I’m worried about the Bears this week but more worried about myself. There are two things I hate more than anything else in sports: (1) when the Bears lose and (2) when the Bears are on their bye week. Let’s add a third. I hate it when the Bears lose heading into their bye week. Oh and God forbid Brian Griese play poorly. This website might explode over the next two weeks.
Enough with all this losing talk.
YOUR 2007 CHICAGO BEARS 37
Detroit Lions 13
Why do I like the Chicago Bears this week?
1. I always like the Chicago Bears.
2. I think you’re about to see the first great, complete game of the season from this team. The Bears dominated the Lions for three quarters on the road. They should dominate all four at home.
3. The Lions won on opening day at Oakland. Since then they’ve played two road games, lost both and been outscored 90-24. That’s not a misprint. Overall on the road this season, the Lions defense is allowing 37 points a game.
4. Tommie Harris said he’s going to do whatever he needs to do for the Bears to win and get to 4-4. I’m not going to argue with 91 and I look forward to all that is entailed in "whatever he needs to do."
5. Kevin Jones’ running style won’t intimidate the Bears, who are more susceptible to shifty, make-you-miss-style runners. The only guys Adam Archuleta can tackle are guys that run right at him. Jones will, preventing big plays.
Don't forget to wear orange if you're headed over to the stadium Sunday. Take it away...
#2 Max said . . .FIRST!!!
October 26, 2007
#3 topherized said . . .Bears 41 Lions 31
Griese goes for 300 yds 3 TD 2 INT
A.P. gets a TD
Clark or G-Reg gets a TD
Moose AND B Squared get one each
Hester gets one (somehow, someway)
Robbie with 2 FGTommie gets 2 sacks, Urlacher with 1 and 10+ tackles, Peanut gets a pick, Arch gets burned at least once by a Lions WR.
Bears Down
October 26, 2007
#4 said . . .I'm going with the following:
Bears 27 Lions 13.
the bears pull their usual antics. Conservative 1st quarter leading to 1 FG and a couple 3-and-outs (thanks to running on 1st and 2nd down every series). We give up 1TD and 1FG in the first half, with a below average defensive proformance. We come out in the 2nd half, light them up, and only give up one field goal.
D gets 5 sacks, and 2 take aways. Griese passes for 2 TD, and has 1 INT. Benson gets in the endzone. Hester makes 2-3 nice catches, and a nice gain on a screen.
then we get excited to be 4-4. Go Bears.
(also I predict Oregon stomps USC)October 26, 2007
#5 Shady McBears Fan said . . .I have to say #4 is my favorite, Jeff.
There is too much on the line for Chicago not to win this game. They'll be looking to exact a bit of revenge on Kitna and his offense while wearing the best jerseys in sports. I fucking LOVE the Halloween orange.
It's finally time for a convincing win, making the last 5 minutes rather meaningless as the Bears run out the clock. Urlacher and the D plays their usual bend-but-don't-break style defense most of the game, but this week they finally create the all important takeaways. The Bear offense will roll on the momentum of 'da drive' last week in Philly. Look for Greasy to enjoy his usual TEA time with Berrian and Moose attending the party as well. Benson will prove too much as he wears down the Lions D and begins to prove his critics wrong. And most importantly the Bears will go into the bye with a win.
CHICAGO BEARS 31
Detroit Lions 19
October 26, 2007
#6 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .Dat was me.
October 26, 2007
#7 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .Hark the Griese angels sing....
October 26, 2007
#8 mikebdot said . . .Hark the Griese angels sing.... Glory to this newborn team!
October 26, 2007
#9 Northside Superfan said . . .Bears 31
Lions 20Briggs + Tillman + Archuleta returning > Johnson returning
That's right, Archuleta surprises you all playing a more than adequate game. His hand is slowly getting better giving him more overall confidence. He's finally getting used to playing in the Cover 2 again. He's been closer and closer on every pass thrown into the hole in the zone. This game he deflects a ball that's picked off.
Griese goes for 258 yards with 2 TD and 0 INT. Benson breaks 100 yards for 2nd time this season (ugh). AP has 60 or 70. We run like mad. We pass like mad. We play like mad.
The D has to overcome a special teams screw up (probably a fumble on an attempted trick play to get the ball to Hester) and gives up one TD like that, the other 13 points come at various points due to a few big plays across the middle when we don't get pressure.
October 26, 2007
#10 jeff said . . .That's damn right Jeff. I've been waiting for (and predicting) that first dominant victory for a while now. It's coming on Sunday.
Bears 37
Lions 14Griese will throw for 300+, 3TDs and one pick. 1 TD to Olsen, 1 to Moose and a long one to Hester. Hester will also score on a punt--the Lions will kick away from him all day, but there will be one punt out of there own end zone where they have no choice, and the skunk will make them pay.
This will be an excellent performance by the defense, but the Lions will actually score first on a big play to Calvin Johnson before the D settles in. They will force 4 turnovers--2 INTs and 2 Fumbles. 2 of them will be inside Lions territory and generate scoring drives.
There will be 3 Robbie Gould FG.
Benson will perform a bit better, but he'll get fewer carries and won't break 100. AP will make a case for more playing time, as will Garrett Wolfe, who will turn a checkdown pass into big yards.
The Lions only other TD will come on a broken play in garbage time after the game has already been lost.
The crowd will pump this team up and send them into their bye week 4-4.
Do I get the Wednesday column if I'm right, Jeff?
October 26, 2007
#11 beardown1982 said . . .as soon as someone gets the score, they get a column. and next week we're going to need to fill space.
October 26, 2007
#12 Al in WI said . . .Last week, I said that more than anything, the Bears need a convincing win to officially get out of this early season rut. I also said that it wouldn't come against the Eagles, but that it would come the following week...so here we are, and I better stick to my guns!
Say what you want about our performance so far this year, injuries and all, we have too much talent to have gone this far into the season without playing our first complete game on all sides of the ball. I expect everything to come together this week for the Bears.
Bears 31 Lions 14
Offense: Griese plays efficiently...throwing for 250, 2 TDS, and a pick. Ced and AP run the ball hard, combining for 150 between the both of them along with a TD. Des Clark catches a TD pass in the red zone as our tight end tandem enjoys another solid day. Long forgotten Rash Davis snags the other TD (probably a strech, but I miss Rash!), and our receivers catch the balls that they are supposed to. Offensive line shows some improvement, starts to open up more noticeable holes...keeps penalties to a minimum.
Defense: Detroit moves the ball on us when we don't get pressure on Kitna...but to no avail. When we do get pressure, we finally get back to our ball hawking ways. Causing 4 turnovers, including an INT returned for a score. Harris, Wele, Anderson, and Briggs all record sacks.
Special Teams: Nothing spectacular from Devin, but no turnovers either. (anyone know if they plan to kick to him?) Solid performance all around by our coverage team.
4 and 4 never sounded so nice...let's get back to .500 heading into the bye and rest up...there is plenty more work to be done in the next 8 games.
October 26, 2007
#13 Phil from SATX said . . .Last week I declared that I was done with being a believer until they gave me a couple of solid weeks. I'm sticking by that.
As spectacular as last weeks drive was, it didn't change the fact that the bears were a holding call away from the eagles being able to run out the clock. What we had, was one 2-4 team beating another.
That said, the bears are among the most talented teams in the NFC, they just haven't played like it so far this season. So I do see them winning this game.
But there will be no blowout, they aren't capable of that right now. It will be a nail bitter:
Bears 20
Lions 17October 26, 2007
#14 Phil from SATX said . . .I think we're really going to have fun watching this game. It's going to be even more fun because contrary to what Topher predicted, it WON'T be business as usual for the Bears. They now have full confidence in Grease Relief (what's that from? I can't remember) and he comes out firing with a creative game plan from the usually-maligned RT which doesn't feature that many runs, but the ones that happen are 4 yard plus successful. We're scoring early, maybe not first drive but at a minimum second drive, and it's a TD.
Do agree with Shady and Topher on the defense, it'll be a little stretchy at first, but will ultimately hold Lions down. The law of averages says there HAS to be at least one defensive turnover in this game. Hopefully there will be two or more.
I've got Bears scoring 3 FGs and 3 TDs for 30. Lions get 2 TDs and 2 field goals for 20.
It doesn't sound like a blowout at 30-20 but we will all agree that the game was not as close as the score.
I'm welcoming the bye week for the first time. Even though no Bears, every day is a healing day, and I pledge to stop and smell the roses and realize that. At the same time I can root for my football enemies to fail (Packers, Lions, Vikings and Cowboys - that's about it). In fact, I'll probably get better use of my NFL Ticket that week, since when the Bears are on all I care about it the Bears. Or maybe I'll lay on a hammock, sipping a drink, smoking a stoge and channelling healing thoughts to our battered defenders.
(or maybe my wife will just tell me to get my ass out in the yard and start doing some work for the first time this football season).
Bears 30 Lions 20
Hope it's WAY worse than that - a true ass-kicking to avenge the emBearassment of the first loss to this team.
GO BEARS!
October 26, 2007
#15 Phil from SATX said . . .Crap, I just posted a long one and it didn't take when I sent it. Time to recreate.
This will be a fun game for us on Sunday. Contrary to Topher's prediction, it will NOT be business as usual for the Bears offense. RT has full confidence in BG, and he will take advantage of that with a creative and effective game plan that includes running plays but that BG will mostly audible out of. The running plays that do occur will average 4+ yards each.
We'll score early, first or latest second drive, and it will be 7. In total we will have 3 TDs and 3 FGs for 30 points.
I agree with Shady and Topher on the D. It will be a little stretchy at first, but tighten up later. They will score 2 TDs and 2 FGs for a total of 20.
Although 30-20 doesn't look like a blowout, we will agree after that the score wasn't indicative of how lopsided the game was.
We'll go into the bye week 4-4, with the whole world looking a lot better and some real excitement brewing in Chicago. I will also say that I am going to embrace this bye week and all 13 days it gives for our battered D to rest and recover. I'll enjoy rooting for the Packers, Vikings, Lions and Cowboys to fail and count each day off as a great blessing for our team.
Bears 30 Lions 20.
GO BEARS!
October 26, 2007
#16 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .Okay that sucked, the first one did take, ignore the second, it's only an abridged version of the first.
October 26, 2007
#17 Phillip said . . .Phil- must be something going on. It did that to me earlier this morning.
October 26, 2007
#18 StartOlsen said . . .Nicole, LOVE your carol. Make it a ringtone and I'll put it on my phone, hell, I'll play it at the game Sunday. Let's hope we grab a win, I'm taking this French girl I'm dating to watch, it'll be her first NFL game ever.
Predictions:
BEARS.
Griese breaks 100, probably 110 on the PR with at least 300yds, and, like Max said, 3 TD, but I think it'll be 0 INT. Yeah, that's right, none. Detroit screws up and boots one to The Skunk and he, of course, runs it back for a TD.
Olsen, Moose, and Berrian (yeah, Btwice) all grab those TDs Greasemonkey throws at 'em, Robbie "The Man with the Goulden Toe" Gould picks up 1 FG.
The D brings it, Mister T throws down with three sacks (YES, THREE) and Urlacher gets 1 plus helps keep the ball out of a few WR hands.
The Lionettes get a FG and a TD. That's it.
CRAZYOMGWTFGRIESETHANKYOU Bears: 24
Yet another sad Detriot team: 10Gimme an extra spoonful of that enthusiasm, will ya?
October 26, 2007
#19 Phillip said . . .all positive comments today! I love it! BEAR DOWN BABY!!
Funniest thing so far: Mikedbot predicting 258 yards from Greise.
Really Mike- exactly 258?
cracked me up. I hope this stays positive, I may actually keep reading the board for the first time all week.October 26, 2007
#20 StartOlsen said . . .Whoops, I forgot to add in that HTD (Hester Touchdown, they're adjusting the box scores @ Soldier Field to include them), so that makes it BEARSSS 31, Lions 10.
October 26, 2007
#21 Phil from SATX said . . .Oh ya, I need a score.
Ditka's 357
Lions -5October 26, 2007
#22 Shady McBears Fan said . . .Nicole, loved your post #7 BTW. Christmas is just around the corner, could we be 11-4 by that glorious day, having just beaten the Packers two days earlier to take the division lead with only the Saints in front of us to complete a 10 game winning streak? Might take some Griese angels but...
IT COULD HAPPEN!
October 26, 2007
#23 Bill said . . .The Kool-Aid is flowing my friends... Drink up.
October 26, 2007
#24 Pissed Off said . . .I expect to see a subtly different offense. A bit more of an attack attitude rather than settling for field position.
As a result, a Griese INT (or even 2) is not out of the question, nor anything alarming.
But I suspect we will have decent field position most of the game. The Hester factor will drive the Lions nuts. Becuase - as Easterbrook pointed out - the two teams that chose to kick away from him LOST. Field position is the single most important stat in football.
The defense will play OK, but the offense will dictate the overall control of the game.
No real high scoring - and tight for a while, but in control at the end.
Bears 27
Lions 17October 26, 2007
#25 Phil from SATX said . . .I'm not going to predict a score, but I do predict a Bears win. Lets just say they better win. Its going to be a rough two weeks if they lose to the Lions at home. As Jeff said the Lions are horrible on the road with the exception of playing a bad Oakland team. If they come into Soldier and dominate we can throw in the towel on this season. However if we win, things can be looking up, way up, playoffs up.
During the bye we can get healthy and come out swinging for a nice stretch run. The Lions are a typical indoor team that when they get out in the elements a little bit, a little wind or snow, they are a different team. The motor city kitties are not a good team and the roar has not been restored. We better not overlook them this week. Just win, somehow.
October 26, 2007
#26 Coxy said . . .If there's one thing I think we can guarantee about this team right now, is that NO TEAM will be overlooked. All sides of the ball have a lot to prove, and I think the positive vibes created by the BG story are overflowing on this team right now. I will be very surprised to see any bonehead drops by receivers or decisions to run out of bounds when an offensive lick can be put down. I think we will see VERY hard hitting on the part of the D.
And Hester is antsy, no returns last week. They'll kick it to him and he'll make them pay. After that they'll have to adjust but won't be ready for the adjustment and will screw it up repeatedly. Field position all the way.
The professionalism shown by the team late in the fourth quarter of last game will be in display throughout this game. All phases show up, for 4 quarters.
October 26, 2007
#27 Northside Superfan said . . .31 - 10 Da Bears.
October 26, 2007
#28 Phil from SATX said . . .Here's a weird question--
Since a lot of us (myself included) are predicting a big win on Sunday, is it possible that if we got far enough ahead, we could actually see Rex come out and play?
I probably shouldn't have even said that. Let's get there first.
Still, sometimes you gotta wonder...
October 26, 2007
#29 JL said . . .Great question Northside, and I absolutely think they should. There is absolutely no reason that the starter needs to play in garbage time. Use that time for your backups, to help them and to learn more about them (like whether you're going to keep them, and how much you might offer them). Keep them ready in case the starter goes down, always a potential on any snap.
Good call. OBVIOUSLY getting ahead of ourselves here, but SO THE F WHAT?
This is Da Bears Blog, not the Reasoned Rational Realists of America blog.
October 26, 2007
#30 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .Bears 26 - Lions 0
Yeah, so what if I believe we still have a dominant defense? So dominant, in fact, that we get a ton of sacks, including one that results in a SAFETY! Kitna's thrown for only 100+ yds each of the last two games, and will spend Sunday on his back swaddled in Orange. In his routine postgame prayer circle he will thank the Lord for mercifully ending the game.
October 26, 2007
#31 Pissed Off said . . .Phillip: I'll get to work on the ringtones. Oh, and I hope your Frenchie is smart enough to bundle up, Bear down and wear proper attire (ie: not stilettos)
Phil in TX: Bearmas jingles and crispies are just two of my specialities!
All: I'm heading to Purdue for Homecoming this weekend. Anyone think Lovie will let Orton will make a grizzly appearance in West Lafayette?
October 26, 2007
#32 Shady McBears Fan said . . .I would agree that backups can be put in if we are far enough ahead, we did that several times last year. This is the NFL and with injuries, etc theres no reason not to. That being said I dont think it will happen cuz this is not the 2006 Bears offense or defense for that matter and even against teams like the Lions it will probably stay relatively close, within 14 pts or so. Not enough of a cushion that Lovie would be comfortable to put in the 2nd stringers.
I heard Vasher participated in practice today, wouldnt that be sweet if he played? I dont think we'll need him so if rest is what he needs plus the bye coming up, you can just as well sit him for this game. But I would still prefer he played if possible, we are 3-4 and really need this win.
October 26, 2007
#33 jdawg said . . .It would be great to have Vash out there helping out the secondary work against a tough Detroit recievers corps, but I feel Lovie and company will keep him rested in order to have a healthy Nathan Vasher for the 2nd half of the season. The front 4 of Chicago MUST create pressure on Kitna to help out the secondary succeed in their cover-2 scheme. I see Mark Anderson #97 and Adewale Ogunleye #93 as two guys on the ends who need to get after Kitna while Tommie gets doubled all day in the middle.
October 26, 2007
#34 Shady McBears Fan said . . .Just watched the O on all the plays against the Eagles.
I predict a heavy, early dose of Benson. He did not look that bad against Philly and a lot of Greise's early success came on play action after Benson pounded it up the middle.
Hester will not touch the ball on ST's, so don't get your hopes up. BUT, every week he gets more snaps on O, so if he does find the end zone it will be as a WR.
I hope Harris can make it through this game. If anybody needs two weeks off its him.
oh yea, Bears win!
October 26, 2007
#35 RandomName said . . .Look for the Bears to stretch the Detroit defense early, I would expect them to take a shot or 2 downfield to Berrian or Hester. They're obviously (hopefully) going to be committed to the run, but I believe the Bears would love to get the crowd into the game, and put this one away early.
October 26, 2007
#36 Shady McBears Fan said . . .OK i'm so tired of the media not letting up on Urlacher's commentary.. I bet not one person on this blog cares about the short answers. I'm glad he's sticking it to the media.
end
October 26, 2007
#37 RandomName said . . .There's no requirement for NFL players to speak with the media at length, and I don't understand why everybody wants to get into the head of Urlacher so bad. What are you looking for? An excuse? Brian Urlacher doesn't make excuses. He makes his statements through his expert leadership and playmaking ability. It's not what he says in the lockeroom that matters, it's what he does on the field that counts. Talk is cheap.
October 26, 2007
#38 mikebdot said . . .Shady, Exactly.
October 26, 2007
#39 Rancid said . . .StartOlsen: Hell yeah, 258. Otherwise, even if I get the score correct, I'm going to differ the column.
Or not.
On a side note, I tell people to meet me at places at times like 2:12 or 5:38. Just to mess with them.
October 27, 2007
#40 Phil from SATX said . . .Bears 35
Lions 9That's right. No TD's by the Lions this week. BG goes for 279 (following mikebdot's lead) 3 tds, 2 int. Moose sees the end zone twice, hester once, and CB gets the last two.
I want this game to be such a smash that we have more than enough to keep us busy with non-QB comparison discussions through the bye.
October 27, 2007
#41 Megan said . . .MikeB, is that some kind of Rain Man shit or what? Personally, I absolutely love #54's short, nasty answers. It fits him to a T, and the rest of this team tends to talk too much. Brian U is all about the football, and nothing about the show. A direct descendant of Dick Butkus.
I wish I could show you guys the picture my son drew me today. He happens to be an awesome artist, although he's starting to grow out of it I fear. But he gives you an piece of paper that has been super saturated with color, every square inch colored. It's Soldier Field, with blue and orange players, blue is Cowboys, orange is Bears, and #23 is about to score and on the top it says "from the announcer Devin Hester you are ridiculous." Bears were apparently up 28-0 in this game. You should see it, would do your heart warm.
No soccer games this weekend, nothing to do but watch Da Bears do it to it. I'm expecting a lot.
October 27, 2007
#42 Ted in IA said . . .Bears 17
Kitty Kats 10October 27, 2007
#43 Z said . . .Very interesting posts, as usual - some of them I even agree with, but (almost) all thought provoking.
I have a question for the assembled Ursus fans: If you have an NFL QB who has a winning lifetime record, and supposedly wants to get back on the field someday... WHY would he try to look like Grizzly Adams ?
KO's mountain man routine cannot be winning him any points with the coaching staff. "Rule 1 of employees: Always try to emulate the look of your superior(s)".
Kyle... entre nous... lose the scraggly beard and work on throwing.
October 27, 2007
#44 JB said . . .Oh, what a big one. I do not want us to have to go 6-2 the rest of the way just to finish 9-7 and hope for help to make the playoffs. 4-4 B4 the bye just seems like a whole different universe. Let Griese open it up early, let BB and #23 bolt down the field and overthrow them if you have to just so it is on the D's mind for the rest of the game.
I really feel like the coaches will have a big part in this one. Get Olsen and #23 involved. Everyone else catch the ball and hang on to it. Vash is up to questionable. Man I hope we get him back.
The D needs to get some good pressure and get in the Kitna's face so maybe we can generate some takeaways. I hope the last Lions game is fresh on the Bears' minds and they play like the season is on the line every week. Like angry Bears backed into a corner. While my 13-3 or 12-4 season predicitons were obviously misguided. Just getting to the playoffs with a healthy D (with who is left) and an O with some confidence and momentum, anything could happen any given game.
Isn't this more exciting than just blowing everyone out every week. Tell me your heart rate and blood pressure doesn't rollercoaster like the ten best amusement parks rolled into one during these Bears' games!!
Bear Down
October 27, 2007
#45 Phillip said . . .33-17...thats 4 TD's, 1 FG, and a safety. TD's coming from Devin Hester (on offense), Greg Olsen, Desmond Clark, and Adrian Peterson. Their 2 TD's come from Calvin Johnson. Safety...Mark Anderson. Game is never really close, but Griese's best game of the year gives the team big time confidence going into the bye week. Kitna cries after the game because he threw 3 picks and Tommie Harris cracks a rib. Roy Williams talks trash and continues not backing it up.
October 27, 2007
#46 Phillip said . . .Nicole: Actually we're up in New York, weather's looking to be sunny and 64 degrees, perfect drankin' weather.
Everybody: Seen this? My that kool-aid tastes good! http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_whatsgoinon/ ::
• Brian Griese doesn't call his own plays. Plays call him (before 10 p.m., of course) and ask to be run.• Brian Griese doesn't ignore Ron Turner. Brian Griese has never heard of Ron Turner.
• Brian Griese doesn't read Pep Hamilton's lips. Brian Griese reads Pep Hamilton's mind.
• Brian Griese doesn't need a helmet headset because Brian Griese doesn't need a helmet.
• Brian Griese is listed on the Injury Report this week as "Probable to kick ass."
• Brian Griese doesn't run the two-minute drill. The two-minute drill runs from Brian Griese.
• Brian Griese plays with Rex Grossman tucked in his sock for good luck.
• Brian Griese once snatched an Eagle out of the air with one hand while pinning Ed Hochuli to the ground with the other.
• The Lyric Opera has reworked "Bear Down Chicago Bears" to "Father my child, Brian Griese."
• Devin Hester is really Brian Griese in disguise.
• Brian Griese 28, Detroit Lions 24
October 27, 2007
#47 StartOlsen said . . .Oh, and 28-24 was NOT my prediction.
October 27, 2007
Phillip that was f@ing awesome
October 27, 2007
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