Josie Woods bid farewell (for the time being) to Wayne Scott - true Bears fan and gentleman on Friday night. It was the end of an era and yet an oddly compelling beginning to the 2008 season. The jerseys went up on the wall. "Bear down" was uttered more than once. We talked life and we talked football.
A month from Thursday will be the third preseason game - game Dennis Green made famous in his "they are who we thought they were" postgame tirade. That's where the tinkering with lineups end. That's where you start preparing for a week one primetime showdown in Indianapolis.
And that's where I want an answer. I want no doubt in my mind as to who the quarterback of this ballclub should be. Either Rex Grossman or Kyle Orton has one month to take the reins and ride off into the sunset with his football team right behind. I don't ask for much. Just doubtlessness. And confidence. I want a landslide.
I'll be doing daily updates starting with camp opening on Wednesday. Hope you'll stick with us and bring your own views to the conversation. The season starts now.
#2 So.IllBears Fan said . . .Who in the hell takes the third game of preseason like it's bullshit. Bullshit!
July 20, 2008
#3 The Duke said . . .[IMG]http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e274/chicubforlife/Chicago%20Bears/iwantyouwborderhp4.png[/IMG]
CROWN THEIR ASS!!!
July 20, 2008
#4 The Duke said . . .Let the mind games begin.
July 20, 2008
#5 Max said . . ..........or at least the head games that Lovie and Co. will be playing with us until Indy.
July 20, 2008
#6 KentuckyBearsFan said . . .Im watchin the espys right now. . . and everytime they show favre and his wife (who, by the way, looks like she is trying to hide how miserable she really is) they show aaron rodgers. Which is awesome. Justin Timberlake went over and hugged rodgers like 4 time. Rodgers has to be hating life right now. Im loving it
July 21, 2008
#7 Shady said . . .Wow, the Redskins just traded for Jason Taylor, giving up a 2nd and 6th rounder. Would have preferred he stay in the AFC, but whatever. (they made the trade because former Bear Philip Daniels got injured)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3497625They don't play the Bears this year anyway....but playoffs ???
July 21, 2008
#8 shonbear said . . .It's a great move by Washington, and I'd be pretty happy if I were a Redskins fan. But I'm not. This can not be good for a Bears team that might be looking for a wildcard spot at the end of the year in the NFC. It might come down to defense and QB play to determine who moves on to the postseason. Right now I have my prediction at 9-7, somewhat optimistic I think. But it's still to early for predictions, especially with so many unknowns.
Has anyone ever gone to Burbonnais to watch camp? I was thinking about heading down this year, but not sure if it's worth the trip. Any good places to stay or golf courses we should know about before going down? I was hoping I could get an autograph from Grossman and send it to Pissed Off. I'm kidding. Seriously.
This camp should be interesting for the right reasons, you know like position battles, and not because of any off the field incidents. Whether it's Lamborghini crashes or contract worries, these guys need to spend their energy and focus on football. This has the same feeling as last year, training all offseason to match up with a team that is the hardest on the upcoming schedule. And last year, the defense looked hungry and came to play at championship level. The offense on the other hand, didn't look ready to face NFL competition. That after all kinds of hype coming out of camp about the offense last year. Well I'm not believing it this year until I see it.
July 21, 2008
#9 Z said . . .To comment on the last string which was changing course to the QB discussion again anyways (far better than discussing the Faverah issue).....
Quarterback by committee will be inevitable anyways whether we like it or not. One if either of these guys plays bad long enough their out and the other one's in. Two, the history of our QB position is injury city and the other guy will be in.
Now if one plays well and stays away from the injuries we're in the playoffs. If were in the playoffs, the D will hold strong because it just seems they have more to prove. The offense is just trying to prove that they even belong in the NFL, the D is trying to prove that they are a Superbowl worthy unit. ( I said unit, ha).
I think we all know that our Defense is Superbowl worthy, we all know and have the same anxiety about question marks that always seem to be on the Offense. Sure we have high hopes, but to me I think I'm not the only Bears fan that breathes sighs of relief when we complete a pass, get a first down, touchdown, field goal or don't turn over the ball. In that scenario, I think I'm not the only one that is hoping that the D and Special Teams will get the score up and take the pressure off the Offense. I know that a normal playoff team should be able to count on their offense to take pressure off the Defense, but it's just not reality. It's been this way for a long time.
The Bears of old (our 80's Bears) used to play in practice against each other with great competition and they were better for it. If it wasn't for the D's chip on their shoulder from last season (I have full confidence that will carry them through this season with no problems), I'd say that our lack of offense played into the Defense's demise last year by not being good competition and then they played against good offenses in the regular season and got taken to the cleaners. Yea, we had injuries, but we were supposed to be deeper than ever before and it shouldn't have mattered right?
I'm surprised thave over the last few years that the defense hasn't staged a revolt against the offense for hanging them out to dry so often. Maybe the previous couple years (excluding last year), the defense saw just enough from the offense to squelch any revolts. The Defense needs to demand more from the offense. These are pros and they need to execute and perform at the pro level. I hate seeing the D work so hard providing opportunities over and over again and the O leaving those chances on the field only to expect the D to bail them out again. They should be ashamed of the way they leave their comarades out to dry. Where's the passion, the leadership, the drive or the heart to get it done consistenly.
This is what I want to see from the QB's RB's, offensive line and receivers whoever any of them might be since none of us have a clue.
O-line ? 2/3rds known? unknown, a rookie, no FA's??? again who knows...
Recievers Rash Davis (come on) Devin Hester, we all have hopes, what will it do to his return game??? who else????
Tight ends, Good to Go!! Arguably possibly the best tandum in the league. Still will depend on Turner making the right calls, or Grossman/Orton executing on their part.
Running backs, a rookie and possible fumbler (we'll see), A broke dick guy we may not see for six games and two other guys that depend on Ron Turner to call the right plays for them too (Wolfe is still a question mark of possbility)
And QB's, who knows, depends on RT and the O line again.
We are still not going to know anything until after that first preseason game at the least. Everything from now till then will be propaganda except injuries and cuts in camp, that will be a known factor which may provide the answers because the coaches sure as hell arent going to give any useful insight.
Ok, I'm finished. My hopes are still high, I just wish we had more confidence and didn't have to rely so much on "hope" rather than knowing that the skill of our team was solid. We can step outside of the box and look at other teams knowing whether they are solid, or not solid. We could pick out teams that we know are dependable. The Bears deserve to be one of those teams. We have the fans, we have the history and I do believe we have the players. I believe, I believe, I believe. Not so sure about whether all of our coaches know how to properly motivate, teach or lead those players though. Some of them are the ones I guess I have the least the most waivering faith in. Ok ok ok...
July 21, 2008
#10 Pissed Off said . . .Here here shonbear. Especially about the leadership on the O. There was a certain trade that left a certain "I want the ball in crunch time" attitude missing on O. That needs to be replaced along with the stats when u lose a player like that. He may not have been a superstar but he had a ton of heart. Hopefully that is Sexy (assuming its him), and the TE's and Booker providing the clutch 3rd down get it done leadership. Not sure who else to hope for that from on O. Kreutz and Tait need to be that for the line.
I still say sign Bentley and R. Brown (without solid O-line the rest of the O positions don't matter too much) and if they cut Simms sign him but don't trade for him (U can never have too much competition)and then I'll shut up about moves for the offseason and lets start the engines.
Wednesday. Sweet.
July 21, 2008
#11 Reverend Dave said . . .Shady, I already have one. I'm kidding, seriously. But who am I kidding, I'd take his autograph.
July 21, 2008
#12 Brad said . . .Wayne you will be missed. Sorry I couldnt be there on Friday buddy. Sunday at Josies just wont be the same without you.
July 21, 2008
#13 Phillip L said . . .Kyle has not changed his ways. I saw him completely wasted at a concert Saturday night. I don't see him winning the job and being a quality NFL QB until he gets into good shape and beer doesn't help that. I just don't see him as the personality type to be a leader in the NFL. He is a hippie, which isn't such a bad thing, expect for the fact that he plays such a brutal sport.
July 21, 2008
#14 Phil from SATX said . . .Jeff, when's the next Bears-related thing @ Josie Woods? We're not getting started at the Gael until the season actually starts, and I'd love to talk Bears with fellow fans before then.
July 21, 2008
#15 Phil from SATX said . . .Hey Brad, hippie worked for one Ricky Williams... oh wait no it di-int - never mind
Was I the only one who got kind of a sick feeling in my gut when I heard about the Redskins losing Phillip Daniels and another guy in like the first play of camp?
I guess my mantra going into camp will be "just stay healthy" - I don't think I'll be able to take news of starters going down. The only good thing about this is it happened before our camp broke - a stark reminder to our players and coaches about how quickly injuries can occur. Don't know if any of it is preventable, but if it is...
JUST STAY HEALTHY!
July 21, 2008
#16 Pissed Off said . . .Don't we have like one day to sign Williams? What's happening on that front?
July 21, 2008
#17 So.IllBears Fan said . . .That brings to mind.....it is possible that Mike Brown will be declared done for the year before the end of the week?
Hey Brad, where did you see Kyle? Are you sure it was him? Maybe the kid was tying one on for one last time before he buckles down for training camp, preseason and then the real thing. Still brings up great memories of the pic of him in his rookie year flipping off some picture taker with a drink in his hand, man did he look hammered in that photo.
Some motivation....Rex Grossman - One fully healthy season = Super Bowl appearance. Lets make it two.
July 21, 2008
#18 So.IllBears Fan said . . .the saints gave the giants a 2nd and 5th round picks for Jeremy Shockey
July 21, 2008
#19 So.IllBears Fan said . . .the saints gave the giants a 2nd and 5th round picks for Jeremy Shockey
July 21, 2008
#20 Raymond JAMES Stadium said . . .the saints gave the giants a 2nd and 5th round picks for Jeremy Shockey
July 21, 2008
#21 craig said . . .Bold Prediction: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, FL. We will be playing there for this seasons super bowl. Here are the reasons why.
1) Our defense is going to return to its dominant form. They will create 50-60 takeaways, stuff the running game, and have one of the best secondaries in the NFL because Mike Brown WILL be healthy (and will make the pro bowl)
2) Matt Forte will rush for 850 yards and 10 TD's, most of which will come after the first 4 games, when every team stacks the box. Additionally, Kevin Jones is going to exceed all expectations and have 3 games rushing for over 100 yards (two of which will be against Detroit). Finally we will have a 1-2 punch and bring the running game back to chicago.
3) the only reason the running game wont rack up league leading rushing yards will be the emergence of our passing game ala 2006 (september). Devin hester catches a few monster bombs from rex grossman, and mark bradley actually gets healthy and contributes. The story of the season will be the development of Davis as a legit slot guy.
4) our tight ends are going to crush everyone. Olson makes the pro bowl.
5) Devin Hester returns 8 kicks for TD's. They are forced to punt/kick to him because our offense is too solid to give the ball to on the 45 yard line every time.
6) For some reason Berrian is sent on a slant route over the middle and Jackson leads him too much... #54 lays him out, causing a fumble, which mike brown returns for a touchdown, leading to a bears sweep of the NFC north. Think Colston meets BU in the NFC playoffs in 2006.
7) The Bears, being under-rated, disrespected, and ignored by the media sneek up on everyone and are 8-0 at the half way point.
i am excited for this season. Worst to first happens every year in the NFL. I got a funny (but good) feeling about this year.
July 21, 2008
#22 Shady said . . .Urlacher deal is done.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3499320&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlinesJuly 21, 2008
#23 Al In WI said . . .Great news!
I feel like if it were any other player asking for an extension this early before a contract year it wouldn't have happened. But since Urlacher is the face of the franchise, the organization was right in making an exception. The less distractions the better I say, especially when it comes to your best player.
July 21, 2008
#24 Brad said . . .Great news on Urlacher!! That could get it's own thread.....
July 21, 2008
#25 Wayne Scott said . . .I saw Kyle at the Umphrey's McGee concert at Northerly Island. It was definitely him. He is a big jam band music fan and had a backstage pass around his neck. I have been told that he is a really nice guy, just a terrible drunk. Not the jerk athlete that we so often see.
On a positive note, its great to see the Bears and Urlacher worked this out. We need the team focused on training camp. Hopefully Hester is next!
July 21, 2008
#26 Anonymous said . . .Thank you Jeff. You made me cry a little. Not a lot, just a little. I'm a Bears fan after all. I have a feeling Kyle is our guy, not that I'm gunning for either, I just have a feeling. But I have been known to be wrong on occasion. Brian is signed! Thank God! Another Jones in the backfield! Life is good today! Let's keep it up. JOSIE WOODS forever! The only place to watch the Bears in NYC! I'll miss you guys.
July 21, 2008
#27 So.IllBears Fan said . . .July 22, 2008
#28 So.IllBears Fan said . . .NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Devin Hester is holding out of training camp!!!!!!!!!!!
Jerry!!!!!!! Do something!!!!!!!!!July 23, 2008
NOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Devin Hester is holding out of training camp!!!!!!!!!!
Jerry do something!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!July 23, 2008
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