Chicago's First Place Team

Yep, Chicago does have a first place team and they are called the Blackhawks. They are actually tied for the 2nd most points in the NHL. Tonight, the hawks will take on the San Jose Sharks, who are leading the NHL in points. Also, the hawks big free agent signing, Marian Hossa will make his season debut. The hawks will team Hossa with Toews and Kane to form what some people will be a SUPER line and score a million goals. I am excited to see Hossa play and from the sound of it, Kane & Toews are jumping out their skates to be on the ice with him. His biggest impact will hopefully be on the power play where until the hawks scored 4 out of their last 5 on the power play, they were ranked 18th in the league. The hawks are the 2nd best goal differential in the league (goals for avg - goals against avg) and they are going to add a 40 goal scorer. Ill be watching tonight and for any chicago sports fans who are hoping for a championship team, they should be watching tonight and from now on.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/hockey/blackhawks/chi-25-blackhawks-chicago-nov25,0,7954269.story

NFL Bets week 12

NFL spreads keeping on being big and goofy and very hard for me to figure out. Again i tried to stay away from taking big points unless the team was at home. Last week, I went 11-3-1, so here's hoping for a repeat.

Lions +12 v. Packers (this one's for reed who i just found out is a loyal reader, go lions)

Raiders +13.5 at Dallas

Giants -7 at cowboys

Colts -3.5 at texans

Bengals -14 v. browns

Vikings -11 v. bears (it broke my heart to make this bet)

Redskins +9 at eagles

Dolphins +3.5 at bills

Seahawks +3.5 at rams

falcons -12 v. bucs

panthers +3 at jets

jags +3 at niners

chargers -13.5 v. chiefs

Pats +3 at Saints

Happy Turkey day!

The Breakup

Im sorry bears. Its you, not me. I'm breaking up with you this season. I started this relationship with such high hopes as usual thinking perhaps a 12-4 season and here we are at 4-6. This relationship just isnt going in the direction i need it to go. You've let yourself go. You always promise things you cant deliver. You cant rush the rush the passer, you can't run the ball and your quarterback with the big arm cant hit a wide open receiver. And to be blunt you dont put out enough/score enough touchdowns. I have found myself just waiting and hoping for this relationship to develop instead of enjoying it. You have only caused me heartache and missed opportunities.

Yes, this means i wont be spending anymore money on you/game tixs or drunk cutler jersey purchases. No, i wont be yelling at you anymore when you fuck up/screaming at the TV when orlando pace commits a false start or greg olsen drops an easy 1st down catch. I'm done having to mold my life around you/devote 3 hours to watching you play terribly. Dont worry, ill still stalk you on facebook/watch your games and read articles on you. I'll still get drunk and bitch about you to my friends. I just cant be involved in this type of relationship anymore.

Don't worry, I might be get interested again when you lose 20 lbs/be a team who can win games.

State of the Bears

Well i think i have come down off the ledge. I think. It has been a week since the bears lost in san francisco and i still dont know where we go from here as bears fans. Realistically, it will be hard for the bears to make the playoffs. They would have to go atleast 5-2 over their last 7 leading to a 9-7 finish. Looking at their schedule they would have to play like the team that started 3-1 and not this shit team that has showed up the last 5.

I know has not been the superman we expected but i would still make the trade in a heartbeat again. Jay is our future and that doesnt worry me. What worries me is where is the rest of the future? Forte, Hester, Knox, Bennett, and Olsen give the bears some young skill players who they can build around. They probably will need to get a big bodied WR who can help them in the redzone. But is are there good young players anywhere else on this team? The offensive line is devoid of any young talent besides Chris Williams, who has been less than impressive so far.

The defense is built to win now. Its full of veterns with big contracts that the bears really cant get away from and probably in 2-3 years wont be starters anymore if they still are. Along the D line, I think everyone can see that Mark Anderson's rookie year was a fluke and he is gone after this year. With Gaines Adams, Harrison, and the bears 2 draft picks of this year, Melton & Gilbert (who the bears took as projects), there is talent that could be developed, but no where else on the defense is there promising youth. Has Nick Roach convinced you that he is the answer at LB? He hasnt convinced me. Bowman and Alfalva might have some potential to be solid starters in this league but they dont project as stars. The stars on this defense are coming to the age where they are probably past their prime and the bears cupboard is bare of young impact players.

So, if you buy all these arguments, you realize the bears most likely find themselves in a crossroads after this season (yes, ill say that im not expecting anything but at best a 1st playoff round exit this year). With both 1st & 2nd round picks traded away next year (cutler & gaines adams trades) it will be hard/nearly impossible for the bears to find impact players in the draft especially if you take Angelo's drafting record into effect. This leaves the bears with only 2 options as i see it. First, they can throw themselves into free agency and try to sign atleast 2 O-lineman and atleast an impact safety and probably pass rusher. The NFL is not like the NBA where talented young players are available every free agency period. In the NFL, if a team doesnt lock the guy up, there is probably a reason. This would most likely be an attempt at a quick fix/win now approach because i think everyone can see that the window to win with this current team is closing quickly. Or the bears could accept that they need to get younger and look to get themselves out from under some of their bigger contracts say like tommie harris and peanut tillman and get younger. Either option scares the hell out of me and i dont know what i prefer but i think either way we will see significant movement in the roster this offseason. We know Culter & Forte are the future but will they have to struggle through a rebuilding period to get to that future?

Bears v. Eagles

Summary

Please see my ramblings above about the bears. D. Nabb comes home and always plays well against the bears. Bryan Westbrook is out with concussions but LeShawn McCoy hasnt missed a beat as his back up.

Key Factors

The bears are the 7th most penalized team. Its hard to win when you are killing yourself. The bears must cut down on penalties and maybe they can pull this one out. Also, probably the only place the bears have an advantage is on special teams. If they can control the field position with their special teams, they might also have a chance.

Key Matchups

Eagles speedy WRs v. Bears Safeties - I think Lovie will go into this game playing a lot of zone and cover 2 while blitzing the LBs which would leave the bears safeties having to cover the deep part of the field and make sure tackles. That will give the Eagles' WRs a chance to try and break something deep and over the middle. The bears safeties havent been good this year and im scared over this matchup especially with the speedy and yac-specialists desean jackson and jeremy maclin.

Forte's hands v. Eagles blitz. Does anyone think the bears O-line can block the eagles myriad of blitz looks? If cutler can't get enough time to get the ball to his WRs then matt forte's hands will be catching a lot of check down passes. Can he get the YAC the bears need like he did in the san fran game?

Prediction

I cant pick the bears, I just cant. I think it will be a close game but i think McNabb will drive down in the closing seconds and a david aker's FG will win it. Eagles 23, Bears 20.

Critical Performer

If there was ever a time for Devin to become dangerous on punt returns again this would be a the game with the bears' season on the line at home. I think he will break his streak and take one to the house against the eagles pourous coverage teams.

Bears - Eagles Preview: Sentence-Statement Edition

I'm tired of picking against the Bears this year.

They are due for a win.

Cutler is due for a good game.

Andy Reid is obese.

Brain Westbrook is concussed.

Donovan McNabb endorses Campbell's Chunky Soup.

Lovie Smith looks like a turtle at press conferences.

Matt Forte scores two touchdowns Sunday night.

Charles Tilmann causes a fumble.

If the Bears stink again I will watch the finale of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

This season has made no sense so far.

Bears 24 - Eagles 20.

NFL week 11

Last week i took a little bit of a beating going 6-9. This week again there are 7 games with atleast a 10 point spread. I hate beating in the nfl that a team will get beat that badly, especially the nfl this year so most of the time i took the team getting the points. Here's hoping most games are close and I can win a few.

dolphins + 3 at panthers

Lions -3.5 v. browns

bills +9 at Jags

chiefs +11 v. steelers

colts -1.5 at ravens

falcons +7 at giants

49ers +6.5 at packers

Vikings -11 v. seahawks

redskins +11 at cowboys

saints -12 at bucs

rams +10 v. cardinals

Jets +11.5 at pats

bengals -11 at raiders

bears +4 v. eagles (the line changed as i was making my bet so did my bet as a result. originally the bears were only getting 3 pts and i was taking philly)

titans +4 at texans

Cubs make a push

Last week, i posted that i hoped/begged the cubs to make a push to acquire the newly available curtis granderson from the tigers. Well, apparently Jim Hendry reads my blog. Looks like the cubs are 1 of 3 teams who are the front runners for granderson. ill be honest i dont see any reason the cubs dont get him. Unless you have to give up both young studs Vitters and Castro, this deal makes too much sense for the cubs. Heck, maybe in a package deal with fox, hoffpauir, marshall, and a combo of young players, you can pay the tigers to take bradley. alright thats probably too much to dream for. but seriously, granderson seems like exactly the type of player that the cubs were lacking last year. He plays with his heart on his sleeve and is all-out, all-the-time, fiery type of player and would be a great add to a subdued cubs' clubhouse. Hopefully this turns out better than the Peavy trade of last winter.....

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-14-cubs-granderson-nov14,0,2987407.story

Final Bears Thoughts For a While....

In the Bears four wins Jay Cutler has thrown 2 interceptions.

In the Bears five losses Jay Cutler has thrown 15 interceptions.

Its a rumor but i can dream.

The offseason is where cubs and sox fans get to have dreams of their teams being good. The actually season is where those dreams fall apart or never materialize. Word came from the GM meetings here at O'Hare yesterday that the Tigers were shopping Curtis Ganderson. Yes, the former all-star, guaranteed 20 bombs and 20 bags a year, 29 yr old CF Curtis Ganderson. The tigers have got money problems as does everyone in detroit so they are looking to restock with young players. I hope Hendry was on the phone all day trying to make a deal happen. A young left handed power hitting centerfielder who can bat first or second available not named corey patterson. Go out and redeem yourself Jim and see if you can get edwin jackson too.

http://espn.go.com/chicago/columns/blog/_/post/4646320/name/levine

Bears Niners Preview

Summary

Short week = short preview. This game is must win for both teams if they even want to sniff the playoffs. Early in the season, both of these teams like like serious NFC contenders. Now, they are mediocre teams trying to keep their season alive.

Key Factors

The bears defense has been horrible and this team is not built to win solely on its offense. The team has to rediscover its defensive identity or it will only get uglier from here.

The 49ers have a very good defense and held Peyton & Co. to 18 pts last week. Alex Smith seems to have some life and is trying to get his name to stop being mentioned in the same breath as Tim Couch.

Key Matchups

Kruetz v. Patrick Willis - Arguably, Willis is the best inside LB in the game. Can Kruetz and his buddies, Garza & Beekman actually get to the 2nd level and block Willis. If not, Willis will be playing in Matt Forte's backfield and there the running game will grind to a halt. If that happens, the bears once again will have no time of possession and have to rely on Cutler's arm and we know how that storyline plays out.

Frank Gore v. the entire bears front 7. - Can tommie harris make it to play 5 this week? does it matter? can the bears actually play in their assigned gaps and in some way resemble a good defense? If they can stop gore, then i will take my chances with alex smith trying to make plays.

Prediction

The bears have to come out with emotion and with purpose otherwise their season could be over after this game. Bears 24-Niners 15

Critical Performer

Johnny Knox. The bears need a big play to get this team going. Whether it be a big return or a long pass play, Knox is the player who can break a play at anytime. Look for a deep shot to him in the 1st quarter and hope him and jay connect.

Bears - 49ers Preview: Thursday Night Special

How fun did this game look when the NFL schedule was first released? A Thursday night game in San Fransisco against Mike Singletary's team in front of the whole country (whole country that's at a bar or has NFL Network) sounded pretty good. My my how things can change in eight weeks. A couple of blowout losses and sloppy play later and this once marquee, prime-time match-up is now almost competing against the new episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia for my interest.

Let it be known the Bears season is not quite over yet, although the way they look right now a 6-10 record is much easier to fathom than 10-6. They will probably need to win three in a row (SF, Philadelphia, Minnesota --- yikes!) and get their record up to 7-4 in order to have a good shot at making the playoffs. That streak has to start with beating former number one pick and fresh off the bench, Alex Smith.

Let it be known my "good quarterbacks beat the Bears" theory will be put to test this game. Alex Smith is not a good quarterback like Matt Ryan, Carson Palmer, Aaron Rodgers and Kurt Warner are. He's not exactly bad and also a bit of a wild-card. So does that mean the Bears will beat him? Who knows? The Bears have done nothing to show me they can beat a passionately coached and competitive team (albeit not a very good team --- 3-5 record, losers of four straight) on the road.

Since I couldn't figure out how to tie-in a story about my Dad choking on a Portillo's Polish (don't worry it's only week 10) and because the general themes of the Bears have become repetitive--- defense gets no pressure on the QB, defense gets beat in the passing game, offense relies on Cutler's arm too much, offense has no running identity --- I end this preview and hope once again that I am wrong:

San Francisco 23 Chicago 20

I hate Derek Jeter even more now!

I need to rant about this a little bit. The AL gold glovers were announced this afternoon. What were people smoking when they voted for these awards? There are players who play this wonderful game of baseball everyday strictly because of their glove. You will find none of these players on this list. Its a crime and it degrades this award.

On this year's list, you will find good hitters and decent fielders. But you wont find the guys who survive for their glove. I read much about Jeter being a liability in the field from scouts and general managers and anyone who has watched him knows he is not a good defensive shortstop. How bout giving it to the kid, Elvis Andrus, down in texas who they moved a former gold glove SS, Michael Young to 3B, to get this kid's glove in the lineup. Or what about the guys' who were routinely in espn's webgems. Like Brandon Inge at 3b, Jack Wilson at SS, Gomez in CF, Carl Crawford in OF and Franklin Gutierrez in OF. These are guys that play ridiculously good defense and pretty much are in the MLB for that reason. These players deserve the gold gloves because they probably dont have much of a chance to win any other hardware in MLB.

This year's gold glovers reads oddly like the silver slugger awards. What a crock of shit! This is a slap to face of baseball, fans, and the players who really deserve to be on this list.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4642325

They are who we thought they were???

Right? Stupid players. A defense that is a step or two too slow. And a passing offense that can mount some semblance of a comeback.

I dont really know what to say about this team and the game they played yesterday.

I'm encouraged by their offense. We finally saw the cutler-olsen connection that everyone hoped for. The line actually did a pretty good job passing blocking considering that the cardinals knew the bears were gonna be throwing every play after they were down by 24. and when they did the run the ball, all 8 carries, the line opened up some holes. the problem was that we really didnt get to see the full offense because they were never in the game.

The defense is a cluster fuck. Where to start? Tommie Harris, you should pay to refund everyone's ticket that was at soldier field yesterday. That would be the most meaningful contribution you have made this season. I have no idea what he was thinking and i wouldnt be surprised if he is suspended for a good length of time by the league. The sad thing was that he was actually playing a little like the old tommie harris the first 4 plays. When harris doesnt play/plays 4 plays, the D has been torched for 86 pts this year. Can tommie harris be the key to the bears defense?

the secondary is medicore at best and with no pressure on warner, they got killed. is it this hard to find a safety?

Does anyone miss urlacher more than briggs? I know for years we have been hearing that briggs is made as good as urlacher if not better but he looks lost out there. Now that urlacher is out, teams are game planning to block briggs and he doesnt seem to know how to get around it. he is still making tackles but they are 5 yds down the field and not impact plays.

The bears are a 4-4 team and their offense looks better than their defense. this is not the bears team i expected in 2009 and if the defense cant with the players we have there is no quick fix because of all the big contracts with defenders. Will the bears have to change their M.O. and game plans to try and win with offense? Is it even possible?

It's a Good Thing the Bears Have Jay Cutler or Else This Season Would Be Spiraling Out of Control

Stop what you're doing for a minute, close your eyes, and ponder this question: Where would the Bears be without Jay Cutler this year? Pretty scary thought, ain't it?

For the first time in decades, the Bears finally have a strong-armed quarterback and things couldn't be better. Move over Erik Kramer, Cutler is on pace to shatter all your Bears passing records this year. With a stat line like this through 8 games--2000 yards, 14 TDs and completing 63% of his passes-- all is well in Chicago, finally.

How many wins would the Bears have without Cutler this year? 3, maybe 4 tops? They'd probably be an inconsistent .500 team struggling through each week.

With Cutler, they are poised to make that playoff run that everyone thought was possible in the off-season. With Cutler, the bad offensive line, horrible coaching, lack of run game and inept defense is an afterthought. With Cutler, the Bears can finally throw the ball deep and rack up any amount of points their defense might give up. With Cutler, nothing else matters.


Anyone else starting to think that the Bears addition of Cutler is kind of like a guy buying an $80,000 luxury car even though he can't afford the payments, lives in a shitty apartment, has a shitty job, has to park it outside on the street where hoodlums can vandalize it and doesn't even know how to drive it since it's a stick-shift? But fuck it, look how awesome it looks shining in the sun after you've washed and waxed it!

Bulls so far. He said what?

"Chicago's size and the athleticism of its guards gave Cleveland problems."

Yes this is actually written about our bulls teams. I have to say after 5 games I am extremely impressed with this team. They are winning games with their defense. I havent said that since 2006 and i have higher hopes for this team. I was at the game against the Bobcats and was extremely impressed with the bulls team defense. The bulls were talking with each other, calling out screens and hustling to cover the open man. Sometimes it took 4-5 pass by the bobcats in order to find an open guy off penetration and even then there was a bull running at the guy. With the bulls increased size, they are able to switch on the pick and roll and not get killed on those matchups. Taj Gibson even d'ed up Bron!

Noah is more impressive every game and Deng is getting back to his old form. Thomas' injury sucks but hopefully he will be back soon. Rose will come around and get back in the rhythm. Their shooting will improve and i think this team can all of a sudden challenge for the 4th best team in the east.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-091105

Bears - Cardinals Preview: The Crusade of Kurt Warner

As I wrote earlier in the week, it seems the Bears have trouble defeating good quarterbacks. Because of this, this week's game boils down to the incomparable Kurt Warner. Along his religious journey on planet Earth, Kurt Warner has very noticeably built a Hall of Fame resume. We all know his story:

Cut by the Green Bay Packers in training camp---- Joins AFL's Iowa Barnstormers ---- Stocks groceries at the local Hy-Vee ---- Marries ex-Marine Corp and strong-arm Brenda ---- Cancels tryout with Chicago Bears because of scorpion bite sustained during his honeymoon (how much should we trust wikipedia?) ---- Trent Green's ACL snaps like a twig ---- Dick Vermeil cries ---- Throws for over 4,000 yards and 41 TDs ---- Wins Super Bowl along with regular and post-season MVP ---- Becomes 4 time Pro Bowler ---- Wins another MVP ---- Makes two more trips to the Super Bowl ---- Currently has career QB rating of 93

An obvious feel good story and an obviously talented quarterback. So, how will the Bears stop this guy on Sunday? Well, for starters, this isn't the same "gee shucks look what I did Lord" guy that could throw a football as accurate as anybody in history. This year his age has caught up with him (38 with a touch of grey in his hair) as he has thrown as many interceptions as touchdowns and is coming off a clunker against Carolina. His team is perhaps in a post-Super Bowl loss hangover and is limping to a 4-3 record. That said, given time in the pocket, this guy still can rip apart weak secondaries like Dan Jiggets and a T-Bone steak.

How the Bears can win: Aggressive defense
Sure getting five turnovers against the Browns is a nice accomplishment, but outside of that game the Bears have yet to show their trademark fast aggressive defense that made them a feared team in the past. This game is certaintly winnable for the Bears, but as always it starts up front with the D-Line. Adewale Ogunleye, Alex Brown and Mark Anderson and co. need to establish a good pass rush early and fluster Warner. If Warner is comfortable he will pull a Carson Palmer on the Bears. A good rush takes the pressure of the DB's as well, who will have their hands full all day with the star receivers for Arizona.

How the Cardinals can win: Thru the air
Despite having two decent young runners in Tim Hightower and rookie Beanie Wells, the Cardinals rank dead last in the NFL in rushing. What they do have, however, are top of the line wide receivers. Larry Fitzgerald is on the short list for best in the NFL, Anquan Boldin is a former Pro-Bowler and Steve Breaston is an up and coming star. All three of these guys caught over 1,000 yards a piece last year. (Think about what Calvin Johnson, Chad Ochocinco and Roddy White did to the Bears this year already.)

Critical Performer: Kurt Warner

Prediction: Cardinals 27 - Bears 24
Sorry TheChicagoSportsCritcs fans, but over the past month the Bears have shown me that they can lose close (Falcons), lose big (Bengals), sit out a week (Bye) and win sloppy (Browns). Add in the fact that the Cardinals are 3-0 on the road and this match-up doesn't look so great for Chicago. Here's hoping I'm wrong.

Bears Week 9 Preview

Bears v. Cards

Summary

This game comes at a critical time for both teams. Both the bears and cards have been maddeningly inconsistent. This game starts a tough 4 game stretch where the bears will show us what type of team they are. Arizona leads their division but that lead is shaky at best. A win for both teams would show that they can beat a high quality opponent and really give a boost to their season.

Key Factors

No shocker here. It will be the bears pass defense v. cards passing offense. Everyone knows that the cards will come out throwing the ball and their offense rests on the right arm of Kurt Warner. The bears have to get a pass rush because if warner gets protection, he will pick apart any coverage the bears use. In an excellent article from espn chicago, it seems that Zach Bowman has been the more effective cornerback this year. Or atleast teams have been less effective throwing to his side. Although that is what the numbers say, i still see the cards throwing a bunch to bowman's side.

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/news/story?id=4623045

Bears special teams. I mean who doesnt remember the last time the bears played the cards and the incredible comeback. As Lovie preaches winning games with defense and special teams, this phase may be the game changer for the bears. Both offenses and defenses seem pretty evenly matched up but if the bears' special teams can give the bears a field position advantage, it could be the difference between a win and a loss.

Key Matchups

Marcus Harrison v. Tim Hightower/Beanie Wells. Harrision as the starting nosetackle has to plug up the run. The cards strength is not running the ball but if they do get that going the bears are in serious trouble. Harrision and the other DT have to stuff the run to make Arizona a one dimensional team. So that the ends and LBs can concentrate on the pass and hope to stop what can be an explosive passing game.

Cutler v. Rodgers-Cromartie. The Arizona CB is a gambler. He will jump routes to try and get the pick-6. He will be overly aggressive with WR and can be duped by the WR. If Cutler and his wrs are able to pull a double move with a pump fake from cutler, you could see Cromartie pounding the ground and cutler celebrating after getting the big plays we have been waiting for all season.

Prediction

This is gonna be a close game the whole day with two evenly matched teams. I can either seeing the bears winning 24-23 or the cards winning 31-24. As the bears are at home, ill take them.

Bears 24-23

Critical Performer

Devin. Hester. I think he will show up big against the cardinals again. He has really progressed as a WR and there will be some opportunities for him in this game to make big plays and get into that endzone. Maybe most importantly, he must and will have some very good punt returns and give the bears the edge in field position. Chicago, welcome the return of the explosive 23!

NFL bets this week

This week is strange. I usually hate playing any line over a TD because of how wacky the NFL is but somehow i find myself playing a bunch this week. I'm hot so lets see how it goes....

Chiefs +6.5 at Jags

Bengals +3 v. Ravens

Colts -9 v. Texans

Falcons -9.5 v. Redskins

Packers -9.5 v. Bucs

Bears -3 v. Cards

Dolphins +10.5 at Pats

Saints -13 v. Panthers

Lions +10 at Seahawks

49ers -4.5 v. Titans

Giants -5 v. Chargers

Eagles -3 v. Cowboys

Steelers -3 at Broncos

Last week 8-4

Act wearing thin....

I would like to start this post off by saying i like Tyrus Thomas and hope he can fulfill his enormous potential. However, this kid needs a mentor/buddy/father/grown man to slap him around in his life.

Tyrus was sent home this morning from Bulls practice because of flu-like symptoms. These symptoms come right after took exception to Vinny's criticism of him and Lindsey Hunter calling him out in a team meeting. This is becoming a pattern in my book. Its no wonder that the bulls didnt sign ty to an extension. He says that he is putting in enough work for him to start but ty, you dont make that decision. its the coaches that make the decision if you are putting in enough work or playing well enough to start. If the coaches tell you are late on your defensive rotations, then you have to show that you can do them first. He is suppose to bring defense to this team but its seems as though that is lacking. Of course, then he wont be playing at the end of the game.

I know this kid is only 23 but its his 4th year in the league and frankly i would like him to start acting like it. Besides rose, he probably has the most potential on the team but he acts like because he is working hard, he is entitled to starters minutes and confidence from the fans/media/coaches. Last year, he averaged 10 pts 6 rbs. Do something first then start talking. And this guy said he could average 20pts 10rbs. yeah right....

http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2009/11/bulls-send-thomas-home-with-flu-like-symptoms.html

Bear bashing???

Look, as i said in my review, i dont think the bears played a clean or great game yesterday. But, i dont really understand the bashing that they are talking from the media, fans and my co-contributor here today. By no means do i think the Browns are a good team. But with that being said, their players still get paid to play in the NFL. Their offense scored 20 against the Vikes, 20 against the Bengals, and 14 against the Steelers. The Bears only let them score 6. The defense played good. Yes, they only got one sack but got enough pressure to force 5 turnovers and a 10 rating for Derek Anderson who has been to a pro-bowl.

The offense had trouble putting the ball in the endzone. But, the steelers had trouble putting the ball in the endzone against the bears and remind me now if people are talking about how bad their offense or ben roethlisberger is?

The bears scored 30 pts! 30 pts! Has everyone so quickly forgotten the bears of the past couple of years where they could have scored 30 pts in 2 games combined? The Bears are suppose to win games with their defense, getting turnovers, great special teams, and not turning the ball over on offense. I know Cutler coming in has boosted expectations for this offense but have we gone to far over board? The bears right now are averaging 22.7 pts per game. If you had told most fans that number at the beginning of the season, we all would have taken it hands down.

There are absolutely things that the Bears need to do better, the players and coaches admitted it. But they beat a team by 24. The vikings won but gave up 26 pts to the packers and are the 20th ranked defense in the league but no one today is bashing them for that. The bears did what they were suppose to do and that was beat a lesser team handily. Let's wait to predict the demise of this team until after they lose a game.

P.S - Friday Night Lights is still the best show on TV

Got a good quarterback? You'll probably beat the Bears

Lets take a look at the quarterbacks the Bears have beaten this year:
-Ben Roethlisberger
-Seneca Wallace
-Matthew Stafford
-Derek Anderson

Beating Pittsburgh and Big Ben has been the win of the year and is the exception in the season so far. The other three quarterbacks they've beaten probably shouldn't be starting in the NFL.

Here are the quarterbacks that have beaten the Bears this year:
-Aaron Rodgers
-Matt Ryan
-Carson Palmer

All three of these guys are established and talented quarterbacks.

Now for the bad news. Here are the quarterbacks the Bears still have to face:
-Brett Favre
-Brett Favre
-Kurt Warner
-Donovan McNabb
-Joe Flacco
-Aaron Rodgers

-Matthew Stafford
-Alex Smith
-Marc Bulger

I know that a teams quarterback is only one part, but I really believe good quarterbacking will beat the Bears 3 out of 4 times like what has happened already. Their secondary is shaky and they have not rushed the passer well at all. Judging by this I've got them winning the bottom 3 and winning 1 or 2 games (Packers, Cardinals and Ravens likely suspects) in the group of five establsihed quarterbacks. Of course this is speculation and they could lose to the 49ers pretty easily and could also score an upset win somewhere in the schedule. This is just one way of observing the year so far.

Will 9-7 make the playoffs this year?

Bears Postgame

Well the bears come away with a win. No, they didnt look great but its a step in the right direction. We saw an improved running game and a more explosive Matt Forte in this game. The defense looked great and had 5 takeaways. There seemed to be much less confusion as to the signals and calls on the defense with Hillenmeyer in the middle and the takeaways seem a direct result of it. The offense was by no means great but the line was better and the wrs continue to impress with their route running and ability to adjust to the ball while its in the air. Mostly impressive was Cutler. No, he didnt throw a TD and no, he didnt have a great game but he took a beating. He was hit a lot and he popped back up and got into with the defense. Cutler is a tough guy and i think he will have endeared himself to bears fans after a performance like sunday's. Next week, the cards and all their wrs. Should be an interesting matchup. Also, i was almost right on with my 31-6 prediction.