Here’s what the Tennessee Titans want to do: run the football on every single down (34.1 times a game) and keep your offense out of the endzone (top scoring defense in football). It’s clock control. It’s field position. It’s making a play or two in the passing game late to give yourself a chance for a winning field goal. It’s 8-0.
The Bears will beat the Titans by doing what they’re supposed to do every week: stop the run and make plays. So it’s pointless for me to preach about the importance of Craig Steltz’ tackling in Mike Brown's spot and the push from the middle of the offensive line. Sunday is not a complicated game.
It'll come down to three individuals:
DEVIN HESTER
With Brandon Lloyd supposedly returning from a quietly serious knee injury, Hester’s role on Sunday should be as similar to his 2007 role as possible. A couple deep shots down the field to loosen the defense and a renewed focus on the return game. This is the first time all season the Bears have needed a big time performance from their return game. He breaks one, they win.
BRAD MAYNARD
His botched kick late against Detroit was eerily reminiscent of Peanut’s personal foul and Squibgate. Neither of these teams is going to have much success dealing with 80+ yard drives and if Maynard can pin the Titans inside the five a few times, the Bears defense can change the game. He needs to deliver his best performance of the season.
ROBBIE GOULD
Listen, I love Robbie Gould. He’s the most accurate kicker in the history of the franchise and has improved tremendously on his kickoffs, knocking balls routinely to the goal line. But I’ve got the feeling we’re going to need more than 48 out of that right leg on Sunday. The questions is...can Robbie do it?
Bears 16
Titans 12
#2 BearDown1982 said . . .Im ready to return to optimism!
Go Bears!
Let's see good Rex minimize turnovers and hit some of those pretty deep balls.
Let's see the Hester of old running breakneck speed, hell bent on the endzone.
BEAR DOWN!!
November 6, 2008
#3 Phillip from NYC said . . .Any word on Brownie? The Bears aren't saying much which isn't a good thing. I hope he isn't out beyond this week. We could use him against the Packers who would be able to exploit our safeties much easier than the Titans will be able to.
Glad to hear that Lloyd is coming back. Take some pressure off of Devin and give us another weapon to throw too.
And yes, it would be nice if Devin were to finally break a punt return or kickoff return this week...perfect team to do it against when offense will be limited.
I'm looking forward to Sunday. Should be a good game...and it could serve as a springboard if the Bears win it.
Bears 17 Titans 13
November 6, 2008
#4 Max said . . .Looking forward to this one now. Here's hoping Rex can go long with accuracy on Sunday.
November 6, 2008
#5 Peanut FTW said . . .If we shut down the run game. . . and thats a big IF. . . but if we do, then we better pray our defensive backfield comes to play because we have made almost every QB look 10x better than he really is against us, especially in the last 4 games (cept Kitna. . . he just sucks)
Collins is old but he knows how to manage games. . . Im nervous
And the 2 most important individuals in my mind are
1. Nathan Vasher - He needs to step up and lock down on Justin Gage. If he does this then Collins is just going to sit in the pocket and throw check down passes to his RBs (who should be covered)2. Adewale Ogunleye - He needs to hit Collins a couple times. Make him force throws or get rid of the ball. Collins is not a mobile QB and our pass rush needs to get to him consistently. I am not even asking for lots of sacks. I am asking for pressure. Thats it
November 6, 2008
#6 Hmmmm said . . .dunno how much is propaganda but the Sun Times is now reporting KO may be ready to go. At least as 2nd string. Even if he is ehhh to start Id prefer lettin Rex drive this one and see KO for the Green Bay game. I'm not nearly as concerned about Brown after watching Steltz in his place but he was pretty much in deep pass coverage not having to play run support too. I am hopeful for Sunday; I earnestly hope Rex does well, for us and for himself. This would be a great Sunday for the D to play like they do when they get that chip on thier shoulder. GO BEARS!
November 6, 2008
#7 Because said . . .Should we consider releasing Fred Miller and Jason McKie and signing DeAngelo Hall and Kabeer Baja-Biamila on the cheap?
November 6, 2008
#8 Max said . . .We did give up 5 TD's to the Vikings and then 23 points to the Lions in one quarter
November 6, 2008
#9 animal said . . .I say Wale instead of Alex Brown because I know Brown is going to bring it. Wale has been MIA.
November 6, 2008
#10 Duff Diggler said . . .This team seems to fall flat when they are expected to win, and rise to the occasion when they are counted out.
They are being counted out.
Looking forward to seeing Steltz in action.November 6, 2008
#11 mikebdot said . . .Although I agree with jeff about our kickers, I think our DL's performance sunday will be more important than hester's....
....as he mentioned they want to run the ball all the time. We stop the run. Good match-up. Assuming we do stop the run, Collins is going to have to go to the air. Save for a couple of those pesky quick slants, our DL HAS TO GET PRESSURE ON THE QB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
if we stop the run and get pressure, i can easily see us pull this one out....
i don't want to see KO on that field! I love him too much to see him get KO'ed for the season this time in a game that the "experts" say we are supposed to lose....
....the sex cannon doesn't have to be a superstar if our D does their job....
November 6, 2008
#12 Peanut FTW said . . .BearDown: I hear Mike Brown has a calf injury.
This "23 points in one quarter" talk is goofy. Most of the first TD was accomplished in the first quarter. The second TD was one play after Hester fumbled. It's like one quarter worth of data to calculate a QB rating...mindless chatter about nothing to try to make a point out of nothing in particular. Is making a point about nothing in particular a point about nothing in particular or a point about a point about nothing in particular? huh.
Duff: If Hester gives the Titans 7 points, too, he will be "important". Personally, I think it was stupid to pay him so much money. I'm thinking he'll never see his escalators though, so no big deal.
November 6, 2008
#13 Sausage said . . .As bad as Hester has been, he is still a threat; the announcers talk about the "ghost" of Hester getting them great field position and it's true but that being said it is about time we started seeing some production in the return game. If your going to fumble and make bad decisions, the upside needs to be there too. I do think Hester's value will really go up in the next few games, esp once Orton is back. Last year team's in tight games could just kick it out of bounds and who cares, give the Bear's the ball at midfield, they'll just 3 and out anyway. This year with KO, if they give us good field position KO makes them pay. I really think we have a good shot in this second half, the 2 packer games will be huge but I think we can take it to the house this year.
November 6, 2008
#14 Well said . . .i'm typically an optimist. not here. this game will show us exactly how bad our defense [minus briggs] is. not because the titans offense is going to score 70, but because their defense is going to just slaughter our rex-led offense and kerry collins will throw for two touchdowns and they'll run for at least another. we might get a pick, might, just maybe.
November 6, 2008
#15 Pankster in DA Carolina's said . . .23 points to the Lions in a whole game regardless of how they got them is embarassing much less in a half or a quarter
November 6, 2008
#16 Renee Pussman said . . .We Will shut down the run,We will create turnovers and finally rex will be OK so in a work "solid" Gould will pull us through 16-13 Bears!!Bear DOWN America BEAR DOWN!!!!
November 6, 2008
#17 Rancid said . . .AWESOMENESS!!!
http://reneepussman.blogspot.com
November 6, 2008
#18 mikebdot said . . .Renee -No one thought it was funny the first time. Let it go
Now is a time for optimism. However, even if we lose I will be happy if we can shut down this running game. That is what I really want to see. They have 2 solid backs behind a very good line. What a great test. Bear Down
November 6, 2008
#19 zmac said . . .Well: Yes, this is true. Just saying, it's not as though the defense really gave up that TD after the Hester fumble. They have come through in tough spots plenty of times this year. Johnson is a good player and that ball was thrown perfectly. It was a good play. Sometimes you have to just tip your hat. The other 10 points were obviously legit. The three and out after the D "gave up" two scores wasn't good for their mental state, or their stamina...especially after giving up a 27 yard return. Then they gave up the field goal after we had a six play field goal drive.
Having a short field all year is not necessarily a good thing, especially if you don't score TDs.
I still think we did, in fact, look past Detroit. Prepare to be surprised this weekend folks.
November 6, 2008
#20 Crown said . . .I think it would be stupid for Orton to try to be a hero this week. Take the week off. You had a fairly serious injury and you want to go up against one of the best pass rushes in the league? You run the risk of ending your career.
November 6, 2008
#21 Willie from Chicago said . . .I agree zmac. I say there is less than 1% chance that Orton plays this week. I love his heart and the fact that he is saying he is ready to go, but serious sprains like that usually take longer than a week to heal. I wouldn't be surprised if he missed 3 games. That is of course dependent on how Rex does while he's in there. Even though I am an Orton guy, I am rooting for Rex to lead us to victory. The Titans front four is scary, hopefully Vanden Bosch doesn't play.
November 6, 2008
#22 mikebdot said . . .I say we give the next two starts to Rex, I dont want to take any chances with Orton who could be our Franchise quarterback.
November 6, 2008
#23 DaBears Win! said . . .When did Bears fans turn into a bunch of pansies? If Orton feels like he can play after testing his ankle I want him on the field. Period.
November 7, 2008
#24 Peanut FTW said . . .I'm with you, mikeb. If KO feels like he can effectively play, I want to see him on the field. Our offense 'clicks' better with him running it.
Rex against the Lions' D isn't comparable with Rex against the Titans' D. He'll get chased by Haynesworth and Vanden Bosch all over the field.
November 7, 2008
#25 Peanut FTW said . . .I dunno mike, I don't think it is just that simple. How long has Chicago been looking for a franchise QB? How many draft busts and has beens have marched through here even in the last 6 years. Now we have a real possibility of having that answer and to risk him getting really injured because his escapability isn't there on an okay ankle in a game that isn't that monumentally important and realistically should be a low scoring slug-fest seems silly. Now I don't think it will matter much since KO DNP on Thursday as well meaning not only would he have a bad ankle but have had 0 snaps all week; I'll take Rex. Though you supporters of getting the wildcat worked into a game, this should be the one.. I mean look at it:
1.) a qb who we really dont "trust" but can throw deep if you blow coverage.
2.) 2 good RBs and a speed demon WR. Thinkin like a direct snap to Forte running behind Anthony Adams and Winslow with 6 lineman and 2 TEs. You could do a lot of weird stuff that this D has never seen.
3.) They have a big, slow D that likes to clog things up, so outquick them.
Dunno might be kind of fun to try in the first half see if nothing else if you can tire out the front 4 a little and maybe get em confused at half then come out and run it down thier throats.November 7, 2008
#26 JP said . . .Umm meant Davis not Winslow... wrong Kellen.
November 7, 2008
#27 zisk said . . .Titans 34
Bears 10Hard to have optimism in this one when the D has been getting torn up the way it has this year. I don't see that changing suddenly in one week. If we struggle against the worst team in the league how will we do against the BEST team.
Lets be honest EVERYONE in Chicago has that sick feeling in their gut knowing Rex is starting.
I hope I'm wrong.
November 7, 2008
#28 Brian in Sec 430 Row 25 said . . .There's a good artical on the site where mike brown calls the defence the weak link. If the injury is really serious, I say we should fire patch and make brown the defensive cordinator.
Ditka for president in 2012
November 7, 2008
#29 Albert In Tucson said . . .JP: I would not say "Everyone" has a sick feeling in their gut knowing that Rex is starting. I for one think that Rex could suprise us and have a very solid performance. Plus, football is a funny game in which emotion plays a larger role than any other professional sport. I think there is a good chance not having K.O will mobilize the team and give them an emotional boost in the "we don;t have KO, no one is giving us a chance, we will show them" kind of way.
The one thing that bothers me about Sunday is most people seem to think we will be able to stop the run. I know the stats say we are 6th in the NFL against the run but we have been gashed a few times this season....as a matter of fact, after the pre-season, one of my biggest concerns was our Run defense. Don't get me wrong, I would much rather have the game in the hands of our run defense than our pass defense but I do not thinking stopping the Titans 2 headed monster at running back is a given.
One final note, the weather on Sunday is suppposed to be a sloppy mess (Rain/Snow mix high of 39)...considering last week was perfect and the field was in shit shape (truly an embarrasement) what can we expect the field to be like Sunday? Most importantly, does a sloppy field help or hurt the bears?
November 7, 2008
#30 mikebdot said . . .As a devout pessimist, I worry that yes, once again we shut down the opponent's running game but then their QB looks like the 2nd coming of Bart Starr (See Atlanta & Tampa games). Also, Jeff Fishher vs. Lovie Smith. Who do you like in THAT matchup? To me. the only guys who look as good as they are touted to be on defense: Briggs and Alex Brown. I like what Kevin Payne brings to the table too. The rest? Still underachieving, mightily.
November 7, 2008
#31 The Duke said . . .Brian: If we get a few three and outs, they WILL throw the football, and with this receiving corp and that QB, I'm just plain not scared.
Peanut: This game IS important. This is a big test and if we could show that Kyle was up to the challenge, the rest of the league would take notice. I assure you of that. If we lose this game we're going to be tied with either the Packers of the Vikings for the division lead, unless they tie each other. Obviously, a Vikings victory would be "better" for us, but regardless, it puts way more pressure on us. We need this football game.
JP: The defense needs to step up. Adrian Peterson gives everyone trouble. He breaks huge gains from time to time. That's what he does. I am not as concerned about the Titans terrible two-some. We match up well. We clog the lanes and don't get pressure on the QB. They have not won football games because of their passing game. They've only given up like 3 sacks to Collins, yet he still only has 3 TD passes. A good play action fake near the goalline could do us in, but I just don't see them running the football down our throats. No way. Their offense is ranked 21st in yards gained and 19th in first downs. Against truly awful teams. When they played decent defenses they struggled mightily. Most of their points have been generated off of turnovers. This is why I want Kyle Orton in the football game rather than Rex.
November 7, 2008
#32 mikebdot said . . .That's actually a really good question about the field. If my memory serves me correct, Rex throw on a rope in good weather and really poorly in bad(see superbowl that will remain nameless). I think it's on the o-line to protect Rex and create holes for Forte. we ain't throwin' sweet Rex bombs in that weather. On that note, i remember the day Rex threw that bomb to Berrian for the first time and suddenly I beilived in a Bears quarterback. I still believe we do. Those who boo Rex before he even takes a snap aren't real fans. We all know the trust fund babies at da field who make it next to impossible for us to get tickets are strictly armchair fans. if they let real fans in that stadium every Sunday it'd be the loudest stadium in the NFL. Now let's go knock teh shit out of some Titans Sunday!
November 7, 2008
#33 NittyGritty34 said . . .Actually, what I said about most points being generated off of turnovers is not true. My mistake. They've generated quite a few turnovers, but it looks to me like they've had quite a few 10+ play drives that just kill other teams. But they've put a few teams away with turnover related sequences. In any event, I still think if we just don't turn the ball over we will move the football on them. I like our TE matchups. I like that we're getting Lloyd back. I like Orton getting us into the right plays. No way I trust Rex with that task. But if he plays, I certainly won't boo him...not unless he hits the over on TOs from animal or whoever it was.
November 7, 2008
#34 Peanut FTW said . . .Those of you who want to bench Kyle 'cause you're worried about him need to remember this is football. Back in the day, a player played if he could walk. Sweetness never missed a game ('cept coached decision). People love Brett Favre because he plays through pain and wins. If Kyle goes in there less than 100% I think the o line and everyone else will be inspired and step up their game. That is what creates serious momentum for a playoff run. If he plays poorly, no matter, he was hurt and it was an non conference opponent. On the other hand, if Rex gets in their and fucks it up for us, bad juju sets in.
This is a man's sport, played by men. Let K.O. play if he wants.
Bear Down!
November 7, 2008
#35 animal said . . .The titans game is nowhere near as important as the remaining Division games period. We could lose to Tennesee, win our 3 division games and 1 or 2 of the other 4 left and win this division at 9-7 , 10-6. Could even lose to Tenn and sweep the rest of the season to go 12 - 4 and this game would really be meaningless. Record really doesn't matter at this point as the Bears have lost to pretty much the entire NFC South so a wildcard berth is pretty much out of the question. Also why should we care what other teams think of KO? Let them doubt him all they want, makes it easier. The reality is this game is not worth risking the season on to put Orton in injured. I mean if we had Dallas' situation where a guy in nursing a pinky and were going to miss the playoffs, Id say rub some dirt on it and get in there but we are in a much different situation.
And if you say that losing this game could mean that we would have to possibly sweep minn and green bay, yup; but well most likely have a healthy KO down the stretch to do that with. Play Rex.November 7, 2008
#36 animal said . . .How can you make fun of others if your name is Pussman?
Are you serious?Signed,
Animal Assclown
November 7, 2008
#37 JP said . . .And, signing Deangelo Hall is like asking the doctor to implant cancer into your colon.
November 7, 2008
#38 said . . .I was thinking about one bright spot will be the weather and field condition. If it is bad weather than the O Line will have to step up and push their line back.
I also know that Titans struggled last week.
Uh oh...Am I gettin optimistic?
Heck yes!
Bears 20
Titans 13November 7, 2008
#39 mikebdot said . . .Im feeling pretty good about this game for some reason, maybe it's the weather turning or the Bears getting healthy save for KO. I am thinking we could get out early in this one, a good kickoff return maybe one to the house and an early run busted for a TD; I say were up big at half and make the Titans pass to get back in it. I say there will be more scoring than planeed and Bears win 34-20
November 7, 2008
#40 Al In WI said . . .Peanut: What teams think of Orton affects how well we run the football. That will actually matter when the weather gets crappy and Orton SHOULDN'T throw the football. When the weather is crappy there is no reason to throw the football more than 20 times. But if teams think you can hurt them regardless, that's another story. All we NEED is a one victory against Green Bay if we win this game. A sweep of either team would be NICE. But if we lose we must sweep the Vikings and probably ought to sweep the Pack. SF, St. Loius, Houston, and even NO are all much easier games. If we went 3-1 in those four, and just beat the Pack once, I think we'd be in if we beat the Titans. Otherwise, we most likely have to win 5 division games to get in.
I don't buy into the NFC south. They're not going to play as well in the cold. I think we'll excel there. Just like in '06, and even last year. Shoot, and '05 as well. Only cold game we lost that season was to Pittsburg, who had 46 carries for 190 yards rushing against us. And then obviously, Carolina and the Steve Smith debacle.
Kyle is not going to risk his career. It's that simple. He's not stupid. He knows he stands to earn a lot of money if he can become a franchise QB.
November 7, 2008
#41 HesterFan23 said . . .Orton's mobility isn't what would scare me about having him play injured. It's the fact that you drive the ball off your right foot. Meaning if his ankle is weak so will his passes. Not a good thing.
And for the record I do not have a sick feeling in my gut about Rex Grossman starting this game. I'm pretty damn excited for it. I'm excited he get's a chance to write a happy ending for his Chicago career. I'm excited he gets to prove a lot of idiots wrong. And I'm excited because I still think he has what it takes to be a pretty good NFL qb.
I say again, Grossman to Booker late. Bears win!!!!November 7, 2008
#42 Decatur Staleys # 7 said . . .Orton will NOT play this week. He is doubtful, and Lovie has never done anything like this.
Hopefully the defense can hold the fort and Forte and Grossman need to lead the offense.
I'm confident that we can hand the Titans their first loss, but it won't be easy.
November 7, 2008
#43 Hmmm said . . .Here's B Billick breaking down the Bears 2 TE set
http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80c49f6c
November 8, 2008
#44 FORTE IZ BEAST! said . . .LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) -- Chicago Bears quarterback Kyle Orton practiced Friday for the first time since getting injured, but an appearance in Sunday's game at Soldier Field against the unbeaten Tennessee Titans appears unlikely.
Orton, who sprained his right ankle last Sunday against the Detroit Lions, was doubtful on the official injury report after working out Friday only during individual passing drills.
"I can't go that far," Bears coach Lovie Smith said when asked if Orton's first practice meant he could start Sunday. "He's making progress. This is the first day where he's actually able to do anything, so making progress. Beyond that I don't know."
Rex Grossman, who finished last Sunday's game, is the likely starter against Tennessee.
Four players who missed all or part of last Sunday's game with Detroit went through a full practice Friday and were listed probable: safety Mike Brown (calf), linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (thumb), receiver Brandon Lloyd (knee) and defensive back Danieal Manning (hamstring).
Cornerback Charles Tillman practiced on a limited basis Friday due to a shoulder injury and is questionable for the game.
November 8, 2008
#45 Brian in Sec 430 Row 25 said . . .FORTE MUST BRING IT! AND THE OLINE ALSO>>> IF FORTE AND THE O LINE CAN RUN THE BALL ALL DAY ON THESE FUCKERS AND OUR D PLAYS TOUGH WE WILL FOR SURELY WIN!
November 8, 2008
Pankster....I meant to post this mesage in the last "political" Blog and forgot to. In that blog you mentioned you were a 70% disabled veteren. I wanted to let you know how much I personally appreciate you service and all that it means to this country. I hope you feel appreciated and I hope our country is giving you the medical care you deserve.
Just wanted to say that...BEAR DOWN PANKSTER....BEAR DOWN!November 9, 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.