Since I’ve asked the Chicago Bears defense to shut their mouths this week, I’ll do the same regarding them. Needless to say I’d like to see them get off the field on third down, stop collapsing in the fourth quarter and subsidize the fifth of scotch required to forget their embarrassing late game performances.
The offense was the “project” of the 2008 season and it’s clearly a work-in-progress. Yet there has been just that – progress - visible if you can see through some of the age-old problems that have dogged this organization for years. Starting Sunday night against Philadelphia, the Bears must continue to improve - not only for the 2008 season but for the 2009 season and beyond. There’s a lisIt of specific musts.
The Bears must continue to throw the ball to Brandon Lloyd early and often, especially on third downs.
…must continue the creative play-calling with Matt Forte, utilizing him in multiple formations and looks.
…must not burn Forte out. Kevin Jones has shown a burst in limited action and the Bears need the run game in December more than September.
…must be patient with Kyle Orton. They don’t have to commit to him beyond 2008 but they gain nothing by exercising a quick hook.
...must teach Orton how to throw the ball into the fourth row of the stands. His interception was awful (and avoidable) Sunday but he also took too many sacks.
…must not be afraid to use max-protect blocking schemes, especially this weekend against Philadelphia.
…must stop dropping passes in big spots. Rashied Davis wants to be early decade Marty Booker but he’s playing like early decade David Terrell. Desmond Clark cost the team seven points Sunday. (The tight ends were meant to be this offense’s strength.)
…must work Devin Hester into the game plan already. The Bears don’t have a legitimate threat to stretch defenses down the field, forcing them to deal with consistent eight man boxes. Hester makes the opposing defensive coordinator second-guess the “stop the run at all costs” mentality.
…must stop throwing long on 3rd and 5 and throwing in the flat on 1st and 10. It's counter-productive.
…must start letting Greg Olsen run DOWN the field. Up and down not just side to side.
...must pick up the slack for the defense. No matter sitting on leads late. Attack until they stop keeping score.
#2 JP said . . .first
September 23, 2008
#3 JP said . . .With all of the blame being tossed around on this blog I want to reiterate someting I posted earlier. This defense has not been the same since Ron Rivera left. I also want to add something to that in regards to the QB controversy. In 2006 the Bears defense was dominate in the league. Couple that with the explosiveness of the Special Teams, the powerful running game of Thomas Jones and you have a QB's dream job. I think Rex Grossmans success in many ways, was based on those other important factors. Having said that I think that Orton is proving he can be a good QB in this league. Not great but good.
Here is some food for thought though. If Cleveland is really thinking about switching to Quinn would the Bears be smart to try and geb Brown on a trade?
Food for thought.
September 23, 2008
#4 Max said . . .I meant a trade for Derrick Anderson.
September 23, 2008
#5 Shady said . . .. . . still recovering
September 23, 2008
#6 jeff said . . .Where did TEA time go?
September 23, 2008
#7 animal said . . .TEA Time drops passes and fumbles now.
September 23, 2008
#8 Knight of Ownage said . . .Jeff,
As usual I agree with your points.
Mainly-
Lloyd. Our go to guy.
KO. Patience.
Forte. The same thought crossed my mind about burnout with all the touches he had. KJ needs 5-10 touches a game.
Olsen. Should be our best weapon.September 23, 2008
#9 shonbear said . . .JP, totally agree. If the Browns are ditching Anderson, he'd be a great pick up. He's young and has room to improve. Some more food for thought. Why is Jeff Garcia sitting on the sideline no. 3 on the depth chart. WE COULD GET HIM. Having Garcia would really help us now. Get Anderson during the offseason, that way were pretty good at QB, RB, and WR. We can invest 2009's first round pick into the O-line.
September 23, 2008
#10 Mr.Biggz said . . .Is there any concensus that we may need to see some Mark Bradley, not necessarily benching Rash, but maybe decreasing his snaps. Thus, showing him they mean business when you don't execute in critical game time situations and showing the rest of the team the same thing by setting an example of what happens to you when you don't execute. Give someone else a chance that's waiting in the wings to become a playmaker. Sometimes in game time situations certain players become stars when in the limelight right? So Rash has shown that he worked hard to get into the number one spot through the off season, but that doesn't mean shit if it doesn't corrolate to gameday.
Also are they really using Hester more on offense this year because so far (excluding last week) It doesn't seem like they really increased Devin's activity on offense any more than last year, unless he just hasn't been an open receiver maybe?
Lastly, I want to see receivers make circus catches like Lloyd did because it's exciting, but it shouldn't be the norm, something needs to be done about connecting with him in stride. This would go a long way towards creating the offensive rythem we need exciting and inspiring our own defense and making the opposing defenses not know what to do with a running and more solid passing attack.
September 23, 2008
#11 Bearman on the Sangamon said . . .I don't agree with Jeff on being patient with Orton. GIve me a break! Philly is going to kill him, after all the beating he took from Tampa, haaa he's hurting jeff and once KO gets TKO'd lets all chant for REX!!
Go BEARS! Orton's time is up, lets all pray he won't break a leg!September 23, 2008
#12 animal said . . .JP, I think you're right on. I was willing to hope that the Babich defense in 2007 was performing lamely as a result of injuries, which certainly ravaged the defense. But in the first three games of this season it has become evident, with all or most of the same starters they have had for three years, the same starters that revived the 2005 campaign beginning in Week 4, the same defense that held up a flaky offense and taking the team to the Dance in 2006, that Bob Babich is not doing something right. I'm distrustful of the Mug or Lovie Deuce Defense or whatever the fuck it's called. The Bears are phenominal against the run and disguise coverage like nobody's business, but they just get chewed up by short dinking-dunking passes up the middle.
I disagree with trading for Anderson. He's okay, but why has he lost his job in Cleveland? A lot of folks were expecting Cleveland to break that playoff glass ceiling this season led by a Pro Bowl QB. But they haven't been successful. I don't know if Derek Anderson is the right answer. Nor, in my opinion is Jeff Garcia. He's okay too. Pro Bowler. But he's THIRD on the depth chart down in Tampa. Why would we want that? I'm still optimistic about Orton and I am willing to give him 13 more games, at least.
Plus (yeah, I'm a jackass for bringing it up, but I don't care, so go to hell) Caleb Hanie showed a great deal of talent in pre-season. I would like to see that blossum.
September 23, 2008
#13 zmac said . . .OK I'm absolutely sick of this shit.
1. Caleb Heine?? That's the answer? Holy shit there are some fucking retards here. Are you fucking KIDDING? Go get a dictionary and look up delusional. KO is obviously our best QB, and he is mediocre.
2. Jeff we always agree with you on the blog, sometimes to the point that it is silly. Here I disagree: This is a dumb premise. Do you REALLY fucking think this offense can win games for the Chicago Bears? REALLY? Enough games to matter, anyway? We are going to win with OFFENSE now??? Wow. Wow. Just Wow. What the fuck are you thinking?
I am loving the improved O. Much better than last year. KO is better than the shit we rolled out, and Forte is the future. But there is no fucking way we are going to win more than half our games relying on the O to win games. Pipe dream. Delusional. Recipe for a 5-11 team. Get real.
If the D doesn't fix this shit, we are done.Derrick Anderson? How many fucking times will you people be happy picking up leftover scraps from other teams instead of developing our own QB for once? Let's sign Culpepper then!!
Hey, JP you fucking genius, lets trade for Rick Mirer. Or sign Kordell Steward. Or maybe Heine will be the next Henry Burris. Jesus fucking Christ.
"blossum"??
Fuck. I can't take this shit anymore. Way too depressed.September 23, 2008
#14 zmac said . . .Nice post Jeff
September 23, 2008
#15 zmac said . . .#8: O-line again? There should be some solid QBs to look at... Daniel, Sanchez.. most the Big 12 QBs. Also do you think it might be time to look for Urlachers heir? Rey Malauga would be a decent pick as well. He could easily replace Hunter. I know I know WAY too early to start draft talk.
September 23, 2008
#16 zmac said . . .Animal: I understand the Stewart and Garcia, etc. comments, but whats wrong with Hanie? Just because he was a late draft pick? And also whats wrong with Anderson? I dunno if he is the answer either, but he is young and is worth a shot just as much as Orton is.
September 23, 2008
#17 Jokey said . . .Sorry for yet another post... I saw a lot of Hanie going to and watching Mountain West games (SDSU alum). He has potential, but I think they dropped the ball when they let Kevin O'Connell get away to the Pats.
September 23, 2008
#18 Willie from chicago said . . .Ron Turner: he's our favorite whipping boy and yes he's made some atrocious calls. But as to whether we should have been throwing to Lloyd and the WRs earlier - TV coverage being so ball-focused makes that impossible to tell, even on a wide screen. Maybe the most vocal critics here are actually at the game watching the coverages, but I doubt that.
Olsen: He looks like a classic TE and not like the speedster advertised when he was drafted. He's more Shockey and Gates than Johnson or TO. And his first couple steps after the catch are slow, which led to those fumbles - he thinks he's outrun the nearest guy but hasn't. But I agree with Jeff - let's turn Olsen downfield and find out if I'm right or if he's got more to show us.
September 23, 2008
#19 Willie from chicago said . . .There is absolutely no excuse for giving up a 10 point lead with under 5 minutes left..
What the fuck was Charles Tillman thinking, it was 4th down, you had them stopped at the 7 yard line, and you would have gotten great field position. We would have gotten the ball probably at the 40 yard line only needing one first down to get into field position. Tillman is a veteran, he should have known better.....September 23, 2008
#20 Phil from SATX said . . .There is absolutely no excuse for giving up a 10 point lead with under 5 minutes left..
What the fuck was Charles Tillman thinking, it was 4th down, you had them stopped at the 7 yard line, and you would have gotten great field position. We would have gotten the ball probably at the 40 yard line only needing one first down to get into field position. Tillman is a veteran, he should have known better.....September 23, 2008
#21 Phil from SATX said . . .Jeff, once again you're on it. I agree wholeheartedly with all of your points, especially not burning out Forte and not throwing long on 3rd and 5. Let's work on perfecting the midrange throw - Kyle can do this one, and yet he needs to develop some rhythm with the guys he'll be throwing to.
Jokey makes a good point, although from the TV it looked like there were no play calls for WRs or tight ends in the first half, it's entirely possible that they were called and Kyle deemed the players not open. Is it Kyle, RT or the WRs? Good question, wonder if others can weigh in on this.
Glad to read that Rash feels really bad about the two weeks of important drops. He was very sure-handed before. This could be a fluke, and I bet because of his attitude and his recent past, he continues to get playing time. Hoping he'll make the most of it.
I heard on the radio today about how down in Miami, the coach went crazy with the playbook in preparation of facing the mighty Patriots, and his team apparently totally got off on it, got excited, and had a great time pulling the upset of the year. Not sure how much of that is translatable to our team, but maybe some of it is, especially on Turner's side. Have some fun, draw up some cool plays, do the unexpected, don't leave that just up to Toub.
And max protecting, at least some of the time, is not a bad idea for Kyle, because he's shown that if he gts some time, he can complete well-thrown balls. I must say I don't understand all this "look s like he's throwing into the wind" stuff. I'm not seeing that. I've never felt he has a weak arm, just that his accuracy has never been that great. You can look at him throwing behind receivers and come to the conclusion that he's not strong enough to put it in the right position, but I just think he's throwing it to the wrong place.
And I must be the one who is least concerned by that bonehead pick 6 of his - mostly because I've seen so many other QBs have the occasional brain fart (saw Brett Favre have about 7 0f them last night) and Kyle hasn't shown that's in his QB DNA. It came out of the play call, which apparently required him to whirl around and throw it after doing a 360.
Very interesting comment from Jaws in the Monday night game about Tony Romo selling the play fake too long, thus keeping his head down, and then having to reorient his eyes to where his receivers were. Something I've never heard before, something that makes total sense, and I think a similar thing happened to Kyle in that pick 6.
Can't believe we may get the fortune of facing Eagles without Westbrook. We're seeming to get the breaks - now how to take advantage of them?
September 23, 2008
#22 jeff said . . .And no one's commented on my Metcalf comment - was he out there the entire first half in place of Beekman? And did Beekman replace him in the second half?
Also, Where in the World is Dez? One dropped ball can't get you cut out of the playbook, can it? We need this guy!
September 23, 2008
#23 BearDown1982 said . . .phil, i honestly didn't notice the metcalf bit and i've been trying to find out more.
September 23, 2008
#24 jdawg said . . .Some good constructive points being made. That's more like it.
Phil, Dez has been absent and he dropped a pass near the goal line. (granted, he would have been rocked had he caught it...but he would have had a chance to score)
It's been a bit surprising to see bad play from our tight ends the last two weeks. We need them to give us what they gave us in Indy.
We all seem to be in agreement that Jones needs to get more play to keep Forte fresh as the season goes on. I completely agree with this.
I also think that...if Hester plays on Sunday...we should throw a deep fly pattern to him ealry in the game so that the Eagles will at least have to think about that possibility for a while. I also think max protect schemes will need to be implemented...that team blitzes like crazy.
September 23, 2008
#25 craig said . . .I think we are all suffering from the trauma of our D unexpectedly sucking.
What I hope for is that the team can mentally bounce back. They've seen the film by now (I think) and can only wince at how many plays were left on the field, on both sides of the ball.
Also, as pissed as I am about Tillman's penalty it should have been offest by a penalty on Trueblood. And if that had been the case we would all be toasting a 2-1 team.
fuck
September 23, 2008
#26 BearDown1982 said . . .I was thinking the same thing about Forte on Sunday. We don't want him to become our Brian Westbrook, accounting for 90% of our offensive production...
Also, I just want to say, regarding Peanut: Yes, of course, his penalty was stupid and inexcusable for a veteran, etc. etc. But let's not forget that he's responsible for a takeaway in every game this year, and over the course of a season he will almost single-handedly deliver 3-7 points in 8 or 9 games.
September 23, 2008
#27 jeff said . . .JDawg...you are right. What makes things even more annoying abut the D is that they play very well in stretches, but seem to crap the bed at terrible times. This needs to be correctly. (although, play calling could help too...Lovie should have used his timeouts better during those last 2 drives by Tampa at the end of the 4th to break up the rythym they developed with the no huddle and to give the defense a quick blow or two)
I disagree on Tillman though. I think maybe the refs might have flagged a couple of guys...but Peanut came in from outside of the play and threw a punch in front of a ref. You are BEGGING to get flagged for that. Go in and break things up, play peacemaker...but don't run 15-20 yards into a melee and start throwing a punch in front of the ref. Dumb.
Peanut admitted it himself to his credit. He has played well for us this year...especially considering what's happening to him off the field. But that play was inexcusable. I think he will learn from it...really, the whole team should.
September 23, 2008
#28 Phil from SATX said . . .craig, tillman's having the best season of any corner in the nfc right now. one bad play won't change that. the corners will be tested sunday night.
September 23, 2008
#29 Urlacher FTW said . . .Believe it or not, Kyle keeps alive his streak of posting a better QB rating than his opponent. He got an 84 vs. Griese's 66. Many will say that's proof that the QB rating is worthless - I don't. I think it validates the fact that Orton wasn't that bad in that game, and that the D was successful for much of the game against Griese - just not at the end.
September 23, 2008
#30 JWilson said . . .Orton should definately get a season, he has earned that; look at the meltdown they put up with out of Grossman, I mean wasn't his QB rating like 10 one game, holy crap. The first half he no pocket, and no time; it is pretty hard to read the field and hit your WRs when you are running for your life. Look at the Philly - Pitt game. Roth was absolutely horrid, sacked like 8 times, 2 fumbles, and a horrid rating. Is Big Ben a bad QB, is he washed up? No, they didn't establish the run and they didn't run enough screens and quick slants to keep philly from pinning its ears back. It doesn't matter who is back there if you aren't going to put him in situations where he can succeed.
As far as Hanie who knows what he could become? I seem to recall a 6th round draft choice starting over a Pro Bowl QB and people calling the coach nuts until he won a couple of superbowls and made his name synonomous with elite NFL QB. Brady looked like me in his combine, tall, scrawny, and slow. Now there isn't a team that wouldn't take him, well maybe not Indy. Hanie is bigger, faster, and stronger than Brady was, if we can keep him in the system who knows what could happen. That being said I think they still need to pursue QBs high in the draft unless Orton can prove himself.
I really think it comes down to the trenches for us on both sides of the ball. Our Dline and Oline have each played 4 halves of good football but only 1 time did they both do it for a full game, and we won that game, handily.
I can't decide if I like the "Mug" look or not but it was more than effective against TB, then we go back to standard cover 2, cover 4 D, that Griese pracd against every day and are amazed that they can suddenly move the ball at will... mind boggling.
And I don't think jeff is saying our O needs to win games alone, of course not. 80% of our payroll and "elite" players are on D. He is saying with a D like we have with the talent that is there; if this O can put up 20 points a game, we should win every game; and with the people we have on O they can put up 20 points a game. I think that is what he means by the O winning games anyway :).September 23, 2008
#31 Angry_Bear_Wants_Blood said . . .-zmac-#14
I agree with your post . A heir to the middle LB throne will need to be chosen and I agree that Rey Malauga should be that guy. I also think that Hunter is the week spot of the D. There should have been no reason to start Corey Graham over Vasher due to the Bucs 2 tight end and 2 running back formations. If Hunter is a good enough LB there would have been no need in the change at D. plus He is crap in goal line.
Where is Earl Bennett? Does anyone know why he is still inactive? He might be the second spark we need to get the passing game going. Kyle can't just throw it to Llyod all day.
This has already been mentioned. Lovie has to quit being the passive coach he has become the last 2 seasons and start holding the players accountable for their play. He's accountable on how well the team performs, he needs to pass it along. All the way down to the rest of the coaches and the players. The D looks like they got soft. They are playing soft, and probably being coached soft. It's either the coaching, of the fear of injuries have done it to them. Time for them to check their nut sacks, keep their head in the game and win it! No more 4 quarter let downs.
September 23, 2008
#32 BearDown1982 said . . .Asked if Trueblood's accusation could be true, Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris said: ''Probably. I don't know. They grab [testicles], they pinch, they do everything underneath the pile. It's football. It's what goes on during the whistle.''
When asked to clarify if Trueblood actually could be serious, Harris said it was possible. ''Yeah, the same way my junk got grabbed during the game,'' he said. ''That happens, so guard your junk.''
**You gotta love Tommie!
Go BEARS!!!!September 23, 2008
#33 Decatur Staleys # 7 said . . .Easterbrook gives it to the Bears defense in his new column today...we should ALL forward this to Halas Hall. Those guys need some serious bulletin board material...seems like they lack motivation when they don't feel disrespected.
To make it worse...he doesn't even mention Tillman's penalty.
'Single-Worst Sequence of the Season -- So Far: Chicago had led 24-14 at home with 6:38 remaining, and managed to lose in overtime. When City of Tampa took over on its own 7 in overtime, Bears defenders repeatedly casually jogged toward the ball carrier, rather than going all-out to pin the Bucs deep and force a punt. As Tampa relentlessly moved down the turf for its winning points, play after play, many Chicago defenders only jogged toward the ball, especially on the 36-yard pass to Antonio Bryant that set up the visitors' victory. Sure the Bears were tired: Tampa players were tired, too. NFL players receive serious money in part to do offseason conditioning. In consecutive weeks, the Chicago defense couldn't hold 14-point leads, and both times, appeared to be dogging it. When the Tampa offense went hurry-up in the fourth quarter, Chicago's defense seemed to lack the conditioning needed to respond. Bears defense, you are guilty of the single-worst sequence of the season -- so far.'
September 23, 2008
#34 Bears 3489 said . . .Well let focus on Philly,TB game is over.All all the bitching ain't going to bring it back.
NFL replay is showing the game tonight at 7:00 CST
Well we're facing a blitz happy D this week,I hope the Oline is up for the challange.Maybe a couple TE passes down the seam early will loosen them up on being blitz crazy.
And this week we get after the QB an come up with a couple of sacks.
September 23, 2008
#35 Bearman on the Sangamon said . . .What kind of play calling are we doing? Ron Turner's offense is so predictable. 3rd and 1 or 3rd and 2 instead of giving to a stud like Matt Forte we decide to call a QB bootleg with Kyle Orton. If we had a Michael Vick (before prison) or a Vince Young (University of Texas Vince Young) I might be able to understand. But the fact that we can't run time off the clock and we call a bootleg on 3rd and 1 makes me question what Ron Turner is thinking. Almost the exact same scenario last week against Carolina. 2nd and 2 (pass) 3rd and 2 (WR screen) and then on 4th and 2 we run it up the middle with Jason McKie?????????????????? Why not keeping pounding the ball with a 6-2 212 pound running back who can get those yards. This terrible predictable playcalling is awful and one of the reasons we cannot win games. We get great field position and then throw it away consistenly. Ron Turner should be fired TODAY!!!!!! Once we get the led we play to maintain as opposed to playing to win. Say what you want about Bill Belicheck but last year when the Pats would blow people out by 30 points and they were saying it was unsportsmanlike to run up the score...forget that they won those games and that's because they made thier lead so big that the other team couldn't mount a comeback (not to mention they had a great offense). Like I said before and years before that Ron Turner needs to FIRED ASAP and replaced by someone with guts and creativity in the Offensive Coordinator position. fireronturner.net.
September 23, 2008
#36 Angry_Bear_Wants_Blood said . . .Hey "animal"! I didn't say Caleb Hanie was the answer, buddy! I just said that he showed talent in preseason and I want to keep him on the roster. I'm not saying to put his fucking ass on the field. READ what I'm saying, next time! He is worth fostering. That's all, settle down, big guy!
September 23, 2008
#37 PolygonHell said . . .God have mercy on KO's soul because he is going to face a Blitz happy Defense and we all can count our blessing that this will be his last game until Rex will be Resurrected and lead us to the promise land. Thats right baby I said it, Orton is done for after this game. You think he got it bad by being beaten up by TB's D's well Philly's is 1o folds, His performance will be.... lets say 2Int's one fumble(maybeeeeeee) and 1 TD throw.
September 23, 2008
#38 Crown said . . .I just couldn't even bear to discuss this game until today...
I actually like a lot of what the D is doing this year. minus the 4th quarter collapses.
The Mug look they've adopted seems to be working very well for the most part. If your measuring it against the cover 2 mantra of stop the run, and stop the big play, it's pretty successful. It's currently conceding too many points in the 4th quarter.
The problem against Tampa was the lack of pressure by the front 4. The Bears were blitzing more downs than not, and I have to wonder if that's what's leading to the obvious fatigue at the end of the last couple of games. You have to credit Greasy and the Tampa play calling for short 3 step drops and quick passes.
For the Bears the game could have been won on either side of the ball any number of times, whether it's Tillman's stupid penalty, Vasher's missed INT, Orton's pick 6 or the lack of points off the early turnovers doesn't really matter.
The Bears clearly have the talent to win and they are close, they just have to put it together if, they can get a couple of back to back wins, perhaps even just a win this week against a good Philadelphia team, maybe they'll build some momentum.
September 23, 2008
#39 animal said . . .Rex will NOT be the starter after next game if Orton has two INTs and 1 fumble. Grossman is in Lovie's shit house. You can tell by the lack of playing time he got in the preseason. Lovie made his mind up to go to KO unless Grossman played out of his mind in the limited playing time he had in preseason. Grossman did not show anything different. It really has not been about the QBs this year and I will not address it anymore unless it becomes a real issue. The first week was about drops and Olsen not holding onto the football. Last week was about drops and getting no pressure (or even hurries) on Griese.
September 23, 2008
#40 TC said . . .....uh WHAT? The Bears face a ferocious, blitz-crazy D this week and some mental midget wants REX to start?
HUH? The same REX with the tiny burger-king commercial hands? The one who fumbles every 6 plays? The guy who panics and throws crazy INTs under pressure? You want THAT GUY to start against THAT DEFENSE?
Two words.
Fucking Retard.September 23, 2008
#41 Joist said . . .Orton is fine. We need a deep threat. Lloyd might be the answer. Let Turner do his thing like he did in 06 with the ole duck and chuck.
September 23, 2008
#42 jdawg said . . .Some of you have alluded to this, but the shortness of the NFL season magnifies the importance of every play. In a close game like this, if any one of about 20 plays goes differently (no penalty by Peanut, converting the first down on the Orton scramble, Hunter knocks down the pass to Stevens in the end zone, the Tampa linebacker doesn't make the crazy interception, the Tampa D-lineman getting flagged for pass interference on KO's pick-six, which Easterbrook mentioned as a "sour officiating moment", etc., etc.) the outcome is different, the Bears win, and nobody cares about the various flaws of the team.
Of course this team is flawed. The coaching is flawed. The offense is flawed. The defense is flawed. Robbie Gould can't consistently make longish field goals. Etc., etc. Since this is a Bears blog, this is what we focus on. But SO IS EVERY OTHER NFL TEAM.
I'll bet that there were twenty other plays in that game that went the Bears' way, and if the Bears had pulled it out, they'd be bitching about Griese and all the other shortcomings on the Bucs' blog, and we'd be singing the praises of an improved offense and the total shutdown run defense.
Let's just keep things in perspective. I feel good about this Sunday's game against the Eagles, because I have confidence in this improved team. Let's go Bears!
September 23, 2008
#43 jeff said . . .I think we're all pulling our hair out because we've lost two games in ways we never would have imagined. If we lost to Car and TB by scores in the neighborhood of 12-9 It think we'd be grumpy but not shocked. The fact that we blew two leads at the end of the games is something we would have never imagined.
September 23, 2008
#44 Ronaldo said . . .that's why they pay you the big bucks, jdawg. i never imagined a scenario where we'd lose games like this.
September 23, 2008
#45 Joseph said . . .A smart OC would use the tools given him and realize that Kyle's strength is throwing quick short passes. This would require designing plays where the O Line does not have to hold for 3+ seconds (because they can't).
Forget about the deep ball fellas (unless it comes off play action). Use the run and mix in the pass to Lloyd and the TEs.
For those of you still begging for deep passes, you don't need the deep ball to win in this league.
September 23, 2008
#46 Phil from SATX said . . .Our Recievers need to dip their gloves in Honey or some shit cause these dropped passes are killing drives! Orton should have 4-5 touchdowns by now and would be in the top 10 in passing! Guys...we are not that far away from being a damn good team!
Limit the droppes on third down and in the endzone...and the rest will follow!!
Must win
GO BEARS!!
September 23, 2008
#47 Urlacher FTW said . . .Coupla points here.
First, the D was on the field for only 21 plays in the first half, and a whopping 64 plays in the second half, including 21 plays in OT, mostly hurry-up, nearly all pass plays. While they were to blame for staying out there, you can understand the weardown factor when you look at it that way.
Second, Griese can do this to teams. He did it for us last year, with a much worse offensive line then he had last Sunday. The reason we got rid of him was because because he was inconsistent - good for a game, bad for a game, resulting in win/lose/win/lose - .500 ball.
The question we may agonize over is was his inconsistency because of his weak arm (as I believed) or because of a bad line? If he had a better line, might he have been able to succeed here?
Water under the bridge of course.
I did some analysis on the individual playcalling, using the NFL Gamebook (a fascinating document, kind of hidden on the NFL site)
http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/29562/CHI_Gamebook.pdf
In the first half, Forte had 19 of the 34 offensive plays. The other 15 were divided between Orton with 5 (including 3 sacks - all sacks were in the first half, then the line improved) - so Others not named Forte or Orton had 10, evenly split. At one point there were 8 straight plays to Forte over 3 series (short ones that were 3 and outs or ended by interception).
In the second half, where the good scoring occurred, Forte had only 14 of 33. Orton had only 2 (no sacks, both scrambles), leaving 16 for others. This balance paid off in the two scoring drives.
In the OT, it was back to Forte, with 4 of the 6 plays. Lloyd caught the first non-Forte for a big gain, Davis had the now-infamous drop which ended the game for us.
Bottom line - while it wasn't as bad as my memory had it, RT was too heavy on Forte in the first half, too light on spreading the ball around. He got into a groove for two series in the second (which were both helped by better line play resulting in no sacks). He sort of left the groove in OT, although if Davis catches the ball we win (probably).
Learn from it RT. I know they're not going to fire you mid-stream, as much as I want them to.
Learn from it - spread the ball around. Don't throw long, you don't need to.
I can't learn anything about Metcalf except to see that a) he was active and b) Beekman was listed as starter for the game. Maybe he just rotated in on one play, I don't know, but I do know I saw him.
September 23, 2008
#48 Luke said . . .jeff only thing I can figure is they are still protecting Jones knee as much as possible. Still letting him get a few reps but not get in any big collision or pile up. I would imagine if they were favoring him they wouldn't want it to be a known thing but if he's real close to 100% you wouldn't want him locked on PUP either. So I am guessing you will see more and more of Jones spelling him as time goes on.
RT has brilliant ideas sometimes like getting Forte against a LB in the endzone, 9 times outa 10 Forte wins that; then he draws up a screen pass... to the TE standing behind the center.... WTF is that area ever gonna be cleared enough to throw except an immediate shovel? Some of those plays should just be taken out of the book.September 23, 2008
#49 Ronaldo said . . .It's weird to see so many people clamoring for Rex's return. I'm sure he loves it. And I'm not referring to this blog, I'm referring to everywhere. Again, I'm not saying that I think Rex should be the starter right now, but can you honestly say that in week 2 when Kyle kept overthrowing open men on the field that that ominous name didn't pop in your head (even subconsciously) for a moment. I don't think a change in QB is what we need right now, but I do think the possibility of changing QBs at some point could be a good idea depending on the events of the next couple games. Right now, Kyle's the starter and hasn't shown a legitimate reason for a change. Sure he threw a couple picks. Rex throws picks too. We can't let that be a deciding factor in changing to Grossman @ QB. In order for a change like that to happen, it needs to be obvious to EVERYONE that this is what needs to happen. If he starts throwing more interceptions than touchdowns and the losses we have are his fault, then that would be time to change. As of right now, he's proven to me that although his physical ability isn't that of Rex, he seems to work very hard to get better and hopefully he'll learn from his mistakes. I like Rex Grossman. I don't hate Kyle Orton. I personally think Rex IS a better QB but his time in Chicago is up, and he might have a bright future ahead of him somewhere else. I think he would do well in Mike Martz's offense or maybe even Jon Gruden's.
Sorry to bring up QB controversy again, but this is something I've been arguing with people about.
We DON'T need Derek Anderson.
We COULD use Jeff Garcia.
Grossman for Garcia: how bout that trade? Garcia would like it for the opportunity to start, and as I said before I think Rex could to good things in the TB offense and then BOOM(maddenism), we have veteran pro-bowler leadership. Even if he's #2 on the depth chart, his input would be great for Kyle and Caleb's development.
Cheers to a future 2-2 team gentlemen. GO BEARS!!
September 23, 2008
#50 angry_Bear_Wants_Blood said . . .Good call Urlacher FTW, I did like that play call by RT to send Forte into motion and run a fly against the LB. Forte's got to catch that ball, it him square in the chest. The LB also made an amazing play.
Still, I'd rather 90-95% of the time, RT use quick reads and maximize our RB/TE potential.
September 23, 2008
#51 Viva said . . .Hey "Animal #38 and Crown #39" come suck my dick! Yeah its right here for your taking. Ohh when Rex does cum in sometime in Week 5 or 6 you will be wishing you had more of my dick up your ass because you'll know that I was right about REx starting when Orton fails. Orton is a bitch ass just like you two. Rex in the shit house of Lovies, that was funny, where did you get the inside scoop on that? OHh wait! Thats right! AFter sucking on Ortons dick long is that all the info you got???
September 23, 2008
#52 craig said . . .# 50
You will never be mistaken for an intelligent man.
September 23, 2008
#53 Decatur Staleys # 7 said . . .Bears just waived Mark Bradley
September 23, 2008
#54 Knight of Ownage said . . .LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Bears on Tuesday claimed cornerback Marcus Hamilton off waivers from the Buccaneers and waived wide receiver Mark Bradley, a 2005 second-round draft pick.
After spending his entire rookie season on Tampa Bay’s practice squad last year, Hamilton made his NFL debut Sunday against the Bears, recording one tackle and two pass breakups.
The seventh-round draft pick from Virginia forced the Bears to punt on their first two possessions of the second half by breaking up third-down passes intended for Brandon Lloyd and Marty Booker.
The Buccaneers promoted Hamilton from the practice squad to the active roster last week because rookie cornerback Aqib Talib was sidelined with a hamstring injury and reserve cornerback Elbert Mack was serving a one-game suspension. Hamilton was waived on Monday.
Slowed by injuries during his first two seasons, Bradley appeared in 34 career games with four starts for the Bears, catching 38 passes for 583 yards with 4 touchdowns.
The 6-2, 198-pounder caught 18 passes for 230 yards in seven games as a rookie before tearing his ACL. He had 14 receptions for 282 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2006, but missed five contests due to an ankle injury. Bradley avoided the injury bug in 2007, but was used sparingly in 15 games, catching just six passes for 71 yards and 1 TD.
Bradley did not have a reception while appearing in two of the Bears’ first three games this season, playing primarily on special teams. His departure leaves the Bears with just four healthy receivers: Lloyd, Booker, Rashied Davis and rookie Earl Bennett. Devin Hester's status for Sunday night's home game against the Philadelphia Eagles is unknown after he missed the Buccaneers game with a rib injury.
September 23, 2008
#55 Knight of Ownage said . . .We NEED a new GM.
Mark Bradley.
Dan Bazuin.
Wasted 2nd rounders.
The only 05 draftee still on this team is Orton.
Ridiculous.September 23, 2008
#56 Ronaldo said . . .Why do we need another corner? Elevate Zack Bowman from the practice squad to the active roster if you wanted another corner. Why couldn't we have taken Garcia from the Bucs? Or another O-lineman? Given recent experience, they seem to be good at picking the O-line.
September 23, 2008
#57 Rancid said . . .Me thinks this Hamilton pick up must signal an injury, or suspension, pending to one of our starting CBs.
September 23, 2008
#58 Decatur Staleys # 7 said . . .Now maybe we can actually find out what the deal was with Bradley. People can talk now.
September 24, 2008
#59 Mr.Biggz said . . .it could signal that they want to get hunter off the field on passing downs
September 24, 2008
#60 mikebdot said . . .Ronaldo is right , I think Nathan Vasher pulled his groin muscle again. I wouldn't be surprised if its true that last play were he got burnt on for a TB touchdown he was limping off the field in pain. Dont get me wrong.
September 24, 2008
It could also mean we're looking for a warm body for special teams since Bradley won't be in that role. Also, could mean McBride will be playing nickel instead of Manning.
September 24, 2008
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