Dear Chicago Bears,
I know this letter comes a bit too late into the season but I thought I should send it anyways. It'd be easier if you'd answer my phone calls, but I understand. This has been a difficult time for both of us but know that I love you and I will continue to love you until they've bought the box and booked the parlor.
That being said...cut the shit. Go out on the field Sunday and give your devoted fans a day to remember. There's an entire generation of young fans who don't understand the significance of this game. Of this rivalry. Of Bears v. Packers. Show them Sunday by staging the kind of four quarter assault you've so consciously avoided all season long. Show them that this game still matters to you as much as it matters to the city around you. Maybe you could...
CHICAGO BEARS 27
CHEESE 13
Maybe?
#2 Al in WI said . . .I will be watching the Green Bay game in Chicago with my other Bears family. I hope it is exciting. The season is a downer, but I would like to have a win leading me into Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Josie Woods! Merry Christmas, Dabearsblog!
December 21, 2007
#3 Al in WI said . . .For the Bears to win this game, they'll need to follow the blue print of Dave Wanstad's 1993 Bears. On a December day that year the Bears had a pathetic Ron Turner offense lead by a morose qb in Jim Harbaugh. That offense came up with 3 points that day and yet the Bears still won based off of 3 interceptions for touchdowns.
If that happens, we'll have a chance to keep it close. And if the Packers kick to Devin we'll have a shot to win.
Not gonna happen. Kyle Orton versus Harris/Woodson..........
Packers 38
Bears 9December 21, 2007
#4 Bill said . . .& #54 breaks #4's left leg
December 21, 2007
#5 Phil from SATX said . . .Packers 31
Bears 17Packers still playing for homefield advantage and Favre smells another ring.
Bears playing for pride and sadly I'm not sure they have any. (Most of them that is.)If they ddi they woudl have performed better this year. I hope we saw their best when it mattered; now that it doesn't, I almost HOPE they don't play better - because it means they coudl have all along.
If Mike's theory is correct - that it's the players more than the coaches - we lose big. Becuase I don't see any different players out there.
December 21, 2007
#6 jeff said . . .The sad thing is, Bears would probably win this game if they played the Grease. They will probably lose it with Orton.
But I'm sticking to my guns:
Bears 17
Packers 14and the only in-game prediction is that Packers line up to kick a field goal to send it into overtime and it is BLOCKED by none other than Izzy the Great.
I mentioned previously, story line of this game will be the Bears resurgent D (behind Vasher and Chicago's newest sensation, The Big Toe) throttling the Packers' O. But I do feel stronger about the 14 number than I do about the 17 by the Bears. After all, we were in this position last week and... no end of game heroic drives in sight.
Hopefully the 17 gets posted PRIOR to the need for end of game heroics.
Go Bears! On Vasher, On Tillman! Go Toe!
December 21, 2007
#7 Mike said . . .rams just retired number 28. why the hell cant we retire 50?
December 21, 2007
#8 big rob said . . .My Christmas wish? That the Bears lose the next two games and enhance their position in next April's draft. Because I want to hear the words "with the x pick in the 2008 NFL Draft the Chicago Bears select Offensive Tackle Jake Long, University of Michigan."
December 21, 2007
#9 Pissed Off said . . .Bears 31
Packers 17It's one of those early day games that St. Urlacher loves... Hopefully Al's prediction will come true in post #3... GO BEARS!!
December 21, 2007
#10 PolygonHell said . . .Hey mike, do you want us to draft Jake Long or something?
Did you go to NIU by chance?
I'm in North Dakota and its snowing to beat hell right now. I predict this will continue to move east toward Illinois and either it will be snowing hard during the game Sunday (giving us a better chance to win) or it will have passed by then and the field will have been tarped but fans still get to sit in snow covered seats.
December 21, 2007
#11 Willie from Chicago said . . .I just hope for a good game win or loose.
I'm just looking to see something positive in the last few games.
Oviously I'd prefer we beat the Packers, but I lost most of my emotional investment in the games a couple of weeks ago.
December 21, 2007
#12 Rancid said . . .GUYS, you know what I hope happens, I hope that Dallas wins this Saturday forcing the Cheese to win to stay alive for home field and the Bears knock them out of it.
Even though I am a "young fan" I still know that this is the most important game of the year, Ive always thought the Bears vs Packers games in December were the most inportant for the sole reason that the winning team will get the last laugh for the year.
Not only do I want a win, but I want the players on this team to play the best game theyve played all year, to leave it all on the field. I want are Defense to make a statement that they still are a great Defense that can stop one of the Best offenses (greenbay) dead in there tracks.
I want the Bears to beat the shit out of those cheesy fuckers and hopefuly take out #4 in the procces. I ve always hated the packers more than anything in my short life. THIS GAME IS OUR SUPERBOWL for this season.
Mike, even if we loose out, were not getting Jake Long. At best we might get the 9th spot. Unless Miami trades there pick to us, its not gonna happen my friend.
Im gonna be at the game so I hope the Bears come away with a victory.
Bears-24
Cheese Heads-21Well Merry Christmas to everyone at Da Bears blog and thanks for letting me be a part of it for this season, I look forward to a much improved Bears in 2008!
BEAR DOWN!
December 22, 2007
#13 Tone Capone from Jersey said . . .Mike - I'm with you on Long. I was really hoping that Calvin Johnson was going to fall to us last year at #31. (tongue in cheek)
December 22, 2007
#14 Mike said . . .I'm loving your letter Coach Jeff....(look out Lovie!!!)...Kudos to you my friend!
Merry Christmas to you all!!!!
GO BEARS!
December 22, 2007
#15 Max said . . .If the draft were held today then the Bears would have the #10 pick. Sorry, but I'm rootin' for two more losses to move up the charts in hopes of getting Jake Long. Angelo won't dare take Matt Ryan or Brian Brohm and would be stupid enough to pass on Chris Long. McFadden will be gone by the time the Bears pick.
So yeah, I'm holding out hope that fate shines on us and that we get Long. But first things first. We need to have the Bears get their nuts handed to them for two more games. I dont' care of Green Bay beats us 14-13 or 45-0. Just win cheesehead.
December 22, 2007
#16 Shady McBears Fan said . . .GOING TO THE GAME ON SUNDAY!! PO'ed, I hope it snows hardcore on for the game. I dont mind sitting in it. I am driving up from central Illinois tomorrow afternoon and staying with relatives so I can wake up and start tailgating early. Anyone who is going drop me a line, Bears3771@msn.com, it would be a pleasure to share a beer with another Bears blogger.
To my prediction:
Bears 23 Packers 20.
I have nothing to base that on. . . just hope and Natty.
December 22, 2007
#17 Rancid said . . .Mike, get off Jake Long's jockstrap. He's not going to be around when the Bears are on the clock, even if they drop the last 2 games. LET IT GO. Mentioning his name over and over is an exercise in futility. A more productive exercise would be to evaluate middle to late 1st round talent for when JA trades DOWN.
Max, enjoy the game and brews you lucky bastard.
Toss a snowball at #4 for me.December 22, 2007
#18 Al in WI said . . .throw one at 4 for me too, but put a rock in mine
December 22, 2007
#19 Midway Monster said . . .It does look like snow and the could really help because GB is a pass first team. Could keep it close...
December 22, 2007
#20 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .Sorry I have not been posting this week- being Packer Week and all. But I've been busy toilet papering anyone in my surrounding area trees who have a Packer bumper sticker, flag, or house painted yellow/green. It's just my way of setting the tone of the game.
-- Midway --
PS - Dear Santa: Screw the gifts... My Christmas wish is for 'Brian U' to sack 'Bret F' big time.
December 22, 2007
#21 Al in WI said . . .Al, you may want to check the stats before you label the Pack as the 'pass first' team. Through 14 games, the Packers have 520 pass attempts, while the Bears have 526. The big difference is in the total yardage...4008 vs. 3079.
While the Packers have a pedestrian 3.8 yards per carry on the ground, the Bears are 32nd with a 3.1 yard per carry average.
Special teams will be the difference maker. If Lovie and Dave Toub (the latest Bears assistant who's name is being mentioned as a head coaching candidate) were smart, they would put their hands team on for all kickoffs; the Pack will NOT kick the ball anywhere near Devin 'I'm Ridiculous' Hester. A Mark Bradley or Bernard Berrian in positioned around the 40 would give the Bears the best chance to score on the kick.
December 22, 2007
#22 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .WCPF, I can only assume that you are being a little sensitive or looking to be offended. Because if you watch your team you know they pass to set up the run, and rely heavily on their strengths of Favre and the WR core.
These stats you site are misleading as the packers have been protecting leads late in game while the bears have been trailing.
Either way the Bears running game isn't great for sure, but their best chance to win is a low scoring game decided by a turnover or one big play.December 22, 2007
#23 WCPF said . . .Al, I am in no way looking to be offended, just pointing out some numbers. You are correct in your assessment of the play progression, especially early on in the season.
I agree with your assessment of the game; if the same defense that showed up on Monday night rears it's ugly head tomorrow, this has the potential to be one of those low-scoring slugfests that we enjoy watching.
Offended? No. Hell, I'd like to meet up with many of you in the off season to talk football. Once we get beyond the 'my team is better than yours' banter, it is fun to see an outsiders perspective on the state of your team.
The frequency of my posts will be in direct correlation to the number of points the Pack scores tomorrow :)
December 23, 2007
#24 johnny el paso said . . .Just finished grilling some steaks out here in the western suburbs. Gotta be about 50 degrees out, with the wind starting to kick up a bit (that's why they call it the 'Windy City!').
Hard to beleive that by noon tomorrow, there will be blowing snow and near zero wind chills. Be sure to pack that extra flask of brandy if you're going to the game tomorrow.
Time to pull for the Panthers.
December 23, 2007
#25 BearDown1982 said . . .JUST POSTING TO WISH EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR.. TO ALL MY BEAR FAITHFULS BEAR DOWN..
December 23, 2007
#26 big rob said . . .I just woke up...and the first thing I heard was the wind absolutely howling outside. Went outside to grab the paper, and the navity scene was spread around the yard like a tornado just hit. Great day for a ball game!
Regardless, I'll be at the game today with 5+ layers on and my Mike Brown jersey tightly fitting over all of them. It's certainly been a shitty year, but I'll cheer them on just as loudly today as I did last year when things were going just a bit better for us. :o)
Enjoy the game today everybody and Happy Holidays Bear fans everywhere.
December 23, 2007
#27 big rob said . . .18 degrees with a wind chill of -1 at kickoff and a solid 30mph winds..... gonna be a great day for football boys!! BEAR DOWN!! GO BEARS!!
December 23, 2007
#28 Midway Monster said . . .oh yeah and 2-4 inches of blowing snow too...
December 23, 2007
#29 johnny el paso said . . .3 zip yeah
-- Midway --
December 23, 2007
#30 T said . . .I hate to say this but I want the pack to win this one...I LOVE MY BEARS but I do not want the COWGIRLS to have homefield. I want them to go up to Lambeau field and play the PACK....SAY WHAT YOU WILL BUT I HATE THE COWBOYS. I HATE ALL THE COWBOY FANS AND WOULD BE SWEET TO SEE FALL OUT OF PLAYOFFS UP IN LAMBEAU..SORRY BEAR FANS.
December 23, 2007
#31 Midway Monster said . . .Nice drop Moose. ASSHOLE
December 23, 2007
#32 johnny el paso said . . .Johnny El - you just made my shit list. Screw the Pack!
-- Midway --
December 23, 2007
#33 T said . . .SORRY MIDWAY BUT YOU DONT UNDERSTAND HOW HARD ITS BEEN LIVING IN TEXAS AND LISTENING TO ALL THESE COWGIRL FANS.TALKING SHIT ABOUT THE COWGIRLS GOING TO THE SB......I UNDERSTAND HOW YOU FEEL.. I STILL LOVE MY BEARS....
December 23, 2007
#34 Midway Monster said . . .Hope AP can hold up. He's headed for abou a 35 carry game.
December 23, 2007
#35 Midway Monster said . . .yeah 3 more!
-- Midway --
December 23, 2007
#36 Midway Monster said . . .Johnny El - you don;t know how hard it is balh blah blah. Snap out of it man! (e-slap in the face)! Screw the Pack.
-- Midway --
December 23, 2007
#37 T said . . .Dang!
-- Midway --
December 23, 2007
#38 johnny el paso said . . .FUCK
December 23, 2007
#39 Midway Monster said . . .MIDWAY FORGIVE ME......I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL......FUCK THE PACK BUT FUCK THE COWGIRLS MORE.....
December 23, 2007
#40 T said . . .No Sir, never give up a Bear win under any circumstances. You take you licks with the Cowboys and suck it up. What matters year after year is the Bears.
Damn Pack just scored. crap.
-- Midway --
December 23, 2007
#41 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .D manning took himself out of the play leaving the whole left side open after the line/
December 23, 2007
#42 WCPF said . . .Yep, the Bears are taking it to the Pack today. I hate to say it, but Orton is doing a better job in the conditions than Favre. One more score and you guys will put it out of reach.
Glad I benched Favre in my fantasy league today. Should have picked up your Adrian Peterson.
You guys (and gals) notice that both upper decks on the east side of the stadium were empty to start the 2nd half?
December 23, 2007
#43 WCPF said . . .The Bears need to dome the stadium, then recreate these conditions for every game.
Guaranteed 8-0 at home.
December 23, 2007
#44 MickeyBundles said . . .and...Ron Turner looks like a genius today.
December 23, 2007
#45 WCPF said . . .The Packers should be able to hang in this weather. Let's not pretend like the playing field isn't level. GB can get even worse weather-wise.
December 23, 2007
#46 Rancid said . . .From bad to worse for us.
Have a great Christmas all.
December 23, 2007
#47 Midway Monster said . . .I like the Big Toe. I'm pulling for him to have a roster spot here nest season.
December 23, 2007
#48 oh shit said . . .4th Quarter and we're up by 21 - thank you Santa! 15 more mins left- play on boys play on!
-- Midway --
December 23, 2007
#49 Midway Monster said . . .where was this bears team all season?
December 23, 2007
#50 Midway Monster said . . .YEAH 35 points!
-- Midway --
December 23, 2007
#51 Green Lantern said . . .Big Brian TD! YES!
Come guys, lets get into the 50's!
-- Midway --
December 23, 2007
#52 Midway Monster said . . .amazing day. love the conditions, and love the fact that the pack are going to have to play in lambeau in january with a team that wants to play in a dome.
just like with us in 01, the pack are going 13-3 this year with TWO losses to the rival.
only wondering where this has been all year....promise for next year is there, they just need to draft 3 offensive linemen....and trade for a QB that's passable (all puns intended)
December 23, 2007
#53 Duff Diggler said . . .Well - contrary to all of you; this game was wonderful and I love the fact we beat the damn Pack twice. I have a smile on my face you'll need a crowbar to undo.
Way to crap under Favre's Christmas tree! YES!
Game ball to Brian U!
-- Midway --
December 23, 2007
#54 Rancid said . . .35-7...poetic justice...
December 23, 2007
#55 Rancid said . . .No problem with a game ball to #54, but Alex Brown played a nice one too.
December 23, 2007
#56 Al in WI said . . .Are there really any true Bears fans out there who having just watched that can say "oh, shit there goes our draft position"? I don't understand that, never will.
December 23, 2007
#57 Bear Fan In Minnesota said . . .Great day!!! Absolutely perfect game today by the Bears. It's the first complete game effort since January in playoffs. Just great!!!!
Kudos are needed for a couple of routine punching bags:
Ron Turner: Understood the conditons and picked his spots for pass plays. A really outstanding game calling plays from him. First of the year yes, but the guy did a great job. Especially compared to the Packer play calling.
O-line. They really took apart that front of the Packers all day. Best effort and play even with some false starts. This has been lacking all year, and I think it shows how much better Ron T looks when these guys play like this. Olin made it look like a rivalry out there.
Orton: Look I'm not going to support any getting carried away with this, but he handled the conditions better then Favre. He is a game manager, and did a good job of that today.
I'm not sure what has happened to the defense the last two weeks that they have played so much better but it's great to see and offers some hope for next year.December 23, 2007
#58 T said . . .A sweep of the Pack is almost as sweet as a winning the Superbowl. Gotta love watching Brett Favre look that bad in Chicago.
December 23, 2007
#59 NY Bears Fan said . . .AL...#56...Agree with all. With respect to defense it has been coached differently the last two games. Instead of playing not to lose or bend but not break (I think "on their heels backing up" is more accurate) they were on the attack. Rearely did you see three linebackers drop back when the ball was snapped leaving the D line to do it all. If you watch earlier games you will see a big difference in the defenseive schemes. Maybe Babbich figured out it's hard to stop the run when you have your linebackers backpeddling every down. Also hard to stop the pass if the line can't pressure the QB by themselves. Not saying never do it - just not every fucking play. Keeping 54 near the line brings him back into more of the game too.
Also after watching the Bears for 40+years it's great to see them finally start to run an effective screen pass. That will help slow the rush. Orton's height can help on a screenif he can develop the right touch....no, that isn't a plug for KO. Let's see who is still a Bear after roster changes before we start our QB debate
December 23, 2007
#60 Shamen said . . .It was good to see how well the defense played today without Briggs. I think Williams played a great game as well. I forget who it was who said they wanted to see the Bears lose to bolster their draft position but that is just ridiculous. Look what the momentum did for the Packers at the end of last year. Playing well going into the offseason seems to be a lot better than getting a bit of a higher pick.
December 24, 2007
#61 Brian in WI said . . .What a happy day! As a Bear fan living in Cheeseland nothing makes my day like beating the Packers. I can now rub it in to my friends and neighbors!
Some quick things I really liked today:
- McKie picking up short yardage on third and fourth downs for first downs
- the O-line getting the surge necessary to get above mentioned first downs
- Garret Wolfe in space (Wolves in Spaaaaaace! :-) where he can use his shiftiness
- Orton's generally accurate passing in what Favre called "the worst conditions I've ever played in"
- Greg Olsen out-leaping defenders to snag the 2 point conversion - hope to see lots more of that in the end zone next year
- Jamar Williams. Makes me wonder if we should put the Briggs money into some O-line help instead of resigning Briggs.
- AP slogging it out for a *tough* 100 yard game
- Outstanding special teams. Mike McCarthy called the Bears special teams the strength of the team, and I believe he is right.
December 24, 2007
#62 Al in WI said . . .I love Al's prediction of the leg break. I would be frustrated too if The Bears ever had a quarterback that dominated the Packers the way Favre has dominated the Bears (in their own house). Go Pack ! ! Brett will go down as the greatest ever and the rediculous Bears will continue to draft the Kyle Orten's and Rex Grossman's of the league.
Good Job Al ! ! Whatever makes you sleep at night. Enjoy the Playoffs.
December 24, 2007
#63 Al in WI said . . .Brian, I will, especially watching the dome team packers go one and done with bad weather.
As for the comment, I actually was impersonated on that but thought it was funny so I left it alone I guess.December 24, 2007
#64 Rancid said . . .Ps. It's not like I want the Bears to stoop to the Charles Martin level or anything.
December 24, 2007
#65 John said . . .This Brian guy is odd. Usually opposing fans show up before the game and then diappear when the they lose. Brian waits until after his team gets blown out, then shows up to talk trash.
December 24, 2007
Da Bears are awesome! While everyone else is jumping on the Pats, Cowboys bandwagon, it is nice to find devoted, loyal, commited fans still exist in this country. Thanks Bears fans and Merry Christmas!!!!!!!
December 24, 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.