We're going to be objective here on DaBearsBlog. Even though we've picked the Bears to win every Sunday for the past three years. Even though we believe in our hearts that this team can win it all this season. Even though we're the furthest thing from objective.
Today I present an honest look at the four teams in the NFC North, presenting their primary strength and fault - as I see them. As a Bears fan it's unnecessary to look at anything beyond these three teams. Beat them and you make the postseason.
Hate: Third Down Defense. With instability at the nickel corner spot and safety (especially if we lose #30 again), the Bears need to find ways to stop allowing big plays on third down. What does this mean? I’ll say what I always say. Lovie Smith must abandon his arrogant belief that he can generate a pass rush with only his front four and incorporate Spagnulo-esque blitz schemes in big situations.
Hate: Pressure on Aaron Rodgers. I’m usually not a believer in the extraneous factors but I can only imagine what Rodgers will face in Green Bay should he get off to a slow start and Favre starts strong for the New York Jets. A bad September for this team could spiral.
Or at least they better because…
Hate: Tarvaris Jackson. I just don’t think he’s a very good football player. He doesn’t strike me as dynamic enough to make big plays down the field or accurate enough to continually move the chains (“manage” the offense). Let me also add that Adrian Peterson hasn’t played a full season since he was about twelve years old. Tarv Albert will have to make plays.
And they’re going to need to because…
Hate: Name the defensive line for the Lions. Can’t? Jared DeVries, Chuck Darby, Cory Redding, Dewayne White. If you don't hit a hundred yards rushing against Detroit, stop running the ball.
#2 I am.. said . . .first.
What is this about a Olin Kruetz- Brandon Lloyd fight that Our Boy Roy is writing about? Anyone else have insights on this?
Im sorry, but I love when Kruetz kicks someone's ass. That's right, Fred Miller you bitch, eat it.August 28, 2008
#3 Shady said . . ....Fred Miller's broken jaw.
August 28, 2008
#4 shonbear said . . .I'll comment on the Bears here and agree with your 'hate' of the Bears' 3rd down defensive philosophy. We've seen teams start inside their own 20 plenty of times BUT we've ALSO seen teams drive down the field eating up tons of clock and scoring a FG or TD nonetheless. Lovie and Babich like to play a bend but don't break defense, often times playing so safe that they will let a team run and dump off for 5-10 yd. chunks at a time just to prevent the big play, or hoping the QB makes a mistake. One problem with this philosophy is that the defense is prone to longer series at a time when they don't force the action. When do we see the defense at it's best? With their backs against the wall (endzone) and getting after the QB/RB! Hopefully this year the defense can apply enough pressure to force these NFC North QBs into making game changing mistakes in favor of Da Bears.
August 28, 2008
#5 Z said . . .These guys really give us no chance. Again I want to see our guys go out there and flip the finger to these types of characters...
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/preview08/team?team=chi
August 28, 2008
#6 JWilson said . . .One guy on that link picked us to finish second, out of like 20 opinions. Oh well, fuck them. I wonder what those big shots batting average is for predictions each year.
Good analysis Jeff. It felt like we were in a prevent D on 3rd down all season. Go get that QB and the ball. Let loose the dogs of war this year. If we go down in flames I would much rather have it be fighting for the win aggressively than playing not to lose and wearing our D down all game.
August 28, 2008
#7 jeremy34 said . . .Don't release Caleb Hanie!
Keep Hanie!
August 28, 2008
#8 Beat the Colts!! said . . .I am a little scared about facing Vikes huge offensive line, huge defensive line, lets not forget J Allen right? AP is scary good, and their overall D is good. Packers, if teams can shut down their Offense or limit it, they shouldn't be a problem. Lions, their defense definately seems to have holes but I am definately scared of their receivers. In my opinion, If Calvin Johnson turns into the next best wr (which I think will happen) then we are in trouble because we don't have offensive firepower like the rest of the teams in our division.
August 28, 2008
#9 Da Coach said . . .With Manning back on the field, the Colts biggest question mark is center Jeff Saturday.
Dungy has not said how much time Saturday, a three-time Pro Bowler who injured a ligament in his right knee during Sunday night's loss to Buffalo will miss
August 28, 2008
#10 said . . .Saturday is out a minimum of 6 weeks with the MCL injury suffered in preason. So now you have a gimpy Manning without his starting center since 2005. Things are looking brighter for a chance to spoil opening night of their new stadium.
August 28, 2008
#11 said . . .Hell yeah:
http://www.dabearsblog.com/2008/08/love_hate_in_the_nfc_north.php
August 28, 2008
#12 said . . .er....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3jHgGh0S7o
August 28, 2008
#13 said . . .If you dont get goosebumps.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOuoSuca1a0
August 28, 2008
#14 jeff said . . .http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J31a29KVyYY&feature=related
August 28, 2008
#15 Al In WI said . . .where was that potential for rex in 2007?
August 28, 2008
#16 Shady said . . .I agree with most of what's said here except on the Bears "hate," side. I can't understand how it's possible not to list the offensive line as the thing to hate about the Bears. They sunk the offense as whole in 2007 and if possible have looked worse for most of the preseason.
The offensive line, is the key to the Bears season. It's on them to provide a running game, and give Orton time to successful.August 28, 2008
#17 Oaktown34luv said . . .Are you ready for some "football"
August 28, 2008
#18 jeff said . . .Except for the 1st half of the Seattle game the O-line has looked BETTER than last year IMO. I can't explain it, maybe it's the quicker running backs making something out of nothing. Maybe it's the watered down pre-season defenses aren't able to put real pressure on the Bears QB. Maybe it's Orton calling the correct blocking schemes. Maybe it's the absense of Fred 'turnstile' Miller. But the net results are that we are real close to having a decent Offense
August 28, 2008
#19 Shady said . . .Al...the offensive line played poorly in seattle and great in the other two games. they've also received kudos throughout practices. they had two bad quarters. how is that looking worse, exactly?
August 28, 2008
#20 Phillip from NYC said . . .Watching the offense under perform is one thing, but watching the defense under perform is another.
August 28, 2008
#21 Phillip from NYC said . . .Damn this preseason network blocking. I have no desire to see Brett Favre tonight.
August 28, 2008
Zomg, http://player.play.it/player/player.html?id=93&onestat=wbbm-am
August 29, 2008
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