These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman... (Thomas Paine)
The see-saw began with 13:14 left in the 4th Quarter. My heart dropped to the floor as Griese threw into the arms of Keith Smith for a Lions TD. I was down and out... and then- Devin Hester returns the ensuing kick off 97 yards. My heart returned into my chest. And then... well… you know the rest. We're 1-3, and things look rather dismal.
I guess at this point we have a choice. We can use our left leg and start kicking BG while he is down (Obviously we can't use our right leg because it's sore from kicking Rex all week) - or we can hang in there. I for one am not ready to mail in the rest of the season nor abandon the team. I plan to stick with them through think and thin- and yeah, things are thin. Patience is what is needed.
Today we are dismayed. We can analyze the finer points of the game plan (or rehash the old ones).
But let me leave you with one thought. Even if this season is going to be less than best; tomorrow's dawn brings with it that annual life event that's more significant than one's birthday: It'll be Packer week! Heck, beating the Pack may just be the season.
--Midway--
#2 ron - not a rex hater - but not a Griese lover said . . .Bring on the Pack and lets get this thing right
September 30, 2007
#3 HesterFan23 said . . .Bad/Sad day. recievers dropping passes have made me sick to my stomache...
Lets get these guys to catch some balls.
September 30, 2007
#4 Jimbo said . . .Griese didn't do horrible. That interception for a TD killed, but the one interception was Berrian's fault in my opinion.
The defense did a great job the first half, but without Vash and Peanut, they threw all over in the second half.
I thought the play calling was a little better, but we didn't run enough. Griese throwing 50+ times seemed to much.
I did see Bradley in the game, but we didn't throw to him, and why is Gillmore in over Olsen?
September 30, 2007
#5 Superbowl Hangover said . . .Darrly Drake, our wide receivers can't catch footballs.
Welcome to the hotseat. I hope you don't stay long.
Go Bears. Here's to 1-0 against the Pack.
September 30, 2007
#6 Al In Wi said . . .I told you Midway. You couldn't handle the truth. The Bears are terrible, and have the same offense no matter who the QB is. Can't run, can't block, can't catch, and oh yeah, can't throw over 8 yards down the field.
September 30, 2007
#7 Viva said . . .Blame Griese, we lost by 10 points!! He threw 2ints inside the 10 yard line and one came back for a TD. That's 13 points ladies.
Stupid fucking decision Lovie!!!
Start Grossman!!!!!!!!!!!!September 30, 2007
#8 HesterFan23 said . . .I won money.
September 30, 2007
#9 said . . .The thing is, Grossman wouldn't have moved us down the field at all.
Yeah, Griese had that interception inside the 10, and the other one ran back, but the one other one was Berrian's fault.
September 30, 2007
#10 Jimbo said . . .Early results from Trib poll...
Okay, so Griese threw three picks and the Bears travel to undefeated Green Bay next week. What now?
25.9% - Back to Rex -- He's 3-0 in Lambeau (21 responses)
33.3% - Kyle Orton -- He's 10-5 as a starter (27 responses)
24.7% - Stick with Griese -- He'll turn it around (20 responses)
16.0% - Sign a free agent -- Any free agent (13 responses)
81 total responses
I'm for sticking with BG. What say the peanut gallery?September 30, 2007
#11 Viva said . . .I posted #9.
September 30, 2007
#12 Viva said . . .Griese looked like a QB who hasn't started in over 2 years runnning an ofense that is desperatley limited because he lacks the arm strength to stretch the field, or even threaten to stretch the field.
September 30, 2007
#13 Jimbo said . . .Can Devin QB?
September 30, 2007
#14 Starbuck said . . .Here's the top 10 seniors projected for '08. Yes, it's time to start talking about the draft.
1. Chris Long DE Virginia
2. Glenn Dorsey DT LSU
3. Andre Woodson Jr. QB Kentucky
4. Jake Long OT Michigan
5 Sedrick Ellis DT USC
6. Samuel Baker OT USC
7. Quentin Groves DE Auburn
8. Gosder Cherilus OT Boston Coll.
9. Brian Brohm QB Louisville
10. Adarius Bowman WR Okla. StateSeptember 30, 2007
#15 Megan said . . .Some things never change. The O Line is spent and our alleged "premiere" running back is suspect. Without a running game, the Bears are dunbar. Bears should have beefed up the O Line in the last off season...
September 30, 2007
#16 Northside Superfan said . . .Midway,
You're a better man than I.. well, you know what I mean.
I was fortunate in the fact that I couldn't watch the game. Otherwise I think that some profanites would be littering my post.
I'm not calling this year a wash but boy o boy, it shore don't look very goooood.
I am still a Bears fan, I still think that we have the right ingredients to make this a good season, we are just missing something. Play calling? Stick'em? A QB?
Thanks for keeping things positive.
Yours Always In Blogdom,
MeganNice writing BTW
September 30, 2007
#17 jdawg said . . .What the hell just happened? It looked like some how, some way, our bruised and battered defense was going to lead us to another victory. I guess they just got worn out. I was surprised that it took Detroit until the fourth quarter to realize that they could exploit the secondary with that spread offense, but they got it and it killed us. Oh, also our quarterback threw three picks that killed us, but thats not really news, is it?
I say we stick with BG--plus it doesn't matter what we think because Lovie is going to for at least a few weeks anyway. I think he'll pull it together and give us some decent games.
As for the rest of the offense...it was not pretty. The O-line was a disgrace, and unlike the past few weeks, the pass-blocking was as bad as the run blocking. Fred Miller needs to be replaced...not after this season, but now. Benson didn't show much, and seeing them go to Garrett Wolfe for most of the first half sure didn't make it look like the coaching staff has much confidence in the guy.
Speaking of which, I don't think this was a very well coached game. First of all, why did they burn 10 seconds off the clock for no reason with 1:12 left in the game? Second, why was Greg Olsen not worked into the game at all? By my count he was in there for one play, and there were plenty of situations (like the two red zone interceptions) where a tall athletic tight end would have been useful.
The season isn't totally lost yet, but this is getting ugly. And I haven't even gotten into what's gonna happen in the offseason...the signs there are pretty bad too.
Hey, at least Devin Hester is awesome.
September 30, 2007
#18 DisplacedBadger said . . .Did TJ really mean that much to this team?
Fuck our receivers suck.
Feels like the off-season has already started.
This game was gift wrapped.
September 30, 2007
#19 StartOlsen said . . .... Griese has only been the starting QB since last week Wednesday. The true test will be next week.
September 30, 2007
#20 Brian said . . .the sky is falling
the sky is fallingwith the 4th pick in the 2008 NFL draft,
The Chicago Bears select....September 30, 2007
#21 BearFan in ColtLand said . . .It's all Lovie's fault. I never thought it was really him till after today's game when I tuned in to the postgame show. He said he will not change the way his team practices but call more on his players. The problem with the Bears is execution. Plain and simple. If you are not executing most of the game and getting burned in the 4th quarter and DON'T change the way you practice, how will you ever improve? It's a recipe for disaster.
September 30, 2007
#22 Pissed Off said . . .Thank you, Starbuck, for pointing out that the O-Line is where our problems on offense start (16 sacks allowed so far? Peyton Manning was sacked 14 times all of last regular season). I too was disappointed to see yet another draft go by where shoring up the O-Line was all but ignored.
I was also sorry to see TJ let go and the feature back job handed to Benson (surprised he didn't fumble that too). Are the balls slicker this season or what? Our receivers can't seem to get a grip on the ball either.
I don't care if Sid Luckman were QB-ing this offense; it's so full of holes that unless our over-taxed and banged-up D can hold opponents to less than 12 to 14 pts per game, we won't even be .500 this year, let alone repeat as NFC North & Conference champs.
And where are those fans who were screaming for Griese to replace Rex? Yeah, that move had a positive impact. Does BG understand the concept of throwing in front of the receiver? I truly believe Orton could have made a better showing. So how long are we going to stick with INT v2.0 before we make another QB switch?
September 30, 2007
#23 Mike said . . .Devin Rules, the D was awesome despite how I thought they would be without so many key players, mainly in the secondary.
Do I even have to say it? Really? With Rex we win that game, did you see Rex's stats vs the Li0ns? Ok then. Not to mention I'm pretty sure I heard Lovie say that he wouldnt be making any drastic moves until 1/4 of the season, which would be after this game......should've left Rex in there. And those of you who thought I'd come on here and rip ButtGriese, you were right, he sucks.
Anyway can we now put some blame on Turner or Lovie or fucking Berrian or Benson (fumbling like a little girl every damn game). News flash, it wasnt all Rex's fault. I sure see us getting to and winning the SB with BG dont you?
September 30, 2007
#24 Mike said . . .The 2007 is over. The Bears will be lucky to get to 7 wins. Two weeks ago the blind were predicting supremacy in the NFC. The offensive line is God-awful. Cedric Benson IS A BUST.
Draft needs??
QB
RB
OL - 3 OR 4
WR
LB
SIt's back to rebuilding time, BEARS STYLE !!!
September 30, 2007
#25 Don K. Balls said . . .The 2007 is over. The Bears will be lucky to get to 7 wins. Two weeks ago the blind were predicting supremacy in the NFC. The offensive line is God-awful. Cedric Benson IS A BUST.
Draft needs??
QB
RB
OL - 3 OR 4
WR
LB
SIt's back to rebuilding time, BEARS STYLE !!!
September 30, 2007
#26 Midway Monster said . . .This offense is bad, bad, bad. The defense can't stop anybody. Brian Griese did okay considering he hasn't started since his stint in Tampa Bay. We're staring at 3-13 or 4-12. Green Bay is going to crush our testicles next Sunday. e.
October 1, 2007
#27 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .You're right- Hester is a gem. The guy is just plain exciting and such a weapon.
I don't know what to say about the O. I can only imagine with the leadership we have on this team that at team meetings the obvious is laid out.
Obviously we need something to charge us and get the ship turned around.
Stay with this team. I know things seem dark but there is still a lot of football. Who knows, maybe we'll see 54 knoeck 4's block off next week.
--Midway--
PS - Thanks for the leadership from "da ole faithful" on this blog. Keep posting and lets not aloow this site to be a gripe blog.
October 1, 2007
#28 JL said . . .Bearfan in Coltland: It's painful here in Indy, huh?
October 1, 2007
#29 said . . .The Good:
1) We're not Mets fans
2) Brian Griese did some really good things today...
3) In 2005, we started 1-3 and ended up winning our division with an 11-5 record
4) Adrian Peterson (MIN) is on my fantasy team
5) Statistically we have the 2nd easiest schedule this seasonThe Bad:
1) We're Cubs fans
2) ...including some amazing Rex Grossman impersonations
3) In 2005, Daunte Culpeper and Joey Harrington we're starting QBs in our division
4) Adrian Peterson (CHI) is on my fantasy team...as is Cedric Benson
5) Statistically we're 1-3 and our easy schedule includes Oakland...who's 2-2October 1, 2007
#30 Al In Wi said . . .How is having a statistically easier schedule going to make us better? sure our record will LOOK better but IF we hit the playoffs, well, you do the math.
AND, I could care less about your fantasy picks. As stated before on this blog site, fantasy crap is left off of here for the most part.BG is a band-aid. Our offense is a mess. The team has it in them but they are not performing to their best, coaching is (to put it mildly) off and our defense has a long season ahead of them.
I am not smelling what you are cooking there, JL.
Megan
October 1, 2007
#31 Scuba Man said . . .I'm with you Po'd, as much as this season sucks, and hurts for that matter. It's going to be fun taking on some tards who blamed everything that ever went wrong the last two seasons on Rex. Guess what, it's the players around the quarterback who deserved to be benched.
October 1, 2007
#32 Phil from SATX said . . .I told ya all. Not enough of that electrolyte powerhouse, otherwise known as The Gatorade.
Lions and Bengals and Bears... oh my.
October 1, 2007
#33 Viva said . . .Sucked, didn't it? However, I can say that this loss felt a lot less painful than last week's beatdown. I was definitely more prepared for it.
Here's the thing - we weren't going to win this game, the pissabears were realists. It wasn't going to happen with Grease starting his first game and our entire starting secondary (when measured from the beginning of the season) 0ut. And as bad as the third Greasy pick was (positively Rex-esque) we still have the Miraculous Devin Hester spotting us yet another 7 and we're up 20-17. That's when it all began unraveling, because let's face it - there wasn't much defense left on the field. The bodies were simply not there. Two drives in succession with long passes and TDs. Game over.
Here's what I think about Griese - he looked much more competent out there than Rex, and his arm looked MUCH weaker - every pass, even short ones, had a little arc on it. I am shocked at how visible it was, and it definitely led to some INTs - the ball just took slower to get there. So for that reason, he proved to me he won't be a long term solution for the Bears. Big news there. But he still looked competent to me, and the dumpoff pass was thrown very well for the most part. (Hey Mike, the downside of CB's game aside, you didn't see any silly drops now did you? CB can catch the ball, if nothing else). Yes we'll stick with Griese for at least a few more.
The most disappointing thing I saw in the game was the horrid play of our #1 and #2 receivers. Berrian has singlehandedly turned his story around from up and coming star receiver to Mr. Bricksforhands. He apparently can't catch. And fucking Moose is done. He can't catch, he's lazy, and he doesn't fight hard enough against interceptions. Max's boy had a good night, and the running backs were probably the best story in the receiving game. Fucking get Bradley out there, you stubborn bastards, will you? Let's see if he has hands, because your #1 and #2's don't. And where was Greg Olsen? And more passes to the Mr. Clark, who can still catch?
How about Israel freaking Idonije? 2 blocks? Special teams is bringing it, the defensive line is bringing it, Urlacher is bringing it, that's about it. Oh, kudos to Brandon McGowan, he looked pretty good at safety.
I'm really disappointed in no defensive turnovers. That's something very different this year than last. Great pass rush, but it's not converting to INTs or fumbles.
Nice long post, huh? Oh well, on to next week. GOT to have some defensive starters back, or we may not win any games this year. I'll still be watching, and cheering, and hoping, every game. GO BEARS!
October 1, 2007
#34 Bill said . . .The Bears are in quicksand. Panic will suffocate.
I can't stand Jay Mariotti. If you were a halfway decent free agent QB would you come to Chicago and have to be critiqued by that pantywaist on a daily basis? Or possibly get booed on your home field after a subpar performance in a fucking preseason game, because Soldier Field has been taken hostage by a large number of alleged fans that have the emotional disposition of a 12 year old girl experiencing her first menstral cycle?
October 1, 2007
#35 Viva said . . .I haven't had the time to read through the comments; I'll try to tomorrow. I've been working insane hours- and missed the Vubs clinching but managed to see today's game.
My only impression is that we celarly are NOT a playoff team. How that can happen in such a short time is not my problem. We sit here complaining to each other about blaming Rex or not blaming Rex or the line or the receivers etc. We end up "yelling" at ourselves -
But it's up to the management and the coaches to figure things out. I don't care how bad the players are or what players are bad - it's up to management to get the right players and the coaches ot put them in the right positions.
How the hell can a defense so banged up do so well - ONLY TO HAVE THE QB GIVE IT RIGHT BACK FOR A TD??
It's like they're saying "OK D - get it back - we'll try better next time."
BULLSHIT! If Buddy Ryan were the D-coordinator he'd be SCREAMING at Lovie "put SOMEONE in there who can avoid that crap". My GOD - how can they keep strapping on their helmets with 5-7 starters out and put up with that crap??
It's tiem to take control of the team Lovie. If Benson isn't trustworthy enough to play him - if he has to be benched every game - then cut him. NOW!! You've got a long contract - make a statement. Tell Angelo he screwed up - period.
OK - that's long enough.
October 1, 2007
#36 Chris said . . .Bye the way, yanking Rex was pure panic.
The two games we lost with Rex at the helm were to teams that have former Bear coaches who know the
Bears as well as they know themselves. (Ron Rivera / Wade Wilson)Being out-coached in the second half of football games is the common denominator in all of our loses.
October 1, 2007
#37 Augie said . . .This isn't a superbowl team.
This isn't a playoff team.
This isn't a winning team.
Lets face reality.... the Bears are the worst team in the NFC North.
They will probably have 4-5 wins this year, and will probably finish last in the division.
I will be supporting them, but lets be real...
October 1, 2007
#38 Bill said . . .Lovie, It's great that you are a quiet man but it's time to chew some people's asses out up above and in the locker room!
October 1, 2007
#39 Justin said . . .Viva -
Good points. But I'm not sure they were outcoached in the second half today as much as the defense was (understandably) worn down and the offense didn't do anything to help them. The offesne left too many points on the field; realistically, they shoudl have scored 2 more TDs and not given up the pick 6. That adds up to 21 points in a ten point game. Even with FGs we still win. That's not the coaches.Olsen may well have been out becuase of the turf. Too hard on his knee. But why bother throwing to Gilmore?
And I have to restrain myself over the incredible ineptitude of Benson.
October 1, 2007
#40 said . . .Everyone is freaking out...forget about the playoffs people...that's not until January...focus solely on Green Bay and Minnesota...if we can win these two games the season is back on track at 3-3...if we lose both or even one of these games, then yes, start screaming cause then it's over...I don't believe this season is over until we play all of our first division games..we ain't coming back from 1-5...but 3-3 is manageable 2-4 is probably not impossible to come back from but not probable also...alright, I'm out take it easy
October 1, 2007
#41 HesterFan23 said . . .PO'ed, here's a quote from you on the 9/25 post...
"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."
Here's you today...
"Not to mention I'm pretty sure I heard Lovie say that he wouldnt be making any drastic moves until 1/4 of the season, which would be after this game......should've left Rex in there."
Which is it PO'ed?
Let me preface... you're a moron.
Actually, that's all I got. Peace.
October 1, 2007
#42 Bill said . . .This is when we find out who the real fans are, and who the ones are who jumped on when they made the SuperBowl last season.
People saying this isn't a playoff team after three weeks? Saying we're the worst team in the NFC North?
We've proably had the most injures out of all teams in the NFL as far as the staure of the guys getting hurt.
If we beat the Pack this next week, things turn around from there. Then, we'll get Minnesota and Oakland.
The best news we got today was Harris playing IMO, he was supposed to be out 1 month, and was the worst injury, but he played.
Next week we should (hopefully) get more guys back.
We can't give up on Griese now, he actually moved the ball. Yeah, he made mistakes, but you didn't expect that when he hasn't started in 2 years?
Come on people, lets have some faith. The last two seasons have been easy to root for this team, they've been great.
When a team is down is when you really find out about them and the fans.
October 1, 2007
#43 JL said . . .If you follow football long enough, you somehow get a sense for the team based on reality versus potential.
I felt very bad after the KC game; I figured something was really wrong or at least different with the Bears this year versus last.
All I can say is that feeling is coming true.
Now - what lies ahead? These guys are pros and have a lot of pride. They will win some upsets yet this year - and winning in GB is not out of the question by any means. The PAckers are young and feeling full of themselves right now. This coudl be aq trap game for them.
But so what? We're 3 games out. And the reality is we dont' have the same talent level we had last year. RB is a weaker position; the O-line is weaker due ot age; receiver is weeker due to age, the mystery of Bradley not playing, Berrian taking a step backward (which coudl yet change) and the puzzling inabilty to actually USE Hester on offense somehow.
And the D is hurting. But they may get healthy. I'm glad Tommiw Harris seems OK.
Still - it adds up to a few more disppointing losses, a few that they win that we expect, and maybe one or two upsets. Overall - 8 and 8 is my prediction now.
I've been a Bears fan for over 40 years. I want them to do better - but it's dumb ot blindly think/hope they are a playoff team UNLESS something unexpected changes.
October 1, 2007
#44 Bill said . . .Here's a number - 16.6 - that's the number of carries Benson is averaging in each of our 3 losses. Here's another number - 24 - that's the number of carries he had against KC. We all know that Benson is a RB who gets better as the game goes on and he wears people down. Benson needs 20-25 carries a game if we're going to have a shot at winning. Here's another number - 52 - number of pass attempts for Brian Griese. If you throw it 52 times, 3 INTs is an inevitability.
Hard to judge the O-Line by only listening to the game but it seems like Ruben Brown and Garza got knocked around again. We signed Terrence Metcalf to a big extension before last season - maybe it's time we let him earn his paycheck.
On the bright side, Tommie Harris stayed healthy and was effective. With Tillman and Briggs back next week the playmaking (or "stick 'em" as Megan would call it) should return.
October 1, 2007
#45 Heywood Jublomey said . . .Hester23 - and others:
I apologize for saying it's "dumb" to think they are a playoff team. Way too strong and out of bounds. I'll take a 15 yarder on that unsportsmanlike conduct.October 1, 2007
#46 Rancid said . . .Regardless of an individual's perception, the Bears just don't have an offense. That's all there is to it.
October 1, 2007
#47 AfroCelt said . . .1. They're the Bears, I love 'em even when I hate 'em.
2. I agree with JL on the Benson deal. He needs more carries to hopefully prove he can wear down a defense. We threw way too much today BEFORE we were behind.
3. I say stick with BG unless playoffs are out of reach. At that point we should switch to Orton.
4. I haven't been happy with a game all season. I want a big smile next week. It is Packer week, and this is the one we need to win.
October 1, 2007
#48 CAK said . . .I'm starting to dread the Monday after the pack game already...
Why is it that the Packers fans "dont care" when the Bears whip them and then shout in glee when they beat the same Bears? It's all over the GB news media here...I had the sense prior to this season that htey hated the Vikings most of all.
October 1, 2007
#49 Packer Fan said . . .Like #28, JL, said we were 1-3 in 2005. We just still are expecting to see what we saw last year. The thing is we don't have last year's team. There are many problems, but I think as we start to get back the hurt guys, things will turn around. Even though we lost, we were in this game until late in the 4th and while we lost, thats a good thing. Lets just settle down and break Brett's arm next game so he'll finally retire.
October 1, 2007
#50 CAK said . . .AfroCelt,
You're right. Our rivalry with the Vikings is a hated and bitter one. Our rivalry with the Bears is much more friendly. Don't get me wrong, we'll never be disappointed with a win over the Bears. But, if given the powers of God, we could guarantee 2 wins over the Bears or 2 wins over the Vikings, many of us, myself included, would take the guarantee to beat the Vikings twice.
This stems from a few different things. Throughout the 90s, the Vikings were the thorn in Green Bay's side when trying to win the division. That naturally creates a bitter rivalry. But on top of that, the Metrodome is the most hostile place Green Bay plays. Viking fans are classless assholes who go as far to pick fights with Packer fans inside the Metrodome. Bear fans have more class and better sportsmanship,thus, keeping the rivalry more friendly. Don't feel the need to change that either. Even Minnesota media has no morality. Two radio DJ's paid a woman to call into the station and falsely claim she had an affair with Brett Favre. Chicago media has much more respect than that.
So, there you go. A little low down on why many of us hate the Vikings more than the Bears.
October 1, 2007
#51 You daddy said . . .To Packer Fan, thats very true. When I go to the games and tailgate, there are always Bears Fans saying we hate the Packers and people have props and posters, etc. However, in the stands, everyone is friendly and we insult each other with smiles. Just like my comment above. I like Brett, I just don't like the Packers in general. I'm happy that he broke the Carrer TD record, but let's have the Bears prevent him from getting anymore...
October 1, 2007
#52 You'll get served said . . .Wow, you guys look great! Only 3 INTs, not bad, not bad. Have a fun week of whining before getting clocked by the Pack.
By the way, you should scout some high school football games; you might find a decent QB to start for you next week.
October 1, 2007
#53 Phil from SATX said . . .Get ready for a season-killing loss next Sunday night boys and girls! Favre will throw for 400 yards and 4 TDs against your secondary. The only question will be: How many INTs will your Hall of Fame QBs throw?
October 1, 2007
#54 Pissed Off said . . .I totally appreciate the positive comments this morning - no, not delusional, just positive. I think that was a really strange game, which was apropos for the strange circumstances going into that game - QB change, all these defensive starters out, rookies suiting up. And still the Bears had a lead throughout most of this game, and were holding the high-flying Lions down.
The failure of the offense is really the story of this season - not the injury-depleted defense. In fact, that defense needs to be lauded as heroes - or at least as 3/4 heroes (literally, as three quarters is about as long as these guys can make it). No, the offense is the story - and the plot has been well told here - O line is a DISASTER, QB's are a DISASTER, receivers are a DISASTER, and RBs are a DISASTER.
What does that leave? Not much. It's easy to want to blame the OC, and I guess I do. I still can't understand why the tight ends are so underused, when it should be a principal strength of this offense. I still can't understand why there hasn't been 1 reverse ran to Devin Hester all year. What is he waiting for? To unwrap a surprise in the Super Bowl? One that DH will be watching from his humongoscreen in his mansion?
I hereby concede a point. No, it's not the Rex/Griese point, I did think our QB position looked better than in any other game this year. No, it's about Benson. He IS a bust. I said, one more fumble and he gets sat, and he had one more fumble. Plus he looked like crap at the beginning of the game. Problem with Benson is, who are you going to go to? But I am very disappointed in this guy - he obviously is not ready to be the star running back. In tandem with a guy like TJ, that worked. This doesn't. Bust.
I honestly think that there should be new starters on offense next week, if only to make a point (meaning the other guys get to play, just not start). Elevate Bradley, think about making room for Mike Hass. Anyone who wants to make a case that they can catch a ball, even after they get hit (because let's face it, Berrian, you have to factor in getting hit - it doesn't help catching it only to have a corner knock it out of your hands at first contact - shades of Justin Gage). Go ahead and start AP at running back. Start Des Clark - oh, my bad, you did, you just won't throw to him. And bench some of those bleeping O linemen.
If we don't string some wins together, we are going to waste an incredible year by DH and the special teams. And if we don't put some offense together, this brave, depleted defense is going to continue to look like crap in the 4th quarter of every game. And another year of the great #54 wasted.
Time to Bear down. Packer Week.
October 1, 2007
#55 Phillip said . . .I am with you Al, I'm going to enjoy ripping the idiots who think or thought Griese is the answer, even if he somehow manages to come up with a game that isnt horrible like yesterday. He wont ever again statistically have a game like Rex had the first part of last season. This offense is bad, really bad. Griese looked so imcompetent its not even funny. Seriously I was laughing in the first half cuz he looked stupid but I stopped laughing somewhere in the 2nd half after it became so bad.
To the scared little girl on #40 I said I THOUGHT starting Griese was the right thing to do. It clearly wasnt now in hindsight but at the time I THOUGHT they should put him in, see what he can do and mix it up. Its now the wrong choice and since the game has been played I can change my mind, idiot.
Phil I'm proud of you for calling out Benson. But to all of you looking ahead to Packer week and saying we're going to win that game and get on track.......are you kidding me? Why dont you be realistic and look ahead to the schedule and just admit that realistically the next game we have a chance in hell of winning is Oct 14 VS Min.
Sorry that was negative, I didnt mean it.
October 1, 2007
#56 Jake said . . .After the game yesterday, my friend Christa (honorary ATL-born Bears superfan) said that we -have- to beat the Packers in order to bring back some dignity. I told her I couldn't really agree with that: what happens if we somehow lose? Would that mean, for her, that the season was over? We've got a rough road ahead, but I'm with you, Jeff - I'm hanging in there. We've got plenty of dignity and fightin' spirit left, and I know without a doubt that my boys are gonna work as hard as they can this week to get ready to make Favre wish he had retired.
Here's an analogy for you: yesterday was a pretty crappy day for me, finding out (after watching the Bears lose) that this girl I've been seeing is apparently seeing some douchebag on the side. Talk about taking a loss. But you take it like a man, shake shit off and get back on the field. This morning at the gym, I got some random girl's number. That's what it's about - picking yourself up, learning a few lessons, and getting back into things.
Bear down.
October 1, 2007
#57 Phillip said . . .Please Lovie put Rex back in now while we can still make a run and get into the playoffs. Dont wait till its too late.
And Phillip, Midway Monster is the guy who wrote the thread, not Jeff, the names are up by the title.
October 1, 2007
#58 Phil from SATX said . . .Sorry, early morning, running on autopilot a little bit -
%s/Jeff/Midway\ Monster
;)
October 1, 2007
#59 GP said . . .No it's not time to go back to the hapless Rex yet - but another couple of multi-turnover/no points games from Griese and I'm ready to try Orton for a few games. THEN I'll go back to Rex, when of course that will mean we're long out of it. (I will comment to the Rex lovers that I did have a few moments there after the 3rd pick where I wondered, what would it hurt to throw Rex back in - between the two it's obvious that only Rex has enough of an arm to have a realistic shot at a game when you have to gun it down the field to have any success.)
How about 3 new QBs for next year? Since we're obviously in a death spiral, what about mid-season trades of some of our defensive "depth" to get some offense? (I don't think we're allowed to trade Lance, and I still wish we could keep him, but let's be realistic - with the growing laundry list of needs on offense we won't have any money to spend on D).
Haven't thrown in the towel yet, even though it sounds like I have. A 13-3 season is still mathematically possible.
Best line in the papers (courtesy of the great Rick Telander):
There is hope in a plummeting watermelon, too. Until the asphalt says hello.
At least he gave me a big laugh this morning.
October 1, 2007
#60 Phil from SATX said . . .As several sportswriters have pointed out, Griese threw twice as many touchdowns yesterday as Grossman has thrown all year. He also put up more passing yards than any game Rex has ever had, except for last year's Tampa game. He threw 3 picks, which is something Rex has already done this year and did FIVE times last year.
The play of the O-line yesterday showed that our problems went WAY beyond Grossman. It also showed that Griese isn't taking us to the playoffs. But anyone who thinks that Rex would have put up better numbers than Griese did must be related to him.
October 1, 2007
#61 Dave said . . .GP, thanks for coming to the same conclusion I did but didn't write - I'm a little tired of having to argue with those who still think they haven't seen enough bad out of Rex to bench him.
I felt like a QB with a brain and some experience was out there, and the failures of that QB had some to do with a noodle arm (unfixable) and some to do with rust (fixable) and receivers who weren't used to him (fixable, and should have not been an issue, damn you Lovie for never letting Griese sub for Rex in his bad games - THAT'S ON YOU BUD).
But having another week of practice should be, better be, evident in the offense next week.
October 1, 2007
#62 Mike said . . .Griese will get better...giving away Thomas Jones was the worst part...
Could Devin Hester be the solution to our running back problem?
October 1, 2007
#63 Bobby said . . .The Bears have turned into shit sandwich thanks to three fronts on offense converging for a "perfect storm."
1. The offensive line is all used up and absolutely terrible. John Tait and Fred Miller are worthless, Ruben Brown should have gone with his hunch and retired before the season and Roberta Garza is merely serviceable. Even the great Olin Kreutz is slowing down. An extreme makeover is needed.
2. Cedric Benson is a certified bust of the magnitude of Curtis Enis. There is no longer any debate.
3. The quarterback situation is a clusterfuck. Rex Grossman is a certified bust and Brian Griese is a 32 year old journeyman.
It's time Jerry Angelo be viewed as accountable. His stubborn refusal to have accepted Benson and Grossman for what they are is inexcusable. The job of a GM is to be objective, not bias. Angelo should have also known that he had to address the offense line given the age and high mileage nature of the starting five. Lovie is culpable, but Angelo is the guy who should really be on the firing line.
October 1, 2007
#64 BearDown1982 said . . .Rex Grossman has played his last down in a Bear uniform barring injury to Brian Griese and Kyle Orton. To continue to debate Wrecks Grossout is pointless. He's finished and ain't coming back.
October 1, 2007
#65 Phil from SATX said . . .I only got to see Grise's pick 6 and Hester's return. Glad that is all I got to see.
It appears our offense has no identity whatsoever...whether Rex or BG are in there.
October 1, 2007
#66 Pissed Off said . . .I wish I knew how to link it, there's a tremendous article on Curtis Enis here -
http://www.bearshistory.com/lore/curtisenis.aspxNo, Benson isn't at Curtis's level... YET. It's totally amazing that Mark Hatley really wanted Ryan Leaf in that draft, and was going to sell the house to get the #2 pick so he could get him. Andre Wadsworth was also a huge bust in that draft...
Still, Enis was the concensus 5th pick in the draft, and Benson was a concensus high pick as well. I think the guys in charge of personnel are like coaches - get too much credit when it works out and too much blame when it doesn't. There is a lot that's out of these guys' control. That said, though, the BT has made some very iffy decisions with the QB and RB in not ensuring Rex had real competition in camp and same for Benson/and/or trading TJ. Both of these were critically poor decisions. And maybe the worst one was in believing the hype about the Oline - I'm still amazed that national broadcasters/media refer to this group as "one of the best veteran lines in the league."
October 1, 2007
#67 said . . .I'm getting tired of poeple actually stating that they think Rex wouldnt have won that game yesterday. The people who look only at the stats after the game and make assumptions need to watch the game and make assumptions. Griese was horrible, he threw for so many yards cuz he had to, the 2nd TD I could have thrown and they only threw in case Benson would have gotten stuffed, they were at like the 1 yard line for God's sake. Grieses stats actually make him look better than he was. Rex would never had that bad of a game VS the shitty Lions. BG ALMOST single handedly gave that game away. He had a little help but damn.
October 1, 2007
#68 StartOlsen said . . .Rex lost to the pumped up Chargers in SD and to the best team in the NFC Cowboys. Certainly would not have lost to the Lions. Only Griese could do that.
October 1, 2007
#69 Phil from SATX said . . .it took me a night to get a hold of myself. Now it's your turn, if you are sane and a real fan. This thing AINT over.
1. this is the same team that went to the SB last year.
2. It is EARLY. this is the NFL, it happens all the time- teams start hot and drop like a rock, and vice versa
3. Last year this time Grossman was MVP (Favre, Romo anyone?) Look where that got us.
4. We still have a weak ass schedule.
5. The target is off our backs, nobody is worried any more....Real fans dont give up on the season after 4 games. Griese had a few YEARS of RUST to shake off, and STILL did more things than I have seen Grossman do since the beginning of last year.
BEAR DOWN. Quit letting fudgepacker sisterfucker fans come on our blog and talk shit as if 4 games makes a superbowl.October 1, 2007
#70 Pissed Off said . . .Hey Delusional, Rex was shitty in every single game this year, including against the mighty Chiefs.
Need I remind you?
53 56 27
I'm really starting to believe in these QB ratings, because Griese was still better than any of these at 68. Not good enough, mind you, just better than Rex. And because of our brilliant coaches, that was after about 3 days of practice, instead of after starting 22 straight games and having your own personal Pep squad in the offseason.
And the rating makes sense when you watched the game, he still was better than Rex, The QB Without A Clue.
Wake Up! (oh geez, here I go again, back into it).
October 1, 2007
#71 Fifty and Four said . . .You can say what you want BA, your boy Benson sucks and you can reel it anyway you want but Rex wins if he's our QB yesterday, bad ratings or not. He's played good teams and beat the bad one. BG cant even do that.
October 1, 2007
QUIZ - honestly - how smart are you?
Math NEVER Lies - you tell Me who is who
QB xx) 1 - TD 6 - INT 500 YDS 45.2 RTG
xx required 3 games to amass the abovezz took ONE game for the following:
QB zz) 2 -TD 3 - INT 286 YDS 68.3 RTGOK, now guess which QB's are which?
REAL Coaches.. . we MISS you!
All jokes aside, BG is (with exception to not being in physically best possible shape) absolutely fine at what he was hired to be - a BACK-UP (stop gap and not the franchise) QB. IMHO there is no one presently getting one of those rare McCaskey paychecks who could qualify as an NFL franchise QB.
2008 will be yet another rebuilding year for the hopeful 2010 Bears. By that time, hopefully the McCaskeys will have recouped the $100 they originally paid for the Bears, and sell to someone who gives a shit about long term.
SuperSadly - by 2010 - gone will be the cream of the present crop, and soured for years again will be the wannateam fans who bravely supported a team whose owners use it as a family bankroll and private toy for travel meeting up with friends around the country.
Real Life Fantasy Football:
The deserving souls Brian Urlacher and Devin Hester take a ride on I-65 - sign with Indy where they'd not only make the money they deserve, but would have a serious shot at multiple chances to the BIG SHOW - not a side-show.
Bears Season 2007 4 - 12
God Bless Buddy Ryan - he knew REAL football and loved it!
October 1, 2007
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