How strange it's been recently, where good Bear fans actually wish for our team to lose games and miss the playoffs, because they don't believe in them. I haven't blamed the fans for that attitude, in part because I've felt it myself. I blame the team.
So now it's fitting that I would like to say THANK YOU to the Bears, for the win, and for the way you won, and for the fact that the universe has been restored, and we can now root for you, fully and completely and with all our heart and soul and passion.
You agree, right? We now have something to cheer for, and 11 really great days to MORE than prepare for the next GAME OF THE SEASON, which will fittingly occur on the biggest stage, Monday Night Football, December 22, 2008, against merely OUR BIGGEST RIVALS.
I had to follow the game on Blackberry interspersed with calls from the diehard 5th grader Bear fan to update me. I knew something good had happened when he called at about 7:18. Later, when I got to watch the game, I was completely amazed - never before had I seen a kick return where the returner found it appropriate to celebrate beginning at THE 50 YARD LINE - AND HE WAS RIGHT TO DO SO. That's how quickly that return turned into a touchdown.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. I'd like to talk about the heroes of this game, the MVPs, and guess who I'm going to talk about? Don't choke -
DA COACHES - starting with Ron Turner. Yes, you heard me. Ron Turner coached his ASS off last night, including having to deal with the tremendous letdown of having The One leave the field, possibly for the game. He didn't have any of his characteristic crawl-into-a-hole-and-die quarter- and half-long checkouts - he kept pushing, in different ways, in ways that accentuated what we do well and minimized what we don't do well. Just what we've been asking him to do all year. This time he did it. Biggest difference-maker in this game was the incorporation of the long ball. Do you remember Bernard Berrian and Rex in 2006 - do you remember that at least half the yards we used to get on those long-ball hookups were from interference penalties? Thanks to RT, as late as the 13th game of the season, Kyle and Devin are the new Rex and Bernard, and it worked to perfection. Thank you RT, for an absolutely great game plan, and for great play calls during that game.
Bob Babich - Not even going to call you BP today. I thought your game plan, and game calls, were excellent last night. I'll still say you don't get credit for finally getting the right players on the field since it took injuries to get them there, but the combination of these players and your calls created turnovers and sacks and essentially pitched a shutout for the first 30 minutes - the gimme drive starting on the 1 certainly doesn't accrue to you. Yes they got going in the second half, but if you don't hold them to 7 in the first, we lose. D got tired in the second half as the Saints showed us what they had, but D alternately stiffened and took away the ball. You get kudos for this game.
Dave Toub - Special Teams are BACK. Your coverage was excellent, D. Manning is the new Devin Hester, Brad Maynard had an excellent night, and Gould is MONEY (duh). You even had a trick play up your sleeve, problem is they had that one scouted and were prepared. Oh well. Great job overall.
Bottom line - our coaches outcoached their coaches last night - and I can't believe I'm saying that. There were many individual efforts I appreciated - D. Manning, D. Hester, B. Lloyd, Tea Time, The One, Employee #18 (greatest line in the postgame), DA LINE!!! (offensive I'm talking about, and yes, they're starting to deserve a nickname like that), D LINE GETTING PRESSURE AND SACKS (Hallelujah!), ALEX BROWN (our bona fide pass rushing star), Mike Brown, Peanut Tillman (who had an excellent game last night), ANTHONY ADAMS!!!! (I love you man - sorry the coaches didn't believe in you - Anthony Adams is to Dusty Dvoracek as Alex Brown is to Mark Anderson), ROBBIE GOULD!!!
Just about everyone contributed (sorry Rash, you're not everyone), but today, just today, my four game balls are going to Ron, Bob, Dave, and yes, Lovie, you get one too, you're helming this thing!
WHAT A GAME!!! 11 DAYS TO THE BIGGEST GAME OF THE SEASON!!!
THANK YOU BEARS!!!!!!!!
#2 Rancid said . . .I have never disagreed more. But to each their own...first?!?
December 12, 2008
#3 mikebdot said . . .Phil - odd that we'll disagree on parts of this one, but here's some excerpts from my posts on the last thread, which I always seem to post to 3 seconds before a new thread starts.
I've actually been ok with Babich Patch of late. I thought that he called a good game. Most of those big play third downs appeared to me to be player error with the exception of a couple where he should have called blitzes. Also, all three NO TDs come off offensive snafus, so I'm happy with the Defense.
RT on the other hand called a shit second half AGAIN. Yet another game where at halftime the defense adjusts to a good 1st half plan and RT simply keeps plowing away even though his game plan is no longer working. I think RT must have been a seldom used fullback in high school or something because he is for some reason obsessed with using the fullback, even when its the backup. Stop doing that! The only time we get a good drive in the second half is when the clock forces us to get outside the way he called the whole game. I can't understand why the guy is simply incapable of adjusting anything. I always have and always will desire the end of his career in Chicago.
Overall, a good win that we needed. Now we all take the oath as Cardinals fans for Sunday. Also, much thanks to Willie for introducing me to the simpsons. Bear Down
Game ball to Manning, who apparently has a girls name, and is ok with that. You know, I was expecting our second son to be a girl too, but I didn't name him Anna anyway. I came up with a boys name. Hell, I don't care what his name is as long he keeps running them back.
December 12, 2008
#4 AK said . . .Mostly about Ron Turner though...
Does anyone think it's a coincidence that Griese and Orton and even Grossman running the no huddle has produced far more frequently than when we are running the "game plan"? Orton reacts very well to the defense. Why are we not in the no-huddle 100% of the time? Because Ron Turner is in love with putting a fullback into the game. With the talent we have at that position it is inexcusable to do that. Just plain simple.
Babich's calls were no different than any other game. This is what I don't get about everyone and their hatred of him. They had a weak left tackle and we exploited it.
Also, Nick Roach is a frickin' animal and he's not in because Hillenmeyer is hurt. He reminds me of Colvin and that is a good thing.
Since Roach got promoted is Hillenmeyer on special teams? I didn't notice him out there. Just wondering...certainly you all remember the block he laid on the Giants return a few years ago, just wondering if maybe he's been part of the spark? I didn't see him, though...just curious.
I just can't give props to Turner. I have done that before and can no longer do so. Mostly because of his decision to pass the ball twice with 5 minutes left in the game at their own 45. That is just inexcusable in my eyes. The plays to Hester have been there throughout the season as well and they've just not connected or gotten the flag thrown on obvious pass interference penalties. This game it worked out and that's great and all, but you run the football with 5:00 left at your own 45. Especially at soldier field. It's called "football". "Go to guys" are called that for a reason and Forte is that for the Chicago Bears.
December 12, 2008
#5 johnnyelpaso said . . .I like to think that this win had nothing to do with the coaches.
December 12, 2008
#6 Crown said . . .this game was won by the pure talent of the players.........the coaches did a shity play calling on offense and defense.......the offense and defense stepped it up plain and simple........i also agree with mikdot.......the bears are a running team and with 5 min remaining we still throw the ball......RT needs to start using hester out of the backfied.....use hester at fullback and have a LB cover him........we need to utilize him more and create mismatches on the defense...if we do this we will win games....I guarantee this....he's the bears offensive weapon and savior......
December 12, 2008
#7 Urlacher FTW said . . .I agree with AK and johnnyelpaso. This game was won on talent and determination. Our coaches were out coached once again. That fake punt throw on the 50 was one of the worst calls of the year, I don't care if Peterson actually caught it. The clock management in the last minute of the game was atrocious once again. As someone said before, thank god Orton got sacked. I thought he was going to evade the pressure and run out of time. Luckily post-injury Orton who is still somewhat physically limited went down with 2 seconds. Too many throws on first down on a weak run defense, I don't care if Forte was out for a little bit. Don't mean to be Debbie Downer. Still extremely thankful we are alive.
December 12, 2008
#8 Rancid said . . .Yah I disagree as well, this was all about a few comin out parties.
1.) Hester - It was like watching him turn in to Steve Smith right in front of my eyes, it was insane. He was crisp, clean, decisive and too fast for the Saints. Problem was even when he forced them into a cover 4 to stem the bleeding, RT wouldn't take advantage power running; also Davis plain should not have seen the field period.
2.) D. Manning - Devin who, I'm starting to wonder if he can return punts too? I really like the sure handed one or two cuts get nort/south and don't go down with an arm tackle runs. Watching Hester give up 14 yards backpedalling on the one punt was nearly enough to make me hurl.
3.) Anthony Adams - Great great game. He took up 2 and 3 guys all game long, when he was in the tackles were left 1v1 with Ogun and Brown, then NO had to keep Shockey back to protect.. he was a great cog in the middle of that line that now looks stronger than ever.
My only concern player-wise was Orton, he missed Hester deep 3 times, 2 times he kind of got bailed out by calls but the reality is if he hits Hester all those time the game is not even within reach and Forte can smash them to the face.
Personally I liked the fake punt, thought the execution was pretty good, great throw by Brad, just AP couldn't hang on. It's just one of those things, hind site is always 20/20; coaches that take those chances and it works are geniuses and if it doesn't they are stupid. I liked the attempt.
GO CARDSDecember 12, 2008
#9 Phil from SATX said . . .I liked the fake punt call. Commentators said that Maynard is now 4-7 on those for his career. We had the personnel for it, and if AP holds onto the damn ball it works. But I personally like to play that way. Everyone's personally biased on whether to try a play like that.
December 12, 2008
#10 CA BEAR FAN said . . .Hey, kudos to me - I threw out a thread that 100% of posters disagree with!!! That's got to be a Da Bears Blog record! (i got skillz)
Here's the thing - I believe Forte was really hobbled in that game - and his runs were not producing much. On the other hand, the shorty passes to the tight ends work very much like runs, and in general Kyle was making things work, right up to the point where he didn't - and that was a first down call - not a bad place to call a pass. He just had a complete brain meltdown at that time and threw it into coverage (and when I say coverage, I mean like the entire Saints team).
While normally I am on the other side, I'm now forced to comment that you are micromanaging the assessment of Turner if you don't think he called a much-better-than-average game, for him. I think he kept the defense off-balance much of the time, and don't forget that he's the architect of the no-huddle as well - Kyle is scripted to call things based on the defenses he sees, he doesn't just pull things out of his ass.
On another aside, after watching that game, I've come to the conclusion that I want to try Adrian Peterson at fullback. Others have suggested it, it's just that last night he kind of looked like one out there - he's pretty stout, I think he can block reasonably well and aggressively, and he runs far better than what we have to offer. He makes me think that if he were lined up in front of Forte, even the Worst Play Call In The World (otherwise known as "The RT" could work - he has pretty quick feet and he hits holes with a burst.
Still looking for that first "I agree" post. But I won't be holding my breath, mostly because I want to live.
December 12, 2008
#11 big rob said . . .I do to believe Ron Turner should be fired! he has the worst play calling..and you know what really pisses me off? is that Lovie Smith every week talks about how we are a running football team but every fuckin game we never commit to the run WHY? FORTE is a fuckin BEAST! we can break a defense in the 1st Half and open up our Play Action Pass to hester or Olsen....this game should of been a blow out but RT was giving the SAINTS chance after chance..STUPID!
BEAR DOWN!December 12, 2008
#12 Shamen said . . .Phil- I agree... I think your assesment of the game and the players is spot on. Good Post!
December 12, 2008
#13 Urlacher FTW said . . .I think it's time to get out of the "we are a running team" mindset. We're not. The Bears O and KO have the most success when they're throwing the ball. Now, you have to be able to run the ball enough to keep teams honest, and I love Forte and what he's doing, but to think we are going to line up and grind it out "3 yards and a cloud of dust" style and put together sustained drives that way isn't realistic. We have good tight ends and Forte is a very good receiver - we can succeed with that. If we can get some talent at WR (and I'm still hopeful that Hester can become a consistently great receiver, but he's not yet) we can be a very dynamic passing team.
To reply to Phil's post, I am intrigued by AP as a fullback. He's got good hands, which you want your fullback to have, and he's a hard working, blue collar kind of player, which is great for a fullback. I'm a little concerned he's not big enough to lay punishing blocks on linebackers for an entire game, though.
December 12, 2008
#14 Gin said . . .I don't think you need to necassarily define yourself as a team that sustains drives all game with the run to have an expectation that with 5 minutes left and the lead you should be able to implement a power run game to milk the clock. Look at Baltimore's game, they replaced a WR with another tackle, off balance one side and run. They sustained a couple drives and put the game away, at one point like 11 straight runs on one drive. I doubt people consider them purely a running team but when they get into a situation they can buckle up and go do it.
Bottom line is when a good football team needs to run, they run and when they need to pass, they pass. Regardless of what they do getting off the bus.December 12, 2008
#15 Willie from Chicago said . . .When is Jeff coming back?
Never should these coaches get praise.
We haven't produced 1 offensive touchdown in the last 5 second halfs. NOT ONE. Second half points... 0, 3, 7 (int gave us 2 yards to go), 3, 3.And how does Lovie say this is right where we want to be? Um, news flash Idiot, you want to be in first place, controlling your own destiny, not relying on the Cards. Enough of him.
Still, go bears and go cards!
December 12, 2008
#16 mikebdot said . . .If we were to lose that game last night then we should have scrqpped this whole team, but we didnt lose, instead we pulled an overtime thriller and we are still in the divisional race!
December 12, 2008
#17 enderwiggin said . . .Phil: The second Kyle pick was on 2nd down, not first. The first pass was thrown to the fullback for no reason. In fact, had the fullback caught the ball, he would have gained 3 yards and most likely been run out of bounds because our fullbacks are terrible football players.
I have no problem with three straight runs with Matt Forte in that situation, especially since he only had one run with no gain. The kid NEVER loses yards. He's fumbled ONCE. He's a beast. He got 14 yards on two plays in overtime, didn't he??? In any event, screw Ron Turner. Punting and putting them deep in their own territory with 4 minutes left would have been just as good. It would have given the defense a little more time to get their heads on straight. That matters, regardless of what everyone seems to think. They were playing inspired football. No way Brees marches all the way down the field. Too much margin for error.
Also, neither play was play action to freeze the linebackers. That is just plain stupid in that situation. If you're going to pass in that situation, go big, so if there IS a pick, it's just like a punt.
Urlacher: Well said.
December 12, 2008
#18 BearDown1982 said . . .Phil from SATX, here you go. "I Agree"! But not with the good coaching, our second half O was down right embarrassing.
What i do agree with you about is the use of AP at fullback. Even something simple like an "I" formation with two tight ends, think of the possibilities.
In all seriousness though Phil- I think i speak for all of us though when I say, even if we don't agree 100% with your post, we all appreciate it. ThanksDecember 12, 2008
#19 Rancid said . . .Ron Turner coached his ass off? The offensive line is worthy of a nickname based on last nights performance? Did I miss something? Last time I checked, New Orleans has one of the worst defenses in the league...and the Bears made them look like the damn Steelers yesterday. I can't disagree with you more on your assessments there Phil. Turner should have been able to exploit a crappy defense and our offensive line should have been able to open up some holes against a crap run defense.
I don't want to sound too negative after a win that keeps our playoff hopes alive so here is what I liked from yesterday's game:
1. D.Manning...duh. He runs with a reckless abandon and hits holes at full speed. I loved how he pointed to the sky at the 50...funny, but next time, wait another 20 yards just to be safe.I wish Toub would tell Devin to watch what Manning is doing right now. When Devin is at his best, everything goes north to south and he lets his instincts take over as holes develop. Right now, he is running in circles and hoping for something good to happen...rarely works in the NFL even when the best kick returner in history tries it.
I still believe Devin will take a punt to the house in either of the last two games...let's hope for one against the Pack.
2. Defensive line. Overall, a solid performance yesterday. We know they are never going to dominate an entire 4 quarters like they did at times in 2005 and 2006, but yesterday they got a reasonable amount of pressure on Brees for most of the game and kept the Saints offense off rhythm. Special kudos to Alex 'Gator Chop' Brown who took advantage of a back up left tackle as he should have, Anthony Adams who continues to contribute, and Wale for making a great pick.
3. The deep ball. It was nice to see the Bears air it out to Hester a bit...seems like this should happen at least twice a game. Think about it, we threw to Hester deep three times yesterday and had success with each one (I agree with you BIG TIME here Phil)...the first time Orton overthrew him on what should have been a sure TD...second and third times led to pass interference calls and paved the way for 10 points.
Especially when we play suspect defensive back fields Hester should run the go route quite often.
4. The fake punt. I know, I know..it didn't work. But I like when teams play to win and are aggressive. Truth be told, no one in the stadium saw that coming so the Saints deserve credit for being ready for it. Also, what a pass by Maynard...AP was covered pretty well and he put it right in there. That said, I don't plan on seeing another fake again this year.
5. Forte. Nice to see the guy gut it out with a toe injury. I bet you a certain former Bears running back would have called it a day...
December 12, 2008
#20 Phil from SATX said . . .Phil - I love you man, I just don't see it. Look at this link to the drive charts from the game. It's not pretty.
http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/gamecenter/drivecharts/NFL_20081211_NO@CHI
For the year, NO allows an average of 335 yds per game. 108 on the ground and 227 through the air. We massed 226 total yards against them. 55 on the ground and 171 in the air. Without a dynamite special teams performance we lose the game and everyone is crucifying RT right now. So even though we win, and I'm stoked we did, RT will get no pass from me.
December 12, 2008
#21 Phil from SATX said . . .Appreciate that Ender! And it's becoming clear to me that had I exempted RT from the discussion about coaching, everyone would have been more or less okay about Babich and Dave's performance - and I think you'd have to be.
I think the reason I appreciated RT is mainly the long ball, and reviving the concept from 2006 - that a long pass interference call is just as good as a long completion - totally tilting the field and resulting in points. We got two of those that were instrumental in this game, and one almost one (the first one that stretched everybody and showed we were ready to run that play). We truly have not seen that call this year.
Devin Hester may have sucked balls again yesterday as a punt returner, but he was absolutely RIDICULOUS as a wide receiver. I am on the verge of taking back my entire stance on this thing. He has hands, it seems like now he runs great routes, and no one can keep up with him on the long ball. And he didn't just catch the long ball, ala Bernard Berrian. He also caught shorter ones and made very effective middle range plays.
Can you imagine what this offense could be like if we had another great receiver on the other side? Or even a really good one?
One more comment on RT. The typical RT slowdown that we've seen all year has to do with runs into the line when they're expecting it coupled with something like a screen that doesn't work. I think you all would have been equally pissed if Mattay had taken the handoff on first and second and gotten nowhere because the Saints were totally expecting that. That's what I was expecting. I like the fact that RT kept pounding the TE's, which in games past I always felt he forgot about. Although Forte gutted out some runs there at the end, I do believe he was considerably less than 100% for cutting purposes and therefore less effective in trying to make a run out of nothing - and I think RT saw that and called different things because of it.
Mikeb - didn't mean to steal from you - I went back and read the last posts, which I purposely didn't do before writing today's. You mentioned AP at fullback in one of your last posts. I think it's a great idea, and I think we might even start liking the fullback position again if he was in there.
How about props to B Lloyd? He was bringing it last night. That one catch was unbelievable.
How much did you love Matty's nonchalant flip to the referee after scoring. And Kyle's muff of a spike after his TD run. "Employee #18 picking them up and putting them down." Devin seems to be subscribing to the Roy Williams School of 1st Down Indicating. Not sure how keen I am on that. Did those of you with NFL Network see the hilarious interview after the game with Devin and Briggs? I'm not sure anyone sitting there could decipher what Devin was saying, but they all played along - just great to see our guys having fun after a well-earned win.
I agree with all of Urlacher's post, and especially with wanting to see what Debbie - no, scratch that - Danieal Manning could do returning punts. He is a long strider that moves his feet incredibly quickly, and does it all with power. Let's try it, and better do it now while Devin is flush with the success of his receiving and won't be too upset by it. I thought Devin was past his returning booboos but that run straight backwards was pure insanity that cost us 10. So he hasn't learned, and likely won't.
I think you could do that right now and still bring him back for next year - but right now Manning gives us a better chance than Devin does. And the good news is, THERE IS A RIGHT NOW THAT MEANS SOMETHING!!!
YESSSS!!!!
December 12, 2008
#22 animal said . . .Rancid, we won that game with our best offensive player hurting bad, and at far below his best. If you don't believe that you need to watch again. Forte has more nad than anyone on the team, yes he played through it, but he was not capable of cutting like he normally does.
It took scrambling to get that done, it took using a lot of people, and they got it done. 20 offensive points isn't bad. I think if Matty hadn't had his injury, runs would have been featured much more.
December 12, 2008
#23 mikebdot said . . .not to be overlooked: Forte set the Bears record for receptions by a rookie.
Not the Bears record for rookie running backs: The record for ALL Bears rooks, TEs and WRs, etc.
Wow.December 12, 2008
#24 animal said . . .Why don't we put Manning in at WR next year?
Sorry, that was just a thought that was too funny not to share.
Phil: I think everyone is generally in favor of a Forte/AP backfield or Forte/KJ backfield (if they'd actually suit up the bastard), regardless of whether or not they are called "FB". Our fullbacks are worthless. McKie has been worthless since I can remember and this backup guy isn't any better. He doesn't seem to block any better either. AP delivers hits and has quite a bit of experience blocking. We've had a long series of awful fullbacks and it really upsets me. The position is underused, but our O-linemen are not anywhere near as good as you think providing lanes for the FB to get to the next level to put a helmet on a linebacker or, better yet, a safety.
Kreutz almost gave the game away. We have a play like that every single game and it's a new person every week. It's so damned frustrating.
I really hope in these 10 days Orton can finally rest up his ankle enough to kick Packer ass.
December 12, 2008
#25 Nick said . . .The jury is out on this Hester thing.
He is on pace for about 50 catches, 650 yards, 3 or 4 TDs...We need to look back and see what we were hoping to get from him. Those aren't bad numbers, reminiscent of Berrian in 06. He is our best WR and biggest threat, which is what we hoped he would become.
I would say if this turns into a 70 catch, 1000 yard, 8 TD year next year (reasonable projections really considering his numbers this year) we would all accept that we traded a top returner for a top WR, and that's good for our team.
December 12, 2008
#26 jdawg said . . .The first half of the game was awesome! Sometimes you forget how much fun it is rooting for a dominating Bears team. The second half...we all know.
Question: Does anyone else think Chris Collinsworth is a piece of shit? In my mind he is the worst announcer in the history of the NFL. I get so tired of him talking about his playing days saying, "When I was playing I did..." or "If I were still playing I would do this differently." I watched the game for the love of the Chicago Bears, but had to endure this asshole's negativity. I think I was more mad at Collinsworth than I was at 'sheed for dropping that pass creating an interception.
December 12, 2008
#27 NY Bears Fan said . . .regarding the coaching
I think the problem lies with the asst. coaches. I've read lately that Lovie has been personally coaching players. I think he's responsible for D. Manning's emergence as a nickel back, personally spending one-on-one time with him. I think he schooled 54 and 55 after the 40hd NO TD run. I also believe that Lovie knows his shit on the D side of the ball. If he could clone himself 4 times our D would be top 5. You hear and read a lot about poor technique, especially on the D line and secondary. That's poor coaching.
Anyhoo, start Earl Bennett.
December 12, 2008
#28 BearDown1982 said . . .Regarding the issues with the down field throws to Hester by Orton you have consider the wind was blowing 15-20mph, in the NFL Network pre game papers were flying all over the place. The Saints didn’t even try to throw the long ball at all.
The Fullback Davis had a good run after the pass down by the goal line where he bounced off of a few guys and got an extra 3-5 yards that setup the Orton TD he did screw up on the pass that Kyle threw to him and wasn’t paying attention.
I loved the interview after the game with the NFL Network guys, Hester and Briggs. Did anyone else get the feeling that Deion wanted to start speaking for Devin so that they could understand what the hell he was talking about?
You all mentioned Anthony Adams a few times, he played great but I think props go out to Israel Idonije as well he played a great game as well. They should have continue to blitz more in the second half. With the 3rd and longs in the first half they brought more pressure but sat back and let Breeze pick them apart on the same plays in the second. That is my only gripe with defensive coaching in the second half. The Bears are still alive but they better not lay an egg next game.
December 12, 2008
#29 DaBears Win! said . . .As someone who was lucky enough to be at the game last night...I must say that it actually was not windy at all. It was probably the most comfortable I have ever been at a winter Bears game in my lifetime as a result.
I wouldn't blame Orton's bad deep throws to Hester on the wind...he just missed him. But, I'd say they are due to hit one in stride one of these weeks. Here's to hoping.
December 12, 2008
#30 Prefontaine said . . .Phil,
While I don't fully agree with your assessment of the coaching (they did an adequate job while the players finally met some of our expectations) I fully agree with your discussion in #9 about moving the Original AP to fullback. (I suggested it a few weeks ago.) AP is an excellent blocker, receiver and runner. His attitude has always been Team-First. He'd be a match-up nightmare for defenses. Especially in combination with Forte.Go Cards!
Bear Down, Chicago Bears!
December 12, 2008
#31 Max said . . .Phil - Didn't take a quarter and a half off??? What do you call the 3rd and 12 minutes of the 4th???
Please. I love this team too but quit drinking the Kool-Aid, your embarrassing yourself and spilling all over the place.
Ron Turner for Clemson O.C. 2009
December 12, 2008
#32 Nick said . . .PHIL - I AGREE!!!!!!
... well not really, but i just wanted to make you feel better.
The good:
- The D-line
- Hester as a receiver
- D-Manning (i hate being that guy that gives himself props, but i wrote in the last thread to watch out for Manning returnin kicks this game)
- Dave Toub
- B-Lloyd is a pimp
- Mike Brown is Mike BrownThe bad:
- KO's long passes
- Second half play calling
- Olin and his snaps
- Dez and his drop in the endzone before the KO touchdown runThe ugly:
- Rashied. . .
Rashied Rashied Rashied. . . my man. . . what happened? In the preseason you looked good. You have made some big catches for this team over the past two years. . . but the past three weeks. . . Im hurting. I have been in your corner the whole time. But when i was watching highlights of the second half and saw that play. . . I know the pass was a little behind you, but that INT is still on you. You cannot allow that to happen. Your better than this. . . arent you? Please get improve soon.Bear down.
December 12, 2008
#33 Max said . . .The super ugly...Chris Collinsworth
December 13, 2008
#34 Anna from WI said . . .Word Nick. . . word
December 13, 2008
#35 Willie from Chicago said . . .Hi guys! Longtime reader, first time commenter. Being a rookie to the blogging world, I'm going to avoid being too controversial (I'll come out of my shell eventually). I do have to say that I appreciate Jeff's optimism and despite playing a pretty bad and depleted New Orlean's defense, last night I saw the best overall Bears time I've seen in a while. Yeah, I had approximately three heart attacks (nothing new there), but the bottom line is we got the "W" and hope is still alive.
Mikedbot - I thought I did see Hillenmeyer on special teams - did anyone else notice this? I too am glad Roach is in, he definitely deserves to be there.
I need another thing cleared up: At the start of the second half, I could have sworn Collinsworth reported that despite Forte's toe injury, Lovie said #22's touches on the ball would not be limited or restricted in any way. By the end of regulation time he had something like 10 touches for 26 yards. Now I know we don't want to run Forte into the ground, especially if he's even slightly injured, but with five minutes left, up by four, do we really need to attempt to throw it TWICE in a row? It clearly did nothing for us on first down, let's run it a little when it makes sense.
On a positive note, I was listening to the score on my way to work this morning, and a guy called in (who had been watching the game on nfl.com) and said that after orton threw the second pick, he and the rest of the offense was looking pretty down (I would hope so) on the sidelines. Apparently a fan in the stands behind them yelled "this is our year!!" and orton kind of looked over his shoulder, peered out of the corner of his giant poncho, got a gleam in his eye and ran out onto the field with a fire under his ass. Now, take this little cheesy story for what it's worth, but I think we can all agree on one thing: BEAR DOWN!
FYI - I will be purchasing a cardinals jersey this weekend, wearing it proudly all day Sunday (almost as proudly as I would have been wearing my Briggs jersey), and proceed to sell it on ebay by Sunday night (when it will be worth more after they win).
December 13, 2008
#36 Willie from Chicago said . . .Animal, how did your team do in the tournament?
December 13, 2008
#37 Willie from Chicago said . . .That was the most boring commentary I've ever herd from a football game, where is Joe Buck when you need him?
December 13, 2008
#38 Z said . . .Good to have you on board Anna!
December 13, 2008
#39 Rancid said . . .The AP idea is brilliant. Mismatch nightmare for opponents and then we can drop our faux FB's and have another roster spot open for.....
Another WR. Maybe we would actually learn someday if a Benett, Rideau or Hass can actually play at all. I want literally anybody (somebody off the street if they all suck so bad) than to keep watching Davis drop pass after pass.
Maybe another Lineman on O. One that can open running lanes. Imagine the possibilities.
December 13, 2008
#40 Z said . . .I'm intrigued by all this. I hate RT, I think we won in spite of him, and I shall not be moved. I want Jeff's opinion. Are you sober yet Jeff?
December 13, 2008
#41 jay said . . .While I agree with Phil that seeing the deep ball to stretch the D and make them think about it a little more and hammering our TE's that no D can keep up with all night was great to see, I see it as more of a thank god, what the fuck have you been waiting for you dumb ass as a box of rocks, dropped on your head as a baby (and maybe even some as an adult) baffoon.
I mean did he just get the scouting report on our own O this week. Didn't know Devin was as fast as a cheetah and that we have Tea Time huh?
I was upset and apprehensive again during the 3rd Q and the start of the 4th as he just tried to hold the lead and tried to burn 30 minutes of clock up. I feel our team is still very much having to win in spite of our coaches more often than they are being put in positions to excel because of the coaches.
I think on D we have been blessed with some guys getting some opportunities now that weren't before and getting it done and making things better and easier for the rest of the D. Still we made the #1 offense in the NFL look pretty ordinary for the most part so hard to bitch. Except for the O's Turnovers this could have been almost a shutout.
ST not sure about. Our coverage seemed much, much better. Maynard seems to be in a groove. Manning has been a blessing. I agree again with Phil that this may be the week to turn the punt returns over to him also and just tell #23 that we need him 100% focused on O these last 2 monster games so as to not damage his confidence. And Gould is worth every penny. Or bullion. Whatever happened Toub. Do it again.
It's all about AZ now. Anna from WI, welcome. I was stuck in WI for a long time and have many Pack friends. I would love to call and text them all after a big Monday night Bears win. I feel any pain you may be going through in the land of cheese. That is hardcore to buy a jersey of the team that you need to beat your team's enemy.
Bear Down All!!
December 13, 2008
#42 Shady said . . .manning was drafted for special teams in the first place. I dont want to watch hester retreat on every punt or kickoff, pull him and let daniel do his job.
December 13, 2008
#43 Rancid said . . .Phil I swear I thought I was gonna come on here and have to defend Lovie, Turner and Babich, but I was pleasantly surprised to see a critic finally give props to the same guys he's been ripping all year.
It's easy to blame the coaches when things go badly, but it's not as easy to give 'em credit for helping out in a big victory. The coaches didn't have a perfect game, but they took chances and actually acted as if the game meant something.
Lovie isn't going to change his coaching style when the proverbial shit hits the fan with the team. Every year I'm beginning to learn, either the ball bounces your way or it doesn't. You can call up the same damn plays on any game day and either it works or it doesn't. If and when it doesn't, you look like an ass, but when it does work, you look brilliant. All you can do is put your players in the best position to make plays, from there it's all up to the players.
Offensively, Ron Turner doesn't have a whole lot to work with and so far I've been impressed by what he has been able to accomplish with this unit.
Some quick hits:
Does Brandon Lloyd seem a bit strange to you during interviews?
Wolfe is done for the season, damn.
Where is Kevin Jones?
Hi Anna from WI.
I've become more scared of 3rd and 15 than I am of 3rd and 3.
I had Olin Kruetz and Rashied Davis as the goats for Thursday's game.
Cedric Benson needs to shut the fuck up.
I swear Matt Forte and Derrick Rose are the same kid sent to save Chicago sports fans.
This offense went pass happy in the 2nd half and somehow it ended up working for them. Maybe they wanted to use subterfuge or something because I wasn't able to guess the play like I had been able to all season. I'm sure you guys know what I'm talking about. All year people have been asking for the Bears to stop crawling into their hole of predictable play calling when leading the game. It seemed like the bears remained aggressive in all phases of the game and made enough plays to win the game.
Orton seems to have success in the short passing game (when he's not throwing the ball to Fujita) especially with Forte, G-Reg, Dez and Hester underneath. But his deep ball leaves something to be desired. He has plenty of arm strength, but he's not going out there and throw bombs. Hester was WIDE open on that last PI call and the ball was under thrown and lead to a flag. I'm afraid to say KO hasn't looked great since his injury, but he has shown the ability to get it going when it matters, and sometimes that's all you need.
December 13, 2008
#44 Anna from WI said . . .Shady - "This offense went pass happy in the 2nd half and somehow it ended up working for them. " Here's the drives from the second half:
Clock TOP Start Plays Yds Result
08:31 4:05 CHI 16 8 35 Interception
03:44 1:54 CHI 33 3 6 Punt
09:07 1:36 CHI 41 4 6 Downs
05:29 0:12 CHI 43 2 0 Interception
03:05 3:05 CHI 30 13 60 Field GoalWe had one decent drive, in a 2 minute drill to end the second half. That's it. How can any offense that puts up 3 points per half be considered as "it worked"? I'm not buying it. I don't have issue with Babich and I'm becoming convinced that Lovie is more the tonesetter and gives his OCs a ton of control so I'm not trashing him either. I just can't understand why we are vindicating a man who has screwed the Bears with head up his ass playcalling time and time again because in one half of football, against a bad defense, in five drives, he put up 107 yards and a field goal! It defies reason! It's like giving Bush cresit for low gas prices. Hey he was in charge when it happened right? Guess we were wrong before, he's must be a genius. Bullshit.
This whole thing is pissing me off because I don't want it to be the focus. The focus is that the Bears won, and we can still get in the playoffs. That should be the focus. But we saw this after the Arizona game, for a lot of people the rose colored glasses went back on because of a win. The reality was the issues were still there and Minny proved that to us. I want to win every week and that won't happen if the offense performs the way it did Thursday unless Manning can do that again every week. That's just how I see it.
December 13, 2008
#45 Rancid said . . .thanks willie, z and shady ... it is rough living in the land of the cheese (although, who doesn't love cheese?), especially since I teach 7th grade - I get it bad from the students AND their nut-job packer fan parents, but I definitely hold my own. The question is: which jersey should I go with tomorrow... Kurt Warner or Edgerrin James?
December 13, 2008
#46 Phil from SATX said . . .They make Edge jerseys? Definitely go Warner. Boldin? Fitz?
December 13, 2008
#47 Z said . . .Don't worry Rancid, we'll be able to put this behind us. Odds are solidly in your court - I'm quite sure I'll be back to hating RT, probably about 9 and 1/2 days from now.
Z, love your posts. That was more hilarious shit from you. Shady, the unpredictability of the play calls is what I'm talking about with RT. For once. And for once I felt like it wasn't the playcalling, but the execution, when the drives failed. When RT calls yet another FB dive, I don't blame its failure on our players. That sorry shit was doomed from the start. When the other team knows what you're going to call - that's called surefire failure, 9 out of 10 times. THAT'S normal RT. He was unpredictable in this game. And BTW, that DOESN'T mean I don't want him gone next year. One winning outcome doesn't reverse a career of futility.
Anna, good job girl! Way to bring it - and as mentioned, you know we need more posters on the distaff side. Keep it coming!
I didn't know that about Wolfe, he's become a key on special teams, but actually as the "deep safety" on the coverage squad his impact has been important because of the rest of the guys' failure - now everyone seems to be gelling and playing better, so I'm predicting he will not be missed as much as he would have earlier in the season.
On a different note, guess what I did last night?
AC/DC
Witnessed the best guitar stage performance I have ever seen, and I've seen a lot, and second wasn't even close. Somehow always missed these guys, and got to witness greatness with my 7th grade son.
What an experience. Do NOT miss them if you have a chance, no matter the cost.
I know this isn't Bears talk, but what the heck, we have 9 days to fill.
FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK, WE SALUTE YOU!!!!!
December 13, 2008
#48 Anonymous said . . .What Rancid said
December 13, 2008
#49 Bill from SATX said . . .were you drunk?
December 13, 2008
#50 Green Lantern said . . .This has been some fun reading! Great blog, Phil. I watched every crazy moment of that game and am glad we got the win. The one thing I will say about the offense is that Kyle Orton and Matt Forte should be the future of the backfield and tweak the holes. KO has been a pleasant surprise this year and Forte is awesome! The coaching does drive me crazy, but they finally got a passing grade from me for that game (since we won). The defense played alot better and I hope they continue to build. Hopefully, we can have some great Bears games to watch in January. BEAR DOWN!!!
December 13, 2008
#51 animal said . . .i also disagree, not so much on babich but turner...what took so long to get back to trying hester deep? how can you throw twice when you get the ball back with 5 minutes left? i'd say turner's job was average at best, and that the defense won this game by themselves. the offense really did nothing (return TD and short field on a return, and three turnovers?)
anyway, i know it's exciting, but keep in mind that if the vikings beat the cards tomorrow and then the falcons next sunday (yes not easy but possible) then they clinch the division before the bears even take the field monday night. the wild card would still be open just slightly but it would be unlikely.
so, root for the cards BIG TIME (obviously) or the division could be wrapped up by next monday. chicago people, we are getting the vikes-cards game at 3:00 on FOX. BEAR DOWN CARDINALS!
December 13, 2008
#52 Anna from WI said . . .willie thanks for asking- they are playing for 3rd place today. the kids are dissapointed because they were state runner-ups last year and had state champs on their minds. ah well, thats how it goes. our basketball team is perennially one of the top small schools teams in the state every year. their coach (my employee) is awesome except for one thing.... he is a Packer fan. Ugh. But he is good about it.
December 13, 2008
#53 Max said . . .alright, not that anyone REALLY cares, but I went with rancid's advice and got the fitzgerald jersey for two reasons: #1 he's from minny, so he'll stick it to 'em, and #2 he has the weirdest WR number ever, #11. I thought it could be a conversation piece.
BEAR DOWN!!!!
December 13, 2008
#54 Willie from Chicago said . . .Touche Anna. Fitz is insanely good
December 13, 2008
#55 Willie from Chicago said . . .Animal, that’s too bad dude, but good luck with your 3rd place game.
December 14, 2008
#56 Phil from SATX said . . .I wish our football team was competing for state titles, we cant even match up physically with the good schools like Glades Central or Royal Palm. I remember getting sacked about 13 times on average in those two games, and next year we are loosing our 2 best players, both of which will play division 1 football (Jon Bostic and Patrick O Donell.)
Guys, I’m considering not playing football in my junior year and playing on our golf team (which I am being recruited at a few schools because of) what do you guys think?
December 14, 2008
Bill in SATX, is that you, the Bill I know? You need to know this isn't my blog, I just stood in for the real Blogmaster, Jeff Hughes. He lives in New York but traveled to be at the game, and we're all awaiting his return and feedback. I'll probably be fired from future headlining gigs after he returns too.
Tonight I'm cancelling Xmas party plans and plan to re-watch the game. I'll be reassessing my somewhat giddy original post to see if I still agree with it today.
I'll revisit my comment about the Oline. We know they can't run block, and least not straight ahead. But they've been pretty much outstanding at pass blocking all year, with a notable exception in the Green Bay game. And I still blame RT for not adjusting protection for it. None of Kyle's three turnovers were the result of protection problems.
Do you remember what it was like last year? Those guys couldn't run OR pass block, and Fred Milller was called for false starts in at least 20% of his plays (at least it sure felt like that). This year, Kreutz hasn't been bad at the snap miscues, just awful at his principal job, bl0cking. He picked a bad time and place to revisit that old problem, though.
Go Cards! YOU CAN DO IT!!! YOU'RE NOT THE LOSERS YOU ONCE WERE!!!!!!!
(not sure if I believe that but I'm trying to be supportive here) (shhh, don't tell them I said that)
December 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.