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!