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..