I'm going to ramble out all my thoughts on yesterday's ballgame and then we're going to move on to Tampa Bay. Steve Rosenbloom does a nice job summing things up: "The good news in the bad loss: The Bears are 1-1 without having played a home game, they have a defense that can dominate for long stretches, and they have the load back they've been looking for. Now, they need to use him at he right time." This is a good football team that is going to get better as this season goes on.
1. Someone on the Panthers sideline realized that there's a hole in the middle of the Bears secondary (not surprising in the Lovie Deuce defense). Moose's called-back touchdown and the dagger-in-the-heart to Jeff King looked like your basic post patterns. Fix this. Now.
2. The Bears had 3rd and 1 at midfield on the final drive of the game. Here's the thing, Lovie. If you're a running football team...and you've got a stud running back...and you give him the ball twice and he doesn't get it...you deserve to lose. If you allow your young QB to audible a screen to an aging wideout and then hand it to your fullback instead, you're daft.
3. Just remember that I liked the Brandon Lloyd signing and have taken a lot of heat for it. The guy catches everything.
4. Rashied Davis had two of the worst plays a receiver can have in one game - dropping a sure thing first down and getting called for a hold on a Forte twenty-yard run late. This offense simply can't afford for Rash and Olsen to play the way they played today. (That is the last Olsen mention this week. He's in what I call "Da Shithouse")
5. Be honest. Everyone. The name "Rex Grossman" ran through your brain when Orton missed Booker on the longball.
6. Don't ignore the positives in Carolina. (a) Forte and Lloyd. (b) John St. Clair planting Julius Peppers into the turf. (c) Charles Tillman continuing what looks to be a Pro Bowl season. (d) Robbie Gould suddenly being able to reach the endzone on kickoffs. (e) Kevin Payne looking dynamic against the run in the first half.
7. Yesterday was the kind of game where your team needs a quarterback and Ron Turner knew that. The offensive coordinator acted like he was afraid of his own shadow in the fourth quarter but he was really afraid of #18. What worries you about Kyle Orton is not that he missed guys on deep balls...it's that he wasn't even close.
8. Good news: the Vikings stink.
9. Adrian Peterson was inactive so the Bears could not use Mark Bradley? Either cut this kid or throw him the damn ball.
10. Not to sound like a total moron, but is that really as far as Brad Maynard can punt? 7 punts averaging a little over 35 yards? In what everybody knew was going to be a field position game, the Bears simply needed more.
11. I can't remember the Bears blocking a player in the back on a return all season last year. When did this nonsense start? (And doesn't it have the feel of being this year's false start?)
12. I looked up and the Lions were getting blown out. I looked up and the Lions were winning. I looked up and the Lions were getting blown out again. That team just sucks.
13. Why doesn't Forte get the ball on the goalline?
14. Did other teams figure out Mark Anderson? It seems the Bears pass rush is non-existent from the right side when Alex Brown is not in the game.
15. I'll say this about the Carolina Panthers: it's hard to root against them. They're the Bears with a much better quarterback.
16. I don't know what to say about the Devin Hester injury. Wait and see, I guess. But the injury feels less substantial because of Danieal Manning's ability on kick returns and Hester's magic invisibility cloak he wears on offense.
17. We're going to know a lot about the 2008 Chicago Bears in six days. If they look lethargic and complacent, they're going nowhere. If they accept what happened yesterday, they're nothing. If they play angry and eat Brian Griese for lunch, they've got a real shot at making the postseason.
#2 Max said . . .First. And I second everything you said
September 15, 2008
#3 shonbear said . . .Jeff, I agree for the most part. I will be the first one to say that my boy Rashied did not play well at all. Olsen was a mess.
I would like to point out that I called for Lloyd as well Jeff. . . always been a fan of his since his U of I days
Im gonna try to not think about this game for awhile.
September 15, 2008
#4 Phil from SATX said . . .Rosenbloom thought that first fumble might not have been a catch either. hmmm...
Still don't know why we didn't see any Kevin Jones today.
That invisible cape of Hesters is because Orton doesn't have the ability to get him the ball any more than he did to Booker on that sure touchdown. How many more of these innacurate passes is he going to get off without throwing an interception, he's had like what 7-10 close calls.
He's so innacurate that even the defenders can't catch his shit cause they don't know where it's going.
He's touted as the guy who makes better decisions as opposed to Rex and yet he made some major whammies with those near picks and the run calls to the wrong guy.
Alright, I'm still thinking that they will make some changes and smooth out these problems, they were on the right track, it just fell to shit. So here's to taking down some pirates next week in our house and taking that momentum into the following games.
September 15, 2008
#5 Kyle said . . .Kudos to you Jeff, you did say that about Brandon.
I love your post today, I said much the same (although not as well and with fewer points) yesterday. We're definitely thinking along the same lines.
I have to give Z some props - just read through the posts since I posted - this deserves repeating:
From Z:
RT will still suck monkey nuts because he is appparently a douchebag but I think it would help. When we are behind or not ready to be running the clock down on O yet with a lead, we should let the monkey call the plays after Ron is done teabagging it. There is no way it could do any worse. Have a nice day.
Classic.
Rancid, I apologize that I couldn't remember it was you who called the RT can't call from behind deal. Should've.
Someone made a disparaging comment about how Orton now thinks he's Peyton Manning with his audibling - I actually think there's some truth to that statement - not that I want him to stop audibling, but he showed some of his inexperience yesterday. Carolina was a quick study and figured out how to bait him into audibling, plus stealing some of his calls apparently. Now we need to be a quick study (choke) and figure out how to teach him how to do this a little more subtly, maybe tighten down on the reins a bit, because he IS inexperienced.
I think I completely know now what Haugh was talking about pre-season, and I know how it jibes with what we were talking about. Kyle has the arm strength to zing it in to someone in a tight spot. That refers to throws under 20 yards or so. Kyle is not accurate on long balls, when he has to lead people the correct amount. That is inaccuracy, what we were talking about. But RT in the second half gave up on Kyle's shorter range accuracy and starting dialing up the long ball, resulting in wasted plays. It was all or nothing in that second half - if he wasn't calling long throws he was throwing screens or real shorties. There's a whole middle ground there that can make you move down the field in chunks. It reminds me of his playcalling last year, and the reason why we don't see more throws to our great tight end(s) (the plural has to be in asterisk after GO's game) - 15-25 yard gains to our tight ends should be a ROUTINE play in this offense, and Kyle can make that throw.
We can win many games, and win in the playoffs, without Kyle being able to make the long throw. But it certainly requires better playcalling, and some quick on-the-fly coaching up of the QB, and trusting the QB to add a plethora of mid-range throws to the playbook, and trusting your new stud RB, to make this happen.
D's doing their job, doing it well. They will be installing a game plan designed to pick off the weak-armed Brian Griese.
Next game's on RT - call it the same way for all 60 minutes, don't sit on a lead, trust your QB yet remember his inexperience too.
Good post Jeff. I'd also like to point out, still a very enjoyable game, even if I did have a sickening sinking feeling in the second half that this sucker was going to slide away from us. I still enjoyed the hell out of the game. And we were right there at the end, to either win or tie.
GO BEARS!
September 15, 2008
#6 Anytime said . . .Orton is not a good quarterback, plain and simple. If Rex could just do the normal things correct like not fall down, and take the snap from center, he would be a much much better option. As it is, Rex should never have lost the starting job. He is simply a better quarterback.
September 15, 2008
#7 mikebdot said . . .I do not believe there was a more frusterating play in that game that the 4th and 1 JMac hand off. WTF???? He went nowhere. Gotta go to Forte on that play.
September 15, 2008
#8 Pissed Off said . . .Didn't get to watch the game, but JMac is probably the worst FB in all of football, so I'm not surprised he couldn't gain a yard.
Devin is hurt?
Didn't even get to see highlights of the game. My power went out at about 11:45 yesterday and is still not working. Might have something to do with the 1/3 of a maple tree being on my power lines and all. Plus 70% of the city is without power regardless...
That made for a long night at the in-laws...
September 15, 2008
#9 willie from chicago said . . .What worries me is the 1 for 9 stat on passes over 15 yards, not just the ONE to booker, how about the other 7? How about the fact that Orton has thrown for less than 300 yards in two game with NO tds and 4 near INTs? How about the fact that Orton audibled to a run play in a critical situation? If I see the McKie FB dive play one more time I might puke. The Olsen fumbles hurt but I know where I lay the blame and if you dont then your just "daft" as Jeff calls it. Theres one main reason we didnt win and it looks like 2005. And dont turn this shit on my pro Rex stance. This issue is Orton being himself, a career backup at best who can get it done with accuraccy or a deep ball, it has nothing to do with Rex, he saw the same things we did on Sunday and played as much as we did.
September 15, 2008
#10 Pissed Off said . . .The turning point in the game was the second Olsen fumble. After that the crowd got into it and the Panthers started to drive on the D.
When the Bears had a 2nd and 1 from the 50 yard line in the last drive, they shouldve handed the ball to Forte all the times. Instead, they throw 2 incomplete passes which were horrible play calls, and then the hand off to the full back on 4th down.
Orton dissapointed me, we had 2 easy touchdowns that were badly thrown. I can garentee that Rex would have made those throws.
Even though this was a tough loss, it wasnt like the Panthers out played the Bears, it was the Bears who blew the game. Next week we play the Bucs at home, the Bears will feast on Greese.
BEAR DOWN!!!!
September 15, 2008
#11 Kyle said . . .And all of you simply saying, oh it just wasnt a good day for Kyle...guess what, he played that exact same game last sunday night and we won. My point...thats who he is and it wont get it done week in and week out. Winning sugar coats it for you and it shouldnt.
September 15, 2008
#12 willie from chicago said . . .Pissed Off, for the record I have been a Rex guy through it all and was "pissed off" when Orton "won" the job. The game Orton played this week was similar to last week but he threw for the same amount of yards this week on more attempts and clearly showed his ineptitude at throwing the deep ball this week. Last week he didn't show his shortcomings as much as he did this week. And his audibles honestly are absolutely ridiculous. Do that shit after you've been a starter in the league for a couple years when you may actually have a clue what you're doing Orton. The part about it that sucks is that the only way we go back to Rex is if we lose at least three in a row.
September 15, 2008
#13 Urlacher FTW said . . .Any word on Hester guys?
The way he left the game, it looked like he was holding his hip.........This is the first time i actually got to post during school, its a real slow day in computer class.
September 15, 2008
#14 BearDown1982 said . . .I agree with all the points except one. Kyle Orton did an okay job, he was the better quarterback in the game both on paper and in action. How is he supposed to be able to get timing down on a long pass with 5 or 6 guys? If that is lloyd or davis instead of a senior citizen WR he cathes that pass. You just can't do it. I don't mind rotating in a slot reciever or 2nd tight end but wholesale changing of receiving core every other play means his only targets he is used to timing with are his TEs, and then you are surprised that is who he throws too? Our coaches simply did not do their job.. the KO pass to lloyd at the 6 inch line should have been reviewed.. it was a touchdown... this isnt college, he hit the ground and reached the ball across the plane before he was ever touched. Im not saying that would make a difference at all but it could have at the time. And then 3 times you have 1 yard to gain with a free 2min warning and you don't give the ball to the one guy they had 0 answers for, inexcusable. The 3 things that cost us this game:
1.) Olsen turnovers.
2.) Bad coaching (indirect and direct).
3.) Penalties.September 15, 2008
#15 Rancid said . . .The Bears defense looks much, much better this year now that the whole team seems healthy. I was very pleased with Payne yesterday...he did miss a couple of tackles, but he had a very good game and I trust him a lot more than McGowan or Manning at this point. The rushing yards in the 2nd half worried me a bit...but I also think Stewart looks like a very good running back, so that was probably part of the problem. Also, it was nice to see some of our blitzes actually working. Mike Brown had a beautifully timed sack and Urlacher got some pressure a couple of times. Last year, it seemed like the blitz ALWAYS got picked up.
Our special teams is just awesome. You gotta love it when the Skunk goes out and you almost get two returns from Manning and Vasher. Very, very nice. The penalties are a disturbing trend though. I kind of wish they would tell the guys that if we are expecting to receive a punt inside our 20 yard line not to even try blocking in the back...it may be worth it at times, lord knows it isn't always caught, but not that close to your goal line when you are nursing a lead. Probably a hard thing to control though.
Offensively...Orton and Olsen were the stories. Kyle has to complete some passes down field. The dink and dunk works for a while, but it always stops working if defenses know there are no down field threats. Orton was lucky in the 2nd half...he had a couple throws that should have been pick sixes but were dropped. I think this will happen if we continue to dink and dunk it without the occasional throws down the field...Needless to say, he needs to be more accurate down the field if this offense is going to be able to score points. It also seemed like he audibled out of a whole lot of plays in the second half (none bigger than the 3rd and 1 of course). Maybe the Panthers got to him. Olsen had a bad game...it happens...but he needs to protect the ball much better than this. He will catch a lot of balls out in the flats this year and should be expecting gang tackles and guys looking for the strip. Tight ends shouldn't fumble, especially twice in one game. And Rash had a bad game...too many drops. I agree with Jeff on Bradley...get rid of this guy or give him some damn reps. Pointless.
I will say this, if our offense can continue to sustain drives without shooting itself in the foot...we may end up being a very good team this year. Time will tell...but I like the early signs of what could be a fun season for us.
I also must give props to former Bear Chris Harris. He was a beast yesterday...he was just everywhere! Did you see the play when he absolutely blew Garza up? Wow...
September 15, 2008
#16 Urlacher FTW said . . .I disagree with PO on a couple points. One, KO was better against the Colts. Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something. It wasn't the same performance. Two, the Orton fumbles have to be the first place of blame for the loss. They account for 10 points. If they don't happen we win. You shouldn't have 2 fumbles in a game. It's near unforgivable.
However (and I hope PO made it this far before beginning to write a nasty response) I have some serious questions now about the QB situation. The two presumed reasons for going with KO are that he is better under pressure, and makes better overall decisions. We have some data now and I think the picture is getting murkier. While I do think that KO is better under pressure, our O-line has overachieved. The pressure isn't as bad as it was last year. Also, KO decision making is an issue. Now, the fact that RT basically gives him Manning like control at the line is nearly unfathomable. That's on RT and I want RT's head on a freaking platter already, but there were some throws to the wrong people as well. So if we take away the pressure argument as well as the decision making argument, I can understand questioning why KO is starting over Rex.
What I think: Stick with KO. Take away his freedom to change plays until he shows he deserves it. See if he can overcome this. Switching QBs early and often leads to crappy offense. If he reverts back to week one form, I'm happy. That will win games and get us in the playoffs. If not . . .
September 15, 2008
#17 BearDown1982 said . . .On the whole Rex vs KO thing:
1.) Size. Rex is too short and immobile to play QB in the NFL. He isn't 6 foot tall, I am and he is a little shorter than me, if your moblie like Doug Flutie you can get away with it; if you are a pocket passer you can't see over your lineman, you can't make short (screen) passes. Yes, he had a month when he was great, til everyone figured out to play one deep safety and blitz because he cant throw on the run, complete passes to the flat, or stay in the pocket and make you pay; then he became the worst we've ever had.
2.) Consistency. Rex may have hit booker down the field and he would thrown a pick or too also and fumbled a couple of snaps away. With a strong D and power running game you really just need a QB who can pick up 3rd and medium, threaten enough to keep 8 out of the box, and NOT THROW INTs. This is a team that can win if they score 20 points, Kyle may be way less flashy but he is 10x as consistent.
3.) Health. I'm going to pull a Maddenism out here, in order to play QB at the NFL level you really need to play QB at the NFL level. In other words you need reps... you need to stay healthy to get those reps. Grossman is like humpty dumpty and it's time for someone else's horsemen and men to put him back together again.
4.) Heart. This is the one place I would give Rex the edge, there is no doubt in my mind that he wants to win, that he wants to prove himself, that he truly believes in himself, and I think he really likes being a Bear. It is what makes it hard not to root for the guy, and honestly I think he is a great backup; but I think that is where it ends, Rudy get's to play at the end of the movie but I wouldnt want the lil guy on the Dline every play.September 15, 2008
#18 Kyle said . . .One more quick question:
What Bears receiver should we look to as our deep threat this season? I was surprised enough to see Marty Booker behind a defender by 3 yards yesterday...maybe he just caught the guy by surprise? Who do you think the Bears should use as a deep threat.
Hester obviously makes sense. He just isn't out there enough right now though it seems.
September 15, 2008
#19 traveling bears fan said . . .Urlacher FTW - Im not sure how you can say Orton is consistent, the only thing I've seen him consistently do is miss targets down the field. Anyone with half an arm can complete the passes that Orton has completed in 2008 so far. Caleb Hanie could do the job Orton is doing now. He had less than 5 yards per pass attempt yesterday, I haven't looked it up but that has to be in the bottom 5 and possibly the worst yards per attempt for week 2 in the NFL. Give him 4 games I say. Then we can see how consistent the guy is.
September 15, 2008
#20 Kyle said . . .urlacherftw is right on about Rx, and I was not thinking once about having him in there. Everytime the pocket collapsed KO at least knows how to step up not that he did anything good with this ability. Angelo might have made up in a big way for the T. Jones/Benson debacle with Forte but at the most important position he sure is stubborn, Griese might really get the last laugh next week. Plus how about a screen to Hester and sometimes line him up deep and pitch it to him, it seems his greatest skill is the ability to size up what is in front of him not necessarily being a receiver which with these QB's will probably get him severely injured and ruined. Can we trade RT for a QB?
September 15, 2008
#21 said . . .Urlacher FTW - Im not sure how you can say Orton is consistent, the only thing I've seen him consistently do is miss targets down the field. Anyone with half an arm can complete the passes that Orton has completed in 2008 so far. Caleb Hanie could do the job Orton is doing now. He had less than 5 yards per pass attempt yesterday, I haven't looked it up but that has to be in the bottom 5 and possibly the worst yards per attempt for week 2 in the NFL. Give him 4 games I say. Then we can see how consistent the guy is.
September 15, 2008
#22 We Shall Return said . . .The old quarterback debate. It's only been two games, but after some blown opportunities yesterday, Orton deserves to be mentioned (since Olsen deserves all the blame for the loss, it's easier to write about someone whose contribution to the loss is more debatable). By the way, I think Orton will get better and will remain under center for awhile barring injury.
But still . . .
When Orton's in the game it's as though just throwing the occasional big ball is good enough. I imagine Ron Turner saying, "Look, Kyle, throw it up there, if our guy runs under it, great, if not let's just make sure the other guy doesn't." RT and KO's collective mindset seems to be that just throwing an incomplete bomb is enough to spread the defense. Kyle is not a deep threat on every play. Rex is. He may be susceptible to the pass rush, but defenses know he can strike big. His presence alone spreads the D (even if it's just because they're salivating at the potential for a big INT). Rex has heart, he works hard, and he's determined to be a big time QB. If he gets his shot and proves he's cleaned up the weak points in his game, it's going to be tough to argue against him.
On the other hand, if Kyle starts connecting with his receivers for 35+ yards on a regular basis and the O-line continues to do its good work, then I don't see why he can't stay in Chicago for a long time.
September 15, 2008
#23 marc said . . .The old quarterback debate. It's only been two games, but after some blown opportunities yesterday, Orton deserves to be mentioned (since Olsen deserves all the blame for the loss, it's easier to write about someone whose contribution to the loss is more debatable). By the way, I think Orton will get better and will remain under center for awhile barring injury.
But still . . .
When Orton's in the game it's as though just throwing the occasional big ball is good enough. I imagine Ron Turner saying, "Look, Kyle, throw it up there, if our guy runs under it, great, if not let's just make sure the other guy doesn't." RT and KO's collective mindset seems to be that just throwing an incomplete bomb is enough to spread the defense. Kyle is not a deep threat on every play. Rex is. He may be susceptible to the pass rush, but defenses know he can strike big. His presence alone spreads the D (even if it's just because they're salivating at the potential for a big INT). Rex has heart, he works hard, and he's determined to be a big time QB. If he gets his shot and proves he's cleaned up the weak points in his game, it's going to be tough to argue against him.
On the other hand, if Kyle starts connecting with his receivers for 35+ yards on a regular basis and the O-line continues to do its good work, then I don't see why he can't stay in Chicago for a long time.
September 15, 2008
#24 Worm0922 said . . .ORTON IS OUR QB AND RON TURNER NEEDS TO LET HIM AIR IT OUT....STOP PLAYING SO DAM CONSERVATIVE IN THE 3RD QUATER THEY WERE SO WORRIED ABOUT HOLDING THE LEAD AND NOT TRYING TO GET ANY POINTS..WE CANT PUT ALL THE PRESSURE ON OUR DEFENSE....THE COACHES FUCKED THIS GAME UP AND GREG OLSON FUMBLING ASS
September 15, 2008
#25 Viva said . . .I have tried to be positive since the change at quarterback. Yesterday, Orton showed the reason Rex might have been a better option. I know we as fans want a stable qb situation, but it worked for the cardinals. Maybe Rex could have come in and out as the situation shows. Only problem would be the defense would know what we were planning. I can even think straight due to yesterday. 4.6 per an attempt is not cutting it. I'm behind who ever is QB, but imagine with me for a moment. The line is holding up and rb job is stable for 2 games. With someone who could stretch the defense, imagine over 200 yds on the ground. Ron would have to commit to the run, but yesterday should have been like week 1. Sry, just rambling
September 15, 2008
#26 jeff said . . .Bottom Line -
Ron and Lovie turned the O over to a guy they do not trust with the game on the line, and they turned the O over to a guy that can not execute every play in the playbook.
How many times in the Smith Era have we lost games in the 2nd half?
Never mind the consistency of our players, what about consistency of our coaching staff. Why is it that we settle for a coaching staff that is consistently out coached? On Sundays, Coaches get paid to exploit the limitations of their opponents. Period.
Our team does not lack talent or desire. We lack discipline, and a staff that can make tactical adjustments to win ballgames.
I WANT SAMURAI!!!
September 15, 2008
#27 Pissed Off said . . .as good as the coaching staff was a week ago, they struggled in the second half yesterday. ron turner called a good game yesterday - he had wide receivers open all over the field. want to blame him forthe quarterback? i guess. want to blame him for the last drive? absolutely.
September 15, 2008
#28 jdawg said . . .marc, he did try and let Orton air it out, 1-9 on passes 15+ yards...nuff said.
Urlacher FWF, do you watch the games? Did you seen Rex play last year? Or are you only using 2006 as your guage for Rex? You cant blame height on everything, he has been successfull, even with the height, but you CAN use that arguement, whatever. The arguement you CANT use is the fumbles since he has actually fumbled less snaps than Orton over the past two seasons. For some FWFs there is a notion that Rex fumbles more snaps than other QBs here and thats not true. So get it straight. Also I dont think you can use the INT card either, look at what Rex did post benching last year as a guage for what his performance would be like this year...one INT, thats it! So his inconsistency is fixed. Might he throw a pick once in a while..sure....might Kyle get picked once in a while (4 near picks already this year...he's been lucky)...yes. I dont where the hell you get your inconsistency idea from?
September 15, 2008
#29 BearDown1982 said . . .ho hum -- another QB post
So, Orton played mediocre in his second game as the named starter. Truly he must suck and the only sane thing to do is to replace him with Rex.
That's it, 8 quarters of football with 6 new starters on O and don't let the door hit you on the way out.
Let's remember that Rex got 12 quarters last year.
Does anyone remember that three point shot, oops, I mean "screen pass" to Wolfe in the KC game? I think the only person that thought that was a thing of beauty was Steve Kerr.
When I see a pass like that from Kyle I'll step off the bus.
September 15, 2008
#30 jeff said . . .No QB debates yet...c'mon this is just dumb. Orton had a bad game. Perhaps his downfield accuracy can't be fixed...but let's give him a little time. Remember, this is a long season and as much as yesterday hurt...we still have 14 games to go and 1-1 start after two tough road games isn't a terrible spot to be in.
Way to early to be calling for Orton's head in my opinion.
September 15, 2008
#31 DA_BEARS79 said . . .absolutely agree. i think orton looks good when the playcalling is designed to his abilities. as bad as orton looked deep down the field, he didn't lose this game.
September 15, 2008
#32 The Duke said . . .LOL, Did anyone see Orton pouting on the bench when the Panthers were on the field in the last few minutes of the game? LOL he had his head down the whole time reminiscing how he blew the game away. Just shows that this guy has no confidence in his arm. He can't throw deep worth shit! I just luv how Orton lovers try to put the full blame on Turner even though he does take part in the blame game but Orton isn't the answer,get SExy RExy back and we will have more touchdowns!
September 15, 2008
#33 DA_BEARS79 said . . .Let's not forget the key penalties on the Panthers that saved the Bears from losing this game by 14 pts or more. Moose's TD that was brought back, and a deep pass that was called back. The Bears inability toc over the big play downfield was exposed bigtime, and it was just stupid penalties by the Panthers that kept the game close. I still think Vasher and Hillenmeyer are over-rated. Not trying to be negative. Just look at the tape. The penalties kept the Bears in the game in the 2nd half, not the Bears D.
September 15, 2008
#34 said . . .LOL, Did anyone see Orton pouting on the bench when the Panthers were on the field in the last few minutes of the game? LOL he had his head down the whole time reminiscing how he blew the game away. Just shows that this guy has no confidence in his arm. He can't throw deep worth shit! I just luv how Orton lovers try to put the full blame on Turner even though he does take part in the blame game but Orton isn't the answer,get SExy RExy back and we will have more touchdowns!
September 15, 2008
#35 jeff said . . .LOL, Did anyone see Orton pouting on the bench when the Panthers were on the field in the last few minutes of the game? LOL he had his head down the whole time reminiscing how he blew the game away. Just shows that this guy has no confidence in his arm. He can't throw deep worth shit! I just luv how Orton lovers try to put the full blame on Turner even though he does take part in the blame game but Orton isn't the answer,get SExy RExy back and we will have more touchdowns!
September 15, 2008
#36 BearsTranslplant said . . .big play downfield? all two of them?
and we had just as many big plays called back by penalties...actually more.
September 15, 2008
#37 said . . .I've seen enough.
1. We don't have a #1 receiver. We barely have a #2 (Rashied).
2. Both QBs stink. Flat out stink. John St. Clair has the best game of his life against a top-5 DE, the O-line does a bang-up job, we pick up almost all of the blitzes, and we can't even take advantage. KO isn't "checkdown-Charlie," he's: "Innacurate-Perdue-system-QB- neckbeard-over-audibling-asshole-Charlie."
3. As he can't block anyone, ever, Olsen should drop 20 pounds and be a wide receiver. Or be cut. He had the same problems with ball-protection last year, and in the pre-season. He is the very definition of SOFT. 1st-rounder my ass.
3. Ron Turner: You think teams don't watch film on you? You've run McKie up the gut about 6 times in two games from the goal-line or with one yard to go for first down. Perhaps some play action to Mr. Mckie would be in order? You freaking moron. This is like Madden 101; don't run the same play in the same situation/formation more than twice w/o faking to something else.
4. Where is the play-action? I saw a DRAW-FAKE, but barely any play-action to freeze the LBs/Safeties at all. Not that Kyle can place a pass over 15 yards, so I guess it doesn't matter.
5. Our offense only got us 3 points. 3 POINTS. And everyone is suprised that the defense got worn out in their dark uniforms in 108-degree heat after the offense couldn't stay on the field in the 2nd half. Defense played a great game; they only gave up 6 real points, by my estimation.
6. This ain't 1985. We have to be able to throw the ball, and at this point, we have neither a capable QB capable of doing the throwing, or a real #1 receiveer to draw a safety out of the box. This offense is a total joke...can you name a worse offense? The 49ers or Rams maybe? I'm a Bears fan for life, but I'm soooo sick of their 2nd-rate offense. Makes me sick to my stomach. The Buckeyes and Browns both also losing made me toss my cookies. Blech. Bear Down.
September 15, 2008
#38 animal said . . .LOL, Did anyone see Orton pouting on the bench when the Panthers were on the field in the last few minutes of the game? LOL he had his head down the whole time reminiscing how he blew the game away. Just shows that this guy has no confidence in his arm. He can't throw deep worth shit! I just luv how Orton lovers try to put the full blame on Turner even though he does take part in the blame game but Orton isn't the answer,get SExy RExy back and we will have more touchdowns!
September 15, 2008
#39 jeff said . . .Easy on the LOL pal You're not texting your boyfriend here.
Im not hanging Orton just yet. What you are all forgetting (from a former Rex supporter/Kyle doubter) is that Rex very well could have had 3 INTs and/or 2 fumbles facing that D, trying to force things, etc. Orton was poised. He made many good plays. He just missed some and he will get better at that with experience.
September 15, 2008
#40 Crown said . . .boy bears transplant,that's an insane amount of negativity for starting 1-1 against two good teams on the road.
September 15, 2008
#41 said . . .Well stated animal. That was one of the best defenses in the league and KO looked pretty poised. He made some mistakes, but lets keep in context the lack of deep threat WRs he is working with. They showed a lack of adequate speed (#86), they had drops (#81-one of which was a catchable TD throw) or could not hold onto the football after the catch (#82). Let's not thrown him under the bus yet. If Olsen holds onto those balls we win.
September 15, 2008
#42 Decatur Staleys # 7 said . . .That's LOL Transplant. Is your favorite band NKOTB? What the hell is LMAO mean?
September 15, 2008
#43 Decatur Staleys # 7 said . . .its one lose,were in second place.
Nobody gave us a chance to win the 1st game or let alone be in the second one.
We played 2 we have 14 more to go. only 2 team went undefeated an 1 of them won the super bowl.
Don't hit the panic button just yet.
An don't start whining for Rex,Let KO finish the season(barring injury)Rex had a full season an quarter of another.
Not a Rex hater or Kyle hater,I just hate every blog turns into the Rex vs KO debate.
(lord, please send this team a QB,If your son isn't busy he'll do)
Last week KO the hero this week the goat?move the Fuck On! Tampa coming to town an I'm looking for some winning football.
September 15, 2008
#44 Mr.Biggz said . . .Just make me feel good to read it
"Bernard Berrian isn't going to make much of an impact in Minnesota. Through his first two games as a Viking, the ex-Bears receiver has three catches for 38 yards, all of which came in last Monday night's loss at Green Bay. Berrian was held without a reception on Sunday.
Maybe it has as much to do with Jackson as anything, but it seems to me like all the Vikings ask Berrian to do is to run basic fly patterns, and little else. I don't see much creative effort to get him the ball, and it doesn't seem like Jackson's game is ready to utilize him."
September 15, 2008
#45 Pissed Off said . . .First of all Orton vs. Rex is going to be a hot topic sooner or later. I'm not putting Orton under the bus yet, but his days are coming to and end faster than you know it. The Pirates are coming to town and the Bears better eat them alive and make Brian Griese hibernate. Orton is never going to be an accurate deep baller. He is what he is and thats what we expected from him (ball manager). He will never be dependable on winning games when it comes down to the line until he grows a bigger dick!
September 15, 2008
#46 BearsTransplant said . . .Bears transplant, made me laugh. As well as the "ease up on the LOL" comment. Priceless. BTW LMAO means laugh my ass off. Hey lets use abbreviations for everything now...or whatever the word is, you know.
And mabye you're all right. Kyle was very poised yesterday. Come to think of it, he was the reason we came so close to winning and had nothing to do with the loss. Without a superstar QB throwing for 150 yards we might have gotten beat by 20. Thank God for Kyle, our savior.
Decatur, did you call Kyle the hero last week. I dont think anyone would classify him as the hero, except mabye Kyle and/or his mom. Lets not forget...again....that he was pretty much the same QB both games...just like all of 2005. I'm not calling for Ortons head (well kinda) but someone here said Rex got 12 quarters...OK give Kyle 12, give him 16, however many it takes to realize that he's the same guy from 2005 and it will NOT get it done week in and week out. Then bring in Rex to see what he can do for an extended period of time (barring injury) and let him build on what he did at the end of last season. Theres no reason to think he's going to be inconsistent Rex like 2006. Hell, even if he was, I'd take the good with the bad there (we did go the superbowl that year didnt we?) but thats just my personal opinion.
Whatever, I dont give a shit anymore, if Lovie wants to lose games...keep it up. Why should I care so much about winning if even the head coach doesnt?
September 15, 2008
#47 jeff said . . .Negativity? Does anyone on this board think this offense is good enough, or has the potential to be good enough to win the Superbowl? That's all I care about. I want a Bears championship, and I'd like to hear the reasons why anyone thinks this team's offense is good enough to hang with the cream-of-the-crop defenses in the AFC. Forte has looked great; he's also a rookie. I haven't seen many bright spots other than him. D and ST are there, but you can't win w/o some kind of playmakers in the passing game. We haven't had that since Jim Miller to Marty Booker. Do I think we'll win some games? Sure. Maybe the NFC North Championship? Why not? It's not a great division. Superbowl? No. We're not good enough. For no other reasons than a below average coordinator, and 2nd-rate personnel.
That being said, I will watch every game, and root for them until the 4th quarter is over. That doesn't mean I'm going to look at this embarrassing, ongoing offensive fiasco with rose-colored glasses. Sorry.
September 15, 2008
#48 Decatur Staleys # 7 said . . .who is in that cream of the afc crop? indy? (see last week)
September 15, 2008
#49 jdawg said . . ."hero to zero" it just an expression on how fast fan change there feelings for a player.
An the Defense played well but they still gave up 17pts in the second half.But no bloodlust for them to be bench or replaced.
KO did his job "don't turn the ball over or put the Defense in bad spots"
September 15, 2008
#50 Mike Phipps said . . .PO'd
It sounds like you'll only be happy for a Bears win is if its at the hands of Rex.
I was the one who mentioned 12 quaters. So far, in my opinion, Kyle has been solid for 6 of his 8 quarters.
Like I said, when he starts doing bone-headed things that only Favre could ever get away with, I'll ask for Kyle to be replaced -- with Hanie.
You need to accept the fact that #8's days as a Bear are numbered.
September 15, 2008
#51 Mr.Biggz said . . .Two games into the year and the offense is already a 'failure'? Can't go with you on that one Transplant. Forte's been great and Kyle's taken care of the ball. Improvement in execution is definitely there to be had but they're clearly not 'failures'. And please, for the love of Pete, learn that 'Super Bowl' is two words.
September 15, 2008
#52 jdawg said . . .Well for what its worth I too am going to watch all of the bears games but seeing how Orton is our QB till (barring injury) my stomach can't take it no more seeing his pathetic arm throw sooo in accurately deep. Alas I have to watch old replays of REx throwing deep bombs on youtube to remind me that we gave up on a gunslinger to Chuck-down-Charlie Orton.
September 15, 2008
#53 Mr.Biggz said . . .this offense is a WORK IN PROGRESS.
This is week 2.
week 2
There are six new starters on offense
SIX
we are 1-1 when most here thought we'd be 0-2
I expect the offense to improve -- weekly
weekly
sorry if this post sounds like free verse.
it was unintentional
unintentional.
September 15, 2008
#54 jdawg said . . .Well for what its worth I too am going to watch all of the bears games but seeing how Orton is our QB till (barring injury) my stomach can't take it no more seeing his pathetic arm throw sooo in accurately deep. Alas I have to watch old replays of REx throwing deep bombs on youtube to remind me that we gave up on a gunslinger to Chuck-down-Charlie Orton.
September 15, 2008
#55 mr.Biggz said . . .this offense is a WORK IN PROGRESS.
This is week 2.
week 2
There are six new starters on offense
SIX
we are 1-1 when most here thought we'd be 0-2
I expect the offense to improve -- weekly
weekly
sorry if this post sounds like free verse.
it was unintentional
unintentional.
September 15, 2008
#56 jdawg said . . .Well for what its worth I too am going to watch all of the bears games but seeing how Orton is our QB till (barring injury) my stomach can't take it no more seeing his pathetic arm throw sooo in accurately deep. Alas I have to watch old replays of REx throwing deep bombs on youtube to remind me that we gave up on a gunslinger to Chuck-down-Charlie Orton.
September 15, 2008
#57 mr.Biggz said . . .sorry for the double post
sorry
September 15, 2008
#58 jdawg said . . ."jdawg" Number 8's days are not over my friend its going to be a new era by the end of this year or sooner that Rx is going to shine on our Offense. Our Offensive line is doing a fairly decent job protecting the QB which Rx never had! REmember that. YOu give Rx time to throw he'll get you the "W" in Win. Mark my words on here Mr. Biggz says Rx will be back as our QB by the end or sooner of this year. If you think that Orton is going to lead us to the Super Bowl, you might as well suck my Big D*ck! They don't call me Mr. Biggz for nothing.
September 15, 2008
#59 Pissed Off said . . .hmmm, it seems sad that I have to point out to Biggzzzzzz that his penis is of no interest to me. Maybe he's interested in it enough for the both of us.
At the very least I hope he's typing with both hands.
I also suspect he would like to get under center.
September 15, 2008
#60 jdawg said . . .Jdawg, I realize rex is done after this year. And thats fine. I'd actually be happier if they just cut Rex. Honest. That way I wouldnt have to keep wondering what our better option on the bench would be doing if he were in the game. I'd know that our best is already in the game and thats that and I'd have to live with it and could put my feelings/opinions of Rex behind me cuz he aint here.
Here here mr biggz. Its nice to see the occassional....ohhh.....I dont know.....TD pass!!
September 15, 2008
#61 Mr.Biggz said . . .sheesh
There is a body of work to judge Grossman on PO'd. The good, the bad and the ugly.
let it go (seems like you're halfway there at least).
September 15, 2008
#62 jeff said . . ."jDawg" You only wish you were under center if I was there!
Anyways apart from the GAy analogy 's. I won't help but laugh my ass off to see Rex come back in and leads us to victory with all the weapons we have at our disposal.
September 15, 2008
#63 2TonTony said . . .i think this is the wrong time to have the great quarterback debate. but unless kyle plays better the next couple weeks, lovie has shown (2005) that he'll pull kyle even if he's winning.
September 15, 2008
#64 2TonTony said . . .needed....... a good QB
September 15, 2008
#65 2TonTony said . . .needed....... a good QB
September 15, 2008
#66 mikebdot said . . .needed....... a good QB
September 15, 2008
#67 Mr.Biggz said . . .QB posts are unreadable. It makes me want to smack everyone involved.
September 15, 2008
#68 jdawg said . . .^^^Go smack your monkey first then comment on our QB problem.
September 15, 2008
#69 GAMEBOY said . . .oh snap!
September 15, 2008
#70 animal said . . .Punter Problems...Next year Draft in the 6-7th round punter SCOTT RAVANESI out of SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, the kids got a ridiculous leg, punts the ball 85 yards(countings a 15 yard bounce, but still)
September 15, 2008
#71 I Don't Let a little Thing like Numbers Get in the Way said . . .Crown sums it up in post #40: If 82 does not fumble those two balls, we win.
"analogy's"?? The grammar is bad and the bullshit thick on the page today.
September 15, 2008
#72 zisk said . . .Comparing the first 2 games from last year by the QB position because PO'd just can't let go.
Rex 2007
Game 1: 12/23 145 0 1
Game 2: 20/34 160 1 2KO 2008
Game 1: 19/32 149 0 0
Game 2: 13/21 150 0 0Those numbers seem pretty identical except for all of Rex's INTs+fumbles (which I didn't include). I know, I know: the Rex after his benching was so much better. In case you're wondering, Rex ended up throwing for 3 more TD's and 5 more INTs, plus countless fumbles. Clearly, much improved.
PO'd give it a rest will you? Jesus man, I've never ever witnessed such an un-requited man-crush. Neither one of these guys is fantastic, but you seem hell-bent on a Rex win and redemption story. We're over it. Move on.
September 15, 2008
#73 Bill said . . .This is either genius or retarded. Give each QB half the receivers and sub them in and out like you do the running back. That would drive the defensive coordinators crazy, keep the offense fresh and encourage competition between them.
September 15, 2008
#74 Bill said . . .And here we are still arguing over which bad QB is the better option. What a waste of time.
I myself am very impressed with the O-line in comparison to what I feared woudl be a revolving door this year.
But I'm having a real problem with Turner again. It just seems like I can anticipate his calls - and if I can, the other team must be abel to. Run on first down, pass on second. Yards on 1st down were incredibly low, and it had to be predictable play calling.
Olsen was very disappointing to me. I suspect we'll see less two tight end formations. Why not split Forte out every now and then and have Jones or Peterson in the backfield?
September 15, 2008
#75 Shady said . . .Looking purely at the stats, I'd say the game came down to two correctable factors. 12 penalties and two lost fumbles. Cut both of those in half and the other statistics stand out in our favor (or at least even).
And by the way, I really hate when reporters or TV guys say something dumb like "they had a touchdown but it was called back becuase of penalty" or "his mistake cost his team a TD or big gain". There is a REASON holding is a penalty and it's not just for athestics. That is, if the guy hadn't held, the QB might be running for his life instead of finding the receiver. Yet the announcers or reporters make it sound like the penalty had no imopact other than negating the play. Even the "6 men on the line" calls; there is a REASON you have to have 7 on the line - less than that is an advantage to the offense.
September 15, 2008
#76 Max said . . .Hey. Haven't had much time to read or post thoughts on yesterday's tough loss, it's kind of been a crazy day in the financial market and I've been busy calming fears about people losing their retirement money. Tough weekend. Outside of Big Z's no hitter of course. Bear down America, Bear Down Chicago Bears.
September 15, 2008
#77 jeff said . . .Wow. . . cool. . .
2 games and we are already back to debating QB's. You know what? Fuck this.
Im not wasting anymore time on reading about KO vs Rex. If this is all you people are going to talk about all year, Im either gonna go nuts or just read Jeffs posts and ignore the comment section.
I respect that everyone has an opinion and all but seriously, this aint even fun anymore.
Olsen fumbled, McGowan got hurt, Hester has a rib injury, KO didnt win the game and he didnt lose it, Rashied dropped 2 passes he should of caught, Turner called a bad second half and we lost.
Props to the O-line for doing a pretty good job, the special teams for playing well (cept you Brad, you gotta do better) Forte for being a beast, Booker for actually showing some speed, and Mike Brown for stuffing Del-homo and not getting hurt.
Ill see you all tomorrow.
p.s. fuck moose still
September 15, 2008
#78 2TonTony said . . .hey shady. my brother's an ex-merrill lyncher now working forbank of america down in jax. needless to say, we didn't have our monday two-hour around the league conversation today.
September 15, 2008
#79 Al In WI said . . .very upsetting game, Carolina made great adjustments in the 2nd half, we......well didn't.... Looking forward to next week at home!!!
September 15, 2008
#80 Joseph said . . .Some thoughts:
1. The starting recievers for the Bears should be Lloyd and Booker. Davis is a nice slot guy who is very good at his role but lacks the size to be a outside threat. He should be the third reciever and slot guy. Bradley and Hester should spell Booker and Lloyd on the outside.
2.Regarding Ron Turner. Yes I know he has been abysmal since SB XLI but at the end of the day Lovie Smith is his boss. At any point Smith could over rule some of these dumb calls or take over the play calls. He's the head coach, it's really on him. He escapes heat far too often.
3. As has been mentioned by others, Orton did not play badly yesterday. He played like Kyle Orton. He had virtually the same stats in yesterday's game as he did week one, and as his career average. After 3 years he's still the same player he was as a rookie, and he's not getting any better in any measurable way. Sure he looks more comfortable, but he lacks the ability to make big plays on the outside. He absolutely cannot throw the ball over ten yards on the outside. That's a major issue for this team.
I really believe this week will decide the direction this is going. Tampa is a good defense, and this will be a real test.
4. I actually think Forte and Jones are a better tandom than Jones and Benson. They both run hard, have good quickness, and make people miss. I'd love to see the bears lock up Jones for more than this season.
September 15, 2008
#81 jeff said . . .Its the play calling! Plain and simple! Thats it! Why is Ron Turner dumping the ball to Olsen anyways?! Why?! Is he a fucking Running Back! No.
Olsen has great speed and catching ability, not yards after the catch. When he caught those balls his mind was thinking how he is gonna make the next guy miss and the balls got punched out.
He should be used on posts and over the middle NOT 5 yard dump offs when its 2nd or 3rd and long! Thats the running backs job! Olsen can play but he is not used correctly!
Ron Turner is to blame here, and nobody else! Keep this shit up and watch our D start getting injured one by one. I can't watch this team go 7-9 again!
I hate listning to his dumb fuck excuses every game staring in the camera with his beady little eyes and pointy nose! "We just didn't execute like we should have and we need to work on moving the ball" No Shit Fuck Face!! Where do you think Orton gets his plays from? The waterboy?! Pull up your Fucking skirt and show us your Balls!
Not literally Ron
September 15, 2008
#82 minnie Mad Dog said . . .joseph, you're wrong.
the first olsen fumble was on a 2nd and 7 and the play worked great a week ago.
the second was on 1st and ten and he had basically gained 8 yards when he fumbled.
the play-calling is always to blame when teams lose and NONE OF US KNOW WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT.
what if orton hits wide open marty booker? would anybody bitch about play-calling? ron made mistakes sunday...but i've had enough with fans thinking they know how to call plays.....
September 16, 2008
#83 Joseph said . . .Rite on shonbear
In Deutsch, shonbear means "beautiful bear" and that's right on the money in this case. (On this site, I usually appreciate most the comments from Al-in-Wisc. and Afro-Celt . They know shit and inform me.) But mr./ms. beautiful bear has made a serious point. "He's so innacurate that even the defenders can't catch his shit cause they don't know where it's going."
This is true. Neckbeard has heaved the long ball into double coverage a ton of times in just two games and so far avoided disaster (as well as completions). Go wonder.
September 16, 2008
#84 Joseph said . . .Jeff...Brother,
That play works when you catch the D off gaurd not when its done 4-5 times a game! And it really only works when Dez Clark gets the ball. He can actually break a tackle.
Still, its a bland play just like the quik pass to the reciever on that last drive! They threw that quik pass like 3-4 times and it never works! Those palyes are called Drive Killers! Those are the plays that make me wanna break my palsma into a million pieces buddy! I actually praised RT for that post to Booker! Where was that play the whole night? Carolina never feared our air attack in the second half so they just waited for the run or those stupid little dinky ass passes!
Do you think I give a shit about 8 fucking yards? Where is the 15...20...25 yard gains? Every other team can seem to write up these plays! Not RT!
September 16, 2008
#85 zmac said . . .Jeff...Brother,
That play works when you catch the D off gaurd not when its done 4-5 times a game! And it really only works when Dez Clark gets the ball. He can actually break a tackle.
Still, its a bland play just like the quik pass to the reciever on that last drive! They threw that quik pass like 3-4 times and it never works! Those palyes are called Drive Killers! Those are the plays that make me wanna break my palsma into a million pieces buddy! I actually praised RT for that post to Booker! Where was that play the whole night? Carolina never feared our air attack in the second half so they just waited for the run or those stupid little dinky ass passes!
Do you think I give a shit about 8 fucking yards? Where is the 15...20...25 yard gains? Every other team can seem to write up these plays! Not RT!
September 16, 2008
#79: Orton played like Orton except for some reason this season he think he is Peyton Manning (others have mentioned this). Orton should not even be allowed to call an audible.
I dont think the QB debate this early either. Didnt we have enough of it when they chose Kyle in the pre-season anyway? It was a bad decision then and I think it is still a bad decision, especially with how the o-line has been playing.
Olsen's fumbles hurt, but there was no reason the Panthers should have score their final TD's IMO. The 2nd 1/2 D, Orton's "audibles" and RT's 4th quarter play calling are all equally to blame for this loss. Just a poorly played 2nd half.
And for pete's sake. Let Forte run it into the end zone. He led you down the field... why go with McKie? Let the rook enjoy the fruits of HIS labor.
September 16, 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.