I just want to say quickly that the advocating of losing over winning is never something you’ll ever read on this website. What in hell could be gained from losing? According to some of you, two things - both complete nonsense. (1) A higher draft pick. First of all, the Bears will trade this pick if they can and secondly if they don’t, their track record is horrible at the top of the first round. (2) The last place schedule (or the silliest myth in football). The last place schedule involves only two games and next year it would mean getting the Falcons and either the Eagles or Redskins. So I’m supposed to root for the Bears to lose out so they can play the Falcons next year? What big draft pick did the Packers make this offseason to take over the division?
You get sixteen games a year from the football gods. You have to earn the 17th. I cherish all sixteen and I want to win every one.
Onto the field…where Kyle Orton has given Monday Night Football some juice next week.
The Monday press conference was dominated by the news of Kyle Orton’s ascension the quarterbacking throne of the Chicago Bears. Clips of both Lovie Smith’s and KO’s interviews are available on da site and I recommend you both check them out. A few things I found interesting:
Lovie was asked if the move to Orton signals the beginning of an evaluation process and he responded rather authoritatively, “Kyle gives us the best chance to win this week.� If that’s the truly the case, then Monday officially announced the end of the Good Brian/Bad Brian era for the Chicago Bears. I hoped Griese would provide a stable, veteran presence at a position that desperately needed it. He just made too many mistakes.
In the Orton interview, the first thing you’ll notice is that he looks like a Franciscan monk. Either that or he looks like a seventeen year-old boy just cast in his high school production of Luther. He said what was expected until asked if he though he’d start the rest of the season.
"If I play well against Minnesota, I’ll be able to play the next game and the next game…and the next game…"
That last next game? Opening day 2008. One thing became abundantly clear watching him. The Monk does not believe he’s understudying the lead role. The Monk believes he’s auditioning for the lead role and he seems to believe he’s got the chops. Orton’s self-abnegation has been astounding, never sounding off to the press, never raising his voice. How can you not root for the guy to succeed?
#2 Chi-Town Joe said . . .If there was one player who has been kicked around the most by this organization, it has to be Kyle Orton. He deserves a shot at playing time more than anyone else on this team.
Next on my list would be Hass, Bradley, Wolfe, Beekman and Davis. But that's another story.
December 11, 2007
#3 Borat said . . .I think that giving Orton a chance at QB for the rest of the year would be a great idea. Having an experienced veteran player who has definitely earned his wings as QB, not to mention the wavering injury status of Griese and Grossman.
Overall, playing Orton will lead us to see whether or not we need to draft a more experienced QB or if we can get a younger one and hope that in 3 years he can lead our team. I don't see this as a last resort, I see it as a fortune telling.December 11, 2007
#4 Chi-Town Joe said . . .Waaaaaat?
December 11, 2007
#5 Chi-Town Joe said . . .By the way, I may spend some more time on here, it's definitely proven to be my best source for Bears talk... seeing as I never shut my mouth about sports...
December 11, 2007
#6 BearDown1982 said . . .And regarding his aspiration to play the '08 opener, I think that if he does good, we draft a young player, and if our offensive coordinator gets a brain, he'll have that game locked in tight. Unless the QB we (hopefully) draft does amazingly well in the preseason, I don't see any reason we'd start him.
December 11, 2007
#7 Chi-Town Joe said . . .Never thought I'd say this...but I actually think we have more pressing needs than QB right now. I am much more concerned about who will be blocking for whatever QB is behind center in 2008...but, let's face it, having a quality QB would make everything else that much easier.
It will be an interesting last three games with Orton behind center if nothing else. With any luck, our offensive line will give him some time to show us what he can do...without any luck, they just might get him killed!
Regardless, Go Bears!
December 11, 2007
#8 Borat said . . .hahaha and keep in mind, he'll be behind the best center in football...
Kruetz: The Only Reliable Piece of Our Offense...December 11, 2007
#9 PolygonHell said . . .Waaaaat?
December 11, 2007
#10 Willie from Chicago said . . .Let's face it, not starting Orton would be bigger news at this point, since it would have shown a complete lack of faith in him.
Honestly I really hope he does well.
I really would like us to carry some positives out of the 07 season. If you look at Green Bays current strength it didn't magically start this season, the defense really stepped up there in the last 3 or 4 games last year.
I'd like us to get something going and get some inertia going into 08.
December 11, 2007
#11 Rancid said . . .Well Orton was okay in his first year with the bears but that only worked out because we had a dominating D and thomas jones.
And not to mention a reliable O line.And now we have none of those. If were gonna win this week it will be because Orton is gonna come out throwing.
If we get some momentum going for the offense and in the proccess letting the defense rest then we will win the game, especially if Vasher plays.
Like ive said for a while now, if the bears win this game then we can win out. If we win out I know that we WILL make th playoffs.
BEAR DOWN!
December 11, 2007
#12 Shady said . . .We need to pull for every Bears QB to be successful. So I am 100% pulling for Orton to succeed in a big way. A couple of things from the last few posts.
1. The argument that Orton must be bad because he's been evaluated by the coaches to be 3rd string is suspect. I don't trust RT and Lovie to evaluate/properly use talent. I'm not saying he's good, I'm just saying that I'm not taking RT's opinion on anything seriously.
2. We seem to assume that it is up to the BT to decide if Rex returns. If Rex gets a similar offer from somewhere else, I would think that he would leave. While I think it is most likely that Rex will be resigned, we can't take it for granted.
3. 100% agree that QB is NOT our most pressing need. Especially those that call for Donovan. Pair him with this line and you might as well chisel the date of the 2008 opener into his tombstone, because he will die that day. The current line cannot protect him. So that must be our first order of business. This is also why I fear for KO. This is not a line I would want to audition behind.
December 11, 2007
#13 Willie from Chicago said . . .Great point to what GB and their young defense did at the end of last year.
I just don't see it coming from the Bears with their aging O-Line. You never know, Kyle Orton could really show fans something at the end of the year with his performance. And if not Orton, then maybe we see it from G-reg, Wolfe, Hass or Hester as a WR.December 11, 2007
#14 b said . . .But in the press confrence Lovie said that Kyle led them to the winning streak in 2005, It was more the other way around.
December 11, 2007
#15 Willie from Chicago said . . .Ha bears suck. I hope Kyle Neckbeard getts injured this week. Then the bears will get killed by the packers. hahahahahahahaha.
Go packers
December 11, 2007
#16 where's Olsen? said . . .b, How about you go die. Why is a 40 year old packers fan talking on a bears site from his moms basement?
The packers are going 1 and done this year so get over it. Go shoot yourself.December 11, 2007
#17 where's Olsen? said . . ."Rex Grossman is our Quarterback"
December 11, 2007
#18 jeff said . . .HOW CAN EVERYONE FORGET THAT ORTON COULD NOT HIT THE BROAD SIDE OF A BARN WHEN HE THREW? ?? That the Bears CLEARLY won in SPITE of him??? That the city PINED for Rex, who promptly outplayed him when he returned????
ARRRRRRGHHH!! THE QB NIGHTMARE WILL NEVER END!!!!December 11, 2007
#19 Mike said . . .god if there's one fan i welcome on here its the packer fan...i remember we couldnt keep them off the site when they won at the end of last season. suddenly, our win this year means nothing.
December 11, 2007
#20 Mike said . . .Kyle Orton looks like a freakin idiot with that haircut. Yet another liberal politically correct douche bag trying to make a fashion statement by not bathing and letting his hair grow out. But I digress.
Let Orton play. What can it hurt. I'm not expecting much. The bigger thing to do is sit Urlacher and Harris the remainder of the season.
December 11, 2007
#21 Al in WI said . . ....and another thing. Why is it that Lovie looks like he was just got hit with a tranquilizer dart everytime he is at the podium talking to the press?
December 11, 2007
#22 Mike said . . .Kyle Orton was nothing short of awful his year as the Bears starting quarterback. He rarely threw for more than 175 yards and had only 9 td's in 15 games.
The 2005 Chicago Bears defense was one of the best in franchise history. Only once in the 9 (he started the 10th but Rex won it) games the Bears won with Orton did the opposing team score 17 points.
His major problem was accuracy, and I do mean it was a major problem. Much like Minnesota's Jackson this year, one of the reasons he didn't have a lot of ints that year was because he so widely missed recievers there were no defenders around to intercept the ball.
Now, I don't hate the guy at all. I had high hopes for him heading into the season and was very disapointed in his play. He actually got worse as he went along. But I've never understood the loyalty he's been given by so many fans who dump on Grossman at every turn for accomplishing far more.
That said, I am excited to see what he has to offer two years removed from when we really last saw him. He offers a chance to solidify the qb position as the backup to Grossman. Or if the staff feels like it, the competitor of Grossman in training camp. That'd be fine by me.
I believe he is a backup quarterback, and if he is that, it will make life easier for the BT this offseason.
And lastly, yes I'm rooting for the Bears to win this Monday, and the following two sunday's after that. Wouldn't dream of doing anything else. Remember if the Bears get a higher draft pick that's more money that can't be spent on a free agent.December 11, 2007
#23 jeff said . . .Al, I wouldn't worry too much about Kyle Orton. He'll undoubtedly wind up as a footnote in Chicago Bears' history the moment the 2007 season concludes. There is a reason he has been laboring as the # 3 QB on the depth chart for two years.
Hate to say this, but I want the Bears to lose the next three games to maximize their position in the April draft. Bears have screaming need for an offensive tackle, and I want that kid from Michigan with the first pick.
December 11, 2007
#24 Mike said . . .completely forgot that the pats have the niners pick this year...so right now the pats would have the second selection in the draft. that team could end up with glenn dorsey...or darren mcfadden...or more likely chris long...
December 11, 2007
#25 Max said . . .2008 NFL Draft order as it stands right now....
1. Miami
2. New England (from San Francisco)
3. St. Louis
4. Atlanta
5. New York Jets
6. Kansas City
7. Oakland
8. Baltimore
9. Cincinnati
10. Carolina
11. ChicagoDecember 11, 2007
#26 Max said . . .Mike, welcome back.
Packer fan. . . always funny to see ya
You wanna know why I am excited for this weeks game?
1) It is Monday Night Football
2) It is @ Minnesota
3) Hester will touch the ball at somepoint, somehow.
3) I am going to be back home to watch the game with my old man AT NIGHT in my living room as opposed to sitting in a small apartment watching a little TV at 3 oclock in the afternoon.
4) It brings us closer to Packer week.
5) ITS THE BEARS. . . im always excited for bear games. . . Especially since we only got 3 left.And Jeff, dead on, anyone who roots for the Bears to lose should be beaten with a stick. Are you honestly going to sit there watching the game and cheer on the Viqueens??
And i have calmed down from my calls for Derek Anderson and Andre WOODSON.
Ya'll got it right, first and foremost we need to address the O-Line. Resign Rex for a year or 2. And at this point, other than O-Line, i dont even know what position to draft. QB??? eh, Flacco? not sure. RB??? maybe. WR?? not until the later rounds. LB?? No, resign Briggs. D-Line?? depends on Dusty and Baziums health. Saftey?? perhaps, but id settle just for AA never playing another down.
December 11, 2007
#27 jeff said . . .See, i am so excited already I cant even count correctly
December 11, 2007
#28 jeff said . . .max, you get to a good point. are you people going to watch the game and actively root for the vikings so that the team you claim to love can choose a guy an hour earlier in april? are you going to watch the chicago bears play and actively root for the other guys? if orton throws and interception, will you high five your buddy? go back and read the jay mariotti columns about how the bears won too many games to get byron leftwich. how'd that work out?
December 11, 2007
#29 HewDown said . . .as for the draft, max. bears need a safety who can tackle. they need bulk up the middle of the defense. they need o-line help, big time.
December 11, 2007
#30 Phil from SATX said . . .Hewitt making ground
By Nikki Tugwell
December 07, 2007
LLEYTON Hewitt says he is being refashioned into a grand slam force by the man who also improved Roger Federer, Pat Rafter and Ivan Lendl en route to majors victories.Hewitt said that he and Tony Roche are well into the process of adjusting aspects of his game. Roche has previously stated he wants to improve the world No.21's serve, aggression and unpredictability.
Hewitt has an immense respect for Roche and those who know Hewitt well, including Pat Rafter, say that his growing maturity has made him more receptive to change.
"We've been working on specific areas that we've been trying to improve and just adjust a bit before I go into matches," Hewitt said.
"In the next few weeks I will go more into practicing sets ... we will have to see if it (the changes to his game) pay off."
Hewitt and Roche were at Sydney's International Tennis Centre to unveil the Plexicushion courts and launch the Medibank International, the Sydney tournament the top-ranked Australian has won on four occasions.
Since employing Roche as his coach in July, many have already observed Hewitt dictating more rallies - often with more net play, rather than counter-punching.
"I am enjoying it and I think we have the right game plan and so hopefully it pays off," Hewitt said.
"It's long hours, trying to get the miles in my legs but also working on specific areas ... "
Eleven months ago, Hewitt was on the verge of entering the Australian Open on his loathed Rebound Ace surface, without a coach and carrying injuries.
But he said he felt 100 per cent fit after an ankle injury cut short this season. Not only has he been benefited from the coaching partnership with Roche, but also from "on-call" advice through the year from Darren Cahill.
Recently, Hewitt described himself as "a better man", crediting his wife Bec for his maturity.
The quicker, consistent and cooler blue Plexicushion will also be conducive to his best tennis this Australian summer and he believes he will go into the Open fresher than the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, given his late-season injury layoff.
"I couldn't be happier physically with how I am feeling at the moment," Hewitt said.
"I'm going to be a lot fresher than Federer.
"Even when you look at Djokovic, Nadal ... Davydenko were getting tired at the Masters Cup so I'm going to be a lot fresher than those guys.
"I've just got to try and get some matches under my belt."
He also believes the Plexicushion, which does not absorb the heat like the Rebound Ace, will be easier on knee, ankle and hip joints and backs.
"I think the heat was a major factor in Rebound Ace, not only the way it played but also how grinding it was on your body, your hips and lower back, areas like that," Hewitt said yesterday.
"We saw a lot of twisted ankles over the years ... that's due to the amount of heat that was held in the court and how sticky it got ... if you put your hand on the Rebound Ace on a 35-degree day you're nearly blistering straight away."
Hewitt withdrew from last year's Medibank International with injury and later bowed out to eventual finalist Fernando Gonzalez in the third round of this year's Australian Open.
December 11, 2007
#31 Chi-Town Joe said . . .An evaluation today of Orton from his rookie year is pretty meaningless. I still give the guy a lot of credit for keeping his wits about him, enough to win lots of games. Even though I am back on the Rex bandwagon, there were times last year and in the early part of this year when he played more immaturely than Orton did in his rookie season.
So this will be very exciting and interesting to see him under center. Do I have expectations of him being something great? No, but as Rancid said, not because he's been riding the pine, don't trust the coaches' evaluation skills either, but because we saw very poor accuracy in 2005. Can that improve in over the next two seasons on the bench? I would certainly hope so, given that the act of passing represents a high percentage of what qualifies for QB skills, you would think that this is what he practices on, as well as reading defenses.
Jeff, regarding your list, I think the need for an inside run stuffer depends on DD, and what kind of player he is. I have a fear that he's more of a Tommie Harris than a Ted Washington, which may be incredible for the pass rush but not as good for run clogging. If he can do both, I would favor saving my powder at this position.
But you're right, safety may be the single most important pick (especially since Oline is a group project) and therefore the first pick in the draft may go to safety, as long as there's a great one there (and there usually is in the area where Bears project to pick). Then two picks of Oline, or some combination of a pick and a FA. Still say that a replacement RB and WR can be safely gotten in the 3rd-4th rounds, as long as you have a competent QB and good oline.
What I've noticed is my draft picks always ignore the QB draft need, which no matter how you slice it, we have. Here' s what I think -
Bears trade down from 11th pick (or so), picking up an two picks in the 20-40 range. That means they would have 3 picks in that grouping, plus a high 3rd. Safety, O-line, and either QB or another O-line in that group. Trade down from your high 3rd for a similar pair in 80-100. Then you have 3 in that group. There's where you get your RB and WR plus second Oline or QB if you didn't take already.
And Dat's how I see it.
Willie, welcome aboard, it's great to have a 14 year old in here mixing it up with the older folks, you seem like a bright kid with spelling as your only C subject, use your time here to polish your writing and spelling skills! You've got a bright future! I hope to have my 4th grader blogging here soon!
December 11, 2007
#32 Chi-Town Joe said . . .I loved your pick standpoint, Phil. I think that as long as our O-Line can give our QB enough time, he should have a great game. Unfortunately, that's not entirely what's been happening lately. Hopefully, if and when we draft a QB, he'll no what to do with good and bad coverage.
But that's not entirely what's been happening lately...
I give a hearty good luck to Orton and the Bears this week and hope-- more than I ever imagined I could-- that he, that WE do good.December 11, 2007
#33 Megan-female version of Pissed-off said . . .Oh and I'd just like to point out that if we stop the run, we stop the Vikings.
Unfortunately... YOU know what I'm gonna say...December 11, 2007
#34 Bill said . . .If anyone here roots for the Bears to loose for the rest of the season, how in the hell can you call yourself a fan?
It's like saying, "let's throw (some of these) talented athletes and our money away!"
You are risking injury for a draft pick? For those players who go out there and give it there all every game, every practice, you are asking them to go against everything they have ever learned since they were in Pee-Wee football?
That attitude and that shit NEVER works. It is so typical of some Chicago fans to throw their hands up in the air and give up.
I am not happy with Lovie's deNile attitude. I am not going to vote for Ron Turner, play caller of the year. But I am a fan of this team and there is no way that ANY fan should root for their team to loose.
We have to play the Vikings and we have to play them to the best of our ability. This team has not earned a reputation since the beginning of professional football as a bunch of pansies. We are Monsters of the Midway, we are Black and Blues Bros defense. We are the Bears.
December 11, 2007
#35 Pissed Off said . . .I never root for them to lose; but after they do (in bad years such as this) I look on the bright side. Still, I want them to win and make it more difficult for the Vikings to get that last playoff spot.
Orton is really the odd man out. I would expect Griese to be back as a backup only, and since his contract is cheap that's the best option. I think most of us agree there are more pressing needs than QB if Rex signs with us. And it makes sense to grab a QB in a later round than 2 if someone looks promising. So where does Orton fit in? I can only assume as trade bait.
December 11, 2007
#36 Bill said . . .You should never root for a bear not to succeed but I'll say it again. Orton better not brainwash this coaching staff into thinking he's the future answer at starting QB. Theres a reason he's been deactivated EVERY WEEK but one all year so far. This brain trust is easily manipulated and stupid and they could end up thinking Orton is the guy. I hope we cut BG, re-sign Rex and I hope Orton looks competent enough to be the backup. Based on what we've seen from Rex since coming back he's been GREAT in terms of Bears QBs and I hope he want to come back.
Good points Jeff on the losing thing, thats just stupid. I am having my Vikings fan friend over next Monday to watch the game. I will still be rooting hard as ever, OK I would be rooting harder if the game meant something like if we had a chance to go to the playoffs but I'll cheer nonetheless.
December 11, 2007
#37 Pissed Off said . . .Another point, and this has been said before. It's really hard for me to like these Bears. It starts with Lovie's arrogance. His "trust me" is worse than Wanny's "all the pieces are in place." I understand Tommie Harris guaranteeing the Bears woudl make the playoffs (for motivation) but now he's saying they are a good team. (Uh, Tommie - I respect you but you are not a good team this year. Your boss doesnt seem to realize that.)
So that's the issue with me, and always is. I don't expect Lovie to throw everyone under the bus, but I DO expect a head coach to acknowledge the obvious.
December 11, 2007
#38 Rancid said . . .Orton beat out Chris Leak for the 3rd QB spot, what does that say about Leak?
Will Kyle shave? I actually agree with Mike #19.
December 11, 2007
#39 Phil from SATX said . . .To hope the Bears lose is to commit an unpardonable sin. With that said I am in agreement with those who have hoped that we will rest some injured starters (Notably Tommie Harris). It is no longer worth the risk of a more serious injury.
I believe that taking advantage of our inability to make the playoffs to test some of our newer players or unused players is entirely different that not playing to win.
I am also annoyed with those who write 3 paragraphs about how bad KO is and then close with a one sentence disclaimer that they're really hoping he does well. Bullshit. I would rather be overly optimistic about him and be wrong than have the wondrous joy of throwing out an "I told you so" on the blog after he fails. I know that I'm not "objective", but objectivity has never been my goal as a fan.
December 11, 2007
#40 Ron - not a Rex hater said . . .Great point Bill. Did you notice that Lovie utterly failed at "managing the message" this year? It seemed for the most part he had people on the same page last year (although he didn't quash the Ced v. TJ locker room-taking sides crap last year).
This year, Bears players have been saying whatever they want while Lovie says either nothing or really stupid things. The whole thing has seemed pretty out of control this year, and the on-the-field play also reflects that (especially turning from least-penalized into most-penalized).
I have yet to see any real expression of taking responsibility for this - instead it seems like "we're a good team, we just need to tweak a few things and play better."
To me that is inexcusable. Remember that you learn more about someone during bad times than during good times, and I have to say I don't like what I feel like I've learned about Lovie this year during these bad times. He has not responded well to the challanges of this year, not mentally, emotionally or as a leader.
December 11, 2007
#41 Bill said . . .I cant wait! I want to see what a year or 2 in the system watching and learning has done for him.
I expect that he will be rusty and take a quarter or two to start feeling comfortable, after that, its game on!
December 11, 2007
#42 jeff said . . .I think Orton will do OK, but we still have no running game and their AP might outrush ours by 200 yards
December 11, 2007
#43 Pissed Off said . . .fandom by its very nature defies the laws of objectivity. i would rather - without question - feel the joy of knocking the minnesota vikings out of the playoffs than improve two slots in april's draft. improving two slots makes me feel nothing. drafting makes me feel nothing. winning makes me happy.
December 11, 2007
#44 Pet Peeve said . . .Paragraph #1: Overall I dont think Orton is very good.
Paragraph #2: I dont think Orton has the skill set to be a good NFL quarterback.
Paragraph #3: Orton will probably throw for 125 yards 1 TD and 2 INTs, not very good.
I really do hope he does well though so we have a viable option at #2 next year. That or we can finally cut him.
December 11, 2007
#45 Phil from SATX said . . .Reading "loose" instead of "lose" not only ends my attempt at reading your opinion, it actually makes me want to kill somebody.
December 11, 2007
#46 Rancid said . . .Pet Peeve, not to quibble, but I believe you are operating under a misnomer.
Consider using "Psycho Killer" as potentially more appropriate.
What you are referring to IS one you see with some frequency, strangely enough. Although not nearly as often as its/it's - which to me was one of the easiest rules ever to determine, but which seems to mystify many, even full grown adults.
To those who are still interested in this English lesson, if you're thinking of using "it's" with the apostrophe, make sure the sentence continues to make sense if you insert "it is" while reading it. You'll never make the mistake again! If not, it's an its.
It's great to be a Bear fan!
December 11, 2007
#47 Shady McBears Fan said . . .PO'd - Lord knows you're the last guy I want to pick a fight with on here as I enjoy reading your stuff . . . but . . .
Aren't those 3 paragraphs you just mentioned essentially saying the same thing.
1 - you don't think he's good
2 - he's unskilled
3 - therefore he will perform badlyI agree that Rex should have come back to replace BG sooner. I share you annoyance with those who bashed Rex and especially with those who viewed BG as a superior QB. I just feel that KO gets a negative backlash from heavy Rex supporters because of it. Shouldn't we all hope he comes out and ends up being the great QB we all dream of (highly unlikely) or hope that he performs so solidly that he makes BG expendable? (somewhat possible) Also, wouldn't an open QB competition between KO and Rex (if he resigns) next year be a good thing when most on here have agreed that this coaching staff hurt Rex by not being tough enough on him earlier in his career? Again, it's not my desire to combat you personally, I just don't see the necessity of writing so much negative about a guy who we really haven't seen play in a couple years. I hope he's great Monday and I am actually excited about watching the game.
December 11, 2007
#48 PolygonHell said . . .Mike's #20 post almost made me spew my coffee. Hilarious.
Lovie's open mouth and blank stare when things go wrong on Sundays are subtle signs to me that he's lacking 'in-game' management skills for a head coach.
December 11, 2007
#49 Rancid said . . .I think it's just better to go in with realistic expectations and be pleasantly surprised.
He's a 3rd string Quarterback behind a beaten up O-Line, given our curent D-Line ans Secondary problems he'll likely be playing from behind against a pretty good Vikings defense that will continually blitz.
If your expecting him to excell and he doesn't, you'll be writing him off after a bad Vikings game. If we're evaluating him, hinestly I think you have to have realistic expectations going in.
I really hope he turns out to be the second coming of Payton Manning, but I'm expecting to see some good, some bad and mistakes.
Personally I'm all for open competition at any position in training camp.
December 11, 2007
#50 jeff said . . .One doesn't need to expect KO to be the second coming of Manning or expect him to fail miserably. Those are not the only 2 possible outcomes. Frankly I don't EXPECT anything. That's why I'm excited to watch him. I don't know what to expect. That's why I have been excited watching Rex the last couple games. He had changed from his time on the pine. He was a different QB, a more dependable solid QB. BG I could not be excited for. There we do know what to expect. That's all I'm saying. It's not about trying to realistically expect something from KO. In reality we have little to base an expectation on. It's about being a Bears fan HOPING for the best possible outcome for our Bears on Monday night and after.
December 11, 2007
#51 Phil from SATX said . . .why cant we just want to win monday night? as for hoping DD becomes ted washington, he wont. the lovie system does no want ted washington. he wants small and fast, pass rushers not block takers.
December 11, 2007
#52 Willie from Chicago said . . .Is that a problem with the Lovie system? I sure liked it when we were great at stopping the run.
December 11, 2007
#53 Bill said . . .Phil, thanks i guess, were you being sarcastic about the 4th grader comment? oh well. Im not that bad of a speller its just that i type most of my comments from my computer class in school like i am now so i cant check for spelling all the time.
But if we win these next three games (which is possible) we will get a ton of momentum for next year like the packers did last year. And hey, we may sneak into the playoffs while were at it.
By the way if we win this game vs Minnisota, do you guys think we can sneak in?
But first things first, we have to BEAT THE VIKINGS!
December 11, 2007
#54 Phil from SATX said . . ."It's" versus "its" is confusing becuase it's an exception to the normal rule that possesives and contractions have apostrophes. "My car's broken; my car's transimission is shot" versus "It's broken; its transmission is shot."
By the way, a lot of errors on these things are people typing phonetically; I have to admit I've actually typed "know" when I meant "no" (and verce-visa).
(The "verce-visa thing was a joke. Don't taze me, bro!)
December 11, 2007
#55 jeff said . . .Willie, I assure you I was not being sarcastic - only meant to be supportive. You'll have to take my word for that since you're new here and don't know me.
And you ARE getting better (good use of punctuation!), although...
Minnesota
December 11, 2007
#56 Rancid said . . .and i apologize for my lack of grammar in comments. i just dont use proper punctuation down here...i try to up top.
December 11, 2007
#57 Da Coach said . . .phuck fonics
December 11, 2007
#58 Pissed Off said . . .Front page headlines on espn has blurb about Grossman being done for the year but "would like to be back with the bears next year if he is welcomed." I say absolutely bring him back for a 1-2 yr deal with small base salary & incentives and go fix the rest of the holes on this team.
Keep reading in the philly papers how the writing is on the wall for this week to be McNabb's last game as an eagle if they lose to Dallas. Next stop of McNabb Chicago, but I just do not see it happening that way.
December 11, 2007
#59 Rancid said . . .The bears have the 29th ranked defense in yards allowed, ouch!
I understand most all english rules including the proper uses for their, there and they're, also your and you're as well as its and it's. However this is a blog, so settle down all. I among other like to ramble and that means typing fast and sometimes not caring which form of "its" I use. And while we're on the topic, as rancid used, the word "resign"means to quit, "re-sign" means to...well re-sign with team or a contract, that would be my main pet peeve spelling error.
And Rancid, I did the Orton paragraph thing just to get under you skin, no hard feelings, thought it would be funny. I love Rex, make no mistake and everyone knows this. I want him to be the starter for this team next year and years to come, I want him to succeed. That doesnt mean I want Kyle to fail I just want Rex to be the guy, not Kyle. Take it for what its worth.
I agree with #48, if he sucks hard, which is very VERY likely since he's a regularily deactivated, third string, bears QB people will want to run him out of town after the Vikes game. But we need to evaluate him objectively over the next 3 games and see if he's a viable #2 option or if he's even worth keeping around next year. I think honestly he'll be bad, and pretty bad at that but I want to see him play all 3 games if Rex is hurt. Then we can cut him loose or if by luck he's decent, make him #2 next year. I think some of you are going into this with DELUSIONAL hopes for Orton. Its ORTON, not BRADY people! He'll probably go 15 for 35 for 125 yds, one TD and 2 picks. Dont get your hopes up on Orton. Lets just hope he's DECENT.
DD is going to be a DAMN FINE defensive player on this team for years to come, when he and Harris are healthy with Brown, Anderson and Wale performing, this can be the best D line in football. I have HUGE expectations from this guy based on what I saw in preseason and the San Diego game. And I do just want to win Monday night, any way possible.
December 11, 2007
#60 Phil from SATX said . . .Rivals. com has us taking BC QB Matt Ryan at #11 in their first mock draft. I sure hope not.
December 11, 2007
#61 Bill said . . .The English and punctuation convo has definitely gotten out of hand, and since I'm the one who started it... I was actually responding to someone else's mention of Willie's initial spelling. No one needs to apologize for anything. Let's talk Bears, shall we?
Addressing the D-line issue, I'm just wondering if we were better when we were employing wide bodies, and while DD and Tommie seem to be great at rushing the passer, is there another side of the coin? Like stopping the run? Because it seems often that while the interior guys are making their rush moves, the RB is running past them. Maybe Lovie's retort to that would be that they have failed at gap control while they were making their fancy moves, and maybe he'd be right.
What're your thoughts?
December 11, 2007
#62 Rancid said . . .The mock draft sites are dumb - even the "pros" like ESPN spend no time really analyzing. They see Bears, think Grossman, assume QB. Not that we don't need one, but they don't relaize how many holes we have.
I bet most of these experts think our defense is still strong, that our O-line is one of the best in the league, and that we're a great running team.
Oh wait - I just described Lovie!
December 11, 2007
#63 Rancid said . . .Also interesting from the Rivals.com mock is the fact that they only have 2 safetys going in the first 2 rounds. I've been saying I feel our needs are 1. LT 2. LG 3. Safety 4. QB, but it may be a bum year for drafting a solid rookie safety early. Had we taken the deal of Briggs to the skins, we could've had Landry this year, but it would have cost Olsen too, since the deal included a pick swap. Landry is good, but I'm glad we didn't bite on that one, especially with a chance to re-sign (happy?) Briggs. All in good fun.
December 11, 2007
#64 mikebdot said . . .Phil - The fact that a conversation about spelling errors has been this interesting and comment-evoking at this point in the season says a lot about just how bad we have been this year.
December 11, 2007
#65 Rancid said . . .Kyle Orton had 12 fumbles, losing 5 of them in his 15 games in '05. Beware of a botched snap, most probably Kreutz's fault.
As for KO's prospects for this game, I'm in favor of the "no expectations" like Rancid.
Also, for those that have forgotten, in 2005 Justin Gage played wideout for us. *hacking throw-uppy sound*. There is potential for the pieces to sort of just fall into place. Some people have chemistry with each other. I expect him to throw the ball to Moose a lot. That's my only expectation. He's lost weight since his rookie year (he was at 233 in rookie camp, would assume he didn't loOse too much during the season) and is at 217 now. Maybe he'll be a bit more mobile.
Say what you want about Cedric Benson's body language on the field (which I still think is poppy-cock), but does anyone really want to argue that losing him helped us? AP's yards/carry has dropped to 3.2! Yuck. You could blame that on the loss of Fred Miller if you want, but then you'd really be stretching. Personally, I blame that on the garbage yards he picked up to make his stats look better in the first 5 or 6 games.
I want to see Mike Hass play football. Anyone else?
December 11, 2007
#66 Rancid said . . .According to this yahoo sports artice:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80505e49&template=without-video&confirm=true
Rex would be interested in a Chicago return. He's a better man than me. I really think I'd be looking for a fresh start first. I think these are good comments as they show an interest by Rex in a return as well as him acknowledging he will probably have to compete for starting jobs.
December 11, 2007
#67 Willie from Chicago said . . .I sourced that wrong, that link is from nfl.com
December 11, 2007
#68 Willie from Chicago said . . .I say the first play from scrimage that we should use vs Minnisota should be a deep pass to Devin Hester. It'll work great because Minnisota will not expect it. We would also be able to see KO's arm.
As far as the Mcnabb thing, i dont think he will do any better than Rex is (or was) doing for the bears. He is still affected by the torn ACL that he suffered last year (you can tell by the way he runs) which will make him a sitting duck behind are Offensive Line. Besides after TO left Philly, Mcnabb hasn't been the same. I assure you Rex is a good QB with a cannon for am arm and is still young. Mcnabb is not. Payton Manning would even be doing bad with our line so what makes anyone think that Mcnabb will do any good. I say we keep grossman with a cheap contract with incentives and fix the Offensive line through FA and the draft.
Phill, thanks, i appreciate it. Its going to be fun mixing it up with the older folks here.
December 11, 2007
#69 Willie from Chicago said . . .Hey guys check this bears video out. Brings back memories.
December 11, 2007
#70 Phil from SATX said . . .http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrEYIs4g1-I
If it doesnt work, then click on my name on my last comment.
December 11, 2007
#71 Mike said . . .Mike, some purty good comments there. I agree with your AP take, except for your last qualifier. I do think that watching AP now makes us realize that Ced IS a better runner than AP (definitely not better pass catcher, probably not better blocker). And while I initially agreed that all the comments about Ced's body language were BS and irrelevant to his production on the field, I have changed my mind about that. I now pretty much hate him because of his body language and how he doesn't appear to have the motor to be a featured RB.
I DEFINITELY want to see Hass out there. And also a heavy dose of Br0adley - wasn't he a favorite Orton hookup in preseason?
Interesting about the weight loss - frankly no one here has any idea what we're going to see on Sunday with Orton. I'm pretty pumped about the intrigue.
December 11, 2007
#72 jeff said . . .All I care about is hearing the following flow from the lips of Roger Goodell next April..."with the x pick in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft the Chicago Bears select Jake Long, offensive tackle Michigan."
December 11, 2007
#73 JB said . . .the last two sure-thing left tackle prospects have been anything but sure-things. robert gallery was a complete disaster and d'brickshaw ferguson is a mediocre (at best) player for the jets. don't get so wrapped up on jake long
December 11, 2007
#74 Mike said . . .self-abnegation...wow Jeff...even I had no idea what that word meant. I completely agree with everything you said today...especially the last place schedule thing. The schedule is so fixed year to year (which I actually think is brilliant by the league), that when people bring that up it's laughable. And us getting the Falcons and Eagles, who knows if they'll bounce back. No, there are three things I want to do with the rest of the season...beat the vikings, beat the packers, and beat the saints. These are three teams I hate, how can you want anything other than bear victories here?
Go Orton!
December 11, 2007
#75 Bill said . . .Jeff, one name. Joe Thomas. He'll be a cornerstone for the Cleveland Browns for 10 years and it is no coincidence that Derrek Anderson and the Browns offense started to do things upon the arrival of Thomas and Eric Steinbach on the left side of that line.
The ABSOLUTE imperative for the Bears is to rebuild that offensive line. It is God awful terrible.
December 11, 2007
#76 jeff said . . .The last place schedule think harks back to when the league had only 28 teams and first went to a 16 game schedule. (Late 70s I think). At that time, there were two 5 team divisions and one four team division in each conference. Before the 16 game schedule, non-division opponents were set by some rotation to be sure everyone played everone else eventually. But there were some quirks where a top team woudl (by luck) get cream puff schedule and a up and coming team would get a real tough one, making it unfair.
So when they went to 16 games, it was simple - sort of. For the five team divisions like ours (with TB inthere) we played each other twice (8 games); the top four teams in one of the AFC divisions (4 more games) and then four other teams in your conference based on how you finished. The first and fourth place teams played each other, and the second and third place teams played each other. That sort of balanced things out - on average 1&4 being the same as 2&3. (Of course, this ALWAYS ignored the fact that some teams improve and some decline, but you get the reasoning.)
The problem was the 5th place teams. They played the division schedule (8 games), the four team division in their conference (4 more games) and the two fifth plae teams in the AFC (two more) and then the other fifth place team in their conference twice - home and away for the final two games.
So the fifth place team really DID have an easier schedule. The old term used to be "fifth place schedule" which morphed into "last place schedule". When we went to 30 teams, it changed somehow (really don't remember - but it WAS set up to make it harder for the first place team, easier for the second, easrier still for the 3rd etc.) All that went away when we went to 32 teams and eight divisions.
(I really don't remember at ALL what they did the one or two years there were 31 teams. I just remember it was weird - becuase with an odd number of teams, somebody had a bye right away in week 1, and each week, someone had to have a bye, including the last week of the season.)
December 11, 2007
#77 JB said . . .mike, i love offensive linemen. but left tackles are the new quarterbacks of the first round. they are hitting and missing at the same rate...and for what you're paying them, they can cripple your franchise economically.
December 11, 2007
#78 jeff said . . .class, class, can I have your attention please...Bill will be teaching for the rest of the day the history of schedule making.
December 11, 2007
#79 jeff said . . .bobby petrino just left the falcons for arkansas.
December 11, 2007
#80 Tone Capone from Jersey said . . .bears brought in jimmy kennedy, former first round pick by lovie and stinky football player, to play defensive tackle. the bears are not in good shape to stop the run this week.
December 11, 2007
#81 Cheddar said . . .Kyle Orton can be an awesome waterboy (AT BEST!!)
He sucks!!!!!!!!!
December 11, 2007
Isin't Orton Shane Matthews with a beard and better hair? Hard to hang the hopes on the dink and dunk stuff, when first ddowns are needed to keep AP in check.
December 12, 2007
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