Lovie On the Rocks?
Steve Rosenbloom has the Chicago football writer line of the season: "Smith doesn't think extreme measures are needed, perhaps because he might be one of them." It didn't occur to me until reading this but if Lovie Smith & Company manage to lose to a brutal St. Louis ballclub Sunday, there's going to be an outpouring from fans and writers calling for Lovie Smith's firing - including myself. But let me say this: even though firing Lovie would be a completely legitimate football matter; firing a black head coach two years off a Super Bowl appearance would quickly become a racial matter. It would take a courageous organization to make that move. In other words, the Chicago Bears are not making that move.
Can the Chicago Media Please Stop?
I get it. Devin Hester is not having a good season returning kicks. But is that really worthy of being the lead football story in both the Sun-Times and Tribune? My answer is no. On my list of issues facing this organization over the last six games of the season, Hester's inability to break a big one on special teams actually ranks below Ron Turner's seemingly midsguided usage of #23 at wide receiver.
Can We Make Them All Shut Up?
The Sun-Times blog has an interview with Lance Briggs. Don't read it. Here's what you need to know. (1) The Bears can stop teams when they start wanting to. (2) It's not cute when teams can run and throw at you at will. (3) "So at some point we're going to have to grab ourselves and do something about it, or continue to be on other peoples' highlights.” It seems to me that every time this defense plays...all they do is grab themselves.
#2 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .First
November 21, 2008
#3 CA BEAR FAN said . . .Dammit! Just missed it :)
Anybody else hear the boys on the Score this morning addressing Devin Hester's lack of production? They talked about how the Bears have had some great special teams players over the last few years, that are now playing elsewhere (Ayenbadejo, Harris, et. al). Which makes sense, because, as we all know, the game is bigger than any one person on the field. The great ones usually create the difference only when those around them are at least as good as the person they face on the other side of the line.
Thoughts?
November 21, 2008
#4 CA BEAR FAN said . . .I still think our coaches are to blame...If we want a big time reciever then why dont we go out and get on, instead of trying to make hester into something he is not...and when the hell is EARL BENNET gonna play????
November 21, 2008
#5 CA BEAR FAN said . . .I still think our coaches are to blame...If we want a big time reciever then why dont we go out and get on, instead of trying to make hester into something he is not...and when the hell is EARL BENNET gonna play????
November 21, 2008
#6 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .ive said it before "the coaches will be the downfall to this season" babich inability to adjust to our defensive stregnths and turners inability tomake this offense work! lovie smith is a bust..does he even care cause dammit show some fucken emotion out there!
November 21, 2008
#7 Rancid said . . .Jeff, I wanted to address the 'racist' line from your post.
If I remember correctly, Dr. King's most famous line is that '(men) will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.' That being said, if Lovie isn't cutting it as a coach and is let go, why should people even broach the subject that he was fired because of his color? If that was the case, he would have been fired long ago, because as long as I've seen him, he has been an African-American.
It just bugs me that there are people who will pull the race card out when you are critical of somebody like Lovie, who, by all posters of this blog and many others I talk to day in and day out, that he has been less than effective the past year and a half.
Similarly, when I have disagreed with President (elect) Obama's positions, I get labeled as a racist. What is that? We can't talk about policy differences?
But, I'm sorry, I digress. Isn't it ironic that the Bears play in St. Louis this weekend, the same location as the rental car scene from the Thanksgiving holiday classic, Planes, Trains and Automobiles. I know that many of you feel like Neal Page standing at the rental counter....so....here you go.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUaFOepKW20
November 21, 2008
#8 Dave said . . .Players being honest and candid about having a lack of desire in past games doesn't mean shit if you don't begin caring about it NOW. Talk with your play. Save it for the field.
November 21, 2008
#9 Dave said . . .A Rare Treat Up For Auction On Ebay
1985 Super Bowl Shufflehttp://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=160299845104
November 21, 2008
#10 Dave said . . .A Rare Treat Up For Auction On Ebay
1985 Super Bowl Shufflehttp://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=160299845104
November 21, 2008
#11 big rob said . . .A Rare Treat Up For Auction On Ebay
1985 Super Bowl Shufflehttp://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=160299845104
November 21, 2008
#12 Dave said . . .off subject but makes me a little sick
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/11/19/redskins.voting.ap/index.html
November 21, 2008
#13 Shady said . . .sorry about the triple posts, this site said it didnt post, but apparently it did post, sorry about it
November 21, 2008
#14 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .Yeah I listen to The Score from about 7-8am, gotta love the Zach Zaidman Bears report at 7:30.
Jeff brings up a few good points about Turner maybe not be using Hester correctly. I look at the kid Cribbs in Cleveland and he seems to be used in the Browns offense more creatively and effectively. Maybe Devin just isn't a natural WR and shouldn't be starting. I'd rather have the increased field position and likelihood of a kick return TD if it meant we'd lose a bit of Hester in the offense.
Regarding Lovie Smith: I think we've already seen an outpouring of fans asking for Babich's and Lovie's head. And although I see where you're coming from regarding making this a racial issue, there is a also a very good argument to be made about holding a head coach accountable for the epic fall of his defense, regardless of his race. I think if Lovie admits he needs to change, then he admits defeat. Either way, Lovie's defense needs a change in attitude more than anything else.
The unit not as hungry as they used to be, and are being beaten by teams that simply look like they want it more. I feel like the offense had something to prove this year and came in with a hard working attitude and a chip on their shoulder, while the defense had absolutely nothing to prove going into this year and perhaps became too complacent. As a Bears fan I can only hope that the humiliating beating the Bears took at the hands of their arch rivals knocks some damn sense into their damn heads and they start to live up to their contracts.
November 21, 2008
#15 enderwiggin said . . .With regards to the coaching staff, I'd like to broach a subject that I brought up on the blog on February of 2007. After the Superbowl, I posted the statement, 'They fired the wrong Ron,' a number of times, to which I was criticized, which, I am okay with. But, I'd like to point out my motivation for that comment. I wasn't saying it to taunt, but to illustrate that Ron Turner was a guy who's resume included taking a respectable University of Illinois football program to the bottom of the Big Ten. If you look at the current Bears' coaching roster, you will find Harry Hiestand and Luke Butkus. Harry was Turner's offensive line coach, and Luke was a former player of Turner's at Illinois, as well as Dick Butkus' nephew. Neopitism? Kind of the Chicago way (see Mayor Daley, Todd Stroger, Jesse Jackson Jr., etc.). The point being, there are some coaches on staff that have poor records of success, but still continued to be employed by the franchise.
I'll say it again, Bears fans, rally together, start the largest grass roots fundraising campaign of all time and BUY this team from the McCaskeys. All of you deserve a better product than this management group is putting on the field.
November 21, 2008
#16 Max said . . .Seriously folks. If we fire Dumbass and hire Singletary next season, the racial issue will fade away.. 'ya recon?
November 21, 2008
#17 jdawg said . . .Bear Down...
November 21, 2008
#18 BearDown1982 said . . .If I remember correctly, one of the things Vermeil did st St. Louis was fill the coaching staff with veteran coaches. I think there were at least two former head coacehs on that staff. He wanted guys who knew the game and could teach the players.
With this team it seems like we get guys who need to cut their teeth as coaches. Babbich as DC is a prime example.
If I'm Angelo I concetrate on all the assistant coaches as much, if not more than, the players this off season.
November 21, 2008
#19 Packfan said . . .In my opinion, losing to the Rams doesn't mean we should immediately fire Lovie. Truthfully, if we lose to the Rams, this team isn't going anywhere this season anyways so cutting the coach lose near the end of the season wouldn't make much sense to me. Yeah I know...the 'it sends a message argument'...I just buy it.
In regards to Hester, I expected a drop off in production this year. His first two seasons were almost too good...but I do admit that I am surprised he hasn't taken one to the house or really been much of a threat at all on special teams. From what I've seen, the blocking isn't as solid as it was in the past, but Devin is not hitting holes at full speed and letting his instincts take over when there are opportunites. He seems to be stopping and starting a lot, which won't work in the NFL...just too much speed. You never know with him though...I wouldn't be surprised if he takes 2 or 3 to the house in these last 6 games either. I have faith.
That said...it seems that special teams touchdowns may be way down this year as opposed to lasy year. Does that seem about right? I remember seeing a ton of them last year, but this year, not so much.
November 21, 2008
#20 Willie from Chicago said . . .lol, willie only is a 125 lb QB, i can take him. Ill kick his ass lol.
November 21, 2008
#21 Packfan said . . .Dude, you dont become a quarterback by being a pussy, just cause im 125 pounds doesnt meen i cant woop ass.
November 21, 2008
#22 BRH said . . .fuck you willie
November 21, 2008
#23 Willie from Chicago said . . .I think some of you are being a little too impatient with Hester when it comes to playing WR. Typically, a WR drafted out of college doesn't really hit their stride until their 3rd season. Obviously, there are exceptions to that like Moss and Boldin, but that's the average. Hester had very limited experience playing WR in college, yet you're all ready to call him a failure at it 1/2 way through his 2nd year of playing it in the NFL. If proven college WR's take 3 seasons to develop, don't you think Hester deserves at least that before giving up on him?
November 21, 2008
#24 jdawg said . . .Packfan, stop droping f- bombs on this site, you give well spoken packer fans like WCPF a bad name, please stop, your being an asshole.
November 21, 2008
#25 Albert In Tucson said . . .I am giving the thumbs up to D Manning returnint KOs and Hester handling punts.
Manning is a North South runner who is the fastest man on the team. Now, this would be crazy to do the last two seasons, but this season is a different story. Give Hester the opportunity to focus on one less thing so he can be a better WR and PR. I don't think there's going to be much of a drop off with Manning.
November 21, 2008
#26 Rancid said . . .Firing Lovie would be a racial issue? Sorry, Jeff, you are way, WAY off the mark on that one! While that issue is still a shameful embarassment for NCAA Division 1 schools, Black NFL Head Coaches are mainstream enough now to include "fired and re-hireds" like Herm Edwards, Dennis Green and Art Shell. NFL great, Jim Brown, addressed the race issue following the election of Barack Obama: "The are no more excuses." The Bears could dump Lovie and his capricious regime tomorrow and it would be a blip on the racial radar. It's a moot point, howver, since the Bears are too cheap to pay off Lovie's contract. By the way, those of you who are hoping the Bears will "tank it" the rest of this season so Lovie will be fired and Bill Cowher will ride in on his white horse as replacement are delusional. Cowher will show up as Bears head coach right after Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy do. The last time the Bears hired a head coach with previous experience as an NFL head coach was, um..never...UNLESS you count George Halas re-hiring himself a time or two. If Lovie's guys cannot beat a Ram team that is missing Steven Jackson AND Orlando Pace, they should back up the truck Monday morning because it means these guys have quit.
November 21, 2008
#27 Hey Packfan said . . .blah blah blah Rams blah blah blah Hester blah blah blah Lovie blah blah blah SHOW ME SOMETHING DAMMIT!
November 21, 2008
#28 DR J said . . .Think about this. When you get up in the morning and crawl out of your grandma's basement and hop on your little bicycle (you'll get those training wheels of someday big guy when your not so scared) and peddle your ass to another shift at Burger King, (they'll let you use the fryer someday, I just know it, again when your not so scared. Until then grab that mop. It's real noble work your doing there.)
and as your pedaling home and just can't wait to log onto grandma's dial up internet and talk shit wishing you had a pair to a sophomore in high school on an opposing teams football blog, remember that this is your sorry ass life. That this is the highlight of your sorry ass life.
So remember Da Bears Blog fans when you have a horrible day or if your life seems hopeless, pathetic or pointless, it could always be worse. You could be Packfan.
And Packfan stay away from those animal man. Just cause they moo loud doesn't mean they are enjoying it. That shit just isn't right bro.
November 21, 2008
#29 animal said . . .Lovie cant coach : his laid back attitude does not fit DA Bears, the use to be Monsters of the Midway: And most of all him being black should not even be an issue from a blackman and a bear fan NC
November 21, 2008
#30 ANIMAL said . . .Although I don't want to hear the BS from anyone on the D about their play, Briggs has been a rare bright spot on that unit.
post #18 you can't be serious? as bad as things have been with a team that went to the show two years ago with essentially the same talent, Lovie shouldn't be on the block if we lose another bad game?
Willie you RUINED it! Damn you. I was going to periodically post WILLIE GUNNA GET YOU BOY and other threats.
And Willie, don't take the high road and tell him to stop dropping F bombs then use "asshole" in the same post. Just silly.Rancid post 26 pretty much sums up how I feel. Except I wont even get to watch, they are not going to be showing the game this week.
Packfan works at Burger King? Was he in the tiny hands commercial with Rex?
Im out. Fuck the Packers and Bear Down.
November 21, 2008
#31 CALIFORNIA BEAR FAN! said . . .OR, I SHOULD SAY, "IM OFF"
AS IN, OFF TO VOTE FOR KO AND MATTE 100 TIMES AGAIN TODAY.November 21, 2008
#32 CALIFORNIA BEAR FAN! said . . .Why the fuck are these lame fucking packer fans writing in this post....you know what pisses me off about this sunday is that on friday night i got into a fight with a packer fan cause he was running his fucking cheese mouth about the bears so i womped his ass and then what do you know this saturday THE BEARS GET THERE ASS WOMPED!
November 21, 2008
#33 CALIFORNIA BEAR FAN! said . . .Why the fuck are these lame fucking packer fans writing in this post....you know what pisses me off about this sunday is that on friday night i got into a fight with a packer fan cause he was running his fucking cheese mouth about the bears so i womped his ass and then what do you know this saturday THE BEARS GET THERE ASS WOMPED!
November 21, 2008
#34 Pissed Off said . . .i mean this SUNDAY!
November 21, 2008
#35 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .Face it, fellas. We suck. I hate football. I hate the Bears.
November 21, 2008
#36 Max said . . .Neal Anderson post.....#35
November 21, 2008
#37 BearDown1982 said . . .Im with you animal.
November 21, 2008
#38 NittyGritty34 said . . .Animal-
Maybe I wasn't clear in my post. I'm not a huge Lovie fan by any means...I just don't think losing to the Rams means the Bears should fire him on the spot. If we stink it up the rest of the season I hope that plenty of options are looked at this offseason...including the possible firing of our head coach, but in my opinion, I hope they wait to make that decision until the offseason.
November 21, 2008
#39 Willie from Chicago said . . .Nice work California Bears Fan. If you see that lose agian, kick him once for all of us too will ya?
November 21, 2008
#40 animal said . . .Animal, I know what your saying, but when I was talking about dropping the F-bomb I didn’t say don’t use it, I meant don’t use it to talk smack. I have no problem with that word; just don’t say it to me. Packfan said “fuck you Willie”, that’s what pissed me off, other than that, I don’t give a fuck what kind of language you use.
November 21, 2008
#41 Max said . . .Fire him on the spot, no. But it will be the last straw; should he lose, he should be fired at the end of the season.
November 21, 2008
#42 animal said . . .I lost count somewhere around 37 ballots. But i definitely did nothing but vote for Orton/Forte for the past 40 minutes. Now i gotta go to class.
Willie, just ignore the jackasses that come one here to talk stupid shit. Its like Mike back in the day. Ignore him, and eventually they will get bored and go away.
November 21, 2008
#43 Willie from Chicago said . . .Willie, good to hear that you don't give a fuck. Atta boy.
November 21, 2008
#44 animal said . . .Thanks max.... and animal.
November 21, 2008
#45 Willie from Chicago said . . .Right on Max! This vote is far more important than obama/mccain
See how easy it is to vote for KO and Forte?? Three clicks.
ROCK THE (BEARS)VOTE!! COME ON PEOPLE!So if Willie is not the kid who told us they are going to play some O line in college next year, who was that?
And chrissakes Willie, start drinking some protien shakes or something. 125#?
November 21, 2008
#46 Pankster in Da Carolina's said . . .Well, that’s 12 votes from me. Seriously guys, if it weren’t for MF and KO we would be 3-7, so vote for them.
November 21, 2008
#47 Pankster said . . .1. Packers
2.Viqueens
3.Cowboys
4.Panthers
All my most hated teams in that order Bears 40- Rams 10 on Sunday and Lovie/Babich patch need fired at end of season whenever that might be go get Iron Mike and Rivera deal Vash/ Tillman grossman get some real db's and good quality backup qb and draft some o= line. LB's See you in St Louis and hopefully Da Bears will show all of us somthin this sunday in the show me state Bear the Fuck Down America!!!!!!!!!!!November 21, 2008
#48 animal said . . .And Go Get A Real Wide Reciever A Fuckin Playmaker!!!Bear Down
November 21, 2008
#49 animal said . . .12? Seriously? Willie where is your dedication man? I voted 100 TIMES yesterday! ONE HUNDRED TIMES!
Come on my, 12 votes is an insult to KO and the Forte.November 22, 2008
#50 animal said . . .dude I hit 25 already.
November 22, 2008
#51 animal said . . .50.
not kidding. not lying.
November 22, 2008
#52 animal said . . .75.
25 more to go.
If either QB or RB comes down to a few hundred votes, Ill know I did my part for these guys. What about you?
November 22, 2008
#53 Just wondering said . . .There. I hit 100.
November 22, 2008
#54 Max said . . .Animal, are you drunk?
November 22, 2008
#55 Max said . . .25
November 22, 2008
#56 animal said . . .53 total
November 22, 2008
#57 animal said . . .No, actually, I did all that shit at work including the posts
November 22, 2008
#58 Just wondering said . . .Right on Max!!
When was the last time a Bears QB was in the pro bowl?
For RBs, did TJ go?I hear Ron Rivera is a hot coaching candidate for the LIONS!
SHIT.November 22, 2008
#59 animal said . . .Soooo they let you drink at work? Sweet.
November 22, 2008
#60 Max said . . .Dude, Im a principal. You think I could make it through a day without slipping a little something in my coffee?
November 22, 2008
#61 Max said . . .100 total.
Animal, I challenge you. See who can do more each day. No shortcuts. legit votes but everyday. A little friendly challenge that (hopefully) benefits KO and Ft. Matte
- and i admit that i took the time to vote for Rashied Davis about 5 times. Hes my guy
November 22, 2008
#62 Hey Animal said . . .100 total.
Animal, I challenge you. See who can do more each day. No shortcuts. legit votes but everyday. A little friendly challenge that (hopefully) benefits KO and Ft. Matte
- and i admit that i took the time to vote for Rashied Davis about 5 times. Hes my guy
November 22, 2008
#63 Z said . . .You bang your Governor yet?
November 22, 2008
#64 animal said . . .How come with veterans all around them, the only players on the Bears or Bulls showing any heart or toughness are the two rookies. WTF is up with that? At least the future should be bright if we find some support around them that want to play hard and get it done.
Orton did too last week. Can't deny he is tough and has heart.
November 22, 2008
#65 Matt in WI said . . .you're on. we both got 100 today.
I occasionally got bored and voted for Payne, or went to the TEs and voted for both Clark and Olsen.
Yes, I banged our Gov. We all have. Its an Alaskan tradition.
November 22, 2008
#66 Matt in WI said . . .Booker's out with a knee injury on Sunday. Earl Bennet anyone? Damn, I wanna see that kid play this weekend.
November 22, 2008
#67 Willie from Chicago said . . .Booker's out with a knee injury on Sunday. Earl Bennet anyone? Damn, I wanna see that kid play this weekend.
November 22, 2008
#68 Willie from Chicago said . . .OK, im at 105, im done.
November 22, 2008
#69 Willie from Chicago said . . .I think Hesters WR role should be the same as it was last year, limited. Maybe that will help him in the return game.
November 22, 2008
#70 zmac said . . .Animal, I didnt know you were a principal, what schol do you work at?
November 22, 2008
#71 animal said . . .Animal.... TVAnts is your friend. Watch ANY game on your computer. I havent missed a Bears game yet here in CA.
November 22, 2008
#72 animal said . . .good job voting Willie! Im about to start working on my 100 for today
Im a principal in a school in rural Alaska
what is TV Ants? Ill google it.... Thanks man!November 22, 2008
#73 animal said . . .Brandon Rideau is on the active roster!
November 22, 2008
#74 animal said . . .where is everyone?
fucking ND sucks. Urrrgh. I hate being a fan. My favorite teams on earth: Bears, Cubs, ND, Bulls
They all like fucking me.We need a big win tomorrow. It is essential to our survival as fans.
November 22, 2008
#75 Willie from Chicago said . . .Im over 100 again
November 23, 2008
#76 So.Ill Bears Fan said . . .Animal, look at it this way, you could be a Lions fan lol. They can’t even get their games televised. I feel you pain, those are my teams as well and they always find a way to break my heart. Whether it’s the Cubs choking, the Bears falling short, or Notre Dame loosing every bowl game they play. Hell, I’ve also have grown to become a Dolphins fan (not nearly as much as I love the Bears) because I’ve lived in South Florida for a while and they suck too. One day the Chicago teams will rise and become the best teams in their respective leagues.
November 23, 2008
#77 enderwiggin said . . .Hey yall I'm votin my ass off too! What bout briggs, he's our only shinin star on D I threw a couple his way too! What do yall think?
November 23, 2008
I think its after midnight and we have no game day blog! I really like this site so i wom't call Jeff a slacker.. yet!
Bear Down!November 23, 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.