Trying to take my attention away from the Bears for a day or two but can't. I'm ready for Sunday and that disaster of an offensive line in Philadelphia. If you're not quite ready to forget Sunday's defensive debacle, go to da site and watch the highlights. It's worth hearing Joniak's voice crack during the Griese-to-Hester touchdown to tie it late. Again, I think a lot of you forget how damn exciting that was. I know they lost but damn if they didn't make me happy for ten minutes or so.
For those of you writing off the 2007 season, here's a couple thoughts. If the season ended today, ths six playoff teams would be the Cowboys, Packers, Panthers, Seahawks, Giants and Bucs (in that order). The Bears trail twelve teams in the standings (which is awful) but they play SEVEN OF THEIR LAST TEN games against teams they currently trail. The Bears have wasted the first six games of this season but their season is still in their hands. Writers have written them off. Fans are talking draft. Lovie has created the new tiresome mantra, "Adam Archuleta is our strong safety."
But a season is not dead til they've closed the Bible and shoveled the dirt. The Bears can win Sunday in Philadelphia and - if they do - we'll be here Monday morning with a chance to get to .500 before the bye. I wrote two weeks ago that I thought the Bears needed to go 3-1 in the second quarter to have a shot at the postseason. Until they fail at that, I'm holding out hope that this team hasn't played anywhere near their best football. I think they're going to win Sunday. But that's just me.
ADDENDUM ALERT! Please go to this video of Bill "The Tuna" Parcells from ESPN so you can understand why I'll now be referring to Devin Hester as The Skunk.
#2 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .They are going to win, Jeff. I think so too. The problem for me is, where are any of our upcoming wins going to lead? To the playoffs, or the middle of the first round?
October 16, 2007
#3 Bill said . . .Hester scoring to tie it up had me jumping and screaming all over again. I said it before and I'll say it again-
The man gives me chills when he runs.
I
LOVE
HESTER!October 16, 2007
#4 AfroCelt said . . .Before GB it was Ron Turner in the Lovie doghouse and he responded. This week it's Babich. Article today said Lovie sat in on the Monday D-meeting which was unusual.
Hough wrote a great piece - conveys a lot of the frustration and annoyance of a season that unexpectedly is turning sour.
Lovie is not public with his changes and his thoughts. That's his right. All I want as a fan is an indication that he sees where the problems are and is doing something to fix them.
He will fire Babich, I believe, at the end of the season if this doesn't improve.
Urlacher's back is affecting his play. There is no other explanation.
Archeltta was a mistake. Despite what Lovie said, he was benched for poor play and probalby has one game left before it's permanent.
By the way - from the other thread: Mike, the Bears are NOT the "laughing stock of the league." Were do you get that from? If anything, the national media seems to be explaning it away by dragging out the fact that SB losers tend to miss the playoffs the next year.
The bigger story in terms of disapointments probably would be the Saints; I think the media is holding back on all that because it's New Orleans.
The biggest story unfolding quietly is the chance of the Dolphins doing a reverse-1972. I myself am rooting for that to happen.
Anyone else think that maybe Hester is the best WR the Bears have right now? That maybe he shoudl be starting over Berrian?
October 16, 2007
#5 Midway Monster said . . .damn packers games cutting out of prime Bear time...
You hear commentators go on and on about "playmakers". Hester is a playmaker...it's simply fun just to get him the ball and watch.
I wich the best for a speedy Urlacher recovery...he's just not moving across the field like he used to.
October 16, 2007
#6 Phillip said . . .Ok, I am humbled. But no way, no how am I giving up. Never no way.
You can say the Midway gave up on the season when you pry this keyboard from my cold dead hand. I am here until the end, and then some. Eagles next!
-- Midway --
October 16, 2007
#7 NGB said . . .Well said MM. I for one am declining on a 6-hour showing of War and Peace at BAM so I can watch the game. Here's hoping that it's a good decision!
October 16, 2007
#8 B.A. Baracus said . . .What is with Lovie expressing his undying love for players who are playing poorly? If a player is not pulling his weight let him know. Maybe thats what Lovie was doing by benching Archuleta in the second half but then why go back on your decision and stand by him?
I've really liked Lovie at times but this year I'm growing tired of him. Lay into this team, let them know mistakes like the ones we made on Sunday are unexceptable. It seem to work well in GB last week.
Cower next year?October 16, 2007
#9 Midway Monster said . . .I have reviewed the remaining schedule and have determined that the Bears need to take every game one at a time - what a great philosophy - did I just make that up or what?
Yeah, I know - "or what"
Anyway, there is still a chance the Bears can go 9 and 7 with this schedule. However, they need to eke out a couple of tough games.
No reason to go all negative on them yet. They went to the SuperBowl last year - might as well give them the benifit of the doubt - especially since the NFC blows.
October 16, 2007
#10 Phil from SATX said . . .Sidebar
Two quotes to think about throughout the day to keep your mind off the Bears for a bit:
1) "There's a great deal of interest in holding a Super Bowl in London," - Goodell
2) "Goodell is an idiot" - Midway
-- Midway --
October 16, 2007
#11 Bill said . . .Dang it Jeff, you got me again! Last post on a dead thread! I swear I refresh back to the original and it still doesn't wake up the new one!~I'm reposting my last - SORRY!
Philly Mike, welcome back. I looked up Westbrook's numbers and was amazed by them. Not sure how you're losing with a player averaging 5.8 yards per carry, and consistently in every game he's been in this year. Should be a big challenge for our now-bottom of the league rushing defense.
I can only hope that your coach screws that up, as you're predicting. The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that our coach lost our game for us with a horrible decision to kick to AP. It was horrible because the defense had had several good series against him in a row. Chances were the squibb would set them up somewhere between the 35 and 40, where they'd have to get 20-25 yards for field goal range, with I believe only 1 timeout. What was the best thing that could have happened by kicking it to him? The 25 maybe? With all the downside of a return? He is NOT a guy who runs backwards and allows you to pin him back on a kickoff.
I think this was a decision Lovie was testy about (whose post-game testiness seems to occur in direct proportion to the degree of coaching blunder), although at least this time he admitted in hindsight he wouldn't have done it again. Hindsight should have been foresight. Really, easy call.
I also hope that the horrible juxtaposition of CB against AD, complete with front sports page press in SAN ANTONIO that says things like "Cedric Benson is certifiably not worthy of the [Chicago Bears running back tradition], which makes life difficult when you've wasted a high draft pick and about $20MM on a bust while the Vikings are showcasing the next power-and-speed. bash-and-dash, Nintendo-game force." (courtesy of Jay Mariotti who is showing up in our paper)
Seriously, we all know Ced reads this stuff, now we are going to Philly with a runner that averages 5.8 yards per carry. Hopefully it will LIGHT A FIRE UNDER HIS ASS. I'll say it again, Ced, you can blame your line (like he subtly but classlessly did by saying about AP's performance, "his line blocked well for him") but once you get past the first line of defenders, IT'S ON YOU BUD! Stop falling down after 10 yards! Give us our own 40 yard gain and a touchdown! Come on Ced! AND DON'T EVER DROP ANOTHER M-FING PASS AGAIN! E V E R !!!!!!!
Ya smell me?
October 16, 2007
#12 jeff said . . .Good one, Midaway. I like Goodell overall, but I really don't get this fascination with Europe and other countries.
It sounds like he wants expansion also. Great - there simply aren't 96 NFL QBs as it is (3 per team) and if we add 2 more teams it gets worse.
Plus look at simple logic. As it is, it would take 32 years for every team to win a Super Bowl if they took turns. Even if it were completely random, it woudl still probably take 80 to 100 years for all of them to win. (Don't beleive me ? I actually worked it out once statistically. Think of rolling a single die. IT woudl probably take a lot more than 6 rolls before each number came up once.)
So he wants to add even MORE teams? There are probably 8 too many as it is.
October 16, 2007
#13 beardown1982 said . . .expansion is doing exactly with quarterbacks what it did with starting pitching in baseball. that lead to inflated offensive statistics in baseball but it instead is leading to a dynasty-effect in football - if you got the quarterback, you can win for a long time.
October 16, 2007
#14 Mike said . . .On The Score yesterday (Chicago sports radio for you transplanted Bear fans), they were trying to decipher whether or not Joniak and Thayer also gave each other a high five after the Hester T.D. to tie the game. Either they gave each other a high five, or Thayer clapped. Sounded like a high five to me, but who knows...either way, high comedy.
Offensively, they need to take advantage of Hester somehow, someway this week on offense. His mere presence on deep routes should at least open up the middle of the field a bit after what he did last week. I must admit, seeing him catch that deep ball last week gave me visions of Steve Smith(not comparing the too at all at this point, but hey). Like Smith, Hester has the kind of speed that can't be defended. (for some reason, I keep hearing on the radio that Hester isn't as fast as people think he is...uh, what!?!?!?) You gotta think that DBs will certainly pay attention when he comes on offense now that he has proven he can be a huge threat. Turner must find a way to take advantage of this against the Eagles.
Also, as good as Olsen has been the last couple weeks, we need to get him the ball in the middle of the field this week. He is great on the edges, but I'd love to see him use his speed and power with some room to run in the middle of the field. When he dropped that pass before the end of the first half, I about started crying...he probably would have taken that to at least the 10 or so..there was no one in front of him!
I've got a feeling our offense is due for a breakout game. We saw some signs from Ced and the receivers last week. O-line looks like it opened up more holes than in previous weeks. I think this week, if the playbook opens up a bit more, we have a chance to put some points on the board. Not to mention, our defense usually plays much better when we get an early lead...allows them to play much more aggressive, which in turn, usually results in the turnovers that made our defense great in '06.
October 16, 2007
#15 Bill said . . .Fearless prediction
Eagles 26
Bears 17October 16, 2007
#16 jeff said . . .Video feeds are blocked here at work - can someone give me a quick summary of the Parcells "Hester the Skunk" video that Jeff mentions above (in his addendum)? Thanks.
October 16, 2007
#17 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .hate to say this but...if we come out of 2007 with a solid offense...and discover griese as a solid choice at qb...won't it tbe successful?
October 16, 2007
#18 nutjob said . . .Bill and everyone:
The video says "I don't know why anyone would continue to kick to DH. He's made a believer out of me. He's more difficult to avoid on kickoffs because you risk kicking the ball out of bounds, or if you pooch kick, some short guy catches it, you risk giving up the ball on the 40 or 45 yd line. But on these punts, I would def. tell my punter do the best you can to kick it as far as you can and get it out of bounds. I've seen enough of this guy, I don't have to get hit in the face with that skunk anymore, I smell it. "October 16, 2007
#19 Max said . . .Bill,
Parcells simply stated that no one in thier right mind should ever punt to Hester and he concluded with the line " I dont have to get hit in the face with that skunk anymore I have smelt it already": Great line Hester new should def be SKUNK
I have always been the type of fan that has hope to till the end like this week I had faith we would make a run at the end. I still have faith in these bears the defense has too much pride. It was nice too see alex Abrown get fired up and admit how bad they played" I was so tired of hearing that we are one step away from greatness. Hopefully the rest of team will respond and play to thier level the rest of the way
BEAR DOWN CHICAGO BEARS
October 16, 2007
#20 Phil from SATX said . . .No jeff, it wont be a success. Cause Griese isnt going to be here in 2 or 3 years. Finding an offense in a year where the defense sucks is still just as useless as having a good D with a crappy offense.
October 16, 2007
#21 jeff said . . .Jeff, I assume you forgot to mention "and win a Super Bowl," in which case, yes, a successful season! Otherwise NO! Maybe a successful "salvage" but not season.
But again, if we turn a corner, we turn a corner. If we do, forget a wild card, we can still win this division! But it has to start, game after game after game. This team learned how to win last year, and get momentum off those wins. This team inexplicably does not know how to win. I don't know why the leaders are here, but there doesn't appear to be any yet.
With all the personnel changes, maybe that's not surprising. The O is starting to pull its weight, NICE JOB O LINE, they always talk about it taking a while into the season to gel, maybe we're there now.
Say it after me, Eagles Lions BYE Raiders Seahawks Broncos Giants Redskins Vikings Packers Saints. Tell me which game in there is impossible for the Bears to win. Right now it looks like the best team left on the schedule is the Giants. And I'm not afraid of the freaking Giants (even though they are getting better). ALL we have to do to get this shit started is win in Philly. Then payback goes on the Lions, and we're .500 with a bye weak to HEAL THOSE DEFENSIVE BODIES and PRACTICE THAT OFFENSE. Come back to the Raiders, Seahawks and Broncos? We can win those (Seahawks can always be tough). Then a tough 3 game patch with improving Giants, improving Redskins and Vikings in their home. Let's say we go 2-1 on that group, we're at 9-5.
Are you telling me at that point we're not going to beat the Packers and Saints to end the season, when playoffs are at stake? 11-5 and we're singing a completely different tune, the first 3/8 of the season is completely forgotten, the defense is back with a vengeance, offense is clicking with the last talk about a QB controversy back in October, and people are wondering what if Hester gets nominated to the Pro Bowl as both a receiver AND returner. Cedric Benson has cemented his role as long term starting RB (not making anyone forget #34 or AP but rendering the need for additional RB moot) and Greg Olsen is vying for Rookie of the Year honors (because sadly AP went down with an injury during the second Bears meeting when #54 and #55 combined to knock him into the next century). By Game 13 the Bears announce that they have agreed in principle to a contract locking up Lance Briggs for 6 years, Danieal Manning and Adam Archuleta have settled into a groove at the safety positions and the D line is killing everybody.
Wait, where am I? Huh? Oh, sorry, I was just having the most wonderful dream.
Where were we? BEAT THE EAGLES. START THE STREAK.
October 16, 2007
#22 Nutjob said . . .wait, we need to win a superbowl? uh, that's not going to happen. i was just hoping to get back and put up a fight. the best team in a decade is playing right now and the reigning champ ain't losing anytime soon.
October 16, 2007
#23 jdawg said . . .Chargers just got chambers for a second round pick why couldn't we do that he is having a great year and for a second round pick??
October 16, 2007
#24 Phil from SATX said . . .hmmm... our D certainly had a shitty day and is pretty banged up, but I wouldn't write them off just yet. Harris has proven he's a monster when healthy. As long as he doesn't get leg-whipped by Columbo again he should be fine after the by. Once Walker and Vashser are back I expect to see a real difference. As a matter of fact I expect to see a big difference Sunday.
October 16, 2007
#25 tommy said . . .Jeff, it looks that way right? But you always have to remember, NFL is a war of attrition. Our attrition has occurred early. Maybe that will continue, or maybe we'll be getting healthy when others are falling off. We all know that both Indy and NE are one injury to the quarterback away from not going to the Super Bowl. Not that I'm wishing that on them (actually I guess I am wishing that on them).
I agree that the Patriots of right now, no way can anyone but the Colts beat them, but we could have said that about the Bears in September last year. Things change during the season. Still 11 weeks, 10 games to go. Never say never.
October 16, 2007
#26 tommy said . . .First I want to say that I too still believe the Bears can make the playoffs but like many others I need to vent in order to get my blood pressure below 4 figures. I am a committed Bear fan. Enough for the discaimer which should be applied to future nasty comments. Rig
October 16, 2007
#27 jeff said . . .First I want to say that I too still believe the Bears can make the playoffs but like many others I need to vent in order to get my blood pressure below 4 figures. I am a committed Bear fan. Enough for the discaimer which should be applied to future nasty comments. Rig
October 16, 2007
#28 tommy said . . .have to say i wouldn't give up a second round pick at 2-4. chargers believe they can win it all and they're mortgaging the pick to be able to compete with indy and the pats. if we were 6-0...if we were even 4-2, we could consider it
October 16, 2007
#29 nutjob said . . .First I want to say that I too still believe the Bears can make the playoffs but like many others I need to vent in order to get my blood pressure below 4 figures. I am a committed Bear fan. Enough for the discaimer which should be applied to future nasty comments. Rig
October 16, 2007
#30 Phil from SATX said . . .True but if we were 6-0 we would not be discussing getting anyone but Moose besides for the TD has done nothing as is clearly old Chambers would have been a nice complement.
October 16, 2007
#31 Da Coach said . . .To those who think we are going to tank the season and thereby get a high round draft pick, think again. The O is improving and the D will improve DRAMATICALLY with the return of Vasher. Bears may not go the the Super Bowl, may not even make the playoffs, but unless they continue to get rocked by injuries there's practically no way they can avoid adding at least 6 wins to this season. So it's definitely a mid-round position at best.
Was Chambers worth a 2nd round pick? I don't know much about him - don't follow the Dolphins much and not a fantasy man.
October 16, 2007
#32 Da Coach said . . .Phil - Chambers has 31 recepts for 400+ yds no TD's. I think he will help that already loaded offense out there in SD but Rivers is no Brady or Manning that will be their downfall.
Maybe Angelo & company should have tried moving Moose to SD for a 2nd round pick. That would have opened up a spot for Bradley to get on the field more.
October 16, 2007
#33 topherized said . . .By the way Philly has their share of turmoil going on as well, reports are that McNabb is now unhappy with the coaching staff. There already was speculation that separation was taking place in the locker room between star player McNabb and other players, now McNabb being upset with coaching staff only adds fuel to the fire that he wants this year to be his final year in philly.
If Bears can pressure on McNabb sunday and force that inept offense to show its true colors philly fans will turn on them in an instant.
I cant believe how many times I have heard this year how McNabb will be quarterbacking our Chicago Bears come 2008. What are your thoughts on that?
October 16, 2007
#34 Scott said . . .I'd love McNabb to play in chicago, but it will never happen. I can't see the front office spending the money. They will stick with gresie after this year, sign harris, berrian and (hopefully) briggs with that cash.
Hopefully we can snag a solid QB in the draft. But knowing Angleo we will get someone like Eric Ainge, whom will be built up, then suffer multiple injuries, then lose his confidence.... oh wait this sounds fimiliar.
I'd love to get Tebow. I think he will go in the top 8-10 picks though (which hopefully we wont be in contention for).
Maybe we can grab dennis dixon (oregon) in a later round... if he doesnt plan to sick with baseball. that guy has been the real deal so far this year. He has mobility like vince young, and a solid arm... he just need to put on 30 -40 lbs.
October 16, 2007
#35 B.A. Baracus said . . .McNabb in Chicago? I think it all comes down to price. The bigger question may be McNabb or Briggs? They'll likely have the money to sign one but not both. Considering that this team wants its identity to run through the defense and that Briggs has clearly been the best defender on the Bears this year I think it's Briggs. I'd love to have McNabb but I just don't see it.
October 16, 2007
#36 Pissed Off said . . .I pity the "Mike" fool and his sissy predictions. It's time for the A-Team to make a lettuce shooter and knock "Mike" on his ass.
Fearless predilection: Bears over Eagles
October 16, 2007
#37 mikebdot said . . .Not neccesarily on board with getting McNabb but if it was between him and Briggs only, I go McNabb. The Qb means so much more to a team than one linebacker. McNabb could be the answer for 5 years. Yeah Briggs may be around longer than that but the QB controls more destiny than one LB. You can fill a LB void easier than a QB.
October 16, 2007
#38 Bill said . . .topherized: The best part about Dixon is that he is accurate (70%+). 6th in the nation. Who the hell is Graham Harrell? He leads the nation with 74.4% comp percentage. And what is with college QB rating? Looks like I'll have to do some research...
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/sortables?stat=pass&group=80&year=2007&sort=com%
October 16, 2007
#39 mikebdot said . . .I'd like McNabb here, if only becasue I don't Angelo and his staff's ability to adequately scout and select a QB in the draft.
We're unlikely to get a top ten pick or even top half pick. There is too much talent and pride to end up below .500 this year. OK - maybe 7-9 at the very worst - and that would take a couple of key season ending injuries to do that bad.
October 16, 2007
#40 Max said . . .I like that rating better, no stupid caps on the %'s and it CAN be negative! Sweet.
October 16, 2007
#41 Shit Sandwich said . . .Not a fan of Tebow. . . Dixon wouldnt be to bad and Andre Woodson will probably be gone by the time ya get to our draft pick which is a shame.
And even though I am a UH (hawaii) fan and our quarterback out here isnt to bad, but Colt Brennan is not going to be that good in the NFL. Just saying before anyone else brings it up. . . he makes good decisions and hes a leader, but his form is off. He throws at a slightly side arm angle, which gets a fair amount of batted balls in college. D-lineman would have a field day against him.
If we draft a QB, I say Woodson, Dixon, or Matt Ryan out of B.C.
Oh and Graham Harrell is QB outa Texas Tech. But im not sold on him cause I think he is a product of the system. Time will tell on him
October 16, 2007
#42 topherized said . . .The Bears are a 6 or 7 win team. There is no way to put a positive spin on this season, or to speak in optimists' tongue. A shit sandwich is a shit sandwich. Deep down, we all know the Bears won't draft a QB with their 1st pick in 08. Rather they will draft an offensive lineman or wide receiver. They'll spend the offseason scouring the four corners of the earth for the next Eric Kramer or Jim Miller and convince themselves that they will be just fine at QB.
October 16, 2007
#43 Scott said . . .yeah the last 6 games have been a shit sandwich. Maybe the low point comming in our loss to detroit... although last week sucked equally as bad.
that said, we will win more than 6 or 7 games. The defense is talented enough to pull it together and look respectable, if not plain good. Also getting back vasher, resing harris over the bye, and moving D. Manning back to FS will lock up the secondary.
The offense, while not amazing, is capable of putting 21 pts on the board in any game. Throw in a hester/defensive/freak touchdown every other game and we will put together some wins.
the bears will win 10 games this year. thats right 10. let all the haters out there chime in with some negitivity... it will be the same as when i said the cubs would make the playoffs way back in may when they were in last place.
October 16, 2007
#44 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .I agree that McNabb could have a bigger impact than Briggs but I maintain that Angelo won't see it that way. If he's faced with one or the other I think he'll choose Briggs. He just doesn't strike me as the kind of GM who would gamble big bucks on an injury prone QB who may have already had his best years.
October 17, 2007
#45 Shady McBears Fan said . . .McTool in Chicago..hmmm
Only if we can get a line to protect him,Doesn't matter what QB you get via draft or FA.An you'll need a RB that team will respect to take it the distance.
Beyond the money issues,an finding something we can trade to the igglos.
Might turn out O.K.But we'll still be looking for a QB to replace him in 2yrs,like the Igglos are doing.
If QB is something we have to address in the off season,I'm betting the house Angelo is looking for somebodies 2nd or 3rd string QB ala Shuab to come in if he goes in another direction beyond Rex.
Most likely it will be some QB from the short list of Culepper,Carr,Andrew Young,Losman,etc...
Drafting a QB isn't the answer with a team ready to win right now(see MIN,WAS,AZ,DEN as examples)October 17, 2007
#46 Pissed Off said . . .So I saw Dusty Dvoracek at work this evening, poor guy. He was slowly limping around the store with his girlfriend/wife. I told him right away that we're really missing his abilities on the field and wished him the best of luck recovering from injury. I think he appreciated it. It's funny how guys like him hardly ever get recognized, he almost seemed surprised I knew who he was. Anyway, he's a very cool guy and from what I HAVE seen of him this year, I'm excited for his future as a Chicago Bear working side by side with college teammate Tommie Harris. Thought I'd share that little tidbit with youz guyz.
October 17, 2007
#47 Da Coach said . . .Did you just say 10 wins topher? You think we will lose only 2 more games this year. I'll talk to you about that in 2 weeks.
I dont like our chances of getting McNabb. It just wont happen with this brain trust but I'd be willing to give it a shot if we can get him at the right price. And he's not mobile like he used to be after all his injuries and thats important with this geritol O-line. So I dont know that he would be that effective here unless he gets some protection, that coupled with our horrible running game (at this point) and concrete finger WRs. I guess he could drop back and throw quick slants to Dez and Greg Olsen every play.
Hey Decatur, what the hell are Igglos? Isn't that what eskimos live in. And who is Andrew Young?
October 17, 2007
#48 Phil from SATX said . . .It takes at least a solid long year to recover from knee injuries like the one McNabb sufferred last year. I think if there is a chance we could get him next year, I would be all for it. His mobility will not be what it was 3-4yrs ago but it will be much better then it is right now. He would be a drastic upgrade over what we currently have thats for sure. I agree with many of you though, I think it will come down to Briggs or McNabb as for who will get the big payday.
BTW whoever stated that Angelo would be looking to be pull from a group of QB's who are FA's next year please lets hope that the list really does not include David Carr, that guy is horrible!
October 17, 2007
#49 Bill said . . .I would spend the money on Briggs over McNabb. Briggs is no risk, whereas McNabb is a big one. Amidst the quest to add a Tom Brady or Peyton Manning to our team (search for the Holy Grail seems an apt comparison) we've got to realize that this team, as currently configured but without injuries and with Griese as the starter at the beginning of the season, would probably be 6-0 right now - that's right, 6-0, MAYBE a loss to the Cowboys because we just couldn't get to Romo, but probably we beat them too.
If you buy that, then it only makes sense to say that the team has a winning plan in place. That plan is a lot more sustainable with Lance Briggs as a Bear. I know the Bears like Jamar Williams, but I think we've all seen the now-second year player, and from what we've seen he's no Lance Briggs. All that stuff we were trying to convince ourselves about in the offseason (that the system makes Briggs, any good LB can step in and do as he does) - well that's just kind of out the window, isn't it?
No, the Bears are configured to win, at least the NFC. Furthermore, we can be close to certain that the breakdowns on defense are directly related to, if not 100% caused by, the previous inability of the offense to control TOP. The Bears need to spend their money on Briggs and offensive line. Draft a QB but not in the first 2 rounds, see if there's any further value at QB on the free agent market (nobody out there worth breaking the bank for), make your decision about Orton vs. Rex (can you get Rex for a song? probably not, if I was his agent I'd tell him to get the hell out of Chicago, move to a smaller market like Arizona or Denver).
Regarding getting over the hump on the AFC, a healthy Bears defense plus someone with experience like Griese can beat the Colts of last year. The Patriots of this year? Maybe not right now, but as I said before, long season, lots can happen. I agree with Topherized, 10 wins (I had a dream scenario which gave us 11 but truthfully there's probably a loss in the Raiders-Broncos-Seahawks grouping as well). 10-6 sounds right, hopefully that means playoffs.
I liked the Dusty meeting story. The best sports closeup I ever had was getting Bill Hands' autograph in 1969 at a sub shop opening in Arlington Heights (he was a pitcher for the Cubs). Long gone. I've talked to Sean Elliott and Avery Johnson on the street here in San Antonio. That's about it. Not very impressive! What I like better are my copies of letters between George Halas and my grandpa in the early 70's, bitterly complaining about his Soldier Field seats year after year after they moved from Wrigley. They were too low (to him, I thought they were great).
Go Bears!
October 17, 2007
#50 Pissed Off said . . .I liked the Dusty story too. I also liked Phil's story on the letters his grandfather got from Halas. (Amd you're old enough to remeber Bill Hands? And the '69 Heartbreaker Cubs?)
I got Halas' autograph at a book signing at Krochs and Brentannos (remember that bookstore chain?) when his autobiography came out. Got one for my Dad too, which I now have.
October 17, 2007
#51 Rancid said . . .I have a dilemma. I know this guy who is a Vikes fan, he's not my friend, I just know him, actually never have liked him cuz he's simply a dee dee dee and the following is what he said to me on a trash talk board on a pick em site we participate in.
"Well what can i say ???? So much for all that talk about the stingy bears run defense, I think i seen "AP" run for a total 363 total yards third best all time against them. That is right against the bears and by the looks of things i think the bears are going to be behind the vikings in the division if they keep playing like that. I don't even want to hear it that REX would have saved them. If i remmember griese has better numbers then REX and if REX was in the game he would of thrown 5 int. So all i have to say BECk is GO vikings GO!!"
Aside from his writing skills, I would like the Bears faithful to help me come up with the best possible comeback to this douche's comment. The more clever the better. Take it personally and reply as you would if this was someone you knew. Thanks
October 17, 2007
#52 Phil from SATX said . . .I like the Skunk nickname, it just stinks that it came out Parcells mouth. That means that it probably was really Farve's idea and Bill picked it up during pillow talk.
I like McNabb. I've watched him since his SU days and would like to see him in orange and blue again. I know, different shades. Anyway, the big question that others have brought up is price. That's what it comes down to.
Even though I like McNabb, I want him sacked early and often this week. If the Giants can get him, we can get him. It's time to see our pass rush re-emerge. They haven't been themselves since the Dallas game. Where by the way, the pass rush was fantastic, but frickin Romo was uncatchable.
October 17, 2007
#53 Rancid said . . .Bill, I was 9, it was after the season as I recall. Kroch's was a GREAT bookstore. Those were the days before video games when books were something you always asked for as presents (better than clothes, at least). Maybe a Creepy Crawlers set.
I've lost most of the bloggers now, so back to present times... Meeting Halas would have been special.
10-6 starts next week, with a win over the Igloos. (that's probably a cooler name for them anyway, pun intended).
I'll take this opportunity to reflect a little on this blog. Here's what I love about it here - most everyone is pretty much an expert on the Chicago Bears. People know the team inside and out, and typically know the history as well. I can't tell you how frustrating it can be to talk with Chicago-based extended family who live right there and consider themselves fans but really don't get into the details much, and who typically have shallower opinions on the team. Half the time they don't even watch!
We may differ in opinion here on issues but it's never for lack of knowledge and context. I appreciate the Bears experts and SUPERFANS on this site, I really do. I now think I'd go nuts without it. Just sayin.
October 17, 2007
#54 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .And before someone corrects me, yes I know I spelled it Farve, if he can't spell it so it makes sense I will
October 17, 2007
#55 Al in WI said . . .Rancid: I'm with you. I refuse to spell his name his way. I spell it how it should be spelled per rules of phonics.
October 17, 2007
#56 Rancid said . . .Phil, I agree with you about McNabb. I want no part of that. He's been injured every year now for about five years, and was always a vastly overrated player to begin with. Like most running quarterbacks he never took the time to develope his passing skills because if the first guy wasn't open he ran. Now he's old and injury riddled and can no longer run so his lack of touch is causing problems.
I'd much rather take a chance on a younger player such as Derek Anderson or Kyle Boller.
But I have to disagree Phil with the Griese would have us 6-0 right now. Huh? What have you been watching the last 3 weeks? Grossman lost to SD, and Dallas and neither game was his fault in the way the detroit loss was Grieses. Rex's ugly ints came with the Bears trailing by 10 and 24 points respectivley against Dallas. It amazes me how many people are willing to forget about the first 57 mins of that viking game in which Griese was below average at best, and focuse only on the fluke comeback against a prevent defense. Through the same amount of playing time Griese has more turnovers than Grossman. And has lost to worse teams and against worse defenses. He's not the answer to anything.October 17, 2007
#57 Rancid said . . .I have been looking at numbers and such all morning and I feel very positive about the following 4 players:
Hester: Duh simply unbelievable. I will give the BT a break on a lot of things because of the brilliance it showed to draft this guy early when everyone else (including me) shook their heads in disgust.
Olsen: If he is consistently targeted as he has been for the last 2 games we are looking at one of the best tight ends in the league and beyond question the best TE tandem. A two tight end set with Olsen and Clark has got to be a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators.
Griese: I thought I'd get a bit more controversial. BG threw for the second most yards in his career on Sunday, and proved he can hold up under pressure. I think that the more he plays the more comfortable he will get, the fewer picks he'll throw and he will become a solid QB for us, not great, but solid. Rex had the potential to be great, but never reached it. BG has the potential to be dependable, and I think he can reach it. When he started I said he was just a short term thing until the end of the year, but I think he now has the potential to be a possible 08 starter for us. I said potential, it depends in the rest of the season.
4. Benson: Now it's really controversial. Minny has a fantastic run defense, and CB did just fine against it. He has held onto the ball the last few games. I know compared to AP's showtime performance it's hard to get excited, but CB is still looking good to me. He may never be worthy of his position in the draft, but I think he is shaping up to be a solid, dependable RB. I look for him to continue his re-emergence this week with a good performance against Philly.
October 17, 2007
#58 Phil from SATX said . . .Al: I can see both sides of the BG/Rex debate.
On the Rex side, BG has played weaker teams and weaker defenses. He has had as many turnovers. He has the same win/loss record. Also, Rex's numbers could have been greatly improved if a few easy catches get made by our underacheiving WRs.
On the BG side, we have 7 TD passes, while Rex's only TD was a short RZ stunt to a lineman. We have the emergence of the TE game and better drives. We also see a guy who does not get frantic in the pocket. There is no stat for that but he defenitely has a calmer pocket presence.
So what to do? Bringing in BG was the right move to jumpstart a stagnant offense and now he must remain until he does enough damage to be removed. He hasn't yet. My hope is that he developes into a solid, dependable QB that we can get another year out of. But to stress what others have said before, we don't have to like one and hate the other, they're both Bears and I like them both. For now, it's BG's job.
October 17, 2007
#59 said . . .Rancid, great post as always, including the controversial. I got so wrapped up in blasting Benson for 3 drops I forgot to mention that he hasn't put a ball down for the last 2 games. Baby steps, baby steps. It still was strange in that game about all the RB subbing when Ced was in a groove gashing repeatedly for 10 yards. They need to find the commonality in the play calls which result in those longer gains and milk them. It looked more like pitches to the right were what was working. When they tried to go left, Ced often ran into a blitzing guy behind the line of scrimmage. I wish someone brighter than me could analyze this.
And I just don't have the energy to argue with Al about Griese, I think he's a definite outlier in his opinion. I saw primarily GOOD QB play with Griese in the last two games, and I think most others did as well. They need to figure out how to minimize his one big weakness, a weak arm. Someone had pointed out how most of the bad throws come when he's throwing to his left, that certainly is what occurred in the awful pick when he was scrambling right, threw left. But to distill his effort in that game down to "only good in the last 2 minutes" is NOT an accurate characterization of the overall game. Plus, what's up with discounting the fact that he DID come back when he had to - what's not worthy about that?
Watching him definitely makes you miss Rex's arm bigtime, but the few Rex supporters/Griese haters left have to remember that Rex showed NOTHING this year in his 3 games. He showed that whatever he had last year was not there anymore, or at least not there in the first 3 games. By contrast, Griese has improved in each of his games. He will continue to improve with reps. The reps is all I meant about possibly being 6-0 with Griese - I mean if he had been installed as a starter in the preseason (which we all understand wasn't a possibility), a Griese with some experience and reps with this team PLUS uninjured defense would have resulted in that record. I don't think that's too much of a stretch to most.
Good post Rancid.
October 17, 2007
#60 Al in WI said . . .DELUSIONAL
October 17, 2007
Phil, I was not looking for a Griese Vs Grossman debate. I was taking aim at your assertion that if Griese was the starter from day one the Bears would be 6-0.
October 17, 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.