Two weeks ago I put the Dallas game on the shoulders of Rex Grossman. Game played. Rex benched. Last week I put the game on Brian Urlacher. Fourth quarter played. Urlacher was invisible against the run and Roy Williams-esque against the passing as receivers ran alone across the middle of the field.
A couple things have crossed my mind. (1) I’m cursing these players and if so, why not put Sunday night’s game on Brett Favre or Donald Driver or A.J. Hawk? (2) The Bears have very glaring and obvious deficiencies that – if a playwright from Jersey can find – I’ll assume professional game planners on the other sideline don’t have trouble locating.
I don’t care, here’s a stat. Cedric Benson has one hundred yard rushing game. The Bears have one win. Guess what? Shock of all shocks…same game. Lovie Smith has said he’ll be returning this team to its roots; to running the football yet – as brilliantly pointed out by Steve Rosenbloom – his first orders of business are getting Devin Hester and Greg Olsen more involved in the passing game. Doesn’t make a lot of sense, does it?
Cedric Benson needs to un-muddle the confusion. Cedric Benson needs to take over Sunday night’s football game. Is he a fumble machine? Yes. Is he an emotional disaster? It certainly seems so. But is he capable of dominating a defense over the long haul? Based on his late game performances a year ago, I say yes. The Bears threw away a win Sunday in Detroit due to a lack of faith in a consistent running game. Benson must eradicate that lack of faith by making the best of the 25+ carries he's sure to receive.
I trust the defense to play its signature brilliant three quarters and it’s on Benson and the rushing attack to keep them off the field in the fourth quarter. If they don’t play, they can’t stink. Show some guts Sunday night, Cedric, and surprise us all. Hold on to the football until you're standing the endzone and then do whatever the hell you want with it. You wanted Thomas Jones gone. He's gone. Now it's on you...starting Sunday night.
#2 Phillip said . . .The bubbly's number one.
I said a bubbly bubbly.
Go Bears. Watch out for the guy in camo with the big bad gun.
He's a douche.
October 3, 2007
#3 Phil from SATX said . . .I don't really feel like going home depressed again. Let's get another W.
October 3, 2007
#4 Da Coach said . . .As one of the hoggiest posters around, can I just ask
More of you, less of us? I'm a little sick of us.
That was a great post, Jeff. Kudos. Feel free to drop in and join us (separate us?) once in a while.
Go CB - get the chip back. And hold on the ball.
October 3, 2007
#5 South Breach Diet said . . .If the defense can get pressure on Favre consistentley it should result in a lot of 3 and outs because GB cannot run the ball for squat this year.
CB show them how to run the football and control the time of possession, the less the defense is on the field less chance we have of another injury occurring.
October 3, 2007
#6 Phil from SATX said . . .If the Bears use the yardage of the field, they might have a shot. The stats say other wise, but if they use the Forward Rock Play, and Rex can throw the ball like a boomerang, they will win. And I mean a boomerang - like the Aussies use. If Rex throws past the vantage point of the arc of a boomerang, well, let's hang our heads low now. Just drop the neck and stare at the dirt, cause that's where our hearts will be this Sunday. Down in the dirt. Buck it up, Rex. Pull the arm back and use the body. The Forward Rock play is all we got. Let's hope Coach puts a check next to that one in the play books. If not, anyone know how to hack into those crazy one-eared head-sets they all use? That'll be plan B.
October 3, 2007
#7 mikebdot said . . .In this short season, how is GB against the run?
October 3, 2007
#8 Pissed Off said . . .Phil: 24th in yards/carry (4.47), but they've given up 0 TDs to the run. The other team has run the ball 95 times (10th) in 4 games for 425 yards (17th).
via: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb2007.htm
Their pass defense sucks, probably something to do with garbage yards against Vikings late in the game. 11th in yards/attempt though.
October 3, 2007
#9 Midway Monster said . . .Wow great take Jeff, couldnt agree more. My only dispute would be that if he fumbles early he wont get that 25 carries and we can put the puzzle for disaster together from there. And if we are getting raped by 2 scores come 4th quarter we will be relying on the string bean arm of one Brian Griese to lead us back taking us out of our running game. Your game plan sounds like a winning one though.
Does south beach know BG is now the starter? Also I think the Pack is a much smarter bunch than Martz and the Lions. They know we are tough against the run and they know they suck at it anyway. Isnt it possbile that they will just throw 75% of the time. With our empty secondary I asssume ol' #4 will just pass all day, and his chances of success are good since their O-line is holding up good this year.
October 3, 2007
#10 B. Farve said . . .We need to beat Green Bay because Farve is the root cause of global warming.
-- Midway --
October 3, 2007
#11 Starbuck said . . .Deal with with it. I'm the Farverite.
And my name is Brett. All Brett's rule.
October 3, 2007
#12 B. Favre said . . .The season rides on the shoulders of the O Line and Cedric Benson...Or as I like to say, "Our NFL dreams hinge on the performonce of a bunch of Geritol bottles and a Fecal Biped."
October 3, 2007
#13 Phil from SATX said . . .I meant Favre-ite
October 3, 2007
#14 Rancid said . . .I think our regular zone play could be a recipe for disaster in this game. Brett has been scrambling for time just like Romo and finding receivers open in holes in the zone. The zone may be the safest way to use rookies/second string but we may have to rely more on athleticism than proper placement in the zone (and Favre can punish you even if you're in the right place, which our rookies won't be).
Max rush is imperative, the only way I think you can beat him. This year already I remember commenting watching some really stupid throws he made during the Eagles game which should have been intercepted and weren't. Defense must punish with takeaways when he does the stupid.
Can anyone project the secondary for this game? Who'll be out there?
October 3, 2007
#15 I love said . . .I agree it's up to Benson. We had a good pass rush against Detroit (for 3 quarters anyway) If we can plant #4 on his beloved Lambeau turf a few times, and then control the ball with Benson we have a good shot. Benson got the job. One thing that has annoyed me on here is all the TJ talk. Screw TJ. He's gone. If CB can't get back to last years form we don't beat GB. I think this is a defense he can get yards against. But a 10 yard rush isn't all that great if you hand the linebacker the ball before you fall down. So in short, I think that if CB can hold onto a ball we can win.
October 3, 2007
#16 Al in WI said . . .BBBBBBBBBB FFFFFFFFFFF
B B F
B B F
B B F
BBBBBBBBB FFFFFFFF
B B F
B B F
B B F
BBBBBBBBBB FOctober 3, 2007
#17 Mike said . . .Some topics:
QB, I still think it's bullshit that so many people were willing to blame everything that ever went wrong for the team squarely on Grossman, and yet are willing to give Griese a pass for single-handedly losing last week's game. Rex may have gotten off to a poor start, but he was not responsible for our first two losses. Last week was entirely on Griese. I don't care that he threw a touchdown with 30 seconds to go to boost his rating, that doesn't take away the 13-17 point swing he accounted for.
If Griese doesn’t get something going by halftime he should be re-benched and Grossman should be brought back in. He brings more big play potential and that is what we need right now.
Secondary: Isn’t it nice we traded away Chris Harris? This is why teams need not make trades because they’re in love with the depth at any one position. This is a major area of concern going forward that would be in better shape with ole # 46.
Benson: I’ve been hard on him because as a #4 overall pick he needs to make something happen on his own. That said he’s getting no help from his line at all. Last night on Sports center, they broke down a play where Kruetz and Brown stopped blocking and had an argument before Benson was even tackled. That’s uncalled for. We need better effort from them too. But mainly Benson just needs to lower his shoulder and make something happen.
I’ve been away from the computer a lot, in part on purpose, but I’d needed to check in on some of the topics.
October 3, 2007
#18 mikebdot said . . .Cedric Benson has shown little drive or determination since day one of his Bear career. What makes anybody think he will all of a sudden assume the mantle of "franchise running back" and be the horse that leads this team to victory?!? If the assumption is that Benson is the key, then we might as well adjust the standings to read 1-4 right now.
You can be sure that Brett Favre will try to exploit our non-existent secondary. There will be lots of passes aimed at Donald Driver and the underrated Greg Jennings. Bubba Franks is rejuventated at tight end too. Green Bay won't bother trying to establish the run. This will be classic game of the gunslinger Favre going for the jugular against an opponent's depleted secondary.
The "key" to this game will be our offensive line. Brian Griese is going to be on his back a lot unless the entire unit plays a 1,000% better. KGB, Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk loom large in this game. The Bears should be able to run on the Packers, but it's the passing game where I have big worries. It could be an ugly game of sacks and interceptions for Griese.
Fearless revised prediction...
Packers ... 26
Bears ... 13October 3, 2007
#19 Pissed Off said . . .Al: Your comment about Chris Harris is made with the benefit of hindsight. Perhaps Chris Harris breaks his arm too, or, even worse, takes out Brian Urlacher on a pass break-up. If Harris was not traded, Payne would not have stayed on the practice squad and we could possibly be in the same position.
October 3, 2007
#20 Al in WI said . . .BTW regarding #17, is there an echo in here?
As always Amen Al.
There just isn't much to talk about anymore, the team is in the dumpster right now and we've addressed the 349 problems they have. We just need to win some games, that it. I dont care how ugly they are, just win some games.
October 3, 2007
#21 Mike said . . .Mikebdot, my Chris Harris comment was not made with the bennifit of hindsight. I warned of this happening the day the trade happened. And I did not support it then either. It's in the archives, as are the same concerns being raised by Po'd and Jeff amongst others.
It's a depressing time.........October 3, 2007
#22 Coolingtime said . . .Good grief. The Bears aren't 1-3 because they elected to let Chris Harris go. The Bears live in the land of the NFL salary cap. Hard decisions need to be made about veteran players every training camp. I can hardly fault Lovie Smith and Jerry Angelo for replacing a non-descript role player with a cheaper rookie who they believed flashed well enough in camp and the preseason.
October 3, 2007
#23 mikebdot said . . .News flash from Arizona - Bears will not be in SuperBowl XLII.
Rex Grossman should be fired out of a cannon into the lake. Brian Griese should be benched and Orton should be starting.
The offensive line should be installed in the dinosaur exhibit at The Field Museum.
Cedric Benson should be sent to...Detroit.
October 3, 2007
#24 Mike said . . .Al: No, I'm talking about Payne getting hurt. If Payne doesn't get hurt, who cares about Chris Harris? He wouldn't have made the team anyway.
October 3, 2007
#25 jdawg said . . .Fearless prediction...Kyle Orton is given a crack to win the starting QB job. Next week. Book it Dano.
October 3, 2007
#26 Shady McBears Fan said . . .Its a compelling story whether Benson can "bring it". I never expected Texas to produce a flakey running back who seems to pick and choose when he wants to ring the bell. My hope is that he becomes our John Riggins, nutcase that he may be.
I don't care if he starts every day worshiping the rising sun, as long as he averages over 4 per. It will be interesting to see if GB stacks the box and dares Griese to dink and dunk them to death, which could play into our hands. I don't mind a 5 yard hand-off if that's what it takes.
And is it just me or does Benson have the best hands on the O so far?
October 3, 2007
#27 StartOlsen said . . .I'd say Desmond Clark has the best hands on offense so far. He can block well, catch well, is hardly ever penalized and I bet he makes a mean potato salad. The dude is seriously underrated. I might just have a slight man-crush on Des (although the 'igor' eyeball kinda freaks me out).
October 3, 2007
#28 StartOlsen said . . .Mike, change "fearless" to "stupid" for your predictions
October 4, 2007
#29 Al in WI said . . .Al, if Griese doesn't get something going by Half Time? Are you crazy? Do you want this position to turn back into the revolving door??
October 4, 2007
#30 Viva said . . .StartO, whatever it takes. If we lose this game, the season is over, so yeah. Besides, as illustrated by my many posts I believe Grossman is the best quarterback on the team and gives us the best chance to win. Going with Griese was clearly a mistake so far as evidenced by the Detroit game. Either way, given his injury history, and status of being on his 4th team in the last 4 years, he is a temporary option.
October 4, 2007
#31 Max said . . .The Chicken or The Egg -
To establish the run, defenses must respect your ability to throw.
To establish the pass, defenses must respect your ability to run.
The idea, of course, is to have your opponent reacting (personell wise) to situations that you are dictating on the field. If all things are equal (talent, intelligence, strength...) the offense will always have the advantage (they know where they are going and when they are going).
What is needed more then anything else on the field is a decision maker who has the intellect to see and read the field, and the talent to execute and expose an opponents weakness.
The voice Rex and Brian are listening to in their headset lacks tha ability to exploit there opponents weaknesses.
Again, the common denomonator in each and evey loss we have had over the past two years is our inability to create an effective game plan in the second half.
October 4, 2007
#32 MontanaBear said . . .I give Griese all of this game (wait, so I said id give Grossman 4 starts this season before Id jump off the bandwagon right? So i guess this means I am still riding the Sexy Rexy train. . . god help me) but anyway, if BG does tolerable gainst the Pack, I'll give him next game as well, but I will say it again;
If he plays bad or we lose the next 2 games, then go to Orton or back to Grossman.
And I'm officially driving the "AP for starter" bus now. (a little early i realize, and I hope Benson proves me flat wrong. . . but I'm not holding my breath). I will wait for ya'll to get on til after the Packers game. But I am betting its gonna be a full bus by week 7 so ya might wanna make reservations soon.
October 4, 2007
#33 Midway Monster said . . .Cedric Benson is a good, not great, back, but I feel that Adrian Peterson has to be incorporated more into the offense. What made the rushing attack great in previous years was the effectiveness of the dual back system. Not to mention the o-line was playing a lot more dominant in that stretch. It would be better to go three and out with a rushing attack then try to get first downs with short posts. There is no solution at QB. Historically the Bears have never had a consistent, dominant QB, one might say it is their trademark. If we can recover from a 1-3 start with a fourth round rookie, there is no reason we can't with a season veteran. Be patient Bears fans. Everything will work out. We may not win the division, but we will be in the playoffs.
October 4, 2007
#34 Hot Girl said . . .I saw a car hit a little baby squirrel today. The driver hit it on purpose. I think it was Farve driving- yes it was him! We need to stop this guy!
-- Midway --
October 4, 2007
#35 Phil from SATX said . . .It's F A V R E. Get it right.
Brett's got the biggest cock on the planet.
October 4, 2007
#36 Phil from SATX said . . .I'd agree with the vote for Des Clark for best hands, but I'd say both CB and AP have been pretty much flawless of late with the pass catching, giving lie to Mike's oft-repeated claims that the hands of the running backs are the biggest drop-off from TJ last year. That's pure nonsense (although I see it hasn't been repeated here recently - 8 catches by those guys in the last game). Also will give a nod to Rashied, although he's had a few uncharacteristic drops he seemed like the only go-to guy from the receiver ranks in the last game.
I really don't understand what's happened to Berrian. He did NOT have a hands issue last year - how does one just develop this issue over the offseason? Or is a case of the "yips" - one drop leading to another? In any case, when your job is to catch passes, if you don't you don't have a job. Maybe the issue is deep balls vs. in traffic? It does look like any time someone hits him the ball's out, and he just gets lucky that they're called incompletes, otherwise we're talking fumbles. He may just be a fragile, non-physical receiver, one who can catch it when there's no one near him and hold it when no one hits him. If he is that guy, then no way is he a #1 or #2 receiver, just a situational guy put in for streak plays. And hence somewhat of a bust.
Very interested to see whether we will see any Bradley on Sunday. I think it will depend on how the game progresses, but I think if we see ANY drops from Moose or Berrian, he's going in.
I think we're going to be able to judge whether Ron Turner has any game at all from this next game. If we see the same unimaginative, plain vanilla offense and they continue to implode, that guy's got to become a casualty.
Still think GB's going to be overconfident and the Bears aren't as bad as they've been coached to be thus far in the season.
October 4, 2007
#37 Phil from SATX said . . .and jdawg, loved your comments about Benson. It seems clear that the dude is seriously strange, and potentially not conventionally motivated. He's not good at making friends, likely in the locker room or with the coaches either. I think he's personally very insecure and thin-skinned, but he's not insecure about his running abilities.
Maybe Lovie knows how to manage this weird cat. He sure looked better in that game after he was sat - but then who knows how much the line had to do with that. I still maintain that with this team, this line, to start the game running is just foolish. You are going to have a bunch of wasted downs and possessions as the defense crowds the box, knowing that that is exactly what you intend to do (the kiss of death in the defense/offense chess match). No, start the game out with passing, including play action - get some completions, THEN run.
Can we shut up for once and for all about "we get off the bus running," Lovie? It just sounds stupid coming out of your mouth, especially when you throw 52 times. Throw first, get some success, then RUN and RUN and RUN. Hold that 10 point lead, by running!
October 4, 2007
#38 Rancid said . . .Let's go for 3 in a row. What, nobody's around this morning?
Just listen to what Ron Turner's saying NOW -
Offensive coordinator Ron Turner: "We need to get him [Bradley] in there. He's healthy, he's playing well, we need to get him in there. We've talked about it, we've tried to make an effort to get him in more and get Bernard off the field a little bit. He played 70-some plays last week, and get Moose out of there a little bit."
Sound like a change in the works? Hallelujah. I'll tell you one thing, IT COULDN'T HURT. And I'll ask another - why is it so hard to get him out there if you want to Ron? Aren't YOU calling the plays? Berrian's out there for 70 plays and Bradley for like 2? And you can't figure out how to balance that a little? What is wrong with this picture?
October 4, 2007
#39 Pissed Off said . . .1. Midway: I like the attempted dig on Favre, but I hate squirrels so I was ok with Favre hitting one. I'll pretend you said it was a puppy so it'll still have the desired affect for me.
2. There is no need to get on or off Cedric Benson's or AP's bus. Both busses are stuck in traffic behind the O line's bus to the retirement home. No running back will have a fantastic season with this line playing the way it is now. That's why I think that if CB can stop fumbling, there's no question we stick with him.
3. Oh, and I haven't mentioned it lately: I hate Ron Turner.October 4, 2007
#40 Bill said . . .To coolingtime, what do we do then after Orton fails? That could be the most simple minded take of the day. Come up with something, anything.
Max if Benson fumbles again this week, I am on that wagon....shotgun. If he fumbles you can bet he'll get mention in my Sunday night column.
I'm not going to get back into the Rex/BG debate but in order to be fair if BG loses this game like he did last week I say its time for another change, Rex or Orton. I'm not interested in letting BG single handedly lose 3 games for us, let someone else do it if nothing else. If BG plays good, keep him in there, we need to win games....period. And from the last thread in a convo b/w me and mikeb I am on record saying if BG has a rating of 100 or better and only 100 or better I will praise him. Again the rating means absolutely nothing to me though.
October 4, 2007
#41 Phil from SATX said . . .I read the Bears reacted strongly against Hough's ten things to change the offense. Reacted negatively to the suggestion the line is too old. There was some mention of tension in the locker room after a shaving cream pie in the face of one of the players.
OK - so maybe the Bears are getting sick of all this, let's see if it translates to the field.
Let's face it, if they lose Sunday, while not mathematically out of it obviously, they will be mentally out of it. It will get ugly in a hurry - but Lovie will be too calm to push any panic buttons - which will seem like a sense of urgency is lacking.
Sunday's game is (relatively) as big as the first playoff game last year was.
October 4, 2007
#42 Midway Monster said . . .Yes, it's definitely time to see what this team is made of. And what its head coach is made of. This is the first real downturning of a trend line since Lovie's been here - everything's been pretty much up up up before this season. It's going to be instructional for us as fans to see how he handles some major adversity.
I confess to being a little worried that we will see very little from him, as Bill alludes to. I hope for something else - some fire (even if it's invisible to us), some changing, some COACHING.
We've talked about this game being on Benson, on the Oline, on Griese. I think it may be more on Lovie than anyone else. Let's see if Lovie can push the buttons, make it happen. If he doesn't, well then... Mike may end up being right with his talk of the 4th year of programs being the negative turning point in past Bears coaching careers. Let's hope Lovie has more in the tank than Jauron or Wannstedt. He should - he got us to the SB, which neither of those other guys got close to. But let's see.
October 4, 2007
#43 jdawg said . . .Someone destroyed a little birdy nest in a tree by me. It was done on purpose. It was Favre - yes it was him! We need to stop this guy!
-- Midway --
October 4, 2007
#44 Coolingtime said . . .Yeah, Benson's one of those guys that seems high even if he's not (like Ted Nugent, but on the weed instead of crank).
Anyway, if the O can just gel a little better that could make all the difference in the world.
Remember Grossman's int that came after Moose let an easy 25 yarder slip through his hands. If we can cut down on those plays, even one or two a game, it could change the outcome. Maybe if the O-line just gets a little more in sync that will make that crack just big enough for Benson to break somebody's ankle this Sunday.
fingers crossed.
October 4, 2007
#45 Larry Mayer said . . .PO'd - You need to take the blinders off, man. Last year was the year for the Bears to win the Superbowl- they choked. This year's Bears team needs a serious re-tooling on offense starting with the O Line. Angelo gambled with sticking with this O Line this year and they are getting burned.
Rex Grossman is never going to be the quarterback to win a Superbowl for this team.
Brian Griese is a backup, plain and simple. He is not going to be the long term solution as evidenced by his past career.
Orton should be playing as soon as possible to see if he has improved since the 2005 season. Once Orton is evaluated, the Bears will know both whether they need to look for a QB in the offseaons, and whether they need one from free agency or the draft.
And, if you, PO'd, really think the Bears have a chance this year after what you have seen in the last 4 weeks, then I would like some of the kool aid you are drinking.
October 4, 2007
#46 Mike said . . .I think it’s way too early to write off Cedric Benson as some people are doing. He’s only played four games as the Bears’ No. 1 running back. The running game always seems to take a while to get going, as was the case last season when Thomas Jones was the starter. I’ll bet not a lot of people realize that Jones rushed for 279 yards and 2 TDs in the first four games last yearâ€â€just 40 yards and 1 TD more than Benson has recorded this season. Benson has one 100-yard game and is averaging 3.2 yards per carry; Jones had no 100-yard games and was averaging 3.3 yards per carry at this point last year. With 52 yards receiving compared to just 22 for Jones through four games in 2006, Benson has generated just 10 fewer yards from scrimmage than Jones at this point last season.
Yes, Benson must eliminate the costly fumbles and produce more on the ground. But it’s also important to remember that he hasn’t had the luxury of playing with two things that took pressure off the running game last season: an explosive passing attack and a stingy defense that routinely gave the offense the ball back by forcing turnovers and three-and-outs. Everyone on the Bears offense is struggling; I just think it’s premature to call out Benson. Let’s see how he performs the rest of the season.
October 4, 2007
#47 StartOlsen said . . .The top 3 saboteurs to the 2007 season.
1. Angelo not addressing a past it's prime offensive line. He is a fool if he thought this aging group could hold it together and play well for one more season.
2. Undying commitment to an injury plagued, highly inconsistent mental midget in Rex Grossman. Angelo and Lovie threw objective evaluation out the window and ruled with their hearts. Sometimes in life you need to eat a shit sandwich. Angelo couldn't bring himself to do this during the offseason. And now look at the clusterfuck of a QB situation we have.
3. Faith in a non-impressive running back with an attitude problem in Cedric Benson. I don't fault the decision to cut bait with Thomas Jones. The Bears got the best three years out of his career. But Angelo surely knew the question marks surrounding Benson and needed to bring in another quality back to push him. Adrian Peterson (Bear version) is a special teams player who is way, way overrated as a running back. Garrett Wolfe is a smallish waterbug.
October 4, 2007
#48 Band of Horses said . . .thanks, Larry. I made those exact points on an earlier post, including the comparison of numbers through 4 games for Benson and Jones.
October 4, 2007
#49 Grasshopper said . . .I'm coming up only to hold you under
I'm coming up only to show you wrong
And to know you is hard and we wonder
To know you all wrong, we wereReally too late to call, so we wait for
Morning to wake you; it's all we got
To know me as hardly golden
Is to know me all wrong, they wereAt every occasion I'll be ready for a funeral
At every occasion once more is called a funeral
Every occasion I'm ready for the funeral
At every occasion one brilliant day funeralI'm coming up only to show you down for
I'm coming up only to show you wrong
To the outside, the dead leaves, they all blow (alive is very poetic)
For'e (before) they died had trees to hang their hopeAt every occasion I'll be ready for the funeral
At every occasion once more is called the funeral
At every occasion I'm ready for the funeral
At every occasion one brilliant day funeralOctober 4, 2007
#50 Pissed Off said . . .Bear offense rack disaprin !!
October 4, 2007
#51 Phil from SATX said . . .I'm not willling to give Benson the benefit of the doubt all year. He better pick it up in the next few games and not fumble once or he needs to be benched.
Hey cooling, Orton has been evaluated, he's been on the team 3 years and he the third string guy deactivated every Sunday. What more do you need to know? Bears fans believe, that we can go to the SB and if we get this offense solved, we can do damage.
October 4, 2007
#52 Pissed Off said . . .StartO, I think someone else posted that Larry Mayer post - it is linked to his column on chicagobears.com. But I still like the points, and yours.
Regarding Mike's points, at the end of this season those may very well be the appropriate analysis to dissect a lost season, and those 3 reasons may stand up. Problem is, it's still too early - only 3 losses with by far the easier part of our schedule left to go. If you follow the link to Larry Mayer's column, the next question he answers is whether the Bears can make the playoffs. His answer is the same as mine and StartO's - yes they can.
Bill points out the very real possibility that they might mentally check out with another loss, but I still think they won't - they've get the next 4 games against the Vikings, Eagles, Lions and Raiders. NONE of those teams will scare any of the Bears, even after losing to the Lions (maybe ESPECIALLY after losing to the Lions - they know they should have won that game).
So to Mike's 3 points, I still think it's too early to tell - it looks like he may be right, but some small improvements here and there and wins, and momentum from those wins, may come in abundance. All of a sudden Ced IS running the ball, the line IS blocking, Griese IS warmed up and operating smartly and efficiently - these 3 points will lead to the receivers CATCHING balls thrown at them, and we're talking WHOLE DIFFERENT BALL GAME.
It could happen.
October 4, 2007
#53 Starbuck said . . .Cooling, good job on the last post, you actually put together a thought. You have your opinions but I disagree that Rex cant get us to the big game, he did it last year and if the rest of the offense gets its shit together he can succeed and do it again. If the O-line continues to slump, RBs cant move and WRs cant catch, then NO Qb can lead this team to a SB.
October 4, 2007
#54 Pissed Off said . . .PO'd - I have actually put together another thought - Your insistence on reverting to personal attacks and insults is your undoing.
As I said before, you are wearing blinders if you really think that Rex Grossman can get the Bears back to a Superbowl. Grossman and the Bears had their chance last year.
Live in the now. The child is gone, the dream is gone.
October 4, 2007
#55 Pissed Off said . . .Happy for that Starbuck, if he did it once he can do it again.
October 4, 2007
#56 Larry Mayer said . . .Starbuck and Cooling, you both say I have blinders on, I call that a personal attack on me so I gave it back out. Not vice versa.
October 4, 2007
#57 Al in WI said . . .But with that being said, throwing two interceptions in the red zone and another that’s returned for a touchdown is certainly a recipe for disaster. The Bears aren’t going to pull the plug on Griese after just one or two games, but for some reason I do think that Rex Grossman will get another chance to play at some point down the road. General manager Jerry Angelo said Sunday in Detroit that it’s premature to assume that Grossman won’t be back with the Bears in 2008, even if the quarterback is currently in the final year of his contract.
October 4, 2007
#58 jdawg said . . .I can forgive Benson for the lack of productivity so far this year, because of the play of the line. But his fumbles, and bizarre attitude are what bother me so far about him. It just seems he doesn't give a shit, and doesn't give his best effort all the time.
October 4, 2007
#59 mikebdot said . . .If the Bears ever get to the SB again I think its going to be, drum roll please, on the TB or Ravens model. 54 is only 29 and there are a lot of young studs on the D.
Its just too hard to find an elite QB. The Patriots lucked into Brady, like the Cowboys did with Romo (I'm not putting Romo in the same category, btw).
When you have a Brady, Manning (or even a Romo) you can do what the Patriots did in Minny last year and what the Cowboys did to us, put the ball in their hands and watch them pass it up and down the field.
We don't have that luxury and may never. But it doesn't mean things have to suck from here on out.
There is a thing called free agency. After this season we're going to free up some money when Moose is shown the door, we won't be giving Rex the big contract as he most likely won't be here. Berrian won't be shown the money.
The one must sign player right now is Tommy Harris, and I don't see us letting him go.
Anyway, we'll see what o-lineman are there on the FA market next year, along with some WR's. Like I said before, maybe we'll see Culpepper in the blue and orange and get lucky enough to draft someone like Andre Woodson (I live in KY, and this guy has a beautiful arm).
So let's turn that frown upside down and let a smile be your style.
October 4, 2007
#60 mikebdot said . . .I love Olin Kreutz:
"Yeah, I would love that," Benson said. "That would be fun. Just the other day in the second half, [Olin] Kreutz told me, `Not one guy is going to bring you down. Run through them.' That's all the motivation needed, to know that we have each other's back."
October 4, 2007
#61 Pissed Off said . . .Of course, Benson should have that mindset all the time, without the help of an O-lineman...
October 4, 2007
#62 crabby apple said . . .jdawg I'm with you on most all of what you said. I dont think Rex, BG or Orton will ever be a Manning, Brady or Romo so we may need to use the 2000 Ravens model at QB. I do think Rex in particular can be more than servicable though at some point soon. Your ideas sure point to us having some money to spend if it all works out. But please stop with the Culpepper talk, I dont think the BT would take him, thank god, and I certainly dont want him, it'd be like having Favre in a Bears jersey, ugh.
October 4, 2007
#63 jdawg said . . .No matter what the gay non bear fan Mike says this is what is going to happen this year...
1. The Bears will beat the Gay Fudgepackers Sunday night 27-17.2. The offense will find a rhythm this week in GB and carry us until the D heals up.
3. The Bears will go on a winning tear starting this Sunday blowing through their schedule with a vengeance winning the next 12 games, maybe losing one late in the season due to us resting players for the playoffs.
4. Brian Griese will be our QB for the rest of the season and throughout the playoffs and into the SB.
5. We will win the Super Bowl.
I have looked into my crystal ball and this is what I have seen....
BELIEVE!!!
October 4, 2007
#64 Pissed Off said . . .You know, I'd love to be proven wrong but I do think Grossman is done in Chicago. For whatever reasons, the football gods decided to back up a poop on Rex. Its a combination of bad luck, bad guidance, and possibly just not getting it done on his part, that has sealed his fate. There were times this year when he looked like he was "getting it", when he would take what the defense was giving him and methodically move the team down the field. But then he'd throw the big mistake. I think, obviously, that if those had been incompletions, busted plays, or what have you, things would be different. But they weren't and they're not.
From what I've read about Romo is he spent the first four years of his pro football career working his ass off to get better. It sounds like Grossman did to, so maybe what we have now is his ceiling.
As for Culpepper, he's 30, so I'm still interested.
October 4, 2007
#65 StartOlsen said . . .I am an angry man with rage issues. Normally I would take this out on helpless little animals as I did as a child; you know, birds, squirrels, kittens and such. But this blog came along and totally changed my life. Now I am offered a continual outlet to verbally abuse other adults, ridicule them when they say something more intelligent than I, and champion Rex Grossman's career.
Often as a child, I would find myself alone. Now I'm so popular. People all over this blog know and fear "Pissed Off". Some days, I feel like Superman, except I have a keyboard and not a cape. I find myself perpetually defending Rex's honor which also makes me feel good about myself. Even more fun, I misconstrue any comment into an insult and make that sucker feel my wrath. Screw Superman, I'm Wolverine.
You might ask yourself, what do I do my off-time when I'm not perserverating about the Bears? Well, my other hobbies include: running other drivers off the road when they do something that irks me, lighting fires, and "body art".
I aim to make myself a better man by purchasing a dictionary to help me spell better when I post on this blog. This way Jeff will think more of me and stupid Phil and Mike will have to crown my ass.
October 4, 2007
#66 jdawg said . . .ok Phil, Mikedb, PO, and other intelligent posters, let me ask this:
Where in the holy freaking hell did the Ced Benson I loved last year go?? I may be slow, but this thought just dawned on me last night:
Last year I pined for him to start and told everyone who would listen he was better than TJ.
Every time (frequently) he ran someone DB's sorry ass over, and it took three guys to get him down, I would scream "SEE? SEE?" to whoever was nearby.
As in "See? He is a fucking freightrain, a stud, and he will be awesome as the starter."So tell me WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED? Is this the same guy? If you are like me and have the playoff games recorded, go watch him run people's asses over repeatedly. Where did THAT Ced Benson go???
October 4, 2007
#67 crabby apple said . . .my take is that there's a bad vibe in the locker room that's harshin' Cedric's mellow.
Seriously, I think its a rythm thing, plain and simple. There has been almost no rythm to the offense so far and Benson is the type of back that need the 4thQ to punish the D. Unfortunately we've been behind in the 4th Q, so consequently we're not going to grind it out and shove the ball down anyone's throat.
October 4, 2007
#68 jdawg said . . .No matter what the gay non bear fan Mike says this is what is going to happen this year...
1. The Bears will beat the Gay Fudgepackers Sunday night 27-17.2. The offense will find a rhythm this week in GB and carry us until the D heals up.
3. The Bears will go on a winning tear starting this Sunday blowing through their schedule with a vengeance winning the next 12 games, maybe losing one late in the season due to us resting players for the playoffs.
4. Brian Griese will be our QB for the rest of the season and throughout the playoffs and into the SB.
5. We will win the Super Bowl.
I have looked into my crystal ball and this is what I have seen....
BELIEVE!!!
October 4, 2007
#69 Midway Monster said . . .paging Mr. Benson, Mr. Fine, Mr. Benson.
sorry, had to
October 4, 2007
#70 Mr. Metaphor said . . .HEY! I saw this guy wearing a #4 GB jersey who just kicked an old lady down the stair. I think it was Favre driving- yes it was him! I have a positive ID. Guys... We need to stop this guy!
-- Midway --
October 4, 2007
#71 Midway Monster said . . .Cedric Benson is a seed that has been planted in the soil that is the Chicago Bears. In order for Benson to grow into a strong plant, he must be tended to and given an opportunity to blossom. Cedric needs to be fed (the ball) and watered (holes at the line of scrimmage) and fresh air (a head of steam) and sunshine (positive attention). In order for Cedric to succeed, he needs these essentials just like any other seed (running back).
October 5, 2007
#72 mikebdot said . . .As I drove home today I saw Favre peeing in Buckingham fountain. True! This is getting out of hand. I've had it with this guy. I say we slaughter the bastard on Sunday! Who's with me?
-- Midway --
October 5, 2007
#73 Midway Monster said . . .StartOlsen: I, too, thought the kid had promise. I still think he does. I wish they wouldn't pull him after fumbles and keep running the ball to see if he can bounce back. He's fumbled three times. Two of which were lost. I don't want to over-react and call for his head after four games, especially since there doesn't seem to be a viable alternative outside of a veteran that either didn't want to play or would request too much money. I don't think we're likely to pick anyone up, so I've reserved myself to root for Benson until at least game 8. If he has 2+ by then, I will not be happy. If he has one, I might be peeved, but if he can actually put together a few 100+ yard games, or he has a "break out" game (150+) you know I'll stay on the bandwagon for at least a few more games. And yes, if he does that with costly fumbles killing drives, you can put me on record as saying "start Wolfe" (since AP has more fumbles per carry as Benson 2 in 17 carries vs 3 in 74).
October 5, 2007
#74 Phil from SATX said . . .Hey! This little kid was wandering around in tears because Favre just slapped her lolli pop into the sand. I am telling ys- we need to get personally insulted over this guy!
--Midway--
October 5, 2007
#75 Pissed Off said . . .Fake PO'd, that was SOME hilarious shit. You guys are all bringing it this morning, great posts up and down. Mr. Metaphor, whoever you are, I really think you nailed it exactly about Ced. Principal zookeeper in that deal is going to be Griese. If Griese can keep his wits about him and not throw picks, Ced will both reward and be rewarded, and this will be his breakout game of the 2007 season. Even after I called Ced a bust (in a bout of anger creating spectacular wishy-washiness), in my heart I can't believe that the guy we watched last year, as StartO refers to, can have his skills and impact diminished on his own in one offseason. He's young, it just doesn't make sense.
And while revisionist thinkers everywhere can't seem to remember how good this kid looked in the second half last year, some of us do remember. His stats show a less than stellar postseason, although I remember some very effective running in the championship blowout, so sometimes stats don't tell the whole story.
I think that Ced's first 40 yard run is really going to ignite this kid. And speaking of care and feeding, if the Bears as a team want to win, they better start feeding Ced's "inner child" because he really seems to need that. It's kind of sad when he was so excited about Olin K's kind word to him - did it make you think that may have been the first positive thing said to him this year? Bears, if you want to win, play along and feed positive vibes to this weird kid - it will pay off for all of you, and for us, your diehard fans.
October 5, 2007
#76 Pissed Off said . . .jdawg #63 you just described BGs entire game VS the Lions.
Ced needs to learn to not fumble the ball, pure and simple. If he does that he will get his 25 carries per game and we will be able to see how effective he can be over an entire game. He doesnt get to prove that if he fumbles every damn game.
What weak minded douche did I offend now that she had to post under my name? I love people who cant debate me straight up, its hilarious how pathetic they can be.
October 5, 2007
#77 Phil from SATX said . . .I'm going out on a limb and saying Starbuck is the guy who posted under my name, tell me I'm wrong. I think I pissed him off most recently.
REX RULES! How do you like that.
October 5, 2007
#78 Pissed Off said . . .PO'd, ONE game, it was ONE game. Don't worry, if Grease has the same number of bad Rex games this year (3) I'm quite sure he'll be yanked too, unceremoniously and without any of the long benefit of doubt given Grossman. But it will be on to Orton then, not back to Rex, so don't get your hopes up. And drafting and free agenting in the offseason, with 3 new QBs. I hope like hell that won't happen.
October 5, 2007
#79 Moloreegulp said . . .Phil with all due respect, Rex is #2 on the depth chart so if Griese fails I think they will go back to Rex, Orton will only come in then if Rex sucks it up some more or we are out of the playoff picture.
October 5, 2007
Hello
nice siteMarch 25, 2008
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