Alaskan Grizzly

I think what "Edward" is doing is trying to show that "Noots" was incorrect in his prediction that Shaffer was the correct choice as RT. That is, at least, what I drew from it. I could be wrong. Do yourself a favor "Edward" and post some narrative to explain your stance.

Sorry. We're gonna have to agree to disagree. What was the score at half? 29-0 or 29-7? Whats to say that the Bears couldn't have put up 29 in the second half? The point is the team didn't quit. They collectively kept trying. I didn't see players stopping short or other indicators the game was "done by halftime". When was Pepper's sack? Where were the Bears when Cutler threw one of his ints? They were driving for a score. Players were playing, despite the odds. I can tell you firsthand that lying "prostrate" and fighting back ups your odds of winning rather than lying there and giving up. So again, we will have to disagree. The original point being countered was that whether the Bears would lose 10 out of 10 games against the Pats. Don't think they would.

Sorry Connor but as much as I "usually" agree with you I can't believe that 10 out of 10 times would be totally accurate. I would have to believe that perhaps 2 out of 10 or even 3 times these Bears could do it. The team is not as bad as a lot are making them out to be and a few here will believe, especially after a loss like this. We know that the "D" is running near the top right now. We know that Cutler is capable of being a very good QB. Yesterday he played pretty well, when he had the chance. Admittedly he made some Cutleresque mistakes but they were later more later in the game. The Pats played keep away for much of the first half and the "O" was not able to do a whole lot. As Noots pointed out and was evident in the game, the Bears were still "contending" in the 3rd quarter until Jay threw that Int into the endzone. Had he not? We'd be possibly talking a different tune. I predicted that the Bears would go 1-1 with the Pats and Jets games. I still feel that way although of the two I thought the BEars could beat the Pats. But at this point I think they will beat the Jets instead. The Jets are not as organized as this team and it will be more of a low scoring duke it out style of game. Exactly the type of game the Bears are built for. So going back to my original point I still think if this game is played 10 times, I don't actually believe they (Pats) would win all 10 times.

So in that you mean to say that Eric Mangini is "good coach"? This is why they "play the game".

Thanks for the information. Sounds as though you are much the same as the rest with how things could pan out. Especially the note about the field. That, I think, will play one of the biggest factors in the game. And remember....Urlacher owes Brady a tackle. Pretty sure THAT won't happen again. At least Urlacher is a good sport about it.

Here's my "two cents": for what it's worth. First look at all the scores of all the games this year, wins AND losses. No blowouts, not even the ugliest loss at NYG. The only ones close were the wins against Mia and Car. That means the Bears are staying competitive, despite themselves in some cases. Remember last year and the debacles with Cinncinati and Baltimore? The team definitely did not look good in those games. Next, the field has been and will be a factor. Almost all the home games have shown the visitors slipping or other similar issues at key moments. That gives the edge to Chicago, especially this weekend with NE. And remember the hype at the beginning of the year about the chemistry (Martz / Cutler) and how formidable the schedule looked? And, I might add how many of you wanted for so many changes? Despite it all, the Bears are where they are. In a position to make the playoffs. Whodda thunk? I strongly think the Bears will split the NE and NYJ games with a 1-1. As far as Minn and GB go, I'll have to see how things go when we reach that point. A lot can happen between now and then.

"I had seen a interview with Urlacher in his basement and my friend described his basement to the tee[/i]." I hate to put on my Capt. Obvious suit but if I had "seen" an interview with Urlacher in his basement, I could probably tell you what it looked like too. Kinda like I could tell you what the studio looks like that Jon Stewart does the Daily Show from. All kidding aside, wish I were in Chicago for the upcoming game so that I could actually see my first Bears game live and attend your "tailgate". Sounds fun. Good luck all....

Was listening a little to the "Herd" this morning. And of course Trent Dilfer made an appearance. (Colin is a big fan). They got to discussing the Bears. First thing Colin said is he thought the Bears were a "fraud". Asked Dilfer what he thought. Dilfer's reply was basically that he didn't believe in them. He did make one note that I found ironic. He felt the only real way that the Bears could even hope to make it into and through the playoffs (let alone Super Bowl) were if the Defense began to play off the chart. He felt that it mostly fell into the hands of Cutler being consistent and thusly why the team could not maintain it's momentum. They reviewed the remainder of the Bears schedule and not only did Colin say he thought the Bears would go 0-4 he thought the Jets were going to "destroy" the Bears. And Dilfer thought at best 1-3. Which got me to thinking about Dilfer and his statement. I started to think about how he really isn't legit. I remember a few weeks ago when a few here were roasting over how Steve Young was burning the Bears and how ill received Young was for talking that way. No matter how wrong he might be, at least he can say he contributed to his SUper Bowl win and he is also in the Hall of Fame. What credibility does Dilfer have? He won a Super Bowl but only because of a dominant defense. How ironic. (Guess it takes "one to know one"). Beyond that he really never accomplished much. So I guess he falls into the category of another paid talking head that blows hot air? I know Colin is paid to antagonize people so that almost goes without saying. The one positive was that Dilfer did know that he was making enemies with the Bear Nation. He said that each time he flies back to California he purposefully avoids flying through O'Hare mostly because of concerns about his comments of the Bears. Must be nice to have such a high opinion of yourself that anyone would recognize you let alone care. In the meantime....keep up the great work Lovie and crew.

Absolutely and unequivocally NO.

Thanks "Edward" for the post and welcome to the site. Don't be discouraged by my good "friends" Brian and Terra. They are known to be a bit surly at times. I appreciate the link. If for nothing else it is a reminder for me to finish my Christmas shopping for myself.

For what it's worth, I think that his (Moch) chances (if he were drafted by Chicago) were for OLB or ILB. I'm not sure how many more years Urlacher has in him. For that matter Tillman is nearing his shelf life and of anything lacking in the "D" the Bears are weakest at CB. I think it safe to assume that Peppers will have a few more (three to four) good years. Even if he never rises to the level of the number of sacks he's had in the past he is still a force to be reckoned with. Which will bode well for Idonije and or an up and comer like Wootten.

I agree that it is frustrating to listen to the "talking heads" continue to cast doubt about how much the Bears are legit or not. And as other posters have noted that is what they (commentators like Young) are paid to do. I compare it to empty rhetoric in the political world and someone like Ochocinco or Owens talking trash during a game or afterward. Nothing much to it. Makes for motivation. Use it as such, post a copy of Young's statement on your fridge and after each game that the Bears are expected to lose...and don't, relish the victory that much more. Or use the same thought process Urlacher did after the last game and say, in so many words, "F" them, we don't care what they think or say. And in defense of one ESPN analyst better known as Da' Coach. Ditka was noted as saying not only is this team better than in '06 (due in part to Cutler's play compared to Grossman's) but that he thought they would go to the Super Bowl.

Speaking of Brian. I know this may be a wee off topic but something I really want to see Brian do in the coming weeks is make amends for that little "juke" Brady put on him a few years back in the open field. Punctuated by Bradys air punch after finally being stopped several yards later.

Oddly enough I meant that he (Fisher) did have the bull by the horns until the recent Jerry Jones like influences put upon by the owner Adams. Isn't it interesting how they both (Jones and Adams) insist on not only drafting players from their preferred schools (Adams - Texas and Jones - Arkanasas) but then insist on those players playing more if not start? So how is it that it says Adams went to the Univ. of Kansas he is tied to Texas? By the way, I like your "footer" regarding Bush having a hot dog with Stephen. Colbert Nation rocks!!!

Good point especially the time he's been there and the general autonomy that he has had...until recently. Lovie can boast more than that. I can still remember his three promises when he (Lovie) was hired. Beat GB, win the division and go to the Super Bowl. All accomplished within his first contract...not bad. What's next?? Win the Super Bowl??? Guess we'll see.'

As another pointed out it won't be Childress that will sit him but I would be willing to bet that Frazier will before much longer. Or as Terra pointed out he (Favre) will either quit or feign injury to appear going out with what dignity has left intact. I would love to hear a story like the one out of Tennessee where Favre showed up at the facility and was told to leave. That would be hilarious. I know it won't happen but still....

Well first off, I did point out the link was outdated and I added that last night during pre-game Bob Costas was heard plugging a new NBC Sports app where you could read about the possibility of Fitz leaving Arizona. It's true The Whiz did get AZ to the Super Bowl and MuCH has changed since then, notably the QB situation and Boldins departure. The QB situation being the most tenuous because of the uncertainty and instability. There is no defined or future starter that stands out. Fitz is fast approaching 30 and has to be thinking about how many more chances does he have where he is currently. And regardless of past performances, who here was (and in some cases still) ready to let Lovie walk despite going to the SB just 4 years ago? Lastly and in regards to re-worked contracts: what say you about the fact that despite MCNabb just signing a néw 5 year deal with Wash he could still be let go by seasons end? That really doesn't mean much. Especially with the money situation with this and next year. I'm just sayin'.

Well to borrow an analogy, all that can be done is play one game at a time. One correction was that you noted you hoped the Pack would lose to both the Giants and Pats before the Bears played them. Unfortunatley the Bears have already lost to the Giants...can you say ouch? I know Cutler did. Next, I actually watched last nights game (Eagles / Giants) with some encouragement. Although I was hoping the G-men would shut down Vick more I think the Bears are as capable, if not more, of doing just that. The rush will be there (although I give a slight edge to the Giants front line) where the difference is the Bears' linebacking core. Ive said it before that hands down they are the best unit in all the NFL right now. My former concern of the secondary has been tempered by the overall improvement there but specifically D. manning and the x-factor of Wright (if he can stay healthy). Tillman's coverage ability is dwindling (and that could become a problem) but he is still amiable contributer especially in causing turnovers. Jennings seems to be having issues too at his side but I think Safety help will be there to patch the hole. I like Jennings alot, just think he might be too small to cover big receivers. That and he appears to make more bad reads than good. Maybe Lovie will take him under his wing like he has done with others. The offensive side is going to totally depend on Jay. Will the good or the bad one show? I'm not sure anymore that Forte is able to get close to 100 yd games consistently, which is needed especially this late in the year. Martz' playcalling has bucked his own trend of passing first and passing often and God knows he's trying to give Forte a chance...it just doesn't seem to be happening. In fact I am really encouraged that Martz, save the Giants game, has adapted the scheme during each game to get the best result he thinks can be made. That and the improved play of the line has helped considerably. Webb will prove to be the important link in this group, especially this Sunday. Will he looks like he is standing in cement or will he get the stance and defelction he needs for the outside rush you know is coming? Time will tell. As far ad ST goes, Hester will break the return TD record this year....mark my words. And unless the opposition punts out of bounds each time he will get the Bears great field position.. Either way. Ultimately I am positive in the growth of the team. While others like Minn, Dallas, Hou and SF are disintegrating i see Chicago positioning itself just right and at the right time.

Heard a small blurb on the NBC pregame tonight about Fitzgerald possibly being done in Arizona after the season. I know Angelo tried for Boldin but maybe...just maybe???? Unfortunately it appears at this point to be mostly rumor and the below link (although outdated) thinks Minnesota makes the most sense but I am ever the optimist. http://panthersinthepros.wordpress.com/2007/09/21/149/

What's this??? MadLith has started to drink the "Kool Aid" and become a Lovie supporter??? Do tell. Welcome aboard the Lovie bandwagon.

Couldn't agree more with this article. I was watching some SNF pre-game stuff and listened to an exchange between Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison where Dungy sorta took sides with Favre. Mostly because Favre cost so much. Harrison was adamantly against Favre staying in and letting Jackson have a go. This seems to be a consensus (if not practical) way of thinking anymore. As the author of this article and Harrison pointed out, both the tenure of Favre and Childress in Minnesota have outstayed their respective welcomes. My understanding is that the fan base is tiring of this whole mess and although I am happy to see both Minnesota and Favre crumble I would have to say it has become embarrassing. I won't be the least bit surprised if Childress is fired within the next two weeks (replaced probably by Leslie Frazier - boo) and Favre is relegated to "riding the pine". Won't it be beautiful?

Was just talking to a co-worker of mine that used to play college and semi-pro baseball and said pretty much the same thing. He said it is like when you wear those yellow lensed glasses at the shooting range with helping see more definition etc. I didn't notice but he had pointed out the same thing and told me about then mentioned the above comments. Interesting....but freaky. Would cause me to pause if I were lining up opposite him.

Furthering the thought about Forte and his two yard drop technique. One, I feel he is strong enough to do what Jones was good at and once he meets resistance at the line, bounce off and go around. He is fast enough that he could outrun the first wave of defenders and maybe get 5-7 more yards before the LBs zero in. Secondly, as far as pulling goes I would think either Garza or Kreutz would be able to help in outside running. Probably more Garza but still one extra body out on the edge to give Matt that extra time would be worth it. If not them then how about Mamumaluena (huge) or Kellen Davis? I think more screens and end arounds would soften up the middle more getting Forte (or Taylor) more yards. But ultimately this is probably why I am sitting here blogging my ideas instead of coaching or playing as my "talent/ability" (of what little I had) ended in High School many, many years ago.

I read the original post and wanted to counter one point with a "food for thought" moment. That regarding Webb's "killing" the Bears with his penalties. A friend of mine (who is a Pats fan) that I was watching the game with pointed out that Webb's holding is better than letting the guy, in this case a pretty good player in Wake, have a straight shot at Cutler. In which the options become a turnover (fumble) and/or a sack which could take out Cutler through injury or like in the case of the Giants game mess up his psyche (that is until he was concussed). So yeah, Webb's penalties suck but given the alternative AND that he is a seventh round Rookie, I'll take it.... For now. I expect that like the rest of the line, Tice will fix what ills Webb. Which at this point appears to be his footwork. I feel things will solidify and the penalties will start to drop. After all they (Bears) have over a week until their next game. Making minor, yes minor, tweaks at this point is where teams wish to be at this point of the year. The one thing I'd like to see also fixed is the running game. Something seems to be missing. I feel at times watching Forte is like watching Benson before he left. Run to the line and fall after 1-2 yards. They need more sweeps. The fact that Martz is doing more running is very encouraging. Let the tweaking continue. Keep up the improvements Bears.

^^. What he said and thank you, especially about the "whining". So what if Lovie looks lost, they are getting results. And to reply to the previous poster: that would be why the Defense is doing well. Lovie knows him some D and th talent it takes to make it work. Credit is where credit is due. I will venture to say that the Bears LB corps is the best in the NFL right now. Hands down. Keep up the great work Lovie and crew.