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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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