Until now Bears fans and Chicago media types have displayed a seething intensity usually reserved for that collection of perennial losers who play ball up in the Motor City. But put into perspective, it’s not hard to understand. The Bears are coming off one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history - fraught with injury, controversy and losing. Even the energy and excitement of a tremendous finish has been replaced with question marks, second-guessing and cockamamie conspiracy theories.
Tonight, the healing begins.
I’m not going to make a list of the things I want to see this team do because the list would be one sentence (and I’m bored with that format). I want to see them go into halftime having scored more points than the other team. Sure, I’d like to see no turnovers or sacks. I’d like to see Kevin Jones look like he did as a rookie. I’d like to see Devin Hester sail passed the safeties for easy scores. But ultimately, my football rule is a simple one: I wanna score more than the other guy. There are no bonus points in football.
Me: Hey Mr. Belichick?
Bill: Yes, Jeff.
Me: What does winning games all year by thirty get you?
Bill: The thirty-first pick in the draft.
No matter how well they play tonight, people will still find a reason to complain - I know that more than anyone. And don’t kid yourself into believing there aren’t Bears fans and writers who WANT this team to perform poorly – some gracing our very own comments section. Newspapers like disasters and fans like to complain.
And if they don’t play well, specifically on the offensive side of the ball, go somewhere else tomorrow for your Doomsday Report. That’s not what we do here. Not in the preseason. If they play poorly, they’ll have sixteen days before the games start counting. Nobody writes a theatre review in rehearsals and juries don’t lay down verdicts at arraignments hearings. I'll give them the courtesy of sixteen days. I won't give them seventeen.
Even still, tonight I’ll be three seats from the left end of the bar at Josie Wood’s watching the Bears play a football game. It might not count but it's still a lot of fun. Here’s to a couple touchdowns early.
#2 Shady said . . .Well KO lets see what you got. Might want to up that life insurance policy. Can u get holey line coverage? When r cuts? I am almost excited to pick thru other teams scrap heaps. I really think with a little time the rest of the offense could scrap enough to move the chaina enough and get enough points to grind enough of these games out to make the playoffs. I don't expect spectacular out of any skill position on O except TE but pretty good may be all we need from the others. My faith with this line as is feels like pretty good is a long shot. And kiddy pools have more depth. Dare i say 1st B4 I go out drinking.
'08 Bears O-Line or bust
August 21, 2008
#3 Rancid said . . .I'm so glad you started with that quote! The man who made the third game in preseason famous: Dennis Green.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_N1OjGhIFc
"We'd played them in preseason (steaming)... Who in the hell takes the third game in preseason like it's bullshit? Bullshit! We played them in the third game, everybody played 3 quarters, the BEARS are who we THOUGHT they were!"
Well Denny that's why you play all 4 quarters. Priceless.
August 21, 2008
#4 Z said . . .Here's to the Chicago Bears. Let's kick some ass or at least hopefully appear like we're somewhat familiar with the game of football.
My only wish for the headline at the end of this game is the same as it's been for the first 2: Mike Brown escapes intact. I love the MF but you know he's going down at some point. I just hope he can give us a few games that count first.
August 21, 2008
#5 Jimbo said . . .Oops I posted B4 I read the thread. Probably could have been a little more positive. The O-line could gel from our addition by subtraction plan. Shit I think that plan improved our RB situation.
Go Kyle!! Go Bears!!
August 21, 2008
#6 Phil from SATX said . . .Amen Brotha. I'm excited to see kevin jones. He could be better than the last jones we had. A 1-2 punch of Jones-Forte would help this offense alot.
August 21, 2008
#7 jeremy34 said . . .You know, when you look at our offensive situation, it really shouldn't be as bad as it seems. We have two great tight ends and have just added a third who looks thrilling. With Kevin Jones in the mix, I'm counting two first round running backs - I still count Forte as one because in most other years he'd have been a first rounder. Kevin is only going into his 5th year, young as can be. Throw everything else out - compare last year's Benson/AP with this years' Jones/Forte. Come on guys - that can only be considered a HUGE improvement.
Sure we have huge question marks, in the line, at WR, at QB. Mostly at OC. Actually OC is not a question mark. OC is some kind of punctuation mark never before seen on Earth, a symbol which can only signify death and destruction to all who gaze on it. But the rest are just garden variety question marks.
I'm actually okay with our WR by committee approach - I think there's several competent to very competent WR's on our team. No, we won't be anywhere near the top of the league in yards passing or completions, but I'm thinking our running game is going to move the chains. We'll need about 30 yards per possession to ensure at least 3 points. One earned offensive touchdown and three field goals, I think that's the over/under on our offense this year. That's 16 points - but don't forget we could average another 7 per game on ST and defensive scores/easy O setups. 23 points per game, D holds to 17. Win.
What a great game to have televised live tonight! I'm totally psyched, are you?
GO BEARS! GO KYLE! GO JONES/FORTE! GO WRBC!
WIN!
August 21, 2008
#8 jdawg said . . .I'm pumped as shit John.
I thought it was good to read what Chris Williams said recently in vowing to come back healthy and more determined and a better player than what he even imagined before he was injured. Obviously most would say that and that is what you are suppose to say but I believe this guy, lets call it a fluke he was injured, and it seems he has a great attitude and we did rate him highly, I got him sitting out about half the season then coming back and anchoring our line for a decade as they say. Running backs we are the best in a while. You hear a lot of good things about Forte which is great and our receivers are good enough. We are going to get it done. Once again, love the post.
Come on Kyle, Come on Bears
August 21, 2008
#9 Idonije said . . .It will be interesting to see what kind of pressure SF brings.
You're right Jeff -- 3 step drops. I don't mind check-down Kyle getting 4-6 yards on first down.
Also, keep your eye on Izzy -- I think he starts tonight.
August 21, 2008
#10 Rob said . . .How great would it be to come out of this game feeling good for once this preseason. I expect the Defense to come out smelling like roses. What I am hoping for is consistent movement from the offense. Our offensive situation, atleast personnel wise, should be better than the last 3 or so years. I just hope to see a lot of 2 TE sets.
Bear Down!
August 21, 2008
#11 shonbear said . . .There have been reports that the Bears will be retaining only 2 QB's on the roster, leaving Hanie on the practice squad. However, I would submit to the Bears that following their decision to go with KO, they would be wise to increase his playing time in these last two games (even over Rex).
The reason being... I have a sick feeling that with our struggling offensive line, injuries at QB are extremely likely. I hate to say it, but I would not be suprised if Orton is injured by week 3.
I don't buy into that whole jinx thing, so I am not worried about saying this. What I am worried about is what the Bears will do when these guys start getting carted off the field.
August 21, 2008
#12 shonbear said . . .wow now that was definitely not positive. Lets go with, I don't think they will go to only two, if so not for long, I think they will get one from another teams cuts, hopefully they start with an O lineman though. The questions remain as to who they will cut. Hanie would likely be safe on the practice squad though because I dont think any other team would take him away.
Lets start a guess who they cut string...
Mark Bradley?
Metcalf? (ha!)
Hass (hate that one, maybe practice squad)
Rideau
??????
??????
??????August 21, 2008
#13 Phil from SATX said . . .whats up with all the negative vibes...
if they go with only two I think it will only be temporary.
August 21, 2008
#14 Pissed Off said . . .Do you think the Bears like Hanie? Has he shown enough to pique their interest in him? If so, practice squad could be risky - anyone can sign him, right?
It would be an interesting decision to keep two QBs - the only reason I can think that they'd do that is to keep an extra WR or RB. I think they are very deep at defensive secondary but everyone's playing so well they would not want to expose anyone to the practice squad. Maybe it's there. They also keep a lot of linebackers.
Rex I think would have a high probability of injury this year - but Kyle looks big enough, strong enough and durable enough to escape.
Who knows - that alone might have factored in big time to the decision - if Rex was going to get hammered with sack after sack - how long would he last? Then you're facing an in-season change at QB. They know that intraseason stability at QB is vital to post-season success, so that could play into it as much as anything.
Speaking of keeping lots of defenders, here's one beef I have with management. We drafted Dan Bazuin because we thought Alex Brown was a goner. We drafted Jamar Williams and Michael Okwo because we thought Lance Briggs was a goner. We drafted some of the kajillions of cornerbacks because we didn't think we could afford both Tillman and Vasher.
Plan B occurred in every instance, yet every unnecessary replacement part we got as insurance is still on this roster. Why haven't we traded these guys (hopefully for some of our many offensive needs) when it was determined that we WERE able to keep Brown, Briggs, Vasher/Tillman? That should have been done, as soon as the return of all these guys was assured. Why wasn't it?
August 21, 2008
#15 shonbear said . . .Phil injuries suck but they happen. I cant believe your saying for sure that you think Kyle is tougher than Rex. Unless Rex gets a bone broken or something tears which by the way can happen to anyone, Rex has been a super tough guy. Do you remember the hit he took last year in week one, how about in Seattle last week. This guy's been getting hit more than Whitney Houston. When its just a matter of taking a beating theres no way you can say Kyle is tougher...prove it...give me examples...you cant. Even superman would tear a tendon or break a bone if hit just right, not to mention Kyle fucking Orton. I just have to check in occassionally when things get TOO ridiculous.
August 21, 2008
#16 Phil from SATX said . . .my guess is they are waiting to make sure none of them get injured in the preseason. I hated that we gave Chris Harris away when we looked so deep in the secondary last time.
I don't think they think Hanie is special, ok maybe, but cheap mainly. since he has the beginning understanding of the offense they chance him in the practice squad as reassurance in case of a QB injury and to open up a roster spot with the thought that no other team has any interest which I doubt anybody does.
August 21, 2008
#17 shonbear said . . .PO'd, you totally misunderstood me. I DO think Rex has a higher chance at injury this year than Kyle does - not because he's not tough - I've gone on record as saying I believe he's incredibly tough. But his mechanics and style of playing QB, I think exposes him to more and greater hits than Kyle. I think it's fair to say Rex is injury prone - you can say that empirically because he's been knocked out of 4 out of 5 seasons. But I don't think that's because his body is injury prone - I think that's because he's taken more and harder sacks than anyone should.
Kyle seems to get sacked less (didn't check stats on that one) but also sacked much less hard, likely to do with what he's doing mechanically prior to the sack.
You yourself said Rex has been getting hit more than Whitney Houston. There's nothing about this year's line to suggest he will get any better protection this year, and there's nothing about his mechanics we've witnessed in preseason to suggest he's going to handle it on his end any better. That suggests he has a high probability of getting knocked out, and history shows that it's probably higher than Kyle's. THAT'S all I'm saying.
August 21, 2008
#18 Pissed Off said . . .I think it will be interesting to watch JTO at SF. If he ends up being good, my bitterness for the way the Bears seem to let guys slip through their fingers (especially offensive guys) is going to boil over.
August 21, 2008
#19 Had enough sour grapes said . . .Phil, understood, I must have misread your comments. Come to think of it I dont remember Kyle getting hit that often when he has played over the years but that was 05, which was a good line and the tail end of last year which the line seemed to get better so the sampling is skewed. Most of last year and so far this year it has looked brutal.
Heres what I think happens tonight. Kyle plays like Kyle can play, unspectacular. He does nothing that either kills the team or benefits them much. Very vanilla. The super Pro-orton guys will come on here tomorrow and late tonight clinging to one or two plays that he made that looked good to try and justify Lovies decision.
Then Rex comes in and gets to play one series. ONE, that its, I would be shocked if he gets two but he'll probably get one series, hell it wouldnt surprise me if they went straight to Hanie which I give a 35% chance of happening. They dont want him to look good or light it up cuz then Lovie looks stupid so they yank him if he gets any momentum after the 1st series.
But tomorrow I will neither bash the play of Orton if it is horrible nor will I praise the play of Rex if he is good because its just preseason right Jeff? Its only good enough for a fake QB competition, its like the rhearsal for a play, not the real thing, how can anything be judged on that?
August 21, 2008
#20 Rancid said . . .Sorry P O'd but I don't see Phil's post TOO ridiculous at all but yours is. Rex has been injured a few times and I don't think "Kyle fucking Orton" has and is bigger and stronger (Who says there aren't any KO haters on this board that want him to fail). It is possible that the Staff suspected early on and for sure knows now the O line will struggle but think it will come together by midseason. It would be possible his size and height could allow the "game manager" short passes you hate to watch to compliment the running game. Yeah I know you think height isn't an advantage when it comes to Rex because gosh you pointed out last year that Drew Brees isn't tall whatever that has to do with anything. You pick or manufacture your facts to fit your desired outcome every time.
If the line gets it's act together where Rex could flex that magnificent arm (yes he has truly great arm and I (we?) can handle some dumb decisions or fumbled snaps because most agree his upside is greater than downside) THEN the coaches could and I think should consider using him if they need to light up the offense. That might even get him back to the starter role.
If we would use some quick dump over the middle to TE or RB's and a quick slant or two and an effective screen I think Rex might be able to keep the offense on the field and go downfield now and then. The defense wouldn't know they can rush 8 or 9(?) on any passing situation. But we have Ronny Turner the worst OC in football. He is Rex's biggest problem and also the offense's weakest point.
If KO has a good game you will have reasons why it was not a good game or just uck. If he has a bad game you will be tickled shitlees and fill the blog with toldja so.
I just want the Bears to win and will root forever we have out there
Enough venting. I just couldn't handle your "Kyle fuckin Orton" mudsling on a day that he starts for The Chicago Bears.
August 21, 2008
#21 JWilson said . . .PO - I agree with some of your points but I feel you damage your credibility by making more of Rex than he is, and in some cases attempting to re-write history.
I have made it clear on here that I like Rex and actually preferred him to get the starting job over KO.
But to describe Rex as tough is simply hard to fathom. Your argument appears to be that he is only taking the injuries that anyone else would take if they were hit that much, but the argument simply doesn't add up. He has been injured 4 out of 5 seasons. In those seasons the guys that replaced him didn't get injured with the same lines.
Also, I took the most sacked SOB on the face of the earth, David Carr, and compared them. In five seasons with the Texans, Carr was sacked a shocking 249 times, for an average of 3.2 sacks per game. During that time he endured 2 seasons where averaged 4.25 sacks per game and 4.75 sacks per game. I'm surprised the dude can still walk. Over the course of those 5 season he missed only one 4 game stretch, and that wasn't even during those 2 insanely punishing seasons.
To compare Rex's numbers, In five years Rex has been sacked 56 times over the course of 32 games, for an average of 1.75 sacks per game. He was most victimized by our shitty line last year when in only 8 games he took 25 sacks (four more than in 2006 when he played 16 games) However, that still only works out to 3.2 sacks per game.
Let me start out by saying that I think David Carr is a shitty QB, BUT, he is obviously a very tough shitty QB.
All that to show that Rex is in fact injury prone. He can not be logically considered physically tough. The bastard is definitely MENTALLY tough, to put up with all the shit he has gotten from media and fans and still go out and do his job, but there is no way he can be considered physically tough.
In my opinion KO had very few areas where he had a marked advantage over Rex, but toughness is one of them. I know you will say that KO has not not shown enough to proved himself to not be injury prone, but the point is that to think that Rex is not injury prone at this point in his career is non-sensical. At least physically, there's no way you can call Rex a "super tough guy".
Hopefully we see a solid game tonight from everyone, and move on to the season from here. We gotta get past this thing.
August 21, 2008
#22 Sausage* said . . .The O-line will preform they will they should; since the starting QB has been named. They will make Kyle look good. The running game will look goo too. The defense will get all this JTO talk out of the minds and mouths of the Chicago fans.
If the Bears put Hanie on the practice squad,and they lose him to another team they will regret it. He looks like he might be special in 2 or 3 seasons.
August 21, 2008
#23 Shady said . . .i'm not so sure i'd call rex mentally tough. he developed the 11 step drop out of the shotgun while on the bears, as well as throwing off his back foot. those were byproducts of getting hit. the corner blitz in san diego last season? yes, he took a huge hit, but you can't exactly say he waited around in the pocked for things to develp downfield on many plays after that. he was scared out of his mind.
i've been a huge rex supporter in the past, but no longer. he has huge upside, but not on the bears.
i'm not saying orton is tough either though. i don't think we know that yet. i personally feel he's still a question mark. could be good, could be bad, and i'm happier with that option than i am knowing rex is in there. i think we know what we're getting from him at this point.
also, i think it would be crazy to have a two qb roster, both qbs being on one year deals and the organization knowing that only one is staying for 2009. hanie has to be in there somewhere. goes back to my first post. if orton goes down, i don't think we see rex. that starts this whole mess up again. i think they want to end the "qb competition." as a fan i pray as much.
August 21, 2008
#24 jdawg said . . .Are you ready for some football?
August 21, 2008
#25 Crown Their Ass said . . .like church lady special?
August 21, 2008
#26 jonathan said . . .Orton is going to look ten times better than Rex tonight and make Pissed Off take his dick out of Rex's ass. I'm ready for a new QB era with KO that starts tonight.
August 21, 2008
#27 Kevin Jones said . . .i know it's just a preseason game, but man if we can't beat the 49ers i will be seriously pissed.
August 21, 2008
#28 Shady said . . .Does anybody else look at the # of comments and think of a Bears player who wears it on his jersey?
post#23= Hester
post #54= Urlacher
post #55=Briggs etc.How about one day, everybody posts as the Bears player who wears the number you ar about to post? get it? haha
Anyway, San Fran has been one of those 'get better' games for the Bears, and although the defense has been much better of late, the 49ers are going down tonight. Forte is about to get his roll on and the defense will get the job done. Go Bears!
August 21, 2008
#29 Rancid said . . .Des Clark is the man.
August 21, 2008
#30 Luke said . . .Early thoughts:
1. I hate Joe Buck
2. Frank Gore is not this good
August 22, 2008
#31 Max said . . .Kyle/Davis TD=happy thoughts.
Let's keep this going
August 22, 2008
#32 Max said . . .RASHIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 22, 2008
#33 Max said . . .Our first team D got worked the whole first drive. We couldnt stop the run to save our life.
August 22, 2008
#34 Catch-88 said . . .And Alex Brown just got mugged from behind. No call.
August 22, 2008
#35 Max said . . .Man, that TD from Orton was epic. I'm digging on Forte, too. But where's the D?
August 22, 2008
#36 Shady McBears Fan said . . .D is gettin worked again. . . but BIG GOAL LINE STAND! Nice. Dusty with the sack. . .although it was a coverage sack. But good to see him doing stuff again.
August 22, 2008
#37 Catch-88 said . . .Classic bend but don't break defense so far! Let's see if the offense can keep it going here.
August 22, 2008
#38 Max said . . .okay, I take back the D comment.
August 22, 2008
#39 Shady said . . .Manning can fly
August 22, 2008
#40 Portugal Bear said . . .The special teams unit is helping this offense out big time, FG there is nice, but there was potential for more. That jump ball to Olsen was a good play call, but the ball wasn't thrown over the correct shoulder. On third, I thought Orton could have found another receiver for a possible TD, but so far so good from Kyle and this line!
August 22, 2008
#41 craig said . . .The D looks like our O-line tonight ! Lol
August 22, 2008
#42 Max said . . .Pass blocking looks pretty good so far. Can't say the same for run blocking.
Special teams unit is RIDICULOUS.
Actually not impressed with Orton so far. Bad throw to Olsen in the endzone almost got picked. And that was a lame dumpoff to McKie on third down. Even the TD throw wasn't great; he's lucky that LB didn't turn his head... Hopefully, he just needs to get a little rhythm going.... I'd like to see the offense sustain a long drive.
I'd also like to see a few strong runs from Forte.
Mixed feelings about the defensive play so far, from all three units. Need to see more...
August 22, 2008
#43 Max said . . .Orton under threw the ball to GO! but hes been looking good otherwise
August 22, 2008
#44 craig said . . .Mike Brown just got burned. . .Shit
August 22, 2008
#45 Shady said . . .NOT what I had in mind when I said I needed to see more from the defense...
August 22, 2008
#46 Rancid said . . .Uh oh, they caught Mike Brown sleepin'!
by the way Joe Buck is about as bad as Joe Morgan... ABOUT.
August 22, 2008
#47 Max said . . .Our D looks like crap
August 22, 2008
#48 craig said . . .And i disagree craig. . . if the DB is lookin bak to the ball, hes probably not goin to get that close to the pass. You could say that if Hillenmeyer had turned his head, he coulda broke up the long pass to Davis. I like KO so far. Cept the pass to Olsen
D looks like shit
August 22, 2008
#49 Shady said . . .Maybe you're right Max. No secret that KO's gonna have to win me over first ;)
And yes, the D looked awful against SF's ones. And this is SF.
August 22, 2008
#50 Max said . . .This O'Sullivan character looks like he has a pretty good arm, not sure why they took him out after only 8 passes...
Rough night for Peanut... Two questionable calls have gone against him so far. The defense hasn't played as poorly as the score might reflect, the absence of pressure from the front 4 has a bit to do with coverage breaking down. Penalties haven't helped either though.
August 22, 2008
#51 craig said . . .Wolfe with a weak fumble. D with penalty in end zone. DAMN IT. We look bad, christ
August 22, 2008
#52 Shady said . . .Guh.
Need to see KO leads these boys on a 70+ yard drive to get end the half on a high note and take the bad taste out of my mouth from this defensive performance.
Let's go Neckbeard!
August 22, 2008
#53 Shady said . . .This O'Sullivan character looks like he has a pretty good arm, not sure why they took him out after only 8 passes...
Rough night for Peanut... Two questionable calls have gone against him so far. The defense hasn't played as poorly as the score might reflect, the absence of pressure from the front 4 has a bit to do with coverage breaking down. Penalties haven't helped either though.
August 22, 2008
#54 said . . .This O'Sullivan character looks like he has a pretty good arm, not sure why they took him out after only 8 passes...
Rough night for Peanut... Two questionable calls have gone against him so far. The defense hasn't played as poorly as the score might reflect, the absence of pressure from the front 4 has a bit to do with coverage breaking down. Penalties haven't helped either though.
August 22, 2008
#55 Max said . . .This O'Sullivan character looks like he has a pretty good arm, not sure why they took him out after only 8 passes...
Rough night for Peanut... Two questionable calls have gone against him so far. The defense hasn't played as poorly as the score might reflect, the absence of pressure from the front 4 has a bit to do with coverage breaking down. Penalties haven't helped either though.
August 22, 2008
#56 craig said . . .Wow, the D looks totally pathetic. you said it man, this is the Niners. They have bigger problems at QB than we do and they are just destroying us.
Guess that shows that the shit show on the opening drive against KC when they went 81 yards in 16 plays wasnt just a mirage.
Shit
August 22, 2008
#57 Z said . . .There we go Neckbeard! There we go Matty!
August 22, 2008
#58 Max said . . .I just got home. How the hell did we give up 20 points to San Francisco already
August 22, 2008
#59 Max said . . .Man. . . this is really pissing me off. What is going on??? JT O'Sullivan is 7-8 for 126 yards and 1 td. He isnt this good
But big play to Bradley. WE HAVE A MARK BRADLEY SIGHTING. Wow. that was terrible coverage
August 22, 2008
#60 Catch-88 said . . .Wow, the D looks totally pathetic. you said it man, this is the Niners. They have bigger problems at QB than we do and they are just destroying us.
Guess that shows that the shit show on the opening drive against KC when they went 81 yards in 16 plays wasnt just a mirage.
Shit
August 22, 2008
#61 Max said . . .On the 4th and 1!! Beautiful. Too bad there was a flag the TD connection.
August 22, 2008
#62 Z said . . .Man. . . this is really pissing me off. What is going on??? JT O'Sullivan is 7-8 for 126 yards and 1 td. He isnt this good
But big play to Bradley. WE HAVE A MARK BRADLEY SIGHTING. Wow. that was terrible coverage
August 22, 2008
#63 Max said . . .TD Rashied Davis. Good job Kyle. Good job O-line. That will work
August 22, 2008
#64 Shady said . . .RASHIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He might be playing his way into the STARTING LINE UP.
Good pass and good protection
August 22, 2008
#65 shonbear said . . .Great job by Kyle and the line of holding up the pocket, being patient and finding an open Rashied Davis. A WR has to step up this year to fill in for BB, and David and Bradley are making their bids tonight.
August 22, 2008
#66 Max said . . .D performance a little disconcerting (it's preseason), not too excited about Kyle's throw to Bradley on the blown coverage, sure it was nice, but since he had to come back for it there was no touchdown (it's preseason). Running game still not quite there (it's preaseason) and worst stat of all Time of Possession. (Mostly thanks to the turnover.
JTO, I still think the Bears blew it letting him go...
Why the F are we allowing Alex Smith to work us over?
August 22, 2008
#67 Max said . . .D got help there from Alex Smith with a bad pass. Good play by Vash on third
August 22, 2008
#68 craig said . . .Devin Devin Devin. . . dumb
August 22, 2008
#69 Max said . . .Confidence is showing on Neckbeard. I like it. Rash looks like a monster.
August 22, 2008
#70 Catch-88 said . . .Smith didnt. . . JT O'Sullivan ripped us.
Time of possession is not fair considerin we started our first 2 possessions from their 20 yard line. . .
RASHIED he is a beast. 2 more nice catches
August 22, 2008
#71 Z said . . .The D is terrible, 2 Orton/Davis TDs, Hester brought down in the end zone?
This is it...this is the end of football.
August 22, 2008
#72 craig said . . .Devin be careful. That was real close. Rashied has 2 TD's. Sweet.
Has the Offense looked pretty scrappy like this the whole half?
O-line with Beekman holding up?
Could it be?
August 22, 2008
#73 shonbear said . . .Are we gonna get off the bus... throwing?
August 22, 2008
#74 Max said . . .Again, nice to Rash and again in wide open spaces, but look how much the receiver has to come back or adjust to the ball, these throws if made more in stride for the receiver are touchdowns. Still rooting for Kyle to be successful, just hope he can improve his accuracy, it's ok to hit a wide open reciever, but if they are wide open than they should be getting TD's or close.
August 22, 2008
#75 Shady said . . .KO's numbers so far 10-14 147 yards and 2 tds.
In the first half
August 22, 2008
#76 craig said . . .Coulda been a hat trick for Rash, oh so close!
August 22, 2008
#77 Max said . . .Commenting is getting rough... very slow and keeps crashing. Jeff, if your web guys have the chance soon, have them look at Disqus and IntenseDebate. Might make all this a bit smoother.
August 22, 2008
#78 Max said . . .We scored 20 points in the first half. Come on guys. Maybe the passes havent been perfect, but before this game, if i tell you that those were Ortons numbers and that we would score 20 before half, you would take it.
D looks like shit
oh and Rashied shoulda scored a third on that pass. He dropped it.
August 22, 2008
#79 Shady said . . .good to know its the blog thats crashing. . . i kept thought it was my internet
August 22, 2008
#80 craig said . . .Dave Toub has truly made this special teams SPECIAL.
August 22, 2008
#81 Rancid said . . .Can't remember the last time the offense had me excited and the D was making me cringe....
God, our special teams is good.
August 22, 2008
#82 stuck in mn said . . .I've been in all game and haven't had any trouble with the blog.
August 22, 2008
#83 Max said . . .No problems on the site here...I love the points in the first half. Something still does not feel right???
August 22, 2008
#84 Max said . . .Idonije with the blocked kick. . . SICK
August 22, 2008
#85 Max said . . .OK, my opinion on the first half:
Special teams:
Very good. Devin had a dumb move on the punt and got lucky and Wolfe fumbled away the ball, but Manning looked good, Robbie hit some field goals (muffed a kick outa bounds once) but other than that one, his kicks have made the end zone.
Defense:
Terrible. Bad tackling. Bad coverage. Had a good goal line stand, but still. This is the niners. JT O'Sullivan and Frank Gore basically bent us over and spanked us for the better part of the first half
Offense:
O-line looked pretty good. Run game wasnt to bad. Orton, i think, has been really good. And Rashied is the freaking man. End of story.
August 22, 2008
#86 Max said . . .well, Manning with a good return. Jones with a great run, then McKie blows a catch and a batted ball and Robbie hooks it. . . Damn, drive started so nice too
August 22, 2008
#87 Rancid said . . .Yes Mike Brown. . . nice hit
August 22, 2008
#88 KentuckyBearsFan said . . .Somebody get Brown out of there before he kills himself. Nice hit!
August 22, 2008
#89 Max said . . .Kyle's throws have more zip on them than I remember...he must be in the best condition of his life
...
What is this, opposite day?Offense decent
O-line pretty good
Defense shit
Hester bad (although special teams good)
Gould just missed a kickAugust 22, 2008
#90 mikebdot said . . .D looks bad . . . BAD
August 22, 2008
#91 Portugal Bear said . . .I hate Jason McKie.
August 22, 2008
#92 shady said . . .Our D ist not a shit, its a complete joke! My gosh!!!
August 22, 2008
#93 Max said . . .Oh look out, here comes sexy rexy...
August 22, 2008
#94 shonbear said . . .You kidding 2nd and 15 and you give up a 19 yard pass play. . . jesus.
Our D is gettin rolled.
Nother TD. . . this time by ALEX FUCKING SMITH
Christ.
August 22, 2008
#95 mikebdot said . . .Heeeeeeeeeeerrrrressssss Rexy....
We face the Colts in two weeks, this is the 49rs, our D needs to make some plays.
It's only preseason, It's only preseason, It's only preseason, It's only preseason, It's only preseason.........
August 22, 2008
#96 Max said . . .polite is even worse. argh
August 22, 2008
#97 Chris said . . .Rex. . . Bad. . . shoulda been picked. . . I was a Rex guy but its hard to argue against KO, at least at this exact moment.
August 22, 2008
#98 Chris said . . .the defense is just playing like crap, the offense is doing a great job, but if the defense is playing like they are tonight , we will be lucky to win a few games this year.. C'mon Defense Let's Go !!
August 22, 2008
#99 Max said . . .the defense is just playing like crap, the offense is doing a great job, but if the defense is playing like they are tonight , we will be lucky to win a few games this year.. C'mon Defense Let's Go !!
August 22, 2008
#100 craig said . . .BLOCKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LLOYD WITH THE BLOCKED PUNT!
YES
August 22, 2008
#101 Max said . . .Jesus Christ. Is anyone even gonna get a kick off on us this year?
August 22, 2008
#102 Max said . . .Last pass wasnt on Rex. . . he threw it away with a guy about to hit him. Boo birds are biased on that one.
August 22, 2008
#103 Rancid said . . .GOULD CAN HIT!!! good tackle Robbie.
Yo, Bradley did not stay in his lane on that kickoff. just saying
August 22, 2008
#104 Max said . . .Yeah, fans at the stadium suck for booing him on that one. He had no time and in the past he would have thrown it up for grabs, to throw it out bounds was actually a good thing.
August 22, 2008
#105 KentuckyBearsFan said . . .Amen Rancid. . . amen
August 22, 2008
#106 Rancid said . . .The D starters were just saving themselves for Satan Manning...or whoever the Colts QB is in the opener
/or I hope they were at least
August 22, 2008
#107 Max said . . .Decent hit by Steltz. I like the guy.
August 22, 2008
#108 Shady said . . .342 yards given up . . . ouch
August 22, 2008
#109 shonbear said . . .Yeah, what the hell is a matter with those fans booing rex?
August 22, 2008
#110 Max said . . .The D right now is Em BEAR Assing!!!
It's only preseason, It's only preseason,It's only preseason,It's only preseason,It's only preseason,
August 22, 2008
#111 Max said . . .The first time they booed him was dumb. the second time. . . totally justified
August 22, 2008
#112 shonbear said . . .Thats true Brian, you were terrible
August 22, 2008
#113 shonbear said . . .Fuck them booers.
On another note: That's how you run a screen, draw the D in! Hello Ron take notes...
August 22, 2008
#114 Max said . . .Time of Possession!!!!!!! Come on D
It's only preseason?
August 22, 2008
#115 shonbear said . . .4:38 left in game. Im out. Ill be back later tonight.
But bad game Defense. Bad bad bad game
August 22, 2008
#116 big rob said . . .4 touchdowns, 3 field goals 428 yards (163 rushing, 265 passing) and no turn overs on offense except ours on Special teams.
Yea, it's only preseason, but it's supposed to provide some hope right?
This is in our own house too.
We have got to do something before we face a real offense in Indy!!!
August 22, 2008
#117 Decatur Staleys # 7 said . . .Hass really does catch everything!!
August 22, 2008
#118 Rob said . . .The Defense Co can kiss my ass!Why did we fire Ron for him?
He's edging towards Ron Turner ground.
August 22, 2008
#119 Al In WI said . . ."DO NOT ACCEPT AS TRUTH, THAT WHICH YOU SEE"
1) Our defense is one of the top defenses in the league... period. Sure, we had a horrible game. No question about that. However, the potential that exists with our defense is not the potential that exists with Rex. What I mean is this... With Rex, evaluations of his "potential" rest upon extremely impressive performances in a limited number of games. However, with our defense, this collection of players has consistantly demonstrated (when in good health), that they can perform at the top of the league. Do not lose heart because they were raped repeatedly tonight.
2) Our offense is not what it seemed to be tonight. We still have extremely troubing deficiencies on offense. KO had a great outing. With that said, the question remains as to whether he can make big plays consistently as the season goes on. In addition, his arm strength is something that we need to be realistic about. For all the Rex-critics, you all must admit that he has the ability to "dazzle" us in a way that KO cannot. So, we must accept the fact that KO will not throw balls that go the length of the field. Instead, his ability to make big plays rests upons blown coverages and mis-matches that enable shorter passes to be converted to larger gains.
In addition, our running game and wide-outs are a HUGE question mark. I would submit to you all that the TD passes and larger gains that occured thus far are NOT to be expected, given what we know now (after 3 games). What we have seen is an opportunistic offense that has capitalized on defensive/special teams mistakes made by other teams sorting out their rosters as well. Is there reason for hope.. yes. Is there reason for extreme skepticism... yes.
Next, our offensive line is still a joke. Regardless of the protection provided tonight, we are in deep trouble. I stand by my earlier assertion that KO will get injured IF the coaching staff doesn't figure out a solid plan (if any exists) to use what we have in terms of players, to produce protection for our QB's. Plus, that says nothing of the ramifications on the running game.
LASTLY, I AM SO SICK OF RON TURNER running those plays where our running back attempts to plow through defensive linemen/linebackers on 3RD DOWN!!!!! We DO NOT HAVE an RB capable of doing that. If your going to run on 3rd down, USE a pitch/option to the outside. I am so sick of Turner's nonsense.
Have a good night guys, look forward to hearing your feedback.
August 22, 2008
#120 jeremy34 said . . .As promised I'm right there to say Orton was impressive tonight. He had good protection and found the open man. He also seem fairly accurate tonight. That was encouraging.
Defense: When did we go back to Wanny's defensive scheme? I swear Vasher was lined up deeper then Mike Brown! Fix that shit.August 22, 2008
#121 Max said . . .Our Defense will turn it around. Mike Martz is some sort of mad scientist/ genius on offense, but once they show their stuff in a few games (especially this 49ers), teams will get them and they won't put up too good of numbers. They took J oT out early because he is going to be their quarterback. I dont' know why, but I feel like Urlacher and Briggs and company don't get up for this game. Like didn't try hard for some reason. Or at least that's my excuse.
Dusty D getting a sack!!!!!!!!!!! Come on Double D!!! Come on! Get In!!!!!!!
August 22, 2008
#122 shonbear said . . .I dont know about them gettin amped for this game, but Urlacher didnt seem to happy about it on the sideline. And he shouldnt have been. . . they were really bad. I dont understand it.
August 22, 2008
#123 Phil from SATX said . . .The defense needs to get used to the speed of an actual NFL offense rather than the one they've faced in practice the last month...
Hope they right the ship by Sep 7...
I'ts only preseason, it's only preaseason (I wish I were home in Kansas I wish......)
August 22, 2008
#124 mikebdot said . . .I know this was in the moment stuff from last night, that which I've been reading this morning. I myself am in different mood. I will quote a song that I woke up with in my head:
Just what makes that little old ant
Think he'll move that rubber tree plant
Anyone knows an ant, can't
Move a rubber tree plantBut he's got high hopes, he's got high hopes
He's got high apple pie, in the sky hopesSo any time your gettin low
stead of lettin go
Just remember that ant
Oops there goes another rubber tree plantWhen troubles call, and your backs to the wall
There a lot to be learned, that wall could fallOnce there was a silly old ram
Thought hed punch a hole in a dam
No one could make that ram, scram
He kept buttin that damcause he had high hopes, he had high hopes
He had high apple pie, in the sky hopesSo any time your feelin bad
stead of feelin sad
Just remember that ram
Oops there goes a billion kilowatt damAll problems just a toy balloon
They'll be bursted soon
They're just bound to go pop
Oops there goes another problem kerplopKyle's the ant, he just moved the rubber tree plant. I am now officially really excited about the upcoming year. We can score points.
The D, once again, got gashed by fast RBs, sucked in by screen plays, duped by a vastly superior offensive coordinator. That was troubling, but the defense was not nearly as offputting as the offense was uplifting - at least to me. I think D can and will be fixed. But the performance on O just gave the whole team hope.
In a real game, I will posit, two of those 49'ers scores wouldn't have happened. Alex Brown WOULD have been called on the most obvious offensive hold/takedown I've ever seen - I became immediately certain that the refs were under orders to keep the game moving, this is preseason. There was just no way possible to miss that. That would have led to a stoppage of that drive. Also, Wolfe would not have been returning kickoffs, hence no muff from him.
Way more important at this juncture to have the outing on O we did than to have the D perform at the level we're (pretty sure?) it can perform at.
Max, you must be on Cloud 9 - your boy looked like a bona fide starter. And how are these guys going to cut Mark Bradley now? I'll tell you who should be sat down - Devin Hester - we have enough playmaking WRs where we should let them play, and let Hester practice. We'll be making a big mistake if we waste too many offensive plays pulling him up the learning curve. Bennett - fast. Bradley - fast. Davis - fast. (Despite what Aikman said). Olsen - fast. K. Davis - fast. All those guys can catch the ball and are real receivers. Shoot - I'm looking at D. Manning and thinking maybe there's another guy who should be converted to O - instead of Devin. Just don't want to lose what we already have in him on Special Teams, and just based on last night, it looks like we got not much from either.
But that's nitpicking in the face of what was accomplished last night. Kyle put all of us doubters to rest - at least he should have.
Nice job Kyle! Nice job Rashied! Nice job Mattay! Nice job O line! Fix the D!
August 22, 2008
#125 jdawg said . . .Anyone else just plain not impressed with Olsen's "improvement" in his blocking? Kevin Jones made a great run for that 30+ yard gain, no thanks to Olsen.
Jason McKie has to be the worst blocking fullback in the NFL. When was the last time you ever remember him leveling a single player on the D? Seriously, one would think you could remember him hitting someone that was slightly off-balance or out of position, but I can't remember him making a single block that has freed anyone. He's terrible. He and Olsen together do nothing whatsoever for the running game.
August 22, 2008
#126 Pissed Off said . . .random thoughts:
Our o-line played better but didn't get the heat GB got from SF last week.
Orton looked calm. Me likey calm.
I'm not as worried about the D as I guess I should be
Wolfe may get cut
Davis got open!
Dusty looked good.
that is all
August 22, 2008
#127 Sausage said . . .I too thought it was a good performance by Kyle, I dont know how that 1st TD pass worked, I really dont, he threw it before Rasheid broke to his left, either they have a great rapport or they got lucky, either way great performance tonight by Rashied, but didnt he have a dropped TD? I watched up until Hanie came in, had to be to work early and it is preseason. Kyle looked mighty comfortable back there, if the O-line plays like that the season should be a success but I dont know much about SFs defense if they have a good pass rush anyway. The D was surprisingly porous, it seems to be tackling issues. I still have more confidence though, leading up to THE REAL SEASON, that the D, will fix their problems and be elite. I hope this wasnt a mirage last night from the O-line.
Hey crown their ass, your dick must be firmly embeddedin Kyles ass after that perfromance last night huh? (Again I fight stupidity with stupidity) He looked pretty good with lots of time, and I'm not going to take credit away from him now but he had tons of time and we'll see if it carries to the regular season. It really rests on the O-line.
August 22, 2008
#128 mikebdot said . . .the d got worked but i don't think it matters. they'll be fine once the season starts. they didn't have to prove anything and clearly took that attitude onto the field.
those who did have to prove something, specifically orton, did.
the best part of the game for me was seeing orton with the "not taking any shit" face on. he's got a good demeanor out there.
August 22, 2008
I would like to praise Orton for his play but also for his answer to one of michelle tafoya's questions:
How are you going to bring luster back to the position of "QB for the Chicago Bears"? (or something to that effect)
"Just by my work ethic, I want to be the most prepared QB on the football field". If he could say that in week 1 against the Colts (with Manning on the field) I would be very impressed.
August 22, 2008
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