*The season is - in fact - not over. Yesterday was actually just a meaningless exhibition game played after only about a week of practice. Nevertheless, things shall be discussed.
1. Sorry I missed this Chicagoans, but the Bears have outlawed tailgating this season. Why? Unruly behavior. Unruly behavior? Really? Now I don't want to get off on a rant here, but if we can't be unruly at a football game - where can we be unruly? To quote David Mamet's great Glengarry Glen Ross, "This is not a world of men." There used to be a time when we were allowed to throw a couple back, watch a ball game and curse at will. Now everything is sanitized. Everything's about children and families. Everything's about political correctness. You know what I say? Fuck all that. Sports are the great get-away and the Disneyland/Park Avenue NFL can do everything in their power to pussy-it-up but I ain't biting. Sell that shit to the Germans when you start playing the games in Frankfurt.
2. I'm not going to kill Jerry Angelo for the Chris Williams pick because a lot of us wanted him. And I went back and read the posts...none of us mentioned a chronic back ailment. Then again, none of us are paid to mention it. That being said, why don't be just wholesale trade our first round picks for good players? Do we really need to go through this every season? (On a side note, don't pull a Marc Columbo with this kid. Keep him. Get him healthy. Play him.)
3. Here's the one thing I'll take from last night's game (and the Roy videos): the Bears have made a concerted effort to develop a screen game, throwing 9 passes to backs. Hungry Like the Wolfe is going to become this team's Leon Washington.
4. You know what Devin Hester is? He's the first Bears offensve player in about twenty years that opposing defensive coordinators have to game plan against. He's going to require two bodies on him at all times. If Ronald McDonald and company can't capitalize on this, then the Bears need to find somebody who can.
5. What Kyle did last night is what Kyle does. Eight yards per completion. No turnovers. A couple points.
#2 Luke said . . .I agree with virtually all those sentiments. I think Garrett Wolfe can turn into something interesting over time. They need to help him though. Devin Hester's hands are what I've been worried about but it seems that he's getting pretty good at catching. I'm happy with what our sub-standard o-line did against KCs sub-standard D-line. It seemed like all the QBs had time. Overall, I'm happy with the first preseason performance and am looking forward to the next where hopefully my boy Grossman gets the start.
August 8, 2008
#3 JWilson said . . .I agree with virtually all those sentiments. I think Garrett Wolfe can turn into something interesting over time. They need to help him though. Devin Hester's hands are what I've been worried about but it seems that he's getting pretty good at catching. I'm happy with what our sub-standard o-line did against KCs sub-standard D-line. It seemed like all the QBs had time. Overall, I'm happy with the first preseason performance and am looking forward to the next where hopefully my boy Grossman gets the start.
August 8, 2008
#4 Al In WI said . . .Any number of players could get hurt including draft picks at any time. Everyone wants the o line to preform well. We just have to give them a chance. They may not look good on paper,but give them a chance. They might surprise us!
August 8, 2008
#5 Tenacious D said . . .The tribune is predicting a November return for Williams. Nice. I think Jerry boy needs to make a big trade for a lineman somewhere. Whether that is the tackle that Cleveland is looking to dump or guard, we cannnot have half the season tied up with two major holes on the line.
While I agree with Jeff about not killing Angelo for picking Williams I still place a lot of blame on him for allowing us to be in this situation again. In the eight seasons he has been the general manager the o-line has be been in good shape exactly three seasons. (including 01 which he had nothing to do with) The other five now including this season has seen the front 5 in disary. That is rediculous. Even with Williams you still don't have a legit left gaurd and very little depth.
Football games are won up front. This is inexcusable.August 8, 2008
#6 jeff said . . .Jeff,
The tailgating ban is all about money. The Bears make nothing off those who drink in the parking lot. They would much rather that you get sloshed inside the stadium on $9.00 beers.
August 8, 2008
#7 jdawg said . . .thanks al. i've said it before. this bears team will be better in the second half. i'm hoping for 4-4 through the first 8.
August 8, 2008
#8 Nick said . . .I thought the ban was league-wide?
I agree Jeff, I'm looking forward to the 2nd half.
I throw up in my mouth everytime I read Fred Miller's name (oops, I did it again)
It looks like St. Clair at LT to me. I'm waiting to be able to get a torrent of the game to check out how Beekman did.
I can't wait for the calls for Caleb Hanie!
August 8, 2008
#9 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .Was anyone else here impressed with Matt Forte? I feel he did a great job blocking, running, and running routes last night. Keep in mind he did well against a first team defense. Needless to say it is KC but it is a first team defense none the less. Wolfe did a great job but was up against reserves or potential reserves. I am looking forward to seeing him in the open field more this season, but I think Forte took a step in the right direction last night.
August 8, 2008
#10 Bears99 said . . .Here a article addressing Williams return
August 8, 2008
#11 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .The Bears are becoming the bitches I hoped they never would. They have cash parking in the south lot that cost 45.00 bucks a car. What they should do is have beer vendors walk the parking lots. have them go out in the -15 weather and serve the die hard fans who are manly enough to sit out in the elements and who are not lucky enough to score a ticket. I signed a petition last night that hopefuly will be able to reverse this head up our asses decision.
Oh, and Caleb Hanie. Need I say more?
August 8, 2008
#12 Smitty said . . .My only thoughts about last night game was nothing really wow me an nothing really pissed me off.
they about match Lovie pesonality.Forte looked good,Wolfe looked good,Caleb looked ok,Oline play was ok,Defense played well in spurts.
Mike Brown walk off the field under his own power.
But they still loss,we'll see how much better they are against a more Vet Sea- Chicken team.
In my observation if Kyle got the start against a rebuilding Chiefs team,an couldn't do much,how is he going to look against a Colts team,An Rex wasn't really pounding those back up much himself.
I hope Angelo has been working the phones all day today looking for Oline depth.
August 8, 2008
#13 Crown Their Ass said . . .They HAVE to trade for a lineman. I'm really hoping Angelo gets over himself and trades away some draft picks for a lineman that can help this year.
I'm beginning to think that this year be the beginning of the end for Jerry Angelo. Yes, all players get injured but does any other team draft as poorly in the first few rounds as the Bears?
Greg Olsen was a no brainer, and Hester was certainly a nice pick but seriously. Someone has to take the fall for this.
We have to get some O-line, but from where?
August 8, 2008
#14 jeff said . . .Rex looked like shit. Hanie is better than both of them. The offense was worse than I thought which is amazing. This might be the worst WR core I have ever seen. Booker is old balls. Forte will struggle with that ailing left side of the line. Too bad, because with a good line he looks like he could be a real impact player running and catching. That was the most dominating first drive against our D I have seen in a long time. They did redeem themselves after that, but BRODIE CROYLE dissected our D and picked us apart. I said I was going to be optimistic going into the season and I know it was only the first preseason game, but this organization is making it hard to stay upbeat.
August 8, 2008
#15 Matt said . . ."but does any other team draft as poorly in the first few rounds as the Bears?"
-yes, pretty much all of them. you don't follow them. olsen was a no brainer because jerry resisted trading up for him.
tommie harris is pretty good isn't he?
and i dont understand giving jerry blame for early rounds and no credit for building the entire defense in the third round and beyond, rather brilliantly
August 8, 2008
#16 jeff said . . .I have a question for all you Rex lovers out there. Did that play where he dopped back and tripped over his own feet without being touched look familiar?
August 8, 2008
#17 Prefontaine said . . .we can do a bears blog fantasy league but you can only take bears.
August 9, 2008
#18 Al In WI said . . .Typical Kyle: 9 points, 0 Int, QB Rating 58
Typical Rex: 21 points, 3 Int, QB Rating 60
At least Good Rex gives us a CHANCE to win. Bad Rex gives us no chance. Kyle is as vanilla as you can get. You go to the ice cream store and order a vanilla cone in a world where everyone else at a minimum has sprinkles.
I know Rex falls down, and fumbles, and throws picks. but I still think he gives us the best chance to win. You have to admit that Good Rex is a Top 10 QB in the league. And Bad Rex should be mopping the floor at Arby's. Pencil me into the Rex corner, but this could change by October. I reserve that right.
August 9, 2008
#19 Augie said . . .So I heard a somewhat alarming report on the Score 670 today on a pod cast of Hub Arkush's latest visit to the station. He reported that he was told in early June by a well placed source with the Bears that it was Orton's job. The Bears had all but decided to go with Orton and the qb battle was just a sham.
Hub then said he's been in camp for the last 10 days and Grossman was playing better on the whole then Orton. And the Bears may be wavering now.
This could explain why so many media types have been claiming that Orton will win the job.
If you want to listen to it I think it's still available in the middle of the main page if you click over to Hub's picture.August 9, 2008
#20 Augie said . . .The beers are only 7 bucks
August 9, 2008
#21 Augie said . . .The beers are only 7 bucks
August 9, 2008
#22 enderwiggin said . . .The beers are only 7 bucks
August 9, 2008
#23 Indian Bear said . . .LOL, i love the asterisk *
August 9, 2008
#24 Bears99 said . . .I really think that our offensive coordinator is not creative enough. I mean we're not talented on offense, but we have some speed (hester), some quickness (wolf, lloyd), some size (olson, clark, maybe bradley, booker) and two half quaterbacks... now stick with me... but all new orleans had was one half quaterback more than us and they did a lot more on offense, two years ago, than we did. So why not us? because ron turner is boring...
put our men in the best position to succeed and not run the ball on every first down, throw the ball on every second down and do whatever based on the first two plays on third down.
you're welcome
August 9, 2008
#25 reverenddave said . . .Does anyone else think that if Dorsey would have been in our O would have been slightly worse?
August 9, 2008
#26 jeff said . . .They already tried selling it to the Germans and playing games in Frankfurt. The Frankfurt Galaxy, helmed by former fourth string Bears QB and current darkhorse for the 49ers(?) #2 JT O Sullivan led them to defeat in the NFL Europa World Bowl in 2006. It was the last game played before the NFL folded the league and it was played in Frankfurt.
Meatloaf performed during the pregame show. And a german guy flew around on a rocket pack. All better than the crapfest that was the Galaxy defense.
Thus concludes the lesson.
August 9, 2008
#27 Spanish Bear said . . .thanks cameroon cal but i was a referring to a sick (and actual) plan by goodies to put a bunch of games in the europeland...
you back yet?
August 9, 2008
#28 shonbear said . . .We like the European games but we would be better off if the NFL doesn´t sell the broadcasting rights to satellite TV platforms (here in Spain not everyone can afford a subscription to those channels). The only way to increase the number of fans in countries like Spain is to broadcast games through national TV channels. Until that day, people here will keep thinking that football is the same sport as rugby.
August 9, 2008
#29 shonbear said . . .Well no worries on Pennington, he's gone to Miami.
I can't believe that after the game and Chris Williams development that so many of you fellow bloggers seem to have gone virtually silent. Inluding Ron. Don't any of us have anything insightful to add while we wait for the next game with the hopes that some things get nailed down with the Line receivers, QBs and defense?
August 9, 2008
#30 Phil from SATX said . . .sorry, I meant roy
August 9, 2008
#31 Seth said . . .Sorry for recent silence guys, started a new job within same org. last week, that and other stuff's kept me too busy. I did get home at midnight Thursday, went to bed and then got right back up as I realized a game was IN PROGRESS on the Network.
Didn't enjoy the Chiefs opening drive, Croyles looked good. But as it was the opening drive of the opening preseason game, blood pressure didn't rise, nor did it need to, as the D emerged after that. One player stood out to me in that game defensively, Brandon McGowan. He picked up where he left off last year and then some. I barely noticed Mike Brown, hopefully because he was scaring away the action. But McGowan can play.
The only other notable to me on D was the speed of Anthony Adams on that sack - 305 pounds can move. Mark Anderson showed up too, even if he whiffed on the sack. How about the jumping around with Adams on that sack? Those guys were really having fun, and it was good to see. You could read their mindset and their expectations, and it was good.
On O, the line totally outperformed my expectations. Great job, very surprising to me. Maybe the simple switch of St. Clair on left and Tait on right is a big improvement, we'll see. Glad to see Beekman getting reps, even if it took Metcalf having surgery to get there.
Forte - "A" effort for his first time out. Liked everything I saw. It's going to happen, he's going to be the first rookie RB we like in quite a while.
Garrett Wolfe was the biggest pleasant surprise on offense. I don't remember seeing anything out of him last year that compared with what he showed in that game. Really excited about his role this year - all from that meaningless game - when I wasn't at all excited about him coming in.
I don't think there was much notable about the receivers. Most made decent catches, didn't expect to see the Booker drop. Not much to see yet.
Okay, QBs. Kyle started off the game really well, I was impressed, until I wasn't. Then I wasn't some more. His fumble was pretty ugly, and I wish he didn't laugh about it.
Rex - man, although he didn't get many reps, he disappointed me. He just couldn't keep the chains moving. Of course the blown fall down play, that was a glaring reminder of last year. But the biggest play that made me have a sinking feeling was when he did a nifty little scramble and then didn't come close to hitting Wolfe. It was very amateurish, and reminded me of last year in the Chiefs game when he had the poorly thrown screen to Wolfe picked off. First preseason game, yeah, but I have to say I was reminded more about what I've never liked about Rex than what I like.
Then I thought he was yanked pretty early, I'm sure according to the schedule, but I still wanted to see what he could do positive. Hanie looked good, but I unfortunately can't put any stock in that.
With Metcalf out and Williams out, I don't see how a signing doesn't get made.
Regarding RT, I am only hoping that he was hiding all of his good stuff, because he still can't call plays to move chains. On the other hand I thought that the play calling on the Chiefs side was really creative on that first drive, and found myself wondering why they would be showing all this creativity for other teams to scout. My deep down belief is that RT WAS trying, and if that was the case, our offense will suck like it did last year, even with upgraded personnnel. I just think that man doesn't know how to call a game.
Saw some good things, saw some disappointing things, on to the next game!
August 9, 2008
#32 Crown Their Ass said . . .Surprise of the night... Caleb Hanie. Nice touch, poise and he was moving the chains despite multiple dropped passes. Let's see if he keeps it up. And if he does...
August 9, 2008
#33 jeff said . . .I have been pretty negative thus far. So, I wanted to share some good news. Kevin Jones has been cleared to practice today. They are calling his recovery remarkable. If this guy can stay healthy, he could be one of the most important guys on our team. I predict he is the reason why we win at least 2 more games than we would have without him. I am looking forward to seeing this guy suited up.
August 9, 2008
#34 PolygonHell said . . .crown, i agree. i like this backfield all of a sudden. AP is the odd man out. just don't see a role for him.
August 9, 2008
#35 Al In WI said . . .I'm going to agree on the line looking better in pass protection, but there weren't a lot of big holes up front when it was the ones against KC's D. And I didn't see a lot of blitzing from KC to pick up, so the improved pass protection might just be a preseason game anomoly.
I thought Matt Forte looked good for the most part, but I hope he and the offensive lien can do better than 3.6/carry in the regular season.
Offensive play calling was horrid, Rex in particular was stuck passing in 3rd and long for the most part, after Ron Turner insisted on running into stacked fronts on first down.
I'm starting to think that the coaches just need to make a decision at QB and go with it. If the offense can't sustain drives, they're just not going to have much to look at in the games for comparison. It's going to take one of the QB's self destructing to get much useful out of the next game when it comes to making a ecision.
I though Hannie did enough to justify a 53 man roster spot. He looked shaky for the first couple of throws, but after that he had a very solid outing.
Wolfe was a bright spot, but I'd liked to have seen him against the KC ones.
At this point it's not really anything more than a base line for the next game to see how things change.
August 9, 2008
#36 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .Jeff, totally agree with your call on AP and the assement of you and Crown of the running back situation. I think it is actually 2nd to tight end now as the strength of the offense. Forte looks like a player, Wolfe is suprisingly good, and I still like what Pope can do running the ball as well. Now you add Jones and anything he does is gravy.
I had to throw cold water on positivity but I'm staying far away from the band wagon on Haine. He looked okay to me, but looks like another noodle arm. That TD pass should have been picked off and likely would have been with a nfl corner. And his big pass to set it up was a floater to a wide open guy. I still hope he makes the practice squad and Simms is the # 3.August 9, 2008
#37 jeff said . . .Why does Chicago want Simms?Because his last name is Simms?
Gruden about killed his career in TB.
August 9, 2008
#38 jeff said . . .hanie against third stringers couldnt have impressed me less. who cares? he was throwing to brandon rideau.
August 10, 2008
#39 enderwiggin said . . .kyle and chad hutchinson dominated the same guys.
August 10, 2008
#40 shonbear said . . .As for a role for A Peterson, i hope they use him on Special teams. Didnt he lead the team in Special teams tackles when Thomas Jones was still here?
August 10, 2008
#41 jdawg said . . .I wan to chime in on the AP thing. With an unproven rookie, second year guy that is good/great in certain situations and a potentially great vet coming of a major injury/sugery, keepin AP around who looks like he is working hard (as usual) I think it's vital to keep him around. The injuries or body damage these guys take in a season requires you keep him around.
I'm thinking the QB situation is alright. These guys are splitting 1st team reps in training camp and getting very little time during a preseason game to get any rythem so their performance was to be expected. You might say that it was good considering that fact. They are going to have to pull something out from deepithin them to pull ahead of the other guy despite that situation and despite Ron Turners inept ability to call plays to put them in successful situations. This is where the true leadership and play makin ability will shine forth. I think Rex has the steepest hill to climb with the lack of fan support, coaches and local and national media. I wonder if part of the coaches charting process inludes their percieved fan support for whichever QB they decide to start at the beginning of the season.
I hope that the Seattle game lockes this thing up for one of the QB's to emerge victorious in the so called battle. That way they can spend the rest of the preseason not splitting reps with the ones.
Either way, even if i oes on longer I do believe it's making both QB's better. I want Rex to get back to the having fun, not over thinking guy that has nohing to lose like his second stint last season.
I'm rooting for Rex, but Im still thinking we need an end to the competition and just make the call after the Seattle game.Like I've said before, with our tough early schedule both QB's may not look great out of the gate and within four games they might make a switch anyways (I'm not hoping for that, just facing the strong possiblity.
We need some O line help imediately, but I have to agree with Jerry Angelo on the Bears site about not getting a veteran (can't stand the idea of Culpeper or Leftwich) at this point. Probably a good dollars and cents move to wait too. Better QB's than what's out there will probably be released anyways.
August 10, 2008
#42 animal said . . .remember this word when grading the offensive play calling: vanilla.
They are only looking at how each player performs given their assignment. When you review the games just look at how the players are performing.
I suspect that the next game will determine the outcome of the QB battle. They will look at how Rex does with the 1's against Seattle's 1's.
Orton got his chance last week.
August 10, 2008
#43 Rancid said . . .I am not going to get into this. EVERY year we make WAY too much of the preseason.
Right now I'm just going to be depressed about the shambles of and offensive line we have, and enjoy watching our young guys play in these meaningless games.
It was fun watching Wolfe do what we all hope he can do on third down when the games count, but remember those runs came against guys who will be cut, practice squad or 3rd team.
Forte looked good and I'm excited- we are all still crossing our fingers.last thing- breaking news just in, Favre took his first shit in NY. Pics will be on the front page of every major newspaper tomorrow....
August 10, 2008
#44 JEFF ANGRY said . . .Hey folks, sorry I've been quiet. I feel like as much action as we are finally gettting to see, there won't be much to talk about until Lovie picks his QB. The preseason is so hard to base things from. I'm sure Hanie looked good and I am thinking that I like the idea of him as the #3 and future project but anyone who makes a call for the #3 guy to get equal reps after he does well against a bunch of guys who'll be bagging groceries a month from now doesn't understand the pre-season.
My goal for the preseason is for Mike Brown to escape uninjured and for the starting QB to be picked by the third game so that whoever that is can start getting all the #1 practice reps. The sooner that happens, the better that guy will be.
I'll be out of internet range camping again. I do this every year at this time and it's tough to go a week without any idea what happening with Da Bears, but it's a nice family event before I say goodbye to them for football season. See you guys in a week.
August 10, 2008
#45 jdawg said . . .IS IT SO MUCH TO ASK FOR ONE OF THE GODDAMN CHICAGO NEWSPAPERS TO COVER THESE PRACTICES?
August 10, 2008
#46 Jimbo said . . .I'll give you the rundown, but Roy has the skinny.
Rex: not so good last night
Kyle: OK
Bennet: good
Forte: better
Alex Brown: smart, starter
Dusty: practicing on sideline
K Jones: cleared to practice
Wale: gathered the D-line to chew them out
Bradley: dropped a pass and isn't making much of an effort (although I think Crist has it in for him)That's about it.
August 10, 2008
#47 Shady said . . .For anyone who needs a reminder of what Rex can do:
tell me Orton can make half of these plays??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c97c_2x88iU
August 11, 2008
There is a trend of former players and coaches (Rivera, Moose and now Tank) talking shit about Grossman...
http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10925647
August 11, 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.