Happy New Year from Bear Down

On this the last day of 2011 I take time to reflect on the year that has passed.
We had a lot of ups and downs this year.  The Bears started out with the big win against the Falcons, only to lose three of their next four.

Then the five game winning streak that made us all run to book rooms in Indy for the Super Bowl.  A funny thing happened in that fifth win, Johnny Knox fell on his route and that was the season.  As Cutler went down so did our hopes.

The Bears will try to stop the current skid on Sunday in hopes of starting 2012 right.

So now lets reflect not on what could have been but, on what should be.  The Bears at worst will pick 17 in this years draft and at best 10 or 11.  There is a huge list of free agents that will be on the market this year, more so then I can ever remember.

This is all good news for a team that may be getting a little long in the tooth on the defensive side of the ball.  The 2012 season has the promise of being a big one for these Bears if the front office can make the right moves.  I will go further into that at seasons end when I will cover the draft and free agency as it arrives.

Unlike most at this time of the year I am not looking for what could be or what I may want the new year to bring.  No I would rather reflect on all that I have and hope that it continues into the new year and beyond.

I am so lucky in so many ways that worrying about the things I don't have would dishonor all that I do.

First and foremost I a have the love and respect of an amazing woman, that to this day do not know what I have done to deserve.  I don't know of anyone who deserves her.  No matter what is going on as long as she is by my side I am going to do just fine.

I have a family that always sticks together through more then most but not as much as some.  For that I could not ask for more.  Not to mention that in the coming year it is going to get a bit bigger as my brother and his wife will welcome a new baby before the Bears take their first snaps of next season.

So there will be no resolutions for me just hopes that my tremendous luck with family and good health to all I love continues.

2012 I do hope will be kinder to my beloved but outside of that I still thank them for all the hard work they put into each Sunday this season I enjoyed it all.

As sad as I may be the season is over I have high hopes for next year that will start on Monday and look forward to next season.

I also would like to thank those who read this rag of a blog and the comments you leave, I do this for the love of the Bears and for you.   So thanks again.

Let me know what you think and for the last time in 2011 BEAR DOWN!!!

Bears Vikings Keys to victory

This week is the last in a season that had a lot of ups and downs.  The Bears went from being serious Super Bowl contenders to a team picking in the top 15 of next years draft.

This game is a throw away game.  The Bears should, but won't use it as a "see what we got" game.  The needs on this team are great.  Leave it to the Bears to take a meaningless game and win, when a loss could put them in the top ten in the draft.

But enough of that.

The Bears will be playing a Vikings team that has packed it in and will be without Adrian Peterson.  Neither team has anything to play for other then pride. On to the keys.

Protect the ball

The Bears can not afford to turn the ball over if they hope to win this game.  Don't turn the ball over and it should be an easy win.

Pressure the quarterback

The pass rush the past few weeks has been non-existent.  They need to get pressure on the quarterback.  Christian Ponder is coming off a concussion and may have a quick trigger finger, this could lead to some bad throws that turn into interceptions.

Force some turnovers

This is another area that has been lacking in the current losing streak.  This is a big part of the Bears winning formula.  Get some takeaways win the game.

This is a bad Vikings team that just wants this season to be over.  While they have shown flashes of being a good team, they don't seem to be able to put it together for 4 quarters.  In a game that means nothing the Bears will pull out all the stops to win, a move I myself do not agree with.  If this year has shown us anything its that we need to know what we have behind the starters.  Had the Bears been better prepared we may have made the playoffs this year.

All that being said this should be an easy win for the Bears.  I am thinking 16-9 Bears.
Let me know what you think and as always BEAR DOWN

Bears season done, but do get 5 Pro Bowlers

It has been a bit since my last post, this is do to a couple of things.  First I have not had the heart to do it in the face of one of the most disappointing seasons I can remember.  One that started to look special fell apart as fast as it looked good.  Secondly with the holidays I have been busy trying to hide what I spend from my wife so she could be surprised on Christmas for a change.

So sorry about that.  But in a season filled with hope and sorrow, it looks like we may end on a bright note with the announcement of 5 Bears being named to the Pro Bowl.  This is the most the Bears have sent since their Super Bowl season when they sent 8.

Of the five sent three are first timers.

Charles Tillman:

This is probably the most over-due of the Bears going.  The 8 year vet will be going to his first Pro Bowl after a season that included 11 pass breakups, 107 tackles (3rd on the team) 3 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries.

Matt Forte:

Forte becomes the first Bear running back in 20 years to be named to the Pro Bowl.  Forte who was put on the IR on Tuesday led the NFL in yards from scrimmage with 1,487 and was third in rushing with 997 yards at the time of his injury.  Because the Bears put him on the IR he will not participate in the Pro Bowl but an honor non-the-less.  Neal Anderson was the last Bear running back to make a Pro Bowl back in 1991.

Brian Urlacher:

Urlacher has been solid all season for the Bears.  This marks his 8th selection.  Urlacher has 125 tackles good for second on the team.  He also is tied for the team lead in interceptions with 3, he has recovered two fumbles with one going for a score.  With this selection Urlacher ties Dick Butkis, Doug Atkins and Bill George for the third most in franchise history behind only Walter Payton (9) and Mike Singletary (10)

Lance Briggs:

Lance Briggs was selected to his seventh straight Pro Bowl.  Briggs leads the team in tackles with 140 and also has one interception to go along with eight tackles-for-loss and two forced fumbles.

Corey Graham:

The special teams ace was voted to his first Pro Bowl.  He leads the Bears with 20 special-teams tackles.

Two other Bears were named first alternates, Julius Peppers and Devin Hester.

The Bears will be well represented in Hawaii on January 29th.  I will post an out-look to the off-season later this week along with keys on Friday.

Let me know what you think and like always BEAR DOWN

Seahawks have their way with Bears

Caleb Hanie may have taken his last snap with the Bears, or for that matter any NFL team on Sunday.  Hanie was 10 for 23 for 111 yards with one TD to his team and 2 more to the Seahawks on Sunday.  Hanie finished with 3 INT's on the day and was replaced by Josh McCown.

After a promising first half the Bears came out flat to start the third quarter and the flood gates opened as Seattle scored 31 second half points.  Final 38-14.

Johnny Knox went down in the first quarter with a nasty injury that required the cart to take him off the field.  He was taken to the hospital where he was able to move all his extremities a good sign.  No further word on the extent of the injury.

With only two weeks left in the season the Bears have some choices to make.  One of which is not if Jay Cutler or Matt Forte should return, both should be done for the season.  What they do have to figure out his who will start at quarterback the next two weeks.  Josh McCown is who they most likely will go with, a move that I do not indorse.  The reason being is McCown is not going to be on this team next year, so the Bears need to know what they have in rookie Nathan Enderle.  My guess is he is not the answer.

There are 25+ free agent quarterbacks set to hit the market this off-season a route the Bears must go to prevent this from happing again.

The Bears look like a team that was beat Sunday.  With the season over even though 2 games remain this team has a lot of holes to fill for next season.  If the season ended today the Bears would have the #12 pick in the draft.  A far cry from a team just about a month ago where serious Super Bowl contenders.

Tough season for Bears fans, one I blame Jerry Angelo for.  A team thin at almost every position.  This team is not getting any younger and the window is closing fast.

They need to hit free agency hard and do a better job on draft day if we want a Super Bowl champion.  Let me know what you think and as always.

Bear Down....

Bears Seahawks keys to victory

This week is a must win for the Bears as they face off against the Seattle Seahawks.

The Bears have had their share of bad luck this year.  Topped off this week with the arrest of Sam Hurd for drug trafficking. He has since been cut and the Bears are looking like they have egg on their collective faces.

Lose this week and your season is over.  Now on to the keys:


Stop the run


The Bears have a similar situation to last week.  They are facing a less then stellar quarterback and need to make him beat them.  Seattle's running game is solid with Marshawn Lynch.  The Bears need to stop him in order to have a chance

Offense needs production


The Bears are averaging a little better then 10 points per game without Cutler.  This needs to improve.  If you give this defense 17 to 20 points we win the game.  It is that simple.

Protect the ball


Last week was better but still the one turnover was a killer.  Keep it tight, keep it clean. The margin for error for this team now is tiny.  If you want any chance to win do not turn the ball over.

I have little faith in this team after what we have seen the past few weeks.  While I would love to tell you they are going to win, I just don't see it.  Without Jay Cutler this is a bad offensive football team.  This week I am thinking 17-6 Seahawks.  Let me know what your score is and BEAR DOWN

Jay Cutler Bears MVP

If these past few weeks have shown us anything, it is just how important Jay Cutler means to this team.

In that time the Bears went from being serious Super Bowl contenders to early to mid-round draftees.

Before the injury the Bears were riding a five game winning streak.  During that streak they where averaging 32.2 points per game.  Since Cutler went down the Bears are 0-3 and averaging just a hair above 10 points per game.

Now to be fair during the five game winning streak the defense did provide 16 points and Devin Hester another 14 to account for 30 of the 161 points scored.  Even removing those points the offense still was averaging 26.2 per contest.

All lot has been made all year of Matt Forte and his importance to this offense.  And while I agree that he his important, I also feel the Bears could win without him.  The same can not be said about Cutler.

The game against Denver proves that point.  Now I know what everyone is thinking A) the Bears lost the game B) Marion Barber was a big reason for the loss.  Both points are very true, but hear me out.  The only touchdown of the game for the Bears came from Barber.  In the game Barber accounted for 57% of the Bears total offense.  Barber rushed for 108 yards and the aforementioned score, as well as 32 yards receiving.  So if not for a couple of bone head moves on his part he would have been the hero as opposed to the goat.

Now don't get me wrong I am not a Matt Forte hater; But Cutler's role on this team just holds a lot more weight in my eyes.

The definition of MVP is the player who is of most value to the team.  I know that may sound obvious or maybe even a bit condescending.  But I find that the MVP for the league or even any given team is more a popularity contest then what it actually intends to be.

A perfect example of that is Michael Jordan, different sport I understand, but every year Jordan played for the Bulls he was the one player that hurt his team most if he went down.

We have that very thing with the Cutler injury.  How much did it hurt the Bears?  It cost them their season.  Are we having this same discussion had Forte been the Bear that went down when Cutler did?  Would the Bears be 0-3 without Forte?  Would the season be lost?  My answer to all of the above is a very simple no.

The only other Bear to have this type of impact on the team after going down is Brian Urlacher.  So I guess we can call them co-MVP's.

Who is your MVP for the Bears?  Let me know...  And as always BEAR DOWN

Bears need to shut it down, and look towards next year.

I have had some time to cool off after what is one of the worst losses I have ever seen the Bears have.  With that comes a certain clarity, the Bears have three games left this year and need to treat them like pre-season.

Now hear me out before you get too crazy on me.  First, they would most likely need to win out in order to make the playoffs, a prospect that does not look very promising at this point.

Even if miracles happen and they make the playoffs, what are their chances?  Even if Cutler and Forte return what are the Bears chances?  Not too good.  Cutler will need to time to find his form and there is just not enough time for that.

What they need to do is shut down and see what they have.

If nothing else is certain, Caleb Hanie is not the answer.  The Bears should sit him and put it Nathan Enderle in and see what they have.  They need to find a back up to Cutler.

Don't risk any further injury's to Cutler, Forte or any other key pieces and look towards next year.  Let Kahli Bell and Enderle run it from here on out, and look to the draft and free agency and hope for a better 2012

Bears give away game, season

What can I say about the Bears loss to the Denver Broncos?  The Bears gave away their season to a team that they should have beat by 20.

Say what you want about Tim Tebow.  I am not a believer.  He brought his team back to tie then win the game yes.  But there is no way anyone can tell me this guy will be starting in December next year.

The only way the Bears could have gift wrapped this game any better was if they just handed the Broncos the ball and let them run in for a score.

Normally it is my rule not to write this blog angry, but I do not foresee a time that this loss will not make me angry.

Marion Barber needs to be cut and have to find his own way home.  STAY IN BOUNDS AND 2 HANDS ON THE FOOTBALL!  We all learn this in pee-wee.

The coaching staff needs to be fired.  Having the defense in a prevent when you are up 3 with a big leg kicker is dumb football.  They gave Tebow the short passes when all he had to do was get into field goal range.

Tim Tebow is not an NFL quarterback nor will he ever be one.  I do not care how many comebacks he leads his team to.  Once the league catches up to him like it always does.  I.E. the wild cat, run and shoot and too many others to mention, he will be an answer to a trivia question.

I am absolutely sick about this loss as well as the previous two.  This game put the game of football back 70 years.

I don't know about you but I am sick of hearing about Tebow and how he continues to win.  This team wins in spite of him not because of.

Sad, sad day in Chicago.

I don't know if I have much left in the tank after this loss.  Let me know what you think

This week we have a bear down.

Bears-Broncos keys to victory

This week the Bears invade Denver and Tebow land.  Tim Tebow is the much talked of non-quartback quarterback.  There has been great debate over Tebow and whether or not he is a quarterback who will be able to be successful over the long haul.

That debate is not relevant for the Bears this week, what is relevant is if the Bears can stop the Tebow train from continuing on its current path.

Since taking over as the starting quarterback the Broncos have lost just one time.  The way they are winning is what has everyone talking.  The Broncos are using a college offense.

The option offense is a high school and college offense.  Pro teams do not employ this because of the beating it puts on quarterbacks.  Tebow is a big guy at 6-3 and 234 pounds.  He rarely takes big hits and has rushed for 468 yards on 82 carries a 5.7 YPC average with three TD's.

Throwing the ball he is not as proficient.  Only completing 47.5% of his passes.  However he has 10 TD's to only one INT.

The real reason this team has been winning is the defense.   Also Tebow has done a nice job of not giving the ball away.  Now on to the keys:

Turnovers


Caleb Hanie needs to protect the ball.  The Bears can not afford to give the ball away as they have the past two games.  Both losses.  Win the turnover battle and you are well on your way to victory

STAY HOME


The way the option works is the quarterback reads the defense and decides to either take it himself or give to the running back.   The Bears need to be disciplined and keep on their assignments this week.  Much the same way on special teams when you stay in your lane.  The Bears need to do this to keep the Bronco offense off the field.

Run the ball, control the clock


I know that Matt Forte is out, but the Bears still need to run the ball 20 to 25 times in this game.  Marion Barber and Kahli Bell need to run angry and keep the chains moving.  Barber and Bell did a decent job filling in for Forte last week, this needs to continue.  This will be a low scoring game, don't abandon the run keep giving it to them and wear down the defense.

When Cutler went down and I blogged about what the Bears may/should do with him out, I said they would win this game.  Well after last week I am not so sure.  The defense will do its job and give the rest of the league a blue print on how to stop this offense.  But unless Hanie can improve this week it is going to be tough.  I may be looking at this game through Blue and Orange glasses, but I am taking the Bears in a low scoring close game.

BEARS 13, Broncos 6

Let me know your scores and as always BEAR DOWN

Bears give one away

                                   Photo courteous Chicago Sun-Times
Sunday the Bears were a team without an offense.  Matt Forte went down early and the game was down hill from there.

The numbers were horrendous as the Bears did the unthinkable and lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.  Caleb Hanie looked like a guy the Bears plucked out of the stands to start todays game.  Hanie was 11 for 24 for a 133 yards and three more picks.  Granted two of them are not on him with a Roy Williams drop, and the last ditch hail mary.

More about the Williams drop; the Bears were driving looking to tie the game when a ball that should have been caught was bobbled by Williams leading to the pick, hence sealing the victory for the Chiefs.  Who would have thought a hail mary at the half would be the game?

None of that would have mattered had the Bears not left so many points on the board.  14 by my count.  First came the Marion Barber miscue not covering the tackle costing the Bears a touchdown, they did move in for a field goal so there are 4 points.

A few positions later Hanie missed a wide open Earl Bennett for an easy TD when he over-threw him, the Bears would punt after a sack and a penalty.  7 more points

The Bears had a nice drive going on the strength of Kahli Bell's running getting down to the Chiefs 7 yard line only to get stuffed and sacked twice on consecutive plays leading to a Robbie Gould missed 41 yard field goal. 3 more points

This Defense deserves much better then this period.

If not for a fluke play at the end of the half, they only give up the one field goal.

This is normally were I would give out my game balls but truth be told, no one deserves any.  Yes the defense did there job in holding the Chiefs to 10 points.  But they were unable to force any turnovers in the loss.

The offensive line gave up 7 sacks to a team that came in with only 13 total on the year.

The offense was 0-11 on third downs.

In spite of the loss the Bears are still a top the wild card in the NFC with Atlanta losing to Houston.  I suspect that the Lions will also lose tonight to the Saints.  Keeping the Bears in the #1 wild card spot.

None of which will mean anything if Caleb Hanie can not improve quick.  Hanie is not only playing for the playoffs but for his career as well.  Hanie is a free agent at seasons end and if he does not get better he will be working at the Gap this time next year.

Early reports are that Forte suffered a knee sprain, there is no word on how long he may be out as of yet.

This is a game the Bears should of won going away but missed chances and bad play equals a loss.

This week we should find out a little more about Jay Cutler's progress and if there is any chance he will be back before season end.  If not, the Bears season may be done...

Let me know what you think and as always BEAR DOWN

Bears Chiefs keys to victory

Finally a noon game!  It has been a while.  Not since the Tampa game in London have we had one.  I do not know about you but I much prefer the noon games.  This week Kansas City comes to town, and it could not have come at a better time for the Bears.  The Bears need a game like this.  The Chiefs are just bad right now.

The Chiefs are going to once again start Tyler Palko this week.  Palko has not been up to the task throwing 6 INT's and no TD's in his two starts.  While averaging 104.5 passing yards a game.  Do not expect to see three picks from him on Sunday, he will be pulled in favor of ex-Bear Kyle Orton long before that.

Lets get to the keys!


Protect the ball


We all know what Caleb Hanie did last week.  He needs to tighten things up against the Chiefs.  The Chiefs have been unable to score much as of late, do not give them a short field or any momentum in this game.  The Bears can run away with this one if they protect the ball.

Pressure the QB


Whoever that is.  Last week the Defensive line came up big with a four sack effort.  Lets get a trend started and get after the quarterback this week.  Pressure leads to rushed throws.  Rushed throws lead to turnovers.  Turnovers lead to wins.

Stop the Run


Take away the run, make them beat you in the air.  The Chiefs have done nothing good as of the last few weeks.  But if they do anything well its running the ball.  Now the last two games do not show that, because it was taken away from them.  Hence loses.  Take away the run win the game.


This week should be an easy win for the Bears.  Not a lot of keys really if they do not turn over the ball they should win comfortably.  I think Caleb Hanie has a bounce back and the Bears win big.  Bears 34 Chiefs 6.  Give me your scores and as Always BEAR DOWN!

On a side note: Donvon McNabb cleared wavier's and is a free agent, where do you think he ends up?  I am thinking that the Texans is the most logical.  Let us hope that it is not with the Bears!

One (or three) teams trash is another teams Donovan McNabb?

Donovan McNabb was placed on waivers by the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, begging the question by Bears fans do we put a claim in?

The answer to this question is simple....  NO!

If this was McNabb five years ago it is a no brainer.  But alas it is not.  McNabb has been a shell of him former self and is not a good fit for the Bears.  A lot was made of him going to the Vikings with a fresh start and all that.

The reality is that McNabb was 1-5 as a starter with only five passes of 25-plus yards on the year.

Yes McNabb has been to a Super Bowl and was an 11 year starter, but those days are behind him.  There is too little time for him to get up to speed on the complex offense the Bears run. So for now the Bears need to stand pat and look for Caleb Hanie to improve.

I know that McNabb wants to play for his home team and a lot of fans will say that he is better then Josh McCown and they may be correct but I am not so sure.  McCown knows the offense now.  And lets face it if Hanie goes down it doesn't matter who is the back up the Bears are sunk.

So keep nostalgia at bay, stand pat and focus on K.C.  That's just how I see it, leave me a comment and let me know what you think..  And as always BEAR Down!!

Hannie part two

KC comes to town this week and not too soon for Caleb Hanie.  After his performance against the Raiders nobody wants to get back on the field faster then him.  I expect to see a different Hanie then we saw last week.

Game speed and practice speed are very different.  As hard as players go during the week, it is nothing compared to what happens on game day.  Hanie has not played much in his time with the Bears, so you have to allow time for him to adjust to not only the different looks and blitz's he sees, but to his teammates as well.

It took Jay Cutler almost half the season to start to build a re pore with Roy Williams.  There is a trust that both the QB and the receiver needs to have with one another. Not to mention that Cutler and Hanie's skill set is much different.  The receivers needed a little more time to adjust it seems.  Cutler's arm strength is much more then Hanie's.  So the ball comes out different.

While Hanie was sacked 4 times in Oakland, you have to dig a little deeper before you put them on the O-line.  First is an easy one, a blown call.   Hanie rolled to his right and before stepping out of bounds released the ball.  On at least two others he held the ball a bit too long so really only one sack was truly on the line.

Hanie has said how he does not want to be a game manger.  But you have to crawl before you can walk.  So I think he needs to take baby steps towards his goal and not press so much.  Jay Cutler you are not.  There is no need to try and make every play he would make.  This goes double for Mike Martz.
 

The oddsmakers seem to agree as of now the Bears are 8 point favorites.

Caleb, help out your defense and do not put them in any bad spots on Sunday.  That needs to be goal one.  Lets get back on track this week with a win.  Let me know what you think and as always BEAR DOWN!

Hanie/Martz take it on the chin

The Bears found out that life after Jay Cutler (or as I like to call it AC) can be rough.  They came in riding a five game winning streak and left with what I can only imagine as the one that got away.  With the way the defense played on Sunday the Bears should have walked out with an easy win.  That did not happen

Caleb Hanie got a rude welcome to the NFL in his first start.  Throwing three picks that led to 6 points.  While completing 50% of his passes and throwing for 254 yards.  It was not all bad after Hanie settled down he did throw two TD passes one to Johnny Knox on third down for  a 24 yard score, and another to Kellen Davis from 9 yards out.  Hanie also ran 5 times for 50 yards.

The real killer came in the second quarter with the Bears moving in for a score.  The Bears drove down to the 7 yard line when Mike Martz called for a throwback screen pass that was tipped by Aaron Curry and picked by Kamerion Wimbley who took it 83 yards the other way before the saving tackle by Bears right tackle Lance Louis.  This was at the very least a 6 point turnaround that ultimately cost the Bears the game.

This is the NFL you can not expect to turn the ball over on three picks and expect to win. Yet the Bears had the chance to do just that thanks to the play of the defense.

Oakland needs to buy their kickers something nice for winning this game for them.  Sebastian Janikowski kicked a Raider record 6 field goals from 40,47,42,19,37 and 44 yards.  While punter Shane Lechler had 5 punts with a 54.6 yard average, including an 80 yarder (60 net) keeping Devin Hester at bay all day.

Game Balls


While I was reluctant to give any out this week with the loss, that would overlook some very good performances so here they are:

Defense


While I realize that this is somewhat general, I thought that breaking the play of each area would be a little much so I am going to sum it into one.  The defensive line was a beast today.  They recorded five sacks while only yielding 73 yards rushing.  The Raiders were 1 for 5 in the red zone.  All of which were inside the 10 yard line.  That is impressive stuff.  While I am sure that the players will say they need to play better they were not put in good positions today.  They also picked off a Carson Palmer pass.  The Raiders were just 3 for 15 on third downs, another eye popper.

Marion Barber and Matt Forte


The pair combined for 122 yards on 22 carries.  That is a 5.45 average.


Johnny Knox


Knox had 278 all purpose yards, including 4 catches for 145 yards and a touchdown.  Knox also had 133 return yards with the Raiders too worried about Hester.

While this game played out pretty much the way I expected, with Hanie having a hard time.  It was different in the regard of how he had that hard time.  Bottom line with this game is the Bears coaching staff did not put Hanie in a position to succeed.  Mike Martz called a bad game plan and simple.  He gave Hanie too much too soon and it bit them in the end.  While I give my kudos to the defense, I also have to give them my apologies they played good enough to win.  Take away the turnovers and they do just that while giving up 9 less points at the minimum.  With all that being said lets not get out our hooks just yet.  We have to remember this was Hanie's first start, so now that this is out of the way let us regroup and comeback next week against K.C. with a chip on our shoulder.  The Bears play better that way anyhow. Put down the razor blades, pick up a beer its only one game.  Let me know what you think and as always BEAR DOWN!!

Bears Raiders keys to victory

This week the Bears visit the black hole without the aid of their franchise quarterback.  Caleb Hanie makes his first pro start, and lets face it, not a very hospitable place to do so.

Now this is not a Peyton Manning situation.  The Bears still have a defense that is coming together and getting better each week.  The special teams are still amongst the best in the league.  And Matt Forte is still on the team.  So all is not lost.  But this week is still going to be tough.  On to the keys

Win the turnover battle


This week more so then most the Bears need to get some take-aways.  No one knows what we are getting with Caleb Hanie, so if the defense can force some turnovers, especially in Oakland's end of the field that will be huge.

Pressure the QB


This is an area that as of late has been lacking.  Last week against a make shift O-line the Bears got very little pressure.  This needs to change this week.  Carson Palmer is still learning the offense and getting used to his new team, don't let him be comfortable back there.  The Bears need to get in his face and force some errant throws.

Keep it simple 


Lets see what Hanie brings to the table before we get to nuts.  This week take all the seven step drop throws out of the game plan.  Forte right, Forte left and five step drops.  Lets not make this hard on the O-line or Hanie.  Save the expended playbook for next week at home.

This week is a tough one.  But lets start AC (after Cutler) right.  If the Bears are able to hit on these points they can win.  I feel that this may be too much to ask this week however.  Unless the Defense can put some points on the board I think the win streak stops. I am thinking Raiders 17 Bears 13.  Let's hope I am wrong and as always BEAR DOWN

Happy Thanksgiving from Bear Down!

While we all cozy up to the dinner table and watch three games not involving the Bears, it is a good time to take stock of what we are thankful for.  So at the chance of sounding corny here I go....


First and foremost I am thankful for my terrific, beautiful, and amazing wife.  Without you I would be living in a one bedroom apartment smelling clothes that lay about the floor to test what is cleanest to wear on Thanksgiving.  So thank you my Love, without you I would be lost.

Second, a distant second, is The BEARS!!!!  Now I know my wife is going to yell at me, but lets just say after her my thanks come in no particular order!  Along these lines I am thankful Jay Cutler's surgery went well and hope he will be back VERY soon, and as long as I am being thankful for all things Bears lets not forget how very thankful I am that neck beard was taken by someone else!

My Family.  To Pops, I would not be the man I am today if not for you. A fact I am sure my wife would like to punch you for.  Ma no matter how crazy you can be sometimes, you taught me how to be a good person to everyone no matter what, and for that I thank you.  Gus, what can I say about Gus?  We love Gus! Brudder you are the best! I could not ask for a better more giving brother, you smell like family.

My in-laws, I have never met two people as kind and selfless as you.  You both always think of others ahead of yourselves, Thank you.

My Best friend and his awesome family.  I can't tell you how lucky I feel that not only have you been my best friend since the 4th grade, but how our wives seem to like each other more then they like us.  And as for your kids, I don't think I will be able to love my own any more then I do yours, so thank you.

Now that all that is out of the way, I hope that you and yours have a safe and very happy Thanksgiving.  Bear Down!!!  Feel free to let me know what you are thankful for, or to tell me I am a douche either way!

Neck beard is not the answer

The Denver Broncos Cut Kyle Orton on Tuesday.  There has been much speculation about his possible return to Chicago.  Reports have come out that said Orton asked to be cut after learning about Jay Cutler's injury wanting to come back to Chicago.  Other reports say the interest is mutual.

I have two words for this BAD IDEA or like my lovely wife so eloquently put it and I quote "did I hear they are bringing F***in neck beard back?".  Have I told you how much I Love my wife by the way? Let me breakdown why this is a bad idea.

Mike Martz offense


First and foremost Orton is not familiar with Mike Martz's playbook.  Martz's playbook looks like a copy of War and Peace.  The shear size of it would take Orton more then the six weeks Cutler is reportedly out for Orton to absorb.  Now I'm sure that they would force feed him as much as they could and dumb it down if he was forced into action, but the Bears would be better off bringing in someone more familiar with this complex offense.

If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck......


The Bears got rid of Orton for a reason and the Broncos did the same only without the compensation.
Now I give you that he was 21-12 as a starter for the Bears.  But that was more him not losing the game then him contributing to the win.  Which granted is exactly what the Bears want from Hanie, but again Orton does not know the offense. Also Orton was the benefactor of great defense and special teams play which led to the good record he had.  Orton is not the guy I want to win a game that may have playoff implications.


Hanie does not need the added pressure


Whoever the Bears bring in is to back-up Hanie in the event he goes down.  Now if you bring in a guy who the fans know and Hanie has a bad game or two they start clamoring for Orton.  Now I am not saying that the fans have any influence on what the coaching staff does but this would be unnecessary  pressure that Hanie does not need.

This all may be moot point with teams like the Chiefs and Texans ahead of the Bears on the waiver claim line.  I think the Bears would be better suited to bring in someone who knows this offense and can help Hanie while backing him up.  So lets take a pass on neck beard or maybe we can get Washington to cut Rex Grossman and bring them both in.  Lets hope for a speedy recovery for Cutler and secure a playoff spot for him before he gets back.  Let me know what you think and as always BEAR DOWN Or maybe more appropriately BEARD DOWN!!!

Caleb Hanie please stand up

Who remembers the 11 win Bear team under rookie Kyle Orton? 2005 The Bears were able to do just that.  Who remembers the Super Bowl team that lost to the Colts led by gulp Rex Grossman.  Or even better yet who Remembers the Ravens team that won a Super Bowl with probably the worst QB ever to be in one in Trent Dilfer. All of these teams did so with a stout running game, hard nosed defense and spectacular special teams.  Does any of this sound like any team we know?  This Bears team has been winning with defense and special teams all year and Matt Forte looks to be the first Bear running back headed to a pro bowl since Neal Anderson ( for those who do not know Anderson was the Bears running back right after Walter Payton) So the formula is there it is just a matter of execution.  Full disclosure the 05 Bear team was upset in the first round at home to the Carolina Panthers.

When Cutler went down I like I assume many of you was down.  The season is over, this stinks we were coming together so nicely and so on and so on..  But after the initial shock wore off I was able to think about it, and all is not lost.  Lets look at the remaining games on the schedule and think about it.  Of the six remaining games the quarterbacks the Bears face are not all, all pros.  Lets compare the QB's to Hanie.

@Oakland


This is the first of two games I have that the Bears could lose and coincidentally the first of the only two QB's the Bears will face that I may rather have then Caleb Hanie.  Carson Palmer is starting to come into form a bit with his Raider teammates and the Raiders are the best of the four AFC west teams the Bears face.  While I am not saying this is an automatic loss it will be a tough win.  Edge Palmer. Record after 7-4

Kansas City


This team is a mess plan and simple.  They were only able to get 3 points against a New England defense that has been giving up a lot of yards and points.  Matt Cassel was lost for the season with a broken hand and they have handed the reins to Tyler Palko.  This should be a win for the Bears.  Palko threw three picks against the Pats and KC's season is pointing down.  Edge Hanie. Record after 8-4

@Denver

Tim Tebow.  Ok so the guy is a winner I will give him that but he as of right now is not an NFL quarterback.  The Bears defense is going to eat him alive.  Tebow is a poor mans Mike Vick and we all know what the Bears do to Vick so I think this is a win.  BIG Edge to Hanie here.  Record after 9-4

Seattle


Here is another game the Bears should win.  Now on any given Sunday it is hard to win in the NFL but the Bears are head and shoulders above this team.  Tarvaris Jackson is not good and the Bears will pick him off a couple times in the last home game of the year.  Edge Hanie.  Record after 10-4

@Green Bay


This is a tough game with Cutler healthy and playing well so lets not kid ourselves.  Unless Green Bay has home field locked up and Aaron Rodgers is at home with the flu this game is a loss.  Edge Rodgers.  Record after 10-5

@Minnesota 


While Christian Ponder has been an upgrade to an old Donovan McNab and looks to be what will be a solid starter this should be a win for the Bears.  And as of now as we sit I would take Hanie.  Edge Hanie.  Record after 11-5

11-5 and the Bears are invited to the dance.  I still think that they could even finish 12-4 but we will see.  The real question becomes if Cutler will be ready for that first playoff game or not.  History tells us we have about 7 weeks before a wild card game, is that enough time for Cutler to come back and have full strength back in his thumb?  We will see.  Not to mention will he be in shape otherwise in time as well?  Lots of questions but if you look at the last few years the best team during the regular season is not the Super Bowl champs at the end.  If the Bears can get to a Super Bowl with Rex Grossman at the helm or even further back and a worse QB the Ravens got their and won with Trent Dilfer who is and was horrible.  I like our chances with Hanie.  Let me know what you think and as always BEAR DOWN!!

Is the turf at Soldier Field to blame for Cutlers injury?

Now I know what you are thinking, Cutler hurt his thumb not his knee or ankle.  But the very reason the Bears have said time and time again why they choose not to instal field turf (player safety) at Soldier Field may be what caused Cutler to go down.  The Bears have said that they want to keep the field safe for the players and that field turf is less safe then the sod they currently have.

On the play that Cutler broke his thumb and perhaps the Bears season Johnny Knox slipped on his route causing Cutler's pass to be picked off.  This has been a problem at Soldier Field for years.  The footing causing players to slip.  Now on the play if you watch closely you see a puff of dirt and sand shoot up as Knox is making his cut and BAM down he goes.  The pass is picked off and as Cutler is trying to make a play on the ball he breaks his thumb.  Now I am aware that this is a bit of a stretch but you can not deny had Knox not fell not only would Cutler not have been injured but the Bears probably score on that drive.

How long Cutler will be out is still not determined Lovie Smith says he will be back before seasons end but this is the same man who said that Gabe Carimi would not be put on the IR after his knee scope saying that "minor procedure and IR do not go together"  So forgive me if I don't believe his assessment.  The Bears have 6 games remaining all winnable when Cutler is at the helm including Green Bay.  I realize that Green Bay is playing better football then any team in the league but I also believe that the team that has the best chance of beating those Packers is the Bears.

This is not a drinking the Kool-Aid moment either.  The stats show that the Bears play the Packers better then anyone else in the league so it is not a huge jump to think that is a winnable game especially considering that the Pack may not have a lot to play for at that point.

Now what is a realistic goal for wins with Caleb Hannie behind center?  I think 4-2 or even 5-1 is not out of the question.  11 or 12 wins and the Bears are in the playoffs.  The real problem I have is a team that was coming together at the right time and had a real shot to go deep in the playoffs will need to reshuffle not once but twice ( if Cutler does return)  Cutler will need time to find his form once he returns.  Lets hope they can get it together quickly.

The Bears will also need to sign a veteran QB while Cutler is out who will that be?  Kurt Warner is a no he said that he does not intend to "un-retire"  David Garrard is coming off back surgery and won't be ready for weeks. Maybe Marc Bulger can be coaxed out of retirement. Or dare I say Brett Favre?  Buz Cook is his agent same as Jay Cutler so you never know!  Lets keep our heads up and hope for a speedy recovery and BEAR DOWN!!

Special thanks to my best friend Keith for the idea about this post!

Bears Zap Chargers unplugging their playoff hopes

The Bears are known for their special teams and defense.  Sunday the offense stood up and said look at me!  For the second time in three weeks Jay Cutler finished the game without being sacked.  The Bears receivers stepped up in a big way on their way to their fifth win in a row.

This was a game that the Bears kept in front of them all day.  In spite of the Chargers moving the ball on them at will in the first half the Bears stayed within themselves and kept with their game plan on route to a victory.

San Diego opened the scoring with a Nick Novak 28 Yard field goal the Bears answered back with a Robbie Gould field goal to tie it at three.  The Bears opened the second quarter scoring with a Marion Barber 1 yard touchdown run.  San Diego answered back when Phillip Rivers found Antonio Gates for an 8 yard pass and catch.  The Bears found the end zone right before halftime when Jay Cutler hit Kellen Davis on a 4 yard TD pass on 3rd and goal with 20 seconds left in the half.  The Chargers threatened after a big return on the following kick off and two passes down field to get into field goal range before Nick Novak hit the bottom upright on a 55 yard attempt.  

This game was really the tale of two halves.  Outside of the opening drive the Chargers did very little against the Bears.  Phillip Rivers threw his second touchdown of the game to Vincent Jackson (7 catches 165 yards 1 TD) to tie the game.  That is when it all fell apart.  Jay Cutler found Johnny "on the spot" Knox (3 Catches 97 yards and a TD) for a 42 yard completion that set up a one yard TD for Cutler.  San Diego's next drive ended when Charles Tillman punched the ball out and recovered the fumble leading to Jay Cutler finding Johnny Knox who made a circus catch giving the Bears a 14 point lead they would never look back from.  San Diego got a field goal early in the fourth quarter to finish the scoring. 

GAME BALLS

I wanted to try something new this week and here it is game balls.  This is for the Bears who deserve the most credit for the best game. So here they are.

Jay Cutler

Cutler played a near perfect game he was 18 for 31 for 286 yards and two TD's and one INT.  He ran for a score and had 11 yards on 5 carries.  The interception was not on Cutler because Johnny Knox fell down on his route leading to the INT.

The offensive line

For the second time in the last three weeks Cutler walked away without being sacked.  The running game never really got going but that was ok in a game that Cutler was in control of.

Johnny Knox, Earl Bennett and Roy Williams

The trio combined for 11 receptions and 234 yards with one TD.  This was the best game by this group all year.  Earl Bennett continued to be the teams best receiver with 5 catches for 62 yards.  

Second half Defense

The Bears gave up 10 points in the second half.  But they forced three turnovers, two INT's and the one fumble.  Major Wright had an INT for the third game in a row. 

This was a good win for a Bears team that is coming together at the right time.  Up next is Oakland who will be a tougher challenge and will test this teams resolve.  For now the 7 -3 Bears kept pace in the NFC North with the Packers and Lions who both won today.  Victory Monday again!  Happy Thanksgiving and BEAR DOWN!!

Bears Chargers keys to victory

This week San Diego comes calling and the two teams are going in different directions.  The Chargers losers of four strait and the Bears winners of their last four meet in what is a must win game for San Diego.  For the second week in a row the Bears are facing a team that is extra rested with San Diego's last game coming 9 days ago when they lost to Oakland 24-17. Phillip Rivers leads the NFL in turnovers with 15 interceptions and 4 lost fumbles.  The Bears defense has nabbed 13 INT's along with forcing 8 fumbles and recovering 7 of those.  The Bears are tied for the league lead with 4 defensive TD's.  Now on to the keys:

Turnovers


This is the first key for many of the points I made above.  You have a quarterback who has been giving the ball away against a defense that has been thriving on taking it away not a good combo if you are San Diego.  This trend needs to continue this week.


Matt Forte




San Diego comes in with the 23rd ranked rush defense yielding 127.9 yards per game and 5 TD's on the year.  Opponents are averaging 4.5 yards per carry against them.  A steady diet of Matt Forte on Sunday and this trend will continue.  Especially considering that San Diego is the 6th best against the pass this year only allowing 203 yards per game.


Keep Cutler clean




For those of you who follow my blog this is familiar.  Give him time he is as good as there is.  If you don't then he tends to be a lot less effective.  If the Bears can get Forte going this will open things up in the passing game when that happens we need to protect him.  Cutler has been great during the Bears current winning streak, even if the numbers are not eye popping.  It comes as no coincident that he has only been sacked 4 times during that stretch.


Keep Rivers dirty




And not Detroit Lions dirty either.  The Chargers have a world of hurt on their offensive line with the potential to be down three starters.  Guard Kris Dielman was put on the IR this week, Guard Tyronne Green has yet to practice this week with a hand injury and tackle Marcus McNeil has yet to practice with a neck injury.  All said the Chargers are banged up at best and thin on the depth chart at the worse.  The Bears need to take advantage of this and get pressure on Rivers and make him make bad decisions.  This will lead to turnovers and a win.

If the Bears can hit on these points we will be celebrating five in a row on Monday.  Jay Cutler is 1-4 lifetime against the Chargers I think he will get one win closer to .500 this week.  My prediction for this week is the Bears in a romp (back to back) 34-13.  Give my your picks below, and as always BEAR DOWN!

Bears destroy Lions 37-13

The Bears took care of business against the Lions at Solider Field on Sunday to the tune of a 37 to 13 drubbing.  This game was never in doubt as the Bears were in control from the start.    Lets breakdown the way the Bears were able to manhandle the Lions.

Turnovers


As I said in my keys to victory the Bears needed to force turnovers in this game.  Wow did they ever to the tune of 6.  The Bears picked Matthew Stafford off four times returning two for scores.  They forced two fumbles one leading to a Matt Forte touchdown (the only offensive touchdown of the day) and another to a Robbie Gould field goal.

Devin Hester


For the life of me I can not figure out why any team in the NFL continues to kick the ball to this man.  Hester returned a punt 82 yards for a score to extend his NFL record for punt returns TD's to 12.  On the previous return Hester had one man to beat for a score.  Then after the TD on Detroit's next possession they kicked to him AGAIN!  That is not good coaching.


Julius Peppers


Peppers continues to look like a man amongst boys out there.  Peppers was all over the field forcing a fumble by Calvin Johnson that was recovered by Brian Urlacher to set up the first score.  Peppers also had a sack to go along with three tackles a tipped pass and four quarterback pressures.

Dirty game?
The Lions came into the game with the reputation for being dirty they lived up to that reputation in this game.  Defensive Tackle Nick Fairley drove Jay Cutler into the ground that drew a 15 yard penalty his fellow line-mate Ndamukong Suh had a number of questionable plays (not penalized) including a late hit on Cutler towards the end of the half.  Lance Briggs was flagged for a personal foul for his hit on Calvin Johnson. A hit that I think was clean and the officials were being too proactive to keep this game from getting out of hand.  DJ Moore was ejected after a Matthew Stafford INT where Moore was blocking Stafford down field when Stafford threw Moore to the ground by his head.  Moore got up and retaliated in what set off a scrum that the officials did a nice job of not letting get too out of hand.

The Bears offense did not have their best game of the season but with the way this game played out it is hard to call them out.  This game was never in doubt and the Bears had complete control so the game plan had to be tweaked on the fly.  Matt Forte ran the ball 18 times for 64 yards and a score.  Jay Cutler was 9-19 for 123 yards with no TD's or INT's.  Earl Bennett came up big again with 6 catches for 81 yards.

On the defensive side Tim Jennings had a big game with 10 tackles to lead the team and one of the four picks along with a forced fumble that led to a field goal.  Both Charles Tillman and Major Wright had pick 6's.

Overall it was a good old fashion whooping by the Bears.  The win gives the Bears the tiebreaker with Detroit along with Atlanta and Tampa Bay who both lost today.  The Bears are in control of their own destiny with 7 games left.  San Diego comes to town next week to begin the Bears run of four games through the AFC west.  Lets hope they can keep this winning streak going.  Let me know what you think, and as always BEAR DOWN!

Bears Lions keys to victory

Well it was a big week for the Bears (and a short one) and lets not forget that the NFL did not do the Bears any favors by giving them a short week against a team coming off a bye.  But when you are playing well you can not wait to get back on the field so I guess that's a good thing right? Under a month ago these two teams met and we all remember what happened there.  A mess of a game that the Bears left with a 24-13 loss.  But since then  the two teams have gone in opposite directions The Bears have not lost (3-0) and the Lions have gone 1-2 their only win coming to the lowly Broncos.

This is the biggest Bears-Lions game I can remember.  The Bears are favored by 3 (standard line for a home team meaning it is basically a push game) that means a lot to both teams.  The Lions are a game up on the Bears in the wild card and have a tougher road ahead then the Bears with games in New Orleans and the Packers twice. A combined record of 22-22 of remaining teams on their schedule, but that only counts the Packers wins once.  A win and they are almost guaranteed to finish ahead of the Bears.

While equally important to the Bears a win by 12 or more and they would hold the tie-breaker on at least 4 teams (Atlanta, Detroit, Tampa Bay, and Philadelphia) That goes a long way in hosting a playoff game.  While the Bears schedule plays out a little more favorably with the combined record of their remaining schedule being 28-30 after the Lions with 8 of those wins coming from the Packers.  They have the potential to finish the season with only one maybe two loses the rest of the way.  Making this game an almost must win. A win by 12 or not and finishing ahead of the Lions looks real good. Now to the keys.

Get Matthew Stafford dirty


The Bears need to get in Stafford's face early and often in this game.  When the two teams met a few weeks back Stafford had enough time to read this blog.  This can not happen on Sunday.  Don't give him the time to allow the plays downfield to develop.  Success will follow.

Keep Cutler clean

This is a theme you will continue to see as a key.  Because when Cutler has time the Bears win.  If the O-line protects Cutler again like last week we can start talking about the rule not the exception to it.  In the last 6 games Cutler has been sacked only 10 times (only 3 times in the last 3 games) .  Stark contrast to the 11 times he was sacked in the first two games.  Keep this going and things will play out well for our beloved.

eliminate the Big play


In their first meeting the Bears gave up a 73 yard TD pass to Calvin Johnson and an 88 yard TD rush to Jahvid Best.  That was the difference in the game. The Bears almost doubled the Lions in time of possession in the game a stat the is usually reserved for the winning team.  eliminate the big plays a win will follow.  While stopping Megatron is a difficult task for any team.  Limiting his chances are a little more reasonable.

If it ain't broke don't fix it


Since the last Lions game the offensive game plan has worked to a tee.  Equal parts handing the ball to Forte and equal parts throwing the ball.  Keep the 3 and 5 step drops, short precise routes with the occasional ball downfield.  Jay Cutler has been fantastic during this stretch without putting up huge numbers.  With the way Forte has been running the ball and with the way the offensive line has protected Cutler teams will have to change the way they play the Bears.  This will lead to bigger numbers for Cutler because sooner or later teams will start to dare the Bears to beat them with Cutler and not Forte.

Win the turnover battle


The Bears need to force some turnovers and put the offense on a short field.  Win the battle and the war will follow.

If the Bears can hit on these points I think we will be celebrating another big win on Monday.  Even on a short week with an extra rested Detroit team I like our chances I am thinking Bears 23 Lions 17.  Let me know what you think and like momma always said BEAR DOWN!

Bears big win over Eagles 30-24

  Monday night the Bears did what no one in the media thought they would do. (with the exception of Da Coach) they beat the Philadelphia Eagles.  Coming into the game everyone was sipping hard on the Eagles Kool-Aid.  What the Bears did in this win was impressive on many fronts. Lets breakdown the key points.


Offensive Line
  This is the  area that I feel the Bears were most impressive.  For the first time in 29 games they did not give up a sack.  Let that soak in for a minute.  In my keys to victory I said Keep Cutler clean and they did that.  There were only a couple of times Cutler had any pressure.   They continued the recent trend with blocking for a solid rushing attack.  The Bears ran for 164 yards and 1 touchdown.  133 of those yards came from Matt Forte.  Solid on both fronts.  By far this was the best game this unit has played this year.

Defense 
 What can you say about the effort the defense gave tonight?  They contained Michael Vick all night and overall he seemed unsettled by what the Bears were doing.  While they only came away with one interception they could have had two more.  The Bears put Vick in bad spots all night.  They did not let him get off only rushing for 34 yards on five carries.  Vick was 21-38 for 213 yards and 0 TD's and the 1 INT.  The Bears improved to 4-0 against a Vick led team. They did give up 119 rushing yards total.  But if you had told me to the game that would be the Eagles rushing total I would have taken it and been more then happy.  LeSean McCoy carried 16 times for 71 yards and a Touchdown.  The Bears were in control for most of the game outside of the opening drive of the second half, one that ended with a Ronnie Brown TD.  Lance Briggs was all over the field and harassed Vick all night.

Jay Cutler
What a game by Cutler.  While his stats may not have been eye popping 18-32 for 208 yards and 2 TD's.  He managed the game perfect.  If not for two drops by Roy Williams and Devin Hester Cutler would have been near 300 for the day.  Cutler made plays with his feat and improvised when need be.  He extended plays and looked calm and in control for the entire game.  Games early in the year Cutler looked skittish.  Tonights game Cutler looked like a man who trusted the game plan and his linemen.

The Bears were 7-14 on third downs a huge number to put up.  Matt Forte lost two fumbles  that led to 14 Eagle points.  If not for those we may have been talking about a blow out.  The turnover battle was even with the Vick INT. and a fumble on a punt return by LeShawn Jackson that led to a Bears score before halftime.  Robbie Gould had another solid game hitting on field goals of 22,38, and 51 yards.  Welcome back Earl Bennett who returned from a chest injury he got in week two with 5 catches for 95 yards and the go-ahead TD.

This was a huge win on many fronts with playoff implications on the line the Bears came up big and walked out of a hostile environment with a win. Let me know what you think and as always BEAR DOWN!!!!!!

Media's effect on sports fans and their perception of the Bears

I have noticed something that I have been holding my tongue about for quite some time.  When it comes to sports reality is what the media tells us it is.  This is especially true when it comes to the Chicago Bears and more directly Jay Cutler.


Now before I get off on a rant about Cutler let me first address the Bears.  Last year the Bears had a solid run to the NFC championship game with little to no respect from the national media.  Every outlet from ESPN to NFL network where down on the Bears.  The Bears beat some good teams and every time this occurred the other team beat themselves or there was some sort of break that went the Bears way.  When they lost, like they did to New England it was what they where... A bad team.  Well the last time I checked bad teams do not win 10 games and go on to the NFC championship game

    If you look at the Packers run to winning the Super Bowl last season and the amazing stats put up by their starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

   Against Atlanta (the number one seed) Rodgers threw for 366 yards and 3 TD's while also scoring a running TD for good messure.  His passer rating in that game 136.8

  Against Pittsburgh in the Super Bowl Rodgers put up 304 yards 3 TD's and no interceptions and a 111.5 Quarterback rating.  In his playoff run he completed 68.2% of his passes with 9 TD's and 2 INT's and a quarterback rating of 109.8

In the NFC championship Rodgers threw for 244 yards with 0 TD's and 2 INT's one in the red zone for a 81.1 QB rating.  Hardly all pro numbers.

  Now if the Bears are so bad why did the nearly beat the Superbowl champions without the aid of their starting QB?

  This leads me to my next point: Jay Cutler.

  Since his arrival in Chicago Cutler has been under more scrutiny then anyone I can remember in recent years.  Now I get why the media has a bad taste in their mouths when it comes to Cutler.  He is not a sound bite guy and generally appears to be annoyed when it comes to his dealings with the media.  With that being said I always thought the media's job was to give an unbiased opinion.  Personal feelings should not go into whatever piece you are writing or when you are reporting on something.  The best I can figure this rule does not apply to Cutler.

  When Peyton Manning or Tom Brady yell or show dis-aprovel of his teammates he is called a fiery competitor.  When Jay Cutler does it he is a bad teammate or a cry baby.  This is a load of crap.  With full disclosure I realize that Cutler has yet to accomplish some of the things that these others I have mentioned has it does not make him any less of a competitor.  The whole deal with his body language drives me up a wall.  Take any quarterback playing today and put him on the Bears and lets see how they react.  I love the Bears and always want them to do well but if you look at what Cutler has compared to a Brady, Manning or Rodgers and it is not on the same level.  I would bet that anyone of these men I mention would have similar if not more harsh reactions if they where in the same situation.

  Now by contrast an interesting thing happened a few weeks back when the Bears faced the Lions.  The Monday night football crew rained praise after praise on Cutler.  A funny thing happened the week that followed.  The Cutler bashing came to a screeching halt.

  All you heard about was his gutsy performance and how it was his best game as a Bear or maybe even of his Career.  I have watched every game Cutler has played in a Bears uniform and have seen him continually get the snot beat out of him and always get back up.  All the questions about his toughness are unfounded.  If you watch how each and every game no matter how many times he is hit or sacked how he gets up and continues to compete you would never question the man's desire to win or his toughness.  So now that I have gotten off my soap box all there is left is to say BEAR DOWN!  Let me know what you think.

5 Keys to victory against the Eagles

The Bears visit Philadelphia on Monday night in a showdown of two teams that need wins to stay in the NFC playoff hunt.  Both teams have two game winning streaks after disappointing starts.  The Eagles started 1-4 and the beloved started 2-3.  It appears on the surface that both teams have begun to figure things out.  The Eagles beat two teams that most likely will not be in the playoff picture at years end both wins came against sub .500 teams.  Granted the Cowboys where at .500 when the teams met but found new ways to lose in each of their loses.  While the Bears did beat a good Tampa Bay team in London, they are young and still trying to figure themselves out.  So this game should which team is for real and which one will be watching come playoff time.  The Bears have had great success against Michael Vick led teams never losing when Brian Urlacher is on the field.  The only loss came when Urlacher was out with a broken wrist and in that game he was not the starting Quarterback.  In his career Vick has a passer rating against the Bears of 76.2 he has completed 58.5 percent of his passes for 807 yards with 3 TD's and 3 INT's.He has rushed for 187 yards on 31 attempts with no TD's. The Bears have sacked Vick 15 times. That leads me to the keys:


1. Contain Vick
    Now you notice that I say contain not stop.  This is a key point if you look at the Bears Victory over the Eagles last year Vick's numbers where not that bad he was 29 of 44 for 333 yards with two TD's and one interception. He had 9 carries for 44 yards. He did fumble four times though.  Keep in mind a lot of those numbers where after the Bears where in control and cruising. Now what I mean by contain is Keep him in the pocket and if you do let him leave make sure it is to his right.  Vick has trouble throwing across his body and becomes ordinary when he does.  Keep his rushing numbers pedestrian and you have a good shot at winning.

2. Don't let LeSean McCoy beat you.


  The rushing Defense has been better in recent weeks and will be tested this week with LeSean McCoy.  He has rushed for 754 yards with 8 TD's so far this year.  He has scored in every game and has tied an Eagles record for consecutive games with a TD don't let him break it this week.  If the Bears can stop him outlook is good they win the game.

3. Matt Forte 


  This is simple make sure Forte gets at least 20 rushes the Bears win.  The Eagles have a tough front four that creates pressure and sacks without help from the blitz most of the sacks are from the front four.  Don't let them pin back their ears and come at Cutler all day keep them honest with Forte and success will follow.  Forte's running will open up things for the passing game

4. Keep Cutler clean


  Over the past two games the line has done a better job of protecting Jay with only three sacks allowed.  This trend needs to continue this week.  Cutler is a much better quarterback when he has time to throw.  Don't make him run for his life or rush into bad decision's. The Eagles secondary is stacked and if Cutler is under duress all day they will be licking their chops and could have a big day. Don't let this happen.

5. Keep it simple


  This is where it gets tricky Mike Martz needs to rain it in and not get too complicated and keep things in front of himself.  The Bears need to go to check downs when needed and go with more of a west coast style this week.  Three step drops and short passing will beat the eagles.  When you get into plays that take longer to develop thats when you can get into trouble with the pass rush the Eagles bring.  I am not saying do not take shots downfield but keep it to a minimum.

  If the Bears are able to do these things they will walk out with a victory don't and things could get ugly.  My prediction is Bears 27 Eagles 13.  Let me know what you think! As always BEAR DOWN!


  

Are the Bears using Devin Hester wrong?

Since Devin Hester exploded on the scene for the Bears they have been trying to figure out ways to get the ball into his hands more.  The answer they came up with was putting him at wide receiver.  Now as am sure most of you remember this for a short time took away from his return duties because they wanted him to be "fresh" on offense.  Now while I will give the coaching staff credit for recognizing the error of their ways and getting Hester back to what he does best I feel that they are still misusing one of the teams most explosive players. The best way I can describe it is akin to a square peg in a round hole.  In recent weeks I have noticed how Hester has improved his route running as well as fighting for balls and finishing routes.  But that is only part of the story.  First At 5-11 he is undersized.  Now I know what you are thinking Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers is the same height and most corner backs in the league are not much taller then that.  To answer that Steve Smith is a unique individual who is probably in the top 10 if not 5 in the NFL.  While he may not be as fast as Hester (although he is close) He is a much more refined all around player.  Hester is much more dangerous in the open field I'd say but the trick is getting him into that open field (more on that in a bit) Second the go route only works when your quarterback has time to throw it.  No one is mistaking this offensive line with the hogs from the old Washington Redskins teams of the 80's.  So what do you do with him you ask?  I am glad you asked that.  I think the best way to use Hester is the way Da Coach Ditka used Dennis Gentry back in the 80's.  For those of you don't know Dennis Gentry was the return man for the Bears when they went to the Super Bowl.  Now while Gentry was a receiver he was the teams third or forth one.  But like Hester (but not nearly as good) he was dangerous with the ball in his hands so the Bears used him unlike any other receiver.  They would put him in the backfield and give him a draw, they would use him on screen passes (yes I know the Bears use Hester on some receiver screens) the screens they used Gentry on where more commonly used with running backs. They did what they could to get him into space and let him do his thing.  What I am getting at is the Bears do not need to have Hester 15+ yards down field for him to be productive.  Get him in space and let him do his thing.  That can be on a two yard out or a middle screen.  If you look at some of his big plays this year this is what they did.  Let him turn nothing into something.  Let me know what you think and as always BEAR DOWN!

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Offensive Line

This week marks the return of Gabe Carimi.  Which begs the question what do the Bears do with the offensive line this week.  While the protection has improved in recent weeks, this is still not an area of strength for this team.  Carimi is the teams best linemen in my view so you need to get him on the field when he is ready.  This may not be the week for that.  Now let me be clear while I do feel he is the teams best, he still is a rookie and has been out since week 2.  With that being said he needs time to get back into playing shape and get re-aclimated with his line-mates.  So for this week the status quo is what I think we will see.  Beyond that it raises the question of who goes?  If beef is what your looking for the answer is Chris Spencer.  Lance Louis moves inside and Carimi back to his Right tackle position.  I feel that the right answer maybe a move that will be more of a reflection of whats to come in the future with Carimi moving to the left side to protect Jay Cutlers blindside.  While J'Marcus Webb has played ok especially for a seventh round draft pick and you could argue that with more time he will improve even more, Carimi most certainly will find his way to that spot at some time before his days with the Bears are done.  It is the position he manned in college and has the footwork to be productive there.  The reason I see this as the best option is simple Lance Louis has looked great considering he was the right guard to start the season and moved into the spot because Frank Omiyale was a complete train reck there.  With more time Louis may become a pretty strong tackle.  I am not drinking the Kool-Aid to the degree that I would call him a pro-bowl type tackle but I don't see a huge drop off from when Gabe was over there.  But the improvement that Carimi has the potential to bring  over Webb may be worth a look.  Now this can work for a couple of reasons if there is any drop off from Lance Louis you can put Webb in that spot (the one he manned all of last season) and put Louis back to the guard.  The real wild card in this is Chris Williams if he can solidify himself into the left guard slot and became the player we have seen in small doses on some of the pull-outs springing Matt Forte we may be onto something.  If not we may see Chris Spencer at his natural center spot and Roberto Garza at the left Guard with Lance Louis and either Carimi or Webb next to him.  It will be interesting to see how this comes together and if we will be shopping for more linemen in the first round again this year.  Let me know what you think..