BearFan2000

With Stafford's struggles that may be a good thing for them.

I agree and the mess that Pace/Fox inherited will take multiple good drafts to fix and turn the roster over completely. There is where the patience comes in, the last few years defense has been the weakest side of the ball pass rush needed addressed, we needed to get faster and more athletic, and that was the overarching theme to the draft. Let's face it QB/TE was not strong in this draft so why take chances on someone just to draft a QB and TE. We weren't going to get either Wentz or Goff. This was however a good defensive draft and a good opportunity to take a good number of picks to bolster our D. Strengthening the D will help keep us in games. This draft should also have a good impact on our ST by improving the team speed/athleticism of the bottom of our roster. Reality is our needs this offseason outnumbered our resources to fill those needs. But by having good drafts year after year that issue will go away and we can really start stacking our roster.

I agree, it takes a few years before you get a real picture of how well a new GM, coaching staff, etc. works out. We need to have patience, the Trestman /emery experiment sunk this team to a new low and we as fans have to realize that it wouldn't get fixed overnight. Every GM and every coaching staff makes mistakes or misjudges players, they are human and we all are fooled by potential or there'd never be any busts in the NFL The difference between this staff and the previous is they seem to have a clue, and a vision, and a plan. They haven't entered the drafts last year and this year, like a student that didn't study for the final exam, they are prepared have their plan, and have prepared scenarios that may come up. We've had enough drafts in the past where they seemed to be making it up as they went, and you had to have google open cause we'd pick and you'd be like "Who???" No more drafting like we think we're the smartest person in the room while making the dumbest calls. We as fans don't have to agree with every move and we won't. This staff/FO gives me a sense encouragement, and optimism that we can turn this once proud franchise back into a consistent winner. I like the enthusiasm, vision, and most of the moves we've made. You can see the difference on the field even though we didn't make the playoffs, we finished under 500, the eye test spoke volumes to the difference between this past year's 6-10 team vs the 5-11 team the previous year under Emery/Trestman that felt more like 0-16 or worse. With them in charge the Bears had hit rock bottom and begun to dig for new lows. It was embarrassing and probably the first year I lost interest in watching the games simply cause I didn't want to put myself through that. While it was an up and down year as expected, I saw a team that didn't quit, played with enthusiasm, played their hearts out, record wise it wasn't good enough, but the wins will come. Building the solid foundation and changing the culture will be worth it down the road. The true test will be time, I have to say I'm encouraged by what I've seen so far.

The pick is growing on my too. My first reaction was disappointment, but then again I wanted Buckner but he went two picks ahead of us. While perhaps not who I would have taken, we did get a freak athlete with one of, if not the quickest first step. Speed is huge in today's NFL today. If he adds more bulk that will only help, but not enough bulk to negate the speed. I do like that he played all over the field at Georgia giving him versatility and understanding of more than just OLB. I remember hearing somewhere that he sat in 3 different position meetings and that he has a high football IQ. If he could develop into a leader on D he could be one of those guys that helps his teammates get in their spots. He was clearly someone our coaches, scouts, and FO had targeted and were aggressive in moving up a couple spots to ensure they got him, tells me they see something in him that made the move worth it. Giving up a 4th to move up 2 spots hurts a little but when you have 9 picks you have some ammunition to move up. We very well may trade down in the next few rounds pick up more picks too. These next few rounds will be interesting. With the work that Pace did this offseason we have more flexibility this draft than we did last year.

Nice to see we finally play the most important preseason game at home. The only one worth buying tickets to see

Totally agree, Pace an Fox are rebuilding this team with youth, and creating a new core of players that they hope will form the nucleus of leaders and create a positive culture of winning. This is a time when we need to have guys in the building that will promote that growth rather than hinder it. Once that culture takes hold and is strong enough to handle guys who might need to be kept in line it can work because they are then coming into a winning culture and one that they will respect. Kind of like when the Bulls added Rodman, how many other teams did he wreak havoc on in the locker room, on the court, and off the court when the Bulls brought him to town. Difference in Chicago is the team had a strong established core and culture. Didn't mean Rodman stopped being Rodman, but he was kept in line for the most part, and he respected his teammates. The Bears are not at that stage, right now what we need are leaders who will help build that strong core and culture that can put us in a position to handle players and not let them become distractions and have that effect on the teams culture. The reply above is why it's more than just stats on Sunday. A young growing team that's developing it's identity, needs good leadership, and malcontents at this time can have long term negative effects, vs an established culture that can handle a BM or MB type. It doesn't help a team for a player to put up stats on the field but destroy it off the field. While it may in the moment help your on the field product that won't last when they have poisoned the teams culture.

I agree and that difference of opinion is what makes discussions on here interesting. Sometimes we are convinced by other posters to rethink our opinions, sometimes we convince others, sometimes we agree to disagree. It's all good as long as we are civil, it's when that civility breaks down that makes many of us stop reading a thread as there's no point in reading posts of people kicking dirt at each other. We all are Bears fans or we wouldn't be here doesn't mean we always agree with every move. When I read the post that this is in response to IMHO it's not cool to attack people for having a different opinion that you have. We have to keep in mind that not everyone in life will agree with us, that doesn't make them wrong, stupid, or ignorant by default. It also doesn't mean we are right or wrong. Before posting and calling people stupid, ignorant, and taking the "i'm taking my ball and going home" attitude. Stop, think, and ask yourself how would I react or feel if other posters called me stupid, ignorant, etc. for having a different opinion? We all want to be respected by each other on this board but that starts by respecting others. Just my 2 cents

Exactly, it's easy to forget as we were spoiled for so many years to have one of the best long snappers in the business in Mannelly. Also easy to forget is how much of a precision position that is. Punting, FG's, and XP's, are so much about timing with the place kicking for FG/XP requiring precision down to the rotation of the ball so the holder can quickly catch and get it down for the kicker. Since Mannelly retired we've struggled to find even a decent long snapper. That struggle can effect a kicker's confidence as Robbie went from a guy who had it down to a science and knew and trusted that when he lined up to kick he could count on the ball being placed in the best spot possible for him. He went from that to having to think about more than just lining up to kick but also trying to adjust on the fly when the timing is off or the hold isn't good, etc. I really do like this signing. He's young, and it sounds like he has that perfectionist quality that made Mannelly such a great snapper. I think it has more to do with filling a big need than it does who he previously played for. Same can be said for other former Bronco's we've signed. We are bringing in guys that we feel fit our system and fill needs. I think it is always somewhat natural for a coach who recently coached elsewhere to have guys in mind from his former team as he knows them better than other teams in the hunt for them.

It comes with the territory of have a quality coaching staff that includes guys who have aspirations and potential to make the jump to HC. When was the last time other teams were reaching out to our coaching staff for their teams coaching needs. Pace and Fox et all knew this when they assembled the staff that we may lose Gase or even Fangio but unlike Bears management past the Bears took the risk and hired quality coaches rather than the crud rejects that no one else would want that couldn't tell the difference between their arse and a whole in the ground. I do hope we keep our staff in place and that Gase stays. I would very much like to see what year 2 in this system with a healthy roster, and added talent. Jay has had is best season as a Bears QB at a point in his career where many of us, myself included wished last season we could rid ourselves of him. Keeping Gase gives us the opportunity to see this offense take the next step. So I am hoping the Bears make every effort to keep him, but if he does leave I am confident that the Bears have a plan and have been keeping an eye out for potential replacements to maintain the quality of coaching. This isn't the same management/ownership who would rather promote the water boy to save money than pursue coaches who can actually make the team better. The culture has changed here. And while not ideal to have Jay work with yet another offensive coordinator, I think he is confident in the ownership and current staff to know that they will bring someone good in and that the Bears are building towards something.

Peanut was one of my favorite Bears and was sad to see him go, sad to see him going on IR. He's reached a point where the mind is willing but the body isn't. Class act on and off the field he played the game the right way and was an asset to the community. I hope he does sign a one day contract to retire a Bear. He will always be a Bear. I think he'd make a heck of a DB coach if he does indeed hang em up for good.

The rules differ depending on who's name is on the back of the jersey plain and simple.

I agree and yes his miss cost us the game and he's struggled in some games this season, but I don't think we should forget that he has been solid for us for years, if we say cut him, or drop him, or trade him, after a couple rough games, is a bit reactionary. IMO Gould has earned some slack. Cry about the couple games he either cost us or contributed to a loss but forget about all the games he's won us is kinda short sighted. It's a game we thought we would win, knew we should have won, and the loss stings, I get that. Have we forgotten the turmoil of trying to find a solid dependable kicker. Before we got Gould it was a nightmare every kick even the simple ones were an adventure. Kickers like any other players can have down games, months, or more. Also keep in mind we cut our long snapper as well recently wasn't that this past week? Kicking FG's and XP's is a precision play where timing is huge. When you change long snappers it takes time to get that continuity and comfort and trust that everyone's doing their part right. We had the luxury in the pas of having Pat Mannely who was one of the best long snappers in the game retire after last year. You don't just toss someone in there and expect it all to gel immediately. I didn't get a chance to see the game so I don't know if it was just a kick that Robbie missed and the snap and hold was clean or not. So I'm just talking in general. I'm willing to cut Robbie some slack because I feel he's earned it. That said at the end of the season if he continues to struggle I could see restructuring and I don't think Robbie's the kind of guy who would not be willing to work with us if it can help the team. But to have a kicker who's been gold for you for years has a couple bad games and the lynch mob comes out chanting cut him I think is a bit extreme.

that's where we miss a guy like Patrick, he had that down to such a science it was crazy how good and how it's easy to take a good long snapper for granted till they are gone.

This game was gifted to the packers by both the Lions and the Refs. There was so much holding and OPI throughout the 4th quarter that never got called to aid the Packer's "come back" Total BS facemark to give GB an untimed down to make one last attempt. And holding that occurred on said untimed down. No team except maybe the Patriots get more assistance from the officials with either phantom calls, or refs holding their flags when ever needed than the Packers. They are the media darlings Rodgers is superman and can win all by himself except when they lose then it's everyone else's fault. That said the Lions did their best at inventing new ways to lose. The fumble on their own 10 to give GB a golden opportunity to score. Allowing GB to drive right down the field and horrendous tackling and contain that let Rodgers easily run in for a TD. Poor play calling when they had the chance to run the clock out with the lead. 3 straight runs designed to simply kill clock on the Lion's last drive that while it milked the clock to 30 seconds, why not at least try to pick up a first down? One first down and that game ends with a kneel down. Finally on the Hail Mary pass could you possibly defend that any worse? There wasn't a single lion in front of the goal line or in front of a row of packers. This gives you next to 0% chance to break up a catch. My take away from the game is GB needed an ungodly amount of help to come from behind to win against the Detroit Lions. The tide is indeed turning in GB. I hope their fall is swift and painful, and long lasting. May the odds be never in their favor As Parker pointed out should they make the playoffs and I'm betting that the league will not allow them not to, they won't last long when they have to play better competition.

LOL does anyone truly know what Trestman is doing on offense? After watching him here not sure even he had a clue what the plan was. Good luck with that Baltimore. LOL

all the if this and if that stuff on a what is/isn't a catch proves how dumb this is and how subjective it is. Rule should be two feet down in the end zone with clear possession = TD. When it's left up to interpretation on has he made a football move or become a runner, it gets to the point where we are where no one really knows what is or isn't. We have way too many arbitrary make it up as you go type ruling because the rules are either too complex or to vague. Same goes for roughing, holding, PI, etc.

It is nice to see. I've enjoyed every minute of their losing streak. Seeing Rodgers frown vs his smirk is priceless. I hope the bottom drops out on that team and they suck for the next 10-20 years.

Was watching the Giant's vs Cheatriots and the potential go ahead TD for the Giants stood out to me. Beckham has possession, with 2 feet in the end zone, then the ball is ripped out by the DB it's ruled no catch.... That brought me back to the Lions game where Golden Tate barely had possession for even a split second before it's ripped out and intercepted. Yet Tate is awarded a TD, Beckham is awarded and incomplete pass. Can someone explain why Tate's was and Bechkham's wasn't. To me if Beckham's wasn't neither should Tates. I know the rules get muddier and muddier with each "judgement" call. But that play last night reinforces that we got screwed.

What a great team win, we owned the game in the second half. Two huge long TD drives in the 3rd and the 4th quarters we controlled the clock and the score board. Hats off to the D for standing tall in the final drive by the Chargers. Back to back sacks by Houston followed by two big pass breakups to seal the win. This is huge. It's one thing to be competitive but find ways to lose but it's a growing step to start to find ways to win these close games. Now a little perspective we had to have a big second half to come back and beat a 2-5 Chargers team so its not like we just knocked off a contender but these kind of wins build character and a culture of winning. We fans and the Bears know they should have won 2-3 of the games they lost because they found ways to lose. Bears are only 3-5 but are already far more entertaining to watch than last year where I pretty much stopped subjecting myself to that dumpster fire that was the 2014 Bears. I see growth and I like it. Not perfect by any means had we played better in the first half we could have won this handily. An additional note this is a double win for me. My Bears come up with a big win, and that last Defensive stand literally won me the biggest fantasy win of the season so far. I was leading my matchup 161.24 to 124.72 going into tonight and needed Philip Rivers to be held under roughly 36 points (our leagues scoring causes QB scores to be a bit higher than normal). My opponent was sitting at around 159 before the sack, sack, incomplete, incomplete that knocked his final score back to 155.92 It was a stressful final drive for the Bears fan in me and the fantasy owner in me. Happy for both wins.

I'm pretty much in agreement with the posts in this thread. I'm with Cracker on this you do build a winning attitude by winning, so I always root for the Bears to win. But at the same time even though we've come up short in a few games it's evident the culture has changed and the attitude overall has changed. Last season we witnessed one of the most pathetic excuses for a football team to don Bears uniforms in a long time maybe ever. Bears were gutless, clueless, toothless, pushovers. We were a complete joke, setting dubious records, like giving up 100+ points combined in back to back embarrassing blowouts. Going into this season I don't feel success is directly measured in wins and losses. But after the disaster the last couple years created, seeing the team compete and play hard is a good foundation. This year is a year to evaluate the roster and determine who deserves to be part of the future or who deserves to be elsewhere. Making the jump from disaster to winner isn't something that happens over night. Learning find ways to win vs finding ways to lose is a big step.

I agree what he lacks can be learned and fine tuned. A back can learn patience, and letting the play develop. Blitz pickup timing and such takes practice. What you can't coach is speed and ability. Wether or not Forte is here next year or beyond if Langford is the guy to replace him he needs touches and work in real game situations.

I agree, at the moment I was livid about that play because not only should it have been offensive pass interference it should have been holding too. It was the preverbal salt in the wound. We got screwed early and often by the refs but play calling (going ultra conservative when we needed to be aggressive) was as much to blame. I let the frustration work through my system and then remembered we are rebuilding, this is a new offense, new defense, we've been plagued by injury, and we aren't stacked on talent as it is. This is going to be a growing process and in that what I want to see is a team that is competitive, fights hard till the final whistle and shows improvement. There will be ups and downs. progress and regression at times. Gotta take the good with the bad and give this staff a chance to build this team their way. In my mind that game should have been a W. We looked like a team that's still developing an identity and the staff is trying to get the most out of what they have to work with. My hopes is we become a team that wins these close games more often than not. The improvement overall where we are now to what we put on the field last year is vast. It's going to take time to build a consistent winner.

Yep there was a blatant hold that gave Stafford time to heave the ball and CJ time to push off to make the catch. Also irritated on the lions's scoring drive at the end of regulation where a ref cleared out the defenders for the RB to make a huge run. Also the Roughing that gave Detroit a fresh set of downs at the 4 instead of 4th down from the 20 was bogus too. It was incidental at most. Ref saw stafford fall and a bears player at his feet and threw the flag. How many times do we watch Cutler get hit or driven down well after a throw and no call. In OT the Bennett catch that was a first down gets reviewed and changed to a 4th down. It should have been a 14 point Bears lead on their "game tying" TD. By the rule a contested catch in the end zone requires the receiver to maintain possession. Tate had the ball for a split second before it's ripped out and then picked off. On a play that is that close they should stick with what's ruled on the field but no… Give detroit the TD. If Tate catches it and it's not contested then no question it's a TD but it is contested and it's immediately ripped out before he can make a football move then it's not a completion. That said we could have done more to win this game. Up 7 with 2:30 or so left knowing they have all three timeouts you need to be somewhat aggressive and force them to use their timeouts. Till you can melt the clock. Three straight run calls when we couldn't run all day was not smart IMO A couple first downs on that drive and we're talking about a Bears win. Then in Overtime we continued to run the ball on early downs forcing us into 3rd and long. We had what 3 posessions in OT and could not get into FG range. Even with all the bad officiating we could have won this game.

Not sure we make the playoffs though. We'd have to sneak in as a wild card. While our division has proven to be weaker than thought, we still have that huge monkey on our back that will keep us from taking the division. Till we can overcome Green Bay we will have to make the playoffs the hard way as one on of the last wild card teams. If we can stay competitive and win enough games to keep ourselves in the playoff bubble conversation who knows. I haven't really looked at who our competition might be for the last couple wild card spots.

I really liked how as the game wore on he got better, especially considering the Chiefs specifically attacked the middle because of him. I also felt that our line particularly the Tackles held their own against two very good pass rushing ends. Jay had room to step up in the pocket and avoid the rush. I like that we are seeing little glimpses of improvement in various areas. And honestly I think the staff has gotten more out of the players we have to work with than I thought they would.