The Good, Bad and Ugly - Bears Vs. Bucs

by Adam T on Sep 22, 2008 7:34 AM CDT Comment 53 comments

THE GOOD

Second half Kyle Orton. For the first time Orton showed he could actually be a QB who could win a game. At one stretch he was 12/13 with 160 yards and 2 TDs. Of course he didn't finish that way, but he did show it.

Matt Forte. I still don't know yet if Matt Forte is going to be a Super Star, but he sure is a work horse for us. Forte had 89 yards on the ground and 66 yards receiving and a TD and could have been more.

Brandon Lloyd. The Bears finally had something that resembled a passing offense with Orton hooking up with Lloyd 6 times for 124 yards and a TD.

Bears run defense. After getting gashed in the preseason, the Bears run defense again turns in a stellar performance. The only allowed 47 yards and 17 to lead back Ernest Graham.

Bears takeaways. After taking last year off of being a great defense the Bears are back on the horse with their takeaways. They had 3 INTs and 1 fumble recovery.

Roll Call: This week was a one horse race. bs.uf15bosox9bears23 came in with 177 comments. The closest behind were aznsensation with 79 and torch with 70.

THE BAD

The Bears passing defense gave up 407 yards to F'n Brian Greiese. Come on guys! Many Up! Don't we have one of the better 1-2 corner back combos in the leauge? Didn't we say Tillman is the most underrated CB in the league? Don't we have Mike Brown back and healthy? What gives?

Tommie Harris. So Mr. Harris got his big contract, now what? He is just going to sit there and rest on his laurels? I know he is the big man now and everybody is focusing on him, but they do that for every star, yet they seem to still get their sacks and pressures. Tommie needs to pick up his game. The Bears had 0 sacks.

Somebody or everybody on this team needs to be taken behind the woodshed. To lose in two consecutive games with late leads is inexcusable. We have outplayed the last two teams and whether it was fumbles or ints in the end zone or penalties, we have to tighten this up.

THE UGLY

Danieal Manning. Eventhough he had 108 yards on 4 returns, he made a boneheaded move. After the ball bounced over his head and went into the endzone, Manning collected it paused and ran it out getting tackled before the 20. He has to realize not everybody is Devin Hester. Even Hester can't be Hester all the time.

Just curious. Garrett Wolfe runs the ball one time and picks up 38 years, so we never go to him again? I understand he is a situational back, but if he caused the Bucs problems on that play, I don't know maybe try him again at some point.

First half Kyle Orton. If it hadn't been for Tyler Thigpen over KC, Orton might have had the worst numbers of any QB after one half of playing.

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So a QB

Just now showing that he “can win a game” (thats debatable) is considered a good thing? This team is pretty sad…

Maybe the defense should have tried in the pre season, I’m still pissed off at the lame excuse they were giving then.

by 815Sox on Sep 22, 2008 8:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

At this point anytime a QB that we put on the field shows

anything, I call it a good thing.

Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!

by Adam T on Sep 22, 2008 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hear that

but like I said that is pretty sad sign regarding the state of the team…

Also until the Bears fix the stamina problem it will be exploited again and again

by 815Sox on Sep 22, 2008 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no doubt

I am just hoping Orton gets it together, because I don’t want to have to go through this again next year.

If Orton or Grossman don’t step up then what? Who is available for us to trade for that is an upgrade?

Will we not either being starting Hanie or a rookie or still going with one of the two guys we have now?

Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!

by Adam T on Sep 22, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We're just so disillusioned about QBs

How long has it been since we’ve had a consistent one?

by Arbusto on Sep 22, 2008 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thing is even if we get a good one

We won’t know it or give them a chance to succeed and in the end we’ll be clamoring for the back-up.

Fire Ron Turner!!!
Fire Angelo!!

by GallopingGhost on Sep 22, 2008 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is the best, most true statement I've read yet.

We’re looking for a superstar when all we needed was someone who could stretch the field, Which we had.

Crown their ass

by jeffgeorge88 on Sep 23, 2008 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Country Club atmosphere...

that Lovie created has resulted in a bunch of softies, especially on defense. These guys were absolutely gassed the last 2 weeks, last 2 4th quarters. Even with a rotation on the d-line, everyone is STILL tired. The 2 losses our on the defense. Our offense is nothing specail, but it was never supposed to be. We win with our defense, the vaunted Bears defense….yeah right. These guys are WAY overrated. Double digit leads in 2 games that they let slip away. I’m pissed.

by MuleTrain on Sep 22, 2008 8:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

They are human

I don’t think they are overrated, i just think that in today’s NFL having just a great D just isn’t gonna cut it. Gotta score points. I don’t care if it was the 85 bears D out there, teams have figured out how to scorch over aggressive D’s, and they have learned to carve up the cover 2. Monte Kiffin, the architect said it himself, that teams have figured out the Tampa 2. We have a top 5 “D” – there’s no doubt in my mind, but when the offense can’t eat time off the clock and sustain drives the D is going to break eventually. I know time of possesion was in bears favor, but that’s just because the Buc’s O was just as bad. They couldn’t sustain drives either. They were gassed when Orton put together that drive. It was good play call to pick on the smaller DB, but the bucs D-line wasn’t getting any pressure either.

Crown their ass

by jeffgeorge88 on Sep 23, 2008 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ugly

Peanut Tillman. I know it sucks watching one of your own getting repeatedly elbowed while on the ground, but Jesus Christ – you had them punting from their own end-zone in OT. LET IT GO!!!

"I don't think anybody's paying attention to the Cubs." - Prince Fielder

by jasoniniowa on Sep 22, 2008 9:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yea...

… I have no idea how you can leave Peanut Tillman off of the “Ugly” list.

visit the mindful mission

by big_lowitzki on Sep 22, 2008 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Partially because you're blaming someone for an event that shouldn't have occurred.

Never thought you of all people would be blaming Tillman for the loss.

Did you ever think that if our defense wasn’t worldbeating and could hold a 10-point lead with less than seven minutes left, it wouldn’t have mattered?

Sorry, the simple fact that we got to overtime is disappointing. The fact that we couldn’t hold a 10 point lead is depressing, and it’s the defense’s fault for that to happen.

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Sep 22, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

bull

Partially because you’re blaming someone for an event that shouldn’t have occurred.

Huh? You are right that the event should have never occurred. Tillman should have MUCH more discipline than that.

I agree with you that the defense sucked at the end of the game. But I was not talking about that. I was talking about how it was an ugly and stupid play by Tillman.

And I didn’t blame him for the loss, did I? Please point out where I did so.

visit the mindful mission

by big_lowitzki on Sep 22, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

I thought you were blaming him. In two seperate threads you were pretty pissed about Tillman’s play. Granted, it was stupid. It was very stupid. Did it cost us the game? No. Should he get his ass chewed out? Absolutely.

But, since you’re not blaming him, never mind.

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Sep 22, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I AM pissed...

… at Tillman. It was stupid, foolish, idiotic, etc.

Did it cost the Bears the game? Maybe. It wasn’t the ONLY reason the Bears lost, but it sure played a key role.

visit the mindful mission

by big_lowitzki on Sep 22, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But that's what I'm saying

I’ll preface this by saying that Tillman’s play was extremely stupid and he knows better than that.

It wasn’t the only reason the Bears lost. We can point to any number of sources: Orton, Davis, the defense, on and on and on. But, my point is, our defense has to play better in the 2nd half to close out games.

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Sep 22, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hmm...

THE UGLY – Danieal Manning.

Huh? Are you referring to the return at the end of regulation? When there was only 7 seconds left? When the Bears were going to down the ball anyway, so he was probably told to return any kick, regardless, just to see if you can break one and win the game?

Garrett Wolfe runs the ball one time and picks up 38 years, so we never go to him again? I understand he is a situational back, but if he caused the Bucs problems on that play, I don’t know maybe try him again at some point.

Huh? Did you watch the game? It was on a fake punt, it wasn’t a normal 38 yard run. It was a gimmick play.

visit the mindful mission

by big_lowitzki on Sep 22, 2008 9:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

also in support of Manning (maybe)

It looked to me as though he may have touched the ball, reaching for it as it bounced over his head, and that he was forced to pick it up and try to get it out of the end zone.

Statistics show that of those who contract the habit of eating, very few survive. (Wallace Irwin)

by alec on Sep 22, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that is what i thought too

couldn’t tell for sure if he touched it or not and he was probably just playing it safe. i’d rather take the ball on the 15 rather than have him knee it and get busted for a safety.

by lopey986 on Sep 22, 2008 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's what I thought too...

by Twins Territory on Sep 22, 2008 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

These

are the two things I had problems with too. Wolfe didn’t cause their defense any problems, the Bears surprised them and there was nobody in sight.

by Twins Territory on Sep 22, 2008 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

All I know is

I never thought an Orton lead team could play from behind. Yesterday I saw that they can and if the defense had played better we could have come all the way back.

Fire Ron Turner!!!
Fire Angelo!!

by GallopingGhost on Sep 22, 2008 9:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sure against a Tampa Bay D

That is very similar to ours…

by 815Sox on Sep 22, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you know

this peanut talk has got to stop. he is arguably the most productive player week in and week out on this team. he lead the team in tackles and his takeaway was huge…again.

look the d played solid in the first half: biltz alot and expended a ton of energy. i know i felt deflated after the orton interception and all those field goals to know that after all that the bucs were leading going into halftime. I think the outcome of this game is different if we are leading 9-7 at halftime, strictly talking momentum.

another problem i had that i believe costed us the game: 3rd&2 before the two minute warning, and orton thinks hes mike vick. for the love of god, give it to forte!

by rahulsriram on Sep 22, 2008 10:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed on all points

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Sep 22, 2008 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

just talking out loud here;

what do you think about lane kiffin coming in as an offensive coordinator? he was good at usc developing some players now in the league and o coordinator could be more up his alley. from what ive watched, he likes to run first and he could open the playbook alot more than turner. and who knows he might even develop a qb….

by rahulsriram on Sep 22, 2008 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd love it

I think he’d be great. A Jason Garrett-type OC who is just brilliant and would be able to mold the system around the talent instead of the other way around. I’d love to go out and nab him….too bad it won’t happen.

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Sep 22, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think its a lot

more realistic than orginially thought. kiffins due to get fired today and i have a feeling that there is some change coming to this team if they dont beat the eagles at home.

theres too much money invested in this team right now for them to be 1-3 after the first quarter of the season. i think if the d pulls out the last two games, orton could continue to ride the coat tails of the defense for the rest of the season. but now that they lost, every deficency or play will be judged and that does not bode well for a player like orton or a play caller like turner.

by rahulsriram on Sep 22, 2008 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

maybe...if Kiffin comes over

he might be able to use his reputed recruiting talents to pry Leinart away from Arizona…then figure out how to put him back on his USC trajectory.

Statistics show that of those who contract the habit of eating, very few survive. (Wallace Irwin)

by alec on Sep 22, 2008 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it's realistic now

It’s being reported all over that Kiffin’s been told of his firing, but they haven’t made it official yet.

Anyways, I know that the way we’re going, Turner’s head will roll at the end of the year (hopefully). And (also hopefully), Kiffin will relish the chance of going to a team whose owners aren’t meddling in every single detail.

Rashulsriram, I know we’re thinking on the right wavelength. What I’m saying is that management doesn’t always do the “smart” thing. That’s why I’m holding off on being giddy. lol

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Sep 22, 2008 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if we lose against philly next week

and particularly if we blow another game, i do think some heads are going to roll. if the offense plays anemic again for much of the game and have more head-scratching plays called, my money’s on turner being fired. he consistently calls bad plays. he’s entirely too predictable – except for when he’s calling bad plays, like shotgun passes on 3rd and 2 in the 4th quarter when you’re up by 7. davis has apparently decided to can kiffin, so i’d be pretty happy if we fire turner next week and pick up lane.

by guy incognito on Sep 22, 2008 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have no idea about this

but I’ll throw it out anyways….

How many OC’s have been fired in the middle of a season? A new OC has to come in, give the playbook, etc. etc.

That’s why I think our best shot might be after the season.

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Sep 22, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

can't answer your question,

but I agree with your sentiment.

I think Kiffin’s also spent some time as a “Quality Control” guy (whatever that means), so he may be able to come in, get the lay of the land for the duration of this season, then take over next year.

I wonder if Turner’d feel him looking over his shoulder?

Statistics show that of those who contract the habit of eating, very few survive. (Wallace Irwin)

by alec on Sep 22, 2008 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah i hear you

i just dont see a viable solution on the roster to counter whats going on. someone needs to loose their job for these last two loses. they are just unexceptable and i can understand if it was just these two games but they’re not: 15 of the 16 games last year we were either tied, had the lead, or were down by one score going into the 4th… and we all know how that turned out.

this team needs a spark and feel like the pscyhe of rex has been ruined, m bradley will not be used for some reason, g wolfe has been assigned to special teams, d manning doesnt know if he plays offense or defense, and kyle is able to get rid of the ball quicker because he knows he cant reach any of the deep routes anyway.

im lost with this team.

by rahulsriram on Sep 22, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We don't like paying the going rate for coaches.

That’s one of the BIG problems that gets overlooked around here.

Our coaching staff is largely made up of guys getting paid the minimum. And, even Lovie was the least paid HC in the league before his extension.

So… you expect the Bears to add a good offensive football brain to the staff in mid-season? I highly doubt it. Especially since they have no apparent link to Kiffin on the coaching staff already. If Ron Turner doesn’t know you from somewhere… you’re not getting a job on the offense here. As lame as that is.

I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008

by SackMan on Sep 22, 2008 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I actually said the opposite

Look above, I said that it is too big of a switch in the middle of a season.

I’d love to get him after the season, but I doubt it will happen.

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Sep 22, 2008 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's a parting thought regarding coaching,

and how important it is to outcoach an opponent…

I’ve long said over and over again that you can put points on the board in this league with mediocre talent, IF you can outcoach your opponent. Well, look at what the Miami Dolphins did yesterday with a bunch of creativity. They had RB Ronnie Brown taking direct snaps all afternoon, and he ran for 4 TDs and threw for another one. The Dolphins offense is horrible, but they outcoached the Pats.

The last time we outcoached anyone on offense was for 5 minutes last year vs the Giants: we ran the no-huddle and marched right down the field for a score on our opening drive. Then, we never did it again.

I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008

by SackMan on Sep 22, 2008 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I had the same thought, so just for starters

so I looked him up on Wiki.

I don’t know if the Wiki author just hates Kiffin or what, but it was anything but a flattering bio.

Apparently, Kiffin didn’t even have authorization to call the plays. He had to have his play-calls approved by a sidline coach, with Pete Carrol also having veto power.

The article makes is seem that by far Kiffin’s greatest strength at USC was recruiting.

Statistics show that of those who contract the habit of eating, very few survive. (Wallace Irwin)

by alec on Sep 22, 2008 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wikipedia is one of the worst sites for information possible

People use the site to spread their own propaganda. For instance, it is documented that people from Coke and Pepsi were spreading false information on Wikipedia. Coke people wrote damning things about Pepsi on Pepsi’s Wikipedia page, and vice-versa.

Honestly, I think that article was written by a jilted USC fan, or any number of rivals that USC has. Bottom line, he’s a great coach.

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Sep 22, 2008 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I understand that, which is why I cautioned taht the entry may be suspect.

Exxon also altered the entry on the ExxonValdez to call it a minor incident of no consequence.

Statistics show that of those who contract the habit of eating, very few survive. (Wallace Irwin)

by alec on Sep 22, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

I’d love him tho. That’d be a great pickup, which means we won’t bite. lol

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Sep 22, 2008 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OC

I don’t know why anyone would want to take our OC position with the tools we have in place. Forte notwithstanding, we don’t have much of an offensive nucleus.

Or maybe we do have an offensive nucleus. ;-)

by Dave in the basement on Sep 22, 2008 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you do realize

when a cornerback leads the team in tackles it is usually because the receiver they are guarding keeps catching the ball, right? tillman leaves his receiver 10 yards of open space in front of him and then comes up to make the tackle after a 5 yard gain. that is a horrible fucking gameplan.

by lopey986 on Sep 22, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ref your Good...

So far, Forte and Brandon Lloyd look like phenomenal acquisitions by Jerry Angelo.

Lloyd has excellant hands and makes great adjustments to the ball. Plus, he’s fast…maybe not Hester fast, but he seems able to keep his defender just off-ballance enough to be almost always open.

Statistics show that of those who contract the habit of eating, very few survive. (Wallace Irwin)

by alec on Sep 22, 2008 11:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs