Bears News and Notes - 11/04/08
by Adam T on Nov 4, 2008 7:35 AM CST
43 comments
*** It is a bit strange. At the beginning of the season many were yelling that if the Bears went with Grossman he would suck and the Bears would lose and that Orton was our only chance. Now that Grossman has to start it seems that just as many say the Bears are not that bad off. Yesterday, on NFL Live Trent Dilfer laid a heaping helping of credit on QB Coach Pep Hamilton and his ability to get QBs focused and in the best condition to win. This article voices a similar opinion that this incarnation of Grossman is different.
...but what I liked seeing as an analyst and former player was the way he threw the football, and the touchdown-winning drive that he led. If you watched nothing else in the game, you should have seen Rex rear back and sling the football. The last time we saw Rex was in the preseason, crumbling under pressure and throwing off his back foot - usually to the other team. The deep ball he threw to Devin Hester (although overthrown) showed that Rex has nothing to lose. He isn't the starting quarterback, isn't going to take the job away from Orton, so why not take some chances and throw the football down the field? In my eyes, this is a different quarterback, a backup quarterback who is playing with a chip on his shoulder. He is not competing against Caleb Hanie. It is Rex's job now and he knows it. In saying this, expect Rex, who already has played meaningful games in this offense (unlike most backup quarterbacks in the league), to take the playbook and run with it.
Obviously, all we have to do is wait a week. We will know soon enought what we have. If Grossman is able to run this team against the Titans maybe we have something.
*** More recent reports suggest that Orton doesn't have any torn ligaments and doesn't even have a high ankle sprian.
Reports that Orton will be out at least a month with a right ankle injury have been exaggerated. A source said Orton doesn't have a high ankle sprain and won't miss four weeks or more, and the team is waiting to see how his ankle responds before getting a better idea about what's expected to be a shorter recovery time.
*** Craig Steltz is one of the most improved players since the close of camp. Good thing, because we are going to need him with Brown down.
''If Craig doesn't make the interception, who knows,'' coach Lovie Smith said. ''You need your free safety to make some plays like that. Craig did a lot of good things. He's been paying attention, ready for his opportunity, and it was good to see him make plays like that.''
*** Urlacher takes offense to the fans booing Grossman.
"We've got a quarterback who comes in off the bench and leads us to a victory, and they boo him right out of the gate," he said. "Poor guy. Lucky for him he's resilient and he came back and led us to two scoring drives. But man, it's tough."
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well
already has played meaningful games in this offense
all the talk about grossman’s role in the super bowl team is ignoring that there was also a great defense and great special teams, neither of which we have here. bum rap or whatever he needs to play much better than he did then. not as good, much better.
also, for me this is probably Lovie and Babich’s last chance to show me something. I have never commented on how well a Lovie team is prepared and since the first game (against now a clearly decent at best colts team) this defense hasn’t been above abysmal very often. if this overpriced overrated defense gets destroyed it’s probably time for some changes. Maybe a little early, but what more do you guys want to see? Healthy defense that plays just as poorly as the banged up d, and can’t show up against the titans or lions. (again, if they were to lose.) what other things do you need to see from this d to make a decision like this?
by mike b on Nov 4, 2008 9:25 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
For me, the decision is already made
I want Babich punted out of Halas Hall at the end of the year. Reason why? Everything you said. There’s no fire and even less execution. The defense looks terrible.
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
by ChiFan13 on Nov 4, 2008 9:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The real issue here
is where does Lovie’s control of the defense end and where does Babich’s begin. Does Babich really have any say in what goes on with the defense? Lovie was brought here because of his past defensive accomplishments and we would all be foolish if we assumed that he just handed the reins over to Babich and focused his attention to the other side of the ball. And even if that somehow is what happened, it’s common knowledge that Lovie and Babich have very similar philosophies, which is just weird. When a team’s head coach is defense-minded why bring in a yes-man to run the defense? The logical thing to do would be to bring in coaches with different philosophical backgrounds and combine bits and pieces of their schemes to create one multi-faceted defense. After all, if we have learned anything over time its that being predictable leads to failure and the ability to mix things up is as important as anything in this league.
by dakoose on Nov 4, 2008 11:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
you guys
should really podcast some of the espn 1000 stuff and watch the post game on comcast if you can. a lot of good info.
-haugh says that turner has been saying this year the no huddle was going to be used no matter who was the qb.
-hester stopped himslef before he really screwed up and commented on how the guys on special teams in front of him weren’t getting it done. but alluded to them not gelling yet.
by mike b on Nov 4, 2008 10:07 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Bears fans piss on the 4th phase
I agree alot with Urlacher on the point about booing Rex Grossman. He could have gone elsewhere to another team. He did rebound last season before his injury and played some good games against the NFC leaders Seahawks and Giants defense. He had a lousy offensive line and a lousy feature running back in Cedric Benson. Orton didn’t even look as good last season as he does now. This offensive makeup this year is a good upgrade from last season and Grossman will look better too, wait and see. Booing Grossman when he makes a bad pass or poor decision is one thing but pissing on him the minute he gets on the field regardless is the fans letting down the team. The fans or the 4th phase don’t owe Grossman anything, but we do owe the team our support to rally them to a comeback and if their QB Orton is out and Grossman has to come in and get the job done, well damnit, give him all the fire we can so he can light up those games like we’ve seen him do many times before. Remember this kid has a better arm than Orton and has excelled in high pressure games before, 2006 NFC Playoffs. The game he played against the Giants defense last season matched Tom Brady’s stats against the same defense and the Bears offensive line stunk while Brady had like 2 or 3 pro bowlers in front of him. So 4th phase lighten up and LIGHT IT UP!!!! More importantly don’t let down the other 3 phases of this game, offense , defense, and special teams. We play a part too. We are the noise that either silences the other team or encourages them to think that our team sucks. This game is very mental and our contributions as fans is huge. SO STOP BOOING REX JUST TO PISS ON HIM, BOO HIM IF HE ACTUALLY MAKES A BAD PLAY. 4th phase better drop the atomic noise bomb on the titans on sunday and not on grossman.
by Oso Monstar of Midway on Nov 4, 2008 10:57 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Urlacher is right.
It pisses me off that the fans at Soldier Field boo Grossman at every given opportunity. They need to realize their not just making a statement to Grossman theyre demoralizing the entire offense. In fact, I don’t think he played bad at all for being in the position he was in. Look, when Orton went down I about went into cardiac arrest, but I do believe in this team and I do think that with Grossman running the first team offense and not being in a position to lose anything (since he’s 2nd string) he will come out strong and keep our offense moving the chains. Did anybody watch the Washington game and listen to the crowd when the offense got destroyed? I don’t think they booed once. We’re in a position that nobody wants to be in, Orton may not be out as long as everyone’s predicting so Grossman may only have to be at the helm for a couple games, and when I am at the Bears/ Titans game this weekend, I’ll definately be behind my team 100% no matter what. And hey Babich, lets get a little more creative than the cover 2…I’t ain’t working!
by PolishSausage.Ditka.Bears. on Nov 4, 2008 10:59 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I was saying that
on the game day thread with no one backing me. Why do we tear the guy down? He is our QB right now, although not the one I want to see on the field it is what it is. Get behind the guy and cheer and stop the booing. Increasing his confidence only enhances our chanes of winning while KO is out. Get the word out, I will be at the game supporting Rexy while he is our QB..
by tfrabotta on Nov 4, 2008 11:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, you don't have the right to tell us what to do
We live in this lovely country called the United States of America. In this country, we have the freedom of speech, and, for the most part, we have the right to do and act as we please.I’m not disagreeing with what you’re saying, but neither of you have the right to tell us what to do. If we want to boo, we’re gonna boo. If we want to cheer, we’re gonna cheer.
I don’t want a QB controversy. Orton is performing better than Rex, AND, he’s shown that he can be our QB of the future. Bottom line, the less I see of Rex, the better for my health.
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
by ChiFan13 on Nov 4, 2008 11:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Who's trying to quelch free speech?
I think this is more about, as a person, what’s the better way to act? Showing your displeasure for a guy who is going out there and giving it his all by showering him with boos is going to accomplish what exactly? Lovie’s not going to turn to the rookie QB just to shut you up and you know it. Is it to get into Rex’s head? What does that accomplish? Let’s see, if that’s your intent, it negatively affects a player at a key position for the team you are there to cheer on. Rex is no longer in the long term plans of this franchise beyond a second string role. Likely and hopefully, the only times he’ll see the field in a Bears uniform anymore will be when Orton’s injured. In that role, he deserves our support. Boo him if he throws a dumb pick or takes a bad sack. But until he does so, treat him as what he is, a placeholder for the next couple weeks. If it sounds like I’m telling you what to do, I apologize. I’m only trying to describe the way a worthwhile human being should act in this situation.
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
by snley on Nov 4, 2008 11:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m only trying to describe the way a worthwhile human being should act in this situation.
Great personal attack. Now I feel like a worthless human being…anyone see my teddy bear?
All of you are forgetting one very big thing: We pay these players hundreds of thousands of dollars (and in some cases, millions) to go play. Sorry, but for their high salary, they need to tune it out. Rex is a mental midget, and we all know it. This is why you’re trying to burp him and I’m treating him like a man.
Think about it this way: I heard boos toward our defense this weekend. Why are we booing the defense then? Because in that case, you guys are booing guys that are trying to do their job.
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
by ChiFan13 on Nov 4, 2008 11:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You should feel like schmuck for booing someone who hasn't even stepped on the field
Tell me, why do you boo? What’s the point of it? You say the players should tune it out. OK, so you’re not doing it to get to them. So who are you booing for? Again, if you’re booing to show displeasure for the way the D played, that’s understandable. If you boo Rex after he makes a boneheaded play, go for it. But why boo Rex for just showing up to play? What’s the point in that?
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
by snley on Nov 4, 2008 11:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Fine, I feel like a schmuck
You should feel like an idiot cuz you didn’t answer my last question. Either that, or you have no case. Ruh-roh. Not only that, but you assume that a) I was at the game and b) I would boo him when he entered the game. Find out before you assume….at the very least, it saves face.
As fans, we can express displeasure through booing. The players should be better than that. We’re not here to coddle them. If that was the case, I would’ve given most of the players a hug by now.
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
by ChiFan13 on Nov 4, 2008 11:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This whole thread stemmed from posters upset at apparant booing of Rex before he even entered the game
I’m not here to attack you. I don’t care if you were at the game or not. I don’t care if you booed or not. You stated that no one can tell you what to do because it’s a free country. I offered that that was not the point of the posts you were replying to and why I agreed with them that booing is stupid. In doing so, I offered that I understand why fans boo the home team for failing to do their job. To get my point across, I made use of the “general you.” I don’t know or care about the “personal you” that ChiFan13 is.
Still, I find booing the home team childish and ineffective in any situation. By no means do I believe fans should offer unconditional support for their teams. The simple fact of the matter is, the only way fans can make a coach or organization make changes to the on the field product is to simply and massively boycott the games and team paraphernalia. Outside of that, the team will rightly continue making their own decisions for better or worse. Other than that, we can all choose our own venues for venting. Thankfully, we live in a time that provides us forums like these.
So, to your question that I have answered in three separate posts, including this one, fans were booing the defense because the defense played terribly in the first half and that was their chosen medium to vent their disappointment. Did all that booing lead to the comeback win in the second half? Can’t prove it, but I doubt it.
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
by snley on Nov 4, 2008 12:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But this isn't a matter of making a coach or organization change
This is a matter of booing the players on the field.
We’re not gonna agree on this.
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
by ChiFan13 on Nov 4, 2008 12:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
one thing....
you make the point about the defense. the defense was playing like shit, so people responded. rex came in and moved the ball right off the bat and eventually played a decent role in winning the game, yet he was getting booed for an incomplete pass. he was not playing like shit, and he was in a tough spot coming in off the bench down by 10. irrelevant comparison.
by Ando on Nov 4, 2008 1:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not at all
We’re talking about booing players. If it’s so bad to boo little ol’ Rex, why can we boo the defense?
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
by ChiFan13 on Nov 4, 2008 1:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's the scenario in which the booing occurs that's more troublesome w/ Rex
He’s getting booed before doing anything on the field while the D was getting booed after…not doing anything on the field. Wait for the guy to screw up first.
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
by snley on Nov 4, 2008 3:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ChiFan13, disregard, didn't see your comment below
We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we're in a time when there are no heroes, they just don't know where to look.
Ronald Reagan
by snley on Nov 4, 2008 3:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
For starters,
Rex did play like shit. He completed 47 percent of his passes(!) and had a 49.9 QB rating. He had one touchdown, one interception and a whole bunch of awful passes. He also should have had another pick on a dumb pass he threw late in the game in the fourth quarter. Rex gets booed because he has been bad ever since his nice start to the super bowl season. Rex didn’t move the ball, Forte did. Turner found a play that the Lions couldn’t stop and used it to death.
by dakoose on Nov 4, 2008 11:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not a boo-er
mostly because it feel hypocritcal when you boo a guy and then cheer him later the same quarter (guarantee you all those boo birds cheered the sneak TD).
But if you want to boo a guy go for it. IF you don’t, then don’t. Its not like we didn’t TRY to be supportive of Rex. And I don’t wish any harm or ill on him, I just don’t want to see him in a Bear uni anymore.
"Next year" sucks.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Nov 4, 2008 10:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't like how they booed Rex,
but I don’t see whats wrong with booing a player or team when he/it do(es) poorly and then flipping the script when he/it does well.
by dakoose on Nov 4, 2008 11:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Freedom of speech
Yes, you can do whatever you want. But in my opinion anyone who boo’d a guy coming in off the bench and being any part of a 14-0 comeback is an idiot. QB controversy has nothing to do with anything, for the first time in years there is definitely not a QB controversy. So just let a guy come in and do his job as a backup without jumping all over him for no reason other than you are bitter about the past.
by Ando on Nov 4, 2008 11:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not a Grossman supporter but
booing him before he’s taken a snap is out of poor taste. Unless the man physically assaulted someone, or committed a henious crime does he deserve unwarranted booing. True fans will support every player on that team, even if he’s been rightly demonized for past failures. When he threw the interception he deserved to get booed. Get it?
"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus
by propheteer on Nov 4, 2008 3:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
please...
… this isn’t a free speech argument. No one is trying to outlaw banning.
Bringing moderation to a place I don't moderate.
visit the mindful mission
by big_lowitzki on Nov 6, 2008 12:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Come on big, start moderating!
Get behind the guy and cheer and stop the booing.
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
by ChiFan13 on Nov 6, 2008 1:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
4th Phase not Totalitarian Mind Control Machine
Knowing and acting the part of the 4th phase is not about totalitarian speech killing control its about lighting a fire under this teams ass and not helping them to feel less powerful in their game. The last thing I want is for the other team to come in to our home field advantage and not feel the pressure, instead they see the Bears being rained in a showers of boos. Why should we be the other teams 4th phase we have our own to cheer and to rally. My point don’t help our team lose, help them to win!!! You wanna pay a couple hundred dollars to boo your own product, go ahead, its your money. But I go to see my team win, not lose. Its in investment, and hell yeah your pissing on our chances of winning so if its a free market, like your saying, sell your ticket to someone else who will show up to play the 4th phase for our team.
by Oso Monstar of Midway on Nov 4, 2008 11:36 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I’m not trying to tell anybody what to feel or how to act at the game but the fact of the matter is that Grossman was booed before he even took one snap…why? Why not try and give Grossman the benefit of the doubt and give him some support so he has everyone behind him to possibly lead us to victory? I feel like some bears fans are yuppies with season tickets whose pessimism overshadows any possible knowledge of the game they could possibly have. It almost seems like the “cool thing” to do is boo Grossman and it’s stupid. HE WILL NEVER BE OUR STARTING QB AGAIN, ORTON IS THE FUTURE. LET GROSSMAN GET US THROUGH A COUPLE OF GAMES AND THEN HE CAN SIT. If Grossman blows this game and goes back to the other forms of him that we’ve seen then boo him. The fact of the matter is he won the game for us and did what he gets paid to do, now he’s got a whole week of practice to prepare and he knows what he’s walking into, let the coaches utilize Grossman knowing that he is not Orton and make the right plan to beat the Titans. I still think WE ARE GOING TO BEAT THE TITANS and if we do and Grossman plays the game well enough to get us through with a win, I hope everyone will at least look at him in a different light and realize we just need him to play until Kyle is back, give him support to play the couple games we might need him. Besides Rex is not the determining factor between a win and a loss on Sunday.
by PolishSausage.Ditka.Bears. on Nov 4, 2008 12:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I absolutely agree with that
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
by ChiFan13 on Nov 4, 2008 12:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
that
is all I have been saying. I don’t like having Rex in there anymore than you, but tearing down that small shred of confidence he has left does us no good if we want to win the ball game. He is our only option at this point and we need to get behind him even if he pisses us off like we know he will. We are in survival mode until KO gets back so if I have to cheer him even if he sails one 15 yards over the head of Rashied so doesn’t mentally get down and drag the whole team down with him, then I will. I just think when he is introduced this week a huge round of cheers would do wonders for the kid and help him have a better game. Let him feel good until KO is back and then park his ass back on the bench..
by tfrabotta on Nov 4, 2008 1:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Eh
I agree with not booing him before he gets in the game, it’s much different if he starts performing like he’s playing Pop Warner. There does come that point…
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
by ChiFan13 on Nov 4, 2008 1:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
My fantasy world
has Rex coming and performing the way he did for the first four games of the 2006-2007 season. If it is less than four games…. thank god. But I’m sure we all hope that he has learned something… anything… from Orton this season on the sidelines. If he can use the smoke and mirrors, sell another soul to the devil, anything to perform like he did for that short period of time I’ll take it in a heartbeat. Provided that Lovie doesn’t succomb to the “Rex The Magician” and keep him in as the starter until he screws up the season. Just my two cents. Take them for what they’re worth.
And booing is fine and dandy during the game, they are all professional athletes paid by us, but not beforehand. Trying to mess with your own team mentally before they even get a chance to play on the field means they are not your team… so go root for the Packers or something. Just give’m all a chance first. My ranting is over and I wish you all a great evening.
Out
by ArmyCubFan on Nov 4, 2008 8:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Bears should take a look at the soon to be cut
Raiders in Hall and Walker. Walker would be a huge addition as it would give us a legit #1 WR… Hall im iffy about but would still be a boost to our D IMO.
His stats are as good as Fields -- that's the sad thing
by Jbasic89 on Nov 4, 2008 8:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Why for either of them?
If they can’t play for the freakin Raiders, you think they can play for us?
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
by ChiFan13 on Nov 4, 2008 9:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Randy Moss couldn't play for the Raiders...
His stats are as good as Fields -- that's the sad thing
by Jbasic89 on Nov 4, 2008 10:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
We don't need either.
Walker and Hall are both headcases.
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
by ChiFan13 on Nov 4, 2008 11:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
When one great athlete is surrounded by mediocre at best athletes, what room does he have to shine? Randy Moss is a great example of that. That definitely proves that there is no “I” in “TEAM” as lame as that may sound. Both would prosper greatly in Chicago. I hope at least were looking into Hall. We need another good CB..Vasher doesn’t cut it for me anymore.
by PolishSausage.Ditka.Bears. on Nov 4, 2008 10:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Polish sausage, make sure to hit the reply button
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
by ChiFan13 on Nov 4, 2008 11:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I've never been a Grossman girl...
but I’m trying to not overreact. We saw the game against Green Bay when he had a 0 passer rating and we survived (even if I didn’t talk football for a few days after the ugly)… How much worse could he really be? (Is it wrong that I hope the Titans forget to do the tip drill this week? maybe all those tipped passes will just be knocked down… )
I just hope we don’t have to go to Hanie…
Dante Hall? Are we really talking about him? He’s overrated and undisplined. And any CB is going to look awful when you get zero pressure.
"Next year" sucks.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Nov 4, 2008 10:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Not Dante, D'Angelo.
And the reason that Rex could get away with terrible play in ‘06 (when he was terrible) is because that defense was on another level…It could single-handedly win games. This defense can’t.
Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Nov 5, 2008 1:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed completely
the defense is either simply underperforming or just not as good as we thought it was gonna be.
And I suck with names. I did mean d’angelo hall. was thinking of the right guy but had the name wrong. it happens a lot.
"Next year" sucks.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Nov 5, 2008 6:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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