The Bears are going to win Thursday night. If you don’t think so, you’re not familiar with the author of the novel you’re currently reading. The Bears are going to win Thursday night and we’re going to spend the weekend hoping Minnesota, Arizona and Detroit lose. The Cowboys will beat the Lions. The Seahawks will beat the Cardinals. But Minnesota will take care of business against San Francisco and move to 7-6, a game ahead of the 6-7 Bears. Class, who do you think the Bears play next week? (Hint: Minnesota) I say all this completely out of masochism and without a shred (nay a sliver) of optimism.
The season will officially end when Adrian Peterson (theirs not ours) runs for 200 yards a week from Monday in the state formerly run by Jesse “The Body� Ventura. Then we can finally rest a laurel beside the coffin at the open casket wake for the 2007 Chicago Bears.
Now the Bears prepare to play a Washington Redskins team Thursday night that has no business playing anyone on Thursday night. They lost a heartbreaker to Buffalo and spent Monday in transit to and from a funeral for a teammate (you might have heard something about that). Their Hall-of-Fame coach doesn’t know the rules anymore nor does he have any idea what his defensive coordinator is doing on the field. The only thing going for them is that the coach-less Chicago Bears are coming to town, giving them a real shot.
Chicago Bears 4
Washington Redskins 1
#2 Phil from SATX said . . .Win-Loss-Win-Loss-Win-HEY!
Win-Loss-Win-Loss-Win-HEY!
Win-Loss-Win-Loss-Win-HEY!
4-1. Nice.
December 5, 2007
#3 Phil from SATX said . . .Shady, speaking of the Ravens/Bears connection, if Lovie had been the one calling the timeout that cost them the game, he would say something like
"Well, that timeout really could of helped us, because we might not have stopped them on that play. So that's why we did it. You know, you sometimes use timeouts to stop good stops, because eventually those are going to be bad stops."
Lovie, why didn't you call for the team to spike the ball in the last drive, saving valuable seconds?
"Well, now that was what we wanted to do, because those seconds can sometimes hurt you, hurt your team. So we were trying to run out the clo... I mean we were trying to put our team in the best position to win by having the fewest seconds on the clock left for the other team to win. It's a rhythm thing. But I was happy with the clock management, because it almost worked."
If the Bears completely ignore everything their coaches say to them (exempting Dave T. of course) they will beat the Redskins. Of course, in the inevitability of this season, they will win no matter what they do.
Bears 17 Redskins 16
December 5, 2007
#4 Phil from SATX said . . .Oh crap. If there's anyone left (let's see, Polygon, you're a new poster who wants to give the coaches a break, and there's always Mike) who doesn't think that all the coaches except Toub need to be fired listen to these comments:
When asked about all the offensive penalties (particularly false starts), Ron Turner said this:
"Obviously we don't want that and I'm not sure why. The difference is we have a few more of 'em. I'm not sure what the reasons would be why."
You're not sure because you're a moron.
Remember offensive line coach Harry Hiestand? The only reason we know his name was because of that incredible comment earlier in the season when he basically said we don't know shit, it's not his line's fault? Well here he goes again:
"The guys are giving us great effort. Sometimes you get out early. That's not an excuse. … Guys make mistakes. You ever make a mistake?"
Harry Hiestand, you need to GET YOUR ASS OUT OF CHICAGO.
I swear it's so obvious to me that these coaches don't take responsibility, or feel any guilt, for this team's underachievement and horrible performances every other week. From the top down.
Inexcusable.
December 5, 2007
#5 Rancid said . . .I'm sorry for three posts in a row, but unfortunately, there's more.
You'll like the quotes from Deion Sanders about Devin Hester, but listen to Ron Turner's response:
Deion:
''You haven't seen Devin as a receiver,'' Sanders complained. ''Every time I've seen him, he's five yards behind somebody. I just can't understand why we don't see him more. I don't understand why you don't put him in the shotgun in third-and-one. I don't understand the creativity. You've got all week, you've got all year. I don't understand how he has been utilized. I think it baffles the whole stadium, the crowd, the writers, everyone.
''Please. Use him like what [Michael] Vick and Vince Young have done. All he has to do is get in shotgun and read the darn end. Second-and-one or short distances, it isn't like there is a running game here. You could create some matchups that are just tremendous.''
Here's Ron's response:
After rolling his eyes, Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner revealed that's in the works for Hester, who has only 15 offensive touches.
''That's something that we have talked about and played around with a little bit that we'll get to,'' Turner said. ''In time, we're going to do some of that stuff.''
In time? IN TIME?
RT, YOU ARE OUT OF TIME!!!!!!
15 OFFENSIVE TOUCHES!!!!! ALL SEASON!!!
GET YOUR ASS OUT OF CHICAGO, NOW!!!!
December 5, 2007
#6 jeff said . . .Thanks Phil - I had thought that my opinion of RT was as low as it could go. Completely in the basement. Then you showed me a secret trap door to a new lower level.
December 5, 2007
#7 Jakub said . . .phil, we might just have to give you a guest column before the season ends. your comments are too damn good.
December 5, 2007
#8 B.A. Baracus said . . .#3 made me LOL.
December 5, 2007
#9 Rancid said . . .RT can't be fired from the Bears - his work is not complete. He and his bro, Norv (what kind of nickname is "Norv" anyway, seriously, it's short for "Norval", but, what kind of name is "Norval" anyway?), are on a a 10 year rampage to systematically destroy every team they touch. RT is not done destroying the Bears' offense. Give him some more time...
I still advocate lining Hester up 30 yards behind scrimmage and letting him catch a lofted lateral like a punt. Even if it did not work, it would be funny as hell.
December 5, 2007
#10 Al in WI said . . .I own Hester in an ESPN fantasy league. Here's a portion of his projection for this week.
"It's bad enough that teams are kicking the ball away from the speedy star, but when his own coaches won't send the ball his way, it really causes us to scratch our heads."
My only hope is that the Brain Trust is well aware of how bad RT is and they are waiting until seasons end to fire his ass. Is anyone with any understanding of game at all not calling for this man's head?
December 5, 2007
#11 Phil from SATX said . . .Kudos Phil. Great work, I too laughed out loud at number three. That quote on Sunday from Lovie Smith is one of the alltime worst quotes in the history of Bears football.
Here is my personal list:
1. "The pieces are in place (For a super bowl team)" -Wanny 1996 after training camp prior to a 7-9 season.
2."Most NFL games come down to the final two minuets, so the goal is just to play the rest of the game to have a shot then." Dick Jauron in responce to a question about why the Bears didn't try and score more points early, and always lost late in the game.
3. Lovies quote about Sunday about not using the no-huddle for fear the other team would stop it.
4."I look at positives; we punted the ball real well today." - Dick Jauron. After a blowout loss in 2000.
5. "Our goal is to score one more point than the other team." John Shoop after the Bears failed to score a touchdown in a home loss to the packers.
Ah, memory lane.December 5, 2007
#12 Rancid said . . .Two things - never thought about the fact that Norv's name is really strange (and Norval is worse, did the kids call him Narwhale?)
Second, I do feel like there is getting to be a growing tidal wave and possibly a tipping point in the media against RT, which can ONLY be a good thing. It's like the whole world needs to explain to the BT and owners why he's horrible and then maybe something will be done about it, when it's part of a national conversation.
The strange thing is, did you notice that these coaches are all starting to sound alike and say equally ridiculous and incomprehensible and indefensible things? It's like their incompetence is all rubbing off on each other, and maybe all their togetherness is making them believe each other and believe that the things they say make sense.
If you didn't read Haugh yesterday, he suggested that bringing Rex back would likely ensure that RT would be back, because why would you switch coordinators on Rex now at this stage in his career?
May have been one of the stupider angles Haugh has ever taken, because I believe that Rex has been calling out and questioning his coordinator at least subtly, and that he is aware, as a growing number of us are, that RT has been sabotaging Rex's fledgling career through sheer incompetence. Harry Hiestand I'm sure isn't helping either. Rex learning "a whole new system" wouldn't be very difficult, especially if it's a system that makes sense, protects the quarterback, and establishes some kind of rhythm that has some possibility of scoring points, unlike the Ronster's brilliant schemes.
Let's do whatever we can to get to that tipping point - because if RT's back next year we're all screwed - season over before it begins.
December 5, 2007
#13 Shady said . . .Perhaps we here could pool our money and hire a hitman if he isn't fired by a certain date. Too drastic?
December 5, 2007
#14 Phil from SATX said . . .It's snowing like crazy in Chicago. Beautiful. I love snow. I love football. Was there any better setting for the NFC Championship game against the Saints last year? Snow + Football = Heaven
Phil #2 was great.
Have you noticed Bob Babich SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE LOVIE?
Even though Smith is from Texas and Babich is from Wester Pennsylvania, they sound exactly the same. Buddy Bob Babich. It's funny stuff. Off to work in the snow I go.
December 5, 2007
#15 Bill said . . .Al, you missed one of my favorites -
Remember when Wanny said something like
"we're the best 4-7 team in the league"
We laughed about that one for months. If someone remembers the exact quote, let me know.
Also, did you catch Lovie talking about the no huddle saying "when you get a lead, you want to take some time off the clock"
The Bears had a 7 point lead at that time.
In that one press conference, he probably made 3 or 4 of the top 10 dumbest quotes ever by a Bears coach. For the season, he's probably got 8 of them.
December 5, 2007
#16 Bill said . . .Phil - continuing your thought on Haugh's column; Rex is a very smart perosn from what I've heard. I remember reading that he had to learn new offensive systems for 3 or 4 years in a row (college and pros). Now I really don't remember the details, but I know the coaches say he picks up an offense VERY quickly. So a new OC woudl NOT be a problem (especially when the current OC is very much a problem.)
I was happy when RT came to the Bears based on his relative success last time he was here. But Hester (and to some extent Greg Olsen) have in effect exposed RT as being over his head.
The line coach is a buffoon; I'm not happy with Babich but I'll suck it up and hope he has some potential (because I can't believe he'll be fired. All he has to do is say to Lovie "YOU try putting in a successful defense when you play with 10 players (since Arch Deluxe is essentially not there.) Look what happened to Washington when they went out with 10 guys.)
But RT has to go. Olsen and Hester are weapons and he's just now trying to figure out how to use them. "It takes time."???? Isn't that what training camp is for. Come to think of it, wasn't it RT campaigning for Hester to be on offense. So he can get average one or two touches a game???
December 5, 2007
#17 JB said . . ."when you get a lead, you want to take some time off the clock"
It was the fricking FIRST QUARTER!!! Trying to run out the clock in the 1st Quarter is downright Shoopian.
December 5, 2007
#18 Al in WI said . . ."Shoopian" = new word creation...i love it.
December 5, 2007
#19 Phil from SATX said . . .Phil, I hadn't heard that one from Wanny though I can hear him saying it in my head. Unreal.
I saw that article from Haugh, and thought it was his worst story ever. It was a just a series of random thoughts.
The only way I could follow that logic is if the new OC was the type of guy who needed to have "his guy," or something. Thus forcing the Bears to start over yet again. But I think that could be dealt with in the negotiations with the new guy.
I like the idea of looking at Jim Fassel or Chan Gailey. They are experienced guys who have been a round a long time, and would be credible.December 5, 2007
#20 Al in WI said . . .I think the concept of an experienced OC is very good, even if RT was "experienced." I think we have too many inexperienced coaches that we promote to their existing level for the first time. I know Chan Gailey stunk as a head coach for the Cowboys, but if he's a good OC I'd be all for it. I don't think Lovie would want someone who had previously been a head coach like both of those guys, but also wondering if the BT will TELL Lovie who to get rather than letting him pick one - Lovie may be and certainly should be on thin ice with his bosses after this year. I rather have them picking RT's successor than him picking, especially since he may not be back after next year if he doesn't turn this ship around in a hurry.
December 5, 2007
#21 Phil from SATX said . . .Ron Turner is the only offensive coordinator the Bear's have hired since the early 80's that had any experience. Now, he's not a great coordinator but he's an upgrade over most of those guys especially the guys who were here between his terms.
Gailey ran the kind of offense in Pittsburg as the OC that we would like to run here. It was based on the run, and play action. But it also used creativity with special players, and he was able to get a lot out Kordell Stewart which is a badge of honor in my book.
In Dallas he was handed the job at the end of the run when the big three were washed up. I believe he did ok there though getting them to the playoffs. No matter though, we'd want him to be the OC, not HC.
Fassel has gotten some good work out of some journeyman quarterbacks in his time as well. Think Boomer Eisison late, Kery Collins, Kent Grahm to name a few. And was also involved in pulling some excellent years out of Jake Plumber at the begining of his career.
Either would be an upgrade, and add quite a bit to the coaching staff in experience, and credibility.December 5, 2007
#22 Pissed Off said . . .I'd take either. And if neither is available, I'd take Fassel's babysitter's brother's uncle's bail bondsman, if it meant getting rid of
the Dread Pirate Ronval
(I do wish it was him named Norval instead of his brother, it would be so much more fun)
(maybe the kids called him AbNorval)
December 5, 2007
#23 jeff said . . .Call me crazy but it looks like you're trying to shed some optimism on this situation Jeff. You say you dont have a sliver of optimism but it looks like you are finding scenarios for us to end up in the playoffs yet...oh wait....masochism.
Deep down I of course hope they win and win out and get into the playoffs with some help. Do I really think that will happen? What am I retarded? Anyway its cool that they are mathematically in it so the shred of hope is there but its false hope. BTW how do the skins get one point?
Phil you really do sound like Lovie.
I was listening to Bob and Tom this morning (rarely) on my way to work and they had this Harland Williams comedian on and he said he doesnt watch sports except the playoffs. If he watches all year long he can become attached to players and therefore to a team. Well the problem with that is now with trades and free agency etc, players bounce around from team to team (in all major sports, not just football) so if you do become attached to a player they move to another team so whats the point. Way back when most players started and ended their careers with one team.
December 5, 2007
#24 Bear Fan In Minnesota said . . .no, i'm not finding scenarios for them to make the playoffs at all. i'm actually absolutely certain they're going to get ripped on monday night against the vikings in a couple weeks. but i know they'll give hope going into that game.
December 5, 2007
#25 Bill said . . .I didn't read all the posts but I love #10..."we punted the ball really well". If that doesn't sum up a long history of frustration in Chicago....Here's a thought...how about Mike Singeltary for coach...If that was already brought up...I think it would be sweet.
December 5, 2007
#26 Al in WI said . . .This is the time of year when Bear fans start dreaming of a real coach and real players to make the team a real contender. Starting with Jack Pardee over 30 years ago, and of course except for Ditka, all we've had are coaches that get us in the playoffs once or maybe twice but can't sustain any kind of winning. Why is that? Really - why is that?
Jack Pardee
Neill Armstrong
Mike Ditka (an abberation)
Wanny
Dick Jauron
Lovie SmithA couple winning years, a playoff "run" of one or two years at most, and then failure.
So we dream of a coach - Singletary? - that will reinstall the fire the Bears had under Ditka and even under Halas (I'm told - I never saw it in the years after 1963).
But instead we have discoordination between the the GM, the head coach, and the assistants. We don't have a solid staff - that's an understatement.
Yet Lovie is secure because we went to the SB (and no mistake - we DESERVED to be there; it wasn't luck; it just fell apart way too soon.) So we will get a couple of tweaks regrading players and coaches (they can't stay with what they have - the failure will be too glaring by the time the season is over and we end up with a 7-9 or even 6-10 record.
Still - we've said there are only 10-12 good QBs. How many good coaches are there? I'd say maybe 15 at most. I would not include Lovie in that category. I'm talking about consistent winners - who can take a team up; survive the inevitiable down period and bring them back up. Even Ditka couldn't do that.
December 5, 2007
#27 where's Olsen? said . . .I have dreamed of Singeltary as HC for about 10 years. And I did mention it a week or so ago, but we all know it's a pipe dream for about 2 or 3 more years.......
Bear Fan in MN, you ever check out Alary's?December 5, 2007
#28 jeff said . . .Im changing my name from my preseason plea of start Olsen to the common cry of this board, "where's Olsen?"
Like, where the hell was he on our latch ditch throws to the endzone last Sunday?
Why would you want your biggest, strongest and most athletic players out there anyway?Singletary as the next coach... I like it. I think he should start by fighting Babich and Turner at the same time, WWF style, and kicking the shit out of them while screaming "you blew it! you ruined it all!"
December 5, 2007
#29 PolygonHell said . . .unfortunately jeff fisher signed an extension in tennessee because i've wanted him forever. the bears need a guy with a link to 85.
December 5, 2007
#30 jeff said . . .To be honest I'm not a Ron Turner fan, I haven't liked his playcalling.
The point I was trying to make earlier is, I'm not sure the conservative playcalling isn't being directed from above him.I've watched the Bears since the 80's and having gone through the 90's and the 00's and football changes, I'm no longer a fan of the pound it on the ground and win with defense philosophy. And there seems to be far too much of that philosophy ingrained in the bears coaching staff and management.
To me Football is about creating and exploiting mismatches, and that means you need to be able to play to a variety of strengths, the Bears coaching staff this year has just looked like it couldn't adjust to plan A not working.
Having said all of that, we were in the superbowl last year, and I'd rather give the staff (or at least most of it) another shot next year. Replacing them all this year will guarantee a mediocre at best 08.
December 5, 2007
#31 Bill said . . .good gibbs stuff:
always think back to Wayne Sevier when he was coaching here on special teams,'' Gibbs said. ''We were playing the Bears, and he said, 'Hey, we are going to kick right to Willie Gault. That is the best guy they have, and we are going to show them.'''He ran it back [99] yards, I walked down and said, 'OK, that is the end of that. We aren't going to show them anymore.'''
The late Sevier was considered a pioneer in special teams, and the award for the special teams coach of the year is named after him. The Bears' Dave Toub won it last year and could be in line for a repeat as the team ranks second in the complex standings created by the Dallas Morning News' Rick Gosselin.
Washington ranks seventh on the strength of its coverage units. The Redskins are third in kickoff coverage, despite allowing an 86-yard touchdown to the New York Jets' Leon Washington, and first in punt coverage led by Rock Cartwright and Khary Campbell. It might be tempting for them to kick to Hester just to try to tip the scales in field position for a struggling offense.
But Gibbs doesn't want to make the same mistake twice.
''There is nobody in the league that has figured it out,'' he said. ''Everybody has tried a little bit of a different game plan at different times. You have seen a little bit of everything. I have never seen this before in the NFL, kicking off out of bounds. Just saying, 'Hey, we are going to give them the ball at the 40.' That was the Giants' approach the other night. What an unusual guy.
''We will do the best we can to strategize and try to figure out the best way to handle him. Definitely an exceptional player. It is one of the most unusual things I have seen in the NFL, his presence and the way people try to handle him.''
December 5, 2007
#32 Al in WI said . . .Jeff - Great stuff. Thanks for posting it.
And I'm pretty sure I remember the Gault 99 yard return against the Redskins. Gault had real speed. I remember one time watching a return and instead of looking at him I watched the yard lines - it was a blur, like the corwd is if you watch them instead of the Indy cars.
December 5, 2007
#33 Shady McBears Fan said . . .Good call Jeff. I've always been a fan of Fisher as well. My short list for Bears HC is, and has been for a while the following: Singletary, Cowher, Fisher and Holmgren.
I grew up with Mike Ditka as the rightful head coach of the Bears. He was a great coach for our team because it meant something to him to be a Chicago Bear, and he demanded that it mean something to his players. He was a master motivator.
I cannot stand the Mr. Rogers routine. I hate it actually. Nothing screams lack of passion or motivation then that. And living with it now for 8 years is sickening.
I cannot wait for the days when the Bears once again have a coach who isn't afraid to light someone up, or motivate through passion.December 5, 2007
#34 Phil from SATX said . . .Front page of ESPN:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&page=1stand10/07week14
The Bears aren't-who-they-thought-they-were?
December 6, 2007
#35 Rancid said . . .Polygon, well said. I think the general concensus here is we'll live with having Lovie and Babich back next year as long as there is an offensive overhaul (and I mean overhaul, it's RT and his little dog too).
Unfortunately, for me, and assuming that we get what we want with a new offensive leader, I will be placing my defensive hopes on Babich improvement and not on Lovie as a head coach. Just as RT has shown me more than enough to know he's a huge part of the problem, I'm afraid that Lovie has too. The only way I feel like we can win from a coaching standpoint is three good coordinators, because Lovie is not going to make up for any bad coordinator. We have one good one (great one) in Toub, we'll hopefully get our Christmas wish and have a shot at a good one on offense, and we have to cross our fingers and hope that Babich improves enough to become a good coordinator on D. Fingers crossed because he hasn't been close to good this year.
But I no longer trust Lovie to handle any real important facet of this team from an x's and o'x standpoint. And given the fact that he is clearly not a strong motivator, what does that leave him with as far as a skill set?
Jeff, great content from you, thanks, and thanks for the shout-out yesterday, I'm getting close to one year on this site (Dec. 18 I believe) and it's been a really fun year (and unfortunately a less productive year at work, oh well). Thanks for this great blog and all you and Noah do.
Band practice tonight so it will be Tivo for me - if it was a different year, different time, would definitely be cancelling, but I'll be watching late.
GO BEARS!
December 6, 2007
#36 Bill said . . .I think that Lovie and Babs will defenitely return. Lovie will get a mulligan for at least one year due to performance of past years. As far as Babs is concerned, I wonder what level of control he has. Here's the quote from Chicagobears.com:
"While Babich accepted responsibility for the defense's performance, Smith told New York media during a conference call last week that he is ultimately in charge of the unit and that the scheme has remain unchanged.
"We are playing the same defense," Smith said. "I have a lot to do with the defense. I had a lot last year. Every year we have been here we have played the same defense for the most part."
Does this mean that the DC isn't so important? Or is Lovie trying to take pressure off his buddy Babs by assuming more of the blame than he really has?
Regardless, the picture is clear with RT. He is in charge. Lovie is a D guy so he must trust his OC with nearly complete control. RT has proven his worhtlessness. So he should be the obvious fire.
December 6, 2007
#37 Phil from SATX said . . .Maybe I'm just hearing what I want to hear, but on Bears Blitz last night on Comcast Sports Turner sounded weird; not like he thought he was gone but like he was making excuses and barginning for more time in learning how to use Hester and putting more wrinkles in like the no huddle.
Honestly, he sounds like he thinks the season just started as he keeps saying things take time. It's weird - there are only four games left and they are virtually if not litterally out of the playoffs - and he talks as if things are going according to plan. Weird.
December 6, 2007
#38 jeff said . . .Rancid, the question is Lovie's motivation in that comment. Three possibilities - 1) he says it to take pressure off his buddy; 2) he says it because it's true, and he really is more important to the D than the coordinator; 3) he says it to make sure he continues to get credit for last year's D and to continue to minimize Rivera's impact on the D, especially as people compare last year to this year.
Because I see Lovie as absolutely failing to take responsibility for his failures with this team and continuing to show arrogance where none is justified, my money's on #3. And if it's #2, that's an indictment on him this year, because not only has the defense been horrible but the game calls on D have been horrible. That's why I believe there actually is a difference between Rivera and Babich - whether or not it's Lovie's scheme, Rivera called his own game and was demonstrably better at it than Babich.
And it's possible that this year it may be actually Babich/Lovie, maybe Lovie has a bigger role in game calls with his buddy as the DC - the one thing we can be fairly sure of is he wasn't making Rivera's calls last year.
It ain't easy being the guy who makes the calls during a game, and this year we have two coordinators who are absolutely horrible at it - and maybe 3, if Lovie is involved on the defensive side.
December 6, 2007
#39 Rancid said . . .you know what lovie's biggest problem is as a coach? his arrogance. he stil coaches like he has a world class defense because i think we can't admit that his defense sucks.
December 6, 2007
#40 jeff said . . .I also believe that the arrogance comes from Lovie's belief that the defense is great because of his scheming and not from the players involved. The defense did look great in the first game, when we had all the starters. But we are now running the same schemes with players that are incapable of carrying them out. As we have seen all year, there is no ability to adjust, either to other injuries, field condition, or other teams gameplans. Our starting defense from game one is a great defense, but a lot of them are gone or playing below 100%. Therefore we need to adjust our play and Lovie/Babs won't/can't.
December 6, 2007
#41 Bill said . . .rosenbloom wrote this today:
Tonight's game fits the profile of a Bears victory: All five of their wins have come after a loss and they have won more games on the road than at home. What's more, the Bears have shown an ability to mount comebacks this year, and here are the Redskins, who have choked away more halftime leads than any team the last few seasons. Yep, this is exactly the kind of game that the Bears would win, which would lead to talk of their renewed playoff chances and how fresh they'll be after 11 days off before their next game, whereupon they'll give up 837 yards to the other Adrian Peterson.i think we have another reader.
December 6, 2007
#42 Phil from SATX said . . .Yes - Lovie IS arrogant:
"We get off the bus running" (Uh, in order to say that you have actually run EFFECTIVELY.)"Rex is our QB."
We stopped Cedric becuase they woudl have eventually. (Paraphrasing, but that's really what he said.)
We're built on defense and on running. (No - you're not this year at least. That's what you WANT maybe, but it's not what you HAVE.)
You have to play the game with the team you have, not the team you want. I really think it's that simple - they keep trying to win the way they want to win - not taking into account that the team they have can't do that.
December 6, 2007
#43 Phil from SATX said . . .At what point does arrogant turn into stupid? I would argue quite early, after it becomes plain that your schemes aren't working. When you continue to trot out the same old same old, arrogance turns into stupidity.
BTW, RT has the same exact problems, running offenses that could only work with different personnel. It's worse with RT, since not only is he running a scheme these guys can't do, but he does it with total predictability and zero imagination, both representing death knells for an NFL offense.
Stupid is as stupid does, and are you starting to think that we may have some intellectually challenged coaches? It's not just the obvious failures at being good at their jobs, it's the stuff that comes out of their mouths afterwards. And the stupid virus seems to be getting worse...
December 6, 2007
#44 Rancid said . . .Both papers have columns about Archuleta today. The S-T is the first I've heard to posit a theory on how he's gotten so bad, being an apparently bad back injury in 2004.
Otherwise, it doesn't make that much sense. Also, per the S-T, the Bears probably had good reason to think the Redskins had simply screwed up, since they put Archuleta in coverage as free safety and the late Sean Taylor in the box as strong safety, which should have been reversed. But now he can't tackle and doesn't take good angles, which he WAS good at before, so what else explains such a drop-off but injury?
I'll give the guy credit, he's one Bear who does take responsibility for playing crappy.
December 6, 2007
#45 Phil from SATX said . . .The other reason that RT must be hated above all others is that while the defensive coaches have failed to recover or rescheme after losing key personnel, and thus have a lack of impact players, RT has failed to use the impact players that are healthy and waiting to shine (namely Olsen and Hester) In summation, while weak at best, Lovie and Babs may at least have a glimmer of an excuse. RT has no defense for his pathetic attempt to run the offensive side of the game.
December 6, 2007
#46 Rancid said . . .Rancid, do you agree that the key to the trap door was RT's rolling the eyes? With one arrogant gesture, a rumbling occurs, the stone slides away, revealing a whole netherworld of deeper RT hatred.
Interesting about Bill's comment about RT sounding "funny" - when juxtaposed with Lovie protecting Babich with that "it's my defense" comment, you notice he's not saying anything about RT.
Writing's hopefully on the wall. Spruce up that resume, RT, there's got to be another football program out there for you to destroy.
We can only hope and pray.
December 6, 2007
#47 Phil from SATX said . . .Phil - Exactly. Which is why I also agree with your comment on Arch Deluxe. From what I've seen of him I like him as a person. He's just lost it as a player and no longer belongs on the field. But at least he admits that he's not doing his job.
How a pompous ass like RT can roll his eyes and act like he's part of some football intelligentsia elite is inexcusable. You have no credibility. You have no place coaching an offense. You deserve no respect after the embarrassment that you have presided over. It's like taking toilet-training advice from my 3 year old while he stands there with a log smeared in his drawers. This man is a disgrace.
December 6, 2007
#48 Mike said . . .We know this isn't going to happen, but what if Bill Cowher was secretly calling Ted Phillips saying the following:
Look Ted, I know it's early to fire Lovie, he deserves at least another year given the SuperBowl, you may not want to give up on him yet but I just wanted to let you know I am available to you IF YOU ACT NOW. Chicago and the Bears represent a perfect fit for me after the Steelers, we are cut from the same cloth, and I know I could bring this team to greatness. I have offensive and defensive coordinators in mind and together we can REBUILD THIS FRANCHISE and RESTORE GLORY TO CHICAGO. I'm just as tough as Ditka but a lot nicer. Plus I will be the perfect antidote to your last two head coaches - look, in truth it may not work any better, but everybody wants to see some real, genuine fire on the sidelines, and by God, I'll give you that!
I have integrity, intelligence, a great football pedigree and emotional fire. I have proven that I can rally the troops behind me and be a real leader that players want to follow into battle. I am the perfect fit.
The only thing is, you'll have to give up on Lovie a little early, because I AM signing with a team next season, and where I go, I stay.
So what do you say, Ted? Are you interested?
I know I am. This is the guy I want in Chicago.
(I'd say about the same exact things about Jeff Fisher too)
December 6, 2007
#49 Reality Talking said . . .Bears will beat a bad Redskins team tonight. But so what. This season can't end soon enough. Neither can the denial at Halas Hall. It's going to be a dismal couple of years with the Bears.
December 6, 2007
#50 Al in WI said . . .Lovie Smith, Ron Turner and Bob Babich aren't going anywhere after the season. The Bears won't fire Lovie and Lovie won't fire Turner or Babich. Nor will the McCaskets, Ted Phillips or Jerry Angelo pressure Lovie to change coordinators. Deep down any knowledgeable fan of the Bears realizes this will be the outcome. After all ineptitude and denial reign supreme at Halas Hall.
December 6, 2007
#51 jeff said . . .Mike, just post under your own name or go away. This fake name biz is so tired. You're not fooling anybody.
Phil, your senario would be great, absolutely great.December 6, 2007
#52 Da Coach said . . .mike, do you get any enjoyment out of being a bears fan? i have to say even though they're not winning anything this year - there have been some unforgettably thrilling moments this year. sports is fun.
December 6, 2007
#53 Phil from SATX said . . .I agree Jeff this year was one big roller coaster and last week was the toughest gut check game of them all. However there have been some memorable moments that keep me coming back for more, most ly the Hesterizer & his antics.
I still have not been able to get over that loss from last week, its inexplicable that they lost that game. I cannot stop thinking tonight we should be playing to go over 500.........ugggggggggghhhhhhhhh!
December 6, 2007
#54 PolygonHell said . . .RT is gone.
No, Babich and Lovie aren't going anywhere, but RT...
Signs are there, the writing's on the wall...
Dead man walking.
December 6, 2007
#55 Bear Fan In Minnesota said . . .I'm not sure I would describe Lovies/the Bears Coaching staffs problem as arrogance.
I think Lovie comes accross in the press the way he does, because he has a policy not to bash the team publicly, rather than arogance. That hasn't left him much to say this season outside of repeating the corporate line in resoponse to questions.
The Bears aren't going to change defensive scheme overnight to cover injuries, it's just not practical. I'm not sure that the calls have been bad this season as much as the execution on defense. They have experimented with several different looks this year including using the 46 on a few downs.
The Scheme they play is extremly sensitive to even one player being out of position or failing to tackle, especially against the run. I think it's a fundamental flaw in the system, even if you had talented backups, their not going to get enough practice time to step into the system and be effective.
See now you have me apologising for the coaches again.
December 6, 2007
#56 Bear Fan In Minnesota said . . .Al,
Haven't ever heard of Alary's...I have been in Minnesota since 99'. Before that I grew up in Chicago? Wanna fill me in? Back to the coaching discussion. What ticks me off more than anything about Lovie Smith is....#1 His lack of emotion. I think everyone who said he shows some arrogance is right. I wish he was a little more like Ditka and would just come out and say "we suck!". #2 I can't stand listening to any of his ( or any other coaches) news conferences. He never tells me anything I don't know! My 6 year old son, who plays Madden all the time, could tell you why the Bears suck. We need a little Mora from him...Playoffs? Playoffs?
December 6, 2007
#57 Max said . . .Sorry to post again...Just googled Alary's and found it. Looks pretty sweet. Have to check it out sometime. GO BEARS!
December 6, 2007
#58 Phil from SATX said . . .Does Hooters have NFL network???
OH and Midway, right around playoffs/super bowl last year we discussed whether i should be dating my girlfriend because she wasnt a bears fan. . . . you know what she got me for christmas???
Bears vs. Packer tickets. So its official, shes a keeper. Hell, I might have to marry her. (i realize this is a long way off, but anyone else going to the game?)
December 6, 2007
#59 Pissed Off said . . .I will say this for the D. We can't overemphasize the importance of two players being gone/or as good as gone.
The defense failed this year based on the absence of Vasher and the presence of Arch. That is one/half of our standard secondary. It totally changed our D.
When Terrance Newman was out for the Cowboys, their defense suffered terribly - all the other guys were the same, but that one change greatly exposed and exacerbated the weaknesses of some of the other players.
If Vasher was out but we had either Mike Brown still in there or a different strong starter in Arch's place, we could weather the storm of Vasher being gone. But with the two holes, this defense just couldn't be CONSISTENTLY good - good in spots, yes, but not consistently good, 60 minutes of a game.
No reason to think Vash can't be healthy next year and team with our should-be Pro Bowler Pnut as the best corner tandem in the league. The safety spot will have to be refilled. Change those two things next year and we should be right back in business on D, EVEN IF Briggs doesn't get re-signed - and I believe he will.
There's a little optimism for you, and a gleam of hope for Lovie and Babich.
December 6, 2007
#60 Pissed Off said . . .Dre Bly and Champ Bailey are the best CB tandem in the league and its not close.
December 6, 2007
#61 DTB said . . .Alarys is a great bar in downtown ST. Paul, I got Brian Urlachers autograph there once. Have the woodpecker cider, its fantastic.
December 6, 2007
#62 jeff said . . .Bailey and Bly?!?!?!? Bailey by himself is better than Bailey and Bly. I had a college aquaintance that ws a Lions fan. You know what they had nicknamed Bly? TOAST, they called him TOAST. Hilarious.
December 6, 2007
#63 Shady said . . .i wonder if we won't look back at this period of bears football as the mike brown years...i haven't thought it out completely but isn't he sort of symbolic of the era?
December 6, 2007
#64 Max said . . .I was thinking the Urlacher years.
Maybe Kreutz.
What time frame are you thinking?
December 6, 2007
#65 said . . .The 90's were the James "Big Cat" Williams years. . . no doubt
December 6, 2007
#66 Bill said . . .#71 Big Cat! My favorite player growing up.
That guy broke up every scrum that broke out, single-handedly.
Who's bigger? Big Cat or St. Clair?
December 6, 2007
#67 jeff said . . .I was surprised Big Cat didn't get a radio or TV job talking Bears. He had the voice for it.
December 6, 2007
#68 RandomName said . . .i dont mean mike brown as THE bears, the way big cat absolutely was. i mean mike brown as immensely talented, never putting it together...it was a negative analogy.
December 6, 2007
#69 Max said . . .Da Bears, I will root for them in 2008.
after all they will have a longer resting period between seasons.
Miami will go winless.
the undefeated Patriots will win the superbowl against the cowboys.
9-7 might be a wildcard team's record but it won't be the bears.
December 6, 2007
#70 jeff said . . .I dont know bout that. Mike Brown put it together for a couple years, just stay healthy consistently. It wasnt failed talent. . . .2001? won 2 games by himself. amazing
December 6, 2007
#71 Shady McBears Fan said . . .max, he did it for a year and half....look at the bears....they barely did that.
December 6, 2007
#72 Rancid said . . .An update on Bears injuries for the game:
DT- Anthony Adams OUT
CB- Nathan Vasher OUT
On the bright side (sarcasm) Fred Miller will get the start at RT.
St. Clair is huge, but not very agile. He's not a starter, just isn't. Sorry.Urlacher is being looked at by the team's trainer, who reports AN ANKLE injury as well as the bad back about.
Urlacher was questioned about the injuries.
"Brian how's your back?"
"Good"
"Do you expect to play?"
"Yes"
"Are any concerns about the team's performance this year?"
"Go to foxsports.com"Hunter Hillenmeyer has NOT gone out on the filed yet, which is not a good sign. He's usually one of the 1st guys out on the field.
CB Shawn Springs is a game time decision for the Redskins. And I was joking about the Urlacher quotes.
The Bears offense will need to make plays to win the game, because the defense is about to get a big dose of Clinton Portis. The Bears will probably hang in the first 3 quarters just long enough to make another late comeback...
BEARS 24
Redskins 20
December 6, 2007
#73 Shady said . . .I hadn't heard any injury stuff on Hunter. I hope he's not hurt. I'm a big Hunter fan. I think he does a great job with the role he has in the LB core.
December 7, 2007
#74 Shady said . . .Opening kickoff in 2 mins.
I hope the Bears elect to receive the ball, Hester takes in back 90 yds. and rips out a #21 Sean Taylor jersey.
December 7, 2007
#75 Shady said . . .They kicked a squibber to Hester, but gets tripped up at the Bears 35.
Grossman's 1st pass to BB is complete for 7yds
The 2nd to Clark for another 6
The Bears look to be in the hurry-up offense here...
December 7, 2007
#76 said . . .On 3rd and 9 Grossman tosses a ball low to BB short of the 1st, incomplete.
Cartwright looked to get a piece of the Maynard punt.
1st and 10 for the Redskins at their 20...Randle El gets hit in the chest with a Campbell pass...
3rd and long for the Redskins, incomplete -Briggs laid a big hit on the receiver.
Redskin's punt goes out of bounds at the Bears 39. No way they're punting to Devin in open space.
December 7, 2007
#77 said . . .Cornelius Griffin lands on Grossman's knee as Rex released the ball... Shit. This looks bad.
December 7, 2007
#78 said . . .Grossman is OUT for at least 1 game.
Brian Griese comes in for Grossman. On 3rd and 10 the Bears call a screen.
Haven't they realized they can't run they play?
Roberto Garza tackled AP before he caught the ball. Seriously.
I wonder if Brian is prepared for this? Probably not during the short week.
December 7, 2007
#79 said . . .Defense looks good. Izzy Idonije especially in place of injured A Adams.
Redskins punt to Hester who takes it back to about the Washington 40.
Please keep kicking to him. Please.
December 7, 2007
#80 Max said . . .Robbie Gould FG is partially blocked and comes to rest just before the goal line...
December 7, 2007
#81 Max said . . .damn it
come 10 minutes late and find rex got hurt. . . what is the injury, other than to the leg?
December 7, 2007
#82 said . . .NO GOOD!!!
December 7, 2007
#83 Max said . . .The Redskins are driving in Bears territory.
Chris Cooley gets stopped just short of the 1st.
Shuisam or whatever his his chance at a 48 yarder... NO GOOD! short.
December 7, 2007
#84 said . . .christ our offense suck. . . Griese sacked again on third and long
December 7, 2007
#85 said . . .They're calling it "a knee"
Bears offense is getting killed by the Redskins blitz.
Maynard punts it to the Washington 37.
December 7, 2007
#86 Max said . . .Adam Archuleta, who didnt start this game, comes up and makes a play in th backfield for a -3 yd gain
December 7, 2007
#87 Max said . . .Ironic. . . Skins have blitzed the second fewest blitzs in the NFL. . .
December 7, 2007
#88 Max said . . .Olin just went down the sideline saying "that was on the O-line. We gotta block". good Olin, but you should have been saying that along time ago
December 7, 2007
#89 said . . .3rd and 16 and they get 22 yards????
what the fuck?
December 7, 2007
#90 Max said . . .Mark Anderson sack!
3rd and 16...
Somemotherfucker runs on the field and gets tacked by Tommie and Security. Back to the game. Rodger Goddell does not look happy about that.
Fuck. Randle El over the middle for a big 1st down. 22yd pick-up.
The D has been doing that all year. Inconsistancy. Great plays on 1st and 2nd down, but let up a big play on 3rd and long.
End of the 1st quarter of play. 0-0 in an ugly, ugly game.
December 7, 2007
#91 Max said . . .I would be the Tom Thayer of this blog. . . i dont really tell ya whats going on, but i sure will get excited and then give my opinion about it.
December 7, 2007
#92 said . . .Urlacher misses a tackle??? gives up first down?? crap
December 7, 2007
#93 Max said . . .Urlacher misses the tackle that could have prevented a 1st down. Definitely not moving well out there.
Speaking of injuries, Antonio Garay hits the deck after trying to stand up. Will be see the cart? Fuck.
December 7, 2007
#94 said . . .Garay is down. . .
December 7, 2007
#95 Max said . . .Garay got clipped on the play. Another gruesome knee injury for the Bears.
December 7, 2007
#96 Max said . . .Ya gotta get there if ya blitz damn it
December 7, 2007
#97 Max said . . .Held them to another field goal attempt. . .good save
December 7, 2007
#98 said . . .MISSED AGAIN!!!!
December 7, 2007
#99 Max said . . .Bears Blitz and stop the Redskins on 3rd down.
Sushi misses again wide left. 37 yd FG is NO GOOD.
0-0
UGLY UGLY
December 7, 2007
#100 johnny said . . .third and long and we pick up the first. nice b squared
December 7, 2007
#101 Max said . . .offensive line not blocking worth a shit......BG doing good with his TE... OL not doing shit.
December 7, 2007
#102 Max said . . .blitzed and sacked again
December 7, 2007
#103 said . . .nother punt. . . . his own 45 and its a touchback
December 7, 2007
#104 Max said . . .3rd and short for the Bears at midfield...
Griese on a sneak- picks up enough for the 1st down.
quick slant to Moose for 8yds...
AP loses 2yds on the run...
Greg Olsen has a 1st down, flags on the play...
Bears get a 1st down at the Redskin 40...
Can't pick up a blitz, Brian's sacked... loss of 5.
AP draw gets about 7 before getting tackled by the ankles.
3rd down is a joke. more mis-communication.
Maynard punts the ball into the end-zone.
December 7, 2007
#105 johnny said . . .christ, i might go to hooters just to suffer through this game with beer.
December 7, 2007
#106 Max said . . .can't believe how ugly this game is. OL line not doing anything but causing another qb to get hurt...
December 7, 2007
#107 said . . .Campbell might be hurt??? McGown nailed him
December 7, 2007
#108 Max said . . .Jason Campbell took a shot before running out of bounds, doesn't look serious now. But the Redskins have to call a timeout. It'll be 3rd and about 4 after the break.
December 7, 2007
#109 craig said . . .forces nother punt. We get ball at our own 34.
December 7, 2007
#110 johnny said . . .Observations thus far:
1) the offensive line is truly terrible. Good thing we've got all that young talent waiting in the wings. Wait... Oh, sorry, I was thinking of another team.
2) Adrian Peterson is awesome. Wait... no sorry I was thinking of another team again. Our AP is not nearly as good as many had hoped. He's been a backup all these years for a reason. The reason? You can bring him down with a stiff slap.
3) Grieseball is boring. Hope the Sex Cannon is back next week.December 7, 2007
#111 said . . .pitiful, pitiful
December 7, 2007
#112 Max said . . .A quick 3rd and long for the Bears....
Greaseball hits AP on a screen for about 20+ yds.
Metcalf and Tait get flagged, aweful.
3rd and 13... ugh.
They can blitz all day long against a terrible Chicago O-Line.
Maynard puts the 'skins back on their own 30.
December 7, 2007
#113 Max said . . .god, terrible
December 7, 2007
#114 Max said . . .Cooley left with injury
December 7, 2007
#115 said . . .campbell down??? bringing on something to keep his leg immobile
December 7, 2007
#116 Max said . . .Campbell is GONE. Knee. Mark Anderson with a little payback for the Grossman injury. Kidding. But seriously, this game is prolly the worst Ive seen in over 2 years.
It's like watching womens basketball. Just ugly.
December 7, 2007
#117 said . . .that punt was good. . . cept it was the redskins putting us at our 1 yrd line
December 7, 2007
#118 Max said . . .Bears from their own 3 yd line... AP runs for about 2 yds.
2nd and 8 from the 5...
Quick out to BB for another 3 which brings up the 2 min warning.
It'll be 3rd and 5 for the Bears.
December 7, 2007
#119 said . . .short. . . . crap
December 7, 2007
#120 Max said . . .Play-action. Greasy running for his life. Gain of 1 maybe 2. cant pick up the 1st 4th down.
Maynard form the endzone. Randle -El returns in to the Bears 40...
December 7, 2007
#121 said . . .Maynard???? come on man. gotta be longer than 35 yards.
December 7, 2007
#122 said . . .Alex Brown knocked the ball loose from Collins.
'Wale with the recovery.
HEYYY!!!
December 7, 2007
#123 said . . .How does BB not run out of bounds there?
Another reason he's not a top 10 WR.
December 7, 2007
#124 said . . .So obvious.
Ron Turner.
So fucking obvious.
December 7, 2007
#125 NY Bears Fan said . . .I've never felt so bad about the Bears as I have watching that Washington TD...
December 7, 2007
#126 Shady McBears Fan said . . .The season is done at this point, they need to give Orton some reps to see what he can do. How the hell do they bring in Hester and then throw to him when everyone watching knows what is going to happenTurner is an idiot!!
December 7, 2007
#127 Rancid said . . .What the hell happened there at the end of the half?
So sick.
Another pick? It looks like Hester is a bit lost as a WR. More mis-communication. Lovie? Ron? You better not sugarcoat this one. For once, for the fans, be honest about the team already.
Whatever. I just hope we see some better football in the 2nd half.
December 7, 2007
#128 craig said . . .RT is so predictable, everyone knows what's coming besides Hester. The corner leaves him alone and runs the route that Hester was supposed to and BG throws to him. This game sucks
December 7, 2007
#129 NY Bears Fan said . . .Remember what it was like to watch our D last year?
So sad...
December 7, 2007
#130 Decatur Staley # 7 said . . .I swear sometimes these guys in the halftime show are idiots. They are talking about the lack of stretching and the weather. I don't think there is a stretch that allows you knee to go 45 degrees the wrong way. Cambells knee injury looks pretty nasty.
December 7, 2007
#131 said . . .Thank God there a half to go to
December 7, 2007
#132 said . . .Redskins on 3rd an 3....Screen.. Alll the way to the Bears 2 yd line.
Anyone else see Arch Deluxe miss the fuck outta that tackle?
HH and BM missed ones too.
December 7, 2007
#133 said . . .TD redskins.
14-0
December 7, 2007
#134 said . . .Hester looks human so far. That's OK, keep kicking it to him.
Bears from their own 13... incomplete, short run, now 3rd and 7.
Greasy pass is complete to Hester, short of the 1st.
Redskins were offsides, 5 yd pnlty brings up 3rd and 2.
DELAY OF GAME.
Back to 3rd and 7. Fcuk.
Greasy pass OMG.. Really?
Fucking BB with a crazy good catch, wow. 35 yd gain.
WOW!
December 7, 2007
#135 said . . .Greg with one of his own. Wow. That was nice. Bears are rolling, but wait, false start on Garza...
December 7, 2007
#136 Shady McBears Fan said . . .Laron Landry with a late hit on Moose. 15 yd personal foul.
We'll take it!
December 7, 2007
#137 Rancid said . . .Another false start.
Tait. Fuck.
Just throw the damn ball.
1st pass is batted down. Had Gilmore wide open for a TD.
2nd pass is complete to BB for a short gain.
3rd and 9. How about ANOTHER false start?
Fred Miller won't be denied! haha fuck! comically terrible.
3rd and 14. How about a delay of game? 6th penalty of the drive.
EMBARASSING.
3rd and 19. Short pass to Rash.
We'll see a Robbie Gould FG from 30 yds. Kick is Good!
Terrible. Same old same old. Still in it tho.
Bears 3
Redskins 14
December 7, 2007
#138 said . . .Amateur
December 7, 2007
#139 said . . .They reported Jason Campbell's kneecap was dislocated, but he'll be alright...
December 7, 2007
#140 said . . .All kinds of injuries tonight. Never seen a game like this one.
Bears still have a chance to get right back in the game if they can put one in the endzone. Let's see what Turner calls up here.
Bears 1st down at the Redskin 48 yd line.
December 7, 2007
#141 said . . .WOLFE WITH A 1st DOWN!
Sexy. Nice blocking.
OMG BB what an attempt. Lets see that 1 again...
Looks like a TD on the replay. Lovie has to challenge this 1.
December 7, 2007
#142 said . . .BB loves him a jump ball... they better overturn this one.
The call on the field was incomplete, but the replay clearly shows BB regained control and landed with his elbows IN BOUNDS.
C'mon refs, get it right.
December 7, 2007
#143 said . . .TOUCHDOWN BEARS!
Fuck Yeah Baby!
Way to play Bernard! X-tra point is good.
Bears 10
Redskins 14
December 7, 2007
#144 NY Bears Fan said . . .3rd and 11 and the Bears give up a 33 yard play.
So frustrating to watch this defense give up at the end of games.
December 7, 2007
#145 said . . .Chris Collinsworth makes a good point about the Bears getting beat on defense by the Giants on one play. They just don't make the right adjustments. That is just bad coaching as many have mentioned here before!!
How the hell was Cooley that opened in the middle of the field?
December 7, 2007
#146 said . . .Big 3rd and goal...
'Wale gets held but incomplete anyway.
Suhshi's kick is good.
Still a 1 score ball game.
Bears 10
Redskins 17
December 7, 2007
#147 said . . .The Bears have one guy to stop. Cooley. How hard can it be team? One guy!
December 7, 2007
#148 said . . .The Skunk has yet to spray.
December 7, 2007
#149 johnny said . . .Bears are trying to put a drive together here...
December 7, 2007
#150 said . . .dont understand, hester is in the offense and they move the ball. hes not in and 3 and out.. u figure it out..
December 7, 2007
#151 johnny said . . .3rd and goal!
C'mon Bears.
Cant punch it in. Could turn out to be a big play.
Gould FG is GOOD!
Bears 13
Redskins 17
December 7, 2007
#152 NY Bears Fan said . . .now its up to defense to stop them......
December 7, 2007
#153 said . . .What defense?
December 7, 2007
#154 said . . .Redskins on 3rd and 4 from the Bears 35...
1st down Randle El.
December 7, 2007
#155 said . . .Another 3rd down.
3rd and 6. Bears must get a stop here.
December 7, 2007
#156 Divine Hester said . . .What the hell kind of call was that? C'mon Babich!
Sad to see the defense play the way it has.
December 7, 2007
#157 said . . .Todd Collins goes 15/20, 224 yds, 2 TDs? Says it all...good night my Bears...
December 7, 2007
#158 Shady McBears Fan said . . .We're just a fart in the wind.
December 7, 2007
#159 johnny said . . .I would love to critique Lovie's decision making abilities here, but why waste the oxygen.
December 7, 2007
#160 Midway Monster said . . .theres our seaon up in smoke....no words can describe the dissapointment in our bears.....go bears
December 7, 2007
#161 Rancid said . . .**********************
Jeff, cannot get access to the site to post. I know it's not personal. Here is a quick mini-post:
++++++++++++
Our Post Season Wishes Ended Tonight
Midway MonsterHave you asked Santa for that cool Brian Griese - Rex Grossman reversible game jersey yet? I hope so because looks like you'll need one if your a Bear fan this year.
Rex was out in the 1st quarter but at least he didn't get carted off the field like his counterpart Campbell. Rex's left leg was awkwardly twisted as he was pounded into the ground and so were our wild card) playoff hopes for this year (and most likely to the Vikes).
Final: Bears 16, Skins 24
I am at a loss this season to explain what happened... I know we don't suck... but man, this sure sucks... maybe someone can help me explain what happened?
December 7, 2007
#162 Shady McBears Fan said . . .Orton time. He needs to start next week.
December 7, 2007
#163 Shady McBears Fan said . . .At least this damn Win-Loss Cha Cha is over.
Now all I care about is the Green Bay game. Time to end Favre's career.
December 7, 2007
#164 RandomName said . . .D. Ward last week, Todd Collins this week?
Pathetic from this defense.
Almost as pathetic as the o-line.
Has Grossman played his last game in a Bears uniform?
December 7, 2007
#165 said . . .so, devin hester the receiver emerges,
yeah 2007 is over but 2008 is right around the corner.
Garrett Wolfe turns out to be really good, I admittly didnt know much about him but turns out giving him some back to back play time makes the guy shine. who would've thunk.
I think our Defense is banged up and old, yeh it happens to all of us but really fast when you have high impact forces stressing your knees which goes along with the job description etc.
we need to see what kyle orton can do the rest of this season before we regret trading him.
sign berrian ( great td catch), sign devin(when his contract ends) .
umm guys at least after this loss it's not so bad, cause we knew it was coming.
5-11 should get us a good first round pick, what do you guys think?
December 7, 2007
#166 Rancid said . . .Worst loss of the year.
December 7, 2007
#167 Decatur Staley # 7 said . . .I do have to admit that we did see more Hester, Olsen, and Wolfe tonight. Too little, too late. And as far as the passes to Olsen go, the commentators said it best when he said that Griese could help Olsen out by actually throwing the ball on the field.
December 7, 2007
#168 Rancid said . . .Well,well stick Hester in an the D got account for him.
What a waste of a game.December 7, 2007
#169 Green Lantern said . . .There is no reason that Hester and Wolfe could not have been used in the way they were tonight before the 13th game of the season. This doesn't make RT look better, it proves how shitty he has been in the previous 12 games.
December 7, 2007
#170 RandomName said . . .this one pisses me off
not bc i thought the bears could still make the playoffs, but bc the bears suddenly decided they would use the people we all thought they would use in weeks 1-13. hester, olsen and wolfe are huge weapons and the offense gets a lot of yards in the second half.
go all the way and start NECKBEARD for the last three games. he deserves a shot. he was a first rounder coming into his senior year, and then played better than most rookies. give him his shot. please.
rex, so long. no hard feelings, but you're just not good/healthy enough.
December 7, 2007
#171 Max said . . .Anytime you are rooting for onside kicks to work you really shouldnt expect to win.
I say DA bears!
I'm glad to see the redskins win considering their loss.
Although the bears suffered a disappointing season I'm still proud to be a bears fan.
a little bit humbled, but still am happy.I hope the injured players heal up well, both teams of course.
dunno what else to say,
guess life goes on.
later
RN
December 7, 2007
#172 Shady McBears Fan said . . .fuck you life. . . fuck you
December 7, 2007
#173 Max said . . .Is it the draft yet?
Just give New England the damn trophy already, no need to play out the season.
SOMEBODY HAS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS SEASON!
December 7, 2007
#174 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .I'll take responsibility. . . i dont know why, but it sounds like a good idea. . . and hell, no one else is
December 7, 2007
#175 Shady McBears Fan said . . .No trash tonight.
I felt this way in 2005.
Shady...come on with the 'end Favre's career' comment. Understand the frustration, but let's at least have respect for each other's great players through the years. I will state this again, Walter was, and is still always, the best RB ever. Nobody will overtake his spot.
Yeah, cheer against us if you will, but in the end, let us still be able to sit in the bar and drink beer with friendly banter back and forth.
I'm telling you people, with as many Bear fans as there are, rally and put up the funds to buy the team from the McKaskeys...buy the team...be publicly owned...you guys don't deserve the ownership that you have.
A respectful, Bear down.
December 7, 2007
#176 WCPF said . . .It has been a personal dream of mine to see Favre's career come to an end at the hands of the Chicago Bears. Is that so wrong?
December 7, 2007
#177 Shady said . . .Sorry you feel that way shady.
I for one, would have rather have seen Emmit Smith's career end before he broke Walter's record.
Still think that he should hold it.
December 7, 2007
#178 RandomName said . . .No doubt. Emmit Smith is a selfish man. He put personal accomplishments ahead of the team, something #34 would have never done.
December 7, 2007
#179 WCPF said . . .turns out barry sanders was 5'7
same as garrett.dont count out the little guys yet.
had more weight to him, but the point shall be noted.
December 7, 2007
#180 RandomName said . . .I agree Shady. I hold a Pabst high and drink to Walter.
December 7, 2007
#181 Cheddar said . . .ok make that 5'8
same difference.RN
December 7, 2007
#182 Shady McBears Fan said . . .The four false starts and one delay penalty in the 3rd was somthing to behold
December 7, 2007
#183 Max said . . .You know what I can't wrap my head around tonight?
How can a team that went to the Superbowl a year ago have this many holes in the team the next?
You can look at the offensive line getting older. I mean Kruetz has played alright this year, but certainly not by his pro-bowl standards. Tait is out of position at left tackle and the rest of 'em are either banged up or washed up. I guess we're lucky to have 'em play as well as they did last year.
You can look at the defense losing it's identity and intimidating swagger. Ever since the Cowboys game, the unit has not been the same. As frustrating as it is to watch the defense fail to make plays each week, they are the same unit that carried the Bears to the Superbowl. This is one area where I can understand a bit of a hangover and when you add injuries, it makes for a down season. If this defense is to become dominant again, they need to find a way to create pressure on the QB.
Many questions remain about next year: Will Lance Briggs be back? Mike Brown? Can we depend on Dusty Dvoracek to play? Is Rex Grossman going to remain a Bear? What about Berrian? One thing IS clear: The Bears need to improve their offensive line.
Top Priorities of the off-season:
1. OT - The team's biggest weakness needs to be addressed after being neglected for so many years.
2. RB - I look at Michael Turner as the only possible solution to this problem.
3. S - Isn't it ironic that at the beginning of the season, the Bears thought they had enough depth at this position and let Chris Harris go. Question marks remain in Brown and Payne.
4. DT/LB/Coaching- The defense needs a player who can immediately insert some energy and play-making ability to help re-gain some of that swagger. An aggressive run-stopper or another LB would help considering the uncertainty surrounding both Briggs AND Urlacher. And coaching. Something needs to change. Obviously when you preach 'getting back to basics' through week 10 you're not doing your job. Whether it's an issue of motivation and effectiveness or simply big egos, something needs to change.
5. QB- We need a player who can take over a game, without giving it away. I just don't trust the decision-makers with this choice which is why they should stay away from investing too much selecting a franchise QB to groom. Let Griesman and Orton run the show while fixing other offensive positions that make the QB more successful.
This season is almost as disappointing as how wonderful last year was. One season was a case of far exceeding my tempered expectations while the other is a case of getting smacked back down to earth. A lot has to do with perspective, so I guess it's all about how you look at things.
December 7, 2007
#184 Augie said . . .Orton . . . if Rex is done, then we gotta see what hes got.
i swear to God if we didnt have Hester then i probably woulda shot myself at about the second lions game.
December 7, 2007
#185 Phil from SATX said . . .fuck.
December 7, 2007
#186 Rancid said . . .I guess I am glad I didn't see this one - although I will subject myself to the misery of watching it tonight. I'd like to see Garrett, sounds like he did a good job, and I guarantee it will just make me hate RT more.
The only good news I can see about this is we may have saved a little money on re-signing Rex. Because I am still for that. That knee injury doesn't prove he's injury-prone, it just proves that our O-line SUCKS SHIT. I believe that was the long time backup Terry Metcalf who was laying on his back as Rex got hammered? Am I right?
O-line and safety have to be the focus in the off-season. Hand Orton the reins for the rest of the season - if he shows like he could be the future (doubtful) you could actually go in with these 3 guys next year, and have Rex and Orton compete in training camp.
Play rookies/promising backups the rest of the way, especially on Oline - get out there Beekman and Lavoir, let's see what you got! I bet it's more than these old farts, and you'll get needed experience.
Can we have a firing of a coordinator this week? Just to get fans excited for next year?
Go Backups!
One last question - for those who were against signing Berrian (at least for the top 10 money he'll be looking for) did last night change your mind? (without seeing the game, I'll still opine that it shouldn't, but want to hear from those who saw it)
December 7, 2007
#187 Al in WI said . . .Phil - concerning Berrian. I was watching the LIVE version off the nfl.com website. I got to see a lot more of the game than I expected. I was feeling a lot better about BB and then one of the announcers stated: "this guy has sticky hands". I laughed out loud. No, no he doesn't. He did last night. This season in general has been hands of stone. And have no doubts , I think he's a good receiver. The knock on Berrian is the perception being put out there that he wants top 10 money. If he played as well as he did last night all season, then give it to him. But he hasn't. If he is reasonable about his value then sign him.
In reality though, a smart BB will go elsewhere. He has a solid 06 season on his side, and a great excuse for this year in the revolving QB situation. He's made 2 fantastic TD catches the last couple weeks and if he can finish with a few more good games he'll have raised his stock enough to get money he's not worth. Plus, what's his motivation to stay in Chicago with the huge questions about our QB situation next year. That could kill his career. All things considered I can't him being here next year.
December 7, 2007
#188 Fifty and Four said . . .The Chicago Bears are as lifeless and mild as they're head coach. That was about as pathetic an excuse of a preformance as we've seen in a long time. And since it's only about 4th or 5th time this season they have come out flat and uninspired, that's saying something.
This team is a disgrace to the uniform at this point. And this coaching staff from Losey Smith on down is nothing but garbage. What a joke.
Chris Collinsworth had it best when he described the Bear preformance and unproffesional and embarrasing. About sums it up.
Phil, I like you man. I can't in the spirit of the Christmas season advise you to watch that game. It's horrible, and 100% sure to piss you off in a big way.
December 7, 2007
#189 Phil from SATX said . . .SHADY... you and I, and damn near everyone here has had ENOUGH! As I wrote back in September, write off this season.
(Brian G, you never had a chance -the deck was stacked against you. Thanks for what you tried to do, now goodbye.)Face the inevitable - Rebuilding
This time, how about if it's done right? Start off giving the boot to a coach who has settled for more 3 pointers per game than ANY coach in the history of the Bear. TOSS this Yawner.. he doesn't have the FIRE a Monster of the Midway has in the heart.
Give ALL the present QB's a chance to park cars OUTSIDE the stadium. I refuse to further address dead issues.
~ Hester for President - 'nuff said
The NEW head coach in the off season - has to address things like towing around losing players. While I don't dislike Robbie G, he's a little too small and weak to be MY kick-off guy. Let's look for people physically capable of what we ask them to do. Yeah sure "heart" is a factor, and if "Walter" was alive today he'd be my benchmark for it, but Payton would also agree that having the Fridge as a QB regardless of how much heart, it would be a wash. So let's be REAL in the off season. The coaching staff neeeeeeeeeeds a make-over PERIOD. It's not going to be pretty and it sure as hell isn't going to be quick since the Mc Caskets are always trying to pull pennies out of the club, but if REAL Dyed in the Wool BEAR'S fans get up in arms, I have a feeling the pressure would get us both management and a team capable of making Chicago's colors something to be proud of again.Dear Santa,
Please, OH GOD PLEASE, bring Chicago a franchise QB that will sign before the Mc Caskey bunch realize he has talent and potential, and also he'd have the heart AND the "cojonays" of Jim McMann - so he'll tell them to F_CK OFF and play his game and WIN with touchdowns.
P.S. I left your Hot Chocolate and Cookies in the red zone, they'll be safe there until next year.
December 7, 2007
#190 Bill said . . .You made me laugh, Al. I still will watch it if only for more rant material - plus I am really anxious to watch the little bad Wolfe. I totally agree 100% with you about the coaching situation right now, and I am really praying for a dramatic move to be made by the BT - Jerry Angelo and Ted Phillips are smart men, and they have to see what we're seeing.
Amazing how much luster can be rubbed off a coach in one season. But as all who participate here can attest to, it's NOT about the win-loss record this year - it goes so far beyond that - so many bad decisions, so much brutal game-day coaching, off-the-chart stupid comments regarding the games, inability to get the right people on the field, and the single most damning thing at all, the complete inability to lead this team and get them to play with heart.
The little I've read about the game has convinced me that after watching the game, I will be 100% in the belief that Lovie Smith is a BAD BAD coach who needs to be fired.
December 7, 2007
#191 Decatur Staley # 7 said . . .I won't say to much yet becuase I suspect there will be a new post soon.
I just hope Lovie acknowledges the obvious at some point - this year the Bears really sucked. But he won't - publiclly.
An interesting offseason awaits. I can't wait. For now, we really need to see Orton. Not that I think he'll be our starter next year - but is he worth anything? Can we get a draft choice for him?
We have too many holes to worry about QB next year. Ladies and Gentlemen - we are officially in rebuilding mode.
December 7, 2007
8-8 is it possible?That's all I got left to hope for...
Bear Down
December 7, 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.