And we're off...
Chicago @ Green Bay
I don’t want to talk much about this game (yet) but with the Packers losing Nick Barnett to a season-ending injury, the Bears should have a solid game on the ground. The Packers don't run it themselves and the Vikings managed to harass Aaron Rodgers in the pocket all day – sacking him four times and causing him to go 1 for 11 on 3rd downs. I repeat what I wrote yesterday: The Packers are against the ropes late in a fight and a loss on Sunday can knock out their season. Deliver the right hook.
New York Jets @ New England
I feel confident declaring this the most important game of the 2008 season thus far. Why? (1) It is essentially for the division title in the AFC East and possibly for the #2 seed in the conference. (2) This is the game the Jets acquired Brett Favre for and there isn't more pressure on a single player in the league this week. Failure and he'll face his first firing squad of the New York media. (3) There aren't two teams in the league that like each other less.
Denver @ Atlanta
The Denver Post runs a startlingly underwritten article on the salary cap's impact on the NFL. There are two sides on the issue: those who love parity and those who miss the dynasty days. I'm with the former. I love a league where fans for 32 teams enter every season believing their team can win it. Well...31...I mean....people in Detroit can't be stupid, can they?
Minnesota @ Tampa Bay
Mark it down. November 16th 2008. Scoreboard watching season officially begins for Chicago Bears fans. Hey Gruden and Garcia...get it down at home, please.
Baltimore @ New York Giants
I'm not a stats guy. But the Giants rank 4th in total offense and 2nd in scoring offense. They rank 3rd in total defense and 6th in scoring defense. If you gave me Giants or the field to win the Super Bowl, I'm taking the Giants.
Detroit @ Carolina
Apparently when you lose every single game, you completely lose your mind as well. This from Rod Marinelli:
“You’re in this dark tunnel and you’ve got no way out...You’re waiting for light, and you see that light, what do you do? What do you do? You start digging and getting out. … I’ve always believed you stay in the tunnel and you keep digging when you expect no light. You have the same faith when you expect no light. You have the same belief in what you’re doing when you expect no light. … It’s dark and I’m going to dig through. My shovel is sharp and my pick is sharp and my will is outstanding.”
My shovel is sharp?
Philadelphia @ Cincinnati
I know I hate the Eagles. My brother reminds me every time we talk football on the phone. "You hate the Eagles," he says. Well the folks covering the team don't have a ton of respect for them either. Best part of the article: "The Eagles' five wins this season have been against teams that, as of Monday, were 18-26. Their four losses have been against teams that are 24-12." Those are just facts. By comparison, the Bears have beaten three teams with winning records, including the Eagles.
Oakland @ Miami
Chad Pennington - MIA - 66.5% - 2,200 yds - 244.4 per - 8 TDs - 5 INTs - 92.6 rating
Brett Favre - NYJ - 68.8 % - 1,979 yds - 219.9 per - 16 TDs - 12 INTs - 89.8 rating
Which one goes to the Pro Bowl? (Answer: Chad Pennington)
New Orleans @ Kansas City
And the Josie Woods Awards for Best Bar in New Orleans goes to Coop's Place. Whether you're gorging on the rabbit and sausage jumbalaya or downing one of Fay's pitch-perfect hurricanes, there just isn't a French Quarter spot more perfectly suited for dancing around a pool table to Reba McIntire's version of "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia."
Houston @ Indianapolis
With the Colts reaching the favorable part of their schedule, how odd is it to think the two wildcards teams in the AFC could be Indy and New England?
St. Louis @ San Francisco
Is there was a way to track the individual game ratings on DirecTV? Because this is the only game being played this week where neither team has any possible hope of making the playoffs.
Arizona @ Seattle
Remember in 2006 there was this big debate over Matt Leinart, Vince Young and Jay Cutler? The three teams that drafted those guys are starting Kurt Warner, Kerry Collins and Jay Cutler.
Tennessee @ Jacksonville
Apparently Jags defenders were laughing at how bad the Lions are this past week. You know what? Jacksonville is 4-5. That's a losing football team. Relax.
San Diego @ Pittsburgh
Don't care. Know I should. But I don't.
Dallas @ Washington
For those of you who didn't see Cowboys corner Mike Jenkins wave lazily at Derrick Ward of the Giants as he ran to the endzone, the video is here and it is pathetic. So how does Wade Phillips respond to a player who clearly needs to be made an example of? "Players sometimes think it's all negative from coaches and you gotta watch that. It can go the other way. We try to talk about positive things, too."
Ladies and gentleman, some head coaches stink for a reason.
Cleveland @ Buffalo
So Browns players are saying they quit last week on Romeo. And Notre Dame is getting ready to fire Charlie Weis. And New England went 16-0 last year. Hmmm...
#2 shonbear said . . .I love football
I love the Chicago Bears (even when they piss me off)
And I really love beating the Green Bay Packers!!
Bear Down!!
Oh yeah!
FIRST!
November 12, 2008
#3 Z said . . .Response to last string cause Jeff is so fast:
(sorry)
Is it negative to constantly say that the players aren't executing?
So what, he menas is that their Defensive play calling is right, the players just aren't making the plays.
The players are becoming wise of his blatant inuendo and responding by finger pointing also.
This team needs to be inserted with some Mike Singletary type of inspiration and passion for the love of the game and the desire to win.
Lovie Smith is the face of this franchise. I'm disappointed that such great players like Tillman, Urlacher, Brown, Harris and etc... are allowing him to water down their character, love of the game and desire to win.
IT IS NEVER OK TO LOSE, THERE ARE NO "GOOD TIMING" OR GOOD LOSSES EVER. THEY ARE WAY TOO HARD TO COME BY IN A LEAGUE FULL OF THIS MUCH PARODY!
I don't care what anybody says, this is a coaching failure, when they barely squeak out a win that should have been a loss because they got lucky, they get overconfident about how good they think they are and act like that was supposed to happen. When they barely lose, they say "we left some plays on the field, we didn't execute".
This team (especially the currently overpaid defense) needs a shot of some Singletary ass kicking.
Bear Down beat the packers, surprise us ang go 4-0 in the division.
November 12, 2008
#4 enderwiggin said . . .And if you want to feel better for a split second about our Chicago Bear's problems, watch Rod Marinelli's press conference. Their team is so bad that their coach may end up in a straight jacket in a padded room by the end of the year (Seriously). Imagine what being a fan of that team would be like.
Be grateful that you are not and then get pissed at the Bears again (except for a few of them and we know who you are).
We have all named all the problems, the debate is only over what aspects are more at fault. Let's see who (players and/or coaches) steps up their game and takes those fingers they are pointing at eachother and stick them into the chest of our hated rivals and rip out their still beating hearts and show it to them as we stomp it and their season into the Lambeau ground.
Yes I would really like to win this game.
November 12, 2008
#5 Decatur Staleys # 7 said . . .Shonbear, im with you man. I hope somewhere in the back of Jerry Anglo's mind he is thinking along those same lines. We've got way to much talent on defense to be making ANY excuses. I actually feel kind of bad that this group will never get a ring together.(its not that i have no faith in my bears, i just think i would rather see guys making cray amounts of money being held accountable).
Is it true Jeff that no two teams hate each other more than NE/Jets? thats a bold statement.November 12, 2008
#6 Decatur Staleys # 7 said . . .Here's another log on the Lovie fire this week from Writer: Rick Morrissey
Smith is loath to call out his players in public, but he never has understood that there's a difference between pointing fingers (bad) and demanding accountability (good). This is a big-boy town, and people want straight answers when things don't go right with their football team. Chicago isn't Spin City. Fans want their truth neat.
I used to believe Smith considered fans dumb, but I've changed my mind. He simply doesn't care what fans think, which might be noble if it were based on a steely inner belief in what he's doing. But it's not. It's based on the idea that the only thing that matters is whether his players like him.
Smith believes that if they do, they'll play harder for him. But just the opposite has happened. His players have taken advantage of his kindness and protectiveness. They have received their big contracts and abandoned him. At least two things happen when there's no accountability. Players let up on the field. Or they get arrested off the field.
Whatever the Bears' head coach has said behind closed doors to the underachieving quartet of Devin Hester, Tommie Harris, Brian Urlacher and Nathan Vasher hasn't worked. But I have the sneaking suspicion it's the same thing he has said about them in public: Problems? I don't see any problems.
It's not all bad news for the Lovester. A survey released in April found that the Colts' Tony Dungy was the coach most NFL players wanted to play for, followed by Smith. That's wonderful. Think of all the talented free agents who will want to come to the Lovie Smith Grand Spa and Resort and abuse his trust.Who wouldn't want to play for the guy?
Smith's speak-no-evil approach toward his team has turned some of his players, especially those on defense, into loudmouths who talk a much better game than they play. If you didn't know any better, you would think Bears players took their cue from the blustery Weis, who would have you believe he invented the air that goes inside footballs.
In spite of overwhelming evidence that this is 2008, Bears defenders think it's 2006. And no matter what the stats seem to indicate, Smith thinks he has one of the elite defensive teams in the NFL. If you say so, Lovie.
November 12, 2008
#7 animal said . . .I wonder does Urlacher(face of franchise) get in any of his teamates face an talk them up or hold them accountable?
reason I ask is R Lewis 13 yrs an he still the leader of his D,an step his game up(he now the 2nd guy to jump on the pile instead of 3rd,while the 1st to jump up an pound his chest)
It just no matter who the lose on the team they still play like there one of the best D in the league.Is it that Raven can draft well to surround him with talent?or does he will his team to play every week at a high level?
November 12, 2008
#8 animal said . . .pro bowl voting is over.
you can click
Kyle orton
(move on to next page)
Matt Forte
then click submit.So, that's what ive been doing for a few hours while watching some lame fucking movie my wife put on and playing online poker.
Get with the program. If I can put in 1000 votes alone for those two, you can chip in.÷,.…'November 12, 2008
#9 SHONBEAR said . . .I meant pro bowl voting is OPEN
November 12, 2008
#10 SHONBEAR said . . .Dif beTWN Dungy and Lovie. Players,he makes changes when needed, no dear in the headlites, etc...Please add some.
November 12, 2008
#11 shonbear said . . .Dif beTWN Dungy and Lovie. Players,he makes changes when needed, no dear in the headlites, etc...Please add some.
November 12, 2008
#12 Ronaldo said . . .um deer...
November 12, 2008
#13 Jokey said . . .Starting this week with the Pack, I say we move to maximize the time of possession by no-huddling, calling the plays at the line, and not snapping until the play clock's downt to 3. That's if we have KO. If it's Rex then scrap that idea: close your eyes, cross your fingers, and pray.
Bottom line: we need to keep our defense (and their offense) off the field.
November 12, 2008
#14 Phil from SATX said . . .Jeff or someone can you be more explicit on the Cleveland @ Buffalo "Hmmm..."? I'm starting to feel as dense as Lovie - then again at least I know when to be confused.
November 12, 2008
#15 Jokey said . . .One thing I feel good about - there's starting to be a bad buzz about Lovie. The good news about this is I think he will ultimately react from it, when he finally realizes his ass is on the hot seat. Any reaction is going to be better than what we have right now, which is... stay the course... everything's fine... at least we're stopping the run....
He's not going to continue to get away with that. We have another passing test awaiting us in Green Bay. Let's hope we don't fail. It's time for our Pro Bowlers on D to man up, to take accountability for themselves. Tommie Harris, get angry - and not at Bear fans. Brian Urlacher, get angry. Wale - where in the world is Wale? Get angry! Alex Brown, after a smoking incendiary start, now you're just smoldering. GET ANGRY!
Former and would-be Pro Bowlers Nate and Peanut - GET ANGRY! Peanut, get back to your punching ways! Take that ball away! Nate - do you remember when you were the Interceptor? Do it again!!
Mike Brown, FIRE UP THE TROOPS! Y0u are the one guy I really see as a leader on that D - LEAD!!! You can't wait for Love-me Lovie to do it!
BEAR DOWN D! TAKE IT TO THE CHEESEHEADS!!!!
November 12, 2008
#16 Rancid said . . .Can someone explain Jeff's Cleveland @ Buffalo comment? I'm starting to feel as dense as Lovie. But at least I know when to be confused.
November 12, 2008
#17 Phil from SATX said . . .Hey guys. I was at the Eagles Giants game on Sunday. I hate going to one game a year and it's not Da Bears, but I didn't pay for the ticket so why not?
The Giants are that good. Eli is the only weak spot and he isn't that weak. They don't really need a passing game anyway. Many Eagles fans began leaving when the game was still technically within reach at the end. If they could get a stop the could have gone for a game winning drive. We asked one guy why he was leaving and he said "we haven't stopped a run all day, why would we now?" It was kind of sad. One, eagles fans suck. Two, the Giants are that good.
I was overall not suicidal at the end of last season because of one thing. Even though we were a preseason Superbowl pick and then didn't even make the playoffs, I had a grin for one reason. 2 wins over the Pack. Do it again. This time it actually means something for the playoffs. So stick it to 'em
November 12, 2008
#18 animal said . . .Beating Green Bay is the one thing that Lovie has been able to consistently deliver since he's been there. This time around, if he can continue to deliver that, as Rancid says, it actually really helps us. We're pretty close to Must Win territory here. Barnett out really helps us too. Any word on Kyle and how he's looking/feeling?
November 12, 2008
#19 animal said . . .I hate the packers with every bone in my body.
November 12, 2008
#20 Z said . . .I refuse to leave any non-Packers related comments for the rest of the week. Call it a protest. Its fucking Packers week, and we should be focusing hate like a laser toward a shithole in Wisconson smaller than Naperville.
FUCK THE PACKERS, FUCK FUCK THE PACKERS
(chat it with me now)
FUCK THE PACKERS, FUCK FUCK THE PACKERS
(all together now)
FUCK THE PACKERS FUCK FUCK THE PACKERS
(say it at your desk)
FUCK THE PACKERS FUCK FUCK THE PACKERS
(tell that dick from Wisconson in your office)
FUCK THE PACKERS FUCK FUCK THE PACKERS
November 12, 2008
#21 Phil from SATX said . . .We should fly Animal to the Bears practices with a loudspeaker to do that until there is a foaming at the mouth, frenzied, rabid hate flowing around the Bears D for the evil cheesers.
If the TEAM (players & coaches [and players are listed 1st because yes they have to find a way to make a play regardless, coaches can't do it for them]) can not get up for this game, then especially our D and coaches (shit ST too) are not who we thought they were and I am ready for some changes. Benchings and dismissals are in order if we are not fighting (players) and adjusting (coaches) until the end of this game. Start to Finish. 60 minutes.
Bear it Down. I want to see blood and cheese laying all over that field Sunday.
November 12, 2008
#22 PolygonHell said . . .We'd have to fly him in from Alaska, where he can see Russia from his front porch. (soap opera voiceover) "The role of Midway is being played today by Animal."
Good job Animal!
Seriously, let's not underestimate the impact of that newspaper piece by Rick Morrissey on Lovie. Without seeing the actual newspaper, that looks to be a front page piece calling out the coach. I'm telling you, that itself is news, especially since it's the Tribune (and not, say, Mariotti back in the day). I just think there's going to be some kind of reaction to it. Maybe (hopefully) the reaction will be by the players, who decide that a coach who is as coddling as LovieTime will be better to play for than the next guy, so they'd better start acting like they care about succeeding. Because if Lovie doesn't fix this defense (supposedly his specialty), the Bears aren't going anywhere this year, and Lovie gets to go find a new job and the super-coddled Bears players will get to learn again what it's like to get screamed at, and what it's like to have accountability forced on you.
November 12, 2008
#23 Decatur Staleys # 7 said . . .I've never really understood the replace Lovie mentality over the last couple off years.
I'm sure I find his press conferences as infuriating as the next guy, and no one likes to watch a team loose.
Having said that we have a winning record, and we're top of the NFC North.
Is the defense underperforming it's talent level? Maybe, it's hard to say they were great in 05 and for much of 06. But it's 08 now.
Look at the Win/Loss percentage over the Lovie years and compare it to other teams in the league.
There always seems to be an expectation that replacing someone seen to be underperforming is always the right thing to do, when in fact if you don't have someone clearly better to fill the hole, it's not a step forwards.
I suspect a lot of it is Lovies demeanor in front of the camera.
November 12, 2008
#24 Albert In tucson said . . .Do they ever blitz? Or throw some exotic coverage scheme into the mix? I'm so tired of watching these guys play hard and go down because they were so "predictable"
Babich patch needs to find his" A" game scheme this week or Driver an Jenning are going to kill him.
GB will come out throwing early,testing our DB scheme.An we will counter with man up 2 deep safeties.throw in a couple of zone blitz
we start not being "predictable"
November 12, 2008
#25 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .If there was a choice between beating the Titans or Packers, we take the Pack every time. Last week's loss was neither a conference nor division loss. Bears can put the Pack right behind the eight ball by going 4-0 in the division and dropping the Packers to 2-2 in division and 4-6 overall. BUT, if the Bears couldn't cover Bo Scaife, Justin Gage, etc., they damn well better get to Aaron Rogers before he gets to the likes of Greg Jennings and Donald Driver! Lovie on the defense: "Our scheme is good". OY, vey! What game did HE watch?
November 12, 2008
#26 jonathan said . . .Animal, I wish you could stop the cryptic messages and get right to your true feelings.
I heard that Barack Obama has called for Bears and Packers fans to come together...'We are not Blue fans and Green fans, just whatever those two colors together make fans.' Then I heard he wanted to take part of the season tickets from current ticket holders and redistribute them to those on the waiting list, just because that is the fair thing to do.
On to football....this game is going to give one of our teams the inside track to the division. Although, I think that the NFC North is going to be set up for a one and done in the playoffs, losing most likely to the wildcard out of the NFC East (Philly, Dallas or NYG). There is NO WAY the Vikings will keep whatever semblance of a team together for the remaining 7 games of the season. Here's why; on Sunday, the Packers offensive and defensive lines looked absolutely anemic, yet we were still about 2 feet away from making a field goal to win the game. For the Pack to play that badly yet still be in it, tells me more about the Vikings inability to put a team away.
It's going to come down to which team is better prepared mentally going into this game. After the listless starts by the Pack the last two weeks, I'm not sure they will be the team coming out loaded for Bear(s).
Lovie's strength in the last 3 years has been the ability to beat the Packers, as they have done 5 out of the last 6 times.
November 13, 2008
#27 mikebdot said . . .Yes, the Bears have their issues, and dammit we've got to fix the pass coverage, I don't know/care if it's the coaching, the scheme, the players or the execution, but something's got to change.
WE MUST BEAT THE PACKERS.
However, on a lighter note, if you're looking for a really good laugh, here's Detroit's newspaper covering the Lions -- it's a truly hilarious read:
http://www.freep.com/article/20081111/COL22/311110002/1049/SPORTS01
So, as we approach Thanksgiving, I am very, very thankful that I'm not a Lions fan.
November 13, 2008
#28 animal said . . .This "Babich patch" business is probably the most annoying thing I've ever seen. And I have no idea why. Something is wrong with me I think. I'm trying to decide if I need to just take a break Midway style...though, methinks it's the wrong time of year for that...
November 13, 2008
I can see Green Bay from here too.
FUCK THE PACKERS, FUCK FUCK THE PACKERS
FUCK THE PACKERS, FUCK FUCK THE PACKERS
FUCK THE PACKERS, FUCK FUCK THE PACKERS
FUCK THE PACKERS, FUCK FUCK THE PACKERS
November 13, 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.