Dear Lovie:
We gotta talk. Yeah, we won and man, we'll take it. We'll take anything this season because we need to kick and scratch ourselves out of this hole.
But a three-quarter plus field goal-fest, a "who can get to our QB' sieve offense line, and a 'make way for Maynard at the whirlpool' because his leg hurts from all the punting, is not what we had in mind and it just doesn't cut it.
So Lovie, congratz on the win. Thank God for the 4th Quarter breaks (and the wild risk taking by Oakland)- but realize we are dangling at the end of our rope and we've tied a knot in it to hang on, our hands are cramping and our knuckles are turning white.
Yeah, we're a die hard Bear fans all wanting to carry this win (but not the game plan) into next weeks Seattle's game and then to string a few wins together. But mostly, we want to dominate again. So Lovie, ya gotta do something here!
-- Midway Monster --
#2 RexyBack said . . .And the debate begins...
November 12, 2007
#3 JB said . . .Time to bring back the Sex Cannon. Yeah he stinks under Pressure, but when given time (something that is hard to come by with this Offensive line), he CAN make the throws. Look, Griese defenitly isnt the answer for this team, Grossman most likely isn't either, but since Orton obviously hasn't shown anything to the coaches that would warrant them giving the guy a chance, Grossman might as well get the start. Hope to see #8 behind center vs. Seattle next week.
November 12, 2007
#4 tony said . . .well, I guessed 20 to 6...does that get it done Jeff?
Nicely done Midway, I'm curious if we can't sneak one out next week in Seattle if this site won't flood again. 4-5 is still ugly, but 5-5 would look amazing...funny how that works. Good to see a win though.
November 12, 2007
#5 Northside Superfan said . . .Grossman's a CHUCKER and nothing more. Actually, he's a FUMBLER too. Get Griese back in there, the Bears D can't wistand another BARRAGE of Grossman turnovers. Just wait till he starts chucking into a decent secondary. This guy will cough up the ball, he'll cough up the game, and he'll cough up the entire SEASON if given a full four qtrs. Oh, and start A. Peterson, he's gotta be good for more than 3.1 per carry, and he blocks well too. Great recovery by AP on that short kickoff to save the game. BEAR DOWN
November 12, 2007
#6 DTB said . . .This was the most "whatever" win I've ever seen. Yeah, we won, but...Benson and the run-blocking were still a disgrace. Grossman threw one real nice pass, but the rest of the time there were no signs that benching him led to some kind of revelation. He still threw some terrible passes that he is lucky weren't picked off.
I don't think he won back a starting job. If Griese is OK (anyone have an update on that, BTW?), he should start next week, and until we are eliminated from the playoffs, at which point Orton should start.
Defense was a bright spot...against a team with no offense though.
November 12, 2007
#7 Mike said . . .Don't get excited until we are back to .500. Although you can get excited at the prospects of what stands between us and .500. Seattle. Next weekend will be fun to watch. Pin your ears back and get after Hasselback. Good times Bears fans...
November 12, 2007
#8 Mike said . . .The Bears looked like crap. Two weeks of preparation and playing against one of the lowliest teams in the NFL. The worse thing about winning this tallest midget contest? That the Rex Grossman supporters will come out of the woodwork all over again. Just because Grossman was able to chuck the ball 40 yards to a wide open Bernard Berrian who has beaten a third string cornerback.
The Bears fucking SUCK. Today confirmed the obvious.November 12, 2007
#9 Midway Monster said . . .The Bears looked like crap. Two weeks of preparation and playing against one of the lowliest teams in the NFL. The worse thing about winning this tallest midget contest? That the Rex Grossman supporters will come out of the woodwork all over again. Just because Grossman was able to chuck the ball 40 yards to a wide open Bernard Berrian who has beaten a third string cornerback.
The Bears fucking SUCK. Today confirmed the obvious.November 12, 2007
#10 Al in WI said . . .We beat a team that we should have creamed. Oakland is not a good team by any standards. It must be that we have a tendency to play down to teams this year-that's a bad habit. The Rex/no-Rex (or what ever QB) is "loser locker room talk". This was a team we should have dominated 8-ways-from-Sunday. It should have been a cake walk.
As JB said: Next week we play the birds. We need to beat them. We do-then there will be a very different tone on this Blog. I say its the game of the season.
Hell I am usually the most optimistic one on this Blog and what I saw today was a team not playing at an acceptable level.
Yes- we won. I want to shout "yeah- beat em!" but instead I just feel like ploping back in my chair and saying "::whew:: got one".
-- Midway --
(Beat the Birds)November 12, 2007
#11 said . . .Okay, I broke my own rule and felt euphoric for a while after this one. Primarily because of how happy I am for Rex Grossman. He has taken more unfair knocks then any qb in nfl history, and has always responded with class and dignity. He's a good kid, and he deserves a moment like this. To be surounded by Urlacher, Kruetz and all of his team mates that support him. After tossing the game winning score.
And yet, after he bailed our asses out, I see the haters still can't find it in themselves to grant him even a sentence of praise. You people have real problems.
This is no work of art. This doesn't change the season, or mean the super bowl bus can start up again. But there is hope. Grossman was a different player today than he was when we last saw him. He was himself again in that he took 4 or 5 shots down the field. That's Grossman at his best, and that helps our offense.
And maybe because it was against Oakland, but our defense looked closer to the group we expect than at anytime since week 2.
Maybe, just maybe.......November 12, 2007
#12 HesterFan23 said . . .Al: I don't think I dumped on Rex. If you know me, you'd know I believe we win 1st by D, then by ST, and lastly by O.
But enough, hey- we did win. And as an old coach used to say (back when the earths crust was hardening and I used to play):
"I've tried em both and winning is way better"
Next week- The Birds!
-- Midway --
November 12, 2007
#13 Big Earl said . . .So, everybody is going to blame the poor play just on Benson or the QB?
What about the horrible play calling again. Let them take shots down the field. Throw on first down. Quit being so conservative. Our running game is terrible, quit acting like we're a running team.
November 12, 2007
#14 Big Earl said . . .Did I miss something Al? Grossman looked like his typical overwhelmed befuddled self out there. The only difference is that he didn't cough up a fumble or throw interceptions. Yes he completed a blind chuck to a wide open Bernard Berrian who was being covered by a third string cornerback. Whoopie. I can drive down to the local high school and find two dozen kids who can close their eyes and chuck the pigskin 40 yards. Grossman proved nothing. Absolutely nothing. And it doesnt' change the fact that he needs his one way ticket out of town punched at the end of the season.
November 12, 2007
#15 Somebodys got to go back and get a shitload of dimes said . . .Did I miss something Al? Grossman looked like his typical overwhelmed befuddled self out there. The only difference is that he didn't cough up a fumble or throw interceptions. Yes he completed a blind chuck to a wide open Bernard Berrian who was being covered by a third string cornerback. Whoopie. I can drive down to the local high school and find two dozen kids who can close their eyes and chuck the pigskin 40 yards. Grossman proved nothing. Absolutely nothing. And it doesnt' change the fact that he needs his one way ticket out of town punched at the end of the season.
November 12, 2007
#16 Northside Superfan said . . .Rex Grossman is BACK !!! He looked like Brett Favre today !!! This franchise does have a great QB and his name is Rex Grossman.
Just kidding. What a sorry ass excuse for a football game to include the 'chuck heard round the world.'November 12, 2007
#17 RexyBack said . . .Yeah, seriously Al, what the fuck are you talking about? He fumbled his first snap and barely completed 50% of his passes.
Look, I'm no Grossman hater. I like him personally and wanted as badly as anyone to see him succeed. I agree that hes taken unfair shots and been blamed too much for things that were beyond his control.
Having said that, he is responsible for a ton of horrible play. He is extremely talented, and when he is on, can throw some great passes. To be honest, I'm pissed right now because I had a glimmer of hope that somehow, someway, Grossman's benching would make something click, his psychological problems would go away and he would become the QB we knew he could be.
I saw the same Grossman today I saw in week 3. Erratic, confused and mechanics all fucked up. Yeah, that was a nice pass to Berrian, but he was wide open. What do you think would have happened on that play if a) there was tight coverage on BB or b) the primary receiver was not open at all?
We would not be having this conversation my friends...
November 12, 2007
#18 HesterFan23 said . . .Bottom line, Griese sucks just as hard. I found that out after his 4-INT extravaganza against the Lions.
November 12, 2007
#19 Midway Monster said . . .Yep, Grieses is no better. Give Rex another shot, if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. Nothing on this team can be much better.
November 12, 2007
#20 jdawg said . . .
guys... find some common ground here. After all...we did win the game right?-- Midway --
November 12, 2007
#21 Mike said . . .fire Ron Turner.
Just listening to the game before Griese got hurt. Look at our first down yardage. Its pathetic. Oakland, and every other team we've played, knew what we were fucking going to run! Our players have said it. Our opponents have said it. Get that guy the fuck out of town! I don't care if Griese, Grossman, Benson or Allan Suese is our running back, get fucking Turner out of town!
November 12, 2007
#22 Big Earl said . . .What's the point of playing Rex Grossman? Answer is that there is no point. Lovie needs to pull his head out of his ass and play Kyle Orton the rest of the way. We already know what we have with Grossman and Brian Griese and it ain't pretty. Plus Grossman is 100% gone at the end of the season. Play Orton and see if there is any glimmer of hope for him becoming a quality backup QB in this league and somebody who might be able to bridget the gap until the next franchise QB is ready to take the helm.
Nobody should feel good about this victory against Oakland. The Raiders are horrifically bad.
November 12, 2007
#23 Big Earl said . . .In defense of Ron Turner LOOK at the offensive players he has to work with. Grossman and Griese are awful. Benson is a certified bust. The wide receivers suck shit. The average age of the offensive line is 137. I don't like Turner, but at some level you have to be honest about what he has to work with.
November 12, 2007
#24 RexyBack said . . .In defense of Ron Turner LOOK at the offensive players he has to work with. Grossman and Griese are awful. Benson is a certified bust. The wide receivers suck shit. The average age of the offensive line is 137. I don't like Turner, but at some level you have to be honest about what he has to work with.
November 12, 2007
#25 Bill said . . .I agree the playcalling is bad, but I think the root of all evil here is the running game. We lost Jones in the offseason and since then, our offense has been horrendous (for the most part) -- particularly our running game. I wanted to believe Benson could get the job done, but he clearly is not an NFL caliber RB. And I think his failure to produce spills over into the faultering passing game. When you have NO run support, teams can play pass all the way because Benson brings nothing that any defense should fear. I agree with most of you, give AP the nod and see what he can do, it may not be much better, but it cant be much worse...
November 12, 2007
#26 Al in WI said . . .This was the Kansas City game all over again. A real Bears fan CANNOT feel good about this win. It was too difficult.
RT has no clue. In an attempt to prove Benson is (or prove he isn't) worth it, we refuse to take what they gave us. And they gave us crappy corner coverage all game.
Why no Greg Olsen?????????? What kind of loser would not keep him featured?
Grossman was his old self. Capable of big plays with his arm, capable of disaster at any given momenet. (Way to show the fans ON THE VERY FIRST SNAP why you were benched.)
Lovie - this was nothing. Next week is a better test.
There was a point in the game I almost thought it woudl be better if they lost. (Almost.)
November 12, 2007
#27 Northside Superfan said . . .Honestly, several of you have to have been drunk when you watched this game. Either that or you've so personalized this qb issue that you're incapable accepting what happens in these games.
Griese also fumbled a snap today, as he did on the 3rd line going in for a score against the eagles. It happens. And in this case had no effect on the came, after all, it was 2nd and 18.
Rex Grossman threw zero interceptions, and wasn't really ever close to one. And oh by the way posted a passer rating of 100 and led the team to a come from behind victory. I'd call that an improvement from when he played before.
November 12, 2007
#28 johnny said . . .Al...
1)Yes Griese has fumbled snaps, but no one is saying he's the next Peyton Manning. Rex fumbled the first snap, and he hasn't been in a game this year without a mishandled snap (including preseason).
2)By my count he was close to interceptions twice, and threw five passes that were way, way off the mark
3)His biggest problem is that he panics when his primary receiver isn't open, then his mechanics get all screwed up and thats where you get bad Rex. There was no improvement there, and that was what I was looking for.
Not a personal issue at all. I like Rex the guy, and I know there is a damn good reason he has that kind of respect from his teammates. I know he is a hard worker. And I've been through way to many Bears QBs to take their failure personally...except Cade McNown. I did take that one personally.
Sorry to disagree with you man, just calling a spade a spade. If Rex gets the start next week and shows me something different, I'll gladly man up and admit it.
November 12, 2007
#29 Shady McBears Fan said . . .jdawg, i agree with u about getting rid of ron turner.. he sucks the big one........
November 12, 2007
#30 Shady said . . .Just finished watching the game on DVR because I was at work this afternoon. Seems like Bears fans have that certain smirk or smile about how this game turned out (you know what I'm talking about), I could even see it on people's faces before I watched the recording.
This was about the ugliest game of football I've seen in a long time - but it doesn't matter if it's ugly or pretty, a win is a win. There are a lot of topics to discuss other than the obvious QB controversy:
-Fumbled snaps. I don't know if someone is greasing Olins' ass, but these fumbled snaps are simply unacceptable. What's even more sickening are the moments when they happened: the 1st play of the game after a BYE week?! C'mon. And then Grossman's 1st snap? You know it's sad when you just aren't surprised to see it anymore.
-Ayanbadejo's hold to bring back the Devin Hester return. It's always a killer when an unnecessary penalty brings back what would have been a HUGE play by your home-run hitter.
-It's not fair to blame Turner entirely for the struggling offensive unit. This game was about Cedric Benson getting his 25-30 carries. The Bears offense is predicated on establishing the running game. Turner held up his end of the bargain, Cedric did not. As poorly as he may have run the ball (29 carries for under 80 yards) he did have some big moments in the game. He was able to pick up a big 1st down catch and run (making a guy miss) on a check down when the Bears were backed up against their goal line. Benson was also given the ball 3 straight times at one point picking up another big 1st down. Overall, however, I was disappointed at his complete performance today. My expectations of a punishing 4th quarter running back were just not met, not even against a terrible Oakland club.
-O.K. Who didn't at least crack a smile when they saw #8 trotting back onto the field? I know PO'd did! C'mon, at least he makes this thing interesting, right? Kidding aside, It was great to see Grossman hooking up with BB for the deep play again after the terrible start he had to the season. It was clear that Benson wasn't going to be able to crack the defense for a big run, so it was up to the QB to win the game.
As usual, it was a bit of a roller coaster with Rex. He made some great plays: 3rd down check down to AP for the 1st down (seems to be a staple in Turner's offense), hitting Moose over the middle for a big gain (he certainly stepped up his game again), and the patented long ball to Berrian stretching the field. Rex also had some bad plays: The fumbled snap, missing an open Greg Olsen on 3rd and short (almost picked), getting sacked twice (O-line didn't help there either) and some pretty ugly mechanics. As far as the QB controversy is concerned, like I've said before: If a solid running game is not established, in the end, it really doesn't matter who's playing quarterback.
-The Defense did exactly what it was supposed to: Force turnovers and stop the run. They were certainly shaky at first when Josh McCown ran for about 30 yards and the D-line was getting gashed by Fargas, but they certainly tightened it up when they needed to. Although Urlacher is clearly not 100% (probably not even 80%), other players stepped up and made plays. Lance continued to look like, well, Urlacher, Trumaine McBride had a few nice plays, and the front four took over the game in the fourth quarter. 'Wale played with a big motor (good to see him play well after getting called out), Tommie looks like he's getting stronger each week, Mark Anderson stuck a paw out and batted down a big pass, and Alex Brown looked good against the run, and pass even if he's a bit jumpy at the line. This unit should only get stronger as the season moves along, especially with a healthy Nathan Vasher.
Now it's time for this Bears team to do something they haven't been able to do all year, follow up a W with another W in Seattle. I'll be watching this 'Hawks game very closely tomorrow (Monday) night.
November 12, 2007
#31 Max said . . .Damn that was long, sorry guys.
November 12, 2007
#32 Nicole is miserable in this blue city said . . .Ok first off, I like this win. . . why??? CAUSE IT WAS A DAMN WIN! . . . enjoy the fact the final score was 17-6. for like one night, i mean heck, here i was all happy the bears did well, and then i get on this blog and yall are bringin me down.
I was happy to see the bears win. I was happy Rex got a TD pass, i was happy the Bears D stuffed em.
Yes i realize it was an ugly win against a terrible team, but at this point, I am just happy for the win.
All that said, I agree with Mike. . . put in Orton. Rex is just going to mess with our emotions and Griese is not the answer. See what the guy can bring to the table. . . and do it soon
November 12, 2007
#33 RandomName said . . .Is anyone else LOVING that Manning threw six interceptions last night???? I LOVE IT!
November 12, 2007
#34 Midway Monster said . . .Hey I agree totally with Max, "why??? CAUSE IT WAS A DAMN WIN!"
still hoping .
yawn, most boring game ever. but gotta love a win.
November 12, 2007
#35 AfroCelt said . . .With a good night sleep in me, I awoke this morning to a Bears win. Damn thats a nice feeling isnt it?!
-- Midway --
(Beat the Birds)November 12, 2007
#36 Jimbo said . . .Most boring game ever?
I was at Lambeau this weekend. #4 and company steamrolled the vikings....Minnesota looked like the JV squad. AP had a few decent runs, but nothing over about 15 yards....I do want the guy to be alright though...he's fun to watch when he doesn't play the Bears.
I did wear my Bears jersey and Christmas hat though....it was fun bickering with every single person in the stadium.
November 12, 2007
#37 said . . .From chicagosports.com...
"Who should start at quarterback?
65.0% - Rex Grossman (1257 responses)
11.9% - Brian Griese (231 responses)
23.1% - Kyle Orton (446 responses)
1934 total responses"
November 12, 2007
#38 AfroCelt said . . .to #36...
are these the same people who thought Quinn or McNown was a good idea?
November 12, 2007
#39 Phil from SATX said . . .sorry. above was me.
November 12, 2007
#40 Ron - not a Rex hater said . . .I'm posting before I'll read what's up here - don't want to get tainted.
I agree with the overall Midway theme, because for most of the game the team showed that the bye week did absolutely nothing for them on offense.
However, I came away from that game with a big smile on my face, so I guess I disagree with the tone. The Bears won! Sure, they won against one of the worst teams in the league. They won! How freaking great was that?
And I for one was glad to see Rex trot out there, with the reasonable excuse of BG's injury. And yes, he looked pretty much like the same guy as before. But with one big difference - he won this game for us! And who wasn't at least relieved to see the cannon firing again after wincing through BG's 98 pound weakling throws? And it was obvious how excited the kid was, and the team looked excited too.
So will Rex Grossman be the answer for us? Probably not, but he'll be more fun to watch than BG, who excited us in spurts but ultimately showed he was a win one lose one QB. And regardless of his injury, the 3 spot at half was enough to show that we wouldn't be making a mistake going away from him. Kyle Orton could have easily gotten us that 3 as well.
So I guess PO'd, Al and I can be on the same side of the aisle again. Not that Rex proved much, but because BG showed that he really wasn't better.
So here's some of the good: That defense was pretty freaking strong. 6 points? I'll take that. Everyone played pretty well, but standouts were Wale, with his best game of the season, and Trumaine McBride, who is showing that he's going to be a pretty good cornerback in this league. But everyone had good plays, and the hit of the year was given by D. Manning - I know that made you scream!
Benson did a good job, didn't he? And while the line had some protection problems, the run blocking looked a little better, so maybe a healthy Metcalf is better than an injured Brown. And speaking of the protection problems, remember it looked the worst when they were bringing the house against Rex, so on some of that there's not a lot they can do.
And Berrian, welcome back! Strong game out of you! Thanks for the effort! Moose, great game from you too.
Hester - eesh, not a good game at all, but it's Devin so he gets a hall pass.
The goat of the game? Come on everybody, you know, let's all say it together, RON TURNER! Two weeks to put together this game plan? 3 points in the first half with no turnovers and BG not having a particularly shitty day? No passes to Greg Olsen ALL DAY? Very clumsy use of Hester and the one Garrett Wolfe play? No passes (hardly) to Des Clark? We have maybe the best tight end duo in football and they are totally not being used!
Ron Turner, the sooner you're fired the better, and if you're not, you better watch your back because it may not be safe for you out there.
One little shoutout to whoever the announcer was, he actually had excitement in his voice when Grossman hit Berrian for the winning TD. Haven't heard much of that all year from the likes of Baldinger and others, who seem to love whichever team the Bears are playing. That sounded like a home broadcast!
So we're 4-5, Vikings and Lions both lost, and we need to win the next game. I think we can, with or without Vasher. Rex can be the subject of the feel-good turnaround story of the year in the NFL!
Go Bears! Thanks for the win! Go Rex! Go Whoever's in Charge of Kidnapping Ron Turner and Keeping Him in a Basement Somewhere! Go Resurgent D! Go Hester Who Needed To Have a Bad Game So More Teams Will Kick to Him! Go Moose and Berrian! Go TEA Time (who will probably be responsible for the actual kidnapping since they are being affected the most by that idiot) Go Benson, have another good game!
A WIN, f0lks, A WIN! Savor it!
November 12, 2007
#41 Pissed Off said . . .he threw a pass! good for him, next big one is an nterception.
The reality is that Rex was a mental disaster 5 weeks ago. Here he came in with no pressure/expectations. If he cant keep relaxed he is fine.
Of course we cant bring QBs along worth a dick. Wish we had someone to teach him to relax.
November 12, 2007
#42 Pissed Off said . . .I said last week not to get fooled by this team, and dont get fooled by Rex. If he continues to start lets see how he does. It cant be worse than Griese though. Theres no question that Rex should continue to start until we see reason he shouldnt. I was not surprised that we won the way we did, all of you who predicted a blowout style victory I thought were nuts. This team isnt good enough to blow anyone out right now. I am going to say that right now I see the glimmer, Rex is back, for now, the D played well, McBride is pretty good there in place of Vash, maybe it will come together now.
Its only one game for Rex, but if only for now, only for a week, this feels right. Nice to see a strong armed 59 yard toss to BB instead of a 30 yard wounded duck hanging up there.
November 12, 2007
#43 Bill said . . .Thanks for the reminder Al, the delu...Rex haters cant get over it. Funny, he comes in one game and posts a 100 rating, Griese didnt do it once.
November 12, 2007
#44 mikebdot said . . .The morning after -
RT needs to be fired. I sgree with whoever said "two weeks to game plan, and we get THIS?"
The lack of a real threat to pass deep allowed them to play the run. We stupidly complied. It's not the number of carries, Ron - it's WHEN they happen. An earlier deep strike woudl have given Cedric more room to run.
Babich coached from the press box for the first time. The D seemed like themselves again - granted Oakland is weak. But at least it was a change that seemed to work.
Any doubters left as to the team's admiration for Rex? If so, watch URLACHER'S smile; that wasn't faked. I NEVER saw that from him - ever.
Still - he is not the answer. I assume he'll start next week - the team's reaction almost demands it. And no matter how he does, we are no closer to solving the problem.
But if he does well, he deserves the opportunity to keep it going. I'll bet he'll get fan support against Denver at home if they beat Seattle.
November 12, 2007
#45 Al in WI said . . .Tony (post #4): You said Grossman is a fumbler and a chucker. Well, Griese is actually a fumbler too. Had you forgotten that? He has 6 fumbles in 5 1/2 games. So if Grossman is a chucker and fumbler, then does that make Griese a noodle arm and a fumbler? Just wondering.
That's not to say I care who starts, but I agree about the lack of calls to the TEs. Especially with the Raiders blitzing like crazy and stacking the box. A simple curl or out route or crossing pattern with two TEs (especially to a quicker Olsen) is quick and perfect for that situation, especially during a blitz.
November 12, 2007
#46 Bill said . . .Northside, Rex hadn't fumbled a snap in ANY of the previous starts he had in the regular season. He did botch a few in the preseason, and that is probably what you're remembering.
I simply disagree with those who say he struggled with his poise again. He spent the entire half backed up in the shadow of his own goal post. And he didn't make a mistake or throw one up for grabs. I felt there was improvement there.
Phil, I for one am glad to have you on board. I think you pretty well said it perfectly. Griese has no upside, Rex might.
Bill, well said about the reaction of Urlacher, and company. Some of the comments after the game were pretty telling as well. Olin is definetly a Rex guy.
Happy for Rex. Happy we won. I realize there is still a lot of work to do.November 12, 2007
#47 CAK said . . .In fairness - Rex DID look pretty uncertain at times, and there was at least one bad pass that should have been picked off.
We have a guy who can stretch the field vs a guy that is calmer in the pocket. The tiebreaker ought to be turnovers, and that seems even. So despite my feeling Rex will break our hearts again, I think it makes sense for team morale to keep him in.
By the way, things I've read indicate the refs were pretty lenient when it came to holding. On both sides. The announcers said Darwin Walker was so sure he was led on one play he stopped pursuit. Oakland claims a guy was held "real good" on the TD pass. Also, Wale said Oakland shoudl have been called for several more false starts. There seemed to be a "let them play" attitude all in all.
November 12, 2007
#48 Phil from SATX said . . .It seems that Rex is the best thing for the time right now. The team is excited and that touchdown just gave him more confedence. It doesn't look like he is the answer, but I've seen crazier things happen. The other change I'd make at QB is to move Orton to #2. It's a slow start, but its going in the right direction...
November 12, 2007
#49 B.A. Baracus said . . .Okay, now I've read all the posts, and I agree with all the people I normally agree with and disagree with the ones I don't.
Al, you are in a serious spot here - PO'd sounds reasonable and measured while you sound insane. And I too liked seeing goofy Rex back there, as I posted. But to claim this is vindication and "Rex never even came close to an interception" - Mr. Al, you are either drinking too much during the game (understandable and completely acceptable) or your mind is playing tricks on you. It was the same Rex, but we know now that BG needs to be cheap insurance policy only. So that's why the support goes to Rex, not because you diehards were right about Rex being great. And the calls to go to Orton are understandable, somewhat defensible, but actually not because until the next loss, Bears are still in it. So you don't pull the plug yet. If there's another loss coming, Orton's the man, for the reasons already discussed.
And let's come to the concensus about how bad RT was in that game. HesterFan, Jdawg, Bill and I all agree that this was an atrociously called game. RT had no excuses - there were no picks, no dropped passes, no fumbles, no QBs who were wildly off all day, no reason not to be able to USE OUR WEAPONS. He committed to the run and Ced got 29 carries. Well he is going to be congratulating himself, thinking causality between the high number of carries and the win. We got 10 real offensive points in this game, with the first touchdown happening late in the 4th. He will go back and say, well we lost yardage on 1st down, so we quickly got to 3rd and long. He'll blame the players for that. I blame him. He is running plays that everyone on the other side expects, which is why the plays get blown up. Which is why we get to 3rd and long. Every single time it seems.
I'm sure other O coordinators are looking at him saying, what I would do if I had those tight ends. This guy can't use them! He picks an area to pound away in, and sticks with it, to a fault. Yesterday he got the wide receivers involved, but completely forgot about the tight ends? NO! Spread it around you idiot! Keep the D off balance!
You do the opposite, you keep the D's VERY balanced, they know exactly what's coming.
No excuses in this one, RT. Two weeks you had. You are tied with Brian Billick as the worst O coordinator in the league.
November 12, 2007
#50 Al in WI said . . .Sure I am happy about a win, but...
Two things to consider:
1. Grossman is not the answer and Griese is not the answer. If Griese is healthy to play next week, he will get the start. Ultimately, Orton should get a shot to show if he is improved (but he is not the answer either).
2. The prime issue with the offense still remains the running game. The blame for this should fall squarely on Ange-blo and Lovie Smith - I have discussed this before. Ange-blo took a risk on the O Line being able to free up Benson just like it did last year with Jones - except that the gamble has resulted in failure by both the line and Benson.
The reason that Ange-blo and Smith are sucking' high on teet right now is that they failed to recognize that Benson cannot run behind an older O Line that only effectively blocks in a zone blocking scheme. Zone blocking schemes typically need a cut back runner with vision behind them. Benson is not that guy. Benson needs a power line that blows defenders off the line to create holes that allow him to get through them when he finnaly gets to the hole.
The offense aint gonna get much better without the running game regardless of who is chucking the ball. Sooner or later in the next 7 weeks defensed that are way better than Oakland's are going to stuff the Bears ass like a turkey.
Solution: Sign Michael Turner out of San Diego and re-tool the O Line in the offseason. So, I guess, in the end, I must admit that I generally agree with Mike about the assessment of the remainder of this season.
November 12, 2007
#51 Bear Fan In Minnesota said . . .Phil, this is a situation where you and I are different. I do not claim vindication, nor do I feel proved "right," or something. And I'm not going to try and take credit for it. It's not like that for me.
I'm happy for Grossman on many levels, but it hasn't changed much about his long term status with the team. And at this point I still favor trying to get Derek Anderson in the off season.
November 12, 2007
#52 Al in WI said . . .Fire Turner.
Start Grossman.
Why? Look if Griese and Grossman are both about the same I would rather watch someone throw the long ball down the field and give me something to shout about. Regardless of what you think about the QB situation let's remember that last year are offense looked pretty darn good compared to this year. I didn't get the game here obviously and boy was I glad. I don't think I could have tolerated a 3-3 tie deep into the third quarter...especially against Oakland. We are the laughing stock of the NFL.
Forget about Orton.
Those of you who are calling for Orton let's not forget he had this team for almost a whole season a couple of years ago and didn't do anything impressive.
Start AP.
Cedric Benson is like my cat who won't kill a mouse...WORTHLESS!
November 12, 2007
#53 B.A. Baracus said . . .The most encouraging sign of the day was the defense looked the best it has since week 2. Wale had his best game in 2 years, and the linebackers were everywhere. That could be the best news of the day going forward.
November 12, 2007
#54 Phil from SATX said . . .To Bear Fan in Minnesota,
The Bears need to start both Orton and Grossman again this season to make a final evaluation of their quarterbacking situation before going into the offseason. To do not do so would be foolish.
Plus, as I recall, the Bears won 10 games in 2005 with Orton under center. Granted, 2005 is way different than now, and Orton was not a world beater back then. However, the word on the street is that he re-committed to his game in the last offseason and looked a lot better in training camp. It cannot hurt to at least give him one last look.
November 12, 2007
#55 Mike said . . .Al, I hadn't read your later post which tempered some of your enthusiasm about Rex. I just had to call out the "not even close to INT" comment because there was one that was right in a defender's breadbasket.
But we still are on the same page now - BG will not start next week regardless of health because he has had 5 1/2 games to prove himself and the Bears were 2-3-1 during that time span. I agree with whoever said it was the atrocious showing in a must-win Lions game that turned the tide. I still was in favor of him starting after the bye week, but he did nothing to get us points in the first half before he was hurt. So if BG's not going to win you games, give Rex the start.
We still can't forget the need to play Orton - not to try to win this year but as soon as we are out of it. The concept that we saw all we needed to see from him in 2005 is ludicrous - he was a surprise rookie start, and you have to assume he's grown in the last two years. So it's worth it to see if he has a place on the roster or not.
The only reason to play Rex when we're out of it is if you're seriously considering extending an offer to the kid to stay. I would say he'd have to play quite differently in the upcoming games than he did at the beginning of the season to merit such consideration. And he may not even get it then given all the controversy - Lovie may just be ready to say bye-bye and wish him luck on his next team. On the other hand, Lovie is one stubborn SOB, so maybe he thinks he knows better than everyone and will support a (cheaper) offer at the end of the season. But I still highly doubt that.
November 12, 2007
#56 jdawg said . . .The rest of the professional football world is laughing at us. To think that Lovie and company actually think Rex might be the solution. I just shudder in disbelief over the ineptitude and denial of this organization. Up in Green Bay the morbidly obese are shoving another bratwurst down their trachea and laughing a thousand laughs at this clusterfuck of a football organization.
November 12, 2007
#57 Some.devil said . . .Yes, I'll say it again, fire Ron Turner.
I was listening to the game via the net. Wolfe comes in and Turner calls a sweep that goes for a two or three yeard loss. Thayer points out they were running that play towards a Raider LB who runs a 4.4 40! Why not just hand it to Wolfe and have him kneel!
November 12, 2007
#58 Shamen said . . .Fire Ron Turner and unleash the dragon!
Seriously, where was Olsen that whole game?
November 12, 2007
The D's play was encouraging, but I wouldn't say they're back just yet. This was the Raiders with Josh freakin' McCown under center. Their offense *sucks* when Culpepper isn't in and having a good day. Still, I have to echo the positive comments on McBride - he's no Vasher, but his growth will just make him a better nickel corner when Vash comes back. You can't be too deep at DB with all the dink-and-dunk spread offenses in the league right now. And props to Wale for his best game all season. If Urlacher can get healthy (unlikely) and Vash comes back we'll be okay on defense.
The offense will struggle until the O line plays consistently. Some of their struggles can certainly be laid on RT. He is screwing everyone on the O by handing the opposing D the game plan before every game because they always do the same thing. For QB, what I wouldn't give for Griese's brain and Rex's arm. Both are turnover machines - Griese because he sees the open man and then underthrows him so the D can pick it off and Rex because he throws into coverage so the D can pick it off. I feel bad for Griese, he's like Cassandra from The Illiad. He can see the open man deep but is unable to get him the ball. What a frustrating curse.
November 13, 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.