my lifetime and who knows how long before that.
Deep down of course I want him to start, though again, I dont know why. I think giving Griese the reigns may be the smart choice though, if only to ignite a fire under Rex so he performs well when he's put back in when Griese undoubtedly fails. And he will fail like all Bears QBs have for the last 349 years, its inevitable. This is going to be a very down week for me, nothing to get excited about, more depressed about the possible end of the Rex era. I hope we learn the injuries are all OK.
September 25, 2007
#28 beardown1982 said . . .After several years of telling doubters "Just wait, Rex is gonna be a good NFL quarterback", I am also officially off the Rex Grossman bandwagon. And I am sad.
September 25, 2007
#29 Starbuck said . . .http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-070924haugh,1,5189069.column?coll=cs-home-headlines
Great article on the Rex situation by David Haugh. I highly recommend...he makes some very good points in my opinion.POed. I agree with you. I've wanted Rex to succeed very, very badly. Considering the best quarterback play we have seen in this city, the start of last season was very refreshing. Rex really looked like he had the pieces to be the man we have all been waiting for. It was the first time I actually expected good things from our offense every time they took the field. Even despite the troubles he had last year after the hot start, at the time I thought it was just growing pains. Unfortunately, I think in preseason, we continued to see some of those mistakes, but we all wanted to deny that they meant anything. Sure, it was only the preseason, but the mistakes being made at the time were ones that shouldn't be made no matter whether the game means anything or not.
For me, the bottom line was this...if Rex lived up to his potential this year, we had an excellent chance to win the Super Bowl. Without him, even with a great defense and special teams (of course, now injuries may change that even more), it just probably wasn't going to be enough. Especially with some of the great teams coming out of the AFC.
And of course, now we may be back to square one. Still searching for a quarterback of the future. What a shame.
September 25, 2007
#30 Pissed Off said . . .I think some of us, including myself, have been drinking the kool aid for too long. While I recognize that Rex has had his great moments and despite the fact that the Bears went to a Superbowl, I do not believe that his body of work has shown that he is a good NFL quarterback.
The Bears are paying good money for a backup in Griese and he may be a good band-aid for the short term, which is what the Bears need.
The bigger concern that I have is Cedric Benson. No team, and especially the Bears, will go anywhere in the NFL without a running game - just look at Breez last night without a running game. If Benson does not step up, his ass should be gone.
September 25, 2007
#31 Bill said . . .Hey Jeff nice interview, enjoyed it. This site gets some recognition and thats great. It leads to Jeff being on radio shows and getting plugs in the newspaper. Its great that your views are sought out for like that, such an intelligent young man! Do you really think they will start Rex again in Detroit or has your opinion changed since then? Couldnt agree more about Roy Williams.
September 25, 2007
#32 Mike said . . .PO'd - I feel the same way about Rex. In part I think of it as a reaction to Cade. I wanted that guy to crash and burn and was happy when he did. Someone, I think the coaches screwed up Rex. Lsat year, when things were going bad, he needed to be relieved in game s - not demoted, just relieved.
Lovie felt that woudl be damaging to him; just like they thought bringing in a capable backup woudl be damaging. Well, if the QB can't take the pressue of competition, how can he take the pressure of games or a bad performance? Lovie and Turner needed ot handle that whole thing better. It's too late here in Chicago. I wish him well on his next team.
September 25, 2007
#33 said . . .The crush of public opinion is so great that I think Lovie has to go with Brian Griese. Lovie has never faced this much heat in his kitchen, so it bears watching how he handles things. Remember that it was year four when things went south in a hurry for his predecessors Dave Wannstedt and Dick Jauron.
I'm not expecting Griese to be the answer. But he should provide a spark and is veteran and smart enough to get the offense going. He'll look like a hero if the Bears score some points against lowly Detroit. Which should rekindle some fan optimism leading in the game against Green Bay.
But what to do about no running game, a lousy set of wide receivers and a crumbling offensive line. And a significantly banged up defense that is, in my opinion, overrated to begin win. A high quality quarterback continues to be able to chew up the Bears via the passing attack. Peyton Manning, Tony Romo, etc. Brett Favre next???
September 25, 2007
#34 Phil from SATX said . . .Well said, Beardown. Maybe a way to assuage our depression on Rex not working out is to pretend he's injured - we all now know first hand that the greatest players in the world can go down at a moment's notice by an injury, and the same could have easily happened to Rex. Might it have been even worse if the Rex of early 2006 stuck around, with us only to lose him to a career ending injury? What agony that would have been!
Remember too that selecting QBs is not easy - in that same draft that we took Rex, we debated taking Byron Leftwich (who went #7) and even Dave Ragone - remember that? What is that guy doing? He's out of football now. Fact is, it's a crap shoot, and Rex gave every indication early that he was going to be a winner. Now we know better, but it's hard to blame the BT given the data they were working with. What I WOULD have blamed them for is not changing after seeing the first 3 games of this season, but fortunately I don't have to. They're still doing their job, I don't have to give up on Lovie or Angelo, it's all unfortunate but the crap shoot is a reality in the NFL.
Remember all 32 teams who passed on Tony Romo in the draft. BTW, a bright spot and reason for hope: There's got to be more guys like that, guys at smaller schools who fly under the radar but have the skills, the physical characteristics, and the mental makeup and competitive spirit necessary to make it big in the NFL. GOT to be! The small schools that are starting to beat the BCS conference schools give credence to that. BT, think outside the box!
September 25, 2007
#35 AK said . . .33 was me.
September 25, 2007
#36 AfroCelt said . . .I think Lovie will split the reps with Griese and Rex during practice. He'll remain silent as to who is starting the game until the last second.
Rex will probably play the first half, but if he screws up, they'll send in Griese.
September 25, 2007
#37 Mike said . . .@ Mike: This Packer team is a real threat...the fans up here seem to know it. They're spending hundreds over price (compared to the last few years) for the next few games...@Minn and against the Bears. Part of it is Favre's Breaking an NFL Record, but much of it has to do with smelling blood in the water. They feel like we did a few years ago...Young Fresh D, a revitalized offense that has potential, and high hopes for the future.
The bears have deep issues, much more so than the team last year. I'm actually starting to doubt that we can take the division...please, Chicago Bears, prove me wrong.
Side note: anyone else call in sick today for Halo 3? :)
September 25, 2007
#38 Nicole is broken said . . .The most sobering thing for me? The mounting realization that 2006 was likely the high water mark for the Bears.
The second most sobering thing? That this is year four of the Lovie Smith regime, and year four was the downfall mark of the Dave Wannstedt AND Dick Jauron regimes. Are we about to repeat ugly history again?!? I don't blame Lovie for the personnel shortfalls on offense, but he is the guy who will definitely fall on his sword if things go to shit in a hurry.
September 25, 2007
#39 jeff said . . .They just said on the Chicago station I listen to that the word is BG will start this weekend... didn't give an official site to quote this but at least there's a glimmer of change in the air.
September 25, 2007
#40 Midway Monster said . . .PO'd, i'd be surprised (pleasantly) if they made the change sunday. it just hasn't been the style of this coaching staff to put the blame for ineffectiveness on one guy and whether or not its true, benching grossman would give that appearance. but it IS the move to be made right now.
September 25, 2007
#41 Rancid said . . .Thanks Jeff, please take 2 aspirins and have a bottle of Pepto-Bismol on the bar this Sunday because one would bet that if Lovie was going to give Rex another shot it would be this week at Detroit. Why- because Detroit really really sucks; and anyone ought to do well. Of course the flip side of that coin (this one's for you Max) is Lovie could decide that this would be a good 'recovery game' and get the team to 500 prior to any changes. (Gee, do I sound like Polonius in Hamlet or what?).
Either way we play the Pack after Detroit and, as I do every year, I'll damn eat rice pudding if we do not win (just like George Allen did way back in the 70's). Why rice pudding- because I cannot stand rice pudding. It's disgusting and it makes me want to puke. That's how much I dislike the Pack.
--Midway--
September 25, 2007
#42 Phil from SATX said . . .I'm hoping for a switch but I'm betting they split reps and Grossman starts with Griese ready. That's what Lovie did last year and it would make sense he would do that again.
September 25, 2007
#43 jeff said . . .Too much angst going on - too much negativity. This is NOT when everything starts falling apart - this is instead when the team made the difficult but necessary decision to make a change at quarterback. The offense is NOT as bad as it appears, but a bad quarterback will intensify all shortcomings. And that's what's been happening.
There's going to be an adjustment period for Griese, it's not going to go like clockwork, but it's going to go better, for both the offense and the defense. How about a goal of zero turnovers from the offense? That's not just you, Griese, that's running backs and receivers too. Everybody hold on to the dang ball, and see how much better the defense looks!
This team has had to operate under the reality of multiple offensive turnovers for the past many games, and it's unbelievable that they actually won some of them in spite of the turnovers. And it wasn't solely Rex, just mostly him, but it seems to be getting contagious and spreading to other members of the offense. Let's try a little no-turnover football and see where that gets us, shall we? I think there's a lot of wins waiting for us under that scenario.
Let's not all jump off the cliff yet. In fact it may be time to climb back on the bandwagon - we have been seduced and hypnotized by a turnover machine, and life without him is going to be better.
September 25, 2007
#44 Mike said . . .midway, my argument to start griese would be lovie's to play grossman. why not give the new guy a chance to start off with a great game?
September 25, 2007
#45 Pissed Off said . . .Phil, even you would have to admit that the Bears have critical problems at running back, wide receiver and the o-line. Objective analysis of any sort clearly indicates this is a poor offense. An offense not associated with a 10 win team. The Bears have been significantly humbled. The warning signs were there in 2006 but we refused to take note of them. Instead we got seduced by the defense, Devin Hester and Robbie Gould. We allowed ourselves to be convinced that Rex Grossman would develop into a quality NFL starting QB with more playing time. And we also closed our eyes to an aging offensive line and the fact that Cedric Benson is a certfied bust.
Humble pie is a bitch to swallow, especially when it is fed after only three friggin games. This team will be fortunate to get to 8 wins.
September 25, 2007
#46 Pissed Off said . . .Although theres no point to speculate cuz we just dont know at this point heres my prediction:
I want to preface this by saying I think starting Griese is the right call if only to shake things up a bit and have Rex return later this year; and everyone knows I like Rex.
I along with Jeff think Rex will start which makes me happy, right decision or not. If he isnt playing good he'll be yanked, halftime or not, if he has 2 bad series in a row he'll be out. Griese will take half the 1st team snaps this week. I am not going to speculate if or when Rex will be pulled cuz I'd like to say Rex will have his coming out game this week but I've been saying that for 2 weeks and it still hasnt happened against a bad cheifs team and a horrible Dallas secondary (who I guess did have Newman back).September 25, 2007
#47 Mike said . . .Forgot to mention another reason I think Rex will at least start is Lovie's speech on not doing anything drastic in terms of position replacement until 1/4 of the season is complete.
September 25, 2007
#48 jdawg said . . .The problem with starting Rex against Detroit is that their defense doesn't provide a legitimate test. The Lions are awful on defense. What happens if Grossman does reasonably well? Well I'll tell you what happens. Lovie Smith and certain Bears fans get seduced, for the umpteenth time, into thinking Grossman can get the job done on a consistent basis. We've been down that painful road way too many times.
Start Brian Griese. Let him get his sea legs against a lousy Detroit defense. Then cross fingers that he can be semi-effective and consistent for the remainder of the season.
September 25, 2007
#49 Phil from SATX said . . .well, we'll see what Griese can do, but the problems extend beyond the QB position. Looks like this is it for Grossman, and he leaves a different QB than when he got here.
As much as Angelo seems to be able to draft for the D, his drafts for the O have been terrible. All first round O picks, save Olsen, look like busts. Bradley, taken in the 2nd round, is our 5th WR. None of the O-line was drafted by Angelo and Olin is the only member drafted by the Bears at all.
September 25, 2007
#50 Mike said . . .You guys still aren't listening to what's coming out of Halas Hall - Griese's starting the next game. And no, it doesn't make sense to split reps - because your new starting QB needs as much practice as possible, and Rex isn't trotting in in the second half of the Lions game - that would make absolutely zero sense. Does anyone think that getting benched for a game is all Rex needs to become a good quarterback? Folks, he needs a lot more than that. I prefer to think that for all intents and purposes, the Rex regime is over - only to be resuscitated under extreme emergency duress (i.e. after it's been proven that even Bad Rex is better than the other two - this I severely doubt will or can happen).
And Mike, I'm not willing to concede those critical problems, because I believe that a true evaluation of what we have is impossible until we see a new QB at the helm. The receivers in particular may have been underachieving, not deliberately, but perhaps unconsciously because they knew that Rex was not the answer. I think they'll go the extra mile for whoever Not-Rex is under center and you'll see better things. Regarding rushing, my only concern about Benson right now is fumbling - nothing else. He may not be the second coming of anybody great, but he can be a serviceable to good back AS LONG AS HE HOLDS ON THE BALL. No turnovers from him in the next 4 games - otherwise he sits.
And Mike, saw you slipped in the "overrated" comment on defense - come on, man, you've got to be kidding me. I know you enjoy being a pessimist and being correct when you've called for bad things to happen and they do, but come on. I'll take this defense (when healthy of course) over any defense in the league, and everybody else but you would too.
September 25, 2007
#51 Mike said . . .Our defense can't stop highly capable QBs with a few weapons at their disposal. Not that any defense can keep the lid on Peyton Manning or Terrell Owens. But when I think of a truly great defense then it must be able to stop an offense in its tracks. Ala the Ray Lewis led Baltimore Ravens of a few years ago or, obviously, the 1985 Bears. Hence, the overrated label. We can argue semantics all day long.
September 25, 2007
#52 Coxy said . . .Marc Columbo (injury, but now starting for Cowboys), Michael Haynes, Rex Grossman, Cedric Benson, Mark Bradley...all early round failures in a Bear uniform.
September 25, 2007
#53 jdawg said . . .Afro - is it good? I am thinking of making the purchase of Xbox360 bc of Halo3. Let me know if it will be a solid replacement for Bears games this year.
Jk, cant not watch Bears games. But if they lose to the Lions...
September 25, 2007
#54 Phil from SATX said . . .It'll be fun to see the expression on the face of whoever the Bears draft at QB next year. Maybe we'll be able to read the "oh fuck" on their lips as they force a smile.
September 25, 2007
#55 nutjob said . . .Berrian looks like a good 3rd round pick. Don't know what happened to Bradley, he still looks good to me and can't for the life of me figure out what he did wrong. It's TOO EARLY to call Benson a bust - he may well become one, but it's too early to label him yet. Garrett Wolfe looks like a stretch, but jury is obviously out on somebody who hasn't hit the field yet.
Rex is unfortunately a bust. Airese Currie was a bust. Kyle Orton - jury's still out? Let's face it, there haven't been that many offensive picks since Angelo's been in charge.
September 25, 2007
#56 Phil from SATX said . . .It seems the injuries are not season ending serious but will kepp a couple of players out for a couple weeks. Thats good news:
From the sun times
Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (left knee), linebacker Lance Briggs (groin) and cornerback Nathan Vasher (groin) are all in jeopardy of missing Sunday's game at Detroit after they were knocked out of Sunday's loss to Dallas. None of the injuries is considered to be season-ending, but all could be out a few weeks.
Losing just one of them will limit a unit that already is without tackle Dusty Dvoracek and safety Mike Brown. Ruben Brown has a sprained left ankle and defensive end Adewale Ogunleye (right hip pointer) and cornerback Charles Tillman, who had his right ankle re-wrapped during the game, also are banged up.
September 25, 2007
#57 Max said . . .That's fantastic news. Let's see how "overrated" our defense is with Harris, Briggs and Vasher in there. And with an offense QB'd by someone competent.
September 25, 2007
#58 Phil from SATX said . . .regardless of who is at QB . . . I am gonna need alot of natty lite for this sunday morning. . . christ
September 25, 2007
#59 Phil from SATX said . . .Mike, those great Baltimore Ravens nearly always won the time of possession battle in their wins in 2000. They had a ball control offense that resulted in lopsided TOP. The defense didn't have to stay out there long. Check out the Bears in the Grossman-led offense - we are third last in the league in TOP in the first 3 games. And I'm quite sure we lost the TOP battle in the losing Super Bowl effort.
A better measure of the defense is how they've done in the first half, before the lopsided TOP takes its toll on them. And probably which helps cause all those injuries too. Bottom line, it ain't the defense's fault. They're asked to do too much.
September 25, 2007
#60 Rancid said . . .TOP in Super Bowl - 38:04 Colts to 21:56 Bears. From the NY Times: "The Colts dominated time of possession and gradually wore down Chicago's defense..."
I rest my case. This defense COULD shut down these greats if they had some help from the offense.
September 25, 2007
#61 beardown1982 said . . .Mike - So the Bears defense is overrated because you can come up with two units in the last 20+ years who were better? I think I'll take that. Healthy of course.
I think we are in for weird season. I have no predictions about anything. This is what makes being a diehard fan great.
September 25, 2007
#62 Pissed Off said . . .I completely agree in regard to our offense and its inability to hold onto the ball. Look at '06 even. Often, we either scored with a quick strike or had a short field to work with thanks to turnovers and special teams. It was rare that we had the 80 yard drives like the one we had against KC this year where we ate off a bunch of time on the clock. (that was a site of beauty...ugh) That is why, more than anything, I wanted to see more consistency out of the offense this year. At least that way, we would keep our defense fresh by moving the chains. Not asking much for them to at least get one first down every time they we have the ball this year. That was one reason I thought Benson would be a better fit for this team than TJ. He seemed to have more potential to be the grind it out style back you need to chug away and get first downs. I'd love to see the Bears truly give him 25-30 carries each game to see if that is even possible. (so far, not so much...and TJ is obviously a much better blocker and pass catcher at this point than both Ced and AP combined)
Maybe with Griese, we have a chance to hold onto the ball a bit longer. He seems to favor the underneath stuff, much more than Rex. Although, Rex hasn't exactly been airing it our this year at all...so who knows if it will make a difference. That said, the entire offense needs to improve, so it will take more than a QB change for any consistency to take place. If we can get the offense to give us at least 17 points, keep time of possession at least equal, and have no more than 1 turnover a game...I usually like our chances.
May be a mute point this week though. We will have to score some points against the Lions, especially with all of these injuries. This may be one of those weeks where we have to find a way to win...no matter how unconventional.
September 25, 2007
#63 Midway Monster said . . .Phil Im going to play devils advocate on you here. For as much as I have supported Grossman I'm a little put off by how you've deceived us into thinking you liked Rex at all. When he was winning games for us last year we heard your support but now its like you never knew the guy, trashing him, dont forget he still wears a Bears uniform. And your idea that Griese is starting is premature I think. Where have you seen it that its a lock Brian is starting, I'd love to get that source.
Also your defense of Benson is getting old. He's looked like shit thus far, face it, I have with Rex. Yes I think at this point he should continue to get reps but for how long? Until he fumbles the season away? I'm not giving up on him and I realize we need him to be the guy but just admit we need more from a #4 pick at RB. I wouldnt be surprised if AP starts this week, in fact that will be my sleeper prediction thing this week. If AP starts Ced will still get about as many carries in the game as AP but Ced wont start. Qbs are frequently busts in the 1st round, not a #4 pick though at RB.
September 25, 2007
#64 Phil from SATX said . . .Post #43: Why not give the new guy a chance to start off with a great game?
Because we are the Bears and we do not do things the right way.
--Midway--
September 25, 2007
#65 Shamen said . . .PO'd, you're wrong, there are plenty early round RB busts. Some think Ronnie Brown is a bust, who went ahead of Ced. Some probably think Reggie Bush is, who went #2 and most thought would go #1. I am willing to totally give up on Ced if he can't hold on to the ball, but we gave Rex a lot more time then we've given Ced, who has less than 5 starts under him. And the game before this he got over 100 yards. Not sure what was wrong with that effort, although everyone seems to think that one was meaningless.
But I understand what you're saying about my recent posts about Rex, although I believe I've been consistent. I supported him last year right up until the Super Bowl. Then I convinced myself to support him in the off season, and hoped for the best. I argued that bad performances in the pre-season were meaningless. I supported him somewhat after the Chargers game, which was lost by 3 turnovers that weren't his fault (although he didn't do much to help us either - witness his 50's QB rating). He had a good first half against a lower tier KC team, and then stunk it up good for no reason whatsoever in the second half - that's when I really got worried. Then came Sunday and I saw enough, and Lovie apparently saw enough too. He's gone in the wrong direction, and he's showing me nothing to suggest that things are going to change for him.
So am I happy that a change is going to be made? You're damn right I am. I want to see what happens when someone else, anyone else, takes over this offense. I don't think we realize how bad he's been, and how bad he's been for this team, even though we've been watching with our own eyes. The reason is because we've been wanting him to succeed, thereby giving him more credit for his few completed passes and excusing his horrible interceptions. But all that is meaningless now, I truly do believe it's over for him.
I know it's hard to give up on such a big investment, on someone who we pinned so many of our hopes and dreams, but surely it's time, no?
September 25, 2007
#66 jdawg said . . .So, with Harris, Briggs and Vasher likely out on Sunday, am I the only one scared we might lose a shootout? True, the Lions D is horrendous, but their Mike Martz/Jon Kitna led offense can score some points. They have 3 receivers better than our best receiver, and we couldn't stop Dallas (who only has one very good receiver and a good tight end) when we knew Dallas had given up on the run. In case you haven't noticed, Detroit leads the NFL in passing at 345 YPG. That's 45 YPG more than the freakin' Bengals, for cryin' out loud. I am hopeful we're going to score some points this week, but will it be enough?
September 25, 2007
#67 Pissed Off said . . .A ray of light.
Its possible, given Griese's style, that we could turn into an effective ball-control offense. Luckily for us he's a mature, seasoned vet who already knew how to play the position before Turner, Lovie, Wilson, etc... could get into his head and fuck things up.
Obviously developing, or spotting offensive talent (and I'm not talking Grossman here) is not a strength of either the front office or the coaching staff.
September 25, 2007
#68 jdawg said . . .Phil, I will now call you Benedict Arnold BTW, I hope Rex starts sunday just so I can tell you that you were wrong, you continue to imply Griese will start but that hasnt been made official. This is Bensons third year playing, basically no injuries. Rex has played one full year plus a handfull of other games and thats IT. (3 this year plus a handful of others b/w injury struck seasons) The leash has clearly been plenty long with Benson and its about time to call him a bust, splitting time the past two years or not, every back splits time no matter who they are so your 3 games started crap doesnt fly. I really dont hate Benson and I want him to do good but I need to give you a reality check on him and Rex since you seem to think they strung him along so long but not Benson. I think your parshall to him cuz your in Texas.
I guess I dont really care that your Benedict Arnold regarding Rex I'm just put off by it thats all. If he comes back and has a good game/season or career (which at this point is bleak) I want your ass off the bandwagon, theres no coming back on. I'm not off it yet just hanging on with one hand which may slip off this weekend. If it doesnt work out here I just hope he goes somewhere else and is successful.
And I cant believe you said we dont realize how bad he's been for this team, we went to the SB for gods sake, whens the last time that happened, and it wasnt in spite of him. I dont even know what to say to you about that, its just a stupid horrible comment. Whens the last time we went to a SB, I'll get there any way I can and Rex helped us do that, Damn are you naive or just blind. Good job Benedict. Or from now on I shall say "BA"
September 25, 2007
#69 Pissed Off said . . .no, it will not be enough.
I don't see us beating Detroit with the offense we have, or will have, and the injuries sustained on D.
Oddly enough its Detroit's secondary that really sucks, which would play to Grossman's strengths, if he could have kept it together.
September 25, 2007
#70 nutjob said . . .BTW, Reggie Bush a bust, hardly. Thats just crazy, just because a team isnt winning doesnt mean he's a bust, is Tomlinson a bust since SD is 1-2? Dumb. And Ronnie Brown, he had 3 scores and 200 yards all purpose last week, that sounds like a bust to me. Benson hasnt come close to having a big game like guys like Cadillac Williams, Brown or Bush have already had SEVERAL. Benson, none!
September 25, 2007
#71 Phil from SATX said . . .Finally an article I can really base the injury news on:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3035841
whoever said he was out for the season was just trying to get us going.
Hopefully he will be back soon
I dont want to speculate anymore:
Rex is bad and Benson is bad we should have known that when he didn't show up to camp for more money.
Anyway just bring on the lions so we can get on with this
September 25, 2007
#72 Megan said . . .For God's sake PO'd Benson had a very good year last year, do you completely forget? We were very excited about his efforts last year - sure we debated who we liked better between him and TJ but there is no doubt he had a very strong second half (which coincided with them giving him the ball). He had like one carry in the SB before he was knocked out with the fumble.
He had one good game and two sub games this year. This is his first year as the bona fide starter. It's too early to give up on him.
It's not too early to give up on Rex. And I'm sorry I'm hurting your feelings about Rex, I told you previously that I was proud of you for calling for Griese, I'm taking it back because you really don't believe it. It was a feint in that direction, that's all - you're still an unmitigated Rex Lover and always will be. I'm ready for a change.
I'm on the Bears bandwagon, not any one player. And I'll stay on. No I haven't heard definitively that Griese's starting except from Nicole's radio, it just seems very "read between the lines" to me. It seems obvious.
September 25, 2007
#73 Phil from SATX said . . .Hi all. I am still recovering. The start of this season is worse then losing the SuperBowl, in my opinion.
I am just sick to my stomach. The offense is absolutely disgusting and, as much as Rex was a disappointment, the whole FUCKING offense just reeks of something so foul, even Brett Farve wouldn't touch it.
I have been trying to keep up .
Nicole, I hope your toe is feeling better and ...Midway, got of those "rehab" tokens left?
--The fact that I actually dropped the "f" bomb should tell you how angry I still am right now with this team.
MeganSeptember 25, 2007
#74 big rob said . . .Reggie Bush: 12 carries for 38 yards, 1o for 27, 7 for 15. And he put it on the ground twice in the game against the Bucs. What's so great about that? At least Benson has a 100 yard game already in this early season, 4.2 yards/carry in that game.
No, I think you're just piling on Benson because everyone's calling for your boy's head.
September 25, 2007
#75 Nicole is broken said . . .Can I just remind everyone that is is only week 3 and we still have lots of time to improve... Let us not let the media divide and conquer the bear faithful.... Grossman will start this week contrary to all of our opinions... Lets all try to get behind this team and BEAT THESE FUCKING LIONS!!!
September 25, 2007
#76 Pissed Off said . . .Thanks for the well wishes everyone- the toe is all sorts of colors. Might color the little cast with some orange to make it a good luck charm instead of another Bear injury.
I'll keep an ear open if I hear anything off the Chicago presses but let's not get hostile. We're all fans that are excited about a winning season. GO BEARS!September 25, 2007
#77 Pissed Off said . . .BA, I was cool with your post #71 and I was going to leave it at that but now your #73 is again unwarranted. So what if Bush if off to a lousy start. He had a great rookie year with all kinds of TD and stats. LT is off to a shitty start and he must be a bust in your mind too. Dumb. Ced had a decent year last year, thats it. Still nothing compared to some of the starstudded games Bush and Brown have had that last couple of years. They have shown something with huge games, Benson has not had one. Plus Bush split carries all year last year and still had a near pro bowl season, Benson split carries and he wasnt near what Bush is/was. Comparing Benson to Bush or Brown at this point is like comparing Olandis Gary to Gayle Sayers, its just not feasable.
September 25, 2007
#78 Phil from SATX said . . .Plus I dont care about the piling on of Rex, its been going on for about a year, just on here, and I've been defending him so the piling on is nothing new. You just flip flop like some traitor even though he's still A BEAR, dont forget that and he may start Sunday. So your probably rooting for him to fail and therefore rooting for the Bears to fail too. I have said I think starting Griese is the best move, just because I dont want it to happen in my heart doesnt mean I dont think its the right move for the team. I can separate my liking for Rex and the good of the team no problem. Piling on of Rex??!!.....nothing new for me here, thats not my issue, guess I cant be surprised that you thought it was.
September 25, 2007
#79 jeff said . . .PO'd I'm not saying those guys are busts, I'm just arguing against you and everyone else out there who are already calling Benson a bust. He's had a better start to this, his first starting season, than Reggie Gold Plated Bush. And I was wrong about Ronnie Brown, I was thinking about the other Auburn guy, Cadillac Williams - he averaged 3.5 yards a carry last year with a lot more carries than Benson who averaged 4.1 yards last year (regular season).
My only point - IT'S TOO EARLY TO GIVE UP ON BENSON OR CALL HIM A BUST!
If he keeps fumbling, yes. If not, keep handing him the rock and see what happens. Fumbles aside, his career to date has not been bad enough to warrant all these calls for his head and the label of BUST.
Unfortunately he may be just enough of a fruitcake and social misfit to have already lost the support of his team and his coach - what is this I'm reading about him saying "coaching goes in one ear and out the other?"
I'm trying to be supportive here but you're not helping Ced.
September 25, 2007
#80 nutjob said . . .man, this season is going to be interesting. this team is dropping like flies.
September 25, 2007
#81 Phil from SATX said . . .More great news (Sarcastic)
YET ANOTHER BEARS STARTER IS HURT
In addition to the injuries suffered on Sunday by Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris, cornerback Nathan Vasher, and linebacker Lance Briggs, a league source tells us that safety Adam Archuleta (a sponsor of this site, but not our source) has a broken hand.
The injury occurred during the Week Three loss on Sunday night, Archuleta will play with a cast on his hand.
Harris, Vasher, and/or Briggs might not be so lucky.
September 25, 2007
#82 Pissed Off said . . .And I've never rooted for a Bear to fail ever, that's just proof of how much you have personalized the whole Rex debate. If Rex takes the field on Sunday, I'll be totally pissed at Lovie, but I'll be rooting him on along with everybody else.
Don't you get it? BEAR fan, not REX fan.
September 25, 2007
#83 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .My thoughts from Jeffs post,
We are absolutely in the meat grinder with this team right now, it is going to be interesting this year, so many questions will be answered as the season rolls on: What happens with the QB, Ced, Defense and all its injuries etc. This could be the wierdest season ever.
BA, I agree with your points on Ced #78, all of em, including the social misfit, etc. At what point do we call him a bust though? The #4 pick comes with high expectations and in order for him to called a bust doesnt neccessarily mean he has to be cut. In order for him to not be a bust I think he needs at least 1300 yards this year with several scores and a decent avg and no more GODAMN fumbles. Anything less would qualify him as a bust at a #4 pick. Not saying he cant be serviceable for years to come but as a #4 pick I expect some greatness.
And RE: cadillac williams, he had a real good rookie year, bad 2nd year last year(bucs sucked in general badly last year) and is having a good year so far this year I think. He's on the verge of being a bust too, no arguement there but no way on Brown or Bush.
September 25, 2007
#84 Phil from SATX said . . .Wow,This site has pick this team apart.Is anyone left we haven't blamed.
I'll go after the Chicago Park District,for making the Bears play on such a poorly kept field,An also the towel boy for not having fresh towels ready at the half(how dare the players have to use the same towel they used while on the field)An you know what I'm also mad at the Team Bus Driver,How dare he drive this team to Soldier Field an expect them to pay the bus fare.Now I know why Lovie said"We a running team right off the bus"
Everybody It's been a couple of days,Let last week go.We're are still going to cheer an jeer this team all season.
Let's focus good karma toward winning next week,an Nicole toe to heal.Bear Down!an Beat the Lions 1st!
September 25, 2007
#85 Megan said . . .Okay PO'd I think maybe the problem here is a difference in defining bust. If you're defining bust as not has good as projected, but still pretty good, that's different from my version of bust. That version, in running back form, is Curtis Enis. As in, out of football within a couple years of starting. That's a bust.
If we're talking about falling short of expectations, I think Ced fits that now, but even that is a little unfair because he's only gotten the ball 20 times or more in 2 games. One of those was the 100 yard game against KC.
September 25, 2007
#86 Mike said . . .DS#7 is our little ray of sunshine!
September 25, 2007
#87 Midway Monster said . . .Cedric Benson IS a bust. A bust of Curtis Enis proportion. For crying out loud, he was the # 4 pick of the 2005 draft. And this is his third bloody year in the league. He looks and runs lazy, is not an option in the passing game and can't hang onto the football. He sucks. The problem is there is nobody behind him. Adrian Peterson is overrated and not remotely qualified to be the number one back. Garrett Wolfe is a 5'7" waterbug who Angelo reached for in the draft. I saw Wolfe play for three years in DeKalb. There is no way he can withstand the physical rigors of the NFL game. At best, he will be a poor man's Dennis Gentry someday.
September 25, 2007
#88 beardown1982 said . . .Megan:
Sorry, no "rehab" tokens left. You should have entered rehab with me right after the Super Bowl. You would have received the proper therapy (such as prime evil screaming sessions) and gotten it all out of your system prior to this less than stellar start. I can tell you are upset because you used that cuss word in your post. the 'F' word was bad enough but using that dreadful "Brett Farve" cuss word- tisk tisk tisk. now that's over the edge).
Still... hang in there & focus on the bright side: We could win 3 in a row and be back on top at the end of October! (okay, so I still have some happy pills left).
--Midway--
September 25, 2007
#89 Phil from SATX said . . .Well, think of it this way...had we not picked Benson, we probably would have picked WR Mike Williams. At least Benson still has a chance of becoming a good player...I'm not giving up on him yet.
September 25, 2007
#90 Brian in Sec 430 Row 30 said . . .Mike, not listening to you. I'd take a poor man's Dennis Gentry, he was one of my all time favorite Bears. And you watching him at DeKalb doesn't make you the expert on whether he can withstand the rigors of the NFL.
"He looks and runs lazy" - wtf does that mean Mike? Are you watching his facial expressions to determine whether he is a good running back? Does a lazy back plow into people and break their bones?
He did have a good year last year, problem was he was splitting carries with TJ who had a great year himself.
3 games in as the bona fide #1 starter, Mike, 3 games in. Lighten up on the running game.
September 25, 2007
#91 Brian in Sec 430 Row 30 said . . .The one thing I thought could keep the Bears from being an elite team this year is injuries. I know we all remember the season we played in Champaign after a division title....every week we lost another key player to injury. I think it was a road game against the Bills where we lost at least 2 starters if not 3 for the season!For some reason these things come in bunches and once it starts it never really stops. I am a positive guy and 99.9% of my posts are geared toward looking at the bright side. I have to be honest, I have not posted in a while for 1 reason.....I don't see any bright side. We are headed into a critical stretch of our season against divisional opponents and we have tons of injuries and possibly a quarterback who has not started a game in 2 years. I think we could lose to the Lions, Packers and Vikings...I honestly do. The Super Bowl XLII dreams are dead, period.
September 25, 2007
#92 Nicole is broken said . . .O.K...I do have 1 positive note. While at the game against KC I brought my sweatshirt into the game. It is the new 2007 NFL hooded sweatshirt made by reebok....as you all know it is just stupid how much NFL apparel is. Anyway, I never wore it because it was so damn hot outside. Upon leaving the stadium it dawned on me.....I LEFT MY BRAND NEW SWEATSHIRT AT MY SEAT! Anyway, when I got to the game on Sunday night, there was a guy in my section holding my sweatshirt.....it's nice to be given some reason to believe in the human spirit....THANKS DUDE!
September 25, 2007
#93 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .Two thoughts for Brian:
1. That's a miracle your sweater was returned. Praise God for honest fans.
2. I work in the sports apparel industry and cannot even begin to tell you how marked up licensed items are... it's just sickening.September 25, 2007
#94 Rancid said . . .It's week 4 people,An we've already thrown in the towel.What are we Bills fans?
I didn't wait this long for the season to start,an by week 4 throw the towel in.The Bears haven't been eliminated from anything yet.
Let's look at the positives
1 the Bears seem to dress nice on Sundays
2 Ron Turner seem to be warm up there in the booth(I may add he looks a tad warm with the open neck collar look)
3 Benson at least run forward
4 No one pats Rex on the ass after a good play
5 The Bears show up on time for there scheduled game
6 There fan base is still loyal no matter what happens
7 Gould is at 100% for FG ATT
8 we're not 0-3
9 Urlacher has 3 sacks on the season
10 we have 13 more games to go.
10(tie) We play in the NFC North.
September 25, 2007
#95 Phil from SATX said . . .I'm a nice guy, I swear I am . . . but if I'd found that sweatshirt I'd be wearing it right now! Just messing with you. Great story
September 25, 2007
#96 Al in WI said . . .They're not dead, man, just not as rosy as they were. And let's remember that this year's SB quest was hinged on Rex getting better - I think we all knew if we had the same performance as last year we might GET to the SB but we wouldn't win.
Defense is still there, we'll have to suffer the next few weeks without some studs, but seriously the division foes haven't changed THAT much - maybe GB but jury is still out on them.
We got to the SB last year without either of the D starters that are out this year (assuming all of last week's injuries are temporary). It is still possible that this year's O will be ultimately better than our O from last year's playoffs.
Still possible, don't give up yet. Go Bears!
September 25, 2007
#97 Brian in Sec 430 Row 30 said . . .The NFL Network has reported that Griese will get the start on Sunday in Detroit.
I disagree with this move, though I can't fault Smith for making it, because the Bears need to do something and they have no other options that could possibly spark the team. What I don't like about this, is the implication that Rex is the scapegoat for all that has gone wrong with the Bears this season. It's not true, and it's not fair, that said he has put himself in this situation because he hasn't played as well as he can.
So, let's see what happens, though I'm not looking forward to the game this week as with out 6 starters on defense, the offense has to carry the team.........
Several top quarterbacks have gone through this and rebounded to become succesful players. Hassleback, Brees, Bulger amongst others have had this happen and have come back better players for it. I hope this is the case for Rex, as I expect he will make it back onto the field again this season.September 25, 2007
#98 Pissed Off said . . .IT'S OFFICIAL....
NFL Network reports that the bears will start brian Griese, not Rex Grossman at quarterback in Week 4 at DeTroit. Grossman has been the bears' starter for the last two seasons but has come out of the gate poorly, throwing one touchdown and six interceptions
September 25, 2007
#99 Mike said . . .Hey does anyone know where Mike went to college? Is that in DeKalb? Hey did he get to see Garret Wolfe play there?
September 25, 2007
#100 Mike said . . .Thank goodness Brian Griese gets the start in Detroit. Barring Griese getting hurt, we have probably seen Rex Grossman's last snap from center in a Bear uniform. Thank God for that.
September 25, 2007
#101 Beardown 89 said . . .In rebuttal to Pissed Off (aka the loon who walks around wearing a homemade tin foil hat), I atttended undergrad at Northern Illniois University. Graduated in the mid-80s. Season ticket holder for football. I saw three years worth of Garrett Wolfe as starting tailback at NIU.
September 25, 2007
#102 CONFIRMED said . . .Mike, Name a Bears player you actually like, either that or go back to Green Bay where your kind belongs.
Your negativity sucks.September 25, 2007
#103 AK said . . .GRIESE TO START AT DETROIT! The end of an era, uh i mean error has finally come...the rexperiment is over...Griese will take us to the promise land...lol...If not we gotta draft Brian Brohm, Andre Woodson or Matt Ryan...haha FUCK...let's start looking forward to the draft boys and girls...and start a new experiment...let the rebuilding begin...trade Urlacher while we still can! Get some first round picks for him before he leaves his prime...Our Window has just officially closed...and I barely felt a draft...err I mean breeze..lol..we're all fucked...I feel terrible to be a bears fan this year..we're the laughing stock of the league..When is Vick coming back? McNabb anyone? Anyone seen MacMahon...lol...pass me a Beer someone...oh yeah Cedric Benson pass me that joint you're smokin!!
September 25, 2007
#104 big rob said . . .http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/573632,bears092507.article
Griese to start. Rex has been sacked.
September 25, 2007
#105 Bill said . . .this is all still just speculation....hold your horsies ya'll....
September 25, 2007
#106 Tampa transplant said . . .What other changes could they make? They say the offensive line needs time together to play as a unit. So plugging one or two subs might do more harm than good. And the more I think about it, if Benson was benched because of his fumble - that may be a bit extreme. It's not like he was careless. He may even have been doen, but the replay was inconclusive. Or perhaps his forward progress was stopped and there was a slow whistle. (Though I really hate seeing guys fight for an extra 2-3 inches with 3-4 guys trying to bring them down.)
No - if we're going to win anything this year (and maybe we won't but they can't give up yet) I think the QB change is enough for now. If they can't do well against Detroit, then they have to look deeper.
September 25, 2007
#107 Jokey said . . .You douse bags will be sorry you ever asked for Greise. If Tampa threw him to the gutter & he was a failure in Miami & Denver what the hell do you think he's going to do for you. Your seasons over if you run Grossman off the field & out of town..
Chicago fans your getting worse than Philly fans
I'm a transplant in Tampa so I've seen Greise & your going to need a lot of "Dog Style" to swallow that sausageSeptember 25, 2007
#108 HesterFan23 said . . .Jeff great interview on the outsider radio link. Very insightful. Can you be a guest every week?
I do not however share your excitement to start Griese. I'd be more excited to see Orton.
September 25, 2007
#109 HesterFan23 said . . .My QB thoughts....
First of all, I've heard a lot of people, Bears fans and not, here and otherp places, say that Griese isn't the answer.
I agree and disagree.
First off, I agree because long term, he isn't the solution. We'll need to find someone.
But, to say that we shouldn't even see what Griese has to offer doesn't make much sense to me.
September 25, 2007
#110 Shady McBears Fan said . . .Well, Harris could miss a month with a knee sprain they say.
I hope Briggs can play this weekend. Williams kills our D.
September 25, 2007
#111 The Pack is Back said . . .Although I can't blame Lovie for making the move to start Griese on Sunday (assuming these reports are true), I'd rather see Rex get one last shot at redemption. I don't know what it is about the Sex Cannon (aka the Cumslinger), but when he puts it together it a thing of beauty. Those memories of 100+ passer ratings keep me wanting more from Rex.
But choosing a franchise QB is much like offering a marriage proposal (try and stick with me here). The organization needs to feel comfortable about making the right long term decision. Right now, the Bears have been courting Rex for the past couple years. Dating Rex is like dating a women with great rack and tight ass (Good Rex), but you eventually realize her smile is missing a few teeth, her breath smells like Don K. Balls and she occasionally shits the bed (Bad Rex).
I guess as a fan I've been able to look past the shit, gap tooth smile and halitosis for the tight body and great sex. But at some point, you have to take the bag off her head and sniff the sheets. Maybe one day Rex will get some dental work and perhaps pop a Mentos, but for now it's time to look for a better partner. They don't have to have a supermodel figure or give great head, they certainly need to get the job done day in and day out.
Last point. I really don't like Griese. I think it's because of the 2006 Monday night game against Green Bay. That was his opportunity to show why he should start ahead of Rex and he fucking blew it. I think if you're gonna sit Rex you gotta start Orton. I really don't want to suffer through terrible games from Griesie when you know he can't do more than manage a game. At least we know Orton won't turn the ball over (and he actually took the offseason seriously).
September 25, 2007
#112 The Pack is Back said . . .I told you last week that this would be gross-man's last year. Too bad for you guys. I really do feel sorry for the bear fans that weren't DELUSIONAL.
Remember that from last year? rex is no different now than when I was telling you last year how DELUSIONAL the fans were. He didn't BECOME this bad, he WAS ALWAYS this bad. The DELUSIONS kept people from seeing it.
It wouldn't surprise me for this to get turned around. I'd be willing to bet a small wager that the DELUSIONS will return. After all, there are still people who believe.
September 26, 2007
#113 jdawg said . . .I listened to the interview. You're wrong about GB's offense. They have a couple very young and good receivers. Actually, my expectations were extremely low this year but the receiving corp may be the best they've had in a decade. Especially considering that Robinson will be back.
I did notice that you nearly admitted agreeing with my predication for the division. GB #1, CHI #2 (wildcard). Although, I'm not so sure any more. I hope your defense isn't too banged up. I really do think they've been special. Too bad the front office can't admit their mistake with gross-man. You guys would have easily won the SB with any decent free agent from last year, or even griese.
It's too bad the bear staff's judgement is as bad as some of the blogger's here. When I showed up here last year I knew the Pack improved. (Hence my moniker.) Too many of you gave no credit to GB's defense. You insisted griese's performance was completely due to his poor play.
September 26, 2007
#114 NYBILL said . . .except for Shady's awesome-0 post the tone around here is almost like Gandalf talking about the ring of power.
We'll see what happens. Maybe Benson and the o-line can turn it up a notch and Griese turns into Dilfer (not much of a stretch).
Anyway, it has now turned into a different season.
PiB -- let's meet back here at the end of the season and see what's up. Don't you remember the 11th commandment:
What Favre giveth, he taketh away.
September 26, 2007
#115 NYBILL said . . .Did anyone watch the Grossman post game interview ? He has no confidence in himself. Griese may not be Manning or Brady but he also will not panic and throw the ball into 4 defenders and expect Moose to come down with the ball (2 catches all year). All Griese is expected to do is keep a drive going, put up some points and let the defense rest a little. Grossman needs to be benched and as far as playing for a contract ? Hey Rex practice this phrase "Welcome to McDonald's may I take your order please ? "
September 26, 2007
#116 The Pack is Back said . . .Did anyone watch the Grossman post game interview ? He has no confidence in himself. Griese may not be Manning or Brady but he also will not panic and throw the ball into 4 defenders and expect Moose to come down with the ball (2 catches all year). All Griese is expected to do is keep a drive going, put up some points and let the defense rest a little. Grossman needs to be benched and as far as playing for a contract ? Hey Rex practice this phrase "Welcome to McDonald's may I take your order please ? "
September 26, 2007
#117 CHEESY-BEEF said . . .Favre never blew the season. This is exactly the kind of BS the DELUSIONAL folks around here have been spewing for over a year. Favre has had no surrounding cast for quite some time.
Give it a rest. The Pack does not do poorly because of Favre. That's like saying MJ was the reason the bulls lost so much.
Don't be such a moron. Your idiocracy is obvious to even the casual observer that isn't DELUSIONAL.
September 26, 2007
#118 Nicole is broken said . . .DEAR MR ANGELO,
WE SEEM TO BE GETTING THROWN AROUND LIKE RAG-DOLLS. IT JUST ISN'T EASY TO DO OUR JOBS GIVEN OUR ADVANCED AGES AND ASSORTED BOO-BOOs.
MAYBE IT'S TIME TO LOOK AT THE FREE-AGENT LIST FOR SOME NEW STUDS.
REX LOOKS BAD ENOUGH WITHOUT OUR HELP .
YOUR SHITTY O-LINESeptember 26, 2007
#119 Viva said . . .Shady sounds like he dates some shady girls...
September 26, 2007
#120 Bill said . . .Pack -
Every time you post you reveal your ignorance. Keep it up, you humor me.
September 26, 2007
#121 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .I think PAck speaks a lot of truth - shaded of course with the emotion from the GREATEST rivalry in the history of pro sports.
The PAcker defense has steadily improved (by the way - how is AJ Hawk doing? I pegged him for the Pro Bowl by his third year based on his college play).
Favre is like MJ in that he seems to have changed hios game and is content with playing a ball control passing game - looking for a shot here and there. Beleive me, the way Romo passed the Bears to death, I hope Babich comes up with a better scheme.
But Pack - to be fair to Rex, he had (I think) 7 games with a greating of 100+. No outright bad QB could possibly do that. One here and there maybe, but seven in one year? No - he has talent, but suffers frommental lapses that settled into a consistant inabilty to function at a decent level.
September 26, 2007
#122 Bill said . . .Pack is Back is right, Favre has never had a stud set of receivers around him. The only legit, all world receiver he threw to was Sterling Sharpe...the others (Brooks, Freeman, Driver, et. al) became names because of the guy throwing them the ball. What kind of numbers would Berrian and Moose have with Favre throwing to them?
Was Walter great because of his talent or because he had a stud offensive line around him? If I remember correctly, it wasn't until towards the twilight of his career (1984 on) that he had some good linemen around him.
No, sorry. Favre never was the reason for the a lack of success in GB, he was the reason we had hope, much like the Bears do with the strength and talent of their players on defense.
The Bears offensive problems are deeper than Rex Grossman. Take a look at what Ron Turner did before his current position. Jeez, don't you people remember that he took a solid Big Ten program and planted it in the basement? And they want this guy to be in charge of the offense?
September 26, 2007
#123 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .Oh, by the way:
GREEN BAY SUCKS!!
September 26, 2007
#124 Rancid said . . .Bill,
Did you just come up with that comment now? Or did you think of it yesterday, write it down, and wait for the right time to post it?
Chicago is the windy city, so I guess the Bears blow.
Touche.
September 26, 2007
#125 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .Isn't there a Packers blog? I usually am fine with the Packers who post here because they offer their differing view of the Bears. The last few posts have been all details about the Pack. I don't care. I don't want to read a history of Favre's receivers, or hear about him being compared to MJ. I don't care. The Grossman to Griese switch is finally happening, Pro-Bowl injuries are happening everywhere, and when I check in here I end up reading 3 paragraphs of Packers History. Keep it to the Bears or blog elsewhere. That's not what I come here to read
September 26, 2007
#126 Bill said . . .You're right Rancid.
Which week will they start asking for Kyle Orton to spark the offense?
September 26, 2007
#127 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .i've been a Bears fan my whole life, which is over 50 years. I I love the rivalry, so forgive my Packer posts. (And GB Sucks was meant light-heartedly, for now at least! A week from Sunday, it's a different story.)
Want some Bears history? How about the QB competion between Bob Avelini and Virgil Carter? That's the first one I remember, though I was following them during the Rudy Bucich (sp?) and Bill Wade competition.
September 26, 2007
#128 allen said . . .Well said Bill, and I respect your Bears loyalty.
I hold my Pabst high for you.
Put your Old Style on ice, and have fun on Sunday.
September 26, 2007
#129 allen said . . .Even as bad as rex has played there still are advantages to him over greise.we know he can throw the long ball. And the truth is that alot of his problems are do to bad pass blocking, this is magnafied by his inability to scramble or handle pressure in the pocket.truth is when he has the right pass blocking he can compete with anyone in sheer throwing. the question is , is it worth putting more resources(playing time) into coaching him to make the decisions better and quicker or learning to move his ass witch may not ba able to be taught.ifhe learns these skills it will have been worth the wait. I would say to start griese on sunday and if the game is not on the line ,put him in.Make a timeline and benchmarks for when we need to see results if he doesnt meet them he's gone
September 26, 2007
#130 Max said . . .Even as bad as rex has played there still are advantages to him over greise.we know he can throw the long ball. And the truth is that alot of his problems are do to bad pass blocking, this is magnafied by his inability to scramble or handle pressure in the pocket.truth is when he has the right pass blocking he can compete with anyone in sheer throwing. the question is , is it worth putting more resources(playing time) into coaching him to make the decisions better and quicker or learning to move his ass witch may not ba able to be taught.ifhe learns these skills it will have been worth the wait. I would say to start griese on sunday and if the game is not on the line ,put him in.Make a timeline and benchmarks for when we need to see results if he doesnt meet them he's gone
September 26, 2007
#131 Midway Monster said . . .Well shit, I go to work and come back and everything and everybody has gone crazy.
Ok, my points:
1) I am still on the Sexy Rexy Bandwagon. At least until he starts another game and sucks. That could be week 6 or never depending on how Griese plays.
2) I do like the switch but I don't. Griese had one Pro Bowl year. He has also had 5 years of throwing the same amount or more INTs than touchdowns. Plus he is like thirty something. He is not the long term answer at QB for this team. AND THAT JUST PISSES ME OFF.
I realize, and i know this sounds drastic, but we need to salvage this situation before it gets out control. Does Griese give us the best chance to win now? Possibly. Some would argue probably. Many would argue yes without a moments hesitation. Is Griese the Bears QB for the next 4 or 5 years. I say no. And thats where all of these arguments lay. (i know, they mainly center round Rex, but try and follow me here)
On one side we have a QB who is an experienced player. He gives us a good shot at winning games now. If we make the playoffs, and some of our pro bowl defensive players come back, we may even have another shot at going to the Super Bowl.
On the otherside, we AGAIN have no long term answer at quarterback. . . Griese is a quick fix. That was why we signed him, in case Rex got hurt (orginally thats why we signed him). We have the immortal Kyle Orton backing him up. He COULD be the long term answer. I am not saying he is or will be, but he could be. And if no one from our roster, then what?? Draft?? God i hope not. And that takes us back to square one. QB carousel (i think i spelled that wrong)
3) Benson is not a bust yet. If he keeps fumbling the ball, then maybe. I still say A.P is not a bad option as the number 2, but Ced has had, what like, 4 games as the main running back (TJ missed a game last year didnt he?) regardless, hes not a bust yet. The first 2 years were split carries so its hard to gauge. He has until week 8 to prove to me he doesnt have a fumbling problem and week 10 or 11 to prove to me he can carry the load. Then we can talk about a possible bust.
This is the NFL people, instant gratification is hard to come by. . . . and thats all i got
(watch, i write all this, and then Jeff is gonna post something new and none of yall are gonna read it. . . god)
BEAR DOWN. . . NOW . . . please???
September 26, 2007
#132 Nate... said . . .*** ****
FOR SALE
*** ****One slightly used Grossman home jersey. size M. $5 OBO.
--Midway--
September 26, 2007
#133 Nate... said . . .I'm either really hungover or slightly drunk at work. Either way, it's making for a long day. (been at work for 11 minutes and it feels like 4 hours)
September 26, 2007
#134 Nicole is broken said . . .I'm either really hungover or slightly drunk at work. Either way, it's making for a long day. (been at work for 11 minutes and it feels like 4 hours)
September 26, 2007
#135 The Pack is Back said . . .Midway I'll take that jersey-
September 26, 2007
#136 beardown1982 said . . .Griese is too old for the bears? Hmmmm.... I was going to suggest that Peyton Manning could turn this team around but I guess he's to old also.
Yes, groos-man has had some really great stats. So? Most of the tough games, when you really need a good qb, like the last game, he folds. Sure, when the D is doing great and winning the game all by itself, gross-man's blind throws deep pays off because the other team can't afford to play it safe, they are down and need to take chances. EVERY TIME rex is down, he throws it up for grabs. SOMETIMES the gamble works, hence stats are up. Good rex/Bad rex is simply gamble worked/gamble didn't work. DAH.
September 26, 2007
#137 allen said . . .Pack, Grossman has clearly been a bust. You are right about that. Should the change have been made sooner? Yes, with this defense and special teams, it probably should have.
Still, I disagree with your assertion that Bear fans have been so DELUSIONAL about this whole situation. You must understand though, last year was his first full season as starter. Injuries have kept us from having ANY idea of what this guy could bring to the table. Of course, after his hot start last year, can you really blame a fan base who has been looking for a franchise QB since forever for maybe giving the guy a longer look than we probably should have? Shit, look at Favre with the Falcons, they gave up on him to soon and he made a lot of the same dumbass mistakes that Grossman makes now back then. And now, we are back to square one yet again in regard to our quarterback situation...not exactly an ideal place for a team that had super bowl asperations this season.
Not to mention, our alternatives have been Kyle Orton, who until this summer, didn't show any dedication to the game whatsoever. And Brian Griese, who has been on multiple teams and was supposidely outplayed by Orton in training camp. Not exactly a great plan B or C. Although, anything at this point is better than plan A granted, but that was something we were going to have to find out in order to move forward as a franchise.
From what I've watched, the Bears would still probably be 1-2 regardless of who started our first three games. Grossman has been terrible, but the entire offense has been bad. If Favre was on the Bears right now, I guarantee you his number wouldn't be that great at this point either.
Anyways, I agree that perhaps a change should have been made earlier...and that the coaching staff handled this whole situation very stupidly by not opening up the competition at any point. But to blame Bears fans for thinking Grossman might actually be something, is a bit much.
September 26, 2007
#138 allen said . . .you have to give a new QB a chance to get some rythem, over all between that and the couple of good starts i think lovie has been about right with how hes handeled the rex situation and by the way what do you mean orton hasnt shown dedication? anyway who says griese cant be last years jeff garcia(i think thats his fist name)for the eagales i.e. an established back up who can come in and get the job done semi-temparary
September 26, 2007
#139 Jacob Rosen said . . .and by the Max i think your being a tad too optimistic about benson Face it hes a Bust. the bears made another stupid QB/RB draft decision
September 26, 2007
Just wanted to let you know that we referenced you on the Blog Buzz section of the NBCSports NFL website.
http://www.nbcsports.com/blogbuzz
Let me know if you have any questions. Keep up the great coverage.
September 27, 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.