...but they'e pretty damn close.
After four games, the Bears can't get the hell out of their own way. I could write a Tolstoy-size novel about this team's issues but I don't have the time and you don't have the emotional energy to endure it. Yesterday the Bears wasted three quarters of defensive line brilliance. Yesterday the Bears wasted more Devin Hester heroics. Yesterday the Bears folded like a bad poker player and they've got six day to get it fixed. Two years ago they rebounded from 1-3 to win the NFC North. A loss at Lambeau Sunday night leaves our team fighting tooth and nail for a winning season. There's two major issues.
THE PASSING GAME
I know the Bears can't run the ball. I know Ron Turner didn't attempt to test one of the weakest secondaries in football down the field. I don't care. The Bears threw the ball too much but PLAYS WERE THERE TO BE MADE. (1) The receivers have to catch the damn ball, especially Bernard Berrian. Berrian was single-handedly responsible for the end of two drives because of drops. (2) Brian Griese was responsible for a 17 point swing. He threw a sure touchdown into the arms of Fernando Bryant. He threw a wild pass behind Berrian inside the five. He threw one of the ugliest pick sixes this side of Rex Grossman. If he's smarter with the football Sunday, the Bears win easily. (3) The protection is another disaster. In any sure passing situation, the Bears quarterbacks have no shot. Teams are teeing off on an overmatched (and perhaps aging) o-line. Fix it.
THE DOOM QUARTER
This is a defense full of professional athletes paid an awful lot of money to put on pads and hit other guys. I don't wanna hear about tired. I don't wanna hear about a busted morale. The Chicago Bears have outscored their opponents 46-37 over the first three quarters of football games thus far. They're being outscored 58-14 in the fourth quarter. Detroit's last three offensive drives - all for touchdowns - were 70, 80 and 62 yards. Whatever the hell is going on, it needs to change before Sunday night in Lambeau.
That's all for me on this depressing Monday morning. This is a must-win game Sunday night if these guys hold out any hope of making a dent in the NFC playoff picture. I take solace today in one thing and one thing only: that I'm not a Mets fan. Don't think the Packers won't come to their stadium Sunday night knowing they have a chance to end the Bears' run at the top of the division. Don't think #4 won't try to tear this secondary apart with an avalanche of slants patterns - something the Pack does better than any team in football. Fix this shit, Lovie. Fix it now.
#2 BRIANsong said . . .Lovie Smith blew this game by hitting the panic button and going with old man Griese.
Griese was Shane Matthewsesque yesterday. The Bears need a down field passing game to win, and Steve Walsh, I mean Griese can't throw over 10 yards.
And as far as the line, running backs, and recievers; I love how that wasn't an excuse for Rex but it justifies Griese tossing 3 picks to loose the game.October 1, 2007
#3 Bill said . . .I haven't heard anyone justify Griese's performance yesterday. He's being butchered everywhere, including above by Jeff.
October 1, 2007
#4 BRIANsong said . . .I think it's pathetic that we're reduced to arguing who is better - Griese or Grossman. Actually, we're arguing over who is less bad. Can we just stop? Who really cares - except for personal pride in being "right"? Neither one is any good and it's unlikely that either one will be capable of overcoming the many other problems the team has.
October 1, 2007
#5 Gin said . . .I don't understand how in my fifty plus years of watching this ballclub, they can't muster up better than Jim McMahon for a year and Erik Kramer for another. They should have gotten lucky at some point and stumbled upon a quarterback with ability.
October 1, 2007
#6 Northside Superfan said . . .Question, where the hell was our prized first round pick Greg Olsen? Why is Gilmore ever allowed to step on the field? I don't get that. And Ron Turner, using Hester as a decoy on offense is genius! The results have been staggering! Idiot. What a joke that game was. Even Lovie sucked
October 1, 2007
#7 Phil from SATX said . . .I don't think there is any justifying Griese's performance--it was terrible. Yes, it was his first start in 2 years and he deserves time to settle in, but no matter how rusty, a guy brought in to be a stable veteran should not have thrown some of those terrible passes.
I don't justify his performance at all, but it'll take a lot more than that for me to call for him to be benched because 1) I think he can play much better than that and hopefully will starting Sunday, 2) The protection was absolutely terrible and no QB can play without protection, 3) He's seems like the best option at this point (yeah, that sucks, but I'm not saying its good, I'm just saying that's how it is) and 4) You know he's going to start the next few games no matter what anyone says, so why not just give him his shot anyway.
By the way, Griese is 32. He's not that old.
When Lovie Smith got hired, a friend and I were talking about it, and I was saying I really liked the decision and that I felt we would "see our next superbowl under Lovie". I didn't realize it at the time, but I was totally right. We did see it. Didn't win, but saw it. I'm starting to wonder if yesterday's shitty coaching performance was the beginning of the end of the Lovie era...
This season is turning into an absolute trainwreck--no doubt about that.
October 1, 2007
#8 Al In Wi said . . .I would kill for Jim Miller right about now. How about a Kitna? He looked pretty damn good - big guy, laser arm, NO PICKS. Wasn't he available recently?
And speaking of that, even a little bit of Jeff Garcia that many of us were scoffing at in the offseason? How do you feel now about that?
But you're right BrianSong, it defies all probability - a monkey throwing darts could have done better, WAY better.
from the AP:
And the Bears have announced the firing of Jerry Angelo and the hiring of Bonzo the Chimpanzee as General Manager. This follows last Friday's announcement of the firing of Lovie Smith and the hiring of the Geico Gecko as head coach. Although they share the same reptilian genus, the Gecko is thought to be more vocal and cerebral while Lovie's strengths (sunning himself on a rock and being motionless for hours at a time) were deemed to be "not the best fit at this time for the franchise."
Just call me BA.
October 1, 2007
#9 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .Northside, I with you on Lovie at this point. I'm sick and tired of the Mr. Rodgers routine on the sideline while his players make the same mistakes over and over again. That game was a coaching lose for this team. From the play calling to the penalties, to the decision to go with Griese.
Griese deserves no slack on anything. He's a 10 year vet with no future in chicago beyond the next few games. All of these problems that exist from Benson, to Moose, to the line were there the first three games but no one wanted to cut Grossman some slack despite the fact that he took us to the freaking super bowl.October 1, 2007
#10 MaO said . . .Urlacher sings a different tune Jeff and I'm with him.
"Our season is not over," Brian Urlacher said. "But we have to get better. "We stink right now."
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7272372
October 1, 2007
#11 Max said . . .If we lose to the Pack, which god willing we wont, but if we do, I say Orton starts the rest of the year.
The season will for all intensive purposes be over and Griese isnt the QB of the future. Is Orton? I dont know, but we might as well see how the kid does for the last 10 games so we know for sure what we have going into the off season.
Griese wasnt good. Hester had a great kickoff return, but didnt he fumble twice out of bounds? God damn it, its the Bears teams of my childhood (out 10 years ago). Bear down, thats all we can do. . . Bear down
October 1, 2007
#12 Bill said . . .That last one was me. And the season isnt over yet. But we need string a couple wins together starting with this sunday. The season is never a failure if we beat the Pack twice
October 1, 2007
#13 CAK said . . .I wonder if part of the QB dilemma we have all the time is this silly mantra "The Bears are a running team". I'm not saying we should be a passing team, but it always sounds like passing is an afterthought. There is no urgecy ever in having a solid passing game. It's treated like an afterthought - a luzury. Nice if we happen to do well, but not necessary and not that important. We'll win with defense and running and special teams and the passing game is de-emphasized.
How would they EVER develop a QB with that mindset? In fact, they never go out and get QBs that HAVE a passing mindset.
October 1, 2007
#14 Pissed Off said . . .The D has to be fixed first. Hester has to learn he can't fumble. Then we can work on an offense. We have won without an offense. I'm not saying that an offense is not impoartant, but its the D that gets me nervous. Offense turnovers can kill us but not if the D can save us. It's a lot to put on the D, but we have too many problems on offense (ageing O-Line, receivers not catching balls, and no QB). Lets stop Brett this week with the D, then maybe the momentum from the D will kick the O in the ass.
October 1, 2007
#15 Phil from SATX said . . .Grieses performace was Henry Burrisesque, well OK it was probably worse than that. In no way can you justify his single handedly losing the game. The backup is now the most popular guy....wait havent I heard that before. I actually went into the game yesterday hoping for a good Griese performance and more importantly a Bears win. Wow, I didnt know there was a shit salad on the menu in the form of #14.
Yeah, lets give Griese more time to shake the rust off....how about 3 or 4 more games so we're 1-7. Then he should really snap out of it.
#10 Max...did you seriously just say "for all intensive purposes?" You must be kidding, I hope you were.
October 1, 2007
#16 Bounce the DJ said . . .Our D is fine, just injured. It IS the O that's the problem. You CANNOT win these days without an O that can AT LEAST control the TOP.
I almost agree with Max - except that even 1-4 is not dead and gone yet, not with our D and ST, and factoring in the return of hurt people. As soon as we know we're dead and gone, put in Orton for the rest of the season. (And if they want to do it earlier, that's fine by me too - but I do think having a little more than 3 DAYS PRACTICE is bound to help the old rust bucket be a little better.)
And as soon as we're officially DOA, can we then have a mid-season firing of Ron "I'm Just as Bad as My Brother" Turner? Can we get a real offensive coordinator? Please?
Still hoping for a resurrection...
October 1, 2007
#17 Mike said . . .The Bears NEED to QUIT TURNING the BALL OVER!! PROTECT THE DAMN BALL! FUMBLES and damn INTERCEPTIONS!! I live in WI and still talk shiiiet to these Packer fans...but if they continue to play like they have in the past few games...i'm going to have to STFU soon. :(
October 1, 2007
#18 Phil from SATX said . . .There is no QB dilemma. Brian Griese is the starting QB, period. Rex Grossman will never take another snap for the Chicago Bears. Not unless Griese and Kyle Orton both contract a case of the bubonic plague.
October 1, 2007
#19 Starbuck said . . .Delusional, who are you kidding? You couldn't wait for BG to throw picks, and you were screaming with glee when they happened.
Also, who are you to call out young Max for a commonly misused phrase? Your posts don't exactly indicate A's in English or Spelling, my friend.
You're just being ugly. And get it through your head, Griese being bad didn't just miraculously make Rex better. Rex would have probably thrown 6 picks in that game. And he definitely would have fumbled at least twice with the manic rush. Griese scored to bring us within 3 and an onside kick away from pushing us to overtime.
October 1, 2007
#20 Midway Monster said . . .Things sure can get hot in this blog. The real issue with the offense has nothing to do with Griese or Grossman at this point.
The bottom line is the O Line and the running game sucks. The game is won at the line of scrimmage. The O Line is spent. When I hear O Linemen say they need to get better every week, I can only imagine that they are referring to the time machine they are trying to invent so they can get younger. The Bears need to invest in a truckload of Centrum Silver to turn that line around. When the AARP is is sending literature to your O Line, ya got problems.
Benson is a hunk of crap with legs - In the second half, did you see him run out of bounds after 7 or 8 yards instead of taking on the cornerback and smashing him into the 1990s? That is a prime example of a hunk of crap with legs.
You need one of two things on offense in the NFL to be truly competitive - either an above-average quarterback or an above average running game. The Bears have neither.
Although I hope they continue to play hard, the season is on the brink of disaster. They are not going to go anywherer with an Ass-clown offense.
October 1, 2007
#21 Rebuilding Time said . . .It's sort of a speechless Monday. I think everyone is pretty down and out. Glad to see the quip from Urlacher and how he hasn't quit. To me the Green Bay game is of utmost importance, but then again it's been #1 on my list for years.
We have everything to gain and nothing to lose (pardon the irony) in going all out against the Pack. I don't know the injury status but I'd imagine Pack-Week would bring an added focus and hunger to anyone who might be hurt.
B E A T
T H E
P A C K-- Midway --
October 1, 2007
#22 Phil from SATX said . . .The Bears have severe personnel problems on offense. They need to acquire or draft a whole new offensive line (absent Olin Kreutz for the time being), acquire or draft a new receiving corps (Bernard Berrian isn't worth the $ he will seek next offseason and Mushin Muhammed is a relic), draft a future "franchise QB" (snicker), acquire a stopgap QB and draft or acquire a running back.
That's a BIG shopping list that won't get accomplished in one offseason. And Jerry Angelo will never be confused with somebody who knows offensive skill position talent. Meanwhile, the defense will suffer defections and be sabotaged by advancing age.
Our window of opportunity to win has already closed. PATHETIC.
October 1, 2007
#23 Mike said . . .The last 3 posts were great. Let's look at some silver linings.
One thing RustBucket was able to do was pass the ball to his RBs - CB and AP caught 8 balls for a combined 54 yards, they works like runs and were more successful on a per yard basis than the runs.
CB had a solid second half. He always seems to start slow, but I'm sure that's due to the game plan of stopping the run instituted by every defense. Our line is clearly not good enough to overman the opposing line when they know what's coming - the only way we'll run this year is when they don't know what's coming and they've been burned by the passing game.
We all don't think Angelo whiffed on his drafting of Greg Olsen - so why wasn't he out there? No time like the present, Ron, and Lovie believes in playing rookies. Same goes for Hester, even though he wasn't drafted as offense (maybe that's gotta be Angelo's trick - draft defense and then turn them into offense).
All that doesn't help if Greaseball throws INTs. And if Moose and Berrian drop one more pass, Urlacher needs to go medieval on their ass. Congrats Rash, you did good. More of you out there.
It CAN be done. It's NOT over.
October 1, 2007
#24 Pissed Off said . . .The Bears need to grant Cedric Benson his outright release and pick up some veteran journeyman. Maybe somebody like Priest Holmes. If this is going to be a 4-12 or 5-11 type season, then I sure as shit can't take watching Butters Benson and his lazy ass running style to go along with his fumbling addiction. I'd just as soon see Anthony Thomas or Raymont Harris make a comeback.
October 1, 2007
#25 Al In Wi said . . .Franks and beans...shudup Mike
October 1, 2007
#26 The Turner Brothers said . . .Mike, honestly do you watch the Bears games or what? Because if you did, you would have seen Griese getting sacked 6 times and blasted several more times. And on at least two occasions struggling to get back up. Adding that up with his piss poor play, and his long history of being injury prone; Grossman will be back in the lineup, and soon. If you haven't noticed, Rex is still the #2.
October 1, 2007
#27 Bustapolooza said . . .Hi, our names are Norv and Ron. We're brothers!! Got a high quality football program in need of fresh coaching? Then hire us, because sure as shit will run your program into the ground in a matter of weeks. Norv's track record in Washington, Oakland and now San Diego speaks for itself. Ron's track record in the state of Illinois (both college AND the NFL !!) speaks for itself too!!!
October 1, 2007
#28 Phil from SATX said . . .Jerry Angelo, the genius GM, and the 1st round and 2nd round.
2002 - Marc Columbo -- injury bust
2003 - Michael Haynes -- liked to play with snakes but an utter pile of shit on the football field.
2003 - Rex Grossman -- biggest shit sandwich ever to land in Chicago
2004 - Tommie Harris - hurray, I don't play offense !
2005 - Cedric Benson -- if you can believe it, an ever bigger shit sandwich than Wrecks
2005 - Mark Bradley -- a wide receiver who wasn't good enough to start at Oklahoma, yet was going to be the magic elixir for the Bears?!?
2006 - Greg Olsen -- hello, can anybody hear me? Echo, echo, echo.
October 1, 2007
#29 Pissed Off said . . .Hilarious, both of you. "We're brothers!!"
Classic Spinal Tap drop-in. "They're not allowed to say that, are they?" Lovie needs to start carrying a cricket bat, you know, as an affectation.
The mood's getting lighter. I appreciate that.
October 1, 2007
#30 Bill said . . .#24 was not me.
Phil I'm going to be the bigger man and stop reading your posts. All you do is personally attack my opinions which is fine but now your going after me and its stupid. Your being ugly. I realize your mad cuz every prediction you've had this year has been wrong but its not my fault that BG lost us the game yesterday and Benson is a bust. If you want to move on to positive things fine but otherwise just leave me alone. On the other hand if you want a personal war b/w you and me let me know.
And for the love of God stop trying to make friends by dissing my comments about them, its pathetic. First Mike, now max.
October 1, 2007
#31 Pissed Off said . . .Griese had a pocket presence that I haven't seen in Rex lately. Sure, he was sacked 6 times. How many of those were his fault? Not sure. How many times did he panic and run backwards? I don't think any. The rush was coming strong on the TD to Moose and he hung in. Not sure if Rex would have. Maybe, maybe not.
Olsen was likely held out becuase of the hard surface in their dome.
October 1, 2007
#32 WOW !!! said . . .On another note, I wonder why the QB keeps throwing to BB? This guy catches every third pass that hits his hands. I suppose its cuz Moose is lazy and cant get open anymore. What a bitch that is. Combine that with the fact our RB situation is horrible and the O-line cant make a hole, we are destined for disaster. I am not sure how to put it all back together but if it doesnt happen after this week and we dont start a streak, we are done. We need to make a couple of moves, trades, or something. If the O-line gets right who knows what can happen.
And to those who think Rex has taken his last snap, if BG plays like he did another week or so, Rex is the #2 and will be back out there. I cant help but think Rex was laughing inside while BG was melting down all day
October 1, 2007
#33 WOW !!! said . . .WSCR radio has just reported that the Bears have entered into a contract in principal with Ricky Williams. Today Williams applied for re-entrance into the NFL.
October 1, 2007
#34 Pissed Off said . . .WSCR radio has just reported that the Bears have entered into a contract in principal with Ricky Williams. Today Williams applied for re-entrance into the NFL.
October 1, 2007
#35 AfroCelt said . . .Bill your right, every time any QB is sacked, Rex especially, its his fault???! Not the O-line or anyone else, whats your logic there?
October 1, 2007
#36 Pissed Off said . . .the Bears won't get Ricky Williams. Look at what we do to Discipline Problems like Tank Johnson? A running back out of the league for 3 years will NOT help us this season...and I bet he won't be in the league for more than that anyways.
October 1, 2007
#37 AfroCelt said . . .Pardon my rantings. I'm at a loss today. A bully stole snatched my handcrafted tin foil beanie from my head. I need to fabricate a new one, but these things take time.
Rex Grossman really does suck. But I fantasy about sucking those devilishly sexy eyebrows of his while he gives me a handjob. Hence why I like him.
October 1, 2007
#38 Vince said . . .PO's got a stalker! PO's got a stalker!
seriously, we know most of the crap coming out today isn't you...you seem to have full command of the English language, unlike your stalker :)
October 1, 2007
#39 beardown1982 said . . .Is this true about Ricky Williams? I live in Alberta Saskatchewan and obviously don't have access to Chicago media outlets. Williams would add an unbelievable dimension to the offense. I don't see how opposing defenses would be able to stop a one-two punch of Williams and Ced.
October 1, 2007
#40 beardown1982 said . . .Sounds like BS...just like many injury reports on this site.
October 1, 2007
#41 Midway Monster said . . .Why the hell is BG throwing 52 times against the Lions?? That is unbelievable. I know their secondary is crap, but BG can't throw vertically and that is what they often give up.
I don't care if Benson fumbles the damn ball...please leave him in the game. No one else is giving us any more production...Let's give this guy the ball 25-30 times like he got it at Texas and see if it gives him and this O-Line a spark. Aren't we supposed to get off the bus running the ball?
I was taunted in an airport bar in NYC by Lions fans...it shouldn't be coming to this. I'm pissed.
October 1, 2007
#42 Coxy said . . .Beardown1982: Take the high road if taunted. Besides he was probably the only Lions fan in NYC. They won, let em dish it. Remember - we get to play them again.
-- Midway --
October 1, 2007
#43 JL said . . .I dont know if others have talked about this, I have to take a break from reading anything Bears related until about Monday evening following losses - Just too tough, but isn't it odd how Lovie pulls Ced after every fumble? It's like his time to go in the corner and think about what he did, then later he can come out and play again. I feel that Ced is a mental mess.
I was never a huge Thomas Jones fan but I am beginning to think he is good. Maybe his dancing before hitting holes is the time that our line needs to create holes and Ced's straight forward style just doesnt mesh well. I don't know.
October 1, 2007
#44 Midway Monster said . . .Benson needs more carries - period. 20-25 carries. Not 15-20 carries. If he fumbles let him redeem himself on the next drive, especially if it's not a turnover. GIVE BENSON MORE CARRIES. We are a running team and only a passing team when we need to or on play action. Does anyone remember how we won in 2005? We ran ALL THE TIME. Yes, we had TJ and yes he's better and yes our OLINE was younger but look, CEDRIC BENSON NEEDS MORE CARRIES.
October 1, 2007
#45 StartOlsen said . . .''Our season is not over, but we have to get better. We stink right now.''
Brian Urlacher-- Midway --
October 1, 2007
#46 Pissed Off said . . .some perspective:
BG DID cost us the game, mostly due to rust.
He ALSO completed 65% of his passes, and threw 2 TDs- neither of which Rex could do. Throwning 52 passes shows he has the ability to do just that- throw the ball around the field.
Give BG a couple games, let him get it going. I refuse to be a bitch ass fan and believe anything but this- we will be ok.
October 2, 2007
#47 Shady McBears Fan said . . .#36 not me of course but I feel good that I've pissed someone off so much they've decided to steal my identity twice now. Some people are so weak minded. Jeff, anything I can do to go in and delete the imposters, if so let me know, maybe I could just do it myself if its done thru the same portal that we post? Either way you have my email.
Thanks for the plug Afro, those who've been on here for a while know my style so maybe I dont even need to address when its not me.I see the shift has focused to Benson a bit more and now I hear those saying give him the rock 25 times but it just messes things up so bad when he constantly fumbles. Its probably in the game plan to let him carry 25 times but if he fumbles every 10-15 carries it sets off the balance and screws everything up.
Coxy I know you want to stay away from the subject but what say you about the QB situation after seeing the game? Most of what I say on Sunday night and Monday is out of pure "pissedness" and its often harsh so I too should maybe refrain till Monday night or Tuesday but I feel like I need to vent and this is where I go. Plus every third Sunday I get to write (I love it). And this week I'd love to write after a win. I would be 2-0 on the season.
October 2, 2007
#48 Viva said . . .The ineptitude of this offense is staggering. Even if the Chicago Bears defense were at full strength , there is no way they could overcome such a handicap such as this terrible offense.
Back to basics gentleman...
Step 1: Don't turn the ball over!
Step 2: Run the ball
Step 3: Catch the ballEasy as 1,2,3 guys. I know you can do it.
I have a feeling Turner is going to throw everything in his bag of tricks at the Packers on Sunday. Can we run a reverse with Hester already? Every time they fake it, it looks like he could have broken a run for 20+ yds. Olsen has big play potential, let's see what he can do 1-on-1 downfield. Have they bombed it to BB yet? Seemed to work pretty well last year?
Question: Who does the blame go to for the lack of a rushing attack? Benson, or the O-line?
I thought Ced was supposed to be 'game changing impact' player...What's up? (And don't just go calling him a bust yet.)October 2, 2007
#49 StartOlsen said . . .The silver lining in all of this is that the Pack are -3.5 in Vegas (my new home town) this weekend, and I am going to win more dough. Like I said last week, if the Bears go down in defeat the least we can do is make a little bread.
Take the Pack -3.5...Favre is rolling.
October 2, 2007
#50 jdawg said . . .DOIN' SOME RESEARCH FOR YA..
TIDBITS AND FACTS:The "Turner Brothers" post was the funniest of the day.
Give Benson a shot- the guy hasn't had enough touches yet. LAST YEAR AFTER 4 GAMES TJ HAD 279 YARDS. Benson has.....
wait for it......
239 yards. On less carries. Quit pining for mr. jones.Some positives- Mark Anderson, Devin Hester. Last year's draft will go down as one of our greatests ever (yes I know Butkus and Sayers were drafted the same year, I didn't say THE best ever)
Ponder this- if we win two of the next three, we will be 3 and 4, with a home game vs. DETROIT and a chance to get to .500 on the line.
BEAR DOWN.
October 2, 2007
#51 big rob said . . .well, here we are...
The O stinks and the D is hurt and this season is slipping through our fingers. What was hoped for has evaporated.
Rex looks fucked up. The O-line is going Dorian Gray on us and a gremlin with a hammer is after the D.
Well, we still have the best special teams player, the best MLB, the best D tackle and some other players.
Is it time to start Haas? I hear he does this crazy thing with the football when its thrown to him. He catches the fucking thing. He doesn't watch it bounce off his hands, slips through his fingers or drop three yards in front of him because, sigh, its all just too much. He catches the fucking football. I think we need receivers that catch the fucking football. If I was a quarterback I would want a receiver who catches the fucking football.
Can Greg Olsen catch the fucking football?
YCan B twice catch the fucking football
N
Can Moose catch the fucking football
Hey man, I'm here to mentor the youngsters, cough -- $3,000,000 -- cough cough
Can R Davis catch the fucking football?
When he's open, which is less often than a fucking broken clock is right!
Can Dez Clark catch the fucking football
Y
fuck -- time to start Haas, Bradley and Hester, along with our two TE's. Let Berrian arrange his wardrobe and let Moose go kill some grouse.
October 2, 2007
#52 Shady McBears Fan said . . .I still don't know wht we passed the ball 52 friggin times..... Totally confused about that one... And I also agree that even though CB fumbled the ball he needs more chances to pound the ball and get into a rhythm... 25-30 a game, give the man a chance....
October 2, 2007
#53 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .jdawg, nice post. It pretty much sums up what's going on and how people are feeling about the Bears season so far. But I'm telling you guys, all it takes is one game. One game to shift the momentum from a season full of injuries and turnovers, into one of big plays and great success. This game Sunday in Green Bay has the potential to shift a lot of the momentum in the NFC North toward Chicago.
The Bears have THE MOST exciting and explosive player in the league, capable of scoring each time he touches the ball. And even though the defense has been bit by the injury bug, there still remains a solid core of TREMENDOUS athletes as jdawg previously mentioned. Defensive starters will return at some point this season, and will take this unit from good to great again...
Some Chicago Bears fans are feeling pretty blue right now, as they have the right to. But all is not lost in Chi-town Bearsss fansss, we COULD be on the brink of turning the entire season around. jdawg, personally I'd like to see a 2-tight end set (I love Des and Olsen has great potential) with BB, Moose and Hester. Although, Hass DOES have great hands.
Finally Lovie, please. You underscored the importance of BALL CONTROL and playing the ENTIRE 60 minutes in 2006. Don't let your team forget that in 2007.
October 2, 2007
#54 Max said . . .Midway- you echoed my post up at #9. It was painful enough to post it once...
October 2, 2007
#55 mongo's chihuahua said . . .Wait, how does the saying go? . . . It looks wrong, but i dont know what it should be. So sue me. I apologize for my lack of language skills.
And to be fair, while I wasn't overly encouraged by BG's performance, we should never utter Henry Burris' name on this site ever again. . . terrible.
And, I say if we lose to the Pack, and BG hasn't shown more improvement (i.e. doesn't turn the ball over) then we should put in Orton. Thats my feeling. If we lose but the rust has come off, then I guess let BG keep playing. But we either need to win now and if we dont, lets see what Orton has so we know where we stand at QB come off season.
Hey, if we beat the pack twice, then the season cannot be a loss. SO BEAR DOWN
October 2, 2007
#56 Z said . . .Max is right about beating the Packers and saving the season. Bear down.
But looking ahead to next season ... Is there ONE starter on offense who you have a positive reason to want back? Just one? Des is all I can think of -- but we have Olsen in the wings at TE. Olin? Only if he promises to break Fred Miller's jaw every week. Otherwise he's just the leader of the league's least-distinguished offensive line.
I'm sure it's impossible from a contractual standpoint, but I bet a good GM ... ahem ... could find a better offense next year, or at least one with more potential, if he created it from the ground up, using entirely free agents and draft picks. That's a terrible conclusion to reach after only four weeks, huh?
October 2, 2007
#57 Phil from SATX said . . .BG's weak arm will definitely allow opposing D's to gear up on the run and short stuff, but at least he is getting the ball to some people. His late pick was horrible, but the other 2 BB needs to defend those passes if he can't catch them, which I guess he can't. BG did hit the RB's pretty well and made some passes under serious duress.
When u have the most explosive weapon in the NFL that has a chance to score everytime he touches the ball, why isn't he touching the ball way, way more. REVERSE! Shit, line #23 next to BG in the shotgun and just snap it to #23 sometimes and see where he goes. I don't care just get him more involved.
As said earlier Olsen may have been used sparingly because of the field. Lovie promised to get #23 and Olsen way more involved. Let's hope so.
QB passing 52 times after no starts in 2 years, hmmm. Maybe actually 20-25 carries 4 fumbaliah would've eaten up more clock, let the D rest and maybe even gotten him into a little rythm. Ced going out of bounds on the DB was not the smashmouth football I was hoping 4. Let's hope some more rust comes off quickly because GB is a better D and we are running out of time.
We need a streak to start now. This would be an enormous, possibly season changing game.
October 2, 2007
#58 Pissed Off said . . .jdawg, that was a great post. I agree 100%. Receivers that don't catch the ball when thrown to them don't belong on the field, PERIOD. From that game alone there was enough reason to sit both BB and Moose, much less the other 3 games in this thus-far-horrible season.
I am disturbed by the fact that I am not seeing an urgency out of this coaching staff. The QB switch was big. I'll give them that. Maybe they had to take a game to see how BG interacted with the starters. Well we saw that, and I will say that BG, for all his mistakes in that game, had a better game than those starters. So it makes sense that Green Bay is the game to shake things up. You changed QBs and the starters continued to drop the ball. Now change the skill starters. Bradley, Hass, get out there. Hester, try your hand at running the ball some. We better see some change, and some accountability from the coaches, in committing to trying all the guys they have on the roster and not just sticking to the same old guys making the same old mistakes.
Max, the phrase for which PO'd attempted to skewer you was "for all intents and purposes." I had your back for that one, but international long distance leaves a lot to be desired - you always have a delay involved.
October 2, 2007
#59 Rancid said . . .Hey startO, Benson could have a lot more yards but he gets pulled. I dont think anyone, or at least me anyway is calling for Bensons head cuz he isnt producing yards/carry as much as the fumble issue. Do you know how many fumbles TJ had at this point last year.....0. If Benson didnt fumble constantly he could have decent numbers. Not holding on to the rock makes him a bust, and the blocking issue.
I would like to see two tight end sets all game. If nothing else it helps with a little extra blocking and God knows with this O-line and Bensontrying to pick up a block we need it.
Max its "intents and purposes". I know mentioning Burris' name was wrong but theres no question BGs performance was horrid. He lost the game for us. I think with giving him more time at QB that at some point in the future we will be mentioning him in the same sentences with Burris, Walsh, Krenzel etc.
I noticed someone mentioned we dont throw bombs to BB this year...well that wont be happening with the weak arm of Brad Johnson...I mean BG at QB. The guy cant throw 30 yards so we'll be seeing a lot of curls and ins. The other thing I would like to see is the players staying in bounds, I know Benson did it a couple times but others should do it too. Try and run someone over for a few extra yards instead of running OB all the time. I'm considering dropping Benson from my fantasy team, he was my 2nd pick....what a waste.
October 2, 2007
#60 Phil from SATX said . . .1. It's not fair to write off BG after one game. It's also foolish to say that is was "just rust". We obviously stick with him for now but we should defenitely be worried.
2. I hate Ron Turner. If he is our coordinator next year I swear I'm going to start turning off the TV when we're on Offense. I'll still get to see most of the touchdowns.
3. Benson is getting harder to defend each week. How many fumbles do you get? I'm still sticking with him. Fumbling seems to be a new thing. He had a decent amount of carries last season without it being an issue so for now I'm still believing he can get back to form.
4. Before week one I said the SD game hinged on whether our line was a solid veteran line or an old line that lost a step. Guess we know the answer to that one.
5. BEAT THE DAMN PACKERS. If you're a Bears fan this is the goal of your life. This is the one event that can bring ultimate joy. If you want to get the passion back, then beat the damn pack. Give us a little glory to keep us going.
October 2, 2007
#61 Mike said . . .A lot has been made of the fact that Benson ran out of bounds instead of meeting the defender in bounds. My guess is Benson, who has already proven his toughness and willingness to mix it up with defenders, is erring on the side of caution - it's the hits that have been causing the fumbles, and he knows how precarious his position is right now and how every new fumble may be a nail in the coffin of his NFL career.
So I don't blame him for running out of bounds - and that was only 1 play, right? But I agree that you have to keep handing him the ball, until he proves definitively that this latest burst of fumblitis isn't curable - and at that point, he's Enised his way out of the league.
October 2, 2007
#62 Rancid said . . .Fearless prediction for this Sunday.
Green Bay -- 20
Chicago -- 13The defense guts it out and does a quality job against old nemesis Brett Favre. But in the end offensive ineptitude and a Green Bay's very good defensive unit are too much to overcome at Lambeau Field.
October 2, 2007
#63 Phil from SATX said . . .I've done some looking and I think I have this Favre thing figured out. He follows a normal pattern with his skills and numbers gradually slipping with age and then BAM!, this year he reverts to Pro Bowl form. It's obvious: He sold his soul to Satan in exchange for one more good year. This is the only logical explanation that is believable. I'm guessing the Devil threw in all the Bears injuries and a demon possession of Ron Turner to close the deal.
October 2, 2007
#64 Mike said . . .News from the papers: Rookie safety Keven Payne out for the season with a broken arm. Bears searching outside for replacement, maybe Tyler Everett who they used to have on their practice squad, now on Minnesota's.
Obafemi Ayanbejo released. Bears apparently comfortable keeping Lousaka Polite as backup fullback.
Any QBs or wide receivers or linemen or running backs on those practice squads? Wait. we do have one on ours, Mike Hass. But Lovie says, no changing personnel on offense at this point, just more to Olsen and Hester. I guess I'll believe that when I see it. Also reported that Olsen's lack of balls thrown had nothing to do with the hard surface, he was in for 10 plays, more because we were in many 3 receiver sets.
Hmmm....
October 2, 2007
#65 mikebdot said . . .I'll believe Greg Olsen is any good when I see it. Given this organization's miserable track record in drafting skill position players on offense there is no other way to think. Also, I learned a long time ago never to be seduced by what a rookie does in training camp.
Hopefully Olsen is the real deal.
October 2, 2007
#66 Starbuck said . . .Fearless throw away comment:
I will allow Benson 5 fumbles. After that, bench him for a few games, work on not fumbling very hard those few weeks. See what AP and Wolfe can do as the 1-2 punch. Bring Benson back. If he fumbles in the next three games, cut him. If he doesn't fumble the rest of the season, work on not fumbling all off season. Once you show a propensity to fumble, the defense tries to strip you instead of tackling you and you end up like Salaam...a verfiable bust, as opposed to his current status of "most likely will be a bust".
And I'll eat my crow, if you insist on it, PO'd.
Didn't get a chance to watch most of the game, had to drive back to E-ville (aka Evansville). I did however see Benson fumble and Grise throw INT at end of half. Was very depressed and thought "oh, god, we're going to lose" and decided to leave for home instead of watching the rest of that nightmare.
I'll be watching against the Pack. If we don't win, I think I'll be spending more time outdoors on Sundays...
October 2, 2007
#67 Pissed Off said . . .Phil from SATX - I gotta diagree with you about Benson running out of bounds.
What is Benson saving himself for? He is paid to dish out pain. If Benson is running scared because he does not want to fumble, then he is a broken player in mind and spirit.
There are three practical reasons why he should not have run out of bounds.
First, taking on the cornerback could have resulted in additional yards gained.
Second, smashing the cornerback in the mouth would make that same corner thnk twice before another rough encounter with Benson.
Third, and most importantly, taking on the defender and staying in bounds keeps the clock running. In that situation, stopping the clock is the last thing Benson should have done. The more time gone, the less time Kitna and Co have to shred the Bears secondary.
Bottom line, Benson needs to show improvement along with a lot more heart if he is going to be effective on this team or in the NFL.
October 2, 2007
#68 Phil from SATX said . . .Went back and looked again at some info, still cant get over the fact that 2 of BGs INTs came at the 6 and 10 yard line. If he wasnt so inept we probably would have scored 2 F-ing TDs and won the game. The damn 6 and 10!! Not to mention the pick 6 sure helped a lot. We should have won Sunday, thats it, its on BG for that. I dont care about the numbers, the spots/results of those 3 INTs killed us more than anything else that happened. He better fix his crap. Good God.
October 2, 2007
#69 Starbuck said . . .Starbuck, Benson'd be a fool if he wasn't worried about fumbling on every play. And he's not paid to dish out pain, he's paid to run the ball - the pain part is a hobby of his. And again, IT WAS ONE PLAY! It is not necessarily emblematic of anything beyond one play. If he showed any previous propensity of looking like he wants to avoid contact, it would be more meaningful - but he hasn't. And in this case, I think discretion is the better part of valor. We already know he can dish out pain to people. We no longer no if he can get through a game without fumbling. That's now Job 1. Might it make him less aggressive to smash people? Maybe, but Job 1 is hang onto the freaking ball.
Here's some good news. Look at the schedule. Put aside the fact that we just lost to a Lions team that's not the greatest - although clearly improving with a 3-1 record.
Even if we lose to the Packers (which obviously seems like a very real possibility, as ugly as that sounds) and go to 1-4, here's what happens next:
Vikings - We'll beat them. Turnaround game of the season.
Eagles - Their beating of the Lions was an aberration. They have no line, did you see that game Sunday night? Line will be licking their chops. We'll beat them to go 3-4.
Lions - Our revenge game, at home. We'll beat them this time. 4-4
Raiders - We'll beat them, even Mike says so! 5-4
Seahawks - Now we'll have a 4 game winning streak and some real momentum. We always seem to have their number. Beat them - 6-4
Broncos - Not a very good team this year. We'll beat them. 7-4
Giants, Redskins - We'll beat both of those patsies. 9-4
Vikings - Tavaris Jackson gets replaced by Henry Burris out of retirement, beat them again. 10-4
Packers - At home with a 9 game winning streak, Pack's going down! 11-4
Saints - Easy! They suck! 12-4We still won't be above Green Bay so we get into playoffs with a wild card.
See? It's not over, even after next week if a loss awaits. Seriously, if this team can right itself, the schedule really helps as this season plays out.
Who's with me?
October 2, 2007
#70 StartOlsen said . . .Phil from SATX - Benson has run out of bounds on more than one occasion this season as if he is running scared. Furthermore, his failure to stay in bounds on that play is inexcusable. When you have a lead in the second half, an offensive player should not run out of bounds unless it is unavoidable or the player is the QB. Clearly, running out of bounds on that play was avoidable and Benson is not a QB. I expect more out of a top five pick. I guess we will have to agree to disagree on this issue.
October 2, 2007
#71 Greenbay Sucks! said . . .PHIL THAT WAS THE GREATEST FUCKING POST OF THE WEEK.
Wow, an actual fan on this site? Somebody not predicting 7-9? Amazing. You did steal my "we go to 4-4 with the revenge game vs. the Lions" line, but your post was so optimistic I forgive you
GO BEARS! IM WITH YOU!!October 2, 2007
#72 Phil from SATX said . . .Never piss off a wounded BEAR!
October 2, 2007
#73 Don K. Balls said . . .StartO, I only steal from the best.
(international gesture for we see eye to eye)
October 2, 2007
#74 Don K. Balls said . . .Packers 26
Bears 21Brett Favre to Greg Jennings and Donald Driver leaves nighmares. On the positive side, Brian Griese and company do surprisingly well against an excellent Packer defense led by stud in the making A.J. Hawk.
Season prediction 6-10
October 2, 2007
Phil, a mind is a terrible thing to waste. Put down the crack pipe son.
October 2, 2007
Here at DaBearsBlog, you are free to kill us or the Bears as you so wish. You are not free, however, to be an asshole. So if you spew racism or ill-meaning foul language (cursing about football is just fine) or anything of that ilk, your comments ain't gonna last long, jerk.