OMG! A todays game thread! The 46 is all aquiver! Football! Beer! hdtv! Beer! Annoucers grudgingly admitting the Bears can win 2-3 games! Beer!
Yes Chad Clifton is a 12-year pro and 35. The packers are holding him out alot this preseason to reduce the wear on his knees, but he is not a turnstyle at LT.
Its not 2009 and we are coming off a SB win with him as the LT starter. Backing him up is thrid year player T.J. Lang and rookie Derek Sherrod. The packer will be fine. The bears however if webb continues to be a turnstyle are in trouble because no plan B is in place other than a major resuffling of the line.
Why would you need a link on the web? It is Monday Night Football everyone in America gets the game. Unless you are stuck at work in which case it sucks to be you!
One visit to a sports bar for a game would pay for my cable bill for the month.
The O-line is doing it's job. That alone is reason celebrate.
Earl Bennett is a football player.
This just in...
There has been significant improvement from game one to game two.
Why is Cutler still in the game?
Cutler has looked good. Good things the Bears once again passed on the bevy of available receivers. Seriously, wtf? Why are they so obstinate about investing in the position?
Jesus who is #62 whiffing on the block.
The Bears always put players in one on one situations so they can evaluate while the other team game plans and trys to win.
Phil34
Last year the bears beat only three teams with a winning record. See anything that will change that?
It was only the 2nd game after a practically non-existant training camp and no off season meetings. Give the new guys time to gel before you wave the white flag.
Phil34
Last year the bears beat only three teams with a winning record. See anything that will change that?
Here are my grades for last night.
STARTING OFFENSE - D
Cutler looks much better and the OL is rounding into form. That's about it for the positives. The air game was brutal... Roy Williams and Hester failed multiple times each on clutch plays, and Knox and Kellen Davis were invisible. The much ballyhooed improved ground game was nowhere in evidence. Red zone playcalling and execution were both dreadful.
SCRUB OFFENSE - C-minus
They scored a TD, which is more than the starters could do. But our 2nd-team O-Linemen wouldn't even be on a good team's roster.
STARTING DEFENSE - C-minus
Marginally improved pass rush offset by terrible coverage and bad tackling. It doesn't appear we have anyone in the D-Backfield except Tillman who can cover and nobody but Tim Jennings that can tackle. Major Wright did not look like starting material and as much as I never thought I'd say it, I think we'll be missing Danieal Manning sooner than later.
SCRUB DEFENSE - F
We are really screwed if any of our D starters go down cause these guys are awful. Can't think of a single guy on this unit who really looked like he belonged on an NFL field. Okoye, maybe. Paea and Gholston were non-factors and Conte may have athleticism but he looks totally lost out there.
SPECIAL TEAMS - D
The only thing that keeps this from being lower is the 6 points from our FG unit. Punting.... yikes. Neither of our P's have any leg, coverage was bad and the blocked punt was inexcusable. Kickoff returns were a non-factor but I lay that on the NFL rule change more than our team.
BOTTOM LINE
Lazy, sloppy and embarrassing showing by a team that appears to have lost more good players than they've gained.
As for Davis being invisible - get used to it. He won't be split out as frequently as Olsen was and I'd bet he's not targeted as frequently. Not saying he can't have a decent year but I think Martz had to draw up special plays to get Olsen into the game plan.
STARTING DEFENSE - I thought the DBs played the pass OK. Didn't see Manningham or Nicks or their starting TEs do much of anything.
Dallas, do you think we have a better team player-for-player this year than we did last year? In other words, after adding Roy Williams, Barber, Okoye, Gholston, Spencer, Spaeth and this year's rookies... and subtracting Manu, Tommie Harris, Danieal Manning, Greg Olsen, Kreutz, Aromashadu, etc... are we net positive for talent, or negative?
On paper it would appear we've improved significantly but on the field it's been a different story. Carimi is definitely an upgrade at RT... Spaeth is a better blocking TE than Manu... Barber is better than Taylor (who I assume he will displace). Other than that...
SPECIAL TEAMS - Abysmal...like last PS. Toub will fix what can be fixed. Not sure about the KO returns...remains to be seen if every KO will be returned.
Bottom line, I think we're somewhat ahead of where we were last year at this time. But not close to where we were at the end of the season.
And lets not forget the contribution Briggs makes on D. He is not the superstar, but he does make a difference.
I sometimes feel like the Bears are like those old hollywood back sets, just fronts. Nothing in the back after you get past the front.
It really *****d me off when Martz called those two worthless plays to Hester down on the goal line. The first one he fell down and the second one he dropped even though the ball was perfectly placed. At least one of those plays should have been a pass to Kellen Davis and I can only hope that's one of those plays they're keeping hidden for the regular season.
IMHO preseason is when you want to make that call to see if he can handle it. Perfect call for the preseason game. Now you know not to call those plays for that player during the regular season because that player can not execute that play.
That is what PREseason is for. Finding out if it is going to work or not...
There was a whole truckload of FAIL going on inside the 20.
I thought Love should have reviewed that Barber out of bounds play - looked like a TD to me.
The D finally stops them after letting them go for a long drive. Lot's of pressure on Hasslebach but he beat it a few times with some nice throws.
Barber is out the rest of the game with a calf injury. Hopefully it is only a bruise.
My opinion on the whole matter is without a doubt, Angelo has to go. He cannot be near this team next season if they expect to show marked improvement on talent on this team. His drafts are just horrendous and he's dragging this team downward talentwise. We're right now relying on either FA acquisitions or old talent (Url, Briggs, Tillman, Cutler, Peppers, Barber). Last time I checked, you don't build a champion from FA acquisitions! His drafts have been so horrendous it's hard to remember if there are any impact players ON the team from recent drafts!
In BOLD-Players having made a impactPlayers no longer with team
2005 Bears Draft 2006 Draft 2007 Draft
1Daniel Mannin1Greg Olsen
1Cedric Benson2 Devin Hester 2Dan Bezuin
2Mark Bradley3Dusty Dvoracek3Garrett Wolfe
3 Trade 4Jamar Williams4Michael Okwo
4Kyle Orton5Mark Anderson5Josh Beekman
5Airese CurrieClemson 6JD runnels6Kevin Payne
6 S Chris Harris 7Tyler Reed7 Corey Graham
7Rod WilsonS. 8Trumain McBride
9Aaron Brant
2008 Draft 2009 Draft 2010 Draft
1 Chris Williams 3Jarron Gilbert1 Major Wright
2 Matt Forte 4Juaquin Iglesias2 Corey Wooten
3 Earl Bennett 5 Henry Melton 3 Josh Moore
4 Marcus Harrison 6 DJ Moore 4Dan LeFevour
5 Craig Steltz 7 Johnny Knox 5 J' Marcus Webb
6 Zach Bowman 8Marcus Freeman
7 Kellen Davis 9Al Afalava
8Earwin Baldwin10 Lance Louis
11Doug Kinder
9Chester Adams
10Joey LaRocque
11Kirk Barton
12Marcus Monk
And lets not forget every year we draft a worthless DT in the 3rd round
whatever. And why hasnt Peppers had double didgit sacks?
Barring injury this line should be better than last year's. They just need to find that 3rd DE. Peppers and Idonijie can't play as much as they did last year.
At this point I have much more confidence in our DL rounding into form, than our offense.
Other than the OL, the offense doesn't look any better than last year... and our WRs look noticeably worse.
The bean counters on both sides have all year to work this out. It's about time to play some football.
Who doesn't have cable? Seriously?I don't have cable.
You guys think there is a chance we just franchise him next year and let him walk?
Only saw the first half, but in the second quarter, half way thru I noticed when Paea went in was when the Browns started moving down the field. I was trying to watch for him, but he just got lost and did nothing. Not so great for our second round pick.
As others have said, maybe he just needs a year in a pro strength and conditioning program.
Hopefully Marinelli can get him coached up. If he can't, then Paea's long term prospects in this league are probably pretty slim.
Right now Okoye looks to be the best FA move we made this offseason by far.
Melton and Okoye have both looked extremely good this offseason at the 3-Technique so barring injuries to either of them, Paea's best chance to get on the field is clearly as the other DT. Which puts him in competition with Anthony Adams and Toeiana as well as Marcus Harrison (if he survives the cuts), so that's gonna be an uphill climb for Paea this year anyway, I think.
He'll make the final 53 no question, but how much playing time he actually gets remains to be seen.
I cant help but think Paea is going to have a mystery leg injury that explains his poor performance and he goes on IR for a redshirt year. Just shoot me now.
Trib says Barber is out, calf, but nothing about Briggs. Where'd that come from?
He is going to get fined if he wears anything on his uniform that isnt approved by the league
I just hope he's not wearing Michael Turners footprints
Ain't gonna happen. Finally, some common sense.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Chicago-Bears-Lance-Briggs-to-commemorate-September-11-anniversary-090811
Just run the ball and pass when we have to. Use the run to set up the pass.
The bears must be doing somethin good lol I hear Bill actin a fool from all the way down stairs lol
I would love to see the D play like yesterday against the Pack, and give Rodgers some lumps.
I felt Spencer played very well considering he has hardly played guard before and rarely gets snaps there in practice. It will be interesting to see if Tice Switches Garza and Spencer or leave them as is.
that misfire to Kellen Davis on the gadget play in the red zone...
I think you would have seen more emotion from Cutler if it had. Looked to me that Cutler knew he missed an opportunity.
Corey Graham looked like a cartoon figure or something out there after his ST tackles... looked like he was gonna fall backwards and then he springs right back up
I only saw one of the sack that was a big hit, most of the others he just seemed to get dragged down.
I didn't really pay attention to the hits that weren't sacks.
That is one thing we know he can do effectively that he didn't do much of yesterday is tuck it and run...
The old Black and Blue is back.
Could not have asked for a better game than yesterday to get the stench of that NFC Championship loss out of Soldier Field.
Having that opera dude sing the Anthem again was a win, too. I haven't seen a Soldier Field crowd that jacked before kickoff in a long time.
I'm reading a lot of stuff on PFT today about major problems with game coverage via DIRECTV / Sunday Ticket yesterday. Screen lockups, homes and sports bars not getting signals, etc.
Thankfully, the Bears game was shown over-the-air here so I had no problems whatsover, but I'm curious if anyone here had problems. It seems like as with so many other things these days, people are paying more than ever and getting less.
Yep, I checked out the "game to go" on my ipad, just to see if it worked. Glad you guys mentioned the problem, cause I was like, WTF? Something was drastically wrong. I was checking my internet speed thinking maybe it was me.
And on the play that Cutler overthrew Davis on the sure TD pass, it was Davis who stopped his route short. Cutler threw to a spot...if he had more time I'm sure he could have adjusted his throw. I know some of you Olsen-haters think Davis can do no wrong but he had a so-so day. He's definitely a load but I think we'll see him used more down the field in the future.
I agree with all of that.
I think you short-sell Cutler a bit, though...given time, he will absolutely shred a defense.
He had several completions of 12-20 yards as well, (which ESPN refers to as short passes), which, by the time you consider his drop back, are probably 18-25 yard passes...fwiw...
Then it is as good as a punt.
Provided there is no runback. Say it was intercepted at the 5 yard line and the DB runs it back to the 50 or whereever. That gives the intercepting team a distinct advantage. It shortens the field drastically.
on the play that Cutler overthrew Davis on the sure TD pass, it was Davis who stopped his route short. Cutler threw to a spot...
That was my first thought as well. My second was "How does everyone KNOW that the QB made the mistake and that the receiver was not supposed to be moving? Someone mentioned Cutler's reaction, but really, both players knew what should have happened & it was a painful moment for them.
plays like that force the defense to work during the week on accounting for all possible receivers.
No jail breaks into the backfield
What I'm worried about is the next time we try that play, the D will have it figured out and somebody's gonna pick that pass right out of the air and take it back 95 yards the other way for the TD. Best thing to do with that page of the playbook is take it out and burn it. We've got enough big bodies now that we shouldn't have to resort to arena league crap like that.
Wright and Merriweather both bring the heat, they could lose two more WR's this game.
Don't we need JBN to weigh in on a prediction?
I thought the O-line did alright for most of the game. They faltered a bit at the end when the game was out of reach and Carimi got hurt.
Problem wasn't the O-line...at least not the pass blocking.
Granted we didn't have Roy Williams and Bennett, but Knox and Hester cannot get consistently open. Sanzenbacher and Hester had huge 3rd down drops when they did.
I don't want to get into our TE situation, but I will. WTF! Saints TEs have 6 or 7 catches. Ours have ZERO. I thought Kellen Davis could block...but he almost got Cutler killed a couple times. Martz might as well put in a 3rd OT.
Not to blame Davis, but he shouldn't be put into that situation so frequently.
The mad scientist Martz is back to his pass happy ways....again. 45 pass attempts....11 runs. And I'm not even counting the pass plays that were sacks and QB runs.
Must be joking
Bears win. Score will be close but we will dominate all phases of game. 27-26 Bears. Score makes it seem close but anyone who watches game knows Bears are the better team.
Cutler can play the diplomat all he wants but he's getting fed up with this, you can see it. If I'm him, I tell the GM,the coach,whoever will listen 'Listen,if you do NOT address this offensive line,I'm out of here,period!'. I wouldn't fault him one iota for it...
Oh and what is wrong with Hester?
He had a terrible game today! Knox wasn't a whole lot better. Even Sanzenbacher dropped a few.
The Saints DB's were getting there pretty much the same time as the ball and our WR's lost that battle every time.
As for Brees, his ball did not reach the LOS, but I don't recall how close it was to a receiver. Looked like a ground to me.
You'd think Roy Williams would have the size but I'm not sure he has the guts.
By the end of the game Cutler was totally shell shocked. He was sacked 6 times, but how many times was he hit/knocked down? 15-20 easy. I dont blame him at all for being pis-sed. I think that explains why his throws were off at the end.
The Packers didn't exactly look like world beaters against Carolina.
Maybe the OL and TE spent a little too much time on Bourbon Street. ; )
Neither team was impressive in week 2...Packers just had the easier route.
supposedly Cutler's didn't get across the line of scrimmage and Brees throw did. Hellifiknow. That helmet hit on Earl should be a fine and or a game sit. The nfl better do something or next week ALL wideouts are going to get it.
I missed the game yesterday, but did listen to a bit of radio coverage. What seemed obvious to me was the DL wasnt getting enough pressure on the QB
True statement. Our DTs were neutralized by the Saints guards. Idonijie had the only Bears sack and Peppers almost had one but that was about it. Urlacher and Briggs were ineffective when they blitzed. DJ Moore blitzed a couple times but it surprised no one.
Brees is elusive and really didn't throw deep alot. Lots of checkdowns and screens to his HBs and found his TE quite a bit as the game progressed.
The deep pass to Henderson and the Cutler fumble were the key plays of the game.
That blows:
Bears first rounder Gabe Carimi dislocates knee
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on September 19, 2011, 2:53 PM EDT
Getty ImagesChicago’s struggling offensive line will be without its first-round pick for a while.
Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that right tackle Gabe Carimi has a dislocated knee. At this point, the thought is that Carimi could miss roughly four weeks.
Carimi was known for his run blocking, but was settling into his pass protecting duties as well. The Bears struggled badly to protect Jay Cutler on Sunday, especially in the second half after Carimi was hurt.
Oh brother. We open the season with 3 NFC 2010 playoff teams and the season is already lost.
2011 Goal: Make the playoffs - stay healthy - see what happens.
Throughout the game (until the very end) Cutler had plenty of time
The Packers didn't exactly look like world beaters against Carolina.
Which game were you watching? The oline stunk all game long! The refs gave the Bears a gift with the bad call on the roughing the passer call but outside of constantly dumping off to Forte Cutler had practically no time to throw.
They couldn't pass block nor run block yesterday and that was an embarrassing performance period.
I'm not sure what he really can do.
Is he cleared to play Sunday? Is Bennett? Louis?
Typical knee jerk reaction.
Not saying the O-line had a great game, they share in the loss along with Martz, Cutler and the receivers. But the Saints defensive game plan appeared to be load up on the LOS to stop the run and hope Martz abandoned it (which he did) then continue with heavy blitzing (pass and run) and man coverage on the WRs (who still couldn't get open).
So now you have a situation where the Bears have given up on the run, and the Saints know the Bears are passing and can not only let their d-line pin their tails back but also let a couple three LB/DBs blitz consistently, they know they don't have to worry about the TE because the Bears don't have a guy now that Olsen is gone that can beat them deep, they know they can cover our WRs with single coverage with a single safety deep.
Going into the game I figured there would be some pressure on this O-line Sunday even though the Saints didn't have a legit pass rusher. On the road indoors in a dome (fast surface), and Martz' playcalling where he calls a lot of plays where Cutler sit back (never rolls out) and waits and waits for long developing routes. And to top it off you lose your blitz breaking WR early in the game (Bennett) and your other recievers Hester and Sanzenbacker are dropping key 3rd down passes that kill drives which turn the ball over to the Saints offense.
And that offense happens to be one of the best in league led by Drew Brees (recall they put up 34 points on the Packers IN Green Bay).
And you sit here and whine about the O-line...what game were you watching...the Titans?
Do you expect 5 guys to block 6, 7 or 8 defenders? If you do then yes our O-line was totally at fault Sunday.
I have been royally ****ed since the summer, when the Bears had a golden opportunity to add a No. 1 receiver and once again passed. I keep trying to tell myself that the experts surely know more than me. Then I read something like this, and I get royally ****ed off again. Seriously, you bring in Mike Martz as your offensive coordinator, you pay a king's ransom for a QB to operate in a 7 step-drop system, and then you go bargain hunting at WR?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0920-matt-bowen-chicago-bears--20110920,0,5002177.column
A big time WR would be nice but I still would have to ask the question, IF we had a big time receiver what good would he be if the offensive line can't protect Cutler? Cutler STILL needs time in the pocket to throw accurately downfield and without that we'd still be in the same shape we're in now.
Maybe we should wait a few more games and see what happens before we grab the life jackets.
Right now I think I need that lifejacket
Good teams that lost came back with desperation and won, Falcons etc.
Draw plays, quick slants, place Cutler in the shotgun formation, go no-huddle. Do something because it seemed to me the Saints knew what was coming all game long. Like I said, you're the ONLY ONE that claims the o-line was doing okay for 3 qtrs? LOL!!! Cutler was getting hit so many times during the game alone but of course that doesn't concern you. Incredible.
Yes Davis whiffed on a block but that wasn't the ONLY reason the o-line looked like crap. They did the whole game long but of course YOU didn't see that.
And you heard a BUNCH OF CRAP about moving Webb to RT. You must have super hearing or something. :)
You're assuming the Bears will be playing with "desperation" this week. I don't think it's safe to assume that at all. That's not how Lovie rolls. In his mind, we're still only in the first "quarter" of the season, remember.
If there's motivation for this Sunday's game it's going to have to come from veteran player leadership. Which over the years has been spotty at best.
Well I remember when Lovie was hired as the coach he said his first and main priority was TO BEAT THE PACKERS!!! So you may think that the veteran players will be depended on for motivation I have to disagree because I do believe the coach wants to beat those Slackers.
I used to take Lovie at his word on this point... until the final game of the regular season last year when he gift-wrapped a win for the Packers which ultimately put them in the playoffs. Since then I've realized that whole Beat the Packers thing was just more of the BS we've heard from Lovie for years.
I used to take Lovie at his word on this point... until the final game of the regular season last year when he gift-wrapped a win for the Packers which ultimately put them in the playoffs. Since then I've realized that whole Beat the Packers thing was just more of the BS we've heard from Lovie for years.
I think I read that Tice wants to try Lance Louis at RT. Probably not a good idea for a guy with a gimpy ankle.
Kellen Davis has to do more than wave him through to the QB.
Does Kellen Davis has what it takes to block Clay Matthews?
Watch Martz ruin Cutler to the point that when we get an OC with a clue in here next year, Cutler will be a shell of his former self (see Marc Bulger), and we'll have to start over at QB as well.
Meanwhile, Tribune reports that our starting safety tandem for Sunday will be... Steltz and Merriwether. We are so screwed.
That rook Vererable or whatever his name is might get some time too, out of necessity.
Yeah. Conte isn't ready for prime time, that's for sure. Right now he's just Steltz with a little more speed.
Correct. Chipping a DE and then running a short to intermediate route on a 3-step drop is not too much to ask of an NFL TE and that is well within Kellen's capabilities.
OTOH, I doubt there is a single TE in the league that can block a premier pass rushing DE 1-on-1 in a 5- or 7-step drop situation. It's just not going to happen.
What have we seen from Stelz? I don't recall him ever having an opportunity to play the position more that a half as a replacement for other safeties that were injured. I also recall in the times he has gotten in the games he has made interceptions, and who was it on our team that he knocked out on a hit - I think against Minny. If Stelz craps his pants in this one, so be it but i don't think we have ever seen enough in game situations to know what we have.
Has any team in NFL history had a worse group of receivers than this Bears' collection?
But if the Bears did not suck so bad on the field it would not matter.
well, i am going to watch the demise of this team on dvr the rest of the year. really, even 1 hour spent watching this pathetic offense is too much, but the defense is usually worth the effort. if the bears organization won't put a product worth watching on the field it's not worth following it live.
This loss falls on the D. They gave up 7 right off the bat. If they don't this is a whole different ball game.
Cutler's accuracy is really off. Even the TD was a badly thrown ball. Those mechanical improvements that we heard about sure seem to have unraveled.
East fan- Yep, look at the difference between Cut and Rodgers. Rodgers stands tall in the pocket, Jay's dancing around the whole time..
Martz has got to go, and not just due to the lopsided play calling. The O is just plain awful! How about our run game, when we do decide to run... LOL!!
I'm so sick of Lovie's defense I could scream. Even if we have a poor record this year, I'm afraid Lovie will still be around for next season. Angelo needs to go, now!!
I see that Forte's net was 8 inches per carry.. LOL!!! This team is a complete joke!
Thats why they didnt run the ball more. GB stopped the run cold and forced Cuttler to pass figuring they'd stomp us into the ground with interceptions or kill Cuttler with their blitzes. Well they didnt succeed with that. They were able to beat us because our defense couldnt stop Rodgers.
The Bears are the Keystone Cops indeed......
Only the Bears could turn Cutler from a strong-armed dangerous QB into a stiff just like we've had for most of the modern era. They should just trade him now and get something for him- they can use some no-name punching bag back there. I'm sure Cutler would be appreciative.....
The O-line is horrendous!!! Chris Williams TWICE was supposed to pull and then block Mathews - he too slow and non-athletic - another Angelo bust.
Martz needs to be on the sidelines. Whatever advantage he thinks he has from being up in the press box apparently isn't working.
The O-line is horrendous!!! Chris Williams TWICE was supposed to pull and then block Mathews - he too slow and non-athletic - another Angelo bust.
I knew we were sunk when every GB play on that opening drive was a first down. Peppers was pretty quiet, I saw him getting blocked pretty well by a TE. I guess someone needs to say it so: Lets Suck for Andrew Luck. Read on PFT that wherever he goes, Cowher may be interested to follow. I would accept a 1-15 season for that outcome, although it would be painful.
Do you trust Angelo to make that pick even if we did get it? I don't.
I'm not a big Martz fan but I can't blame him for not running the ball when Forte is getting hit in the backfield due to the poor run blocking. He also can't control dropped passes (Knox, Williams at the goal line), brain cramp penalties (false starts and personal fouls-Hester) or overthrown passes and int's.
I'm not a big Martz fan but I can't blame him for not running the ball when Forte is getting hit in the backfield due to the poor run blocking. He also can't control dropped passes (Knox, Williams at the goal line), brain cramp penalties (false starts and personal fouls-Hester) or overthrown passes and int's.
As bad as our receivers are I would take a flyer on Randy Moss. We've clearly got nothing to lose and if Brady is saying that he would welcome him back he must be ok in the locker room. Which is worse, Moss intentionally taking some plays off or our current WR's unintentionally sucking?
I'm all for it. No way he's worse than Roy Williams.
We need a WR that is reliable on 3rd down. Bennett is that guy. Problem is there is no #1 WR on the team. Just a bunch of #2s and #3s. If you do sign Moss who do you cut?
He stated that the right situation would be a veteran QB and appropriate compensation.
I would like to get someone from Green Bay and run that offense...
I so wanted to see Barber destroying Packer DB's. *sigh*
JJ "dislocated kneecap" remember? Columbo was YEARS before he got into playing shape again. Carmni - eh I hope not. Betcha the Bears could run a hell of alot better with him in. I'm at a loss why the Bears keep what seems like 10,000 DL and like 4 OL on the roster. Astoundingly blind.
That Knox drop cause he was hearing footsteps probably made me more mad then any other play.
Hey Knox you are going to get hit wether you catch it or not so you might as well catch it. Dumb ass!
Finally, I'm not so sure I like this "no frills" defense that just plays straight up with no strategy.
JJ "dislocated kneecap" remember? Columbo was YEARS before he got into playing shape again. Carmni - eh I hope not. Betcha the Bears could run a hell of alot better with him in. I'm at a loss why the Bears keep what seems like 10,000 DL and like 4 OL on the roster. Astoundingly blind.
Just once I would like to see Julius Peppers dominate a top-tier OT... or hell, even a 2nd tier OT.
The last time he really took a guy to school for an entire game was Bryant McKinnie and that's been a few years ago already.
It seems like he plays up or down to the level of his competition. There's no reason he shouldn't be putting up 2 and 3 sacks against some of the scrub tackles we've faced so far (Streif, Newhouse, etc.).
Look at how Jared Allen and Brian Robison dominated the Lions OTs and you see how it's supposed to be done. Peppers is either getting old or isn't quite in shape yet or is picking his spots. He's playing OK, but you don't pay $90 million just to get "OK".
I am kind of rooting for the Panthers this coming Sunday. I know it sounds crazy, but I would actually like to see Ron Rivera come in and light up the Bears, with his rookie QB. They had some quotes from him on the radio yesterday, he said basically after the super bowl Lovie just didnt want him any more. And when he went to the Chargers as LB coach he got a pay raise. He flat out said because it was Chicago it was going to mean much more than any other game. Nice to hear some honesty from a coach.
Bears were tired of Rivera interviewing for a HC job year after year. I give him credit though, not too long ago he took a volunteer position with the Eagles as an assistant to their LB coach.
Rather than talk of subtracting talent we should be talking about adding it.
I agree that anjello shares alot of the blame, but some of it is institutional. The bears as an organization don't seem to move on current NFL conditions.
I think Martz's O can still excel in this league, it just needs either a really good OL to buy time or some really good WR's who can get open quick.
In Stl, he had both.
We have neither.
Lovie ain't gonna axe his buddy. There may be floating around an agreement for Martz to "resign" if it gets real ugly, but Cutler will be dead by then.
If we go into the bye week 1-6 and playing as poorly as we have the last two weeks, I wouldn't object to not only Martz being fired, but the entire coaching staff and Angelo as well. Treat the rest of 2011 as an extended preseason and try to lay a foundation to start rebuilding on next year.
That won't happen of course, but in that worse case scenario there should definitely be a bunch of people being put on notice by then if not sooner.
Or they could do like they did in Dallas last year and fire the head coach in mid season and keep most the staff intact.
The offensive coordinator took over the team.
Yeah the problem is, even though Lovie is a dolt, the biggest problem at present is Mike Martz.
If they were to fire just Lovie and Martz, and promote Tice to interim HC... that I could get behind. But then Tice would also probably have to take over as OC and that would be a hell of a lot to put on his plate and the OL would probably suffer from lack of attention.
Or, fire Lovie at the bye week, hire Cowher and let him decide which of our current staff stays and goes (i.e., seeya Martz). I bet Cowher could pull a staff together in about 3 days. In fact he probably has a short list already ready to go.
There's no way in hell the Panthers win this weekend.
Did you watch the Bears last weekend?
Our offense is dead in the water. Can't run, can't pass, a penalty (or a timeout) every 3rd or 4th play. It's an offense with below-average players at multiple positions, and an OC with no apparent clue how to scheme around that lack of talent.
If our D spots the Panthers 10 points it's game over.
I'm not saying the Bears are guaranteed to lose, but after the last two games it seems foolish to guarantee a win, either.
There's no way in hell the Panthers win this weekend.
I think we're in for a very bad night on MNF. Cutler sucks in primetime and he's not even one of our our bigger problems right now.
Whats Lovie Smith's record against the Lions? Hell when was the last time the Lions beat the Bears?
Whats Lovie Smith's record against the Lions? Hell when was the last time the Lions beat the Bears?
When was the last time the Lions beat the Cowboys before last Sunday? "Its the NFL and on any given Sunday......."
Streaks dont go on forever you know.
Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times breaks down the ridiculous stat from a variety of ugly angles. Chicago has 17 false starts on the year; Seattle is next worst with 12. Three of the Bears games have been at home.
Two of the Bears players (J’Marcus Webb and Frank Omiyale) have more false starts than 12 teams.
How is Webb your left tackle any way??? Who thought that was even a good idea????
We've already brought the Pack Back!
Oh wait....nevermind you guys suck.
Otto is wrong as always. The question asked was who's decision was it to move Webb to LT.
Well who's decision was it to move Webb to LT? Wasn't the GM. It was Tice.
Who's decision was it to keep Omaliye on this roster? Tice.
Who's decision was it to put Carimi to RT? Tice.
The line looked like it was gelling going into the playoffs last year and now it's digressing. Why Tice gets a pass is beyond me.
I was against Webb winning the LT so early but Tice made that decision after seeing both Webb and Carimi in training camp. Webb has struggled in 2 of the 5 games: the opener when matched against John Abraham and Monday night in the dome. He struggled early on at RT last year too before settling down in the 2nd half. Watch him Sunday - I bet you he does pretty well against the top sacker in the NFL, Allen.
Back to Tice. BTW, that same line that was jelling had Omiyale at LT last season. Sure you want to go there?
Let's see what Tice has had to work with this year.
Webb - a 7th round draft choice from a Division II school. Chris Williams - a 1st round bust at tackle. Garza a FA journeyman guard who is now playing center after Angelo didn't re-sign Kreutz. Lance Louis. A 6th round guard who played TE and OT in college. Spencer a FA center who is now playing RG. His 1st round OT Carimi has played in 2 games.
Many of these guys are playing new positions due to Tice's decision - it could pay off in the long run.
To top it off Tice is given game plans where often the QB is asked to pass 40 times a ball game and consistently take 7 step drops - passing to WRs that couldn't start for most teams.
Finally Martz runs the 6-7 man protections.
The question is why he wouldn't do it against New orleans and Detroit.
Williams Webb and louis had their best games.
Conte and Wright maybe weren't tested a lot but played well.
As expected, the Bears O-line were able to do a good job holding off the Vikings vaunted pass rush.
I don't know about the bi-polar hogwash.
Wshful
This team is real close to putting it together. Add Carimi and put Louis back at guard and I think O-line will solidify. Running game has already been coming around and Cutler is not having as many WTF throws as he did early last year. Lots of potential for improvement and more production with Bennett, Knox and Williams.
Still not so sure about our safety play - I'd like to see Chris Harris back in the mix. Also, I'd like to see more of Okoye and Paea than Adams and Toeaina.
On the way back from Minny and Mall of America. Didn't see the game. How'd they look? Standouts and flops? Heard some of the game and sounded like Conte had a decent one.
Think I said not to give the Lions second place too early, like 7 games in... sheesh! Some of you will have to tear down your altars already if Stafford is out. This just in, Nick Fairley is fat. Not the same player at Auburn. I'll give him a pass given his broken leg coming into the season.
Otts, what was your prediction for Bears and Bucs again? Little foggy here... Makes your prediction of the Bears/Eagles a little less convincing, Nostradamas... Come to think of it, when was the last Bear's victory you predicted? I mean in the 2000's...
Can someone "Conrad Dobler" Suh already? Already got by Jeremy Youngblood of the Bucs, one of the dirtiest players around. Logan Mankins won't be an option. Who else is out there to clean this thug's clock? Someone needs to fold this guy already.
I hope we can buck this trend...
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/10/25/teams-coming-off-a-bye-are-3-9-this-year/
I haven't checked this, but with 3 INTs Urlacher is probably leading the team in that category at this point.
Wow... can't say I saw this one coming.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/10/27/bears-release-veteran-chris-harris/
I wouldn't be surprised if the Vikings picked him up. They're in desperate need at S.
But I am not getting the love for Merriweather either. For what we are paying the guy like 3+ Mill he ought to be all world and he isnt.
He brings the pain. He is our enforcer. Heck put him in and say take out that WR. That is what he is for.
He hurts WR's and gets in their head. Let him play a few plays a game and if he gets one big hit it is worth it.
Well, he is either THAT or a misguided, misaimed flying missile. I subscribe to the notion that he needs to calm down and concentrate on a targeted response to what he does. With him it's more a Ready, FIRE, Aim approach....
its god telling you to shorten your posts.
I don't want this to be the Sunday that it changes, but we have always had Vick's number.
Don't under estimate Bennett being back. I am thinking with him and Sazenbacher on the field at the same time the Bears should be able to pick up third downs much more effectively.
24-23 Bears
Their defense has been suspect all season. We've also stopped some good RB's this season so I think we could handle McCoy.
I feel good about the Bears chances.
For you d-bags writing off the Bears tonight, I have compiled a few alternatives for watching tonight...
ABC has Dancing With The Stars
E! has a Sex and the City marathon
Bravo has Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Lifetime has Julie and Julia
As for me, I'll be watching the Bears!
If I am going to run the wildcat I want Hester back there instead of Bennett.
I don't think Bennett scares anyone.
Sure he will get open and make the catch and then get tackled but he doesn't keep anyone awake at night.
my other beef is that Cutler seemed to be on a roll at that time. It seems like an odd time to run the WC.
I'm all for staying with the hot hand or the hot back until they stop them.
For which team? The one that got jobbed there last year or...
Lots of love coming the Bears way right now in the national media. This is traditionally when things get dangerous for them, they let down and prove the haters right.
This could very well be a flat let down game for the Bears.
Oh brother.....
Never....ever.... call me your brother.
I dont think Stafford ever touched Moore's facemask. It looked to me like he had a hand on each side of his helmet and pulled Moore down by his helmet.
Suh pulled Cutler down by grabbing the bottom back of his helmet and lifting it off his head.
Fairley plowed Cutler into the turf.
All 3 need to pay.
Can you guys predict what the Dow Jones will do tomorrow too?
Rozelle wasn't against the headbands - he was against the advertising on the headbands. McMahon kept the headbands for the Super Bowl but put all sorts of non-commercial writing on them (i.e. JDF, Rozelle, and another one for his buddy the WR Koslowski?) - which didn't draw the fine.
Bennett just needs to get the entire team to switch to the orange cleets
It’s unknown as to when Cutler injured his thumb. As for the severity, McClure reports, “Source says the Bears are preparing to move forward without Cutler “for a while.”"
Garrard is a no-go. Bulger is even worse, plus why would he want to come back and play for Martz behind another sh-itty OL after Martz basically ruined his career with the Rams?
Palmer has faced the likes of the Chiefs, Vikes, Broncos, and Chargers. He's had good games against the Chiefs and Vikings but let's see how he does against a quality defense like the Bears.
Heard Orton is available that Denver released him?? Is this true? If so, he'd be a great option....
I don't see how KC doesn't claim Orton. This speculation is likely for nothing...
and isn't Enderle on the active Roster because he looked too good in preseason to store on the practice squad or am I confusing him with someone else?
but never seen them better then the opponent and still lose due to just not doing the job.
And that's why I was chuckling to see all the love being showered on Lovie just a day or two ago here.
Here's the deal. Every -- and I mean EVERY -- time people start talking about how good of a coach Lovie Smith is, his teams come out and play a game exactly like today. They lose to a far inferior team and look terrible doing it. Keystone Cops in all phases. It's happened so often it is far beyond coincidence.
This was the most winnable game left on our schedule, and we weren't even in it. Say what you want about talent -- and we've got a bunch of it injured on the sidelines right now no question -- but teams led by good coaches don't stink up the field like we did today.
Cutler masked a TON of deficiencies on this team. It will not hurt me one bit to see us miss the playoffs cause if we can't beat a 4-7 team that's starting their backup QB... in our house... with the season on the line... we don't deserve anything.
Nothing went right (and hasn't the last 2 weeks).
Forte gets hurt. Urlacher knocks a hail mary into a KC player hands. Robbie misses a needed FG. Roy "First Down" Williams fat-fingers a sure TD into a defender's hands. Martz dusts off a gameplan that would've gotten Cutler killed, not to mention Caleb Hanie. Brutal. Just plain ****ing brutal game.
Roy ****ing Williams is our Alvin Harper (when he was with the Bucs). As an aside, the Bucs wore their creamsickle uniforms and the Bears and the Bucs (you could add the Lions in there as well) played like the old 70s NFC Central teams I grew up on.
Old is new again :D
If we run 7-step drops against Dumervil and Von Miller, Hanie may not survive the 1st quarter.
F'ing prevent defense...f'ing fire whoever decided to do that **** right now...]
Time to commence drinking heavily.
The idiots on PGL keep blaming Barber...it's a 10-0 road win if they do not go to that dumba$$ prevent defense!
Martz went totally conservative at the end as otto points out (actually for the entire game)...but Martz play calls might have pulled it out except for the Barber OoB run. Not questioning the calls on the last series but earlier on a nice play action pass to a TE could have picked up a much needed first down.
And why was Bowman on the field when the Broncos scored their TD?
I am wondering just how much this drug bust crap has contributed to this losing streak.
fukking knox!
Yeah let's cut him right now. How many fumbles or TO's has he had this year? Is this his first?
I am glad the Packer lost.
I'm not. Cause now instead of hammering us 49-9 they'll destroy us 63-0. Just to show the world they've still got it.
Time to start watching the Bulls, and college basketball..
I am wondering what the Packers do being banged up and with home field clinched in the NFC. Will they play backups and rest people knowing the Bears are wounded and out of the playoffs?
And wouldnt that send a message to the McCaskets
24-3 Green Bay
To win the SB you need some luck besides a good team. The recent losses by the packers are righ tin the most vulnerable area. I have serious doubts that the Packers will get far in the play-offs this year. It would not surprise me if the Bears beat the Packers, especially if they start their #3 QB. Stuff like that seems to happen many times.
Who is the hot team peaking this year? SF. Watch out.
This could all cost Rodgers his MVP chances.
Peke, I hate the Pake as much as you do but they are clearly the better team. We've got some talent and unfortunately the best of it is on the bench right now on offense anyway. We need help from a competent GM to compete and unfortunately we don't have that presently. Now maybe the football genies will grant the Bears a reprieve from Angie and his incompetence and get us a real GM. If that happens we'll be back in the mix quick. We've got enough talent to do some serious damage and yes even to the Pake. We'd be in the mix THIS year if it hadn't been for Cutler and Forte goin down. Even the Pake couldn't live without Rodgers. We absolutely MUST HAVE a new GM to make this team a winner that can go the entire way. Without that,we're blowing smoke....
Was it just me or all the wine I drank all day, but I thought McCown didnt look too bad. I knew he couldnt beat GB, but I kept thinking he could have won some of those 4 games Haine lost. His passes looked decent and on target. He had some scrambling ability. Too little too late.
And where was Peppers? He took the night off, I didnt see him do anything. Niow hoping for a loss to the Vikes. I dont want to hear Lovie say we finished 8-8 on a win....He already said something like that on the radio this morning.
Was it just me or all the wine I drank all day, but I thought McCown didnt look too bad. I knew he couldnt beat GB, but I kept thinking he could have won some of those 4 games Haine lost. His passes looked decent and on target. He had some scrambling ability. Too little too late.
And where was Peppers? He took the night off, I didnt see him do anything. Now hoping for a loss to the Vikes. I dont want to hear Lovie say we finished 8-8 on a win....He already said something like that on the radio this morning.
See thats why I said above that 8-8 wont get heads roling, we need to be 7-9 for that to have a chance. Hanging your hat on 8-8 being satisfactory is not what Bears fans need. Now 12-4 would. Anglelo has failed and has to go and he has to take his butt buddy with him.
I just don't understand Marinelli.
How do you leave the Packers the inside slant near the goal line 3 times without cutting it off.
Martz gets call stubborn but Marinelli sure can stick with things that aren't working.
I know I rock right? ;DNo, you Yodel :P
I will watch the Green Bay games to root for who ever is playing them. Other then that? Nope don't care.
By the way why couldn't they have busted Rodgers hip instead of Ponders? I don't root for injurys but if someone has to get hurt why not Rodgers?
It's a fantasy but how good would it look to have Jeff Fisher on our sideline?
So Keys, do you have info on what the plans for Ruskell are?
Until I hear he's not a part of the plan, I am remaining very cautiously optimistic.