BearFan2000

Beating the Pack at home, knocking them out of playoff hopes, and clinching our division is like killing a flock of birds with one stone. It would be sweet revenge. I want the Bears to absolutely murder the packers to the point someone will need to call 9-1-1 to ship their lifeless corpse back to GB. Az is right we are a vastly different team not only personal wise but on field play. We are vastly improved that gap between GB and Chicago has disappeared. Rodgers better have his life insurance policy up to date. Bring it on!

Thanks for taking the time to hash all those scenarios. The NFL is where weird things can happen and with 3 weeks to go who knows how it all shakes out. We do have a slim shot at a 1 or 2 seed and for that to happen either NO or LA needs to stumble. Both have favorable schedules the rest of the way. Possibly NO's is harder as they face Carolina twice, Pit is out of playoff contention or at least on the bubble. Carolina is fighting for a wild card. and needs to win out if possible. Rams have Philly who like Carolina is playing for something. AZ and SF have nothing but draft position to play for. If one of them stumbles I feel like it'd be NO but that isn't a given. All we can control is guaranteeing us at least a #3 seed meaning we need to go 2-1 or 3-0. Beat GB, and lock up the division while effectively ending any hopes the cheeseheads have at playoffs. SF has nothing to play for other than draft position, and By week 17 the vikings could be out of contention as well. I'd like to see us win out and finish 11-5 and let the seeding fall the way it will. Worst case we host a home wild card game and likely play on the road for the division round game. If we win the first game and lose or even make it to the conference championship this season will have been a huge step in the right direction. I'm proud of my Bears they have really got things turned around and have a firm stepping stone for next season and beyond.

Second that. As opposed to seasons past instead of finding ways to lose we found a way to win. Tonight it was the D coming up big all night long. We held the best RB in the league to a forgettable night, he had what one good run? We held one of the leagues best offenses to 6 points They didn't sniff the end zone. On a night where Trubiskey was clearly off target much of the night. I agree with Mongo as one of his picks was a bad read and should not have been thrown. The other two if they are on target are big plays. He had a bad game, it happens to all QB's. It's on him now to come out next week and clean up his accuracy which starts with his footwork. I noticed he wasn't always setting his feet to throw. My takeaways - We faced one of the top teams in the NFL in prime time last night, and we did not play scared, we weren't intimidated we took the fight to them. I freaking love that about this team, you can see the confidence growing, they believe in each other and in themselves that they can beat anyone. Over the years I've watch us play not to lose or play scared. I feel like this is an underrated culture shift that has taken place. The Bears didn't look at the Rams and think "they're 11-1 how can we beat them?" They approached it like "Challenge accepted" This bodes well for us going forward. - This time last year our record was flipped, we were 4-9 and went 1-3 the rest of the way to finish 5-11. We could possibly end our season 11-5. That is a heck of a turnaround. Granted our poor record last seasons made for a more favorable schedule this year but such was also the case previous years. Trestman left us with a dumpster fire that Fox took over. but yet in 3 years here he couldn't get us to even 500. Our last winning season was in 2012 under Smith. We are a work in progress particularly on offense this season. Even though we are an unfinished product we have found ways to win and find ourselves at 9-4 and in the hunt for a first round bye. There's a lot of work to be done to get us to where we want to be but we're winning along the way as we learn. Winning helps encourage our guys to buy in and stick with it. They know good things are coming. A Minnesota loss tonight and we could clinch the division at home vs the Packers with two games to go. How sweet would that be! - Our line did a great job keeping Donald in check, particular hats off to Daniels who played an excellent game. Our line did a much better job run blocking and our run game was effective. Schematically we did a good job at using the Rams tendencies against them. It felt like we were more balanced. - Our special teams I thought did a great job in coverage particalarly pinning them deep on multiple occasions. Parkey with a miss but he was 2 of 3. - I think the Rams are not used to having to work that hard to move the ball and score. They are used to dictating tempo and we turned the tables on them. They looked rattled and unsure of themselves. They looked stunned and frustrated at times and I loved every minute of it.

Agree with your assessment, their run D can be exploited. We need a balanced game plan. Running the ball read options, screen passes, make their front seven work and do what we can schematically to slow that rush, and when we throw know where our hots are and get the ball out quick. I'd like to see us run uptempo a little. This is a game we will need to try to dictate the tempo with our offense. On defense we need to play an all around better game, the D needs to get back to form and make them fight for every inch. Easier said than done Gurley is going to be hard to contain, both running and as an outlet. He's the best RB we've faced this season. Having this game at Soldier Field on a day that is likely to be very cold is an advantage. I feel like this is a game we can win but we will have to play at a high level. We need to win the turnover battle and time of possession. While we will at a times need Trubiskey to run, I'd like to see us do what we can to limit the punishment he takes. This offense clearly functions at a higher level when healthy vs Daniels. My hopes are that we find a way to win this game and keep Mitch healthy. Oh and a Vikings loss to the Seachickens on MNF would be nice too.

McCarthy's next stop likely the local Dunkin' Donuts gotta keep up his figure while he looks for his next gig. I have to say though in his defense all the talk about how his play calling was unimaginative yet to hear that Rodgers often changed the calls on his own, one could come to the conclusion that a good amount of the bad play calling is actually Rodgers fault lol. Man it's refreshing and entertaining to see the Packers become laughable and irrelevant while our Bears are on the rise. Definitely one train wreck I can't look away from LOL

agree we've been beaten by some fluky plays, but we've also won games on the backs of big plays as well. Key late turnovers or defensive TDs, or Big plays early in games to put opponents in holes. Football is often a game of inches but it can often be the splash plays or gaffes that can seal a game. The plays you mentioned were backbreakers in our 4 losses. Had we came up with stops on those plays we could be undefeated. But as you noted we have had the lead in the second half of every game. Part of changing from a losing to a wining culture is learning how to finish games. Cobb has been a Bear killer so often it's sickening, if we either stop that play or Fuller catches that pick we win. The Dolphins game was maddening when you put up 20+ second half points you shouldn't lose the game. This was also the game we got screwed out of a TD by Cohen on a bad OPI call on Burton coupled with the D having a terrible second half. NE needed 2 special teams TDs to beat us. Beckham's trick play pass to a guy who didn't have a defender within 10-20 yards of him, yet had we played better as a team all around we should have won that game. We've won some games that were a fight to the end and we've lost some by not finishing. This is all a part of a young team learning and progressing. We sure have been on the short end of the stick on calls missed, blown, etc. But then again what's new. And you have to learn to play through those things. It sucks getting screwed like on that Cohen TD where they blew the whistle, or any number of possibly game changing bad calls/no calls. But we're not alone, it feels like officiating has been bad in recent years. It's hard to find a well officiated game anymore. And a lot of these officiating gaffes end up effecting a game's outcome by either creating momentum, or killing it. We do seem to have more than our fair share of bad officiating though. But we just have to play through those things that are beyond our control. As for Chase, he's a backup and last week is proof why he's a backup, I saw a video where Waddle addressed it and what makes him a backup is that isn't the kind of player who will be consistently good week to week that's why he's never cracked a starting gig. He can fill in for a game or two here and there but he's not someone to start for a length of time. He went 1-1 on the road. I do think it's imperative that we do look for a better #2 behind Mitch. Wether it's a veteran with starting experience, or a promising rookie or young QB that could groom under Mitch.

lol so true. I could see Rodgers being hard to work with, I have no respect for him as a person and while he's unquestionably a highly talented player he appears to have the ability to rub people the wrong way. Thinks he runs the Packers so when decisions are made and he's not consulted he pouts and throws a hissy. The guy has bought into his own hype. Nothing's ever his fault.

getting him back at the end of the season and in time for a playoff run is big.

That is what we have to remember this whole thing is a work in progress, that has had more success that we had expected going in. That success creates expectation we expect to win every game. That's not a bad thing, it's a product of your team becoming something worth rooting for. If todays game were last season I'd have thought nothing of it, put it in context this season and it was upsetting, because I've come to expect more from my Bears. I do think we can beat the Rams at home next week. The fledgling Lions stayed in that game against them and were only down 3 going into the 4th quarter. The Rams aren't this invincible juggernaut and neither are the Saints. Every team has vulnerabilities. A win next week over LA would put us in a really good spot with a favorable schedule the rest of the way. At the very least we should be able to win our division and host a wildcard game. At best we manage a 1 or 2 seed and we have the bye and host a divisional round game and possibly even host a conf championship game. It's crazy to think this isn't far fetched. Getting to the playoffs was my hope this year, anything above that is icing.

I don't think the expectation is for us to win it all this year. I'd be awesome and I'll root for us to go all the way. But this was year to bring the Bears back into the conversation of playoff contenders. We are in good shape to win our division and still have a chance to possibly earn a first round bye. From 5-11 and several losing seasons to this, I'll take it. The urgency to win now isn't as strong as it has been in past years where we'd come out of nowhere have a break out season, then disappear the next. The Bears are being built to compete year after year. We probably won't win it all this year, but we aren't going away like we have in the past. It gives me hope that we're building towards something and the Bears are an ascending team. Yesterday should serve as a learning experience. Plenty of blame to go around in that game, but if we learn from it, it will have been worth it we haven't lost ground on our division lead.

Very un-Packer like thing to fire a coach during the season. I was glad to see them lose again, kinda sad to see McCarthy go, wanted the downward spiral to continue. Their issues go beyond the HC, but here's hoping they botch that hire and the Packers shrink into obscurity for the foreseeable future.

Amen! I was so pissed after that fumble that I shut it off and tossed the remote. After cooling down. I came to the same thinking you did. Had someone told me the Bears would be 8-4 and on top of our division I’d have taken that in a heartbeat. It doesn’t suck any less to lose to a team like the giants but it is one game. Vikings lost to the Pats so we are still 1 1/2 games up in the division. It’s been a crazy week in the nfl.

We lost to the FRIGGIN 3-8 Giats. 3-8!!! Freaking pitiful!

He does need to work on those, when he does slide it often looks like he's caught mid decision "Do I slide, do I stay upright and try to get more yards?"

It took him a couple weeks or so to get into true game shape. He's done what he needed to do after the holdout mess. I remember at the time of the holdout we talked about how he needed to have a Boss like rookie season where he plays at a high level if he hopes to put the holdout behind him. He's played at a high level this year. Keep it up kid. That holdout now feels like a distant memory. Winning helps bury those things too. His future looks bright here.

I didn't see last nights game but had to do a double take when I checked my fantasy stats and saw NO actually lost to the Cowgirls 13-10. I would have never bet that would happen. Their offense looked unstoppable and to only manage 10 points. They certainly look less invincible after last night. But then again it's one game vs the previous 9 where they've been on an absolute tear. I do agree that their schedule is tougher than the Rams schedule from here on out. The playoff picture is starting to get a little clearer. Division winners should be NO, LAR, CHI, DAL. Winning out puts us at 13-3, and would give us some key tie breakers. Crazy to think that for most of the season it was just assumed that the Saints would just roll through the season and playoffs and hoist the Lambardi. Now they are going to have to fight to secure a 1 or 2 seed. If LA beats the Lions they take over at #1. Should the Saints stumble again their best final record is 13 and 3 and we'd leap frog them for the #2 seed. Hosting the saints vs playing in their dome is a huge advantage for us. We need to fight like hell to win out. Who'd have thought after last season ended we'd be sitting here to day last day of November and we are in a three team battle for the top two seeds in the NFC? Take that all you "experts" who were hating on the Bears.

Your right the deserve to suck for eternity. Their deal with the devil may be running out on them.

The players seem to have their heads in the right place and are working to stay mentally focused and trying to tune out the outside distractions. Which the more we win, the more easily it can be to get caught up in hype, excitement, and attention that success brings. To this point the Bears have kept a workmanlike attitude and have stayed hungry. That is a reflection of good coaching. They aren't satisfied with 8-3 and playoffs. You have to have the mentality of enjoy each win in the moment, but keep your eyes on the road ahead.

Jackson has turned out to be an absolute steal where we got him. I agree with Adam as the first comparison that comes to mind is Mike Brown but quicker. Dude appears to have a very high football IQ and a real nose for the ball. His picks in both Detroit and against Minny are somewhat reminiscent of Brown's back to back OT pick sixes. He can become the leader in the secondary we've not had in a long time. With his football IQ it could be like having a coach on the field helping his teammates be in position to make plays. And he's in just year 2 of his career. Here's hoping he avoids the injury bug that constantly bit Brown.

Not sure I see LA relaxing. They'll have the division wrapped up but they will want to lock up a #2 seed to have a bye and a home divisional game. I don't see them not fighting till they either get it or are eliminated from getting it.

Just keep winning and the rest takes care of itself. We can't take the Giant's lightly, but if we contain Barkley and make Eli beat us that bodes well for us as Eli is turnover prone. We could sit Mitch this week so he's fully healthy for the final stretch starting with the Sunday nighter vs the Rams. But if he's healthy to play I'd like to see him play and be in game rhythm heading into the matchup with the Rams. It sure was nice to see the Packers put out to pasture with 6 weeks to go in the season. Their fan base is gathering wood to burn McCarthy at the stake. May they suck for the next 2 decades they deserve a cargo ship full of humble pie. I had hopes that we'd be in the hunt for a playoff spot. Then fast forward and we're in great shape to win our division and get at least a #4 seed, but have a realistic shot at a first round bye. By about the midway point through last year I stopped subjecting myself to Bears football. Darn you Pace and Naggy! My weekends are now consumed with watching the Bears, and scoreboard watching!

I think the Saints will most likely represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. They finally have a defense to go with their offense, they are a more complete team than the previous saints teams that could only play offense and had to score a lot because they would typically give up a lot. Now I do feel that with our D and and improving offense that's already putting up about 30 a game can give them a fight. Win or lose I don't think we'd get our butts handed to us. The Rams are great on offense, but their D is capable of giving up lots of points as well. When they played the chiefs (who's offense ours is based off of). There was an ungodly amount of points scored by both teams. I see the Rams as a beatable team. More beatable than the saints. Our Sunday night matchup vs the Rams at Soldier Field could be the biggest win of the season and would put us in a solid position to shoot for the #2 seed. There could be a lot riding on that game for both teams. Till then we have to take care of the Giants. Could be a field day for our D. Eli can be very generous to defenses, and we have a pretty decent one Who'da thunk we'd be at this position where we could face the current #2 NFC team with us being 9-3 and the Rams at 11-1. A win puts us at 10-3 and drops the rams to 11-2 making their lead on us for the #2 seed a virtual half game due to tie breaker. Whatever happens from now on is gravy, Bears playing meaningful games in December is a great feeling and one we've not enjoyed for some time. Nagy is proven to be a great hire. I know it's only 11 games into his coaching career here but what a turnaround!. Last night's game was bitter sweet. On one hand, had the Packers won they'd both be 5-5-1 and it's give us more distance from the Vikings. But the Packers losing ends their season. And how can't I enjoy a Packers loss it's like enjoying your favorite candy. It always tastes sweet.

I didn’t realize his usage stats were as similar as past seasons. I think his overall lack of production makes it feel like he’s not being utilized. I agree that a big part of it is blocking and run blocking schemes. Jordan is at his best in a zone scheme where he can pick his hole vs running straight up the gut. Missing Long hurts too.

The rest will at least be helpful for Mitch. I have a feeling we'll be fine if Chase does in fact start. I have a feeling that decision has been made but it's gamesmanship to keep it as a game time decision. One thing for sure, Mitch needs to work on his sliding, he's had some awkward looking slides and given defenders seem to be allowed to hit him no matter whether he slides or goes down otherwise. He needs to do what he can to at least try to not expose himself to hits when he's giving himself up.

Well if there were a game to let Mitch rest and heal this would be it. I feel like the D will be all over the Lions. Chase will just need to manage the game. He's very familiar with the offensive system. As long as he can take care of the ball and keep drives going. The offense may not have to put up a lot of points. The Lions are very short handed. They are coming off a win but more like a game the Panther's gave away. There will be a revenge factor as they won't want to be swept and especially beat twice in 11 days by the Bears. Patricia will have them fired up to start the game we just need to remind them how bad they suck.