It would have been insincere to write a positive column about this football team yesterday, especially after the complete lack of effort on the field Sunday. I spent yesterday on the phone ranting about the misuse of Devin Hester on offense, the unwillingness to deviate from a misguided offensive scheme and Adam Archuleta’s belief that cross-checking wide receivers is easier than turning around and knocking down the football.
I’m about to give reasons for Bears fans to be optimistic but I want to stress that the postseason for this club is an extreme long shot for two reasons: (1) the Bears are going to be chasing a Detroit Lions club for a wild card that has now beaten them twice and (2) the New York Giants look like they’re going to coast to ten wins. The numbers don’t look good but still we hope…
Reason #1 The Schedule
I like the second half schedule. (a) The Bears open at the Raiders. If they lose there, we don’t have to waste the rest of the calendar year talking about the postseason. (b) The Bears won’t have to do a lot of scoreboard watching because they’ll play meaningful conference games against Green Bay, the Giants, Washington, Minnesota, Seattle and a resurgent New Orleans. (c) They get Denver at home. (d) They end the season with the Saints in Chicago. If they’ve put themselves in a position to make the playoffs, that’s a perfect setup. (Note: The Lions still have to play the Cowboys and Chargers.)
Reason #2 Getting Healthy
When Nathan Vasher returns after the bye week, this should create a domino effect of players in the right positions (and Adam Archuleta on the damn bench). No one quite knows the extent of the injuries to Urlacher, Harris, Briggs and Walker but two weeks off should bring them back to somewhere near 100%.
Reason #3 They Cant Play Worse…
…can they?
I’d like to write reasons like “the Bears will utilize Greg Olsen� or “Devin Hester� but I think I’ll wait until our fearless leadership pull their heads out of their collective asses. Then I'll show faith in them. I’m also a little pissed off at Monday Night Favre tonight which was the worst Brett Favre suckoff in the history of recorded tape. What the hell do I care about his wife? Does she play sports? Get her the hell out of the broadcast booth.
#2 Nicole is CELEBRATING in this blue city said . . .Yeah, I am worried about our chances.
I mean, we lost to the Bears; and the Bears lost to the Lions.....TWICE.
By the transitive property (that's math) we are less than the Lions. Of course, you lost to the Vikings...who we beat...so I guess it all evens out.
P.S. You fired the wrong Ron.
October 30, 2007
#3 Northside Superfan said . . .Don't even throw that bone out there. They can always play worse but I shutter at the thought.
October 30, 2007
#4 mikebdot said . . .That's right Nicole...they can definitely play worse. Hey, they did score 7 points in that game, didnt they?
October 30, 2007
#5 JB said . . .Anyone notice the distinct lack of Rashied Davis? The past few weeks have the depth chart more like Hester, Bradley, then Davis at 3, 4, and 5. Did I see Davis out there as a gunner on a punt?
I'm not complaining since I don't particularly like Davis, but Hester has definitely replaced him as the #3 lining up in the slot a lot. I don't like that move at all. Hester needs to be wide. I don't think he has James Jett type speed, but they need to throw the deep ball to him at least 5 times a game on 2nd and short or 1st and 10. I'm guessing they're running the route but since they're probably double teaming him, Griese opts for the check down because he knows his arm sucks, which doesn't explain why he throws the ball to Bradley twice in the endzone. What a stupid pass, two times. I will say this, Bradley was heads up the first time at least and pushed the guy out at the 7. Only TD we gave up that game though...figures.
I really think we need to put Hass in the slot. I've seen him suited up, so it's not as though he's inactive.
October 30, 2007
#6 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .WCPF, much to your dismay, there are a good number of us on here that actually understand your big words...I can't speak for everyone else, but don't talk down to us on our site...My degrees are just as valid as yours, regardless of how bad my football team looks.
Comment on Urlachers back problem, is this arthritic back due to carrying the team the last 7 years? It's got to take its toll.
October 30, 2007
#7 Bill said . . .Northside: They did score 7 points however, go back and look at last Friday's blog predictions. People were saying we'd be in the high 20's and 30's for points. Scoring 7 means we barely showed up.
October 30, 2007
#8 Pissed Off said . . .I said this on the other thread, but I'll repeat it here for WCPF:
While it's little help, I'm allowing myself to sink down to the level of Packer fans last year, who kept claiming our season was a fluke, and then enjoyed being proved "right" when we lost in the Super Bowl.
I am looking forward to the rest of the season for that purpose only.
So I'll start now - the Packers are a fluke. They can't possibly win the Super Bowl. They will lose in the playoffs - Favre can't pull off miracles agaisnt good teams (and he's only played one so far, the Giants, before they got good.)
(Somehow that didn't help. I guess it's not easy to lose all common sense. That's what I get for having a graduate degree and living all my life in a vibrant, intellectual city.)
WCPF - keep your condescension to yourself. The Packers and Lions are the "class" of the division. So what?
October 30, 2007
#9 Tyrone Briggs said . . .I just want to reiterate how bad this sucks. We are 3-5 and I highly doubt Lovie will do anything to shake things up and get us excited about the rest of the season. He most likely will not bench Benson in favor of Peterson, or bench noodle arm for Rex or Orton or give more time to guys like Hass, Wolfe or Beekman. We'll come out of the bye exactly as we went into it with the same personel and the same lackluster performances. I am desperately hoping to hear something between now and the Raider game that will spike my interest. And please no one predict that we are going to blow out the Raiders or any team for that matter this year, it just makes your credibility go down the toilet.
October 30, 2007
#10 Al in WI said . . .Kind of surprised that not much has been mentioned of Urlacher boycotting the Chicago media. (ie. Jay Mariotti).
October 30, 2007
#11 Mike said . . .Well said Po'd, I feel the same way. This season is a nightmare, and it's only getting worse. Urlacher's back injury really worries me for the long term future of the team.
October 30, 2007
#12 Mike said . . .The second half of the season should be all about preparing for the 2008 season. That means playing Kyle Orton to see if he can be a good backup QB in this league and serve as a possible stopgap should the Bears draft a new "franchise" QB next April. It's also time to bench the ancient and useless Fred Miller and see if John St. Clair can play right tackle. We should do the same with John Tait at left tackle, but there is nobody to fill in. Also, somehow get the ball to Greg Olsen and see what we have with this kid. On defense, bench Adewale Ogunleye for good. Let's see what Israel Idonjie can do. Also, lets get Jamar Williams and Mike Okwo playing at linebacker.
October 30, 2007
#13 jdawg said . . .The second half of the season should be all about preparing for the 2008 season. That means playing Kyle Orton to see if he can be a good backup QB in this league and serve as a possible stopgap should the Bears draft a new "franchise" QB next April. It's also time to bench the ancient and useless Fred Miller and see if John St. Clair can play right tackle. We should do the same with John Tait at left tackle, but there is nobody to fill in. Also, somehow get the ball to Greg Olsen and see what we have with this kid. On defense, bench Adewale Ogunleye for good. Let's see what Israel Idonjie can do. Also, lets get Jamar Williams and Mike Okwo playing at linebacker.
October 30, 2007
#14 mikebdot said . . .Haas -- I don't believe he can get enough separation against an NFL secondary
Benson -- I could give a rat's ass whether he's a cheerleader on the field. He still runs hard and if you think he's the problem on O you're crazy. Also, if our guys aren't professional enough to get over the loss of Thomas Jones they don't deserve to be on the field (and most of the O fits this description, so far).
Coaching -- aah, the real culprit. Grossman showed moxie and play-making ability before the 2nd big injury. 4-plus years under this staff has turned him into a journyman. Opposing D's know what we're gonig to run before we even run it. They've said it. Our own O players have said it. Turner must go.
Its too early to throw Babich to the wolves. Unlike Turner, befor the D was decimated by injuries, Babich seemed to have this unit clicking. That Dallas 2nd half came after our guys started dropping like flies.All is not lost, but Turner must go.
October 30, 2007
#15 jeff said . . .PO'd: You know things really suck when you are no longer credible when you decide to actually believe in your team and predict a convincing victory. The whole reason I watch sports is to escape reality, and if that means I'm going to be pumped up to watch the game against the Raiders since I think we're beat the living crap out of them, I don't care how "credible" you think that makes me. I don't care about credibility. I care about watching football. The only thing that keeps me watching it is believing our team will beat the crap out of their team. Otherwise, why the hell do you even watch the games?
October 30, 2007
#16 Bill said . . .bears 30, raiders 6. what credibility as a prognosticator do i have left?
October 30, 2007
#17 beardown1982 said . . .jdawg - Excellent post. Babich is learning on the job and I guess deserves a chance to see how he adjusts and learns. I've written he must go, but I'm just frustrated that we are not dominating on D like before. It's probably in part due to injures and not all him.
Turner has in fact turned the play calling too predictable. I agree it's time for a new o-coordinator. It's a real shame what he (and Lovie) has done to Rex - who clearly showed promise and as you said got ruined.
And yes, the team shoudl realize that Benson was drafted for a reason, Jones wanted out (remember) if he was going to have ot split time with Benson (and of course he was going to.) The mistake was thinking they needed to draft Benson in the first place. If ever there was a time to trade down - but maybe Angelo tried.
I don't like Benson's lack of enthusiasm - I think it has to translate to getting less yardage and not having vision to see the next cut etc.
Still, it has affected the team, and chemistry is not something to be meddled with. Maybe they shoudl be more mature about it, but I do beleive it's deflated the team somewhat.
October 30, 2007
#18 Rancid said . . .POed..I think we've all learned our lesson in regard to predicting Bears blow out victories. I for one, have been stuck hoping that this team can rediscover its 2006 form. (especially on defense) I think I'm over that now.
But, let's face it....this is not 2006, and this team is nothing like the team of last year. Our defense scares no one...our offense now has no running game. Things aren't looking good.
October 30, 2007
#19 Pissed Off said . . .I will always predict a Bears win ( and we should defenitelty beat Oakland), but I do feel that if the playoffs are out of reach (and it's already over the cliff and hanging by a thread now) then I think it is the responsible thing to take a look at Orton. Traditionally most teams have 3 QBs:
The starter: THis is the good guy. The competent if not star QB who you can trust. THis is a fairly novel concept for us as Bears fans since we've never really seen one wearing our colors. This is who Rex was supposed to be.
The backup: Normally a journeyman vet or guy who struggled a bit but has trustworthy skills. Main purpose being to fill in case of injury without totally screwing the team. Griese.
The third guy: Young inexperienced guy you hope will be a starter someday. This is the slot where we have Orton.
We need to firgure out his potential. If he can be the backup, then we can dump Griese, If he can be the starter, then we keep Griese and draft a new #3. If he can't do either, then we need to dump him and we have serious work to do on the free agent market/draft. None of this can happen until we know who he is. That's what we need to do. So while I am officially calling for Orton, I would like to clarify that it is not because I think he is better than Rex or BG, it is because I think we need a clear picture of who he is. I don't even think doing so should necessarily be considered giving up on the season. Both our previous QBs have showed the ability to lose games very efficiently, whats the danger?
I swear though, if I was in Orton's shoes I would be dreading having to prove myself with the shit O line we have.
October 30, 2007
#20 jdawg said . . .Well said beardown. I would assume we all hope for Bears victories and big ones at that but objectively thinking we can beat anyone by a sizeable margin this year is crazy. Do we believe we can beat teams, yeah, I'd agree with Mike thats why we watch. But we can also watch to see how players develop, check fantasy stats, boredom on Sundays, its the only channel on TV, you like football period, there are tons of reasons to watch.
Sadly mike that makes you not very credible or maybe not very objective to say the least as far as prediction go anyway. Sports is reality, its not something thats happening in your dreams so I dont know where your going with the "escape reality" bit. Playing as the Bears on Madden and beating another team badly would be escaping reality. Please see #17.
Jeff with the prediction of that score, I would say not much.
October 30, 2007
#21 JB said . . .The problem with starting Orton is its the equivalent of waving the white flag. Lovie will not do that until we have 7 losses (gut feeling).
I my opinion all of our major needs are on Offense:
QB -- enough's been said about this and I honestly, after last Sunday, don't know what to think
Wrs -- we need a fucking play-maker
RB's -- I'm willing to wait until the end of the season to chime in here
O-line -- we need a monster guard to replace Garza and the same for Miller. If we can do this I can live with Tait and Brown (for one more year).
TEs -- no need here, this could be the best tandem in the NFL.
October 30, 2007
#22 Pissed Off said . . .Mike, Okwo is on IR...please get to know the roster a little better before you try and bench the entire team.
October 30, 2007
#23 Rancid said . . .Did any of you watch the Lovie interview on CB.com, where he discusses Urlacher's back, Griese, personel, etc. I hadnt had a chance to watch it until just now and if you havent I encourage you all to do so.
Based on some things he said toward the end and his expressions, etc. actually gives me reason to believe we might make a few changes coming out of the bye. Eerily enough he said almost the exact same thing the week before he benched Rex about the "evaluation process." Is that a glimmer of change in the distance? Is it at QB, is it at RB, I dont know but I sure as hell cant wait to find out.
October 30, 2007
#24 Phil from SATX said . . .jdawg - I understand it looks like "waving the white flag" to take a look at Orton, I just feel that after watching the first 8 games of the season, at QB all we have are white flags. It doesn't matter which one we wave.
I would also like to stress that my pessimism does not reach much beyond the QB and Oline situation. I still have a lot of faith and hope in the rest of the team. I still feel we can beat any team out there when we show up. I also wrote that the Orton switch should happen when the playoffs are a defenite miss. I honestly am unsure if that is the case right now or not. I am leaning right now toward thinking that we still have an outside chance but God forbid I write that, it may make me an UNobjective Bears fan, and my goal as a sports fan is always to maintain the highest level of objectivity. It's so much more fun that way.
October 30, 2007
#25 Rancid said . . .We do have WR threats, they're just TEs - but other strong-tight end teams operate very effectively without star WRs. Unfortunately those teams usually have a really good running game to go along with it.
I still say that if the awful RT would pull his head OOHA and review tape of the MN game, he would find the game plan there that works. We moved the ball repeatedly in that game but failed in the red zone. And it wasn't due to facing a bad defense in MN.
There are plays to go to our TEs that simply cannot be defended if the ball is delivered correctly. RT appears afraid to repeat plays (unless that play is CB left for a loss of 6 - then let's do it again and again and again).
All our WRs can get separation on certain routes. BB, MB and Hester likely can get separation on any routes. I know that O coordinating is very complicated and I know virtually nothing about it. But I have heard repeatedly that other teams know what is coming, and since we make all defenses look really good (except with 2 minutes left in the game while trailing), that suggests that this rumor may be true, and then I have to assume that RT is fully, solely, to blame.
I will comment that watching GB's offense last night, I noted that it all runs very crisply, and when WRs catch balls, they seem to move very quickly after the catch. Our offense appears very sluggish compared to theirs. I'm sure it starts at the QB position for GB, but it is continued with the no-name running backs and WRs. Is it our coordinator who is not insisting on that degree of professionalism and urgency, on EVERY PLAY? Is it the players who are poorly coached? Is it simple lack of speed and skill? What is it?
Just a vote not to kill each other here regardless of what we predict for Bears wins. A second vote, however, to kill all those who predict Bears losses - THAT'S not acceptable. (Bears 10 - Raiders 3? - sound okay?)
October 30, 2007
#26 Mike said . . .I just watched the clip that PO's mentioned in #22. In it Lovie says that the first half of the season is over and LIKE IN A GAME, they will take the bye and see where they went wrong and try to change things.
This was refreshing to me because after watching the first half of the season I was pretty sure that Lovie and RT weren't aware you could change the plan at halftime when it isn't working.
October 30, 2007
#27 Mike said . . .Brian Urlacher's arthritic back is not fixable. His options for moving forward are simple. Either find a way to endure an increasing level of pain or walk away from pro football. I feel for the guy. The physical toll a professional football player endures is brutal. The streets are littered with former NFL players who are living through a life sentence of significant physical pain and outright disability the result of the ravages of playing football. Urlacher is angry and being short with the media because he is staring at his own mortaility. Suffice to say, Urlacher is officially on the downside of his career. He had a good 8 year run of dominance.
October 30, 2007
#28 Bill said . . .Brian Urlacher's arthritic back is not fixable. His options for moving forward are simple. Either find a way to endure an increasing level of pain or walk away from pro football. I feel for the guy. The physical toll a professional football player endures is brutal. The streets are littered with former NFL players who are living through a life sentence of significant physical pain and outright disability the result of the ravages of playing football. Urlacher is angry and being short with the media because he is staring at his own mortaility. Suffice to say, Urlacher is officially on the downside of his career. He had a good 8 year run of dominance.
October 30, 2007
#29 jdawg said . . .I can't see what changes Lovie woudl make, except a little tinkering. Alex Brown rather than Anderson - who clearly is not an every down lineman. But Peterson vs Benson? MAybe as a wake-up, but Peterson was a number 3 back last year and probably is not going to make a big difference.
QB? Not likely, though giving Rex another chance (and away from home at that) would be interesting. Hmmm...
Archuletta? Who woudl play instead? With Vasher presumably back I guess we have some options there.
OL - St. Clair deserves a look, so maybe there.
Thoughts?
October 30, 2007
#30 B.A. Baracus said . . .Rancid -- I disagree.
I think that if Orton had shown anything in training camp he'd be in there. But when you have a #1 pick and a 10-year vet with an 80-plus career QB ranking its tough to make the case. Also, I look at our WRs and I hold my nose.
PO'd -- In a perfect world Lovie inserts #8, he finishes the season with a 60-plus completion pct. and an 80-plus QB ranking, we make the playoffs and win the first game.
Now that the giant blue cloud I just exhaled is clearing up the above scenario doesn't seem too likely. Although I will grant that the sex cannon sucked against much better teams than Greise and was basically playing without Hester and 82.
October 30, 2007
#31 jeff said . . .The only thing I have to add right now is in response to Rancid #18 and I am not trying to pick a fight here.
I don't disagree that the Bears need to evaluate the current QBs on their roster looking to next year, but the Bears management is not going to "dump" Griese after this year. He is under contract for three more seasons and they are paying him good money ($14.5 Million for 5 years). He will be the back up next year unless, somehow, Angelo can't find a a better QB to fill the starter role (assuming Angelo does not re-sign Grossman).
The same thing holds true for Cedric Benson. He has one more year on his contract and based on past penny pinching tendencies, the Bears aren't going to just let him go. A trade is possible, but they won't get much for him. I expect Benson to be here next year, but in a back up role.
The Bears are better off looking to free agency to pick up an established QB or RB to try to jump start the offense. The only way this might change is if the Bears go 3-13 or 4-12 where they end up with a top 5 pick. If they end up 8-8 or 9-7, they will get a middle rounder where the impact of the player is less certain.
That all being said, given the Bears track record on picking offense talent in the first round, we all should take refuge in the bunker come draft day regardless of what pick they have.
October 30, 2007
#32 B.A. Baracus said . . .i think griese is a good backup. but thats what he is.
October 30, 2007
#33 Phil from SATX said . . .Jeff - I agree with you fully - Griese should be a backup. However, given Angelo's track record with picking/sigining offensive talent, we can only pray he finds a competent starting QB for next year.
October 30, 2007
#34 JL said . . .In the case of starters who are playing poorly, it will be up to Lovie to assess what is the probability that they will play better in remaining games, versus starting younger players on the roster. I have trouble believing that any younger, more athletic O lineman we have on the roster (Josh Beekman, for example?) wouldn't be better than certain existing lineman. Run blocking is not nearly as complicated and experience-dependent as pass blocking. I want a big, young, strong body on the inside pushing people to make holes so Ced can leverage his strengths - running downhill in the middle. And Beekman would be getting invaluable experience as well. I haven't hated what I've seen out of St. Clair this year either. Can he play inside by any chance?
I think offensive skill positions should also be in the mix. No reason not to be trying Garrett Wolfe, and I really think no reason not to try Haas at WR - you might stumble into some Waddle magic. Still think they are under- and misusing Mark Bradley.
And Orton goes in at QB as soon as it becomes mathematically improbable to make the playoffs - whether that is 3 more losses, or 2, is probably dependent on the landscape at the time. Although I wouldn't mind seeing it, because I don't think Rex has a future with THIS franchise nor can his expiring contract represent trade bait, I think it's a waste to throw him out there. And before you howl, all I am saying is he's Dead Man Walking on this franchise regardless of what could or should be.
As an aside, does anyone have any ideas at how to use Hester at tailback, or does the fact that he's lining up back there ensure that the D will key on him - something that's apparently been happening and killing the few plays they've tried like that. I would like to use him back there the same way as I would use Garrett Wolfe - as a blocker on a pass play who then releases to receive the ball on a checkdown.
October 30, 2007
#35 Phil from SATX said . . .jdawg (#13), with you on the O needing to get over itself and start backing Benson.
JB (#5), with all due respect, I can't seem to find anything in Windy City Packers Fan's post that qualifies as a "big" word. When I think of Packers fans I visualize the retard during yesterday's game holding up the sign that said "Brett FA-vre puts the FA back in FA-bulous." Of the many things that prevent me from ever moving to Chicago, the risk of being in the midwest and accidentally coming across someone like WCPF and unintentionally dulling my wits has to be one of the prime reasons.
Hey WCPF and Packers fans, Giants RB Derrick Ward was inactive for last Sunday's game and he still has more rushing yards this season than the entire Packer offense. How's that for FA-bulous, you imbecile?
October 30, 2007
#36 Rancid said . . .I didn't see it, that may be the worst sign of all time, beating out legions of horrible ABC, ESPN and CBS lame acrostics -
Always
Beary
CheesyEvery
Stupid
Prick
Needs
his/her spot in the limelight.Can (the)
Bullshit
Stop?October 30, 2007
#37 JB said . . .B.A. - disagreeing with me isn't picking a fight, I'm good with that and I see your points. Note that in a couple of my scenarios, Griese remains here. Either as the backup or in a worst case, as the starter next year after we fail to get anyone of value to come to Chicago. I fear that we will have an open QB competition next year between Griese, Orton, and a rookie. I hope we can do better than that though. And I will add the disclaimer that I am not writing off the rest of the season by talking about this. I really feel that with QB being our obvious weak point it is almost irrelevant who we start right now. I'm on the record as saying we beat Oakland right now.
October 30, 2007
#38 Al in WI said . . .he felt the need to explain transitive property...it's a big term for a packer fan...
October 30, 2007
#39 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .Great discussion today. In quick take fashion here is what I have to add:
Qb: Go with Rex. Give him one last chance to both see if he can turn the season back around, or if he should be in the mix next season. They have invested too much in him not to find out what he has. If he struggles again you'll still have 4 or more games to look at Orton. But his big play ability gives a better chance to get a lead early.
Rb: Give Benson a true chance. He had only 3 carries in the second half Sunday and accounted for 21 yards and a 7 yard average. He is the best we have, which isn't great, but there is not an alternative. He needs to carry the ball more to be succesful.
Wr: Start Bradley over Moose. With Grossman in, you have a more agressive qb. So give him speed on the field and take chances. Make Moose a 3rd down reciever, and get Davis on the field more in a similar role.
o-line: Bench Fred Miller and put in St. Clair.
OC: Go the basement of Halas hall and look for Mike Ditka's playbook. In it you will find things called trick plays, and misdirection plays. These are designed to confuse and trick your opponet and will result in the offense being less predictable. They include and are not limited to, half back passes, full back trap plays, reverses, and fake punts. Put them all in.October 30, 2007
#40 Phil from SATX said . . .Not that ANYONE in here cares about a blue team in my city... but I need to vent.
This weeks matchup between the Pats is everywhere. They had a pep rally to annouce this today and had the Bears won, I wonder if our organization would have thought up this one. This city is going crazy today over this. Can't blame them though. Pretty cool idea.
http://www.theindychannel.com/sports/14457357/detail.html
October 30, 2007
#41 Phil from SATX said . . .I'll say one thing about Mariotti - the man has big balls. His opening line on today's column is "Brian Urlacher is not a man's man." And it wasn't followed by a Telander-style quip or humorous turnaround.
He's totally pissed about this unusual blog move by Urlacher, something which he has to be against because it threatens the news media of which he's a part.
But since he runs around Chicago and has every chance of running into BU around any given corner, I say that the man has balls.
And in response to Al's good post, I'll say at this desperate point in the season, it's time to pull out all the stops. How about a 2-headed QB monster? Rex and Brian deployed like TJ and Benson were last year? At the very least it would be extremely interesting and fun to watch. (I know, it may lead to 6-8 interceptions instead of 3-4, but so what? - It's desperation time).
October 30, 2007
#42 Free Cedric (via starto) said . . .I'll say one thing about Mariotti - the man has big balls. His opening line on today's column is "Brian Urlacher is not a man's man." And it wasn't followed by a Telander-style quip or humorous turnaround.
He's totally pissed about this unusual blog move by Urlacher, something which he has to be against because it threatens the news media of which he's a part.
But since he runs around Chicago and has every chance of running into BU around any given corner, I say that the man has balls.
And in response to Al's good post, I'll say at this desperate point in the season, it's time to pull out all the stops. How about a 2-headed QB monster? Rex and Brian deployed like TJ and Benson were last year? At the very least it would be extremely interesting and fun to watch. (I know, it may lead to 6-8 interceptions instead of 3-4, but so what? - It's desperation time).
October 30, 2007
#43 JB said . . .Hey! Hey guys- I need help!
I have to be fast, before HE comes back!
This is Ced Benson. I've been locked in the basement of Ricky William's south side apartment since preseason. He kidnapped me, stole my identity and is playing in my place. It makes me sick how he runs soft, with no heart or passion, ducking out of bounds and falling forward for two yards. Remember the Saints playoff game where it took three of those losers to drop me?? Obviously that is NOT me out there this year!!
He tells me every day, when he comes down here to feed me and check his pot plants, that he wants to preserve the legacy of Texas backs being absolutely crazy and flopping in the NFL. He must be stopped. He says he is going to wear a dress to practice next week!
Please, expose the impostor wearing #32 and free the real Ced!
I PROMISE to run like a freight train, blast sorry ass DBs into next week, drop my shoulder instead of going out of bounds, snarl in the face of the D line, and score TDs in the red zone. Basically everything I did late last year and everything you expected of me.October 30, 2007
#44 Phil from SATX said . . .Rancid #25...very funny...i actually laughed out loud when i read that.
I may have been wrong on backing Rex, but damnit, I think I was right on not liking Benson BEFORE we drafted him...as I've mentioned before but don't talk about much because it's negative. I'm honestly sick of this guy...
I also think I was right when Rex got benched and I said that I refused to climb aboard the Griese bandwagon and start the Orton/'08 Rookie QB /Trade for McNabb bandwagon...but this is why we spend our work day arguing...
Nicole...I hate to admit it, but I am excited about that matchup this weekend. It probably won't live up to the hype, but it looks tasty. NE looks unstoppable and could prove it sunday if they can knock of IND. I know it's not Bears related, but watching good, or in this case, great football teams is a pleasure at any level.
October 30, 2007
#45 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .Enjoyed the comedy, StartO. Problem with that scenario is unfortunately Ced is proving this year that he's no Ricky Williams, who has a career 4.0 ypg and one year when he exploded for 1800 yards with Miami. He was definitely weirder than Ced and absolutely hated playing football. I wonder whether Ced is the same. He totally looks like he hates being out there.
Here's who we have to look at for replacing starters on Oline -
John St. Clair - 6' 5", 315, 30
Terrance Metcalf - 6' 4", 318, 29
Josh Beekman - 6' 2", 310, 24Also, on the practice squad, there's these guys:
Tyler Reed - 6' 4", 307, 25
Mark LeVoir - 6' 7", 305, 25I was surprised to see Roberto Garza was only 28. So apparently you don't have to be old to suck. Tait, Miller and Brown are 32, 34, and 35, respectively. Tait's dropoff is the most surprising given his relative youth and former success.
Surely there's got to be some guys out of these 5 backups who could do a better job than what's out there. And let's remember that these offensive lineman are among the highest paid members of our team.
October 30, 2007
#46 Bart Start said . . .Did Midway go back into rehab yet or waiting out the full season?
Start Olsen: Thanks, I needed a laugh.
JB: I'm with you about all the hype. I have friends that are season ticket holders and die hard fans selling their seats for four digits. This is insanity and its making me angry. Although the 70+ degree weather here today put a smile on my face.
October 30, 2007
#47 Northside Superfan said . . .How 'Bout Them Packers!
October 30, 2007
#48 Northside Superfan said . . .Jay Mariotti can go fuck himself. He is a disingenuous and intellectually dishonest mornon. He poses as some kind of sports expert when really he's just a sensationalist loser who likes to stir up controversey.
He panned Griese this week a scant few days after saying he gave us a real shot at going back into contention. He criticizes Benson endlessly and says nothing about the o-line.
95% percent of the people who post to this blog know more than Jay Mariotti. He is a fraud, a poser and a waste of oxygen.
October 30, 2007
#49 Wow !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! said . . .And by the way, the fact that I didn't spell "moron" correctly in no way detracts from the validity of my point. If that makes me a moron, all I'd say is that it takes one to know one.
October 30, 2007
#50 Bill said . . .Don Pierson visiting on the Mac, Jurko and Harry show indicated that Brian Urlacher has confided to a couple friends that he is seriously contemplating RETIREMENT at the end of the season. He went on to say that Urlacher's friends have said he is very concerned with the arthritic condition of his back and was told by a doctor in Cincinnati that the condition has definite long-term health issues. Like being able to get out of bed in the morning or walking upright when he is 45 years old.
October 30, 2007
#51 Bill said . . .And I was just going to say "I didn't know Mariotti was a Mormon."
From Rahula Strohl - regarding the fans booing and giving the opponent a boost:
"I say let 'em have the Philly treatment. This team has treated the fans like idiots and children, giving them no straight answers for any of their actions and saying things like, ''You should trust me as the head football coach to put us in the best position to win games. It's as simple as that.''
Well, who knows whether it was Lovie's decisions, general manager Jerry Angelo's decisions or the players' actions, but the Bears haven't won games, so that trust has been betrayed. So the fans can boo. It's as simple as that. "October 30, 2007
#52 Bill said . . .Not to be cold - actually the opposite - I hope Urlacher does retire if his back is really that bad. He gave us great years and great memories and I'd rather it end now than see him crippled.
Though Rosenbloom suggests moving him to safety - which my oldest son suggested laqst week and I agreed. Don'[t know if that woudl help his back, but even though it came from a real jerk, it makes some sense.
October 30, 2007
#53 Big Earl said . . .Hey Bart Start - enjoy it. You'll end up losing in the playoffs like we did. That is to say, Favre will do no better - and likely worse - than Grossman did. There's something for a Packer fan to be proud of.
October 30, 2007
#54 Big Earl said . . .Yep I heard Pearson on ESPN radio too. Fuckign sucks about Urlacher. His best days on the football field are surely behind him. Puts perspective on his unwillingness to talk to the press as well. Nobody would be in a good mood knowing their professional livelihood was in jeopardy. Or his next big fat contract opportunity.
Fuckin' A, with all the bad news this year the Bears might be starting at three or four years of three or four win seasons!!! Goin' go vomit now.
October 30, 2007
#55 Answer to the riddle said . . .Yep I heard Pearson on ESPN radio too. Fuckign sucks about Urlacher. His best days on the football field are surely behind him. Puts perspective on his unwillingness to talk to the press as well. Nobody would be in a good mood knowing their professional livelihood was in jeopardy. Or his next big fat contract opportunity.
Fuckin' A, with all the bad news this year the Bears might be starting at three or four years of three or four win seasons!!! Goin' go vomit now.
October 30, 2007
#56 Answer to the riddle said . . .Jay Mariotti isn't a Mormon. Rather he is Jewish.
October 30, 2007
#57 Ghost Of Papa Bear said . . .Jay Mariotti isn't a Mormon. Rather he is Jewish.
October 30, 2007
#58 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am emailing this from my grave. Suck it you Bear fans. Suck it up damn it! Or I'll haunt this web site. BOO!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~October 30, 2007
#59 Nutjob said . . .Bill, you are correct with your #7 post. What you are feeling right now about the Bears and Pack is how I felt last year. I will not disagree that with a few plays one way or another the Pack could easily be 2-5...or worse. They have simply capitalized on nearly every situation they needed to this year, like the Bears did last year (review the Monday night in Phoenix, unbeleivable; you guys should be getting royalties from Coors Light since the Bears were the source of the famous Dennis Green clip).
The turning point in last night's game was the coin flip before overtime. Had the Broncos won the flip, they probably would have won the game.
I'll enjoy the ride as far as it goes. Win or lose last February, you guys had a hell of a season and every reason to be fired up about your team.
October 31, 2007
#60 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .Windy city well said I keep on rewatching the bears packers game because it was our only bright spot of the year besides the 97 yard drive.
But too bad you lost today the only rusher on your team worth anything since Wynn is out for the year we will give you ced-ben
October 31, 2007
#61 Bill said . . .Nutjob, thanks...but that's alright, you can keep the Longhorn.
I'm waiting for the next runner I've never heard of to become our 'starter.'
October 31, 2007
#62 Bill said . . .WCPF - I respect and admire you after that last post. Seriously. Sorry for making you the brunt of my frustration.
I like your comment asking for royalties on the Denny Green Coors Lite commercial. I had to explain to my wife what that was all about when she heard me laughing at that commercial.
Enjoy the ride is a great attitude. I know I did last year, despite the anti-Bear fans.
And let me say one thing I can't help but admire about Favre. He portrays a true love and respect for the game. Obviously, he'd be excited after the 83 yard TD. But he shows that after EVERY TD. Well, maybe not that much. But it's like he knows it's not easy to score in the NFL. t takes 11 guys working together and trusting each other. And when it hapends, it's reason to celebrate - no matter how many times he's been a part of it before.
Contrast that to Cedric Benson. To him, football is a job, a chore. He looks like I feel on Monday morning.
October 31, 2007
#63 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .Let me add - Benson looks like I feel on Monday morning, especially after a Bears loss.
October 31, 2007
#64 Bill said . . .Bill, I admit, my original post (#1) was written after a few Miller products and the emotion of the moment...an inappropriate attempt at humor for this blog.
I appreciate your perspective, you have the same passion for the Bears that I have for the Pack. I like being able to discuss football with fans such as yourself, that will talk football.
Put the Old Style on ice for the weekend (ort the middle of the week if you wish).
October 31, 2007
#65 jdawg said . . .OK - I'm on a roll again. Sorry for the multiple posts. But remember the Mike Ditka Show with Johnny Morris where he would actually answer questions from the fans? Here's the question I'd like to ask:
Lovie-
You said ''You should trust me as the head football coach to put us in the best position to win games. It's as simple as that.''So - do you think you've put the Bears in the best position to win games? If not, what would you do differently?
October 31, 2007
#66 Bill said . . .I don't think if Benson did cartwheels back to the huddle the holes would be any larger for him next time.
October 31, 2007
#67 Bill said . . .will do - WCPF. (Though I actually prefer Miller over Old Style these days. Even though we can get a 30 pack of Old Style cans for about $12 here.)
In fact, I remember buying a six pack for about $1.29 when I was in college. But that was a lot more than Red, White, and Blue - so we saved that for special occasions.
I still smile inside when I drive up around Lake Geneva / Lake Delevan and see the roadside PBR signs.
Favorite bar - The Inn Between near Lake Lawn Lodge. Owned by Bear fans who bought it and moved from Glenview. Stop in if you're anywhere nearby.
October 31, 2007
#68 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .jdawg - Are you sure? Maybe the line woudl like to see a back who cares. Tell me it's wrong of them to feel that way, and I'll agree. That doesn't change the reality that the line (as unsung as they are) woudl like to play with backs like TJ (and A-Train, and Neal Anderson and obviously Payton) than backs like Salaam and Benson.
Just curious - this is a tough question and maybe better left for later in the year if/when we get 7 or 8 losses.
But, would you rather see the Packers or the Lions win the division?
Maybe it's the red wine I hadd with dinner tonight, but I'd reluctantly say the Packers.
October 31, 2007
#69 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .Bill (non-football post), will do. I've been going to Lake Lawn since I was a young kid. I recently returned with my own kids. As much as that place has changed, it's still the way it was in the 70's (and before).
October 31, 2007
#70 Shady McBears Fan said . . .Dealing with Frustration
As we deal with the ups and downs of an NFL season, it is always good to have something to make us laugh. Check out this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLJhKPrPFcM
WARNING: DO NOT OPEN IF HEARING THE F-WORD OVER AND OVER OFFENDS YOU! (If not, tell me it's not the funniest thing you have ever heard)
October 31, 2007
#71 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .I don't know who the fuck Jack Rebney is but that clip was fucking hilarious WCPF. I was fucking rolling.
From 2:00 - 2:40 I was crying.
"Get the fuck outta here you, flies."
So randomly hilarious. Might not be funny to all, but that certainly tickled my immature funny bone.
October 31, 2007
#72 Pissed Off said . . .(sidenote to WCPF and Bill) My mom grew up in on Lake Geneva so we spent our summers there. That place is filled special memories I'll always hold dear... minus sailing past boats with Packer flags on them.
October 31, 2007
#73 Bill said . . .Sorry Cedric #42 but Ricky was one of the top 5 RBs in the league when he was playing, not suspended. Its clearly you out there Ced. Ricky would be tearing it up out there, your not even close to the same league as Ricky Williams was.
I think NE will roll Indy this week.
Jay Mariotti is in the business of being recognized, of course he stirs the pot, thats how they sell newspapers and get people talking about him and the times, columnists want the negativity and the controversey, Jay is very good at it.
Wierd about that Urlacher news that he's contemplating retirement. Should he retire today he's still in the HOF in my opinion. Probably still first ballot. I cant blame him if what he was told about not being able to get out of bed is true but I so dont want that to happen. He needs to have some miracle, experimental spine replacement surgery or something so he can play another 10 years. Look at Seau, how old is that guy still playing.
Why do packer fans come here? Is it because no one in GB is smart enough to use a computer or start a blog site? Weird that some are so in tune with Bears happenings. Just odd, thats all. I dont go to any other teams blogs or read their papers. Dont mind them here really just weird that they flock here. I really do hate Favre. Really, really hate him and I hate him more when the Pack is good. No bear fan should like him.
October 31, 2007
#74 Pissed Off said . . .PO - sorry, but I like Favre even though I want him to lose. Weird - I know.
I may have told this story, but Champs on Hwy 50 in Lake Geneva (not the same as the chain) refused to put the Bear game on their big screen last Oct when we were there. The place was full of Chicagoans and Bear fans, and we were expected to watch on the small TV with no sound. MANY people left; we already ordered our food and ate but I left no tip. I explained to the waitress, who was apologetic, that I tip for overall service and the manager was making a bad buisiness decision. He lost a lot of money that day - as did his staff I assume. He made his statement - we made ours. Ours affected his pocket - his had no outcome on the games (the Bears won and the Packers lost.)
October 31, 2007
#75 Phil from SATX said . . .I would have left before the food came and paid only for my drink if it was on the table. I had that happen once last year where I was at a place and the satellite or receiver or some shit had problems, and I DO NOT MISS MY BEAR GAMES. I am a regular so they know me but I just put a couple bucks on the table, didnt wait for the tab or my food, and made a quick mention to the server on the way out. I still go there regularily but they know I'm out if the Bear game is not on, I dont care whose fault it is. They never said a w0rd the next time I came in. Funny thing is, the Buffalo Wild Wings right next door had it on fine. WTF?
October 31, 2007
#76 Bill said . . .Let's do our own Trib style poll. The question is, who is most responsible for this unfathomable 3-5 start on our season? I'd say pick your top 3, in order
The choices are:
Lovie Smith
Ron Turner
Babich (can't even remember his first name)
Jerry Angelo
Rex Grossman
Brian Griese
The Offensive Line
Cedric Benson
Injuries
Adam ArchuletaHere's mine:
1) Injuries
2) Ron Turner
Tie for 3rd) Lovie Smith and the Offensive LineTell me what you think, or whether you think something should be added. Happy Halloween!
Since you asked, I'm going as the Ghost of the Bear's 2007 Season, its life ended tragically before its time and against its will.
October 31, 2007
#77 JB said . . .The poll is a great idea and may have to be on a separate thread. (I like the Blog style OK, but I wonder if this site has grown past that? It would be nice to have a message board style - and it woudl be nice to have these type of polls that you can actually see the tabulated results.)
Anyway:
1. Lovie Smith; it's his team - he's the leader. All the moves that were made and the moves that were not made are his responsibility. "It's that simple" as he one said.2. O-line. They shoudl be ashamed of themselves.
3. Ron Turner. When the other teams know what you're going to call, and when the fans know what you're going to call - that's not good. No imagination, no precision, waited too long to get Hester involved; still not really using him except in desparate times.
Notice I don't put the D here at all. Injuries are their only problem - plus Babich being new to the role and responsibility. They seem to have got it together after the 34 point fourth quarter (and I dont' think all those points were on the D anyway.)
October 31, 2007
#78 JB said . . .1. Injuries
2. Ron Turner
3. Cedric BensonI've explained myself before...I won't bore you with the repeat.
October 31, 2007
#79 Mike said . . .Reasons I will still watch every game:
1. Devin Hester
2. Because I'll never abandon this team
3. Devin HesterOctober 31, 2007
#80 JB said . . .Do you know what is pathetic????? That we as Bear fans re live the 97 year drive in Philadelphia the way we talk about the 85 Bears. One fucking memorable touchdown drive on the year that we think ranks up there with landing a man on the moon!!! How pathetic is this???? Countless teams engineer multiple drives like this EACH AND EVERY FUCKING WEEK and don't think twice about it!!!! Yet the 97 yard drive against Philadelphia is one for our memory chest. Man we are sad sacks.
October 31, 2007
#81 Pissed Off said . . .not you mike...you are not allowed to use "we" when describing Bear fans because you are so much more objective and superior to us "sad sacks". I can only hope that one day, life experiences will disgruntle me to the bitter man you are.
October 31, 2007
#82 Bill said . . .Its so hard for me to rank the top 3 reasons we suck. I just cant narrow it, its such a combination of things. I want to blame Lovie cuz he ultimately makes the personel decisions and I blame a lot of it on poor play by several positions, WR, O-line, QB, RB (in no particular order). He didnt have the best players that gave us the best chance to win at each position in at the right times.
Injuries have decimated our defense, I want that to be up there. Mike Brown, though fragile as hell is a force when he's out there. I really think Dvoracek was going to be awesome next to Tommie (now its a revolving door with Adams, Walker, Idonije, Garay etc.) I thought our D played pretty damn good VS SD in week one. The rest has been history. Sure they've played some good games but they dominated LT and that offense in week one and LJ in week two. BTW what the hell happened to Babich after the first couple of weeks. We were doing some crazy shit on D with different looks and blitzes and making plays. Now the D is pretty vanilla.
I want to put a lot of blame on Griese for single handedly losing the 1st Lions game and it can be argued he did the same last Sunday. Two wins there and we are 5-3 or even one and we are 4-4 in good shape. But again that can be placed on Lovie for not putting Rex/Orton in for the second halves or mid quarter or whatever. Ok it would have been Rex cuz he's the #2 but I thought I'd give Orton the plug.
Benson has been terrible to say the least. I can even let some of it go cuz its obvious the O-line isnt creating holes but you gotta make something happen sometime. Its not like they dont EVER create holes. And the guy cant catch. That bothers me the most, he fucking sucks in the flat. We lose so many goddamn plays becuase he doesnt catch the ball. Oh a pass to Benson, might as well take a knee or spike it cuz your losing a down anyway. Can you say 2nd and 10.
October 31, 2007
#83 Free Cedric (via starto) said . . .Mike:
"Bear fans re live the 97 year (obviously he meant 'yard') drive in Philadelphia the way we talk about the 85 Bears...Countless teams engineer multiple drives like this EACH AND EVERY F'ING WEEK "REALLY??????????
Wow - I'm watching the wrong games. Countless teams...multiple drives... each and every week??
Exaggeration is an enemy when trying to convince someone of a particular point.
Yes - it happens at times. And it's usually seen as special (see Farve, Brett.)
October 31, 2007
#84 Rnacid said . . .screw all this, Im busy surfin' Mel Kiper's Big Board
Brian Brohm anyone??
October 31, 2007
#85 jdawg said . . .1. Ron Turner
2. Offensive Line
3. InjuriesI hate Ron Turner. I still defend Benson and all QBs as not being as bad as they seem as a result of the Crap Oline so I won't list them. Arch has been a major disappointment but I don't think one safety can have that big of an effect. I still like Lovie and Jerry with overall draft/planning. It's easy to look back now, but Rex did show flashes and I think that it was the right decision to give him his shot, it just didn't work out. The test for them is what they do now. Lovie will gain some points in my book if RT is canned after this year. The problem is that Lovie is a defense guy. Unlike an offensive head coach he is likely unprepared to fire RT now and take over playcalling. I just hope it happens this offseason. Babich is too new and had his unit was decimated by injuries as soon as he took over, so I'm not tossing him yet either. Lovie deserves a lot of blame for being unable to inspire/prepare an injury-plagued team to be better than they are but I don't list him top three because I know we can win with him. I don't think we can win with RT, this many injuries, or this Oline.
P.S. WINDY CITY - We didn't fire the wrong Ron. Quit saying that. The truth is: We didn't fire ENOUGH Rons.
October 31, 2007
#86 Rancid said . . .I would boil it down to injuries and time of possession on the offense. I think we're ranked 30th in that category, which means two things: 1) We aren't sustaining drives and scoring points; 2) we're leaving the D on the field too long, which increases fatigue and the likelyhood of, you guessed it, injuries. The ToP issues could also piss off the D, giving them a little of that "why the fuck bother" feeling.
The ToP I blame on Turner, the injuries, who can say?
October 31, 2007
#87 Megan said . . .Damn, I can't even spell my own name
October 31, 2007
#88 Al in WI said . . .1. Lack of motivation/passion/eye of the tiger
2. lovie, turner, babich
3. O-linePO'd was that you last season that wrote about Urlacher "impregnating the cotton candy vendor...?" I made my husband read that post and we STILL laugh about it.
Thinking positive, I will think positive .
October 31, 2007
#89 Phil from SATX said . . .Phil's poll question:
1. Lovie Smith, he is responcible for lack of motivation, coaching staff errors, and player management issues.
2. O-Line, they have cause a lot of ints for both Rex and Brian. And have given nothing in the run game.
3. Saftey position. No issue has more negatively effected the defense which is the signature of this team.October 31, 2007
#90 Bill said . . .Here's why I think injuries should be listed #1 -
If we had zero injuries on the D, I think the outcome of the first 3 games would be the same (still lost the SD game and still lost the Cowboys game, because Mike Brown wouldn't have been the difference in that game and we just couldn't get to Tony Romo).
However, I think thereafter we would have won 2 games, and possibly 3, more than we have. We would have definitely won the first Lions game despite Griese's f-ups. No way does our original D allow 28 4th quarter points. We would have definitely beat MN, no way does AP run on us like that, not with MB and Dusty and a healthy TH in the game. That one would have been a blowout our way because of the turnovers which would have happened with our original secondary.
And I could also throw in the second Lions game, because they struggled enough to get 16 points - our start of year D might have held them to nothing, and certainly would have changed the direction of the game where we were down by 2 scores.
I think the first two projected wins are extremely defensible. We get those and we're 5-3. And I believe that we would have beaten Lions at home, too, which would make us 6-2, a completely different season. So that's why injuries is #1.
I believe RT is the principal culprit behind our offensive woes which have cost us in our losses. He's meant more bad to us than either of the QBs - so he's second.
If he had a good offensive line, it's likely that his game plans would have worked much better. So why is he second and offensive line 3rd? Because it is his job as coordinator to devise a scheme that works around our deficiencies and highlights our strengths - look at what Green Bay has done in response to a horrible running game, what other clubs do when they have a dominant TE, etc. We have enough weapons and skill to put up many more points than we do despite a bad offensive line. It requires someone to devise a game plan to use those.
That's my reasoning, Rancid as usual you and I think alike. I think the single most disgusted I have been this season was the MN game on about the 3rd or 4th Peterson TD - there is nothing more disgusting for a Bears fan than watching missed tacklse. The second most disgusted moment was when CB dropped the first freaking pass of the Lions game. The last vestiges of partiality I had toward him were burned away like hydrochloric acid on a sugar cube.
Someone said about how they don't remember hating a Bears player as much as Ced - I now feel the same way. (Sorry Ced but it's true). Pretty much hate B-twice too, but not as bad as Ced. Don't even begin to hate any of the others, even AA.
October 31, 2007
#91 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .I understand about the injuries Phil and obviously it's tough to disagree. I think however that given they are part of the game, we needed to come up with compensating factors until key people got back. That woudl be the offense - and it was there to compensate. And yet we still have this strange "keep the score close (and low) and we'll win with a turnover or something at the end" mentality. Inapporpriate, given the injuries on defense, our inabilty to run, and the supposed improved passing game.
That's all on the offense - but primarily on Lovie.
Just a different way of looking at the same mess.
October 31, 2007
#92 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .PO'd,
Believe me, I'm on the Packer sites as well. I'm here because I live in the area and am surrounded by Bears coverage on TV, in the daily paper and out of the radio as I go to and from work. Since I hear all about it, I like to listen to, and read about the Bears fan perspective about their team.
As a former football coach, I pay special attention to the coaching staff with regards to where they came from and who they have known to get to where they are today. For example, Ron Turner KILLS the U of I, then brings on his former O-line coach (Harry Hiestand) and earlier this year, brings on an assistant line coach (with two years experience as a GA in one of the Oregon schools) who happens to have played for him at Illinois, and has the last name of Butkus! I know some great coaches that toil at lower levels beacause they don't have the bloodline, or the right connections to get into those positions; hence the Ron comment. (Sorry for the rant)
Rancid, you may be right; the Bears need to complete their De-Ronification.
October 31, 2007
#93 Mike said . . .As a displaced Bears fan living in Indy, I can't say I'm the least bit eager to lurk on a C*lts blogsite. I'm surrounded by blue all the time here and I wouldn't choose to spend one nanosecond on their fansite.
Of course, Bears fans are more entertaining so I can't blame WCPF for joining us :)
October 31, 2007
#94 Ron Turner said . . .1. Rex Grossman -- organizational delusion that he really was a franchise QB and that four years on the job wasn't enough of an evaluation period (groan)
2. Offensive line -- organizational delusion that another year could be milked out of an ancient cast (groan)
3. Cedric Benson -- organizational delusion that he could be Larry Johnson Lite in this league (groan)Jerry Angelo and Lovie Smith are very poor at admitting mistakes. Mistakes happen in professional sports. The key is to correct mistakes and move forward instead of digging your feet in.
October 31, 2007
#95 Phil from SATX said . . .Hey, what did you expect? I ran the University of Illinois football program into the ground. Which believe you me was harder to do than I thought it was going to be. Thank goodness Virginia McCasket has a soft spot in her heart for me and insisted that Jerry and Lovie bring me back.
October 31, 2007
#96 jeff said . . .Mike has his finger on what worries me while I am still clinging to a last shred of hope to salvage this season with 6-8 victories in the second half. Are these coaches going to cling to the notion that we just need to get a little better at doing the same things, and rely on the increasing health of the defense to make the difference?
If so, we're doomed. The D doesn't need changing, it needs health, and it should get that by a week from Sunday. It is the O that needs changing. If we try to do just more of the same but better we will fail. There's no doubt in my mind.
Yet I'm afraid that's exactly what RT, and Lovie, intends to do.
October 31, 2007
#97 Bill said . . .but here's the truth of the 2007 season thus far. i'd forgive the losing if the team i was watching looked like they were leaving everything on the field. i hate writing about things like that but its true. i hated jauron but loved some of the jauron teams because they fought in games they didn't belong in and lost because they weren't as good as their opponents. this team, even with injuries, is as talented as every team in this conference outside the quarterback position. and what do they give on sundays?
October 31, 2007
#98 Bill said . . .Phil - can you imagine the howls in the media, on the sports talk radio shows, everywhere, if they go into the Oakland game with ZERO changes in the lineup? And yet I fear the same thing. That two weeks will convince Lovie and company that everything was set up just right and there is no need to change anything.
Hough today waq pretty scathing - though subtle - to Lovie. I forgot I wanted to save it, and your post reminded me to.
October 31, 2007
#99 Mike said . . .To sum up David Haugh:
"The Bears are two plays from being 1-7. The decisions and moves Smith has made dating to last spring systematically have helped close the window on the Bears' realistic Super Bowl opportunity."October 31, 2007
#100 B.A. Baracus said . . .Hopefully, "hope" starts anew with the 2008 NFL Draft in New York. When Roger Goodell utters the words, "with the x pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Brian Brohm, QB Louisville." Or "....Matt Ryan, QB Boston College."
October 31, 2007
#101 Mike said . . .If the Bears guiding principle is to be a running team, I think the biggest gamble that Angelo took in the offseason was relying on an old O line in combination with Cedric Benson. I must admit that, in the off season I agreed with the gamble on Benson, but I did not agree with leaving the same O Line in place.
Part of the rationale for that gamble (besides money) was that Cedric Benson averaged the same amount of yards per carry as Jones did last year. It stands to reason that Angelo would figure that Benson could keep that average this year behind the same O Line. That is where the gamble comes up and bites Angelo in the arse - Angelo had to rely on a veteran O Line to hold it together for one more year. The O Line has not held it together. In fact, I have seen duct tape and staples on the field after some plays this year.
Although Benson could possibly be salvageable, the O Line must be addressed via the draft and free agency in this off season.
October 31, 2007
#102 Big Earl said . . .The offensive line is a mess. Fred Miller and Ruben Brown are done and likely retire. At a minimum, the Bears need a starter-grade tackle and a guard. Very difficult to find a good tackle unless you draft one high in the 1st round. John Tait has looked like garbage too, but maybe he can move back to his old spot at RT if the Bears land a new LT??? I know this hearsay to mention, but Olin Kreutz has also looked lousy.
October 31, 2007
#103 Mike said . . .You fellas are bein' too kind to Cedric Benson. Kid plays with no heart or energy. He's been a problem ever since the ink dried on his contract. Plays like a guy who worked real hard in college so he could get a big fat top 10 draft pick contract and retire in place. Extremely disappointing to watch him play the game.
October 31, 2007
#104 Midway Monster said . . .Agreed Big E. Cedric Benson took the money and ran (by ran, I don't mean during the football game on Sundays). He plays with little energy and burst. And he likes to run out of bounds when he sniffs the linebacker coming across the field laterally. Not once in three seasons have I seen him lower a shoulder and take on an oncoming tackler.
October 31, 2007
#105 Nicole is CELEBRATING in this blue city said . . .SORRY FOLKS!
been catching up at work. i promise to be more active!
-- Midway --
November 1, 2007
#106 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .Whew Midway, you scared me. Thought you had gone back into rehab or bitten the bullet after last weeks disgrace.
November 1, 2007
#107 Portuguese_Bear said . . .Nicole, thanks for the props. I can see how you wouldn't want to associate with the Dolts fans. Number one, they aren't even from Indy, there are many on the east coast that still refer to the colts as the team from Baltimore. Indy has no deep roots on their mighty football tree. It's more like the afro from a chia pet. If you have ever run into a Dolts fan who claims 'I'm a fan because my father and grandfather are fans,' is NOT from Indy. (Unless grandpa is about 25, dad is 12 and the guy making the comment is in diapers).
As much as some (many) of you claim a strong hatred for the Pack, there are some commonalities that only apply to a few franchises in the NFL. How many of you cheer right alongside your grand/greatgrandparents at every game? Listen to your great grandpa talk about the time he saw a game in the 30's or 40's? How about somebody in your family talking about a championship team from the 60's? Only to lament about how cruel the 70s were to your team? Yes ladies and gentlemen, it is one thing to be an NFL fan, it is quite another to be a Bears (or Pack) fan.
Yup, I have the same feeling about my team.
It's Halloween, yes I had a few beers.
November 1, 2007
#108 tommy said . . ."Reason #3 They Cant Play Worse…
…can they?"
Oh yes...They can...
November 1, 2007
#109 tommy said . . .B A, some might say Benson averaged better yards/carry last year because the opposition had to worry about stopping Jones.
November 1, 2007
#110 B.A. Baracus said . . .WCPF.....OK I understand, but I still reserve the right to hate anything Green and Yellar or those wearing Cheeze ornaments when the Bears play them.
November 1, 2007
#111 Midway Monster said . . .Tommy - I pretty much agree with you. After defenses had seen Jones for a majority of the game and were worn down, Benson would come in relatively fresh and mop up with his head down, smash mouth style.
The point of my previous post was to look at the issue from the view point of Angelo. Angelo tried to sqeeze one more year out of the O Line thinking that Benson was the real deal. Unfortunately, Angelo squeezed out a turd instead.
Apparently, Angelo was quoted recently as saying something to the effect that he felt that Benson was producing to his expected potential. If that is the case, then we are all in trouble.
If Angelo's expectation when he picked CB at #4 was for him to start at RB and to average less than 3 yards per carry, Angelo might as well sign a midget that can hold onto the ball and be thrown over the line every play for three yards - which would also be hysterical and almost as funny as this year's running game.
November 1, 2007
#112 Midway Monster said . . .Nicole in Blue City: Thanks for asking. No, the Midway was in rehab after that fateful Super Bowl. He reached his ultimate high as Hester ran back that opening kick off. After the game and subsequently he entered rehab and was diagnosed as an incurable fanatic who dealt with sudden bursts of over confidence followed by a major down ward spiral.
In rehab, he was treated with Zen gardening, waterfall audible headset therapy, and long moments of primeval screaming. (he had to be isolated from all Packer fans, something that is still mandated to this day).
After months in the fetal position he slowly was able to read old issues of Bear Yearbooks. In the end it was determined that he was incurable so Midway departed back to cyber space where he resided perpetually on this blog. Although he is not cured he is tan, rested, and focused (and still in incurable optimistic fanatic).
Midway still believes the Bears can win. Oh yeah he does.
-- Midway --
(Beat Oakland)
November 1, 2007
#113 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .Quote hot of the presses here atthe glass enclosed nerve center of Da Bears Blog:
Angelo: "Cedric is performing to the best of his abilities, He's giving us top effort. That's all I could ask of any player. It's not one person, guys, I would hate to think you're going to single out one person and say, 'Well, this is the reason why they can't run the ball.' It's a team sport. There are a lot of things involved in that."
-- Midway --
November 1, 2007
#114 Midway Monster said . . .Midway- laughing at your rehab analysis because you put more effort in your blog than Benson puts out on Sunday.
Glad your chi is centered again. Keep bearin down.
November 1, 2007
#115 Pissed Off said . . ."I left my chi on the field"
-- Midway --
PS - who on this Blog is keeping a runing tab on how many days till we get to play Green Bay again? we need that data periodically.
November 1, 2007
#116 Phil from SATX said . . .WCPF thanks for that Dolts comment. It reminds me and makes me think about a group of guys in their 50s that hang out where I do to watch games on Sundays at a certain establishment. They all claim to be Colts fans, are there almost every Sunday and wear their one cheap Walmart Colts T-shirts every week. Your comment pretty much convinced me that next Sunday when I'm there I'm going to ask the group how they became Colts fans. I wonder what the responses will be. Whatever it is I'll just say "Ok so your bandwagon then, just checking." These guys never used to be there until about 2 or 3 years ago so I'm going to call them on it. Asses.
November 1, 2007
#117 Shady McBears Fan said . . .Was that a not-so-subtle slam at CB? He's performing to the best of his abilities? Then his abilities are pretty shitty, huh Jerry? Guess you made a big mistake on him?
If he expects to be able to shine us on with nonsense the likes of "he's giving us top effort" then he really does think we're stupid. I've seen the hardest working RB ever, Walter Payton, who is at the top of the list, whose memory CB shames every time he goes out there. But more importantly, every other running back in the league that I've seen this year, from the great to the mediocre, every single one gives every appearance of giving MUCH more effort than Ced.
But BA is right on the analysis. Angelo tried to get away with this O line, and it has killed the Bears this year (with the only bigger culprits being injury to D and RT, to stay consistent with yesterday's poll). I'm sure Angelo knows that, and I'm sure that's what is behind those Ced comments. Ced gets excited when he gets good runs. He looks deflated on every 2 yard carry. Maybe Angelo's saying, give this kid a line and you'll see different body language because he'd be enjoying repeated successful runs.
Has anyone read anything over the last few weeks discussing how horrible the line has been, and what their comments are about it? I think it's the 800 pound elephant in the room that no one in the Bears organization is willing to admit they are staring at. And of my top 3 culprits of this season, they're the only one that actually involves starting players.
Also, any comment yet from Griese about his horrible performance in the Lions game? He couldn't get enough of the media two weeks ago, has he gone on lockdown?
November 1, 2007
#118 Bill said . . .B.A. (110) - Isn't Maurice Jones-Drew a midget, legally speaking? It's funny as hell to watch him run, but I'm sure he'd do better than Ced at this point.
I think Frank Gore is legally retarded.
November 1, 2007
#119 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .BA - "instead he squeezed out a turd". That's the line of this thread!
I heard Angelo's "State of the Bears" last night on Comcast Sports. (I'm glad I got an HD widescreen TV; now I can see all of Dan Jiggets.) The Angelo comment was awkward at best. But what was really behind it? That Benson is a 3.1 yards per carry bust, OR the O-line REALLY is bad?
Anyway - I suspect that Amgelo and Lovie have had some pretty tense meetings. They are not the types to display it publically, but they have to be embarrassed.
Another thing Angelo siad that I found interesting: he said every year a team establishes a fresh identity - there is no real carry over. That's the dynamic of a team. It was subtle - but I think he might have been saying the team never rebuilt their motivation; that they thought it was a given and assumed it was there but never really started the season with a fresh sense of committment. Inother words - the SB hangover. And by extension, I think Angelo might have been pinning that one squarely on Lovie.
November 1, 2007
#120 Phil from SATX said . . .PO: Ask the cheap fans a couple history questions along with how long they've been 'fans'.
Ask who the QB was before Manning and what year the Colts came to Indy. Not hard questions for even a bandwagon fan to know and most of them that live here wouldn't be able to answer either one moreless both.
November 1, 2007
#121 Bill said . . .I wonder if some of the offseason moves made by management bothered the players, and maybe some lack of moves made -
Like:
Putting faith in CB and letting TJ move on. There was no more popular teammate than TJ and no less popular teammate than CB. I believe that's probably still the case, and evidence is in recent comments from some players about the team not getting over loss of TJ.
Who knows if the departures of Chris Harris and Todd Johnson meant anything to the team. I think Harris was very well liked.
And then moves not made, sticking with Rex and not bringing in a new quarterback for competition - I wonder if in their hearts, the players knew this wasn't going to be a winning plan going into this season.
It sounds like the coaching changes were okay to the players, given a few comments about Rivera. Don't know what the players think of Turner, but they do seem to be on the verge of openly criticizing the game plans.
This may have been a team that had lost a lot of chemistry with the offseason and didn't really believe in themselves. And of course that is a snowballing type of deal - offensive woes have been there since the first game.
Somebody mentioned the D having to dread going back to the years of carrying O - I remember the Orton season as being a lot like that, especially as the season wore on - it just got very disheartening to the D when they knew the O was going to do very little. Until proven otherwise, we are back to that point.
November 1, 2007
#122 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .I really enjoy the fact that I have a Bear fan lineage that goes back to my grandfather, who attended the same church as George Halas. They didn't know each other except to say hello at church, as most people do anyway.
So my grandfather was a Bears fan from the very beginning of the franchise. My dad was a fan his whole life and was a teenager/then young adult through all the championships in the 40s. Had season tickets at Wrigley Field with his brother for I don't know how long. They woudl never give up a ticket to me until I was in High School (they wanted to be sure I wouldn't ask to go home early and they wanted to be sure I could go to the bathroom myself so they wouldn't have to miss any plays.) Seats in the temp stands on the 50.
As I said before, I saw Unitas; also Bart Star; probably other greats I don't even realize. Of course, Sayers and Butkus.
And now my adult boys have the Bears fever as well and will have my two tickets for themselves someday.
November 1, 2007
#123 B.A. Baracus said . . .(bowing down to Bill)
Much respect.November 1, 2007
#124 Pissed Off said . . .I think the reality with almost all GMs and coaches in every major sport is that they almost never tell the public what they are really thinking or doing - especially when their teams are performing poorly.
Part of the charade is gamesmanship in an effort to throw other teams off, but part of it is their inability to admit publicly that they are wrong or made a mistake - which is also understandable from a human nature standpoint. However, there is no objective way for Angelo or Lovie to look at the running situation with this team and actually believe that it is what they expected or that CB is running at the best of his abilities or giving his top effort.
The O Line is still a major factor in the poor running game, but nonetheless, CB seems to really lack vision at times and he seems to be unable to make the second tier miss. Nonetheless, he may still be salvageable and since he has another year on his contract, we will all have the pleasure of watching him run for the Bears next season.
November 1, 2007
#125 Rancid said . . .Phil I can get on board with your lack of motivation take regarding letting TJ go, he was absolutely loved by the team and letting him go may have sent a message players didnt like.
I cant however agree at all with your Rex take. Did you forget we went to the Super Bowl last year with him. Did you forget the TEAM voted him the Ed Block courage award. He is popular with the players obviously. Sure you can fall out of favor but GOING into the season I have no doubt the players believed in Rex. One of the vets Dez was mad when Rex was pulled saying basically we should go to bat with the guy who got you here. Deep down I'm sure not everyone likes Rex or believed in Rex at the start of the season but I think the overwhelming majority did.
November 1, 2007
#126 Bill said . . .You know what. I hate TJ. We all talk about the TJ/CB thing like the evil Bears management decided to ditch TJ because they thought CB was better. The truth is that TJ had too big of an ego to be willing to split carries with CB. Guess what, the best situation for our Bears would be a TJ/CB backfield that splits carries. That was the best thing for this team and TJ cared more about himself. That's why he's gone. He forced management to pick one. I know CB wasn't wild about splitting either but being the younger guy and under a nice fat rookie contract he would have done it. I am not too big of a CB apologist, but I think we make a big mistake if treat TJ like to poor abondoned victim who could have been our savior. His refusal to share a backfield with CB is the reason that our running game is what it is this year. I know this ain't a real popular opinion but that's how I see it.
November 1, 2007
#127 Phil from SATX said . . .Thanks, Nicole. At the home games, they play a video before the player introductions that is really good imo. Lots of older pictures and video, and it has catch lines in between: I play for the tradition; I play for those that went before me; I play for my coaches; I play for my teammates; I play for the fans; I play for THE BEARS!
I always watch that from start to finish, as they show the old clips of Halas as a player and the 73-0 game and Sayers, Ditka, Butkus, then Payton, Singletary up to the present. And I always think of my grandpa, my dad, myself, and my kids.
I wish I could get a copy of it somehow. I should write to the Bears.
(Of course, I'm afraid they'd kill my mood by getting a letter from one of the McCaskey's saying no way.)
November 1, 2007
#128 Bill said . . .PO'd, you could be right, but I believe there's a difference between liking someone personally and evaluating him professionally as a teammate. I think the team voted Rex that award because they genuinely like him and knew that he went through so much shit last year, and did so with class.
But I still believe there was very likely some people on the team that doubted his abilities to perform as a QB under pressure. So I am just suggesting that as a possibility among other moves the BT made - they may be in the middle of a process of losing faith in this coaching and management staff. Players need to believe in a coaching staff or you get complete disarray.
You know what this season looks like?
Complete disarray.
November 1, 2007
#129 Phil from SATX said . . .Rancid - I agree; I'm with you on this. I didn't come out and say it as strongly, but in a prior post I said the team needed to realize that TJ WANTED to leave and it's only natural that the Bears were going to pick Benson if there had to be a choice (which JONES forced, not Benson and NOT the coaches.)
Now the issue still is why did they draft Benson in the first place? That's the slap in the face to TJ, and the reason he wanted to leave. He comes in, does his job, they draft Benson, Jones beats him out both years, and yet they wouldnt' commit to Jones being the number one back. It's a situation the BT created.
November 1, 2007
#130 Rancid said . . .I still don't blame the BT for bringing in Ced. They were looking to get the back of the future for the team, and remember that at the time of the draft pick, TJ was constantly fighting injuries. CB was a powerful, durable back who looked like he fit with the Bears.
As others have said, you can make good decisions that don't turn out well. CB was a good decision that so far hasn't turned out well.
Relying on this WR squad was an okay decision that so far hasn't turned out well.
Buying AA was a good decision (given the low price and how much he was coveted a year before) that so far hasn't turned out well.
Drafting Garrett Wolfe with the 3rd round pick was a bad decision that has yielded nothing, an apparent waste of a pretty high pick.
It's kind of a fun exercise. What do you have?
November 1, 2007
#131 Bill said . . .I agree that drafting Benson was a mistake. Even just with what they knew then. There were bigger needs.
I don't agree with TJ beating out CB and then the Bears not committing to him as #1 . In todays NFL you don't have to have a #1. I think that he and CB in tandem were fantastic. That's what the Bears should have gone with but TJ wasn't willing.
November 1, 2007
#132 Bill said . . .Last year I recall many TV, print, and Web analysts saying how you have to have 2 good backs splitting time in order to succeed. Many examples (New Orleans and the Bears were the two prime ones.) And while I guess we still do that with Benson and AP, it doesn't have the same feel as last year. It seems like AP comes in when Benson isn't doing well. MAybe I'm wrong - maybe Lovie or Turner was right when they explained that AP comes in as part of the normal rotation.
And it's curious about Wolfe. It seems like he is exactly what anyone woudl have expected - a small quick back that coudl never carry the load but would have value. Given he was a #3, it's a bad sign he's sitting (and not even active last week.)
I don't care what Angelo says - he's made some big mistakes in the draft.
November 1, 2007
#133 Pissed Off said . . .You know what - it was a HORRIBLE draft overall. You have to go down to pick 12 to find anyone who's made the ProBowl yet.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_NFL_Draft
We coudl have had Pacman Jones, Mike Williams, and several other players drafted relatively high that didn't work out.
I can see why GMs trade down. LAst year a write (can't remember who) wondered if we'd see the day when teams pass on purpose in the first round - so they are not stuck with a large contract on a player that coudl be a bust.
Best solution I've heard - make the draft an auction instead of round by round. Each team gets "chips" based on their final standings; and then the teams bid against each other for the right to the picks. The draft woudl obviously take days then, but maybe the bidding could happen first, and then the actual drafting later.
It woudl never happen, and yet modern econ theory has shown auctions to be the most effcient way of establishing value.
November 1, 2007
#134 Phil from SATX said . . .The only way most of these players know each other is thru football Phil. Sure some are closer friends or whatever and mabye hang out but the vast majority only know each other by what they do on the field or at practice or in the film room or at meetings.....you get the point. What I'm saying is they like each other because of the reasons I mentioned above, thats how they know each other. Again, some wont believe in him but I think most did/do. Basically what I'm saying is overall, for the majority of the teammates, I would say there is really no discernible difference between how players pervcieve each other personally or as a player and therefore I dont think the lack of a "rex non move" as you call it, in the offseason made players play less inspired.
Bill the reason we drafted Ced is because of several reasons. One is that the Bears had a high draft pick and there were at least 3 "cant miss great backs" out there that were going to go early (Brown, Ced and Williams) The fans would have roasted the team if they drafted something else that year. The next reason, and main one, is that when we drafted Ced we had only had TJ for one year at the time. He had a mediocre year not even getting 1000 yards rushing with 7 TDs and had lingering injury problems, he missed two games that year. We didnt fully know what we had in TJ yet. In 2005 he had his breakout year with over 1300 yards and 9 TDs and I attribute that to drafting Benson and making Jones show his worth. Drafting Benson may have been the best thing anyones ever done to boost TJs career. Too bad drafting Wolfe didnt do the same for Ced.
November 1, 2007
#135 Pissed Off said . . .It's hard to evaluate the draft except for the third round pick, which was unquestionably too high for a specialized player like Wolfe. (I will comment as an aside that I could have seen another team make the same mistake on Wolfe, as the rest of the world searches for a another Devin Hester style game-changer - however, it's surprising that the Bears thought they needed to try to make magic twice).
The first pick was unquestionably great. We can say that right now, from what we've seen so far. It was also easy, didn't require much skill or savvy to pick GO when we were looking for offensive weapons.
The jury has to be out on the 2nd round pick. A good DE is never a bad pick, and we don't yet know anything about Bazuin. Kind of weird that they picked him given their other needs and relative depth at that position, though.
Jury is in on overreaching with the Little Bad Wolfe. Jury has to be out on Michael Okwo (picked consecutively with Wolfe).
Jury is out on 4th round pick Beekman. Just wish we could see him play.
Kevin Payne and Corey Graham consecutively in the 5th round. Jury's out (unless someone feels like they can evaluate them based on their limited play to date).
No pick in the 6th, then what looks like a really great pick in Trumaine McBride in the 7th. He looks like he'll be a steal.
So mostly the jury is out, and where it's in the good outweighs the bad.
We'll have to see how those injured/non-playing players turn out to really evaluate, but it looks to me like the only immediately apparent bad decision this year was Wolfe in the 3rd round.
November 1, 2007
#136 Phil from SATX said . . .Is Wolfe in on kick returns? He should be on the 2nd line right in front of Hester so when they pooch it short Wolfe can try to return??
November 1, 2007
#137 Phil from SATX said . . .Good idea PO'd - don't know but someone said he was inactive in the last game, so I guess not.
I'd also like to discuss your other point - I know what you're saying and think there might be merit in it - you're saying that their personal view of Rex (or any teammate) will be driven by their professional view - if they thought he sucked and was hurting their team, they wouldn't like him personally (and hence wouldn't voluntarily vote him an award).
An interesting point and one that I have no experience with. So I throw that question out to those who played, and particularly at a high level - could teammates like Rex personally and vote him a courage award while still thinking he's not the right QB for the team and doubting the team's future success if he plays?
Appreciate input from anyone who's played beyond the high school level.
November 1, 2007
#138 Bill said . . .Bill, thanks for linking to that - it's kind of fun to use that Pro Bowl coloring. It points out a few interesting things -
Devin Hester was one of only 3 picks in the whole draft last year to make the Pro Bowl. with Vince Young and Marcus O'Neill (an offensive lineman taken at #50 by San Diego who proves that it is possible for an offensive lineman to make an immediate impact - where are you Josh Beekman?)
In the 2004 draft, we had an extremely good draft, with 2 Pro Bowlers (Tommie Harris and Nathan Vasher) as well as Tank Johnson and B-Twice. And Vasher was a 4th rounder, 110th pick, with the next closest Pro Bowler taken 44 picks higher.
2003 was the heinous first round of Michael Haynes and Rex Grossman (okay heinous for Haynes, Rex wasn't heinous but didn't pan out).
But after that we scored with Tillman in the second round (should be a Pro Bowler sometime) and Pro Bowler extraordinaire Lance Briggs in the 3rd round.
The remainder of that draft was not so good, with Todd Johnson (still like him and wish he wasn't traded), Ian Scott, and the awful duo of Bobby Wade and Justin Gage, taken in the same round. Overall that has to be considered a feast (Tillman and Briggs) or famine (everyone else) draft.
Still think the Bears have done a better than average job at drafting in the past few years.
November 1, 2007
#139 Bill said . . .Phil - Yes, but all the good picks were on D. Even Hester was drafted as a corner. Olsen is the only good O-player recently.
November 1, 2007
Put it another way - we need some Tillmans, Vashers, and Briggs on offense.
November 1, 2007
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