It was just a short while back that we heard Lovie repeatedly saying that we just weren't getting much done offensively. We thought that may have gone by the wayside for a while but the fact is, what Lovie said then still holds true, at least it did today.
Ok for the positives, we kept Greg Olsen involved and the defense held the Lions to a low enough point total that should have been manageable enough for our offense to win. Now that we've discussed all those good things lets move to a few concerns I have.
The quarterback is still the number one question mark on the team. Most have said it was that way for quite some time now, dating back to Rex days but it still holds true. I look forward to hearing what everyone thinks was the main cause for our loss today. I know what I think it was. I'll give you a hint....it involves a noodle for an arm. Take away the padding of stats with some passing yards late, Griese wasn't very good.
Benson looked the usual part....bad. I thought that the first play of the game where he dropped the pass pretty much summed up the day. He dropped a few more I believe as well. No big yardage plays, no showing of emotion or passion, just another day at the office for that guy.
I was happy to see the defense finally create a meaningful turnover, it gave us a glimmer of hope late but that was quickly erased. It will be very interesting to see what happens over the bye coming off a home loss to the Lions. I dont think Lovie will shake things up much but maybe a little polishing, or lets face it an entire new paint job, could be in order. Lets get refreshed, come out and win some damn games.
Rip away.....
#2 Al in WI said . . .Grossman never looked as bad as Griese did in this game.
If he had had Hester and Olson on the field for the first three games the offense would definitely not have looked as pathetic.
Plus he played three good teams while Griese has looked mostly like garbage against mediocre and bad teams.
All you boo birds that had Rex pulled in the beginning how does it feel to eat crow?
October 28, 2007
#3 Shady McBears Fan said . . .What was your favorite Brian Griese moment?
A) His run where rather than be a man and dive for the 1st down, he slid a yard short of the 1st down. Chicken shit!
B) Weak arm interception in the end zone #1. (First half)
C) Weak arm int #2 (Not in end zone)
D) Weak Arm int #3 (in endzone again)
E) Weak arm int #4 to close the game.
F) The weak arm throw into double coverage that almost got Hester killed.
G) One of the dirty dozen or so 2 yard passes on long yardage situations.
Please cast your vote!October 28, 2007
#4 Bear Fan In Minnesota said . . .Brian Urlacher opens up to Glaze:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7384004
October 28, 2007
#5 Jim Bob said . . .I'm no longer mad! I'm flat out disgusted! The 2006 season feels as far away as the 85' season. The Bears aren't NFL contenders and they won't be for a long time!
Here is why:
1. NO QB. Same old story different year. I'm tired of hearing about the one hit wonder Baltimore team that won a SP without a QB. It is a rare thing my friends and something I don't think is worth banking on. The league has changed. If you don't believe me turn off the computer and go watch NE. Last time I checked they were up by 14.
2. NO RB. The Thomas Jones trade had to have been the biggest bust of the 2007 NFL season for the Bears. Oh wait let me rephrase that. Cedric Benson has to be the biggest bust of the NFL season. What the heck were the Bears thinking? If your looking for a RB who can give your team 50 yards a game on 16 carries look no further then Cedric Benson.
3. NO SECONDARY. Can we just be honest and admit we need help here. That's twice we have made Kitna look like a half way decent QB. This time it was at our house. Sure he didn't score but he threw for over 250 yards.
4. RON TURNER. Hey Angelo, all I want for Christmas is a new Offensive Coordinator. Better yet my birthday is next month. Holy crap there is a point where patience in the running game only get's you L's. Give me a break!
The truth of the matter is this is Peyton and Brady's league. It's going to come to the point where everyone else is going to ask them if it's ok to play. I watched the press conference with Fox from Carolina and he talked about how happy he was to be in it in the first quarter. That was hilarious.
Good luck Brett and Romo. You are now representing the NFC. Make us proud.
October 28, 2007
#6 Shady McBears Fan said . . .Can't help but think about these truths...
Bears starting quarterbacks since Brett Favre started his ironman streak in 1992:
Will Furrer
Jim Harbaugh
Peter Tom Willis
Shane Matthews
Erik Kramer
Steve Walsh
Steve Stenstrom
Dave Krieg
Rick Mirer
Moses Moreno
Cade McNown
Jim Miller
Henry Burris
Chris Chandler
Cory Sauter
Rex Grossman
Kordell Stewart
Craig Krenzel
Jonathan Quinn
Chad Hutchinson
Kyle Orton
Rex Grossman
Brian GrieseOctober 28, 2007
#7 Jimbo said . . .You makes some good points Minnesota, but good luck Brett and Tony? WHAT?! Bears fans HATE those guys. Especially Brett. Fuck him. Rooting for a team just because they're in your conference is crazy. You think Yankee fans are rooting for Boston? No.
The season is not over. Well, not technically.
Wait 'till you see the footage of Tommie Harris looking into the camera in the locker room and guarantee a playoff berth. I don't know what to think about that comment yet, I think I'm still in shock.
October 28, 2007
#8 JL said . . .Give me an "O."
Give me a "V."
Give me an "E."
Give me an "R."What's that spell?
October 28, 2007
#9 Midway Monster said . . .PO'd, you're redeemed! I admit it now, though I've believed it for a long time - and it doesn't take that much conviction...GROSSMAN gives us a better chance to win!!!
GROSSMAN should be our quarterback.
It is disgustingly, painfully, obviously clear now. Seriously, Griese leads the NFL history of INTs in the redzone!
Of course, like I said nothing can be learned from the drive last week but plenty can be learned from Griese's stats!!!! BEARS suck!!! Griese sucks!!!
October 28, 2007
#10 Dan K said . . .Today was ugly. Just plain ugly. As PO pointed out, we now have a week off to regroup. I am an eternal optimist and still will do the math and hope against hope.
-- Midway --
Back from Vacation.
October 28, 2007
#11 JL said . . .Fire Turner and bench griese-man What a upset im going to go slit my wrist to ease the pain
October 28, 2007
#12 HesterFan23 said . . .Midway the math says the chances of making the playoffs after being 3-5 are 2%.
Ron Turner is awful. Lovie looks not like a leader but like someone who must simply accept what is happening to this team. Bob Babich dials up blitzes at the wrong time, cannot keep his team disciplined, and has been unable to inspire the Bears D to any intensity. Adam Archuleta, thank you for the 47 yard pass interference! YOU SUCK.
Tank Johnson would be a welcome run-stuffer for the rest of the season. Oh well.
GRIESE, redzone INT specialist, just pack it in. How many INTs is that in 5 games now? 10? Grossman should start again, the season is lost so you might as well find out once and for all if there's still a shot in the dark that this guy can be the franchise QB.
Sorry Bears fans. We're not making the playoffs. I'm hopeful we'll get some positive play for the rest of the season...but we ain't makin the playoffs folks.
October 28, 2007
#13 Dan K said . . .First off, Grossman has had much worse games than this one today.
Second, time for Orton. No, I'm not giving up on Griese because of one bad game, but at 3-5, the season just doesn't seem to be headed in the right place. We should at least take a look at him
October 28, 2007
#14 Al in WI said . . .I agree with hesterfan, might as well give orton a chance. But when griese calls his own plays he scores. Get rid of the lazy bastard (turner) making the calls, and defence needs to start working on missed tackles and we may have a chance.
October 28, 2007
#15 Jimbo said . . .JL, well said.
Why the fuck does Lovie keep players in the game when they're struggling?
This was a must win, and we blew it. Griese is exactly who I thought he was, a backup quarterback. He's had his moments, but take away his stats against the zone defenses in these games and his stats would really be awful.
Griese sucked in 3 out of 5 starts, we're going nowhere with him, make the change. I want Grossman back, but I'll even take Orton at this point.
In defense of Benson, how do you justify 16 rushes in basically a close game?October 28, 2007
#16 Shady McBears Fan said . . .Jeff, can we change the name to "Da Hester blog?"
Just a thought.
October 28, 2007
#17 said . . .Personally, I think Rex and Griese are essentially the same quarterback. Rex has a stronger arm, but Brian has a higher football IQ. Rex commits turnovers that stem from poor decisions, Brian commits turnovers that stem from his lack of arm strength. Honestly guys, it doesn't matter who's QB because in the end, you'll get the same results.
It's funny how fans turn on players. Wasn't it just last week that Griese was being praised as the savior of the Bears' season - and now he's the goat? C'mon, the problem with the offense goes so much deeper than the QB position that to place all the blame on one player is simply ignorant.
October 28, 2007
#18 tommy said . . .My biggest problem with this season, aside from all the fucking injuries, is the lack of consistancy on either side of the ball.
October 28, 2007
#19 IRV said . . .Shady, again agree completely!!!!!!!!! Also, there seem to be a lot of the better defensive guys playing HURT....BU, TH, Briggs(?), Peanut(?) I really wish they would cut Archeletta. He hurts us more than helps.
October 28, 2007
#20 IRV said . . .THAT'S IT!!!
I wasted a great Fall afternoon watching my Beloved Bears.
What a disapointing effort.
October 28, 2007
#21 Viva said . . .THAT'S IT!!!
I wasted a great Fall afternoon watching my Beloved Bears.
What a disapointing effort.
October 28, 2007
#22 craig said . . .Lovie peaked as a Defensive Coordinator with the Rams, and was lucky to have a lap dog press push Phillips and Angelo into a contract extension after last years Super Bowl blunder.
We should be surpriseed when Griese is exceptional, not when he plays like a QB who should be holding a clipboard.
Our offensive line is slow, sloppy, and stiff.
If we want to win we on a consistent basis we need to replace our coach, our qb, and our o-line (guards and tackles).
Here's to free agency and the draft lads!
October 28, 2007
#23 ron - not a rex hater - but not a Griese lover said . . .Statistically, at 3-5, we have just a 2% chance of making the playoffs. And if you've watched our defense the last few weeks, you know that even 2% is optimistic. So...
Coming out of the bye...
Griese should be holding a clipboard. If we're going to stomach QB play like this, it might as well be with the (however fleeting) comfort of thinking the guy has upside and might improve over time. Griese's had 10 years and this is where he's gotten.AP should start against the Raiders. At the very least, Cedric needs a kick in the ass. We need to know what we get from AP if we start him. And if they are going to continue to start Cedric, run him hard and quit benching him every third series...
We should be prioritizing the development of Davis, Bradley, and Hester at the expense of Moose. Don't get me wrong, I love Moose, but we need to be looking to the future and I think we've gotten the best of Moose already. We need to know if one of these guys can start opposite B Twice or if we've got to look elsewhere...
We've only really got one young offensive lineman in Beekman. Does it make sense to try and get him some snaps as the season wears on?
Somebody not named Archuleta should be starting at SS. I don't care if it's Chilltown McGowan or the Gattis kid... in fact, I don't care if you throw a dart off the Sears Tower and start whoever it hits... Instant improvement.
Heading into the offseason...
No roster moves until we've signed Hester to a ground-breaking Bear-for-Life deal.Rethink Babich.
Rethink Ron Turner.
Cut Archuleta.
Head into the new season with at least 2 new QBs on the depth chart.
Find a starting RB somewhere. It's not Cedric.
Draft some young OL talent.
Find someone to start next to Tommie Harris. Adams, Walker, or Garay won't cut it.
What else...?
October 28, 2007
#24 Bear Fan In Minnesota said . . .Quote acemax:Grossman never looked as bad as Griese did in this game.
BS. that is blind faith in Rexy. Remember a 0.0 QB rating. Remember the 2.3? remember the fumbled snaps... he has looked as bad.
Puh-leeeese....
October 28, 2007
#25 Pissed Off said . . .Shady,
I was saying "good luck brett and romo" tongue in cheek. The NFC flatout sucks! The AFC is dominating and I don't see it ending any time soon. I hate watching all of these guys because I am die-hard Bears. But it's time someone in the organization mans up, looks in the mirror and says the Bears are in the bottom and it ain't changing anytime soon and less they make some serious changes.
The problems in the offense may go deeper then QB but we all knew that's where it starts. And we knew (all of us) Griese was not going to take us very far. No one predicted he was the answer. He was a bandaid on a big wound. None of the QB's on the roster are the future. If they are we are screwed. Am I nuts? Tell me differently!
As far as the Harris prediction? I didn't see it but let's just say it wouldn't be the first time an NFL player stuck his cleat in his mouth.
Just want to send a shout out to the "future hall of famer" Chad Johnson today...2-5! Haha!!! That helps me feel better.
October 28, 2007
#26 JL said . . .Griese is a flat liability going down the field, throwing into double coverage doesnt help either, of course when he throws the wounded ducks up mabye the WRs are only single covered but by the time they get downfield to the target half the opposing team is there. I think Griese is OK between the 20s, he makes some good throws and makes some things happen but we need more than that.
October 28, 2007
#27 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .Archuleta needs to go.
Vasher returns.
Tommie Harris needs to get healthy.Oh, fuck, what does it matter? If our banged up D can hold the Lions and Eagles to 16 points each, our Offense is the sole problem. How many times does Ron Turner dial up an idiotic 2nd and long pass call that somebody fucks up and leaves us with 3rd and long? Run the ball you idiot. I'm sorry, but Benson needs 16 carries in one half, not an entire game. Yes, he still fumbles and looks indecisive. But today our undisciplined O Line negated some very nice runs of his.
Let's just dial it back to 2005, let Orton start, and run with Benson, AP, and Garrett Wolfe until the sun comes down on this sad season. At the very least, running the ball will give our D a few more minutes to rest.
October 28, 2007
#28 jdawg said . . .Hey, at least you guys can't lose next weekend.
Like I said on this blog in February, YOU FIRED THE WRONG RON.
The NFC North has few worries as long as the McCaskeys run the show. Maybe Mark Cuban should buy the Bears. It is too bad what the organization has become since the passing of Papa Bear Halas. Yeah, I'm a Packer fan, but I'd rather see one of the original midwest teams dominating the NFL instead of the AFL Patriots (cheatriots).
October 28, 2007
#29 Dave D said . . .The offense lost the game.
There is something fundamentally wrong with Turner's offense. I don't know enough about the game to pin point it, but when two completely different QB's have eerily similar meltdowns, one relatively green and one a 10-year vet, something is rotten in Ronmark.
My gut tells me that he must stress the big play, or sprinkle some kind of all-or-nothing fairy dust on the players. Also, D's who have scouted our team seem to know what's coming.
Anyway, queue the fat lady.
October 29, 2007
#30 Al in WI said . . .When is somebody going to understand the problem with the Bears starts at the top Angelo and Smith...they are mediocre judges of talent...Smith supported Rex, Benson, Archuleta, all would be second string, at best on any NFL team. They choose Turner and Babich as the key coordinators of the team, and look where that has them. We can blame the execution on the field all we want, but it starts with preparation and leadership. The Bears ahve neither.
October 29, 2007
#31 Ram in Texas said . . .Ron, there is a major difference between the two. First to Shaddy's point, maybe they are the same in that respect. But which is more likely to improve? Rex's decision making or Griese's arm strength. Exactly.
Grossman's mistakes were/are more acceptable because he is a young player who is less experienced. They are also correctable mistakes. Griese has played in close to 80 regular season games and has been around for 10 years. There is no point in sticking with him, because he's never going to get any better. He is what he is, and he's not all of a sudden going to grow a big arm. Besides that I wouldn't exactly tout his decision making either.....
At this point the Bears are basically dead. They might as well see if Rex has learned from his mistakes and can be salvaged. If he hasn't or can't, then find out what you have in Orton. Why not? You know what Griese is; a backup.October 29, 2007
#32 StartOlsen said . . .What the hell is going on with this team? I pay a ton of money to watch these guys, and they they can't even win a damm game! I have to put up with all the Cowboys fan laughing at me. They have have got to spend the money and get a freaking good quarterback, as far as that cedric benson, I would like to know who was the idiot that pulled the trigger to get rid of Thomas Jones. What a moron! This is how I look at the season aleady, " a rebuilding season", lets face it, I don't see any thing in Lovie Smith that tells me he will even try. I say start getting the 6'5" kyle Orton ready to play, at least last year, he won 8 games in a row..........
October 29, 2007
#33 StartOlsen said . . .I feel sick.
I feel like a poor kid who received an xbox 360 as a present (last year's team) only to have it cruelly repossessed and given to some spoiled rich kids (New England, Dallas) instead.
I cant read the stupid fucking QB debates all week, I just cant.
We are simply a bad football team this year. ONLY BAD TEAMS CAN LOSE TO THE LIONS TWICE.
I think Ill got punch my own face repeatedly now.October 29, 2007
#34 Shady McBears Fan said . . .There IS a bright side.
New England will beat whomever the NFC trots out in the SB 78-0. It won't be us, and Ill especially enjoy watching it if it is the Cowboys or Packers. Not a good year to be the best in the NFC.October 29, 2007
#35 ESPNemy said . . .I hear you Al, I think you make a good point and I have to say I agree with some of what you said...
But has Rex Grossman reached his potential with the coaches of Chicago Bears? Could he be coached to higher performance on another team? I don't know. But I do know the organization has given him a chance to show what he's got, and the frustrating part is, we STILL don't know what he has.
I have to believe they still owe Kyle Orton and Brian Griese more of a shot at running the Chicago offense. They made an investment in these guys and need to see what they have to offer in return. I must say if Griese drops the majority of the next few games we'll see more of Rex Grossman AND Kyle Orton.
But, as I've been saying, the circumstances ANY Bears quarterback is in is a tough one. Without a solid running game, dependaple receivers and a banged up defense, most any QB would struggle.
Obviously the QB has an influence on the outcome of a game greater than any other position with, possibly, the exception of RB (I'm sure we'll get to him) and it's important to get it right. The Bears, for whatever reason, have had trouble evaluating/developing talent at that position...
I'm not sure this would be the BEST thing for Chicago in the scheme of things, but I'm still thinking there's a way... Follow me here:
The Bears have, in the 1st 2 quarters of the season, gone 1-3 and 2-2. If they can continue that trend, they can go 3-2 and 4-1 and finish the season 10-8. Hey, it could happen. But before it does, the Bears need to get healthy and come to play EACH WEEK.
October 29, 2007
#36 BearDown1982 said . . .Ridiculous. Aren't we supposed to be a running team?
Benson: 13 carries for 50 yards
Peterson: 2 carries for 11 yardsThere is no excuse for that kind of play calling. Especially since Benson has a lot to prove and Peterson is entirely capable of moving the chains. I don't care who starts, but no QB will succeed in Chicago until they can establish the run.
October 29, 2007
#37 Shady McBears Fan said . . .Man oh man, that was a disgusting loss. I didn't think the defense played very good by any means, but the offense is most to blame. The Lions defense sucks. We scored 7 points. We had great field position and constantly did absolutely nothing with it. Griese played like shit. Benson played like Benson. Berrian continues to drop passes. Even Clark had a bad day. I'm at a loss for words.
1-3 at home. 1-3 vs. the NFC North. Who woulda thunk it, huh?
Honestly, I'm relieved that next week is a bye. I need a break from this season...this team drives me absolutley crazy, even when we win.
I think we should all just go have a couple tall, stiff drinks...
October 29, 2007
#38 Mike said . . .Sorry about the QB talk StartO, I feel the same way sometimes.
October 29, 2007
#39 Mike said . . .The season is over. Finito. Caput. The Bears looked lifeless on offense and defense today. At the beginning of the season 95% of Bears fans were convinced that winning the NFC North against the lowly Packers, Lions and Vikings would be a foregone conclusion. Now look at us. 3-5 on the season, to include 0-4 against the "lowly" remainder of the NFC North.
I don't know what the Bears can do at running back, but Cedric Benson needs to be benched for good. He's useless. He can't take on tacklers, is not a break away back and plays as if he was just awakened from a 20 year slumber. I know Adrian Peterson isn't the answer, but just put him out there on a full time basis anyway. Either that or pull somebody off the waiver wire and plop him in there the remaining eight games. But for the love of God, no more Benson ever again.
I don't know where this team goes from here. Frankly, it is looking like the only viable solution is a complete rebuilding job. A whole new offensive line is needed, a new running back is needed, a complete new set of wide receivers is needed, and some sort of viable future option at quarterback is needed. Oh, and a quality safety and a replacement for Lance Briggs and another defensive lineman or two.
Blow this thing up. The sooner the better. I'm not going to allow myself to live in a world of delusion and pretend we are better than this or that we've been snake bit with bad luck and injuries. That is copout and not true.
October 29, 2007
#40 Fuck the QB debate said . . .The season is over. Finito. Caput. The Bears looked lifeless on offense and defense today. At the beginning of the season 95% of Bears fans were convinced that winning the NFC North against the lowly Packers, Lions and Vikings would be a foregone conclusion. Now look at us. 3-5 on the season, to include 0-4 against the "lowly" remainder of the NFC North.
I don't know what the Bears can do at running back, but Cedric Benson needs to be benched for good. He's useless. He can't take on tacklers, is not a break away back and plays as if he was just awakened from a 20 year slumber. I know Adrian Peterson isn't the answer, but just put him out there on a full time basis anyway. Either that or pull somebody off the waiver wire and plop him in there the remaining eight games. But for the love of God, no more Benson ever again.
I don't know where this team goes from here. Frankly, it is looking like the only viable solution is a complete rebuilding job. A whole new offensive line is needed, a new running back is needed, a complete new set of wide receivers is needed, and some sort of viable future option at quarterback is needed. Oh, and a quality safety and a replacement for Lance Briggs and another defensive lineman or two.
Blow this thing up. The sooner the better. I'm not going to allow myself to live in a world of delusion and pretend we are better than this or that we've been snake bit with bad luck and injuries. That is copout and not true.
October 29, 2007
#41 The Duke said . . .Please. I implore Bear fans around the globe. Do not ever again debate Rex Grossman versus Brian Griese. Or say that Grossman got a raw deal, blah blah blah. The Bears don't have a QB, period. Debating to death the QB dilemma is futile. It is blindingly obvious that the Bears do not have a QB at present. Brian Griese is a backup journeyman filler. Nothing more. Grossman is a pile of shit and a 1st round bust. Nothing less.
The DEBATE going forward is this. What in the fuck does Jerry Angelo DO during the offseason to bring in a viable long-term solution at the most critical position on the football field??? No more fucking debate of Grossman or Griese or even Kyle Orton. Who is going to be the quarterback acquired via whatever means to be the long-term solution to a chronic problem? THAT is what the debate should be about. THAT is what the fucking morons in the front office should be figuring out.
October 29, 2007
#42 Rancid said . . .Benson is a decent back, but decent isn't gonna cut it with an o-line as overrated as ours. We need a great back with this aging o-line. Mcfadden anybody?
October 29, 2007
#43 Shady McBears Fan said . . .I hate the playcalling/leadership. I feel that both Rex and CB would be doing better elsewhere with a better O coordinator. I think Rex will land a backup job somewhere and probably get another shot. I still maintain we cannot judge Benson since he is being used incorrectly. He is a bruising runner. You can't run him 13 times in a close game. That's foolish. We are a poorly led squad right now. I also feel that the playoffs are out of reach now and would like to see Orton. If he is ok, then we go to camp next year with Orton, Griese, and then a FA or rookie. If Orton stinks, then we just keep Griese and go for both a FA and a rookie. But the 3rd string QB is supposed to be the young guy you are keeping around to get a look at. There isn't going to be a better time to figure out if Orton is worth anything.
October 29, 2007
#44 HesterFan23 said . . .Mike, I agree the offensive line needs to be rebuilt. That sigificantly impacts the performance of both the running and passing game.
But they still have a solid core on defense locked up: tillman, vasher, urlacher, harris and some pretty good ends. Speaking of Urlacher, this injury we're hearing about (post #3 ) might be making Briggs and Rosenhous smile a bit. The Bears are now going to seriously consider investing in LB Lance Briggs as a possible insurance policy on Urlacher. Lance's play this year has been outstanding - he's clearly playing for a contract and I say the Bears should be the ones to give it to him.
October 29, 2007
#45 Al in WI said . . .I agree with Dan K. We can't blame Griese for this bad start. The play calling was horrible AGAIN.
October 29, 2007
#46 Shady McBears Fan said . . .Brian Griese has 7 interceptions in two horrific losses to the fucking detroit lions. Pathetic.
Now, at best we could finish 3-3 within the division.October 29, 2007
#47 Shady McBears Fan said . . .The only thing I learned this Sunday is to always, ALWAYS get chilli, on my nachos bell grande.
October 29, 2007
#48 Northside Not-So-Super-Right-Now-Fan said . . .Consistancy.
This team lacks any sort of consistancy.
Offensively. Brian Griese goes from being the NFC offensive player of the week, coordinating a miraculous 97 yd game winning touchdown drive in Philly, to committing 4 turnovers at home against the freaking de-troit lions...again. Didn't Lovie bring him in to STOP commiting turnovers, so they could actually give the defense a break?
Cedric Benson. Tell me why again you held out? The Bears should have never paid you the money you demanded, then maybe you might run like you have a chip on your shoulder. You're blaming the line and the fact detroit stacked the box? Well you know what, great backs can create something outta nothing, and they can sure as hell break a tackle or two. I can tell you're angry. How could you be happy? You're proving to people that the Bears drafted a lemon, and you're failing to make any kind of name for yourself with the opportunity you've been given.
Defensively. If ya can't stop the run, ya can't stop the pass, and the defense couldn't do either until it was obvious what the play call would be. I guess you could say 16 is good enough for today, and they sacked Kitna 4 times. But the fact is, they're a defense predicated on creating turnovers and when that doesn't happen the team usually doesn't win. It would be easy to use injuries as an excuse right now, but I'll take a page out of Brian Urlacher's "Talking to the Chicago Media" book and spare you the time.
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
One player is well on a consistant basis is Hester and possibly Patrick Mannelly, long snapper, making special teams the only above average phase of this team.
You gotta admit, Angelo hit a homerun in the 2nd round with Devin Hester.
October 29, 2007
#49 JL said . . .Take a long, hard look Bears fans and admit the facts...we are not as good as the Lions. Hurts, doesn't it?
I'm kind of at a loss after this unspirited, totally lackluster performance. I mean, all the things we knew were weaknesses didn't suprise me. I expected coverage problems against their big receivers. I expected Fred Miller to be standing there every time Benson got tackled in the backfield to give him a hand and say "sorry I totally destroyed that play." I didn't expect 4 picks, but I did expect the blocking to be shitty, which was the main reason for those interceptions...don't get me wrong, they were all shitty passes, but Griese was under constant pressure.
I guess what I didn't expect was this team, which played with so much intensity just one year ago, just going out there at home, in a must-win game on a beautiful fall day, and playing like it didn't fucking matter. Like this was week 17 and they were already 2-13 and had no chance of making the playoffs.
Well, now that's basically the situation, so they can play like that every Sunday as far as I'm concerned. Let's get us a top 10 pick.
My suggestions:
Put Grossman back in. With nothing to lose, let's see if its worth it to sign him to a one year extension and give it one more try. Keep Benson in and give it to him as much as possible so we can make absolutely sure he's the bust he appears to be and we should cut our losses. Play Josh Beekman at guard--we need to see if he can do the job or if we need to get someone else in the offseason. Besides, even if he's absolutely terrible I don't see how he could possibly be worse than Fred Miller.
Sit Harris. Keep sitting Vasher. Let them get 100% healthy.
Fuck it.
October 29, 2007
#50 RandomName said . . .Being in NY, I finally went to a bar to watch the game yesterday and I have to say...from here on out I'm going back to the radio experience with WBBN's Jeff Joniak. On the radio I am forced to visualize the Bears in my head, and I'm telling you it's way more fun than watching the real thing with your own eyes. I don't know what's more depressing - watching the Bears or watching Bears fans cheer a 6 yard run that gives us 3rd and 1. Pathetic.
October 29, 2007
#51 mikebdot said . . .Havent read any posts yet, just want to speak.
Well the bad new 2007 is almost over without much of a chance.
Well the good news, life still goes on. I'm gonna go fly a kite =)
October 29, 2007
#52 Heywood Jublomey said . . .Just want to let y'all know, Archuleta was not the sole culprit on the P.A. play. Manning pushed Williams into Archuleta. I think Archuleta actually had good position and was lining up to really knock the shit out of Williams pretty much right on time, but Manning push him into Archuleta.
Penalties killed us again. Our O-line looked ok early, then not so ok later. Griese can't throw. I'm officially on the "who gives a shit who starts at QB?" bus. Like pretty much every other year. I'm going to remain on that bus until we find some actual talent at the position. I don't care who is playing there. They could start Orton and I would not be as disappointed as I am at this moment. They could sign Chris Leak and activate him and I would not be as disappointed as I am at this moment.
Our D played fairly well, but Briggs missed a lot of tackles. What's up with his hand?
Our ends lining up 8 yards off the tackle is the epitome of stupid. Most of the time on runs up the gut they don't even have to block them. They're already out of the play by their position. Plus you can't ever do a stunt if you're way over there. We don't stunt very often, anyone notice that? We should stunt and blitz every so often. As opposed to just doing a straight up blitz and getting picked up easily.
PO'd, you were right, Griese sucks, too. Yes, "too". I have zero confidence in our entire offense. Our O-line can't block, our receivers can't catch and possibly are running the wrong routes (Berrian mostly), our quarterback can't throw to the outside shoulder of a receiver who could probably out jump any of the defenders on the defense, our offensive coordinator continues to play McKie when he clearly sucks at run blocking and catching the ball since he's slow, and our left tackle is probably the worst left tackle in all of football (you could probably say that about every O-line position, including center).
I love Greg Olsen though.
October 29, 2007
#53 Pissed Off said . . .There is no point in making another qb switch. Orton had his chance in 2005 and although the Bears won a lot of games with him in there, his performance was more detrimental to the Bears than it was helpful. And Lovie stuck with Grossman until it was simply unjustifiable to continue doing so, so Grossman was given more than a fair chance to get the job done, and he simply couldn't. That Lovie stuck with Grossman for so long should foreclose any inklings of putting him back in. Sure, the Bears could figure out who sucks the least by playing musical chairs at the qb position, but make no mistake about it, there is not a starting qb on the Bears' roster.
Cedric Benson is a bust. His body language and attitude indicate a lack of passion. His performance indicates a lack of ability and talent. He had a great college career, it wasn't stupid to pick him, but he just hasn't panned out, and that is part of football. Let's not waste any more time on this guy. Dump him ASAP.
This is a rebuilding year. We have seen that we have no qb, no rb, and we no longer can figure Mike Brown into our plans on defense.
I think we MUST draft a qb. Very few teams acquire talented qbs through trades or free agency. I don't care how deep the draft is at that position. Successful qbs in the nfl often come out of college without much fanfare or hype. We have to trade up to be able to take the first qb taken in the draft. Sure, it's a crapshoot, but let's not pretend that it's not. The Bears should just keep drafting qbs until one sticks.
I also think Archuleta is god-awful. He really looks like he has no business being out on the field for an NFL game. He should get dumped too.
The Bears need to be ready to make some moves. Untouchables should include Briggs, Urlacher, Vasher, Harris, Hester, Gould, Kreutz and Olsen. Everyone else is expendable.
October 29, 2007
#54 Phil from SATX said . . .I think this team is cursed with QBs. Its like the Cubs and the world series thing. We just cant get a great one. At this point we need to start the lesser of two evils, or three, thats Rex. Even if they decided to start Orton it would be better than Griese. Rex has the most upside and I would like him to be in there, see if he snapped out of his funk a little bit. I'm not asking for early 2006 Rex, nor do I expect it but lets see what happens. If we lose another 2 out of 3 or something like that with Rex, and he isnt showing any signs go with Orton for the remaining 5 or so games to see what we have there.
October 29, 2007
#55 johnny said . . .I hope I'm one post and out today. I really need a break, need to get some work done at work, need to stop obsessing about this crappy team for a couple of weeks.
Griese was horrible yesterday. No doubt about it. I have no idea why he was audibling into those long passes, all horrible ideas. Nearly all of his passes were off. Just a crap day. Perhaps it was God punishing him for the week of adulation - I guess a 39 on the Wonderlic didn't help him yesterday, did it?
On the other hand, he certainly had help all around. The Oline was absolutely pitiful. The playcalling was pitiful. With respect to the lack of running game, I know we have 3 issues: RT (playcalling), Oline (horrible), and runners (mediocre at best). I can't dissect which is worse - but I know it's between the first two. If these mediocre runners had a good Oline and good playcalling, they'd be doing absolutely fine despite their flaws.
Ron Turner needs to be fired immediately.
Most of the Oline and particularly the now-invisible John Tait needs to be benched immediately.
Des Clark had the worst game that I ever remember him having. He picked a bad day for this.
Do you think we'll ever see Hester on offense again, after that hit? Should we? I say no. Keep him as the weapon on ST.
The biggest difference offensively between this year and last year is the defense, and specifically, the lack of turnovers. There is only one person left on D who can create turnovers, and his name is Peanut. NO ONE ELSE on defense is even close to being good at creating turnovers, at least right now, in whatever condition they're in at this point in the season. A lot of points were created last year either directly or indirectly by the D, and those points, and that field position, are non-existent this year. Only DH and avoidance of DH gives field position this year. It's a big difference from last year, where RT's offense wasn't particularly effective either.
I would like someone to verify that 2% figure displayed on screen and by posters today - I think it's probably BS (like the TOP turnaround from last week). It just doesn't sound reasonable. Not that this team, with this coaching staff, this offensive line, this running game, these QBs, these poor receivers, this horrible safety, this non-turnover-creating D, can get into the playoffs anyway.
The dream for this year is over, and the changes need to start at the top. RT first, Babich a few minutes later (Peter Principle hugely in effect with Babich), then start addressing the myriad needs on this team. I honestly wouldn't mind a new head coach either, because it is he who fired Rivera yet kept Turner, both bad decisions.
Oh, and I don't care who you start in 2 weeks at QB. Really doesn't make much of a difference, I'd probably go Orton for R&D and then Rex. It'll probably be Griese, who will win some and lose some, sort of like his up and down career. 500 ball anyone? Just good enough to ensure middle round selections, bad enough to miss the playoffs? Even that is probably a pipe dream this year. Although unfortunately for those looking for a season tank, the D will undoubtedly get much better with the return of Vasher, a bigger key to the D than any of us could have guessed. (No bigger than Tillman, but both are needed for an effective D).
Like I said, hope to stay off for awhile, get some work done, probably won't be possible, but I'll be back regardless, still watching, still rooting.
October 29, 2007
#56 Bears' Fan in Packer Country said . . .the bears offensive coordinator SUCKS........ he does not know how to use the biggest weapon that we have for shit......DEVON HESTER makes defenders shake in their cleats.......they should use him out of the backfield more often and have a linebacker cover him in coverage.......there is no linebacker that can cover HESTER out of the backfield....NO ONE.... defenses double cover this guy each time hes out on the field. that leaves someone single coverd...BG had a very shitty game. BG is our QB and we need to stick with him. Turner needs to keep it simple for BG and not force the long passes down field...BG has alot of weapons with MOOSE, HESTER, PETERSON, OLSEN that we can move the ball in little chunks of yardage to win us games....TURNER also needs to start pounding the CB up the middle and AP and WOLFE on the outside....WE NEED TO PLAY HARD NOSE FOOTBALL NOT THIS PUSSY TIP TOEING OF CB....CB GROW SOME BALLS AND START RUNNING OVER SOME PEOPLE WITH THAT BIG BODY OF YOURS.....MAKE TEXAS PEOPLE PROUD OF YOU........ Another thing, start using Garrett Wolfe more......This guy can be a threat in the NFL if given a chance.
October 29, 2007
#57 Midway Monster said . . .Since when did the Bears become a passing team? Hello we play in the "Windy City" even if we did have a QB who was worth a damn come late in the season there's no way we would be able to throw the ball down the field.
It is time to give Benson the ball until he can't stand. Then when he falls give it to AP.
Who knows maybe we'll still only avg. 3.whatever per rush but at least that way we'll be getting back to Bears football and our D will have more than 2min. to catch their breath. Also, this will open this up in the pasing game by introducing a little something called play action where we can hit, oh I don't know Olsen or Hester up the seams. No matter who's throwing even they have to have the ability to do that.
This L is on the O and Ron Turner. My cap is off to all members of the D who no matter how banged up they are comtinue to hold opponets to under 20 you can't ask for much more than that.October 29, 2007
#58 Bart Start said . . .JL: 2% huh. Well I still say that we can do it.
-- Midway --
(eternally optimistic)
October 29, 2007
#59 Bill said . . .Oakland wins in the Points For Points Against category. Oakland loses three in a row. Oakland at home. Oakland 20 Bears 16
October 29, 2007
#60 B.A. Baracus said . . .I haven't had a chance to read all the comments in detail - I was at the game yesterday and didn't want to think about it - just went out with friends after and had a great dinner. So I'm sure I'm repeating others' comments.
I'll start with one I did read read here - the biggest thing this season has exposed - bigger than the QB problem or the RB problem or the old O-line or Urlacher's back or ANYTHING else. Lovie is NOT a leader.
There is NO excuse for the lack of fire yesterday - and the crowd knew it early. Benson's dropped pass set the tone - this team has no fire. Even after comng back from a 97 yard drive (that Turner didnt' call and Benson wasn't in for) - we go right back to 3 and out. WHY??
Lovie - it's on you.
Babich is over his head. Still - 16 points is nothing. We shoudl have held them to less, should have had an INT on the first drive. But still - it was only 16 points.
We have the best returner in football - guaranteed field position everytime. What would even an AVERAGE offense dowith that? At LEAST 24 points. Us? SEVEN??
So we look to next year. (Tommie - it sounds pathetic. Try to stay onsides first, then tell me how you're going to make the playoffs.) It doesn't matter anymore what they CAN do. We KNOW they CAN do better. But this is what we get everytime they win a "season saving" game. Crap.
The window is nailed shut. We need too many pieces to get back in the hunt next year. The only saving grace, so to speak, is that the NFC winner is going to get killed in the SB again.
QB - obviously. (Yes - Orton needs to get playing time to see if he's a decent option until the next savior QB arrives. Unless we can actually get McNabb.) Orton was a true rookie (not a "rookie" in the sense that the Grossman apologists kept insisting he was last year. Give him another chance. Why not?
OK - THAT'S why Griese never really stuck with a team. Pathetic - but if you have a weak arm - and can't make that throw - then DON'T TRY! Mr. 2 minute offense - treat each drive the same way. MAke the throws you KNOW you can make. He went from a strong leader to a mental-midget in one week.
Benson - gone. Period.
Archuletta - gone. Period.
Berrian - gone. PEriod.
Here's the problem - Hester will be gone at free agency. You KNOW he's goning to a big time offer from a real contender when he's up. So enjoy all the kicks out of bounds while he's here.
Defense - Urlacher was hurting liek we all suspected. He'll be shut down after the seventh or eighth loss.
The rest of the defense- I'm glad we have Peanut locked up. The rest of them - we can get back to where we were once Babich is gone.
It all came together for one pretty enjoyable year. I wish it didn't end so soon, but it did.
Best quote I read today: on Fox, someone (Jimmy Johnson or Howie) said in order to build championship teams, you need an A+ talent evaluator.
Angelo has brought in some great guys - but I'd give him a B-, considering his troubles in the first round.
October 29, 2007
#61 jdawg said . . .Not much to say now that has not already been said. The Bears need to start with the basics in the off season, which means they need to re-tool the O Line.
Unfortunately. it seems like the Bears need upgrades at every skill position on offense (not to mention what is needed on defense). Depending on how the Bears finish, they may end up with a middle 1st round pick. We will just have to wait to see what the best talent is in the middle of the first round.
October 29, 2007
#62 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .this will be the season that was.
I'm not as worried about the D. We gave up 16 points and were on the field all day.
Fire Turner.
Like I said earlier, there is something deeply flawed in our O philosophy. I'm not so sure that people should not be saying Good Ron or Bad Ron, since he seems to be able to elicit startling similar performances from two completely different QB's.
October 29, 2007
#63 Bill said . . .I'm agree that Turner and Benson should be on their way out the door. They should volunteer their resignation for such a piss poor performance.
I had a sick feeling in my stomach from the start of the game. Each dropped pass, each interception, each time we should have run further than 3 yards and didn't.. my stomach feel further.
Then with :58 on the clock & 9 points down, I still thought they were going to pull it off somehow.
Please GOD don't compare this team to the Cubs. I don't want to die at 115 years old and say I only saw the Bears win one Super Bowl in my lifetime.
October 29, 2007
#64 Pissed Off said . . .But what bugs me, as easy as it woudl be to get mad at Turner, is that it's the saem Ron Turner that called plays for those 7 100+ rating games Grossman had last year.
And you can't say it's the fact that the defense gave us good field position; the Hester factor is giving us the same field position.
So - what is it? A combination of the line and Benson. Why didn't we run more in the second half? We werent' down by too much. Any thoughts? At the time, I just figured it was no faith in Benson. But now I look at the stats (13 carries for 50 yards) and have to think it could have translated to 25 carries for 110 yards (assuming that backs get more yardage in the second half).
There is little doubt that the lack of a solid and reliable running game is a major factor. But where is the real fault? Forget the fact that Benson wasn't worth the contract and a high pick. Asssuming he's just a guy - average but no worse - shouldn't we be doing better?
He gets 3 yards when better backs woudl get 5 or 6. He gets 10 yardws when better backs woudl get 15-20. But he DOES get those 3, 5, 10 yard carries often enough.
I dont' get it. He's not great - but he's not THAT bad. 10 more carries and he probably woudl have gotten a respectable 80 yardws or better.
October 29, 2007
#65 Al in WI said . . .Chicago is called the windy city because of the politicians, not the actual wind speed which averages 8 MPH.....
We play 16 games per year in the regular season, not 18.
October 29, 2007
#66 Phil from SATX said . . .Feel free to say I'm over reacting but I would love to see the Bears fire Smith and hire Bill Cowher at the end of the season.
I know that is rash, and maybe unfair considering Smith's success the last two years, but I think this looks like the begining of the end for him with the Bears.
At the begining of the offseason when he fired 5 assistant coaches including Ron Rivera, he said "trust me." Lovie declared it to be his team, and his way. Virtually every move he's made since he got his new contract has failed.
He argued for Archuletta and that failed. He wanted to get rid of Chris Harris, that move has backfired. After sticking with Grossman last season, he pulled the plug after just three games in a move that stunk of panic. That move has now officially failed. His team is unispired, and that falls on the coach to motivate his players. The Mr. Rodgers routine doesn't work fo the Bears.
I know the Bears won't do it because they are so cheap, but the right move, is to move on. Just think of list of finalists that includes Cowher, Rivera, Singletary, and Martz. I can only dream.October 29, 2007
#67 StartOlsen said . . .Great post Al, and I would LOVE to see Bill Cowher as the head coach of the Bears. LOVE to.
October 29, 2007
#68 Phil from SATX said . . .well, I feel better. Last night I played a few games of Madden 2008 on the PS2. Hester had a game with 7 catches, 307 yards and 4 TDs. I just threw to him deep all day. That's my new reality now, fuck the real world.
October 29, 2007
#69 Bear Fan In Minnesota said . . .According to my son, you can win every time on Madden 07 by throwing every ball to Moose. The virtual Moose is apparently infallible.
How about all those Bears dropping all those balls. Could you f'in believe Benson with the first pass of the game?
That video clip should be included in the virtual Webster's definition of LOSER. (Someone spoke before of visualizing. How hard is it to visualize that you will be getting the first pass of the game, and all you need to remember is DON'T LOOK UPFIELD BEFORE YOU'RE SURE YOU CAUGHT THE BALL - instructions you've needed for the past several games - and what do you do? YOU LOOK UPFIELD BEFORE YOU CAUGHT THE BALL! First play! You ASSHOLE!
What a loser.
Followed by many other drops throughout the game, by many other receivers. The only exception? Greg Olsen, my hero. You rock, GO. Another good move by BT. Amongst many bad ones.
October 29, 2007
#70 Megan said . . .Good point by Bill on talent. It's a business. Look at NE...we don't have to jog our memories to much to remember them being the laughing stock of the NFL. That organization has turned it around.
On the other hand regardless of who is on the sidelines or up in the box, this is a man's game and you better be able to walk out on the field and believe you are going to grind guys like Brady into the turf. We need the competitive, phsycological edge that Singletary, Dent and McMichael gave us. We need guys who are going to go out and play pissed off with pride. Guys who would rather bleed or break a bone then let some no-name quarterback embaress them at home.
Good point...maybe they fired the wrong Ron.
October 29, 2007
#71 johnny said . . .sigh
October 29, 2007
#72 Hibernation said . . .I strongly agree with posting #69 about how the bears need to play with anger and pride. the bears team has no motivation to win games this season. they need motivation from the coaching staff to get them on a winning streak. Stop treating these millonaires like spoiled brats and treat them like grown men.
October 29, 2007
As my ole man said on Sunday at the game..."I remember your high school team playing more inspired football than these turkeys." An ostrich may be the better bird for the bears as they should bury their heads in the sand after a lack luster performance. Where is the focus? Where is the energy? Where is the emotion? They look too comfortable with they are at and I think Benson is the one to blame. I really feel that he sucks the energy out of this team. Cedric the Deflator. It could be a long second half of the season...still...GO BEARS!
October 30, 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.