Friday, December 4, 2009

The Chris Harris Effect

It's easy to put the blame on a lot of things or people for this disastrous Chicago Bears season. You can blame the coaching, the players, or even Jay Cutler. But what if a simple trade that Jerry Angelo made in the 2007 training camp was never made? What if they would have kept this particular player instead of letting him go because the position was "full"? Let's find out.

The Bears traded safety Chris Harris to the Carolina Panthers during training camp 2007. Angelo said the trade was made because we were too deep at safety. But are you ever really to deep at a position? Especially with a guy that started at safety since his rookie year.

In Harris rookie year of 2005, Harris recorded three interceptions along with 48 tackles and two fumble recovery's. Not bad for a rookie, huh?

In 2006 Harris was a key member of a defense that was one of the best in the NFL. A high flying defense that shut down opposing teams, and struck fear into opposing teams eyes. With Mike Brown going down after the historic Arizona game, Harris became the primary safety on the defense. He finished with two interceptions and 44 tackles in 11 games.

So what would happen if the Bears didn't trade Harris and kept him? Let's go to week 2 of the 2008 NFL season.

The Chicago Bears are playing the home team Carolina Panthers. Bears leading by 11 in the third quarter, Panthers safety Chris Harris strips tight end Greg Olsen leading to a Jonathon Stewart four yard touchdown to make it 17-13 Bears. A huge momentum swing back to the Panthers who eventually won the game.

See the thing is, Harris led the NFL with eight forced fumbles in 2007, and two in 2008. Pretty good numbers for a safety.

The Bears would eventually miss the playoffs by one game. So if they beat the Panthers instead of Chris Harris the former Bear beating them, they would have finished 10-6 and a wild card birth. Playing the Giants in the first round.

Who knows if the Bears would have beat the Giants? Nobody knows to be exact. But with the way the Bears were playing towards the end of the season last year, anything could happen.

That leads me to make next possible point.

Say the Bears do make the playoffs. It doesn't matter if the Bears win or lose in the playoffs, but does Jerry Angelo make the trade for Jay Cutler? Does he give up the draft picks for a stable quarterback? Or do they stick with Kyle Orton who leads them to the playoffs in 2008?

Maybe the Bears stick with Orton, and then have their first round pick in 2009. Needing an offensive threat, the Bears take... let's say Percy Harvin?

Harvin is having a pretty good rookie year for a solid Vikings team. He might be producing the same as a Bear with Kyle Orton. And the Bears did need a threat at the wide out spot. Only makes sense they draft him.

So maybe Urlacher is right. Maybe we have changed our identity because of our new quarterback. Are we a better team for the future with Cutler? Yes we are. But would our "identity" stay the same with Kyle Orton? Yes it would.

I'm not saying Cutler is the reason we suck, I cant blame everything on him. There is numerous reasons why we are doing bad. But could a trade that happened two years ago effect us this much?

That's for you to decide.


Just a little Chris Harris video.




Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Special Edition: Top 10 Bears Players From This Decade-- #10

I've started a new thing for my blog. On Thursdays I will be doing a countdown of the top 10 Bears players from this past decade. Seeing that the decade is about over, I decided it only be best to do it now and have it end right when the decade does.

I did #10 on a Wednesday, well because tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Instead of blogging, I'm going to be filling and stuffing my body with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other assorted Thanksgiving foods.

This list was based on what the player accomplished in this decade for the Chicago Bears. A minimum of two years must have been played in this decade.

Enjoy!

#10 Jim Miller QB (2008-2002)


Jim Miller played with several NFL teams in his career, but the most noticeable was the Chicago Bears. He had only played two games with the Steelers, before earning the staring job with the Bears.

Miller ran the Bears offense through that magical 2001 season. Sure you can say the Defense was the highlight of that team, but Miller never made the mistakes at quarterback to hurt his team. Even the fans liked him. Crowning the nickname "It's Miller Time" during that season.

Of the 19 or so quarterbacks Chicago has had since McMahon, Miller is top five on that list, playing ability.

He posted his best season as a Bear in 2001, while playing a career high 14 games. Miller threw for 2,299 yards along with 13 touchdowns. He had 10 interceptions that season, but none of them really costing his team.

Miller led the Bears to the playoffs in 2001, and a playoff match up with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The game was competitive for the first half, until Hugh Douglas lay ed out Miller and separating his shoulder. Ending Miller's game, and the Bears season. Watching that game as a 12 year old kid I was heartbroken. I remember losing our quarterback and just knowing that game was over.

Jim Miller is recognized as number 10 because of how well he played as a Bear. He was a serviceable quarterback that could lead a team. What if he doesnt get hurt in that game and stays as the Bears quarterback? Who know's? Maybe the Bears win the game.

Miller now serves as a analyst for Bears Post Game Live on Comcast Sports Network Chicago. Check him out after every Bears game this year.

Monday, November 23, 2009

The Wheels Have Officially Fallen Off

RIP to the 2009 season for the Chicago Bears. It's over folks. You can give thanks to the Eagles, and Jay Cutler's ability to miss three wide open wide receivers that would have been touchdowns.

The Bears were hanging in the game early after being down 10-0. Robbie Gould hit 4 field goals to give the Bears a 12-10 lead in the third quarter. The Bears held the lead on a Cutler to Kellen Davis touchdown that made it 20-17 in the third quarter.

Donovan McNabb hit Desean Jackson on a huge touchdown play to give the Eagles a 17-12 lead, but Cutler drove the Bears right down the field to take a 20-17 lead. The Eagles responded late in the fourth though, as McCoy went in on a 9 yard run to make it 24-20 Eagles.

On the Bears next drive Jay Cutler missed a wide open Johnny Knox for a easy touchdown, and the Bears ran out of time at the end.

I really dont know who to blame it all on right now. Cutler? The offensive line?

My best guess is Ron Turner. He HAS to go. I'm getting sick of this playcalling and offensive scheme we run. It's doing nothing. A screen on third and 11 on your opening drive? Like the ESPN Monday night crew say, C'monnnn Mannnnn!

As long as Ron Turner and this offensive scheme is here, Cutler wont be successful. Plain and simple. Cutler is great at throwing out of the pocket, and we have nothing designed for that.

Please Chicago, beat Minnesota and salvage something.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Week 11 Preview: Eagles @ Bears, SNF


Devin Hester and the Bears are ready for the High Flying Eagles

The Bears are playing in prime time once again this season, and so far it hasn't been good. They are 0-3 in Sunday Night Football Games this season, and Cutler has played horrible in all three games. Losing to the Packers in Green Bay week 1, then losing to the Falcons in Atlanta week 6, and finally losing to the 49ers in San Fransisco in week 10. This time the Bears are at home, maybe that why Cutler has played bad in prime time.

Both teams desperately need a win. The Eagles are coming off a tough stretch in which they lost to the Cowboys and Chargers. To keep pace with Dallas in the NFC East the Eagles know this is a must win. For the Bears who are 4-5, if they want any shot at the postseason, they need to turn it around now. A win over the Eagles would move them to 5-5, and the worst they could be is one game back of the wild card.

But the Bears have looked horrible the past five games.

It's really going to take a all-around team effort to win this game, and right the ship. I have some doubt though, as whether or not this team is motivated well enough to win.

The Eagles have a high flying offense. Good news for the Bears though, they are one dimensional. Their run game isn't the same without Brian Westbrook so hopefully the Bears can take advantage of it.

The outcome of the game is going to rely on two things.

Number one: The Bears secondary vs. the Eagles passing attack. The Eagles have play makers all over the field in the passing game. Desean Jackson isn't someone to let run free either. They can score from almost anywhere on the field. It doesn't matter. It's now up to Peanut Tillman and the gang to shut that down. If they do, I believe the Bears will have success.

Number two: Jay Cutler. Pretty obvious huh? Cutler HAS to rebound and have a almost perfect game to gain confidence in the Bears fans and this team. It's going to be all on him to get this offense going. Hopefully Matt Forte gets on track. That will allow Cutler to have other options, rather than passing 35+ times a game.

Bottom line is which team wants it more and limits their mistakes. I believe whoever win's the turnover battle, will win the game.

Bear Down!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Bears @ 49ers Recap

This was a horrible game to watch. I couldn't take it anymore, and by the time the fourth quarter started, I began questioning this team's motivation.

The Bears defense played their hearts out. Props to them, they held the 49ers offense to just 10 points. In my opinion, good enough to win the game. They played "angry" and with something to prove. Too bad the offense couldn't.

As much as I want to put ALL the blame on Jay Cutler, I cant. Hear me out on this. The kid is a good player, he's tough, and got a good arm. He just forces the ball way too much. With no run game, he tries to do everything himself. Your going to through a lot of interceptions, when you throw the ball 35+ times a game.

He will be fine people. I'm sick of hearing people bash Cutler. I'm sick of people saying they would rather have Orton. You know what? Go be a Bronco's fan. Jay is our quarterback, now TRUST him.

We really need to establish a run game, and get a whole new offensive line.

Even with Cutler's bad game, we still had a chance to win it at the end, and couldn't. The mistakes killed this team. Something that has to change now, for a better future.

Not a lot to talk about on this game, because I want to move forward and forget about it. But the discipline on this team seems to be lacking. Tommie Harris, Mark Anderson and Chris Williams have all done things to hurt this team in the past weeks. It's up too you Lovie to put some discipline in this team.

Overall this was a bad game, for a team who seems to get bad as weeks go by. Corrections need to be made, and it starts with you Lovie Smith.

Until next time,

Bear Down.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Bears-Vikings game on November 19 moved to 4:15 EST



The November 19th game in Minnesota between the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings has been moved to 4:15 EST.

The NFL announced the change today. Their thought was this could be a huge game for the NFC North division. If the Bears beat the 49ers and Eagles, it could be.

I like having national televised primetime games. Not if we get killed though.

The full changes for Week 12 will be done by this Tuesday.

Week 10: Bears @ 49ers Preview


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Thursday Night Football makes its debut for the 2009 season, and for the third straight year the Bears play on TNF.

The good news for the Bears this week is that they get to play another game right away. After that horrendous loss at home against Arizona, that might be a bad thing actually.

The Bears are not in good shape for the division, let alone the playoffs. But there is always a chance. If they were going to make a serious run at the playoffs, it would have to be a wild card berth. So far the Bears are 0-2 against teams they trail in the wild card, Green Bay and Atlanta.

The Bears would need to win this game for a tie-breaker in case they have a shot at the wild card.

The Bears began a tough four game stretch last Sunday against the Cardinals with a loss. Not the way you want to start those out. They now have to play at San Fransisco, home against Philadelphia, then a crucial game at Minnesota. It's looking like the Bears will have to win all three of those games to stay alive.

The 49ers started off strong, before losing their last four games to give them a 3-5 record.

Mike Singletary has his team well prepared every week, something Lovie Smith should start doing.

The Bears are going to have to keep an eye out on Frank Gore. The 49ers running back has already posted a 200 yard game this season, and the way the Bears defense is playing, I could run for 100 yards on them. The matchup to watch is going to be linebacker Lance Briggs going against Gore both in the run and passing game. If Briggs gets blocked off and the Bears defense cant contain, Gore will make them pay.

The Bears need to control and fill their gaps properly in order to shut down a somewhat threat offense from the 49ers.

A concern I see for the Bears is matching up with tight end Vernon Davis. The Bears really dont have a good enough covering linebacker or safety to matchup with Davis, so the defensive line will need to get pressure and force Alex Smith to get the ball out and make bad decisions.

On the offensive side of the ball for the Bears once again it will depend on the run game. Last week we seen the Bears throw the ball on their first eight plays. They gave the Ball to Forte early, who had a couple nice runs, but after falling behined 21-7 the Bears abanded the run game. Something they cant do on Thursday.

It's going to be interesting to see how Cutler fares against a 49ers defense who has struggled, yet played well at times this season. Patrick Willis is going to cause problems for the Bears all game, it's going to be how the Bears handle him. If they can block him and take him out of plays, they will be successful in the air and on the ground.

This is a must win for Chicago. Get this win, and then take the next 10 days to prepare for a tough Philadelphia team followed by the Vikings.

If Chicago can get this win they will move to 5-4 and right in the middle of the wild card race. More importantly though, give this team and city some hope.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Week 9: Cardinals @ Bears Preview

The defending NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals come into Chicago to take on the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.

So far this season we have seen the good and the bad from the Bears. This team could be anything. One week they can make you feel good about yourself, and the next just make you want to watch a 24 hour Rosane marathon.

The Bears are fresh off a 30-6 victory over the semi-pro Cleveland Browns. While the Cardinals come off a tough loss to Carolina, a team they spanked in the playoffs last year.

This doesnt seem like the same Cardinals team that stole the NFL's hearts last season. Coming out of no where to almost winning the Super Bowl. A team with a ageless quarterback, and two young stud receviers who give defensive backs nightmares.


We all know what happend last time these two teams met....
This game is shaping up to being one of those you must watch. Not because of the game itself, but too see which identity of both these teams will show. Will it be the defensive minded Bears in their prime? Or the pass happy Cardinals? Actually, that would be one hell of a matchup.

Kurt Warner seems to be aging, look for the Bears to get pressure on him early. Force him into bad decisions and knock him down. Could be a huge game for A. Brown and A. Ogunleye.

The Bears continue to struggle with their offensive line, and that has to be fixed. If this team wants to win, the offensive line needs to play better.

The Cardinals defense should take advantage of the Bears weak offensive line, it will be Cutlers job to get the ball out quick. I'm expecting a lot of screens out quick out routes from the Bears.

The Bears offense must improve in the red zone as well, but most importantly the run game. Matt Forte just has not been himself this year. Last week he showed signs of breaking out of the slump, let's see if that continues.

I'm predicting a really good game. The Cardinals offense could click at anytime, but can the Bears offense score a lot?

One matchup to look forward too is going to be the Bears secondary against the Cardinals wide recievers. Charles Tillman has played well, and Bowman has played well enough. But they are going to be facing elite receivers this week in Fitz and Anquan.

This game is big for the NFC. A wild card tie breaker could be on the line, and from past experience (2008), the Bears need to win these games. It's at home and the crowd will be pumped up, lets see if the Bears are pumped up.

We all know what happened last time these two teams played....


Probably one of the best Bears games I have ever seen.

Bear Down!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Good to have a victory....but it's the Browns.




In a much needed win on Sunday, the Bears gave their fans something to be happy about. Even if it was against the lowly Cleveland Browns. On a day where the Bears honored the 10 year anniversary of the great Walter Payton's death, the defense shined for the Bears.

Matt Forte rushed for two touchdowns and Jay Cutler threw for over 200 yards to give the Bears a 30-6 win over the Browns.

The defense forced a couple turnovers, something we have not seen a lot of this season. Daniel Manning had a diving interception, along with a pick-six from Peanut Tillman to all but seal the game.

Still though, there was some negative spots along with this win.

The offensive line cant block anyone. Allowing a season high four sacks, and almost getting Cutler killed on a roughing the passer call in the second quarter. The offensive line must be improved, or this team wont get any better.

Matt Forte looked to be in sync as well. Going for 90 yards and two touchdowns, we will see if this is a boost for him. Something the Bears will need.

The real test comes the next four weeks for the Bears. A home game against the defending NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals, then a trip to San Fransisco for a Thursday night showdown. The Bears will then play host on a Sunday Night game to the high flying Philadelphia Eagles, before a pivotal game against NFC North leading Minnesota Vikings.

The Bears will most certainly need to win at least two, but to overtake Minnesota, winning three would be the best option.

These four games are crucial. We will find out where the Bears stand in the NFC, and see if their playoff hopes stay alive.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Un-BEAR-able

Embarrassing, lazy and pitiful. That sums up the Bears loss against the Bengals. Like many of you Bears fans, I was completely embarrassed by what the Bears put on the field yesterday. It was a disgrace to the city of Chicago, the fans and the Chicago Bears organization.

''The Chicago Bears should never lose a football game like that,'' Lovie said. ''I didn't have my team ready to go this week. We'll learn from this game.

Really Lovie? We are not supposed to lose like that? That's true but, if your playing cover 2 all game and confused on defense or even having a horrible offensive line like we do, you should lose like that.

I'm sick of seeing Lovie run our defense. The cover 2 is overrated, especially when teams have figured out how to beat it. I'm going to give you a situation I seen in yesterdays game. We are down 14-0 and the Bengals are driving. Now they have already made our defense look like a JV defense and picked apart that Holy cover 2. So why do you stay in it Lovie? Why?

I saw Chad Ochco Cinco and the rest of the Bengals wide receivers go over the middle, which is how you beat cover 2 by the way, for easy receptions all game. But that's Lovie's base defense and the Holy defense to him.

Well tough luck Lovie, because it doesn't work anymore.

The Bears looked absolutely pitiful on Sunday. Nobody except for Lance Briggs played a good game at best. Briggs was the only one with heart on the team Sunday. Not even Devin Hester, who had 100+ yards and a TD, gets Kudos. He fumbled. Cutler threw 3 picks, Matt Forte cant run, the corner backs couldn't cover a turtle, and the offensive line couldn't block me and 3 of my friends.

If I ever see a game like this again with no effort, I might personally WALK to Halas Hall and slap every member of the organization in the face.

This offensive line is a disaster. Orlando Pace needs a walker, he just is not good anymore. Kreutz and Garza are stable, but mistakes killed them. Chris Williams is a project in the making, so I will give him time. Now Frank Omiyale, that's a different story. Why does he still play? The guy constantly gets beat and couldn't block my 3 year old cousin. Get his ass out of the line and play Beekman.

If this offensive line doesn't improve then the Bears are not going to do squat this year. Cutler has no time to throw back there, and Forte has no holes to run through.

Here's a nice stat: In Denver, Cutler was sacked 1 time out of every 57 drop backs. In Chicago, 1 in every 17 drop backs is a sack. That's inexcusable.

I just really hope this team remembers this game and comes out fired up. There is 10 games left, if we win 8 of 10 we are in the playoffs. If we lose 8 of 10, see ya Lovie.

Well I do have some positive news, we play the Browns next week. This should be a good week to get mentally back to normal and figure things out. Well because if you cant beat the Browns, theres something wrong.

Try and keep the faith Bear fans. We have a nice history to be proud of.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Week 7 Preview: Bears @ Bengals

Ahhh Cedric Benson we meet again. Nice to see you, last time we talked you were out getting drunk on a boat and getting arrested. We then kicked you out of Chicago, because you were not good.

Looks like you have found a home in Cincy though. Congrats, we are all happy for you. Mainly because we get to play you this week. Hopefully Briggs lays a big hit on you, then talks some trash, because it seems like you like to do that.

The Bears bring their 3-3 record into Cincinnati where the Bengals are 4-2 and sitting a top the AFC North.

This is a pretty good Bengals team, and they should be 5-1, after a fluke loss to Neckbeard's Denver Broncos. Carson Palmer is healthy and Chad Ocho Cinco looks like he is happy again in Cincy.

After a tough loss in Atlanta, the Bears need to get on track. They cant afford to fall too far behind the red hot Minnesota Vikings.

There is some things the Bears really need to address after a frustrating loss last week. The offensive line has to play better. I repeat, the offensive line has to play better. There is no excuse for a defensive line to rush three guys and get a sack on Cutler. The penalties also killed the Bears. Including false starts and holding calls late.

I think Cutler can really expose this Bengals defense, and have a pretty good day in the air. We need him to fix the red zone mistakes from last week as well.

Once again we have to talk about Matt Forte, or as some people in Chicago are calling him "Anthony Thomas V.2". Forte hasn't looked like the rookie Forte from last year, and I believe that's hurting our passing game as well. Teams are going to start sitting back and covering the pass, because well frankly, the Bears cannot run the ball real well.

If Forte turns it on, that will change everything. Forte is key for Cutler in that regard, and Cutler is key to this offense.

Tommie Harris Doubtful
Tommie more than likely wont play Sunday because of a minor injury. The point is, he hasn't been the same since his injury in 2006. He was dominant in 2006 before getting hurt, too bad he cant regain that skill. Sorry to say Bears fans, I think it's time to let him go.

Tinoisamoa Hurt, Derrick Brooks Anyone?
It's official, Tinoisamoa is done for the rest of the year. Him, Urlacher, and Hillenmeyer have all now suffered through injuries and missed significant time. I think it's time to bring in Brooks and give him a shot, he worked will in Lovie's cover 2 scheme before. So its worth a shot, right?

Ochocinco Trash Talks Through Twitter
Yes, most of you have heard Big Mouth's recent tweets. I cant wait till Charles Tillman makes him "Kiss the Baby". Cutler got into the action as well, but later said he will leave it up to the professional to trash talk (Ochocinco). I guess we will see what happens.

Three Keys To The Game:

1. Get Pressure on Carson Palmer

If we can force Palmer to hurry his throws, or make bad choices we will be in control of the game. We cant let Carson sit back and pick us apart all game. In the first half, we did a good job of making Matt Ryan rush his throws.

2. Establish A Early Run Game, And Keep It Going
We have to get Forte on track, plain and simple. Doing this will open up the passing game for Cutler and allow us to mix in some play action. The Bengals defense isn't too good, so hopefully Forte can establish something early and carry it with him.

3. Keep Getting Johnny Knox The Ball
This kid can play and has shown it so far in his first five NFL games. Knox can become the fifth NFL rookie to score in every game through six games. Knox can be a threat on special teams too. I hope Cutler looks for him down field a lot more.


Bear Down

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Week 4 Preview: Lions @ Bears

It's week four in the NFL, and after this week we will be done with 1/4 of the 2009 season. We start to separate who are the contenders and who are the pretenders.

The Lions come into town to take on Da Bears at 12 CST, a good old fashion noon start here in Chicago. I miss waking up then eating breakfast, and then watching the Bears play. There's nothing like it. I could care less about a prime time game. Give me all noon games.

This could be a trap game for the Bears. Many think the Bears should win this game, but the Lions have built some momentum after ending their long losing streak.

The Redskins are bad though, so i don't know how much momentum is built.

The Bears also have built momentum. After week one, it seemed everything was doomed. Then they put together two fourth quarter comeback wins against the Steelers, and at Quest Field against the Seahawks. Two quality wins. The Bears now come home to a packed Soldier Field, where I can guarantee you the fans will be pumped.

Watch out though. The Lions are very well capable of pulling an upset, especially if the Bears defense plays sloppy.

I get worried about this defense. It seems like they want to play good for only one half, and then play bad for the other half. They need to play good for four quarters. Though at times they show that they can be a dominant defense again, even without Urlacher.

Once again I have to stress the fact of the Bears getting their run game going. Matt Forte has been M.I.A so far this year. I thought he would breakout against Seattle, that didn't happen. He needs a big game against Detroit this week. That will take some pressure off the passing game and Jay Cutler.

If the Bears can win this game, a long with a Packers win on Monday night, we are looking at a virtual three way tie a top the NFC North. Although, Green Bay would be #1 because they would be 2-0 against NFC North opponents.

Is it me or is the NFC North shaping up to be one of the best divisions in football? They have a combined record of 8-4, and quality wins over Pittsburgh, and San Fransisco. Not to mention Green Bays win over Chicago. This is a division that's going to come down to the final games so get ready.

Now on to my keys of the game....

The Bears MUST establish a run game because sooner or later teams are going to drop into coverage against Cutler. If Forte can get on track from last year, that's going to make teams try to stop the run and pass. A valued run game is key, very key in the NFL. Detroit's defense is not great, in fact they are very vulnerable to a big run. Go get some yards Matt.

Greg Olsen is the ice breaker, I don't feel like Detroit's corners or linebackers can cover Greg because of his size and skill. Greg is a special tight end, and is going to cause match up problems for the Lions. It's Cutlers job to find him, and Greg's job to catch the ball.

Please, Please, Please tackle the ball carrier. Last week I see multiple times were our defenders tried to strip the ball rather than tackling. See Julius Jones screen pass for a TD last week. I understand your trying to make a play, but make sure you have him wrapped up. If one guy is wrapping him up, another should go after the ball.


Key Player for the Week:

Johnny Knox

After being promoted to full time kickoff duty, Knox has the ability to become the double threat. He can know hurt you on returns and on offense. Knox is becoming Cutlers favorite target, and with another TD last week I don't see him slowing down. Knox can have a big game this week, just execute.


Prediction: Bears 27, Lions 10

This should be the game for Da Bears to break out and blow a team out. I'm getting sick of these real close games.


Bear Down!

Week 4 Picks

Here are my NFL week 4 picks...

I like :
Cinci over Cleveland
Houston over Oakland
Indy over Seattle
Tennessee over Jacksonville
NY Giants over Kansaas City
New England over Baltimore
Washington over Tampa Bay
Buffalo over Miami
New Orleans over NY Jets
Dallas over Denver
San Fransisco over St. Louis
San Diego over Pittsburgh
Green Bay over Minnesota
Chicago over Detroit

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

ESPN Power Rankings: Bears at 14

The new ESPN NFL power rankings for week 4 have come out today, and too Bears fans suprise, the Bears remain #14.

After beating the Seahawks, the Bears stay put. The Bengals and Broncos both won, so both teams have moved ahead of the Bears. The Bengals beat the Steelers and jump 13 spots, funny huh?

The Bears beat Pittsburgh, and move up one spot. Then they beat Seattle at QUEST and move stay the same? Your a joke ESPN.

The top five teams are:

1. Baltimore (3-0)
2. Indy (3-0)
3. Ny Giants (3-0)
4. New Orleans (3-0)
5. Minnesota (3-0)

Green Bay is #10 and Detroit moves up to #28.

The NFC has 6 teams in the top 10.

Heres the link to the rankings

Monday, September 28, 2009

Bears down the Seahawks... It's Victory Monday

Jay Cutler after he hit Devin Hester for a 36 yard game winning touchdown.


Mondays are always great after a nice Bears victory on Sundays. I hate Mondays, absolutely hate them. But when Da Bears win, I love them. I can talk Bears all I want with my friends, co-workers and family, and I love it.

So how about that game yesterday?

There were some times when I wanted to pull my hair out, but then there were those times when I felt like I was sitting on a cloud, getting fed grapes and various fruits by Jessica Burciaga and Stacey Keibler. That's a good thing, btw. But thats just how the NFL is. You have your good, and your bad.

To tell you the truth, I thought we were going to smash the Seahawks. Especially when they had 11 backups playing in the game. We made Seneca Wallace look like Joe Montana in the first half.

The Bears defense looked awful in the first half. It's kind of a drekyl and hyde thing with this defense so far this year. I mean the first half they were awful, and the second half I had flashbacks of the 2006 defense storming all over the field. But in the end, the defense held their ground and got the W.

When we were down 13-0, I didn't panic. Honestly, I didn't. I knew we could get back into the game. Why? Because Jay Cutler is that good. Kyle Orton or the other previous 1,000 QB's after McMahon wouldn't have got us back in the game.

Cutler kept his poise. He fired passes after passes to WR's, RB's and TE's. Finding the open guy and leading us down the field, because Jay Cutler is that good.

For all you fans that were calling for Cutlers head after week one, where are you? Show your face. I mean after Cutler has led us to back to back come from behind wins, you surely cant hate him now, can you?

Maybe TJ Houshmanzadeh shouldnt run his mouth anymore. He did nothing in this game, he actually even helped the Bears by fumbling away the ball. Maybe there is a reason we didn't want you in Chicago TJ.

Now lets talk some more about the game.

I loved the effort from our WR's. It's nice watching them develop right in front of our eyes. Johhny Knox turned a short two yard gain, into a seven yard TD. His second of the season so far. Earl Bennett made key catches and continues to develop.. Oh and that Devin Hester guy.

Yeah, THAT Devin Hester guy. Who everyone criticizes the Bears from moving him to WR. Well guess what, that move is working and will continue to work. I mean, when have we heard Hester say in the huddle he wants the ball? On the TD pass from Cutler to Hester to give us the lead for good, Hester in the huddle said "I want the ball. I think I can beat my man on a slant. Just throw it". Cutler had faith in Hester and he delivered.

One thing that bothered me was the run game. We have still yet to establish a solid run game to put fear into opponents defenses. If we don't get one soon, defenses are going to play the pass way more often.

Next week is a must to get Matt Forte going. We need him, bad.

I'm happy with this win though. I'll take any win, any way we can get it. I love how this team is looking so far, minus some of the run game. But that will come around.

Da Bear Den Player of the Game

Lance Briggs, LB

How good is Lance Briggs? I mean the guy is a straight beast of a linebacker. He makes plays left and right. Without him, I think our defense would have given up 7-10 more points. The guy just flys around the field, making tackles. He also had a great INT that led to a scoring drive for the Bears. Keep it up Lance!


Until next time. Bear Down.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Bears @ Seahawks Preview

It's week three in the NFL, and the 1-1 Bears travel to take on the 1-1 Seahawks. The Seahawks are a banged up team, with 11 players possibly missing this game. That includes quarter back Matt Hasselback, who is a much better quarter back than backup, Seneca Wallace.

The Bears haven't won in Seattle since 1976, a drought that needs to end this weekend. It's tough to win in Seattle, because of how their stadium is built. It gets loud real quick. In fact, since that stadium was built, the Seahawks are on top of the NFL in opponents offsides, and false starts. Talk about home field advantage.

Last week was a big win for the Bears. Falling to 0-2 would have been devastating, especially when it looks like Minnesota is the team to beat in the division.

But after a nice performance from Cutler and the Bears defense, the Bears are 1-1 instead of 0-2, a big difference in my opinion. One game is a lot, it can get you in the playoffs, or keep you out.

This week is a game the Bears should win. Especially with Hasselback and Lofa Tatupu out. Two key players on offense and defense.

Did anyone see the trash talking between TJ Whose-Your-Momma (Houshmanzadeh) and Lance Briggs? Apparently, TJ said he was going to make the Bears and Jerry Angelo pay for not looking at him in free agency. Personally, I agree with the Bears on not looking at him. Seeing this coming from one of the most overrated WR's in the league, I hope we shut him up.


This is what TJ said:





Houshmanzadeh's brash comments that he will best the Bears defensive backs 95%
of the time Sunday, and show up General Manager Jerry Angelo for not signing him
in free agency.


Lance Briggs heard this, and had some trash talking of his own to do:



"Sounds like a bitter guy" Briggs said, "Maybe he wanted to play in Chicago. If
he's going to show what hes going to do on Sunday, well so am I"




Looks like TJ better watch himself coming over the middle.

Running the ball is a must for the Bears, they need to get Forte going, and going early. We seen what Frank Gore can do against this defense. I'm sure Forte could put up some big numbers on this run defense. I'm not worried at all about Forte this season, yet. He did go against two of the best run defenses in his first two games.

We need to get pressure on Wallace, that's a big key to this game. Wallace has the skill to scramble out side of the pocket. Keep him in the pocket and make that pocket close. We should be fine if we can get pressure on him.

Tommie Harris needs to show up. He's had about two good plays this season so far, but he claims he is 100 % this year. Now start playing like it Tommie. Don't we all remember what a beast this guy was in 2005-2006?

Can Alex Brown and Ogunleye keep their good play up? Both have had two good games so far, they are making the Bears defensive line look good.

Finally, Cutler needs to make plays down field. Jay is tied for fourth in the NFL with passing plays over 20 yards. The Seahawks defense is #2 in the league in holding their opponents to passes under 20 yards, with only one. In fact, the Seahawks have not given up a passing touchdown all year. Change that Cutler, and we will be in good shape.

Now for my Three key players of the game:

Matt Forte
Is this the week Forte finally breaks out and gets to regular form? Most likely. The Seahawks look like a good team to run on, especially since they are banged up. I expect Forte to get a lot more touches this week, and make the most of the touches. On the other hand, if Forte isn't getting touches, the Bears will struggle. But I like the first option I said.

Johnny Knox Is Johnny Knox a fluke? I dont think so. And impressive eight catches for 152 yards and a TD for a rookie in his first two games doesn't sound like a fluke. Knox has blazing speed (Maybe faster than Hester) and he is not afraid to go up and get the ball. He seems like Cutlers favorite target this year so far, lets hope he keeps playing well. Knox will get his chances in this game, he just needs to make the most of them.

Tommie Harris
Tommie needs to get on track, and get on track now. The Bears are going to need him to play big if they want to have a legitimate run this year. Tommie just has two tackles all season, something that has to change. Tommie can turn this around, but it's going to take effort. I believe Tommie will this week.

Final Score Prediction:

Bears 24, Seahawks 20

The Bears will come out on top, but it wont be easy. It's never easy playing in Seattle.