Because it can't all be bad for a team that won more games than they lost in 2008, I sat down this morning to make a list of the best plays of 2008. I went through the schedule game-by-game, consulted the post archives and even looked through some old beat columns in the major papers (they were, of course, unhelpful). Something became very clear after about an hour: it was all three guys. So instead I'm writing a column about them.
The Honorably Mentioned: Kyle Orton's first half, Robbie Gould's clutch field goals, Brad Maynard's improved punting in bad weather, Devin Hester's ascension to consistent wide receiver, Roberto Garza's intensity.
The Three...
MATT FORTE
Matt Forte was the first Chicago Bear to have a signature play this year, scampering half a football field against the Indianapolis Colts for a career-launching touchdown. Forte showed a versatility the Bears haven't had in the backfield since Sweetness but it was a third-and-four close against the Philadelphia Eagles that defined Forte's season. If you want optimism in '09, look not further than the Double Deuce.
ALEX BROWN
Brown is not the prototypical edge rusher but when the Bears defensive line needed a big play in 2008...it was Brown who made it. He provided the two most important positive moments of the season: (1) a ferocious close-line tackle of Correll Buckhalter on the goal line and (2) the beyond-clutch block of a Mason Crosby game-winning field goal to keep the Bears alive into Week 17. Brown is a controversial figure inside Halas Hall - benched by Lovie during and extended by Jerry after a single season. In 2008 he proved the general manager correct. If the Bears are looking to upgrade the edges in 2009, they should start on the other side.
LANCE BRIGGS
Briggs made big plays and big tackles all season long. But one play defines him as a competitor.
2-2- (2:25) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 6-D.Orlovsky pass short left to 86-M.Gaines to CHI 44 for 6 yards (55-L.Briggs). FUMBLES (55-L.Briggs), RECOVERED by CHI-55-L.Briggs at CHI 44. 55-L.Briggs to CHI 44 for no gain (86-M.Gaines).In a ballgame the Bears were readying to lose to the Detroit Lions, Briggs made a vicious hit on the tight end, forced a fumble and recovered it himself. It was the kind of individual effort usually reserved for safeties on the Baltimore Ravens. Say what you want about this organization's inability to find a franchise quarterback. We know where they grow the linebackers.
#2 JDawg said . . .FIRST!
January 8, 2009
#3 jeff said . . .I think that run, near the Bears end zone, that Forte willed for a first down against the Eagles was better than his TD run.
January 8, 2009
#4 jdawg said . . .jdawg, click the link.
January 8, 2009
#5 Rancid said . . .oops -- as Willy Wonka would say, strike that, reverse it.
January 8, 2009
#6 Anna in WI said . . .It's about time we got at least a little positive. After a few games we began to take Forte for granted. A year ago at this time we expected to be starting CB. It's a good season just based on him.
January 8, 2009
#7 Bill from SATX said . . .Completely agree with those three.. I'm a huge fan of Lance Briggs and am so glad he's finally starting to stand out and get recognition instead of being overshadowed by Urlacher.
If you haven't seen the interviews with Briggs on CB-TV with Greg Miller.. they're GOLD. Still can't stop laughing every time I watch. Here is the one from this year:
http://www.chicagobears.com/multimedia/multimediapopup.asp?mm_file_id=1219&play_clip=YWhile hilarious, I think the one from last year's even better. I can't find it anywhere on the website. anyone?!
January 8, 2009
#8 zisk said . . .Jeff, you hit it on the head with not only the three, but also the honorables. While the big 3 were producing big, without Gould's clutch FG's we would have been eliminated long before we were. I enjoyed watching Alex Brown this year. He was almost a cast off and instead of calling it in, he proved he belongs with the Bears.
January 8, 2009
#9 BearDown1982 said . . .Honerable mention I would add manning with his touchdown celebration at the 50 yard line.
January 8, 2009
#10 big rob said . . .Zisk, I agree...Manning's TD return against Nawlins was a classic. Honestly, I almost enjoy watching his return style more than Devin Hester (06-07 of course). A runaway locamotive coming right at you! I only wish we could find an athlete like that a true position.
It was certainly a gut wrenching season with plenty of ups and downs. Although, it was pretty damn memorable for one in which the Bears didn't even make the playoffs. I guess we can take small solace in that at least.
January 8, 2009
#11 Rancid said . . .beardown1982..... 3 words for you my friend....
Victor "MACHO" Harris
VT CB.... 1/2nd round draft stud.....
Like Devin but can play corner like a champion!!
January 8, 2009
#12 animal said . . .Ah, the playoffs. One of the greatest times of year for Bears fan as we get to spend it by beginning to scour the college ranks for the next guy the Bears won't draft. I'm trying to remember the names of all the guys I spent hours looking at and researching and stumping on here for. We didn't take any of them. We took some guy named Forte instead. Oh well, I'm doing it again anyway.
January 8, 2009
#13 The Ghost of Halas said . . .glad to be positive. Lets see how many posts we can go without getting negative.
I psyched for next year- o-line is improving and adding a bonus 1st round pick, we have a solid young QB and RB, and a D that should be re-vamped, younger and have some additions (like a big-time safety).10 or 11 wins is within reach. Bear Down and draft Taylor Mays.
January 8, 2009
#14 Shady said . . .Interesting.
The New Orleans Saints fired Defensive Coordinator Gary Gibbs after the Saints defense was ranked 23rd in 2008 and 26th in 2007.
Interesting. Perhaps the Bears should look at that. Perhaps the Bears should look at the Tribune poll of yesterday in which 96% of those who voted favored the removal of Bob Babich.
January 8, 2009
#15 Reverend Dave said . . .Bob Babich is the new Ron Turner.
January 8, 2009
#16 zisk said . . .just talking exclusively about great plays, Marty Booker's one handed catch was one of the greatest plays in the league this year. It certainly was indicative over his overall play this year but it was one of the greatest catches I have ever seen a Bear receiver make.
January 8, 2009
#17 shonbear said . . .Lloyd had a bunch of great catches too. I especially loved the one where I bounced off his hands and then he did that ridiculous dive to get it on the second effort.
January 9, 2009
#18 John said . . .Larry Mayer posted his "possitive" spin on Da Site.
whatever
January 9, 2009
#19 cbears said . . .My favorite play was that 99 yard touchdown catch by bernard berrian in the minny-chicago game that ultimately crushed "da bears" hopes of winning the division.
January 9, 2009
#20 Rancid said . . .can we please get john out of here?
January 9, 2009
#21 Idonije said . . .I hope you enjoyed watching that catch John, it was expensive. Your queens made Btwice the third highest paid receiver in the league (13.7 mill) and he finished 24th among wide receivers. You paid top dollar for a solid number 2 receiver. So I hope you enjoyed that catch. Now your teams broke and you can't afford anyone to throw the ball. Or are you still clinging to the hope that TJax doesn't suck as much in person as he does on TV?
January 9, 2009
#22 Bill from SATX said . . .Hey John...eat a dick
January 9, 2009
#23 Murph said . . .John,
The only reason the Queens were in the playoffs is that Detroit let them win, especially the last time, and the Giants were too busy wondering what to do on their Bye Week. You have a broke team and they will not even come close to the playoffs next year. Without AP, they might have been the first 0-16 team. BEAR DOWN!January 9, 2009
#24 CA BEAR FAN said . . .Louis Murphy would look good catching deep balls for the Bears next year...be nice to have some kin on the Bears.....hell I'd take half that Gator team on the Bears. Alex Brown sure enjoyed that game....whatta smile cheering them on the sidelines!!! Man I know the sooners lost but that Sam Bradford is one awesome QB.
January 9, 2009
#25 jdawg said . . .Hey JOHN, My favorite game was when the bears beat the Queens in that 48-41 shootout.....HAHAH JOHN YOUR AN IDIOT....The Eagles beat you guys in the playoffs......hahah and guess what THE BEARS BEAT THE EAGLES.....hahaha FUCK YOU!!!BEAR DOWN
January 9, 2009
#26 Anonymous said . . .I would ignore John
Started to watch the offensive highlights at the official site and turned it off half way. Hard to get enthusiastic seeing the TDs against the Buc already knowing the outcome of the game.
January 9, 2009
#27 animal said . . .Hell yeah...your stuff's on the Bears Football News section of SI.com now rather than just the blog section.
keep up the great columns
January 9, 2009
#28 Anonymous said . . .for you newer guys...
guys like john always show up. they are usually douche bags from some shithole town with Bears envy, tired of wearing puke green or bitch purple jerseys to their jobs at the local gay bar.We are not kicking them off- in fact, they provide spice, controversy and plenty of chances to point out how much dick they suck and how much their teams suck.
Get use to them and have fun with it. Remember that after John gets done visiting our blog, he has someone's nuts resting on his chin.January 9, 2009
#29 Urlacher FTW said . . .Rancid,
Your response #20 to John was brilliant.
January 9, 2009
#30 big ten speed said . . .Imagine how bad the Cowboys fans must feel. I mean what do they discuss as far as needs? Umm Franchise QB, check ; top 5 NFL RB, check; Top NFL TE, check; Top 3 WR, check; Top Pass rushing DE, check. Or even the Pack fans who have signed their Franchis QB, have arguably the top WR crew in the NFL, two pro bowlers in the secondary. I guess maybe they can say they need a TE but realistically; I think I'd rather have our situation where we know why we missed the playoffs and we have glaring defenciencies that we can address. What does Indy do... well same bat time same bat channel next year and we just try to beat SD in the playoffs then.
January 9, 2009
#31 Urlacher FTW said . . .other positives for Da Bears:
Rookie DT Marcus Harrison's play
Daniel Manning's KR flashes
Second-year TE Greg Olsen's continued development
Tiny Garrett Wolfe finds a home on STJanuary 9, 2009
#32 Al In WI said . . .Ya know, I guess I am just a prick, but everytime they put some fuzzy crap about other bear fans or who is wearing pink on Sunday or some player's wives association is doing a blood drive on the front page of the Bears main site; I think "who gives a flyin crap"? Post things about... the Bears, football, and transactions. I would much rather read about Mayers Draft forecast or who he is watching in the playoffs, I just don't log on to a football home page to find out about other crap going on the community.
January 9, 2009
#33 Sdwat51 said . . .Interesting article about Grossman's future. I think the headline is midway through the piece when Berrian is quoted as saying he would have stayed in Chicago had Grossman been named the the starter for 2008.
http://rex-grossman-news.newslib.com/story/5363-3169061/January 9, 2009
#34 cbears said . . .Urlacher FTW
I'm a bigger prick than you...
I can't stand women being employed as sideline or NFL reporters - and that includes Tony Kornheiser.
So there.
January 9, 2009
#35 The Ghost of Halas said . . .As long as he dosent turn into another mike, that guy was a PRICK
January 10, 2009
#36 animal said . . .I hate this part of the season. The Bears aren't in the playoffs. It's 1:04 a.m. and I'm searching for some iota of Bears information to read. No new blogs. Sun Times has nothing except a report that Rod Marinelli might be a Bears coach (oh joy!). Tribune has nothing. The Bears' website has propaganda. ESPN is ESPN.
I hate this part of the season.
January 10, 2009
#37 Rancid said . . .This thread is boooring.
I should start a fight with someone and make it ugly.
How can any "Honorable mentions" not mention the development of Corey Graham into our best corner? Nobody on this blog knows shit.
Let me educate:
Our D is OLD AND PAID. This era is O-VAH.
We need Harrison, Payne, Graham and the other promising young guys to develop around our "vet" Briggs. We need Manning to find a position to use all that talent. We need Okwo or Jamaar to become a real linebacker, and Anderson to re-discover how to be a dominant pass rusher.
Mike Brown? Tillman? Vash the Gash? Wale? 54? Old. Done. Time to re-build.January 10, 2009
#38 In defense of Marinelli said . . .I'm pretty sure Okwo's not an option since we released him prior to this season.
January 10, 2009
#39 animal said . . .- The league is littered with men who failed as head coaches but who have been massively successful coordinators.
- Before the 0-16 season, it looked like Marinelli might actually turn the Lions around. Remember they beat us twice last year before imploding late in the season. Remember Kitna looked like a decent qb for a while.January 10, 2009
#40 animal said . . .Thanks Rancid. Although I was drunk, bored and filled with disgust about spending another off season speculating, Ill stick with my core point- we need to focus on rebuilding an aging defense to go with our talented youthful offense (KO, Forte, Olsen, Hester, Williams)
January 10, 2009
#41 animal said . . .Breaking news on the Bears signing a coach...
January 10, 2009
#42 animal said . . .Marinelli Assistant HC/ D-line coach
stuck with Babich.
January 10, 2009
#43 animal said . . .Im psyched for this Titans-Ravens game.
Why? Bears blueprint type teams. Think we can't win with KO? Watch Collins and Flacco.
January 10, 2009
#44 The Chicago Way said . . .What do all of these top playoff teams have that we don't on O?
Surprise: Its NOT a top WR (Baltimore, Tennessee don't). It is the two back system. McClain and McGahee. White and Johnson. Stewart and Williams. Even James and Hightower.
We need a 230-250 lb. smash your ass, run you over back to spell Forte, soften the D for him, and get those tough short yards (I know Matte can do all that, but he can't continue to do it all alone.)January 10, 2009
#45 animal said . . .In keeping with tradition of the Chicago political scence; Daley Jr., being mayor; Todd Stroger replacing his father as county board president; Lovie Smith hired his buddy Rod Marinelli, who, undoubtedly, will bring his son-in-law Joe Barry with him to coach Urlacher and crew.
We'll see how this works out, but it seems that when Lovie hires his buddies, we are not as good as we could be on the field. What ever happened to hiring the best person for the position that is available?
January 10, 2009
#46 Rancid said . . .VERY interesting.
"Though several teams wanted him as a defensive coordinator, Marinelli wanted to only coach along the line, which is his specialty."http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3823723
Is Babich alive only because Marinelli didn't want his job? Wow.
January 10, 2009
#47 The Ghost of Halas said . . .Well, Justin Gage tearing it up. 6 receptions for 95 yards in the first half. Man we suck at evaluating WRs.
January 10, 2009
#48 animal said . . .Animal, that is an interesting observation about the 2-Back system on a lot of playoff teams' offense. But I would like to add on, that most of the 2-Back systems are supported by a better-than-average Offensive Line. Something which Chicago lacks.
January 10, 2009
#49 animal said . . .You are right- Tennessee, NYG, Carolina have some good o-lines.
Our o-line is solid and on the rise. Beekman and Williams are forming a young core, St. Clair is a great backup at 4 positions, and I am hoping we upgrade this year by adding some players.
We need a better second option than our hero AP.Can we have Justin Gage back now, please?
January 11, 2009
#50 Bears Fanatic said . . .With the two-backs, I somehow failed to mention Bradshaw and Jacobs, the first pair to each go over 1000 in ages.
Im good with the Marienelli hire. We get a guy good enough that we wanted him as D-coordinator a few years back, good enough to be a head coach (ya I know the record), who will now focus specifically on the area he knows best, with one unit of the D.
This unit (D-line) seems to be very talented but always underachieving/hurt. Brown, Wale, Anderson at D-end. Tommie, Dusty, Adams, Harrison at D-tackle. Izzy at anywhere you need him to be. Seems like a unit that SHOULD do a lot more.January 11, 2009
#51 NY Bears Fan said . . .First post but have read for some time. Love this site compared to the pr-laden bears website and haugh-dominated tribune.
I agree with the two-back system comment. We took that strategy to the SB when our line played decent. Hoping KO can become consistent, along with the rest of the offense.
D needs a new identity. Cover 2 only works with a dominant D-line, so why not go with something more flexible, like a 3-4? Then you can use 54, 55, etc. to come off the edge more when needed. Patriots use it and simply plug in whatever players they have. System is flexible and can show a lot of different looks. Won't happen with the Bears brain trust, but maybe Marinelli can work some magic to improve our d-line and the turnovers will be back anyway. In order to be positive, that's what I'll tell myself for the next 7 months or so until we find out. Already can't wait until September.January 11, 2009
#52 NY Bears Fan said . . .This has been a fun game to watch. Animal I agree with you that we need to bring in a good back to complement Forte. Its also obvious that we should not draft a receiver since the Bears cannot assess or develop the talent at that position. Address the O-Line and defensive positions and if we can pickup a good receiver in FA then do that. The Bears apparently missed the mark on Gage, he has done a great job tonight.
January 11, 2009
#53 animal said . . .I remember a lot of Bears fans on the site being high on Joe Flacco last year. I am an SIU alumni and I watched him play in the SIU/Delaware game last December in the semifinals and he looked good then and he beat SIU on his own.
I do think that the one no-call with the play clock expiring allowed the Ravens to make it down the field to score but the Titans blew several opportunities with turnovers.
January 11, 2009
#54 Test said . . .My new strategy to sign good WRs: Re-sign guys we cut who became productive. Gage, Bradley, Berrian, Moose, Engram, Wade, whoever.
Seriously, we could have a young core right now of Bradly, Berrian and Gage. Ugh.
January 11, 2009
#55 Sdwat51 said . . .http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3823723
Marinelli to coach Bears' D-line
January 11, 2009
#56 HesterFan23 said . . .Appropos of nothing, I suppose, but, still, I thought the news blurbs on SI's NFL page for each team was odd, in a seredipitous sort of way.....quotes as follows, per team:
BEARS: Marinelli agrees to join Bears coaching staff
LIONS: Bench warrant possible for Lions' Jordon Dizon
VIKINGS: Finding a QB Vikings' top priority
PACKERS: Former team president Jones battles back
LINK: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/
I didn't read any of the stories, but, given our own QB issues, the Marinelli saga, and - less connected - the Favre "battle to know" in NY, it all just struck me as odd.January 11, 2009
#57 Shady said . . .Marinelli will also be the assistant head coach. This move really makes it look like Babich is staying because he would have otherwise been the DC.
January 11, 2009
#58 enderwiggin said . . .How the hell can a D-Line coach also be an assistant head coach?
January 11, 2009
#59 CA BEAR FAN said . . .Its easy Shaydy. If the DLine coach was a former roomie with the current head coach, then the familiarity of his anal gland stench automatically makes him an ASSistant. See?
January 11, 2009
#60 You guys are idiots said . . .hahahahahahaha you funny motherfucker!
January 11, 2009
#61 cbears said . . .A lot coaches that aren't called coordinators are called assistant head coaches.
January 11, 2009
Babich.... dance puppet dance. I think Rod Marinelli is gonna call the shots at least 80% of the time.
January 11, 2009
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