Something happened on Sunday night in Indianapolis. The Chicago Bears of 2008 became Your 2008 Chicago Bears. While the rest of the bloggers and reporters out there continue to claim that no one saw the upset coming, we know better around these parts.
Your 2008 Chicago Bears +3 over Carolina
Why do I like the Chicago Bears this week?
1. I always like the Chicago Bears.
2. The Panthers have a terrific running game and it kept them within striking distance until the final moments without actually scoring a touchdown. Good teams strike. I expect both clubs to run the ball moderately well but neither will dominate time of possession on the ground.
3. This puts pressure on the passing games.
-----I can't help but think that John Fox made a mistake disciplining Steve Smith for this game too. Did he underestimate the Bears because there isn't a player in the league with a more significant mental and physical advantage over us than Smith. I respect the decision. I can't imagine Panthers fans do.
-----Expect the Panthers to attack man coverage on the outside with a lot of underneath stuff to Moose and D.J. Hackett. They used outside slants against San Diego and almost broke a couple touchdowns. Tillman/Vasher must tackle well and Brown/Payne must prevent big plays.
-----This is going to be the first test for Kyle Orton in 2008. The Charges realized by the late third quarter that they could exploit the backend of the Panthers secondary, primarily safeties Charles Godfrey and Chris "Not Tommie" Harris. If the Bears are going to win this game on the offensive side of the ball, they'll need to involve Devin Hester and the vertical passing game.
-----Call me crazy but I'm putting Mark Bradley on the active roster this Sunday, even at the expense of a player like Marty Booker. They need as much speed as possible.
4. The Panthers employ a third kicker named Rhys Lloyd who handles kickoffs. Huge leg. Sunday he booted every single ball into the endzone. I can't imagine using a roster spot on a guy to squib kick the ball down the field so we can assume that if Lloyd is active Sunday, Skunk's going to get his opportunities. Not pause this time, DH, just fast forward.
5. Two quick facts. (a)The Panthers are 3-10 in home openers. (b) If the Bears win Sunday, it'll be the first time they've opened with two road wins since 1963.
6. Robbie Gould. 4-for-4. Long 48 yds.
7. Matt Forte gains more yards receiving than rushing (over 100 total).
8. Bears 19, Panthers 16
And the contest continues. You pick the Bears game and three others against the spread. Go 4-0 and you earn a place into Da Blog Postseason Fantasy Tournament (the only fantasy I do) to win a weekly offseason column in 2009. Make your picks in the comments.
I went 3-1 last week. No one went 4-0. My other three games...
Indianapolis -2.5 over MINNESOTA
Buffalo +5.5 over JACKSONVILLE
DENVER +1.5 over San Diego
#2 Max said . . .He ALWAYS likes the Chicago Bears folks.
September 10, 2008
#3 Tyger said . . .Fuck Moose
September 10, 2008
#4 Shady said . . .I went 3-1 last week, too. Only losing, gulp, the Bears. Shame on me, otherwise I'd be the first winner. Oh well. Do we have to take the Bears, or just the Bears game?
This week:
CAROLINA (-3) over Chicago
Green Bay (-3) over DETROIT
Pittsburgh (-6) over CLEVELAND
Philadelphia (+7) over DALLASUgh, it's never good to pick that many visiting teams.
September 10, 2008
#5 Pet Peeve said . . .I believe this win will legitimize or validate the game in Indianapolis. Why? Because the Panthers are in an extremely similar situation as the Bears right now. The winner of this game could deflect in one direction, and the loser in the other direction, ultimately deciding the fate of the 2008 season for each team. OK maybe I'm exaggeration the kind of impact this game will have on the season, but it would help in answering a lot of questions about YOUR Chicago Bears.
The main question being: Is this team going to replicate the '05/'06 version of the Bears, or are we watching the '07 version? We'll have to find out, but my guess would be somewhere in between.
September 10, 2008
#6 Jimbo said . . .Exaggeration?
Don't you mean exaggerating?
What the hell is the matter with you Shady?
September 10, 2008
#7 Phil from SATX said . . .Ok I'll give this a try:
Chicago (+3) over CAROLINA
KANSAS CITY (-3.5) over Oakland
Atlanta (+7.5) over TAMPA BAY
Buffalo (+5.5) over JACKSONVILLEBonus: Moose carted off in a stretcher by 2:38 left in the second quarter.
September 10, 2008
#8 Phil from SATX said . . .Jeez Tyger, you didn't learn from your mistakes? What gives?
That article from Matt Bowen was the best article explaining football that I have read since last year's offensive line article. Talk about educational, insightful writing! How about a thousand more just like that?
The question that raises for me is will we still see that kind of D against Carolina? It looked like it could be effective against any O but I admit I don't know much.
I thought Bradley was only inactive because he was hurt? Was it to make room on the roster? If he's not hurt, he definitely needs to be out there.
I'm not exercised about them signing Fred Miller and waiving Barton. The kid was a seventh rounder rookie lineman, and I would SERIOUSLY doubt that anyone snags him. We'll learn what they think of Barton if they place him on the practice squad when he clears. At least Miller knows our system, but I certainly don't expect to see him out there unless Tait or St. Clair are hurt.
I think the Bears will be at least as fired up for this one as they were for Indy - they need to show the world this was no fluke, they need to start 2-0 going into their first home game. I think we'll get more of the same from all sides, and I mean more. Indy is a better team than Carolina, banged up or not. And Jeff, I know you didn't mean it when you said "this will be Orton's first test." Beating the Colts and their top flight D wasn't a first test?
I know what you meant - this will be his first big passing challenge, given that he may need to go up top. The thing is (and the article confirmed it for me), Colts were trying to stop the run and they couldn't. Maybe Carolina is better at run D, but I wouldn't predict that they can stop Ft. Matte. Turner needs to also prove his game calling wasn't a one hit wonder, and do the same great job (yes I said it).
Bears 31 Carolina 17
Dallas -7 over Philly
Colts -2 over Minny
Jets - 1.5 over NEGo Bears!
September 10, 2008
#9 Shady said . . .After our next great win (Sunday afternoon) we have to come up with a nickname for Matty.
I'll suggest early - (it's been used before, different sport)
The Answer.
September 10, 2008
#10 big rob said . . .Phil, at least you gave the man his props.
OCs look so much better when their players execute. I'm still hoping that we see some creativity with our offense, I'm hoping Greg Olsen continues to improve, I'm hoping the WRs begin to establish themselves on where they rank, and I'm hoping our play-maker (Hester) gets his opportunities. Of course, this is all made possible by one Matt Forte AKA Forte Matte AKA Double Deuce.
Let's go KO!
September 10, 2008
#11 Polygonhell said . . .Bears Colts on NFL replay right now too.... FYI
September 11, 2008
#12 Jimbo said . . .I think the Bears are going to have to demonstrate a passing game to beat the Panthers. I think it's likely that the Panthers will stack the box, and force KO to beat them. It's what I'd do.
I still like the Bears to win it.
September 11, 2008
#13 Joist said . . .Its not like the colts never stacked the box. I think we can run on the panthers all day.
September 11, 2008
#14 Max said . . .Bears (+3) over PANTHERS (Ride 'em while they're hot!)
Saints (PK) over REDSKINS (I saw that giant dump the Redskins took opening night - they should only be a pick 'em against themselves)
RAMS (+9) over Giants (I wasn't overly impressed by the Giants, either)
Pats (+1.5) over JETS (If Favre weren't on the Jets, and Brady weren't injured, the Pats would be favored by two touchdowns. I understand QBs are important, but are they 15.5 points important? I say no.)
Wait, I just took three road teams too? And zero favorites? Well, there's always next week...
September 11, 2008
#15 jeff said . . .Ok, I have a question. . .
Last year, Fred Miller played right tackle and John Tait played left tackle. Then the offseason happened and Miller was released, Tait moved to right tackle, his good side, and St. Clair took over for Williams at left tackle. So with Millers return, is he backing up St. Clair, at LT, who needs the help, or backing up Tait, which is Millers original position? Or is he just a utility man back there?
Just asking
p.s. Fuck MooseSeptember 11, 2008
#16 BearDown1982 said . . .backing up right tackle.
tait is backing up left tackle till williams returns.
September 11, 2008
#17 Sausage said . . .A win in this game would be huge...coming back to Chicago 2-0 would be better than any of us imagined.
I expect this to be a close, low scoring game. I imagine the Panthers will try to put pressure on Orton and expect them to be more aggressive than the Colts were. We will need our receivers to make a play or two in this one to keep them honest. Let's also hope our running backs, be it Forte or Jones or even AP, keeps an eye on Peppers because I imagine he will get by St.Claire a time or two for sure.
Defensively...get in Delhommes face as often as possible...he will make mistakes if you do. Stop the run. Simple as that, right?
September 11, 2008
#18 Idonije said . . .Haven't read anyone else's picks, hope mine aren't repeats. I think there is a goldmine in the current spreads. Here we go:
BEARS+3 over CAR
IND -2 over MIN
SAINTS even over WAS
NE +1.5 over JETS
September 11, 2008
#19 jdawg said . . .I'll take Bears over Panthers, Tennessee +1 over the Bengals, Saints -1 over Redskins, and Green bay -3 vs. Detroit.
September 11, 2008
#20 traveling bears fan said . . .did anyone else notice how many fake reverses the Bears ran to both Hester and Davis?
September 11, 2008
#21 jeff said . . .Jeff,
If John Fox suspended a player of Smith's caliber for two games he must really wanted to teach him a lesson of some sort. The effect on the other players of an action like that can be very motivating and is the opposite of the Jerry and Lovie/Dovie coddling of Benson and Grossman, remember the Bears didn't sign Harris and Bell and won the Super Bowl quite handily.September 11, 2008
#22 jeff said . . .interesting that ditka just said..."i don't know if i could do it, but i admire the heck out of him for doing it"
September 11, 2008
#23 Urlacher FTW said . . .good analysis....brad biggs was involved
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/matchup?game_id=20080914029
September 11, 2008
#24 jeremy34 said . . .DA BEARS+3 over Carolina
Indy -2 over Minnesota
New Orleans even over Washington
Buffalo +5.5 over JacksonvilleBears should deal with Carolina even with Smith, without him.. they should be able to make them go 3 and out a lot. I think Davis will have a breakout game, Vasher gets a pick, and Hester will take one to the house; the Bears will cruise. Hopefully by the 4th quarter we have a big enough lead to let AP have a couple series; I really like to watch him run when he's fresh and the D isn't. I like the Bears keeping Brown back as a more conventional FS to protect him, the numbers are pretty sick as far as our record in games he has started and finished. Oh, and woohoo Peanut is back to form!!
September 11, 2008
#25 Viva said . . .Bears over Panthers
Denver +1.5 over San Diego
Pittsburgh -6 over Cleveland
Green Bay -3 over DetroitSeptember 11, 2008
#26 Shady said . . .Colts -2
Saints PK
TEXANS -3.5
BROWNS +6Believe it.
September 11, 2008
#27 Ryan said . . .Barton is gone.
Fucking Fred Miller better show me something this year, otherwise this will be another mis-step by the Bears in handling the aging offensive line.
http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2008/09/barton_claimed_by_dolphins.html#more
September 11, 2008
#28 brian in Sec 430 Row 25 said . . .I dare Moose to run a route over the middle. SMASH. Out for the season.
Bears over PANTHERS (FOR SURE)
Indianapolis -2.5 over MINNESOTA
Buffalo +5.5 over JACKSONVILLE
Green Bay (-3) over DETROITSeptember 11, 2008
#29 PantherMan Ben said . . .My lead pipe locks for this week:
Bears +3 @ Carolina
Green Bay -3 @ Detroit
KC -3.5 vs Oakland
New England +1.5 @ NYJBet your mortgage ladies and gentleman...these are LOCKS!
September 11, 2008
#30 Shady said . . .Fuck the Bears! Kyle's gonna have to do something more than he did last week to beat us. As usual you'll rely on your defense to score your points, but Delhomme, Moose, and our RB Duo are gonna stomp all over your asses it ain't gonna be funny. Urlacher's gonna get his face smashed by Stewart and Deangelo. Orton's gonna get leveled by Peppers and you'll have to get Grossman off his fat ass to throw INT's for you guys.
BRING IT BEARS CHUMPS!!
This post brought to you by the numbers 21-3 and the words Panthers Rule!September 11, 2008
#31 Phillip from NYC said . . .(To the tune of the Spiderman theme song)
PantherMan, PantherMan,
Does whatever a PantherMan can
Spins his lies, any size,
He talks shit, like a bitch
Look Out!
Here comes the PantherMan.Is he strong?
No he's wrong,
He's even got, a Panthers thong.
Look Out!
Here comes the PantherMan.September 11, 2008
#32 jeff said . . .As always, Shady brings it. Good to have you back dude.
September 12, 2008
#33 KidronJesse said . . .christ almighty. i'm watching north carolina play rutgers right now. john shoop is the offensive coordinator for the tarheels. it's like a goddamn flashback.
September 12, 2008
#34 Anytime said . . .Hey everybody... this is off topic, but I wanted to share it with everybody, cause I think it's pretty cool. Jeff, I know your not local, but if you want to make a post about this, I think it would be fun to get the local fans that post here together.
There is a huge bar in Waukegan IL called the Sundance Saloon, I DJ there on Tuesdays. The owner told me that on Monday Night, they will have 15 of the Chicago Bears there to watch Monday Night Football. He couldn't remember all the names, but it's definitely Matt Forte, most all of the offensive lineman, most all of the defensive line (definitely Tommie Harris, Alex Brown, and Dusty D) plus Trumane McBride and a few others.
I can't be there cause I work at another bar that night, but I think it's a cool event. The bar is right off of I94 in the NorthEast suburbs. Check out www.sundancesaloon.com
You can email me for more info...
kidronmusic@hotmail.comSeptember 12, 2008
#35 RandomName said . . .Im using scoresandodds.com spreads here but i will take the same picks with whatever spread you using....
Bears +3.5
Chiefs -4
Pittsburgh -6
Eagles +9Fuck Moose.
September 12, 2008
#36 Max said . . .I say:
Bears 27
Panthers 13September 12, 2008
#37 Urlacher FTW said . . .Fuck Moose. . . Picks tomorrow
September 12, 2008
#38 Crown said . . .Pantherman... I know most backs in the NFL but for the life of me I couldnt even name a single RB for the panthers.. oh wait.. Stephen Davis right? Deangelo ... Hall isn't he a corner; John Stewart? The talk show host? How is it a great duo when noone has ever heard of either of them?
At any rate Peppers may cause some issues on St. Clair but IMO that is our biggest concern and hopefully they gameplan for it. Ooh I hope it is good karma that I predicted Hester to take one back this game and my post was #23.September 12, 2008
#39 Viva said . . .Picks:
1) Bears
2) Indy
3) Detroit
4) JetsI look for Wale, the Nigerian Prince, to have another big game. He is going against the rookie Otah who is banged up from last week.
September 12, 2008
#40 Jimbo said . . .I WANT TO SEE A SUPER SLOW MO SHOT OF MOOSE COMING OVER THE MIDDLE AND BROWN THROWING AN ELBOW IN HIS FUCKING THROAT. I WANT TO SEE BLOOD DRIPPING FROM HIS MOUTH AS HIS ESOPHOGUS BEGINS TO SWELL..AND I WANT TO SEE HIM GASPING FOR AIR. AND NO, IT WOULD NOT BREAK MY HEART TO SEE THAT MOTHER FUCKER TAKEN OFF THE FIELD ON A STRETCHER.
FUCK YOU MOOSE!
September 12, 2008
#41 Crown said . . .Random fact of the day that makes me think your 2008 chicago bears D is speical again:
"Last week, the Colts' normally high-flying offense scored only 13 points. Consider this: Just once in the past 52 games (including the playoffs) have they scored fewer points, and that was in Week 17 of last season when Peyton Manning and the rest of the starters played sparingly because the Colts had already clinched the division and a first-round bye."
From ESPN
September 12, 2008
#42 brian in sec 430 Row 25 said . . .Lets just keep in mind that Manning was probably 70% healthy at best. I'm not saying our D did not play outstanding, I just think we need to keep that in context.
September 12, 2008
#43 brian in sec 430 Row 25 said . . .Listening to Panther man talk about Carolinas backfield like its 1:19:38 PM and Michael Turner is halarious....hey PM...if your running game is so solid how come you keep drafting a) every year? I must admit I respect the passion you show...that must come from a lifetime of following your team...."Carolina football...a tradition since 1995"
Hey Viva....you are coming across as a bit looney right now, sure your meds are up to date? Is Viva the first poster to openly admit his desire for a player to be killed on the field?
September 12, 2008
#44 brian in sec 430 Row 25 said . . .Listening to Panther man talk about Carolinas backfield like its 1:19:38 PM and Michael Turner is halarious....hey PM...if your running game is so solid how come you keep drafting a) every year? I must admit I respect the passion you show...that must come from a lifetime of following your team...."Carolina football...a tradition since 1995"
Hey Viva....you are coming across as a bit looney right now, sure your meds are up to date? Is Viva the first poster to openly admit his desire for a player to be killed on the field?
September 12, 2008
#45 brian in sec 430 Row 25 said . . .Listening to Panther man talk about Carolinas backfield like its 1:19:38 PM and Michael Turner is halarious....hey PM...if your running game is so solid how come you keep drafting a) every year? I must admit I respect the passion you show...that must come from a lifetime of following your team...."Carolina football...a tradition since 1995"
Hey Viva....you are coming across as a bit looney right now, sure your meds are up to date? Is Viva the first poster to openly admit his desire for a player to be killed on the field?
September 12, 2008
#46 Phillip from NYC said . . .Listening to Panther man talk about Carolinas backfield like its 1:19:38 PM and Michael Turner is halarious....hey PM...if your running game is so solid how come you keep drafting a) every year? I must admit I respect the passion you show...that must come from a lifetime of following your team...."Carolina football...a tradition since 1995"
Hey Viva....you are coming across as a bit looney right now, sure your meds are up to date? Is Viva the first poster to openly admit his desire for a player to be killed on the field?
September 12, 2008
#47 Viva said . . .Sorry I'm late.
Bears +3 over CAROLINA
GB +3 over DETROIT
NYG -3 over SAINT LOUIS
NYJ -3 over Patriots
September 12, 2008
#48 rudeboy ryan said . . .Brian,
Though I can certainly see where you might get the impression that I was hoping for Moose to die, I must assure you that I do not. I was being intentionally "looney", for an intentional purpose. I do not like Moose, and I would like very much to see him pummelled. I am rooting for it. Not death. Just a flat out ass kicking.
Hope we can remain friends.
September 12, 2008
#49 Phil from SATX said . . .i thought it was hilarious viva
September 12, 2008
#50 Max said . . .Brian, THAT was hilarious -
"Carolina football...a tradition since 1995"
VERY nice! And Rancid qualifies for your question, but not about a player, more like a certain offensive coordinator - plenty o blog threats from Rancid - although if RT calls another excellent game in a row, he may just allow the man to live... at least for one more week...
September 12, 2008
Bears +3 over PANTHERS
Bills +5.5 over JAGUARS
Saints PK over 'REDSKINS
Giants -9 over RAMS. . . hmmm. . . . all away teams. . . thats probably not good
September 14, 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.