It's very easy to look at a ballclub after a preseason game and ring the doomsday bell. This team is nowhere near that point, folks. Two years ago in the infamous "they are who we thought they were" game - the Bears defense was torched by the Arizona Cardinals, en route to a magical season and a Super Bowl appearance. I can't repeat it any more than I have: it's the preseason. Nine thoughts...
1. The offensive line is this team's primary concern over the next three weeks as they prepare for the Colts. These five guys have only been playing as a unit for a week or so. It'll be interesting to see how they look Thursday night with the coaches installing an actual game plan. Believe it not - and I watched very carefully - the line mprove greatly by the end of the first half. The Bears need to develop a consistent screen game to counter the blitz packages. From everything I've seen, it's happening.
2. Kyle Orton is going to be the starting quarterback. In two series, he looked pretty damn comfortable - his ball to the outside is quicker and more accurate. All I kept thinking was, "What throws can't he make that Rex can?" Listen, I believe Rex Grossman has tremendous ability but last night proved that this team is going to head into the season with a great defense and (hard as it is to believe) better special teams play than a year ago. They can't afford to throw the ball to the other team. I expect Kyle to be announced the starter Monday morning.
3. If Brandon Lloyd didn't beat Mark Bradley to a roster spot last night, I just don't know anything about football. Lloyd looked like the sure-handed 49er of a few years ago and he seemed to have a solid rapport with KO.
4. Good to see "Return of" Jamar Williams playing into the second half. He's got terrific speed and looks like he'll be an ace in coverage.
5. Great to see #30 out there. Knock on wood...
6. The Bears may have the next Tony Romo on their hands in Caleb Hanie. He needs a few seasons to develop but he could (I stress could) be special. His third quarter escape and scramble was impressive as all hell. Turning nothing into something is a trait Bears QBs have lacked since - oh, I don't know - I was born.
7. No more Adrian Peterson. Haven't we seen everything this guy can do? He's just not that good. It's not a crime to be mediocre. He's mediocre. He's a special teams asset and a hard worker but he's 3.1 yards a carry waiting to happen.
8. The more I see Hungry Like the Wolfe with the ball in his hands, the more I want the ball in his hands.
9. Why is Devin Hester returning anything in a preseason game? Does he have to win the job? Not a single positive thing can happen by him returning a kick. All that can happen is injury. Sometimes I wonder if I'm the only one thinking this.
And because most of you will read this on Monday morning:
Bob Verdi in the Tribune wrote the most honest and compelling portraitofthe Favre ridiculousness I've ever read (somewhere other than this site). It is a must read.
Your song for Monday morning. Hall. Oates. For Wayne out in LaLa land.
#2 Al In WI said . . .Jeff -- didn't see the game but didn't the Seahawks play a prevent D during Orton's drives?
first
August 17, 2008
#3 Al In WI said . . .Are you serious? This recent love affair you've gotten with Orton is beyond me. What throws can't he make that Rex can? How about the deep out, the short out, the fly pattern, the post pattern, and the swing pass to running back out of the back field for starters.
What passes does he consistantly throw well? The curl route within 10 yards, and mabey the in route within 15 yards I'd say.
If not for his wild inaccuracy his first two throws of the night would have intercepted and returned for touchdowns.
That said, you are 100% right that he will be the starting quarterback to start the season. Not because he earned it, but because the Bears have been determined to give it to him since the off season.
And I'm not actually as upset about it as I thought I would be several months ago. The reason being is that at least to start the season this offense will be a disaster. This line is not improving at all. When it played better was in the two min drill, and when the backups checked in for Seattle. They can't run the ball at all in two games so far this preason. And the reciever corp is a mess. Hester is not a #1. At least not yet.
Indy is going to be ugly, real ugly.August 17, 2008
#4 craig said . . .Jdawg, yes they did. They didn't blitz hardly at all.
August 17, 2008
#5 jeff said . . .Agreed on most points, Jeff, except that I'm not as confident in Orton as you seem to be. He's definitely looking sharper than he has in the past, I'll give him that. But he's not looking like a starting QB to me (not that Rex is either). But with Orton I think it could go two ways: 1) he gets more comfortable and confident as the season progresses, opens up the offense a little bit, starts slinging it around and making plays; or 2) pressure builds throughout the season, especially if the offense gets off to a slow start, and he starts to worry about his job (esp. with Rex in the wings who Lovie and JA have been so loyal to), leading him to get more and more conservative. For some reason, I see it going down the latter path if he's given the nod. Hopefully I'm wrong.
This is not an endorsement of Rex. Even though I've been rooting for him to improve and win the job, he hasn't. But the prospect of Orton as our QB inspires little confidence.
August 17, 2008
#6 bfos7215 said . . .no, on the prevent de. as a matter of fact, the seahawks announcers made it a point to credit the bears line for bottling up the pass rush. and if marcus trufant, jennings, tatupu and peterson are now seahawks backups...then they must have some kind of starting lineup.
why do all the rex supporters casually forget how good orton was in beating the saints and outplaying favre in green bay last december?
as for the assertion that kyle can't throw a deep ball, i believe devin hester might argue that's incorrect. at least the bomb touchdown he caught from him would.
maybe my "love affair" with kyle orton - comes from the fact that i'm tired of watching rex throw the football to the other team. although i do love that now kyle SHOULD BE THROWING INTERCEPTIONS IF...i support whoever is playing quarterback for the chicago bears but how in hell can someone argue that rex has earned that right?
and this thing about the bears choosing kyle months ago...whywould they re-sign rex in that case? these guys have a lot of faults but the re supporter can't argue they didn't give him enough shots.
August 17, 2008
#7 jeff said . . .I'm fine with Orton.
I fully expected Rex to win the job. But, he hasn't. I still think Rex gives us the best chance at being a playoff team. That would, however, require the O-Line to be solid. That doesn't look like it's going to happen. This is why I'm fine with Orton. He does seem to handle pressure (which he saw much less of last night) *slightly* better.
I will reiterate that Orton does not throw the ball to the other team less frequently than Rex. His weaker arm creates smaller windows, which increase the likelihood of interceptions. He also makes the dumb throws too, just not as often as Rex does.
I'll add: Olsen can not be on the field on first and second down. I'm sorry, kid. If you can't block a freaking CB 1-on-1, you're only adding to the O-Line problems. We don't have room for another hole killing our RBs and QBs.
August 17, 2008
#8 jeremy9 said . . .and BY THE WAY...my highest compliment to orton has been "comfortable" and "doesn't turn it over"...my perceived love affair comes from the inability of the rex supporter to find an ON-FIELD reason he should be the quarterback
August 17, 2008
#9 jeff said . . .Brilliant writing Jeff, that is good stuff.
August 17, 2008
#10 bounce said . . .orton. 18 games. 15 interceptions.
grossman. 36 games. 37 interceptions.
how does that not computer to more interceptions?
August 17, 2008
#11 AK said . . .START HANIE!!! :)
August 17, 2008
#12 Crown Their Ass said . . .I don't know how they could evaluate Rex when the line allowed him to be molested the entire night. Rex is the better QB, he has a better arm and more upside.
I'm more than willing to root for whoever gets the job, but if either of them throws a stinker, I say scrap the whole QB practice and just stick with Hanie.
August 17, 2008
#13 Polygonhell said . . .It doesn't matter if Rex has a better arm with this O-line. It takes his schlomo ass forever to drop back and release.
August 17, 2008
#14 jeff said . . .Well what can you say about the game?
Reminded me way too much of last year on offense.To be fair to Rex, it's hard to hold him responsible for the bad plays when the OLine is letting 2 and 3 rushers in, often right up the middle. You had dropped balls, holding penalties and the same quality play calling I've come to expect from Ron Turner.
On the INT Ithink he was just focussing on the frontside rusher and didn't see the guy from the backside at all.
I thought Kyle was fine but he did have the advantage of facing a prevent defense.
I think I've just reached the point in the QB battle where I just don't care, pick someone and let them get killed in game 1. I think we'll bein real trouble if we only carry 2 QB's on the roster this year.
The first team D looked good, but the backups really were mauled for the most part.
It's still preseason, so you can't really read too much into it. Hopefully we get a call on the QB Monday morning, and we can move on from there, make some adjustments and look better Thursday.
August 17, 2008
#15 Prefontaine said . . .hey, polygon. drop me an email at jeff@dabearsblog.com
August 17, 2008
#16 Shady said . . .I was first in line for the Rex bandwagon. But to play QB in this NFL, you have to demand the job with your performance on the field. Rex has not. With this O-Line (work in progress) we will see plenty of both QB's. By week 4 it could be every other week, or whomever is most healthy. I have resigned my position in the Rex line and will leave the decision to the coaching staff. They make the money, make the decision to put the team in the best position to win. Good Luck Kyle. If you are QB1, I fully support you as the quarterback of OUR team. Good Luck.
August 17, 2008
#17 jeff said . . .I'm not buying any conspiracy theories about Kyle or Rex, if you can't make a decision based on what we've seen up to this point you need to take the Grossman goggles off. Has Kyle won it? Not really, but Rex has sure as hell has lost it. If I had to choose between watching Kyle at his worst or Rex at his worst, I'll choose Kyle's worst cause I'm sick and tired of watching Grossman taking these beatings. Lovie needs to announce that Kyle is the starter so that this offense can start to build some sort of identity as shitty as it may be, because this battle has been a fucking joke. Both of these QBs are screwed behind this line, and right now Kyle looks like he can at least handle it physically. Let's just end this 'tallest midget' competition already, it's embarrassing. I don't think jeff or myself are Orton lovers per se, we just can't stand to watch what happens when teams bring the blitz on Grossman.... "and rex scrambles back, and back, and back, and he's hit annnnddd there's the pick 6."
Have the Qbs gotten worse over the past couple of years, or has the 'talent' around them just gotten worse? Or both?
August 17, 2008
#18 Al In WI said . . .we'll know a lot soon hopefully. we have a started running back who hasn't carried a ball more than seven times yet. we don't know who the starting receivers are. we should know more thursday night.
August 17, 2008
#19 jeff said . . .Jeff, What I just love is your assertion that because Orton completed ONE freaking deep pass in his entire worthless career, he is a great deep ball passer. One time in almost 20 games!!!!
Should we bring back Griese because he laid one up for Hester against the Vikings last season. Based on your "logic," I think we should.
It's like if I tried to use Rex's scramble against the Rams in 2006 for 2o yards to argue he is a mobile quarterback.
The 2007 New Orleans Saints were one of the worst pass defenses in the entire league. Orton managed to have a good game against them, average for most players really but for him a career day.
A few weeks earlier he played the worst pass defense in the league in the climate controlled dome and was horrific.
The fact of the matter is that you have to score points to win games. And it is a fact that the Bears average more points a game with Grossman than with Orton. And it is even more dramatic if you subtract special teams and defensive scoring from the totals.
Here is a stat for ya:
Grossman 31 Td passes
Orton 12 Td passes
August 17, 2008
#20 Joseph said . . .wait a minute, al. i was wrong. i thought i was defending my belief that kyle should be the starting quarterback. i didn't realize you believed rex is a great quarterback.
your touchdown stat. proves a ton. 31 tds in 36 games? god, can we book our flights to canton right now? nobody wanted rex to succeed more than i did but how long are we supposed to delude ourselves?
and i can't believe you're making argument that special teams and defense score more points for kyle. is that a conspiracy too? how about the second half of 2006 where defense and special teams carried grossman? how about rex's brilliant super bowl performance. i want the guy to go out and win the job but sometimes you guys baffle me with your untaintable love for him.
August 17, 2008
#21 Al In WI said . . .Enough is Enough!! Fire Ron Turner Please!! Why can't this guy call a play that involves throwing the ball down field? Why is this so hard? Every other team in the NFL seems to grasp the concept. The play calls are so predictable that a 5 year old can see the play coming. Ron Turner is a pussy and is so afraid to take any risks that he prefers to play "conservative". He doesn't know how to use his recievers period! He always runs on first down or at the wrong time and can't execute a screen for shit! (which is nothing new). And where is the check down recievers? Its like if the play goes to shit the QB either still throws it and it gets picked or its way off or he is scrambling for his life! Is this guy teaching these QB's about option 2 or 3? Where are the slants? This is what you should be using Hester for! not over the middle where he has to out jump the DB's for the ball and gets killed! Thats what Booker and the Tight Ends are for dammit! I don't totally blame Rex or Orton. It's the play calling! Fire Ron Turner and get someone in here that can run an offense not manage an offense and stop feeding the QB's that line of shit that "all the QB needs to do to win is be a game manager". Fuck that get aggressive and lets SCORE SOME TOUCHDOWNS not 5-10 yard passes when its 3rd and 15 and run up the middle on first down!
August 17, 2008
#22 jeff said . . .Great comeback, I am truely humbled by the quality of that arguement.
And no I never made the arguement that the special teams and defense score more for Orton as some sort of conspiracy. It's simply true that if you subtract those scores from both totals, the Bears offense has scored many more points under Grossman than with Orton.
All one needs to do is look at the offensive rankings the Bears posted in 2005 and 2006 with the exact same personel save one position.
I know you're having a little temper tantrum now, but could you explain to me how Orton has clearly won this job over Grossman given these stats:
Orton 12-19-99 0tds 0ints
Rex 13-23-118 1tds 1ints
And given that according Roy from the sports fans network that you have found credible in the past, Rex has outplayed Orton throughout camp.
But I guess that doesn't matter, after all this one time Orton threw a deep pass and actually completed it so now he is Peyton Manning the second.
August 17, 2008
#23 jeff said . . .i don't know when people started reading between my sentences but it's quite silly. my argument for starting kyle orton is simple: i believe he'll make fewer mistakes. i haven't even praised the guy beyond that point and believing he's an improved player. i don't throw tantrums over the internet but i've seen rex play a pair of preseason games. i've seen kyle play the same pair. and being that i'm not a rex psycho, i objectively see kyle orton as a better option. do you think i wanted kyle orton to win this thing? if so, you're crazy.
as for roy, i value his videos but i am on record comparing his opinion videos to something that unabomber would make in that shack.
has rex done something in these two games that i've missed? the irony is the rex supporters wanted an open camp yet all your evidence to give him the starting job comes from 6 weeks two years ago.
August 17, 2008
#24 Duff Diggler said . . .and let me add that i think this would ultimately be a good thing for grossman. if kyle struggles, and we know he will, rex can enter and save the day and maybe turn his career around. he seems to enjoy that approach.
August 17, 2008
#25 Viva said . . .I've got news for you. It doesn't even matter which one is better! KO is KO. We know everything there is to know about him. But the fact of the matter is that kyle and rex will never see the same kind of pressure. As long as rex is behind center, the opposing defensive coordinator is going to tell 6-7 of his guys to pin their ears back and rip his head off.
I think they both need to go. Rex's upside we've seen in what, like 7 games, total! verses like 20 or so games that i now have bald spots from ripping my hair out!
regardless of where we end up this year, we need to do whatever it is we have to to draft tebow, or some other stud qb, and then bring in a vet (maybe garcia) to mentor him for a year or two.
this shit is rediculous! we deserve a tru franchise qb!
hats of to the D & ST. lets hope they don't get burnt out.
August 17, 2008
#26 Al In WI said . . .Jeff,
Rex led us to a Superbowl. We don't need to go back to week 6 in '06, rather week 17 of '06 against the Seahawks in the playoffs (of course the one pick in that game was a bounced ball off Moose's fucking shoulder pads at the 4 yard line), or week 18 against the Saints.
He can spread a defense, which should make it easier for his coordinator to call plays.
Kyle will give us an occasional first down, and we may be able to grind on some teams, but we will suffer another year of Brad Maynard being our MVP if Kyle has the reigns. He is too easy to defend. There is no way he gives us the best chance to win. None.
August 17, 2008
#27 Shady said . . .Insults aside I respect that opinion, and simply disagree with it. What I objected too was your claim that there aren't any throws that Kyle can't make and Rex can. That to me is absolutely absurd.
I'm also bothered by the way that the Bears have handled this open competition. I trust Hub Arkush when he tells the score that the Bears made their decision to go with Orton in June and were just going through the motions. I trust it more because it's been implied by John Clayton as well as David Haugh.
With most media observers saying that the qb battle has been even, but the Bears are still likely to go with Orton then what else can be concluded?
My position is also simple; Grossman is more talented, and the Bears have scored more points with him at quarterback. Scoring more points gives you a better chance to win. Therefore with an even qb battle I say go with the guy who is likely to put up more points.
I do agree with you on what you said at # 23.August 17, 2008
#28 RaminSA said . . .That unibomber comment was pretty good, sometimes Roy does look pretty shady.
August 17, 2008
#29 BearsTransplant said . . .People still can't be pulling for Grossman, aka pretzel boy, when ever the pocket collapse, where dose he go? We loose twenty yards every time. He's too short, and he is worried about getting hurt again. KO is at least 6'4" does not not panic, and gets the job done. Just let him start and keep him as the starter so we can get this crap behind us and focus on other needs.
August 17, 2008
#30 jeff said . . .Please add in Rex's fumbles. Also, the NFL does not keep stats on fumbled snaps.
A tackle can't block an outside rusher if the QB doesn't step up. It's not even possible. Something else Rex does constantly. Sometimes you have to step up early. Beats being drilled in the earhole and blaming the O-line. See last night.
To be fair, blitzing that much in the 2nd game of the preseason is a chicken-shit move on the Seahawks part, and I almost wonder if it's not Holmgren letting the D gets some licks in on an NFC contender. It's really hard to anticipate what the other team will do in terms of blitzing if you haven't watched any tape whatsoever.
Yes, Kyle's one bomb does not show his same ability to hit the go route like Grossman...but he can at least recognize pressure....
...And from what I've seen, I don't think you can ever replace Hester on special teams, but you can have a similar impact that you'll get from Hester this year as he learns the position from from Bennet, and Davis . The go-route just isn't going to be the cornerstone of the West-Coast offense the Bears run, and I'm convinced that this offense needs good decisions and pocket presence more than it needs bombs down the field.
August 17, 2008
#31 Rancid said . . .transplant, it felt like a smart move on holmgren's part. take this kid out in the preseason.
August 18, 2008
#32 said . . .Hey folks, its good to be back. This is the only place I've checked for news but according to all of you it appears KO will start. I have been saying all along that I hope Rex could pull it off. I think the hard part for me is that he had a run there where he was easily the best QB I've ever seen in the navy and burnt. That's the image of Rex that I see when I dream of a winning season.
Maybe he's just been beat up too much, maybe other defenses have simply discovered that he can't handle the blitz, or maybe he just needs a better line than we can give him, I don't know. If the coaches go with KO I will understand and be in his corner. I totally understand the Kyle argument. I just can't get that Good Rex image out of my mind. Was it ever really real?
In a side note, I really am wondering of I can survive another year of RT without either having an aneurysm or ending up in the pen on homicide charges. My only hope is that they will actually open up an actual offense for the 3rd game, and maybe it will actually work, I don't know. I have used pretty much every piece of profanity in my arsenal on him and at this point I just can't even think of what to say about him. At some point during every day of my life I pinch myself and then think in amazement "he actually didn't get fired, unbelieveable"
August 18, 2008
#33 bfos7215 said . . .It's hard to look good as a play caller when you don't have good offensive players. I think Turner is terrible, but he has not had much to work with. Idonije for QB.
August 18, 2008
#34 Al In WI said . . .Good thought:
Every team in this division has crap at QB.
August 18, 2008
#35 KentuckyBearsFan said . . .Excellent article on this whole topic from David Haugh:
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-080817-kyle-orton-quarterback-bears-haugh,1,4863417.column
In it he backs up the theory that the Bears made their minds up a long time ago to go with Orton.August 18, 2008
#36 jeremy34 said . . .Yo Joe,
Calling Ron Turner a pussy is an insult to pussy.
...
With this O-line, we should just shotgun the ball to Hester on 3rd down and hope he turns into a Barry-Deon SANDERS hybrid.August 18, 2008
#37 Idonije said . . .So in one of the later training camp videos Hester is throwing a pass, how about turning him in to this runner/passer/reciever - maybe he could throw about five passes a game....okay it won't happen but i am not going to stop hoping for it.
August 18, 2008
#38 jeff said . . .I think this thread simply shows the frustration that most Bears fans are feeling right now after what appears to be another painful year on offense.
Jeff, while I'll agree that Orton seems to make fewer mistakes then Grossman, I don't know how you can honestly believe that Orton can make all the throws that Rex can. Even on the game the other night it seems just way too many of Kyle's throws are too high for anyone to catch.
Although I wish Grossman could just put it all together, I think we Bears fans need to accept that whether it is his height, demeanor, whatever it may be...Rex will not likely be able to turn into a consistent performer. Looking at a defense that looks to be stout as ever, and a special teams that none other can match...I think Jeff is correct in backing KO and just praying for no mistakes. It is by no means a sexy pick(actually the exact opposite), but it is what I and most likely the Chicago Bears believe will win us the most games next year.
August 18, 2008
#39 jeff said . . .i'm just not sure he can't make those throws. kyle had a big time arm at purdue and he doesn't lack for strength now. he simply doesn't takethe chances rex which is a double edged sword: less excitement, more stability. what i saw last night is a defense and special teams that can't be wasted with short fields for opponents.
August 18, 2008
#40 enderwiggin said . . .by the way, al...it's been a while since i went toe-to-toe with someone on here. good to have you around. keep that shit up.
August 18, 2008
#41 shonbear said . . .I have to agree with Jeff here. I keep thinking of Orton's rookie year when he got us to the playoffs and Rex blew it. Maybe we should have kept the game manager in and let the guy who doesen't know his limitations watch.
August 18, 2008
#42 said . . .um, just for the record, Rex didn't blow that game, but I think it was more like the lack of defensive adjustments in the secondary and a career day for Steve Smith. If anything Rex was the only reason that we were even close in that game (not to mention Thomas Jones, but we had 21 points scored on offense, not special teams, not defense. Just saying...
Anyway, I really don't care anymore, pick somebody and be done with it, let them get in synch as much as possible until opening day and do something about the offensive line. Let the defense with a chip on their shoulder win the Indy game 3-0 off Robbie's foot. Then with that same chip on their shoulder smash Moose in the teeth with their shut down defense in game two. By that time if per chance the offense can get any kind of consistency (say 1 TD a game, whether it's a fluke or not) they will go into their first home game with some shock and awe and surprize the world with an offense that sores two whole TD's.
3-0
August 18, 2008
#43 jdawg said . . .I think Rex Grossman's shaky outing in Seattle on Saturday night -- he was blitzed heavily in producing no points and a tipped interception in 23 offensive plays -- should make the Bear coaching staff's decision easy. As did something Grossman said after the game. "This will be my fifth year with this coaching staff,'' he said. "They've seen me for four years. I think they should know [about me].'' They do, which is why Kyle Orton should get the opener at Indianapolis.
August 18, 2008
#44 Phil from SATX said . . .I don't necessarily disagree with KO being named the started, I just wish the method didn't seem so fucked up. If you read between the lines Lovie is basically saying Rex should have done better against the blitzes Seattle was showing.
Well guess what, maybe the coaching staff should have done fucking better.
August 18, 2008
#45 AK said . . .No time to panic, right? Well, maybe a little time to panic. As far as I can tell, it's not going to be pretty any way we slice it this year on O.
Here's my culprits, in order, worst first:
1) Ron Turner. The Bears consigned themselves to offensive misery in 2008 when they made the inexplicable decision not to fire Turner at the end of last year. I was hoping against hope that he could learn how to get out of his own way, but now two preseason games in, the jury is also in - GUILTY AS CHARGED. There may not be a worse play caller in this league. We cannot find a way to complete pass plays in the middle of the field. He does not know how to use Hester, he doesn't know how to use our great tight ends, he doesn't know how to use Garrett Wolfe, he doesn't know how to put in packages to handle severe pressure. So basically we're fucked until next year. I guarantee 100%, right now, that Ron Turner will be fired after this season. And I can't wait for that day.
2) (a distant second) Jerry Angelo, only because he did not do enough to repair this line. One draft signing was at least two bodies short of enough. The line blew in that game, the first game was apparently an anomaly, I would guess most NFL teams have good enough D lines to send pressure in the same way Seattle did. Rex didn't help (see #3).
3) In a previous thread I mentioned that I would support the QB who handled pressure better, because pressure is what the Bears will see, in every game. Rex showed me a lot in this game, in the negative. BearsTransplant had a great post that I agreed with in the last thread. Rex has, at this admittedly early point (yet getting later by the second) not shown the needed progress in handling pressure. He cannot throw on the run, he does not step up (as pointed out earlier, which is required to allow tackles to push rushers to the outside) and his first instinct when being pursued is to run backwards about 6 yards. He killed us in field position by doing that - ran straight backward to the goal line. He doesn't have the natural peripheral vision instincts that protect some other QBs, which led to the INT. In short, he looked like the bad Rex of the beginning of last season. But most importantly, and most damning, no points. Now I've put him third on this list, so Ron Turner is clearly at fault as is Jerry in producing this line, but our QB has to succeed in spite of Ron's calls and in spite of a crappy line. Rex has disappointed me, and unfortunately we're likely going to be stuck with the limited upside of Kyle. I'm now rooting for a Simms signing. And for Kyle to do a lot of on-the-job improvement.
Some may also recall that I hoped for a fierce rush from Seattle, to create a revealing fire. We got one, and although I wish the same rush had applied to Kyle so we could get apples vs. apples, I saw enough in Rex to tell me that he has not progressed enough. We're in his, what - 6th? year and we're still talking about his mechanics. John Madden said it once, and said it best - Rex requires near perfect line play to succeed. We are far from that, gentlemen. I am sad - sad for Rex, sad for us.
I'll have another post where I talk about the good stuff from that game - what an enjoyable and exciting preseason game it turned out to be! Lots to like.
August 18, 2008
#46 V in GH said . . .If the situation was reversed and Rex was secretly anointed starting QB while Kyle kept outperforming him during practice, then I would be rooting for Kyle.
Honestly, I'm so tired of this QB bullshit that I'm willing to take a gamble with Hanie at this point.
August 18, 2008
#47 Pissed Off said . . .Whatever happened to “we will keep the 1st team on the field for at least the staring of 3rd quarter” Lovie? I hope this wasn’t to throw off Seattle with your brilliant preseason game planning. At least be honest with the fans in preseason.
I hope Rex finds a new home next year…. With this O-line and the extra (Rex pressure) opponents put on him there is nothing this kid can do here. I like the kid but he’s basically done here and any other team with a bad O-line. We have 90 DT’s and DE’s, but are one injury away on the O-line from disaster.
Please keep Peterson on special teams when Jones returns.
Da Bears!
August 18, 2008
#48 Phil from SATX said . . .This is all fucking ridiculous, everyones making great points and I think we're all leaning toward frustration. This competition has not been fair, but how can it be? There are way too many scenarios where what each QB gets to do is not even when it comes to preseason games. You cant tell Seattle to keep up the same rush D against Kyle and you cant tell the saloon door O-line to let as many people by to rush Kyle and see how he looks in the same situations. I was surprised Kyle only saw the two series but he had a chance to look at some WRs. Rex had that chance on one drive and looked pretty good.
I dont give a shit if Jeff or anyone else calls me a Rex Lover or tells me I have Rex goggles on. I know he gives us the best chance to win and like many I wanted him to grab this job by the throat. I think he's done that in practice but games have been pretty even and that goes back to my first paragraph about how its impossible to get fair competition in games. The only way to do that is in camp, where you can use the exact same defensive looks/plays VS the same offensive looks/plays and see how each QB does.
Most of you are to the point where you dont give a shit anymore, either QB is going to get raped all year long and the other one will see time due to injury anyway. And I'm almost there, just not quite, on Thursday I'll be there for sure but I still hope that they let this play out thru the Thurs game. I am just so pissed at this whole thing, pissed at Ron Turner for being the worst coordinator ever, pissed at the O-line for letting Rex get killed and not getting to show anything, pissed at Rex for not owning this job by now, pissed at Lovie for being a smug SOB with his la-dee-dah answers to everything, pissed that this conspiracy to start Kyle is happening. I need a fucking drink!
August 18, 2008
#49 Phil from SATX said . . .Yeah, it's almost laughable how deep we are on defense (that would be part of the positives from that game) yet grape-skin deep on offense. Got to blame Jerry for that. It's too lopsided. By a long shot. The only position we're deep in on O now is tight end - and freaking Ron Ron can't figure out for the life of him how to use them. Maybe running backs will prove to be deep too - but everything else?
August 18, 2008
#50 mikebdot said . . .Good post, PO'd. I'm right there with you, man.
August 18, 2008
#51 JAB said . . .Instead of turning Hester into a receiver, we should have turned him into a punter! Think about it. 4th and 3. Oh, time to punt...or is it...
Just a thought.
August 18, 2008
#52 Brian in Sec 430 Row 25 said . . .I am a football fan first and foremost but this team has me thanking god for the Cubs. This might be the worst offense I have ever seen. If this continues I don't know if there will be a football season for me in fear of a heart attack. Please for the love of god fix this offense.
August 18, 2008
#53 Phil from SATX said . . .I am not sure this qualifies as a conspiracy theory or not, but I do not think it is a coincidence that in both pre-season games the o-line has performed significantly better for Kyle than for Rex. It is my belief that the team stands behind K.O and that was reflected in the O-Line play during the 2 pre-season games. I am NOT saying the O-Line is tanking it when Rex is under center but in the NFL, the smallest amount of focus can mean the world of difference and if the O-Line is more focused (and in turn performs better) when K.O is under center than K.O needs to be our quarterback. That being said, NO ONE, maybe other than his family is a bigger beliver in Rex than I am. I cannot explain why but I have seen a lot of QB's come through this town since I started going to games in 1983 and I can honestly say, Rex is the most "gifted" I have seen. He has had his chance and he did not take advantage so now Kyle desevres a shot. It is too bad because I think if Rex was on Dallas and Romo was on Chicago, rex would be getting dirty with Jessica Simpson and Tony would be fodder for Da Bears Blog!
August 18, 2008
#54 Pissed Off said . . .Brian, is it possible that the QB under center for us helps dictate the defenses the opposing team throws at us? If I was the D coordinator of a team and Rex was under center, I'd throw everything and the kitchen sink at him every time, because that's your best chance at success against him. On the other hand, if you don't bring the heat and he's comfortable back there, watch out - you're talking about the first five games of 2006.
They see Kyle Orton back there and they're not as worried about his arm, in fact they'd like him to throw, because they have more chances to pick him off and his historical inaccuracy means balls will be sailing high and uncatchable anyway. But he is somewhat mobile and better at sidestepping the rush, so the same plan that works against Rex may not work against him.
Just a theory. Watching the number of people Seattle threw at the line against Rex, I really don't think it was lack of effort of the line, it was too many bodies to handle and Rex not helping matters any.
Speaking of eluding the rush, that's one thing I like about our 3rd stringer - Hanie looks very mobile, and pretty smart and shifty. Not sure about whether his arm can deliver for him, but he looks like the best on our roster at eluding pressure. (i know, tallest midget and all).
August 18, 2008
#55 Cat Lover said . . .Off the wall commentary but do you remember when Brandon Lloyd apparently leaked that Rex is the QB. How does that play into this equation? Is it possible Lovie or someone leaked that Kyle will be the starter (as Hub Arkush reported) to combat the Lloyd comments so Lovie wouldnt be viewed as a blind Rex supporter?
I dont know but everyone here and in the media is leaning Kyle right now and I think its becuase of that news leakage that the competition is a sham. Bottom line is that neither QB has outplayed the other when you break it down. You can look at each individual situation or play (as Lovie expressed he would) and see what kind of pressure one QB was under and what types of defense another recieves and whether their playing against 2nd stringers or 3rds or 1st's, whatever. You can also look at practice or camp (more of a controlled environment).
Face it, if we didnt know any history about these guys and they both were no-names, just two guys coming in to compete for the starting job, Rex would win based on training camp alone. Rex's stats were pretty damn good Sat night based on the pressure he saw and the one drive he had time to throw he went 5 for 5. Lets also not forget the drop by Bennet that would have been a 1st down. I'd break Kyle down too and give him the benefit of the doubt but no one drops his passes and he has time to throw. Its like treading water for a drowning Rex in these games while Kyle is chilling in his somewhat shitty and broken down boat next to him....but hey at least it floats.
Basically these games are not a fair guage and the offense is going to suck bad either way unless the O-line (NOT REX) gets consistent.
August 18, 2008
#56 One City One Team said . . .lets get Vick when he gets sprung!
August 18, 2008
#57 Duff Diggler said . . .Zero QBs
August 18, 2008
#58 jeremy34 said . . .LOL!!! Right on. How funny is it that the Cubs have the best quarterback (DeRosa)and wide receiver (Samardjzia) in chicago?
August 18, 2008
#59 Duff Diggler said . . .I hope this qb talk doesn't go on all year. They are both bad. That's my opinion. And yeah, someone needs to get Angelo and Lovie to stop drafting 2nd and 3rd round defensive linemen, I think Lovie has a love affair with defensive linemen, and Angelo can't really draft offensive players.
August 18, 2008
#60 Pissed Off said . . .However, Phil is right. There are so many good things that happened in this game as well!
how about that Peters guy (palamalo look-alike)?!?! Does that guy want to make the team, or what?!?!
how about the squirrel takin a punt to tha house?!?
how about 2 blocked punts (one by Mark Bradley!?!)?
how about Izzy slappin more balls than a german-shisse porn star?
KELLEN DAVIS. ..nough said.
how about Payne with that monster hit/FF
....btw, regarding that last takeaway in regulation, if that ball doesn't make the absolute worst and least likely possible bounce in history, we win that game.
what am i forgetting Phil?
August 18, 2008
#61 Idonije said . . .Couple of positives, Pro football talk reports that some reporter is giving Peyton a 30 to 35% chance of being available for the opener. Without a bursa sac in his knee (which is what keeps the knee lubricated) he'll be like the tin man without the oil. Secondly, Ricky Manning jr got on the field with the 1st team for a while on Sat night. This is good news, I hope he falls into favor again with the coaches and returns to the form of how he was before last year. He could be a big key to this D.
There are some questions though. What about AP even making the team, he might be on the bubble. We have Forte, Wolfe, Jones, McKie and are we keeping Polite. If so, do we even keep AP? Is Mark Bradley going to make this team?
August 18, 2008
#62 big rob said . . .A slightly confusing article from Peter King putting the chances that Manning plays against us week 1 at 65-70 percent.
"Manning had the infected bursa sac near his left knee removed July 14, and he hasn't practiced in the five weeks since. It is one of the cloudiest injuries in sports. I am writing about it because I think there's a chance -- oh, maybe a 30, 35 percent chance if I had to guess -- that the removal of the infected bursa sac could prevent Manning from playing in the Colts' opening game against Chicago on Sept. 7. Would I bet on it? Not a chance."
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/peter_king/08/17/august/index.html?eref=T1
August 18, 2008
#63 mikebdot said . . .Orton strongarm neckbeard named Bears starting QB.....
August 18, 2008
#64 Al In WI said . . .http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=5015
August 18, 2008
#65 Pissed Off said . . .Well the news has just broke that the Bears have f0llowed through with their June decision and named Orton the starter for the regular season.
It is just amazing to me that the Bears coaching staff and so-called brain trust is so incompetent that they can't even run a qb derby fairly. As a Bears fan since the mid-1980's I have witnessed at least a dozen of them this team has gone through. You would think that they would have learned how to do it.
The way to have done this would have been to allow Orton to start versus KC and play the full half with Grossman getting the 3rd quarter. The Seattle game should then have followed the opposite order. Same playing time, same personel, and similar play calling.
But Lovie bear couldn't do that of course. And that would have required an open mind as well. One wonders if this is more Smith, or Turner in this decision.August 18, 2008
#66 Bill said . . .No comment
August 18, 2008
#67 Crown Their Ass said . . .I'll be saying this all season long; as I did last year; debating Orton vs Grossman proves we don't have a QB who is worth discussing.
I'd like to think the O-line will get better with time playing together; it argues against moving Tait back to LT.
IF (and that's a real big IF) we can learn to throw screens and maybe even have Orton rollout just a bit, we could counteract the blitzes that are sure to come. More than anything, I think it's Rex running backwards to 'eascape' the pressure that ended his chances to start.
Let's not get nuts about a 3rd string QB playing against guys who will be watching on TV just like us once the season starts.
August 18, 2008
#68 AK said . . .I don't understand why everyone is so pissed off. If Orton doesn't get the job done, then Rex will come in. If Rex can't get it done, then they will bring back Kyle. Hopefully, we will not have to make a QB change. I am thankful that this 5 year disaster experiment with Grossman is over. Orton is a quicker decision-maker, can see over the O-line, does not take an eternity to drop back and release, is a little more mobile, can sense pressure better and get rid of the ball when needed to, does not run back 10 yards when someone is after him, does not have oompa-loompa hands and can grip the ball better, etc. Rex only has a stronger arm than Kyle and probably by not as much as most think. Besides, with this porous O-line that don't mean shit. Kyle, NOT Rex, gives us the best chance to win with our personnel. Rex has had his chance, we know what he is. He will never become a consistent top-tier QB. I have voted KO since the beginning of camp and I cannot wait for him to surprise all you delusional Rex lovers this year.
August 18, 2008
#69 Al In WI said . . .Crown, there's nothing delusional here. We want a great QB because damn it, this town deserves one after so many years. Debating Rex vs. KO is deciding whether you want your balls sandpapered or punched on a regular basis. I'll be rooting for Kyle, because God knows he's going to need all the luck in the world behind that O-Line.
August 18, 2008
#70 Tenacious D said . . .As I said yesterday, I'm not nearly as upset about this as I thought I would have been several months ago.
Part of the reason is that with this supporting cast niether quarterback has much of a chance to do much. No running game, no line, and a grab bag at wide reciever is not a formula for success.
And of course another part of the reason is that Grossman is going to get his playing time either because of how bad Orton is. Or because of the beating and likely injuries that will happen to Kyle.
By the way Hub goes further into the discussion of "QB derby." Check it out at www.670thescore.com and on the right hand side. It is from today.August 18, 2008
#71 Shady said . . .Crown, Agree 100%. What have we got to lose by giving Kyle his shot? He may surprise us all. Rex played his way out of the job Sat. night by showing the same tendencies that got him benched. Was he under tremendous pressure. Absolutely. Can we expect to see that all year? Yup. Will he handle it better than he did Sat. night, or better than Kyle will? Nope. Because that's who he is.
If we had a great O-line that could give Rex all day to throw, maybe the outcome of the QB derby is different. Kyle gives us the best chance to win, IN THIS SITUATION.
August 18, 2008
#72 Phil from SATX said . . .I'm just glad this thing is over.
August 18, 2008
#73 Viva said . . .I find myself surprised today. Mostly because I didn't think that these guys would make a decision yet - it's just not their MO. Tenacious is absolutely right. Unfortunately for us Rex supporters who still cling to how flat out brilliant this kid was in early 2006, Rex made all the wrong moves in his few chances in preseason. Kyle never looked great, but he generally looked more competent than Rex. I think we should all move on now - yes, Rex will likely get a chance this season, but he'll be on another short leash, then it will be Hanie time.
We all want the same thing - we want our QB to be good. Let's hope Orton keeps improving - one thing we should all be able to agree on is he seems to keep his wits about him better when everything's going to shit, and yes, that will help this season. He knows how to throw the sideline pass, he showed us 3 times in a row in his decisive 2 minute drill. Can he make any other throws? We shall see. I think the most important throw he's going to make this year is the dump off pass and screen, and we should have the personnel to make some points off of that kind of offense. We should know that we'll get fewer negative plays too, fewer disasters. Rex's talent at hitting tight ends in the middle of the field will probably not be there, but does that matter since RT never calls the play? Long balls will probably be in shorter supply, but they'll still be called, and maybe lead to interference calls if not completions.
Kyle, your turn, PLEASE make the most of it. Chris Simms, are you out there? That signing is more important than ever.
August 18, 2008
#74 jeff said . . .This competition was a sham.
I wouldn't be surprised to see a line set in Vegas for the over and under 3 and outs we see in every Bears game. Our D is that good and our O sucks that bad.
Offensive MVP for the Bears = Brad Maynard
FUCK.
If I were Grossman and Orton went down with an injury, I would have a Drew Rosenhaus "hamstring injury."August 18, 2008
#75 Al In WI said . . .i'll weight in tomorrow with more thoughts but this isn't a surprise.
August 18, 2008
#76 jeff said . . .I watched Chicago Tribune Live tonight from Comcast Sports Net Chicago. If you have Direct TV you can get this channel. Anyway:
David Haugh: Lovie called this a gut decision and he had the feeling in his gut several months ago. This was set up for Orton to get the job unless Rex could get on a really hot streak which he never had the chance to do.
Jim Miller: The deck was stacked against Grossman from the start and in favor of Orton. This is what they wanted to do.
Me: I really think there is no doubt that this was never a legit competition. Too many sources have stated that to deny it.
The good thing is that now the blame and focus will be right where it belongs on Lovie Smith and Ron Turner. No more Grossman to scapegoat.
I agree Phil that we all hope for the best with Orton. The only thing that I would challenge in what you said is that I haven't seen any improvement from him. So I don't agree with the "continues to improve," comment that you made. That is one of my many issues with him, that he still looks like the same guy he was in 2005 when he got worse as the season went on. Oh well, I'm a Bears fan I should be used to this by now.
The hope this season lies in Hester and company scoring some points, and the D creating a lot of turnovers. And of course some sort of running game would be nice.
What are people thinking long term?? At this point I don't see anyone argueing that Orton is really the long term guy. So what is the long term hope now?August 19, 2008
#77 jeff said . . .only problem with that logic: every single source says rex could have won the job. he didn't.
August 19, 2008
#78 PolygonHell said . . .and to al and everybody else...i hope you're not going to waste a lot of people's time on here rooting against kyle all season.
August 19, 2008
#79 Pissed Off said . . .Roy has posted a talking head piece on the QB decision on YouTube.
It's a bit to conspiratorial for me, but it's interesting listening.From a front office standpoint, why would you start the guy with a 1 year contract over the guy with the 2 year contract without a damn good reason.
I think it's pretty clear that unless the O-Line steps up there game significantly, who's back there at QB won't matter.
August 19, 2008
#80 animal said . . .You all need to go to 670thescore.com and listen to Hubs comments, thanks for link Al, it again says that coaches stacked the deck against Rex and it was decided:
http://www.670thescore.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=2835368
All I can say is this jeff, I wont root against Kyle as much as I did Griese.
August 19, 2008
#81 jeff said . . .Like most of you probably did, I called this immediately after Rex finished his time in the Seacocks game. I turned to my wife, an Orton fan, and said, in effect, Rex just lost the job and I'd bet it all that Orton is now the starter. That was obvious.
Now we will see if the D is good enough to carry us, because that's what it will take to be successful.
August 19, 2008
#82 KentuckyBearsFan said . . .wouldn't be the first time. this team has proven it can get to the postseason on defense alone. see: 2005.
August 19, 2008
#83 KentuckyBearsFan said . . .Some funny (but unfortunately true) lines from Rosenbloom
http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/rosenblog/2008/08/kyle-orton-didn.html"Truth is, everybody will play quarterback this year (Pep Hamilton suits up Nov. 2) because the Bears' offensive line is expected to be brought up on manslaughter charges."
"This is the real problem. I mean, Grossman was flagged for intentional grounding on a play run out of shutgun formation. Out of shotgun formation."
August 19, 2008
#84 KentuckyBearsFan said . . .Some funny (but unfortunately true) lines from Rosenbloom
http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/rosenblog/2008/08/kyle-orton-didn.html"Truth is, everybody will play quarterback this year (Pep Hamilton suits up Nov. 2) because the Bears' offensive line is expected to be brought up on manslaughter charges."
"This is the real problem. I mean, Grossman was flagged for intentional grounding on a play run out of shutgun formation. Out of shotgun formation."
August 19, 2008
#85 Sick of this QBs + O-line said . . .Some funny (but unfortunately true) lines from Rosenbloom
http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/rosenblog/2008/08/kyle-orton-didn.html"Truth is, everybody will play quarterback this year (Pep Hamilton suits up Nov. 2) because the Bears' offensive line is expected to be brought up on manslaughter charges."
"This is the real problem. I mean, Grossman was flagged for intentional grounding on a play run out of shutgun formation. Out of shotgun formation."
August 19, 2008
#86 KentuckyBearsFan said . . .Orton stars? So what?!
Only the flyes changed, the shit are the same one!
August 19, 2008
#87 Shady said . . .Before pre-season, I assumed that Rex would win hands down. But his O-line in 2006 was AWESOME but the following year, opposing teams began sending blitz after blitz after blitz against Rex to the point where Rex got PTSD. Everyone here still remember the "Grossman face" during the games with near zero QB rating.
Rex has played okay in pre-season(all considering), but Lovie just doesn't trust him anymore. That, and he's too short to see above the line. Even with these flaws, Rex is not a worse QB than Kyle going by track record.
Maybe that bastard Turner thinks Kyle gives them a better shot at another year since his movements may be slightly less predictable?
Nothing but good wishes for Orton, because, man, is he going to need it. We'll find out Thursday if he can take the heat.
Long live The Neckbeard!
August 19, 2008
#88 Joseph said . . .You know how they made the decision? They probably figured people would rather see Kyle suffer than watch it happen to Grossman again. There is just something so terrible about watching Rex fall apart under duress that fans just couldn't take it anymore. I mean, you could use the skunk comparison about Hester on Grossman. How many times do you need to get sprayed before you figure it out?
Anyway even if Lovie did make his mind up last year, and even if this competition wasn't all about performance from this year alone, Lovie STILL made the right decision. Grossman had to impress in camp and really limit his mistakes otherwise the Bears would go with the lesser evil, even though that evil's upside might not be as high as Grossman's. Once we saw the fumbled snaps, sacks and interceptions again - it was enough to do Grossman in. But who knows, maybe this will be good for him, I know it sounds crazy but he could benefit from having hit the absolute bottom of his career - getting beaten out by Kyle Orton. What does he have to lose when he gets his next opportunity? And like most of you said, he'll probably get another opportunity this year, and perhaps that will coincide with the return of Chris Williams and Kevin Jones. Keep the faith Grossman fans, we'll see another resurRextion - but in the mean time, you root for Orton to succeed 'cause if he succeeds the Bears succeed.
QB of the future? If it's not Hanie, then he's still in college.
Regarding Simms, why the hell not?
August 19, 2008
#89 Al In WI said . . .Lets look at what we know people. This is pretty much the same team as last year on "paper". Nothing has changed at QB...we have the same two guys in Rex and Kyle minus Griese. Big Deal. Second...we are deeper at RB in picking up Kevin Jones. Yes he is hurt but I'm talking strictly depth chart here. Forte looks promising and Wolfe has more experience, and we still have AP. The offensive line is nearly the same and with more time together these guys will be decent not spectacular but decent. At WR we lost Musin Mohommad but big fucking deal! He's a bum! I rather have Booker anyways! Hester...will be getting more reps and Rasheed Davis I think is on Steroids which is cool with me as long as he makes plays! Berrian was a Bitch and doesnt belong on this team! Let him play in his little dome in Minnesota we dont need him. Wait till he gets popped goin over the middle by Brown! Lloyd and Bennet have big play ability. At Tight End if used right Olsen, Clark and the Beast Davis should have a damn good year. The Defense is healthy and is shaking some of the rust off from the off- season and will be back to normal. And special teams is top notch! In conclusion...this team isn't that bad if we go by whats on "paper". Im not worried yet! wait till Week 4 and lets re-evaluate then! Plus all the teams in the Division are a mess some way or another.
P.S FIRE RON TURNER!
August 19, 2008
#90 shonbear said . . .Jeff, the Chicago Bears have forced me to root for the likes of Henry Burris, amongst others. I have no problem rooting for Orton, I did it in 2005. But I'll let him and more importantly this coaching staff have it when the results come in as you know in your heart they will.
And for the record you can't win the job in 4 series backed up at your own 7 yard line behind that offensive line.
Here's hoping Kyle and the 1st string offense actually score their first touchdown this this Thursday! That would improve the outlook considerably.August 19, 2008
#91 craig said . . .Kyle didn't win it, Rex lost it. You take away one dropped pass, an pressured interception and let him take the next drive rather than putting in Kyle and tmaybe this thing plays out differently.
I think this was calculated to take the pressure off Rex because they know that he will be coming back at some point and he always plays better. I just wish this organization would be honest with the media and fans about it. They should actually state that they needed to see more from Rex, the competition was close thorughout and close is not what Grossman needed, he needed to show that he was head and shoulders better.
I hope the running game pans out, the difference between a 10-5 season for the rookie Kyle Orton and a 6-10 or 8-8 for a veteran Kyle Orton.
I wonder what Rex's attitude about the final results of the "compettion" is going to be when or if he takes over again.
Either way, we are likely going to have the usual QB changes throughout the season and like was previously stated that condition assures us we'll have the similar kind of results that we've had every other season that's happened and we are wasting this great defense in the prime of it's greatness.
This is the most frustrating thing ever. Hope the team proves me wrong, but at this point I'm so down trodden about the offensive condition of our team that I'm hoping for a few things to come out of it.
One, if we do suck (which I hope I'm wrong) then maybe we can finally get a good QB (Tebow?) Two, we fix our offensive line and finally that we fire Ron Turner. If Lovie fails to take control of this team, I have no problem with his lying, watered down answering arrogant ass going either. Maybe we can get Bill Cowher...
August 19, 2008
#92 Rancid said . . .Well I'll join the majority of you in wishing K.O. well. I really hope he's improved as much as so many people seem to think.
A few thoughts, though:
1) I think Brad Biggs is right to say "for now." Not necessarily because I think the O-line is going to get him injured, but also because it's not unimaginable that Kyle will end up getting benched at some point. It's not going to be easy to look good in this offense, especially since it has the look of a unit that's going to take 4-6 weeks to hit a stride. The same would, of course, be true of Grossman.
2) I feel like I have less patience for a sputtering, punt-happy offense than for a fast and loose but turnover-prone offense. Maybe that's stupid. Hopefully, I won't see either one. But something tells me the Ortoneers are going to be the former.
3) It's been a while since I've felt this much dread heading into a season. I think we're definitely looking at an offense that'll take at least half a season to get anything going consistently. It's very easy to say, "Well the defense and special teams can carry them that far..." But how many defensive starters you think will be left in week 8 if they're playing 75% of the snaps every game?
August 19, 2008
#93 shonbear said . . .Both these guys are still Chicago Bears and I still like them both. I shall cheer and find hope for KO and should he go down to injury or incompetence I shall cheer and find hope for Rex. I don't have it in me to cheer against a starting Bears player. My allegiance and dedication is to the TEAM first and individual players second. If you find yourself cheering against any starting Bears player then I have to think you're a bigger fan of a certain player than the TEAM, and that just doesn't make sense to me. Disagree with the decision and move on.
While they played for us, I cheered for Benson, Moose, Greaseball, Tank, and other guys I can't stand anymore. Hell, I fucking HATE Ron Turner but I still hope he somehow gets possesed by an demon that has some concept of how to run an offense and becomes a good OC this year. What am I supposed to do? If I hope for RT to fail then I am hoping the TEAM sucks and I can't rationalize that logically.
In high school I played with a real arrogant SOB running back. I hated his guts. Everyone on the team did. Outside of season he had no friends. None. But you know what, when he had the damn ball in his hands I would cheer for all I was worth. When he scored a game winning TD, I was the first guy there to get him up and carry his prick ass off the field on my shoulders. Why? Because my team won. And that's what it's about. I hope KO is the man this year. I hope he steps his game up a notch and becomes a solid QB. It's the same thing I hoped for Rex last year. Maybe this year I'll get my wish.
August 19, 2008
#94 jeremy34 said . . .new prediction (because this is the way I keep the hope alive through seemingly impossible dreams)
1. Orton starts, the line holds up enough and he looks spectacular, right to the playoffs.
2. If by chance he is pulled or injured by weeks 4-6, Rex comes in and lights it up because he's loose and the offensive line has improved because of being able to mesh etc...
3. He does well enough to finish, get us in the playoffs and win the superbowl.
4. He flips us the high hard one when he signs for another team and we remain in the QB quandry for another season.
5. He goes to a team that actually knows how to develop a QB and run an offense and has continued success from there on out as we look on with disdain for our coaches and lack of decision making.
6. Because of the playoffs or superbowl we keep Ron Turner as our offensive coordinator and then we are back to same ol same ol.
7. Maybe because Ron has a good season he gets a head coaching opportunity and leaves that way???
Alright alright, I'm just venting here. Now it's time to put the hope back in the team and lets see what happens. It is just so frustrating to watch our team be only two years removed from a Superbowl and potentially fall like a ton of bricks into the wasteland of mediocrity.
We've been through this so many times in the past and I really want to see some consisitency from a team that is steeped in NFL history with names like Walter, Dick, Gayle, Mike and Mike.
August 19, 2008
Haven't been able to watch the first two games. Hows our rookies looking?? particularly Bennett out wide?? I heard the defensive tackle 3rd round looks to be a good player. Who is this Dan Bazuin guy? I heard he once figured to play for the Bears?
Didn't Lovie get the o-line together in the 2005 season and said we are puting this season on you, you have to perform, and they did and we ran the ball well and made playoffs after people said we were one of the worst teams in the league? How is surfer boy looking?
The main thing about the highlights I saw of the Seattle game is that we are the same old Bears, the defensive turnovers seemed great, the block kicks, the defensive touchdown the safety and then some bad offense, some things never change.
As for deserving a good qb....we don't deserve anything, but we should try like hell to go out and get one. I have never heard so much conspiracy talk about sports. The coaches are around them all the time and they see more than we do and as far as a conspiracy, give me a break, it's probably just something for radio to talk about. Even if the o-line blocks better for Orton....so be it....they are around them both a lot more than us and you got to have trust on a team so i trust them.
August 19, 2008
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.