So with the announcement that Lovie Smith plans to use his starters into the third quarter Saturday night, I thought it an appropriate time to take a "State of the Bears". What do we know? What don't we know? And perhaps most importantly, what can Saturday night tell us?
WHAT WE KNOW
(1) We know the Bears defense has a chance to mirror their 2006 success if they can only stay on the field.
(2) We know the Bears will enter the 2008 season with depth at running back that doesn't involve the name Cedric Benson and doesn't rely on the noble yet less-than-thrilling play of Adrian Peterson.
(3) We know there's zero reason to believe the Bears will relinquish their place atop Rick Gosselin's special teams rankings. (For those of you who don't already, start reading Gosselin in the Dallas Morning News. He's far-and-away the best football writer in the country and he loves Tommie Harris.)
WHAT DON'T WE KNOW
(1) We don't know if Devin Hester can hold up under the physical duress of being an every down receiver. Problem is, we won't know until he either goes down with a serious injury or makes it through the season. This is the hold-your-breath, wait-and-see, fingers crossed subplot of the entire 2008 season.
(2) We don't know if John St. Clair can actually be a starting left tackle in the league. We'll know September 7th in Indianapolis because Dwght Freeney is good at teaching lessons of this sort.
(3) We don't know if Ronald McDonald will find a way to exploit the clear mismatches the speed of Hester and Greg Olsen create for opposing defenses. Based on his track record, it's Prognosis Negative (prize if you get that reference).
AS FOR SATURDAY NIGHT...
Five questions heading into the game.
1. Will Rex Grossman seize the opportunity and take control of the quarterback battle?
2. Will a #2 receiver please stand up?
3. Will the offensive line continue to build on a surprisingly solid performance in the first exhibition game?
4. Will the Bears defense get off the field on third downs, especially considering Matt Hasselbeck is not expected to play?
5. Is this not one of the greatest summer songs ever written?
ALSO OF NOTE: The Bears unveiled a new marketing campaign today, featuring the slogan "One City. One Team." Though I would have gone with "One Town, One Team" for alliterative purposes, it could have been worse. As a matter of fact (and this is true, folks) the two other phrases in competition were: "Nothing Booze Can't Distract You From" and "Fuck Dave Wannstedt."
#2 Pissed Off said . . .Yeah that pretty much sums up the important stuff. I think its more of a "Cant we just get the QB battle decision already?" and "Is it week one yet?" thats really getting to me. I just want to get the show on the road...ya know? I think a link to the song "Anticipation" would've been appropriate.
August 14, 2008
#3 jeff said . . .And regarding your "prognosis negative" comment, your talking about the Seinfeld bit right?
August 14, 2008
#4 Pissed Off said . . .PO'd...reliable as always.
August 14, 2008
#5 craig said . . .Jeff, mabye this would be a good thread but lets talk about being a "game manager" as it relates to a QB. I was listening to KFAN out of the Twin Cities and they were on the topic of a "game manager" and how it related to Tarvaris Jackson because they think that might be all he is, wether thats good or bad is up for debate. How do YOU define a "game manager?" And do we want one leading our team?
The prime examples callers and the hosts came up with was Trent Dilfer and Kyle Orton. A game manager might be a guy who wont win you a game, he cant make big time plays but doesnt make turnovers often either. He might be a guy who will not lead a comeback over the course of a few drives or whatever but relies heavily on a defense to keep the game close.
I dont know if I would consider Kyle a game manager based on that assessment because I think he makes too many turnovers and not enough positive plays. For example, more INTS than TDs over a season, and I also think his arm is fairly weak. Rex may fall under that category in ways too, its up for debate. Someone else suggested a guy like David Garrard as a game manager. He doesnt make a ton of great plays with his arms or legs and his TD total over the course of a year will be average to above average, same as completion %, rating, etc. but will have almost ZERO turnovers. Maybe this is a better definition of a "game manager." What say you?
August 14, 2008
#6 craig said . . .Wonder how long till Bears fans are clamoring for John Beck, who may have been cut.
August 14, 2008
#7 jeff said . . .Or not.
PO'd, I'd say being a "game manager" isn't just about limiting turnovers, but about being able to run the offense efficiently in specific situations. Convert a crucial third down, manage the clock, etc. Guys like Orton may not throw lots of INTs, but you can't be called a "game manager" if you're going three-and-out all the time.
August 14, 2008
#8 Pissed Off said . . .i hate the phrase game manager. i like quarterbacks who throw the ball to the right team.
August 14, 2008
#9 Pissed Off said . . .Thats why its a fun term, its almost impossible to define and theres always room for debate.
August 14, 2008
#10 jdawg said . . .Hot off the press, day 22 highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApQYkrKV_kI
Roy has assured me as well that commentary will be up for the past 2 or 3 days practice, possibly in one condensed video.
August 14, 2008
#11 DTB said . . .well, I guess this will be the big preseason game. It seems like this has been set up for Rex to succeed or fail (not really fail, but to give the job to Kyle). It will be interesting to see how much the 1st stringers play against SF, since there are so many new bodies out there.
I hope we see the sex cannon.
August 14, 2008
#12 Jimbo said . . .I would say that ZERO turnovers is the barometer. As of now we have two QB's that throw picks and fumble all over the place. Reality is that Rex gives more of an opportunity to open up the playbook. He can make every throw, if you dont believe me go ask him.
August 14, 2008
#13 Shady said . . .Isn't every QB's job to "manage" the offense?? I would say that in order to be a good game "manager" you have a high completion %, dont turn over the ball often, and move the chains... aka a good QB. The way its often used, however, is to discribe backups who can handoff and not thorw interceptions. Aka play the "field position" game, and control the clock, and bore the shit out of fans who will be forced to sit and pray their D can score 14 pts a game on turnovers.
PO'ed. Thanks for the roy highlight videos. After watching rex air it out to hester and bradley... i just cannot put together how this QB thing is "at a stalemate." Lets see... our offense is more dynamic with Rex, cause he can make every throw. Otherwise their numbers are pretty similar in terms of completion% and TD/INT ratio. Rex has more accuracy, experience, and natural ability. Orton doesnt turn the ball over as much (which isn't actually true), but probably cause he only throws screens and hands off the ball.
Assuming rex can handel the snap, and take 3 steps back... he is just flat out better. Sorry, but its the truth guys. People hate him cause he does dumb shit like fumble snaps, and occasionally "scramble" 10 yards back and get sacked... but hes the best we have.
Our defense is good, but we arent going to beat indy (or anyone wth an actual offense) 10-7. I just hope whoever the coaches pick stays in for 16 games, win or lose.
end rant.
August 14, 2008
#14 jeff said . . ."Nothing Booze Can't Distract You From" and "Fuck Dave Wannstedt."
haha nice.
August 14, 2008
#15 animal said . . .reports are that bryant mckinnieof the vikes is going to be suspended four games by the nfl. that's a big story.
August 14, 2008
#16 shonbear said . . .nice Seinfeld reference. I think the episode was about Jerry, Elaine and George fighting about who was going to see the movie together.
If Rex plays three quarters in Seattle, it will go a long way toward determining who our "sacrificial lamb" (starter) will be.
August 14, 2008
#17 Shady said . . .game manager. I think it is a guy who doesn't really lead you to get TD's very often, but is less likely to turn the ball over and will get a few first downs, but field goals are the mainstay of scoring. Then the commentators will say "he led the team on a drive that was capped off by a field goal". To me the field goal is the ultimate failure of the coordinator to make creative calls in keeping drives alive. Especially, if they are 25-45 yarders. The least an offense should be able to accomplish is to get into the red zone. At least when you are in the red zone, sombody could trip and fall over the goal line once and awhile.
I know we talk about it all the time, but really both our QB's are hand cuffed to the calls made by RT. If they were to deviate, whether it was successful or not wouldn't matter. they would be considered not a good soldier and would be benched or released (Griese? maybe?).
Rex needs to take over this "competition". Problem is, as I've said before, Rex does better when he is not in his head over thinking things, loose trying to have fun (as he did last year when he came back for the second time). Now he's all this is my future as a Bears QB, but my potential future as an NFL QB period. If he handles that pressure and steps up to string together some solid play, not only depending on Special Teams and Defense, (and stays healthy). He could cement himself the QB position for a long time to come.
This would be my own personal fantasy, mainly because I want to see the QB questions we've had for sooooooooo long go away for a long time. I want to see the weak non studied up fans eat their boos, the national media, the local media, packer fans and all the weak minded people that have listened to all the incorrect, unfactual, unfair rhetoric from the all of the above.
Thge funniest thing is that Rex will fly the bird at Chitown and The Bears Org when and if he has a great year and go to some place to make a payday. Let's get serious, if he plays well enough to go into the playoffs or beyind, the Bears will let him leave anyways because they want to do away with the contraversy or just not pay him.
One more day, the Seattle game is upon us!!
August 15, 2008
#18 Cylus said . . .It's do or die time for Rex if he wants the number one job to start the season.
It's interesting that Rex has always been a preseason performer, but he's struggling a bit this year...
August 15, 2008
#19 Shady said . . .He also hasn't had much help from his line, guard stepped on his foot, or receivers, primarily second string. I'm goin to be pissed when they hand this shit to Orton. I now Roy says we've won with both of them and thats true but I'm thinking about Hester's development. Its a lot harder to get used to playing receiver and seeing if you got the durability to play every down when your QB doesn't take a shot at you when your open down the sideline because he can't make the throw and instead checks down to Forte or Jones. I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for another year of three-and-outs.
August 15, 2008
#20 jeff said . . .Anyone else see Moose get JACKED UP in the endzone tonight? It was right after Aikman and Buck mentioned what he said about WRs who come to Chicago... Hey Moose, how does it feel to be thrown under a bus?
August 15, 2008
#21 shonbear said . . .you know what buckman didn't mention tonight? that moose had three drops in this game. THREE!
August 15, 2008
#22 Pissed Off said . . .Number 37 of 50 fantasy facts from Matthew Berry on ESPN.com
"If you ignore his rookie year, when he returned kicks, and 2004, when he was injured all year, Steve Smith's two worst statistical seasons were the two seasons that he played with Muhsin Muhammad."
Like many of us I really liked when we picked up Moose and now after last years disappointing critical pass dropping problems (along with others). He was still one of our leading receivers during his time here, but all this crap he's putting out makes me very satisfied that he's gone. Hope our defense makes him pay for that mouth when we play in game two.
August 15, 2008
#23 jdawg said . . .This has been a great thread, great comments from everyone, I didnt want it to end.
Craig, jdawg, DTB, jeff, jimbo, shonbear, cylus, everyone. Shady, your 4th paragraph in #16 was terrific and an exact barometer of how I feel. If it all goes down that way, I hope he would stay and end the bad QB streak of 348 years and get a long term deal. But living in the Twin Cities media market this is Daunte Culpepper all over again. He had sausage fingers and fumbled a few times and just like Rex, for some reasons that are valid but mainly reasons that are not, the non studied, FWFs, hated him, booed him, and always called for the backup even after his near MVP season. Fans cant get over it, a lot of media members loved him and some didnt (just to cater to the FWFs who called for his head). Some fans dont let things go...ever! And that is why no matter the outcome, even if he becomes a stud for the next 5-10 years, some fans will hate him, they will never know his stats cuz their FWFs but they'll always say he sucks and call for the backup. I saw it in MN and yes Daunte has gone in the shitter but this happened well before that.
Cylus, I agree, it will hinder Hesters progression with Kyle in there, there will not be a deep threat anymore. Sure once or twice during the year they'll hook up when he burns the corner and saftety shortly after he leaves the line on a double move but with Rex we can run 3 or 4 every game or more with just relying on Hesters speed alone outrunning the D. Kyle cant throw a 60 yard ball in the air accurately, on a rope like Rex. I hope he doesnt get stepped on this week and that the WRs dont drop easy catches either.
Great info on Moose too. I watched up until the rain delay and saw his one drop there and I was just plain happy to see it. I hope our corners jack his ass up hard several times in week two. I want him having nightmares after that game. By halftime I want him running scared. That should be a great storyline especially after all the shit he's talked.
August 15, 2008
#24 Pissed Off said . . .there's a new defense being developed to combat the Bears this season:
11 men in the box
August 15, 2008
#25 Julian said . . .Just watched a video with a Lovie interview on da site, he basically said if one guy takes a stranglehold on the spot during the Seattle game, that'll be the guy but he made it sound like if it was still even its no big deal and the original plan anyway was to have a guy in place by the last preseason game so he might use the San Fran game yet as a competition.
August 15, 2008
#26 jeff said . . .Why are we still messing around with these QBs. They are not good enought to win. Seems to me we are too cheap to get a good not great QB Julian a bears fan from NC
August 15, 2008
#27 jdawg said . . .you can't accuse this team of being cheap anymore. look at the money they spent this offseason alone.
August 15, 2008
#28 Pissed Off said . . .both QBs are good enough to win. It happened in 2005 and 2006.
The big question mark is the surrounding talent. Are our WRs better now than in those previous seasons? Our RBs and O-line?
A case can be made that are RBs are better (at least better than last season) and our WRs and O-line are works in progress.
Now, let me make this clear: our QBs are good enough to win but not good enough to carry a team (think Brady in 2006 -- remember that receiving corps?).
So, in my opinion, the success of this season hinges on the O-line. Can they give either QB the extra 1/2 second they need, or the RB a little more space? We'll see.
My prediction? It could be ugly early on, but we could be the hot team in the 2nd half of the season.
Also, if you're really a Rex or a Kyle fan you should probably hope that the other wins the starting job, because there's a good chance they're going to get pounded
August 15, 2008
#29 Taylor said . . .Best ariticle I've read in a long time.
August 15, 2008
#30 Phil from SATX said . . .Who would you have liked the Bears to get Julian?
McNabb? He was never leaving Philly.
Favre? He was never going anywhere in the NFC North.
Caulpepper? Lemon? Leftwitch? I'll take Rex/Kyle over them anyday.
The QB position was weak in this years draft, besides not drafting a QB showed a committment to winning this year.
If you're gonna complain about the QBs we have, then you have to give some other valid option.They're not good enough to win? With Grossman starting the Bears are 19-11. With Orton starting the Bears are 11-6.
August 15, 2008
#31 Jimbo said . . .Right on, Taylor. PO'd, that was Shonbear not Shady (just to show I've been paying attention). I agree with PO'd about the quality of today's thread. I tried to post yesterday but it didn't take.
What I was going to say was that Saturday's game is very exciting in its significance. Since when was a second preseason game so important? Like never. But this one is.
Rex needs to come to play, rise up and show the difference. I will say that the only way Kyle starts the season is if he significantly outperforms Rex. If they both kind of stink, we'll be seeing Rex. I'm hoping Rex makes it more than that kind of win though.
Regarding the new campaign, I must say, that is some kind of terrible. First off, Jeff is right - One Town, One Team is oodles better than One City, One Team. And there's historical precedence for using town. How about "our kind of TOWN, Chicago is"? Also, what the hell is that print ad showing a guy turning a combination lock? Right to Tillman, two times left to Hester, right to Gould? What the fuck does that mean? Absolutely terrible.
When they incorporate the "real fans" in the commercials, I sure hope they splice out all the assholes who boo our quarterbacks.
August 15, 2008
#32 Tenacious D said . . .Phil. True story, this is probably the most worth-while preseason game to watch in a long time. My biggest fear is leaving our "starters" in 3 quarters could lead to an injury... but hopefully not. I guess as long as we pull the D early i'm fine with it.
Lovie and Company need to pick a QB after tomorrow. Period. Hopefully Rex will step up and make it easy on everyone. He has always played good against the sea-gals. I'm going out on a limb and saying 10-16, 160 yards, 1 TD, no INT (two 3 scoring drives, one of which is a FG). That would do it for me. Perfect, put 17 on the board in the first half.
I would say GO Bears... but this game doesnt mean shit... so GO Rex and O-Line, and Forte, and the offense in general. And Go defense comming out in the 2nd quarter.
August 15, 2008
#33 said . . .PO'd #28
That was a great article. Angelo summed it up nicely when he said, "what I believe is keep your strength your strength, and our strength has been our defense. That's been our philosophy. That's who we are."
August 15, 2008
#34 shonbear said . . .Is that Berrian? I think he's triple-covered. You know what? Fuck it. I'm throwing it downfield.
Yeah, I see Jones open on the flank. But fuck that. Dumpoff passes are for faggots. I'm fucking Sexy Rexy Grossman. I can get that ball in there.
And, even if I can't, I bet I'll be able to pull it off the next go round. I like throwing the ball long. It makes my dick hard. What's that? I should throw a quick slant? Fuck that. That's gay. Button hook? Gay. Flare out? Gay. Screen pass? Kevin Spacey gay. This is fucking football. You can't just expect wins to come to you. You can't massage that shit. You gotta grab that game by the throat and fuck the ever-loving shit out of it. You think a 5-yard out is gonna win you a game? You're a pussy. This ain't John Shoop running this offense. Sexy Rexy's got the arm. The
dragon. You gotta unleash the dragon. Okay, I'm throwing it. Nice. Look how far it went. I look good. I bet I made that Pats cheerleader wet her panties with that throw. She fucking wants me. I bet she likes it over a stair railing. I can hit that with 100% accuracy, my dear. Mmmmmm. I am delicious. Oh shit. Looks like Samuel caught it. Again. Oh well. It still felt fucking great to throw that shit. Tell me that wasn't one of the prettiest passes you ever saw. You know what? Not only am I gonna throw it long the next time we hit the field. I'm gonna throw it even longer. Harder. You see that kid in wheelchair sitting in the end zone bleachers? I'm gonna nail him right between the fucking eyes with a Sexy Rexy fastball. Why? Because I can.This is Rex Grossman we're talking about here. We're talking 210 lbs. of twisted steel and sex appeal. I'm not just a gunslinger. I'm a cumslinger. Throwing that ball long tells all the Rexettes that I am fucking out there. On the edge. Where I gotta be. The ladies love the danger. The unpredictability. Oh, maybe I'll tease them with a pretty touch pass every now and again. But then I'm gonna go right back to pumping that ball out for all it's worth. It tells them I throw like I fuck. That's how we do things in the sexy business.
Tell me you're not turned on right now. I am.
August 16, 2008
#35 craig said . . .It might be more like Sexy has a big red ball strapped in his mouth with RT cracking a whip in a high heeled S & M suit saying. "whats the safeword bitch, WHAT'S THE SAFEWORD!?!
August 16, 2008
#36 Idonije said . . .Whoever posted #33 should have attributed it. It's from KSK.
As for me, I am—and have long been— in the Sex Cannon's corner. I won't claim it's the smart, rational, choice. I won't claim it's the result of deep meditation, film analysis, or anything like that. All I know is that when Kyle or Grieseball were behind center last year, it was a snoozefest. With Rex, I'm at least excited. Now, of course, that doesn't mean I don't think he needs to get better (a lot better). But I'm rooting for him...
August 16, 2008
#37 Shady said . . .I am assuming the lock thing is in reference to using their #'s right? Its stupid no matter what it means. I too agree with Taylor. Yah I wish we had a lights out QB and would sleep a hell of a lot better on Sunday nights if we did, but there is 10+ other teams looking for the same thing. I honestly don't think Ron Turner could ever develop a rock solid QB though, so in my mind there are 2 choices; either trade whatever is needed for a McNabb type if he becomes available, or replace RT after the year and look to FA/Draft to get/groom a winner.
I think the D will look lights out tonight. I am assuming we will see a lot of Seneca Wallace since Hasselbeck is out...I've got my money that tomorrow we are still discussing QB's, but most people who watch the game will be raving about our beloved D.
By the way we will all get a good look at Owen Schmitt who many bears fans were wanting to see the Bears take.
August 16, 2008
#38 big rob said . . .Are you ready for some football?
August 16, 2008
#39 Shady said . . .brett favre handing the ball to thomas jones.... just seems weird.....
August 16, 2008
#40 craig said . . .On offense, Earl Bennett had an early drop on 2nd and long on which he was close to a 1st down... and Grossman is sacked on 3rd down, not much he could do on that play except take the sack. I thought Earl was supposed to be a pretty good catcher of the ball, he hasn't shown it here so far... 3 and out.
On defense, Vash gets beat but the pass is off the WRs fingertips incomplete, on third AAdams and Izzy get to the QB for a sack... 3 and out.
August 17, 2008
#41 Shady said . . .Thanks for the updates. I'm supposed to be streaming the game, but the stream appears to be down...
August 17, 2008
#42 Shady said . . .Nice 10 yd run from Forte on a SEA blitz, but Des gets called for a hold to bring it back 1/2 the distance, Rex finds Hester on a nice curl route for a first down. Rex keeps it going with a gain of 7 to an open Des Clark...who is still down on the field, man I hope he's alright. Trufant went right for his knees, what the hell? Grossman on 3rd and 3... 3 step drop and slightly underthown to Earl Bennett who looked to have a step on the seattle cb. That pass could have really helped Grossman in this competition. If he continues to look mediocre and Orton performs average or better against the seattle 3s or 3s, I'd think they'd give the job to Orton.
August 17, 2008
#43 Shady said . . .Des Clark is out for the rest of the game, and he's resting down on what looks like a table on the sideline. Hopefully it's not too serious, we need Des in there!
On defense, SEA is moving the ball on the Bears pretty easily on the ground and with some passes underneath to the CHI 45 or so. Marcus Harrison broke through on a seattle run for no gain, that play looked very nice from Harrison. 3rd and 3 for seattle, julius jones broke free on a draw to the left, but Payne puts his hat right on ball and knocks it back 6 yards where seattle recovers. Mare FG is good. 0-3 SEA.
August 17, 2008
#44 craig said . . .Grossman back in with the offense starting at the 20... Forte running into blockers for 2 yds, on 2nd Grossman thows off his back foot on what might have been a blitz by seattle, kellen davis was open but the pass flutters high and out of bounds.... 3rd down. BLITZ! Grossman steps back... and back... and back... and throws the ball into the ground intentionally... oy. Brad punts out of the back of the endzone. This offense is not looking good right now. SEA has it at the 50... And a pass complete for 24 yds to a wide open Kent. Another pass completion on 2nd to Kent put Thomas Jones; younger brother gets called for a hold on Brian Urlacher...1st and to from the Bears 35.
August 17, 2008
#45 Shady said . . .I'm not seeing the game, just watching the NFL GameCenter, but it looks like Rex is making a solid case for the backup role...
August 17, 2008
#46 HesterFan23 said . . .The Bears show 8 in the box but drop back, and Tillman comes up with a big PICK on a curl route... Bears 1st false start of the night... Rex dumps it off to McKie for a few, they seem to have that play down... But then Grossman is hit while letting the pass go and it shoots up in the air about 5 yards and is picked by Seattle's HIll taken to the Chi 5 yd line.. ah shit. Rex looks banged up a bit too. Briggs makes a nice play at the line of scrimmage on 1st down. 2nd and goal... Alex Brown reads the screen like a book and gets a big 'ol paw on that pass, 3rd and goal from the 6... Fry has all day to throw but he throws it out of the endzone, nice stand by the Chicage defense. Rex and the offense does NOT look good tonight. 32 total yards and only 1st down with 1:12 left in the 1st quarter...
August 17, 2008
#47 said . . .Grossman is sucking tonight. I really hope having scouts watching Simms means something. It wouldn't hurt to add another guy to this battle.
August 17, 2008
#48 Shady said . . .The offense has been awful. No time for rex to throw because the oline is consistently allowing pressure. All the bears drives have started right on their own goal lines. Nice 3rd down pass to booker. Forte looks bad on a run right into the line of scrimmage, he seems to be doing that a little nbit tonight. Nice pass from rex to kellen davis, good cat ch in traffic. 3rd and 2 and a pitch to forte who makes a nice move and picks up the first....looked real good making moves. Great slant to hester who looks like he's hurt. I think the ball just knocked the wind out of him when he landed on it. Great pass and great catch though, and Forte looked real good in pass protection, giving rex time to throw. The seahawks are just looking for tje run, this would be a good time to call playaction, but i doubt the O-line can protect rex long enough.
August 17, 2008
#49 Pissed Off said . . .Rex comes back out and starts from his own 8 with some blood on the bridge of his nose, after two Forte runs it'll be 3rd and about 4. Nice pitch and catch to Booker for a 1st down. Forte on 1st down runs right into a pile of lineman and is knocked back for a loss of 1. On 2nd down, Rex finds Kellen Davis for a gain of 9 yards on the left side. On 3rd and 2, they pitch left to Forte, a nice cutback from 22 and he picks up a 1st down. On 1st, Rex finds Devin on an inside slant and goes down hard... and now devin walks slowly off the field. shit, that tackle looked a bit violent and might have shaken devin up a bit. On 2nd down Beekman gets called for the hold, 2nd and 11. The Bears run a screen to forte, and escapes a tackle for an extra 5-7 yards. On 3rd and 5, Grossman connects with Olsen but short of the 1st down... OK.
August 17, 2008
#50 big rob said . . .Dont just look at stats for this one boys, I'm watching it and Rex had a nice drive going there until Olsen ran a route 3 yards short. He hasnt had time all game until that drive and he went 4/4 with nice passes. His INT came while he got hit on the throw, it wasnt his fault, and its not a bad throw.
August 17, 2008
#51 Shady said . . .sounding ugly so far.....
August 17, 2008
#52 Pissed Off said . . .Bears defense still putting pressure on the QB, the depth on the D-Line helps force a punt, which is then blocked! for a SAFETY! Nice special teams work and the unit comes up with the Bears' 1st points of the game, 2-6 seattle.
August 17, 2008
#53 Shady said . . .Dont just look at stats for this one boys, I'm watching it and Rex had a nice drive going there until Olsen ran a route 3 yards short. He hasnt had time all game until that drive and he went 4/4 with nice passes. His INT came while he got hit on the throw, it wasnt his fault, and its not a bad throw.
August 17, 2008
#54 Pissed Off said . . .Bears defense still putting pressure on the QB, the depth on the D-Line helps force a punt, which is then blocked! for a SAFETY! Nice special teams work and the unit comes up with the Bears' 1st points of the game, 2-6 seattle.
August 17, 2008
#55 craig said . . .Dont just look at stats for this one boys, I'm watching it and Rex had a nice drive going there until Olsen ran a route 3 yards short. He hasnt had time all game until that drive and he went 4/4 with nice passes. His INT came while he got hit on the throw, it wasnt his fault, and its not a bad throw.
August 17, 2008
#56 Shady said . . .Thanks, Shady. Got video stream working. Unfortunately no audio. So I got the audio going from Da Site which is a play or so behind... whatever...
August 17, 2008
#57 Pissed Off said . . .Bears defense still putting pressure on the QB, the depth on the D-Line helps force a punt, which is then blocked! for a SAFETY! Nice special teams work and the unit comes up with the Bears' 1st points of the game, 2-6 seattle.
Hester comes back in and has a nice return on that safety punt...
August 17, 2008
#58 big rob said . . .The play by play guy said he's surprised Rex's numbers were as good as they were?? Haha
He was under hardcore pressure though.
August 17, 2008
#59 Shady said . . .where ya'll getting video on the interwebs?
August 17, 2008
#60 big rob said . . .Although the Bears started with great field position, ORTON and company look just as bad as Rex & Co. I'm not watching anything I didn't expect to happen on offense, the line is looking terrible which makes the RB looks bad which makes the QBs look bad. We could be in for a long and painful season folks, I'm gonna cool it down now with this live-blogging. You know it's only preseason and you can't leave the starters in too long, I might get carpel tunnel or something.
August 17, 2008
#61 Wiserthanlovie said . . .video? help anyone!!!
August 17, 2008
#62 shonbear said . . .It's Saturday night. 'Sweet Patata' just got up slowly after being sent across the middle. WHY IN THE F-ING WORLD WOULD YOU HAVE THE GUY WITH THE GREATEST KICK/PUNT RETURN GIFT OF ALL TIME LOOK BACK FOR THE BALL?
Set him up as far back as he'd like in the backfield - - that's right, behind the quarterback! (20/25 yds. should do it) Not every down - - but as often as necessary. Throw him the ball and let him do his thing. The defense won't have their coverage team out there - - and #23 will have a field day. Non-traditional - - you bet! So was having 'The Fridge' in the backfield. Making the best use of the talent you've got - - indeed!!August 17, 2008
#63 Pissed Off said . . .right when rex looks like he might get a litle rythm they turn it over to KO. I know they have to do it for the competiion so both get time with the ones. The drive kiling penalties, dropped passes and pressure is killing this thing. You cant keep this competion going they need to pick a QB so they can start working together. What the hell do they do about these fucking offensive penalties.
August 17, 2008
#64 big rob said . . .BIG ROB, go to stoogetv.com, click "channels" in the rt hand corner click "WMOE" it will then ask for a password, use "stoogetv.com" as your password.
August 17, 2008
#65 shonbear said . . .VIDEO?!?!?!?!
August 17, 2008
#66 big rob said . . .plus now kyle gets the shot gun formation and the two minute drill which will make him look better because its less pressure
August 17, 2008
#67 Shady said . . .PO'ed you are my hero!
August 17, 2008
#68 Pissed Off said . . .Brandon Lloyd made a couple very nice catches in that last drive of the half for the Bears.
5-9? Looks like a baseball score so far.
The Bears offense looked pretty bad in the 1st half and that cannot bode well for grossman, especially when orton came in and made a couple nice passes and 1st downs. I think we might be witnessing some separation in the QB battle between Rex and Kyle.
August 17, 2008
#69 Pissed Off said . . .Totally agree shonbear, momentum was going and then they turn it over to KO, all the more reason theres truth to the thought that Kyle has already been decided to be the starter they just have to play this out. His first drive was brutal, and he had more time than rex, and his 2 min offense wasnt bad and he had lots of time, two good passes from KO I remember. He'll also be going against the shitty 2nd and 3rds now in the 3rd quarter so KO will probably shine, if thats possible and take the #1 job.
August 17, 2008
#70 big rob said . . .Did it work Big Rob are you gettin it? If so, I'm glad.
August 17, 2008
#71 shonbear said . . .working PO'ed.... thanks brother!!
August 17, 2008
#72 Pissed Off said . . .the tv commentators said it perfectly. No pressure for KO whatsovever and All the pressure in the world for rex. nick Roach, Kevin Payne, Desmond Clark all injured.
August 17, 2008
#73 Pissed Off said . . .Lets see if they protect Kyle now for the rest of the time he's in. I still think they should've given Rex one more series.
August 17, 2008
#74 Pissed Off said . . .They put HANIE in already, YES
August 17, 2008
#75 Pissed Off said . . .What does this all mean??? Did KYLE do enuf to solidify the starter spot? WTF??
August 17, 2008
#76 Viva said . . .If they name Kyle the starter after this game before the San Fran game then it will for sure have been a conspiracy the whole time that Kyle was going to be the #1. He didnt show enough, he didnt play enough to show if he was good or bad???
August 17, 2008
#77 Pisssed Off said . . .We are going to see a shitload of 3 and outs this year. Our D is that good, and our O is that bad.
Punt. Punt. Punt.
MVP - Brad Maynard
August 17, 2008
#78 said . . .Maybe they just gave Kyle only the couple of series cuz thats really all Rex got if you count the series' where he had zero protection. Maybe Lovie was trying to keep it equal?
August 17, 2008
#79 Pissed Off said . . .Weren't the coaches saying we'd see Rex and the starters into the 3rd quarter? What happened to that plan?
August 17, 2008
#80 KentuckyBearsFan said . . .Is anyone else watching this game, what does this mean? What are your takes?
August 17, 2008
#81 Shady said . . .(listening to the game on the radio)
Sounds like from comments here (and the score) that the O-line sucks balls.
Especially if Caleb, our most mobile QB, is running for his life to avoid getting killed.
August 17, 2008
#82 Viva said . . .Earl Bennett doing his best Devin Hester impersonation.
Defense and special teams doing it again.
Regarding the limited play from Kyle, it might be an indication they're giving him the job and rather than see him work with the twos, they'll make sure he stays healthy for the start against San Fran. but who knows.
August 17, 2008
#83 shonbear said . . .If they give the job to Orton - this competition was a SHAM.
Lovie Smith is brutal. We need new leadership. He is inept.
August 17, 2008
#84 craig said . . .They better not give it to him after that shit. Hopefully they notice something about picking up some FA OL help. I want this thing over, but Im thinking they will take it to the SF game.
August 17, 2008
#85 craig said . . .I don't think this necessarily means they're handing it to Orton. I think they know that trying to evaluate in these circumstances is a lost cause. Maybe they rushed Kyle in to see how he'd do against the same D, but then Seattle switched some players and backed off the blitzing, and so they just let Kyle go one full series and called it a day.
Unfortunately, I didn't see much of Grossman's time, but it sounded pretty rough. I did see Orton's. Underwhelming as usual. Definitely threw some random passes that were nowhere near anyone. Some nice connections with Lloys, but I wouldn't put too much stock in the 2min drill. Easy stat padding.
August 17, 2008
#86 Shady said . . .I must say, this offense looks atrocious.
August 17, 2008
#87 craig said . . .WOW. GREAT CATCH by Kellen Davis! OOOoooo baby!
August 17, 2008
#88 Shady said . . .All the defensive players keep talking about having the talent to be a top 5 defense. The problem is that it looks like they'll be on the field again for 75% of the snaps every game. Which means bottom 5, not top.
August 17, 2008
#89 Shady said . . .Who needs offense when your defense and special teams are this talented?
August 17, 2008
#90 craig said . . .What is the point of overtime in the preseason? Somebody tell me.
August 17, 2008
#91 craig said . . .Bears will make the playoffs if they get 15 return TDs and 21 blocked kicks/punts over the course of the season... lol.
August 17, 2008
#92 Learnin Nuttin 2nite said . . .Mark Bradley has the look of a guy who's gonna be looking for a job next year.
August 17, 2008
#93 craig said . . .Tonight did nothing to determine a starting QB. "Gosh what a brilliant comment" Yeah, thanks guys. I knew you wanted the help.
Kellen Davis may be a real find. Like to see Pope make the team.
August 17, 2008
#94 shonbear said . . .Sheesh. What can you say about that game? O-line was awful. QBs underwhelming. RBs did nothing. Tackling was subpar. Des is hurt. Payne is hurt. Uuuugh.
Marcus Harrison was a bright spot I guess. Kellen Davis' catch was sick. Jamar Williams had some nice plays. Other than that, a thoroughly discouraging night. I really hope next week is significantly better. I don't want to go into the season feeling like this...
August 17, 2008
#95 KentuckyBearsFan said . . .yea, robbie should have made the field goal, but whats the matter with trying a play or two in geting better field position or even taking a shot into the endzone. Our coaches suck. Our 3 D wasn:t looking too hot. They had some good QB pressurem but they let Forsett run through them.
August 17, 2008
#96 KentuckyBearsFan said . . .I know Dave Toub already has a job as the special teams coach, but uh...can he take over as Offense Coordinator for douchebag Turner ??? Please? Pretty fucking please?
I don't care if Toub knows absolutely nothing about diagramming plays or anything else that involves being the OC...I just want someone COMPETENCE at least at one job before WHO I DO NOT HATE designing the offense.
August 17, 2008
#97 shonbear said . . .I know Dave Toub already has a job as the special teams coach, but uh...can he take over as Offense Coordinator for douchebag Turner ??? Please? Pretty fucking please?
I don't care if Toub knows absolutely nothing about diagramming plays or anything else that involves being the OC...I just want someone COMPETENT at least at one job before WHO I DO NOT HATE designing the offense.
August 17, 2008
#98 enderwiggin said . . .Ones vs ones Michael Turner gets 113 yards. One for 63, e for 50. Forsett 15 for 137, but yea hin and their QB played almost a whole game.
offensive line offensive line offensive line Get your shit together jerry!
August 17, 2008
#99 said . . .Here is what we need for '09
Offensive coordinator : jim harbaugh from stanford
Defensive Coordinator: Mike Singletary
Head coach: Ron Rivera
Chicago knows these people are winners and they are prolly all obtainable. As far as a new gm it prolly wouldnt matter. too bad parcells cant work two teams at onceAugust 17, 2008
#100 enderwiggin said . . .prolly?????
Did you mean, probably?
August 17, 2008
#101 Viva said . . .uhh, nuh duhee
August 17, 2008
#102 Jerseybearfan said . . .Both the Trib and the Sun Times have indicated that as a result of the lackluster performance during the first qtr and a half, the QB battle has swung in favor of Orton.
I guess dead people voting in Chicago when the fix is in is what it is, but to call this competition a competition is a disgrace. Hub eluded to it in an earlier interview, and the level of manipulation they used on Rex to get him to sign would piss me off to the point that if Kyle got hurt, and I were Rex, I'd have a "Rosenhaus Hamstring" injury.
This falls on Lovie. He controls who is on the football field, just like he controls his staff (Turner). People have had their heads in the sand trying to protect this asshole long enough. I want him out - now.
August 17, 2008
#103 HesterFan23 said . . .The bears game is on right now on nfl network....looks like they are playing it early.......was supposed to be at noon central time but whatever
August 17, 2008
#104 Al In WI said . . .My Thoughts:
A) Lets give Simms a hard look...
B) Davis might actually help.
C) Ron Turner is still an idiot.August 17, 2008
#105 NY Bears Fan said . . .This was really ugly to watch. The Bears appear to me to be a team in disary. If Kyle Orton "wins," the QB job by directing two field goal drives then we're in real trouble.
This offensive line is an absolute disaster, there will be no running game, and it really won't matter who the qb is. The discussion on radio during post game was basically that they need to keep this competition going for at least another game. But at the end of the day everyone now expects Orton to get the job. The idea being that he will do better getting sacked 6 times a game without getting hurt or turning it over as much. Isn't that exciting.
Wide Reciever: Brandon Lloyd is the # 1 reciever on this team right now. Hester doesn't look up to the task right now and should go back to returning kicks and rotating in as a reciever. Booker should be #2 with a defined role for Davis. Mark Bradley as I've predicted all along is a gonner.
Season: Bears are looking at a 6-10 season right now. The opener against the colts will look something like 34-13 Indy.
God they look terrible right now.August 17, 2008
#106 Crown Their Ass said . . .It is hard to evaluate the QB position when the offensive line is not providing them enough time and they spend most of their time running backwards trying not to get sacked.
August 17, 2008
#107 BearsTransplant said . . .I can't understand why everyone still wants Rex to be our starting QB. We do not have a better chance to win with him. Regarding the interception Rex threw, 99% of starting QBs in the league would have been able to sense the pressure coming and chuck the ball out of bounds. I'm not saying he had much time to operate, but he had enough time to sense the pressure and the fact that the play was breaking down. He is the slowest quarterback in the league in dropping back and releasing the ball. If our O-line is going to be that bad, at least have a QB who is tall enough to see all his receiver options and who can get rid of the ball quickly when he needs to. The fact that Orton only played a couple minutes was weird to me though. It's like they want to save him and his ego. But, he looked good in that 2 minute drill. And so far, that has been enough to take the lead. SAD.
August 17, 2008
#108 shonbear said . . .A couple good points on Chet and Coptic that I heard on the radio this AM, and some from me:
1. John Tait moved to right tackle this year, not really because he's better on the right (though he is), but because he really can't handle the speed-rushers on the left anymore; in fact, he fell off last year considerably at that position.
2. Kyle has to be the QB. Not because he's a better QB, but with this line, you simply aren't going to be able to throw the deep ball, unless you get lucky off of the play-action. If the Sex Cannon doesn't have time to throw the deep ball, or a 7-yard slant for that matter (see last night), then you might as well have the QB in the game who can see over the line, make the pre-snap reads, and not turn the ball over needlessly (as much). Rex consistently takes a step backwards when he should be stepping up in the pocket. It's been 6 years, and it's time to move on.
3. Bears just have to play not to lose this year. Both offensive tackles are suspect, Garza is average at best, and Kreutz is clearly past his prime (see 2nd and 1 play where both he and Garza get knocked 3 yards behind the line of scrimmage trying to run up the gut last night). Since we didn't overhaul the O-line, the best we can hope for is that they can gel in the running game, as we're clearly not going to be able to pass-protect on a consistent basis.
4. We might still win the division. The way Tavaris Jackson plays, I give him 9-10 starts this year, tops. He simply puts his body in harm's way too often. A. Peterson or no, that team can't win in their dome w/o a qauality QB. Other passing teams can come in and throw the ball all over them (their secondary is still mediocre at best), and they won't be able to win any kind of shoot-out. Soldier Field is different, since sloppy conditions are the norm, and the weather dictates the kind of game that you can play. The Lions are basically the worst team in football, and I really have no fear of the Aaron Rodgers show. 9-7 w/a tie-breaker wins this division.
5. That being said, there's no way we do anything in the playoffs, unless they elevate scoring on defense and special teams to an absolute art form (hasn't ever happened, so I don't expect it to happen for this team). Thankfully, I'll be watching the Browns in prime-time this year, and hopefully them and Ohio State will keep me from blowing my fricking head off. Bear down, but seriously, this offense was actually better under John Shoop. I love the Bears, but I can't stomach another 2003. I'll still watch all of their games, but the thing that will be missing is HOPE. The worst part is by the time they overhaul this O-line, the defense will be too old, and the window of opportunity will be gone. But I've still go hope for 2012!!!!
August 17, 2008
#109 Crown Their Ass said . . .Crown Their Ass,
Thats bullshit. Kyle only looked mediocre because Seattle backed off and they put him in the shot gun for the two minute drill. They talked about using the shot gun at different times and they still don't do it. In addition, they should consider a no huddle from time to time to help keep the defense off their timing. Rex did fine considering, it's not his fault when the O line keeps doing drive killing penalties. Or when his receivers are dropping catchable passes. The last drive he did was decent even with the crap he dealt with. Then when he was starting to get some rythm, they get great field position because of the safety and he could have capitalized on that but they put Kyle in which made no sense since it was for such a short period of time.
The only thing this game really told us is that they've fucked things away concerning the offensive line, from picking a guy that was already hurt at number 14 to not getting any free agents to provide some form of upgrade to showing everybody in the world that the coaches of this team can't adjust themselves out of a paper sack and they are going to end up paying the price for that eventually.
Now we will see if this competition was ral or not. If they have really lied about it I can't imagine that even the rest of the team will reaspect that any more than we do.
August 17, 2008
#110 Al In WI said . . .Sure. Seattle's D backed off because Orton came in. That makes a lot of sense. Blame Orton because they couldn't get to him in the shotgun. The O-line did not do Rex any favors, that's for sure, but Rex didn't do anything positive despite the adversity. He still is throwing the ball 10 feet above his receivers out of bounds when he tries to roll out, he still has no idea when pressure is coming and and he is about to get hit, and it still takes him too long to get rid of the ball. Rex couldn't even succeed with a Vikings/Patriots/Colts caliber O-line. The O-line and rest of the offense played better around Orton. Wonder why? Maybe because they have more confidence with him in the huddle.
August 17, 2008
#111 Al In WI said . . .The decision to pull Rex at a time when he finally was going to have decent field position sealed it for me that the fix is in on the qb situation.
Orton will start the season and we'll have at least 4 weeks of bad Kyle. Featuring such fun things as wildly inaccurate throws especially on the sideline, 3 and outs all game, and 13 points or so likely set up by the defense or Hester.August 17, 2008
#112 johnny said . . .The decision to pull Rex at a time when he finally was going to have decent field position sealed it for me that the fix is in on the qb situation.
Orton will start the season and we'll have at least 4 weeks of bad Kyle. Featuring such fun things as wildly inaccurate throws especially on the sideline, 3 and outs all game, and 13 points or so likely set up by the defense or Hester.August 17, 2008
#113 johnny el paso said . . .I still cant believe all the die hard rex supporters out there. Rex completely sucks......people please open your eyes and see that the teamates having given up on rex. he sucks. yes he has a great arm but is not mentally ready to lead this team and will never be....... he's a selfish player....during this scrimmage you see orton and henne helping each other out. where is rex...probably fucking around with teamates instead of sticking around the qbs and helping them and studying the defenses....I see this season as a rebuilding year. Argue what you want but thats the truth.......
August 17, 2008
I just cant stand rex grossman anymore. He's just a selfish prick........The bears need to start molding Henne and get rid of Rex Grossman. All you rex lovers get over it and start looking towards the future of this football team. Rex does not fit that mold. We need to go with Orton and have Henne learn from Orton. Fuck Rex Grossman.... trade him and get whatever we can get from him.
August 17, 2008
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