Danieal Manning rushed onto the Chicago Bears defensive landscape in 2006 with the relentlessness of a Pamplona bull. The second-round pick from Abilene Christian introduced himself by intercepting Brett Favre in his first professional game and earning his way onto the starting lineup by the end of September (Fade to black: Chris Harris is in Carolina). He looked like another in a long line of defensive stars this organization seems to grow in the Halas Hall flower pots. (Quarterbacks – it is rumored – are grown in a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.)
Two years later it was Manning demoted not only from the first eleven but also the first twelve, being replaced at the nickel corner spot by Jersey City’s own Brandon McGowan. There were articles criticizing the coaching staff’s ability to develop a player of such promise, about the player’s inability to grasp any of the secondary positions and I’ve been constantly attacked his unsound strip-first approach.
But this is football, don’t you know, and Danieal Manning may never have had the spotlight shown on him as brightly as it will be Sunday afternoon. Not only will he replace IR McGowan at the nickel (with the responsibility of covering tight ends) but he may also replace the team’s most exciting player on kick returns. In this field position battle waiting to happen, it’s Manning who has an opportunity to make the game’s greatest impact.
Redemption is one of those things that sports does so well and Sunday Danieal has a chance to redeem himself in front of sixty-one and a half thousand people waiting to cheer his name. Take a kick back ninety-seven. Knock out a receiver. Pick off one of those things Griese calls a pass. Force your way back into Lovie’s lineup and back into the good graces of the fans.
I know its September 2008. Pretend its September 2006.
#2 The Duke said . . .First!
Hope Devin is not hurt too serious. Keep him out for now and ensure he's good, in the mean time start Booker and Lloyd and lets see some Mark bradley maybe.
Surprize us KO, take advantage of the quiet on offense and shut us up!
September 19, 2008
#3 mikebdot said . . .I like the pep talk Jeff. Although I would be cautious putting manning back there for punt returns as well. we need him healthy, by any means, if Hester doesn't go, we should have someone on the team who can field punts/KO's who isn't a last remaining vital part of a dwindling defensive. same goes for Vasher, why risk it? who else on the team can field punts?
i also hate to bring it up yet again, but how stupid will we look now for a) dumping Chris Harris and b)dumping Rickey Manning Jr. I'm not saying' I'm just sayin'.
I hope Griese doesn't continue the trend of ex-players who win the game for their new team that started in Carolina.
big bounce back Sunday. home crowd, defense will play angry. we need to be 2-1 heading into the Eagles game.
Bear down.
September 19, 2008
#4 said . . .Jeff,
What has crawled up your ass this season? I mean, you are really outdoing anything you've ever done. The past 10 posts or so belong on a top-tier blog. That's not to say your past stuff wasn't good, but the frequency you've been dishing these high quality posts at is unprecedented in my time here at dabearsblog. Keep it up.
Mike B. (mike b dot)
September 19, 2008
#5 Anytime said . . .I have cartilage problems in my ribs, if devin hester has that it may never go away. when i cough it hurts and sometimes it locks up and when i say locks up i mean it.
It usually takes some weird movement to pop it out and it's never the same movement each time. I really hope devin can heal up because if he cant, he'll never be the same again. it's an agonizing injury that makes me wonder why god doesnt allow cartilage to heal. well those are my two cents.
September 19, 2008
#6 jdawg said . . .The Skunk is now taking that back and saying it is just bruising. Lets hope he is not full of shit.
September 19, 2008
#7 Urlacher FTW said . . .Hey Jeff,
I can see Manning do all of the above except knocking out a player. But, while he doesn't necessarily bring the wood he has caused fumbles in the past.
Also, I think we're going to see Hunter a lot on 3rd down, unless its 3rd and long.
Isn't Manning supposed to be the fastest guy on the team in terms of straight ahead speed? This inclueds Hester.
September 19, 2008
#8 RandomName said . . .I haven't been comin here long but I agree with mikebdot, this is a great write; read like something out of SI or Chicago Sun Times sports section. I remember a lot of hype about Manning also, I still think we should have held onto Harris but I hope this kid can get some good shots in.
I have been disappointed in the chicagobears website lately, it seems like last year they would post a couple of meaningful articles each day ie.. Whats been going on in practice and outlooks for the upcoming Sunday, this season it's more like one article and it's about who has a pink T-shirt or how two of their coaches have lived next door for years; who gives a crap? Write about football and preferably Bears footbal FFS.
I have 2 big concerns that haven't really been discussed anywhere so I thought I'd get your ( and all the other posters) take:
1) Tommie who.. Harris was supposed to be healthier and refreshed; he has 1 tackle in 2 games and isn'tt playing much at all. I feel like we really need him to play a lot of snaps.
2) WTF is with Maynard; don't get me wrong he is a smart cagey veteran who if there is a bad snap or a planned fake, I'd rather have him back there than just about anyone; but his primary job is to kick the crap out of the ball and it seems like his age is getting to him. It is definately time for the Bears to get to looking for a young talent, I think Brad's ship is sailing.September 19, 2008
#9 jeff said . . .yeah Manning i think is a step faster than hester in straight ahead speed. but we all know hester has/had the ping pong direction change that made him the bears leading touchdown scorer in the past two years. whoever says scoring touchdowns consistently is just a gimmick should shut themselves up.
September 19, 2008
#10 Phil from SATX said . . .mikeb, thanks. i've work harder on this over the last two months than i ever have before. nice to get it noticed.
September 19, 2008
#11 mikebdot said . . .FTW, I share both your concerns. I think Tommie has not shown any of his previous dominance ever since the beginning of preseason. I don't know why, although it may still be that teams are double teaming him which is why DD, Izzy and Marcus are all looking good.
Maynard had somewhat of an off year last year, and now it looks like that may actually be a decline and not just a fluke. I'm sure he's being watched closely because the punter is obviously key to our league's best special teams. They may not have anywhere else to go this year but I would expect this to be considered as a focus for the offseason, depending on how the rest of his year goes.
On the plus side, have you noticed that Robbie seems to have gained some leg on kickoffs? I hope those weren't specific field/weather conditions and that we will continue to see that - that would be an unexpected bonus.
MikeB, you're saying we're not a top tier blog? What the hell?
September 19, 2008
#12 Mr.Biggz said . . .Phil: Well, I really meant top-tier sporting news site, rather than just straight up blog...
As for concerns about maynard, let's keep things in perspective, once again, let's compare him to the other player on the field, for funsies. The other guy outpunted him by 3 yards per kick, which isn't small, but still. 35 vs. 38? That's from memory, don't feel like looking up the numbers (it's lunch time and i'm fixin' to leave!) but seriously, was he kicking into the wind more? Does any have any information relative to how windy it was? I can't find a weather report prior to the game...
Jeff: It really has paid off.
September 19, 2008
#13 mikebdot said . . .Yawns.....all is good and I really do hope the BEARS Hibernate them Bucs! NOw all eyes are going to be watched closely on KO. If he doesn't prove to the BEARS Management and the FAns that he's redeemed himself from his previous errors, then we might just as well TKO! and replace him with REX. Kyle better show us that he can throw accurately or else is its the end of him. YOu can't teach an old dog tricks and of course he isn't going to have a Bazooka arm overnight. HE is what he is.
GO BEARS!!!!!!!!!!!September 19, 2008
#14 Luke said . . .Phil: Well, I really meant top-tier sporting news site, rather than just straight up blog...
As for concerns about maynard, let's keep things in perspective, once again, let's compare him to the other player on the field, for funsies. The other guy outpunted him by 3 yards per kick, which isn't small, but still. 35 vs. 38? That's from memory, don't feel like looking up the numbers (it's lunch time and i'm fixin' to leave!) but seriously, was he kicking into the wind more? Does any have any information relative to how windy it was? I can't find a weather report prior to the game...
Jeff: It really has paid off.
September 19, 2008
#15 Luke said . . .Yeah Jeff, you really are a kick ass writer. So much that I don't even really go many other places for articles and such. My routine is as follows: Click on Firefox, NFL.com, look at headlines, Dabearsblog.com, read everything in it's entirety and subsequent analysis from many other intelligent bears fans, chicagobears.com, glance at what bullshit they have on there that day. get off the computer
September 19, 2008
#16 george halas said . . .P.S. - They really just need a link to this site on the official site. The commentary if far more real from a better perspective than other writers, especially from some of the crap they've had on there as of late.
September 19, 2008
#17 RandomName said . . .Just thinking about depth at safety now, so what is up with craig steltz. JA was high on him on draft day and he hasn't made any big splashes. Is he just a poor man's archelueta? Could he start at strong safety if Payne had to play corner?
September 19, 2008
#18 zmac said . . .Just to pile on here I agree Jeff keeps in current and good, that's what really matters.
Might as well link here, this is the place i head to first for bears news and opinions.
on football, as a fan I think one of the most underlooked aspects of football is the anticipation from week to week. It's like your head fills up with possibilities and worries and then boom time for the show.
It's similar to getting that favorite magazine in the mail from month to month.
later folks, keep up the good work jeff.
September 19, 2008
#19 jdawg said . . .MikeB: Im my eyes most the blogs are the top tier sporting news sites. Most of the "sporting news sites" just put out garbage. There is a lot of talent in blogland and I would rather come here to read my news than SI or ESPN.
September 19, 2008
#20 Viva said . . .It will be interesting to see how KO responds in this game. In the first 6 quarters of this season he's looked decisive, which is a bit of a novelty around these parts at that position. Let's hope those almost int's from last week don't realize their full potential this week.
Like I said before, I don't think Manning is going to be a huge factor in this game on D. Returning KOs is a different story. He's not shift like Hester and probably doesn't have Hester's vision, but if he gets a crack there's no one on the field that's going to catch him.
Stieltz is hurt. On top of that I don't think he's ready to play right now. He was heralded as a ball hawk but I think three of his six int's last year came agains one team -- a team whose QB was thowing hail mary's.
Was it Miss.?
September 19, 2008
#21 The Western Front said . . .It seems to me that Manning's biggest problem is being caught out of position, and that has been a problem when Mike Brown has not been on the field to coach him.
I think MB will be keeping a keen eye on DM this weekend.
Bears win this one - Babich outcoaches Gruden - 17 to 13
September 19, 2008
#22 animal said . . .It's pleasant coming on here and being able to read about the Bears and agree/disagree (Ex: McKie) without name-calling and temper tantrums.
September 19, 2008
#23 jeff said . . .St. Clair vs. Gaines Adams. Biggest match-up of the week.
Waddle and Silvy talked about it again. Yet, nobody on the blog wants to discuss how good he has been after how much we bitched and worried.
September 19, 2008
#24 animal said . . .i beg your pardon, sir. i've only written about st. clair glowingly in almost every post since the season started.
September 19, 2008
#25 jeff said . . .I know you have. Im just pointing out that everyone was quick to bash him, now there is little or no discussion about him.
September 19, 2008
#26 Shady said . . .why don't you and i chat? i think st. clair has fought about as hard as a player can. he's clearly not of the ability level of freeney or peppers. he's battling a first round pick sunday...and you know what? orton hasn't been under much duress for 8 quarters.
September 19, 2008
#27 mikebdot said . . .I mentioned at the end of the yesterday's column how St. Clair has been performing well above our expectations.
September 19, 2008
#28 Phil from SATX said . . .animal: I honestly didn't know what to make of St. Clair. If the cat is this good, why the hell was Fred Miller on the field last season at all? Or in '06 for that matter? As for why I haven't said much, I've not seen 1/2 the games this year (power went out Sunday and didn't get it back til Monday at almost midnight). The first game he looked good. In fact, I recall saying that the left side of the line was the best side after game 1, mentioning Beekman specifically, but including St. Clair as well.
September 19, 2008
#29 Crown said . . .Okay Jeff, I agree with you and Animal. How about posting a shout-out to St. John in bold on top of your blog? Give the man his due - he is overachieving like crazy. Maybe he's really good (and way better than we thought) - maybe he's just nutting up like nobody's business. Either way he is a big time early season hero. Big time.
I feel kind of bad about riding Jason so hard. I mean, the guy is a good kind of Bear - he works hard, he doesn't make many egregious mistakes, he generally catches balls thrown to him, he usually does pick up the short yards when needed. Maybe I'll lay off the dude for a while.
TKO - kind of liked that, it could be good in either instance, hopefully on the good side as a new nickname as TKO knocks out the Bucs. Mr. Biggz is kind of crazy and borders on the juvenile sometimes but I seem to like what he writes (except the Kyle bashing).
If I had to guess on Steltz, I'd guess more bust than breakthrough. But that's just a guess based on limited exposure in preseason (when as a white safety who was whiffing on tackles I could only say reminded me of initials that bear close resemblance to the auto club who occasionally rescues me). I hope I'm wrong. We have to remember all along Jerry was saying he didn't think there were any good safeties in the draft, then he surprised us by taking Steltz.
Another 12:00 game, this time at Soldier Field! Yes!
Unfortunately I skipped my daughter's volleyball game last week to watch the whole game, won't be able to repeat that feat this week - therefore I would request a HUGE lead at half time - and no, 17-3 is apparently not huge enough. Now at least I have Blackberry to keep up with the score while I pray for a two-game volleyball sweep (my daughter's team or the opponent, really, not that important) so I can keep alive the remote possibility of getting back for the realtime end.
GO BEARS! PIRATES WALK THE PLANK!
RIP OUT THE PIRATES' EARRINGS!September 19, 2008
#30 jdawg said . . .They better not put Vasher back there if Manning doesn't do well after one or two returns. We cannot risk injury to Vash.
September 20, 2008
#31 shonbear said . . .Vasher will not return KOs
punts only for Vash, but hopefully Bennet will do that job
September 20, 2008
#32 shonbear said . . .Let me complain about something. Last year when we were having QB to Center exchange problems, the party line for Lovie was whether or not they worked on trying to resolve those problems in practice, he always said no. We dont work on that stuff any more in practice than we always do. they just need to concentrate and execute. Now again we have a fumbling TE and ST and Offensive penalties, holding false starts blocks in the back etc... and when asked again Lovie is with the no we dont work any more on solving those problems in practice, they just need to concentrate and execute.
I ask praytell, if the current system of change nothing is not working when its gameday, then when do they change anything to ensure a better execution and result on sunday? Its rings a lot of similarity in the way they have so much arrogance as to not make any half time adjustments to ensure a game is in hand and that we can continue in our domination or even begin in domination if we hadnt thus far.
I think we will handle TB, the offense will work together better this week in quiet chicago, Orton 2 TDs over 200 yds, Forte 1 TD over 140. Then I worry about the following week when we potentially go in over confident against a very good looking Eagles team who hopefully this week gets put to the test and weaknesses are shown that we can capitalize on. \we need these wins, Minnesota needs to keep up their losing streak and GB needs to get punched in the mouth now that they will play a real team.
September 20, 2008
#33 Swell said . . .In case I need to clarify, maybe their philosophy is: We are coaching great, the players are failing in successfully completing our sound game plan. So we aren't changing anything because its the players fault for missed opportunities and mistakes on the field. If that's the attitude, I somewhat understand, but how far does that take you before you do something in the way of holding players accountable, or holding yourself accountable for not really calling a game that put your players in the most successful situations or maybe not putting the best players on the field, or not sticking with one set of receivers to get that good timeing down with the QB. I figure that KO is probably now at the stage of where he would have been if he had been named the starter at the beginning of training camp, since he was splitting reps with Rex and the ones, but since there has yet to be any real emerging starting receivers, how will the stage be set for his success. This week that needs to happen, Kyle needs to take the next step, establish that "connection" with a receiver or two and take advantage of our successful running attack even if it is only 5-15 yarders, it needs to be over the middle, like old "yourboyroy" has stated that Kyle is "money over the middle". Continue to keep these drives alive and break through with some touchdowns in the red zone, spell our defense and show the fans that we can have hope when we face more difficult challenges this season.
Back to the coaches, they have to solidify these receiver positions to create some success and rapport for Kyle. Use Dez to punish the opposition and for crying out loud you better beileve that Tampa Bay is watching that game film on the potential interception opportunites that exist when Kyle is passing to certain parts of the field. Just knowing that should create some concerns and or play opportunities with a fake pump to get a DB thinking he has a chance for the INT and instead breaking one on him instead.
I think this is going to be a bigger win than most people think. This is Kyle's real coming out party. I defer that it also may be where RT shows us that it's really true he has no faith in KO and we will not be fooled because it will be obvious.
September 20, 2008
#34 jeff said . . .Tampa Bay receiver Joey Galloway (foot) and guard Davin Joseph (foot) are out for Sunday's game. … Buccaneers cornerback Elbert Mack lost his appeal of a one-game suspension for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, so he won't play against the Bears.
September 20, 2008
#35 marc said . . .also sounds like no way on hester.
September 20, 2008
#36 Chicago Joe said . . .LOOK i hope the COACHES let the DAM OFFENSE play the GAME THIS TIME>>>>>GO BEARS!
September 20, 2008
#37 BearsBeat said . . .I gotta say, I hope we're relentless against Tampa this Sunday. If we have the oppurtunity (like we did in Carolina) to pummel them and we miss out on it, I'll be pissed. I hope our offense gets the brains enough to use the strategy they know and I hope our D gets mad enough to beat the living hell out of Griese. Bear Down indeed.
September 20, 2008
#38 jdawg said . . .I'm all for Danieal Manning replacing Devin Hester this week on kickoff returns. He hits the holes hard and runs north-south instead of dancing and waiting for a hole to open up. He just better hold onto the ball.
September 20, 2008
#39 Luke said . . .my predictions:
Orton throws his first pick and td
Fortes doesn't get 100
Griese throws two picks
Tommie causes one fumble
M Brown finally delivers a M Brown hit
Flea-flicker? maybe so.
We have better starting field position and ToP than the Bucs
Bears 24 Bucs 12
September 20, 2008
#40 animal said . . .I really hope this is Mike Brown's reemergence. Let's see him beat the shit outta people and turn the ball over like crazy for perhaps...a TD. I wanna see Tillman continue to look like HE'D make a great saftey. I WANT TOMMIE TO START FUCKING PEOPLE UP AGAIN!! I want Dusty D to continue his intensity. Aren't we due for a Mark Anderson sack or two?
I think this game is gonna be won with a ridiculously pumped-up and rightfully so D and a power running game...The way it should be.
September 21, 2008
J-dawg you are getting brave after accurately predicting the R. Davis reverse (uncanny.)
M. Brown had a big hit in the Indy game though.Jeff, to follow up on our convo, if St. Clair holds his own AGAIN this week against #1 pick Gaines Adams, we need to focus on him for one post. Since you are rolling out 3-4 posts a week and engaged lately, that should work.
Can't wait for tomorrow. I dont care who says it is too early to make this claim, this IS a pivotal game. We can NOT be 1-2 going into the Eagles game.
Steltz's LSU team is in a GREAT game with Auburn right now. Damn the SEC has ALL the athletes. ND looked like a D-II team today. Ugh.
finally, HOW BOUT THEM CUBBIES BABY?
PS. Hey Sox fans, go fuck yourselves in your dirty white trash asses. Losers. Your WS wasn't even noticed by the city. A Cubs WS would mean a fucking riot nation wide.
That ought to get some people going. Hey, I needed to take the pressure off my buddy Crown, who has been going after Pissed On all week. Fuck the Sox, Bucs and Pack.
Go Bears.
September 21, 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.