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Around SBN: The Worst Team Ever Projected?

Ask The Falcoholic!

The Bears-Falcons game last season was one of the best games I've ever had a chance to see, and the addition of Jay Cutler can't possibly hurt our chances of seeing an exciting game.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with my work, I'm the head editor/lead writer over at The Falcoholic, our network's Falcons blog. I'm here to answer any and all questions you have about the team, including how we managed to be so great against the 49ers. I'm hoping that's a popular one.

Fire away!

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Pass protection?

Thanks for stopping by Dave…

The strong point of our defense this year has come from the tutelage of Rod Marinelli and the pass rush. How much success do you see your OL having in keeping Matt Ryan off his back?

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Just because it can be done on Madden NFL does not automatically make it a viable option in real life.

by Dane Noble on Oct 12, 2009 2:36 PM CDT reply actions  

Not to toot our collective horn

But we have a Top 10 offensive line in that regard. In four games, one against the formidable 49ers defense, Matt Ryan has been sacked twice and often has enough time to work on his novel while he’s sitting back in the pocket. I would say that’s arguably our greatest strength, so it’ll be interesting to see how we match up with you guys.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 12, 2009 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

Well, with two weeks to prepare for y'all,

hopefully we’ll be able to provide a good rush, or else Ryan is going to shred our soft pass coverage. The whole “bend but don’t break” mentality of our D is really getting old.

Be nice. Flag comments that you think are offensive. Use the "reply" button. Drink plenty of water. Compliment others. Rec (wreck) comments and posts you like. Don't call people names. If you don't like someone's comment, attack the comment and not the commentor. Learn the difference in your/you're, then/than, to/too. Exercise. Relax. Stretch often. Find good in the world.

Just because it can be done on Madden NFL does not automatically make it a viable option in real life.

by Dane Noble on Oct 12, 2009 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

I hear you, brother

We’ve been adhering to that philosophy for years now.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 12, 2009 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'll bite

how did you manage to be so great against the 49ers?

looking forward to this game, heartbreaker for us last year

"I'm sorry Josh, I'm with Chicago now, you need to stop calling me" -JerBear50 as Jay Cutler

by BearNecessities on Oct 12, 2009 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Short answer

We protected Matt Ryan, who then carved up the Niners’ secondary thanks to an excellent performance by Roddy White, which opened it up underneath for Michael Turner, which made it so Shaun Hill had to throw, which gave our defensive backs a chance against a poor receiving corps.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 12, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

getting old!!??!!

we have never had a different mentality in the secondary. Only hope is and always has been pressure from the front 4, maybe a blitz.

by No It All on Oct 12, 2009 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

Not so

Did you guys realize the Bears have blitzed the 2nd most often this year (Jets 1st)? And last year we blitzed more frequently than any other team in the league.

"Repetition is only good when you've been winning." - Valet

by propheteer on Oct 12, 2009 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

The problem is that we don't blitz all that effectively,

so it doesn’t stick out as much as it does on teams like the Jets, Steelers and Ravens. Too many of the blitzers end up picked up, and it’s not like our linebackers are good pass rushers to begin with.

Metal sharpens metal.

And this guy right here understands and knows what leadership is all about: The coach, the hall of famer......... Dick Butka! George Ryan

by dakoose on Oct 12, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

We have a similar problem

We actually do better with a three man blitz than we do sending everyone, for reasons I can’t quite comprehend.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 12, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

Some of our best blitzes

are delayed and off the edge type stuff. Even the up the middle blitzes that work are often of the delayed variety.

Metal sharpens metal.

And this guy right here understands and knows what leadership is all about: The coach, the hall of famer......... Dick Butka! George Ryan

by dakoose on Oct 12, 2009 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

That's a different look

And it certainly can’t hurt. The only problem is that our blind side protection on the edge—LT Sam Baker—would rather break your skull than let you get to Matt Ryan. You might have better success on the other side.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 12, 2009 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

Sure about that cap'n?

I would rather give up third and tens than third and one fifty yard touchdown passes.

I would rather give up a slow plodding drive which will give the defense more chances for a turnover than the big play touchdowns.

Formerly Scespy12... needed a better name!

by Eaten by Bears on Oct 12, 2009 5:41 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions  

Too many drives this season

have been 10-15 play drives where we gave up 6-8 yards a clip, and ended up giving up the TD. That’s bending and breaking.

Be nice. Flag comments that you think are offensive. Use the "reply" button. Drink plenty of water. Compliment others. Rec (wreck) comments and posts you like. Don't call people names. If you don't like someone's comment, attack the comment and not the commentor. Learn the difference in your/you're, then/than, to/too. Exercise. Relax. Stretch often. Find good in the world.

Just because it can be done on Madden NFL does not automatically make it a viable option in real life.

by Dane Noble on Oct 12, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

I would be surprised

if some changes weren’t made over the bye week. I’m not talking wholesale changes, as it’s too late for that, but I’d like to see some wrinkles put in as without Urlacher the bend but don’t break system is, like you said, breaking far too often. I wouldn’t mind seeing a 3-4 type look installed for a couple of plays here and there. It’s un-Lovielike, but I’d like to see it. I’m not a huge fan of the cover two with our aging personnel.

Metal sharpens metal.

And this guy right here understands and knows what leadership is all about: The coach, the hall of famer......... Dick Butka! George Ryan

by dakoose on Oct 12, 2009 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

Can't remember

where I read or heard it, but it was mentioned that the Bears are no longer a true cover-2 defense. Lovie has been blitzing 50% of the time this season.

"Repetition is only good when you've been winning." - Valet

by propheteer on Oct 12, 2009 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

It's closer to the high thirties.

And the defense has been blitz heavy since last year.

Metal sharpens metal.

And this guy right here understands and knows what leadership is all about: The coach, the hall of famer......... Dick Butka! George Ryan

by dakoose on Oct 12, 2009 11:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

Quick note

If everyone wouldn’t mind recommending this post so it stays at the top for people with questions, that’d be great. Thanks.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 12, 2009 3:17 PM CDT reply actions  

i want your honest opinion

last year was that one second really left? lol

by Bear Lovin 21 on Oct 12, 2009 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

Honestly, I think yes

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by Dave Choate on Oct 12, 2009 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

the question isn't "was the second left"

it’s “should it have been?”

there was one second left on the clock, no doubt. I don’t blame the falcons for anything. Matt Ryan made an awesome throw. I blame the clock operators for continually being more than a second behind the game. Watch any NFL game, and you’ll notice that the clock starts and stops more than a second later than it should everytime. It happens in every game, it just happened to cost the Bears a game that, in all honesty, they shouldn’t have been in. We were badly outplayed that day.

by Cosmis on Oct 14, 2009 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

If "it happens every game"

then it’s a part of the game.

No way should the Falcons have had a chance at the end of that game. The squib kick was a stupid decision. Not protecting the sideline with 0.11 (or 0.08 or 0.17) seconds and one chance to set up a game winning field goal was due to of awful secondary play. The .01 second was insignificant, imo.

-------
"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox

by David Taylor on Oct 16, 2009 7:45 AM CDT up reply actions  

Defense

The majority of the national media discusses Atlanta’s offense led by Matty Ice, Turner, White, Gonzalez. What is ATL’s defensive outlook? Hard to tell what they have done this season because of the silly Week 4 bye. I know they lost Brooking in the off-season who was considered the leader. What are the strengths and weaknesses on that side of the ball? Are they heavy blitzers?

by brands735 on Oct 12, 2009 3:25 PM CDT reply actions  

Let's see

Our strength is that we have a strong set of linebackers, some quality pass rushers and a growing secondary. Our weaknesses are that none of that, save maybe the linebackers, is anywhere near spectacular, and we can be worn down on the ground. Throw in the fact that our corners are still coming around and you’ve got a recipe for big yardage against us.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 12, 2009 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

Who is this Roddy White character?

The Bear’s are most vulnerable to opposing teams’ #1 WR. I expect the Bears to blitz a lot in order to limit Ryan’s time in the pocket. The pressure on Ryan will likely lead to quick decisions, but man coverage on receivers. I have a feeling Pisa’s coverage skills may give Ryan problems and will free up Lance Briggs. It’s football and we will win if we can make your players afraid to catch the ball by making them pay. My own bias gives the advantage to Briggs over Ryan

The Bears take pride in stopping the run and honestly the Bears aren’t really a team the Falcons need to establish the run against, it’ll work the other way.

Luckily I have faith in my new favorite friend Cutler (see TD dive against Lions) to keep our offense in any shootout. Especially if compared to Shaun Hill.

IMO this is the non-conference game of the year for us. Our season was over last year the moment that pass was completed at the end of the 4th to set up a field goal. So far the Bears have looked legit since the Packers game. A win for the Bears puts us among the elite for the moment, a loss could lead to a detrimental 3-2.

by No It All on Oct 12, 2009 3:34 PM CDT reply actions  

The falcons are in our conference.

Metal sharpens metal.

And this guy right here understands and knows what leadership is all about: The coach, the hall of famer......... Dick Butka! George Ryan

by dakoose on Oct 12, 2009 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think you have to take into account

The fact that again, Matt Ryan has been sacked twice. Not saying you guys can’t get to him, but he can hurt you badly if given enough time. Roddy White is on his way to becoming the franchise’s best receiver, and we also have Tony Gonzalez to open up the field. You guys have an offense I’m very worried about thanks to Cutler, but if you’ve got secondary issues it could be a long game for the Bears.

Or I could be wrong, of course.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 12, 2009 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

Falcons defense

Any idea on how they’ll lineup against the Bears offense? 8 men in the box, or play them straight-up so Cutler can’t throw all over the field? Who’s your best cover-corner?Thanks.

"Repetition is only good when you've been winning." - Valet

by propheteer on Oct 12, 2009 5:02 PM CDT reply actions  

We won't stack the box too often

I think our coaching staff is much more worried about what Jay Cutler’s going to do than Matt Forte, though that could obviously change in-game. Our best cover corner is probably Brian Williams, but it’s really a toss-up. There’s nobody to inspire true fear in your guys.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 12, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

How does your secondary play?

Lots of man to man, zone coverages, cover 2? I.e., will Johnny Knox and Devin Hester be able to beat your guys deep? Can your linebackers match up with Greg Olsen and Kellen Davis? What’s the pass rush philosophy? Do you blitz aggressively or allow the front four to do the damage? Are your ends power rushers or speed rushers? All of those positions/schemes/philosophies will greatly affect how things play out.

Metal sharpens metal.

And this guy right here understands and knows what leadership is all about: The coach, the hall of famer......... Dick Butka! George Ryan

by dakoose on Oct 12, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

Typically

We mix it up. Against the Niners we really pushed the man-to-man coverage, while against other teams we’ve gone with a bit more of a zone. Our corners, despite some coverage gaps, are freakish athletes, so it’s not a question of your guys being able to outrun them so much as outplay them.

Our linebackers are very solid against the pass, particularly Mike Peterson, but I’d be a fool to predict that we contain Greg Olsen entirely. He’s a very good tight end.

With the pass rush, we let the front four do most of the work. Against an average or crappy O-line, we get excellent pressure from the ends. They’re speed rushers, though both John Abraham and Kroy Biermann can push a little when needed.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 12, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ehh, Olsen hasn't showed any big play ability.

He goes down with the slightest contact and only finds himself in the open field on rare occasions. He’s better in the short game and doesn’t fly around as well as someone with his athleticism/size/speed should. He’s starting to look like just a decent tight end.
Having speed rushers will help you, as Orlando Pace is better against power guys. That said, he has been playing better and Matt Forte is an excellent blocker, so hopefully Abraham will be neutralized. Don’t know much about Biermann.

Metal sharpens metal.

And this guy right here understands and knows what leadership is all about: The coach, the hall of famer......... Dick Butka! George Ryan

by dakoose on Oct 12, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

Duffman

As we call him, was drafted last year as a speed-rushing type of guy, but he was too small. He got pushed around a ton at the line of scrimmage in Year 1, and I sort of mentally slotted him as a rotational player.

Now, though? He’s our second best pass rusher. He’s bulked up considerably and has excellent agility, allowing him to get around guys who can’t turn quickly. He may cause problems come Sunday.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 12, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

It'll be a nice battle.

Chris Williams is growing on the job, we’ll see who gets the better of it on Sun.

Metal sharpens metal.

And this guy right here understands and knows what leadership is all about: The coach, the hall of famer......... Dick Butka! George Ryan

by dakoose on Oct 12, 2009 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

He sounds a lot

like Mark Anderson. He seems to have gotten stronger at the point of attack, and his awareness has improved in the running game.

What college was Duffman drafted from?

"Repetition is only good when you've been winning." - Valet

by propheteer on Oct 12, 2009 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

He's outta Montana

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by Dave Choate on Oct 12, 2009 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

On offense who do you think atlanta will need to contain to win?

Cutler? Forte? Olsen perhaps? Knox on special teams as well as offense? and there is this guy named hester that i hear makes a few plays

by Bear Lovin 21 on Oct 12, 2009 5:26 PM CDT reply actions  

Cutler and Knox

The Falcons typically are prone to one or two big plays a game, and there’s no bigger play combination in this game than Cutler to Johnny Blaze. Little concerned about that. Your other guys? We’ll see.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 12, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

I don't know much about Atlanta's defense,

other than names, but in this day and age it’s much easier to take away a running game than a passing game. If I were you guys I’d try jamming Knox at the line when there’s some over the top help. Delaying his release by even a half a second will be a win for your defense.

Metal sharpens metal.

And this guy right here understands and knows what leadership is all about: The coach, the hall of famer......... Dick Butka! George Ryan

by dakoose on Oct 12, 2009 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

It's certainly a possibility

Our guys could stand to be a bit more physical at the line of scrimmage, and this would be a great game to test that out. Anything to give our pass rushers another second to get near Cutler.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 12, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

I don't know if Knox has been tested at the LOS yet.

This is pure conjecture, but due to his stature I would say that if your corners can get their hands on him he’s toast, but if he can swim out of the jam that over the top help better be there.

Metal sharpens metal.

And this guy right here understands and knows what leadership is all about: The coach, the hall of famer......... Dick Butka! George Ryan

by dakoose on Oct 12, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

Our best best against him would probably be Brent Grimes

Short corner with electric athleticism, and a guy who has really grown into his role this season. Sounds like a perfect match.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 12, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

How's Chris Houston?

In the few times I’ve seen him he looks like he could be the real deal one day.

Metal sharpens metal.

And this guy right here understands and knows what leadership is all about: The coach, the hall of famer......... Dick Butka! George Ryan

by dakoose on Oct 12, 2009 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who loves the guy

But there’s no question that Houston’s taking incremental steps forward in 2009. He’s always had the physical tools to succeed, but he was pressed into #1 corner duty early and struggled to adjust. I hope he’ll continue to grow.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 12, 2009 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

Thanks for the info.

I’m out….. for now.

Metal sharpens metal.

And this guy right here understands and knows what leadership is all about: The coach, the hall of famer......... Dick Butka! George Ryan

by dakoose on Oct 12, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

Woohoo!

“Johnny Blaze” is catching on!

by jake1823 on Oct 13, 2009 12:08 AM CDT up reply actions  

Worried about the Falcons

I though the Niners had a pretty good defense before this week. One of the best middle linebackers in the business. How did that happen ? How to beat the Bears ? Leave Olsen completely alone in the secondary ! Cutler will be duped into throwing the ball to him .. again … and Olsen will find a way to drop the thing like a hot rock. Guaranteed.

by Irish Bears Fan on Oct 12, 2009 11:42 PM CDT reply actions  

Wardrobe

Question: How many Michael Vick jerseys (pre dog murdering) do you own? Is his name allowed to be uttered during Falcons games on Sundays?

by brands735 on Oct 13, 2009 8:49 AM CDT reply actions  

Why?

Be nice. Flag comments that you think are offensive. Use the "reply" button. Drink plenty of water. Compliment others. Rec (wreck) comments and posts you like. Don't call people names. If you don't like someone's comment, attack the comment and not the commentor. Learn the difference in your/you're, then/than, to/too. Exercise. Relax. Stretch often. Find good in the world.

Just because it can be done on Madden NFL does not automatically make it a viable option in real life.

by Dane Noble on Oct 13, 2009 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions  

You hear about Vick so much on the media, I was wondering a Falcons’ fans take on it. Is he forgiven yet or still hated? I guess winning cures everything so they probably think good riddance too him but he was a staple there and won of the most popular athletes in the country for a significant period of time.

by brands735 on Oct 13, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions  

Ahhh, I see. Your statement from below explains it.
I personally cannot stand the guy.

I guess it’s just one of those things. People have personal feelings about a player, so any time his current or former team is brought up, that is just by default what people want to discuss. “Hey, the Bears play the Falcons in October 2009… let’s talk about Mike Vick and dog murdering.” “If the Bears play the Eagles in the playoffs, let’s say dog murderer then too.”

Not trying to take a dig at you personally, just the premise in general.

Be nice. Flag comments that you think are offensive. Use the "reply" button. Drink plenty of water. Compliment others. Rec (wreck) comments and posts you like. Don't call people names. If you don't like someone's comment, attack the comment and not the commentor. Learn the difference in your/you're, then/than, to/too. Exercise. Relax. Stretch often. Find good in the world.

Just because it can be done on Madden NFL does not automatically make it a viable option in real life.

by Dane Noble on Oct 13, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions  

I understand your position too. Like I mentioned below though, living in Philly I hear about Vick more than anyone would want to. He completed 1 pass for 1 yard last week and it was considered a “highlight”. Much like Packers fans are going to be asked about Favre for years to come, I find it at least interesting to hear what the former fans are feeling about it after the anger settles. I picture Vick as being the MJ of Atlanta. I couldn’t imagine my distraught if MJ did something similar.

In the Falcons case, the arrest of Vick was supposed to cripple Atlanta for years, I think it was 1 year (really bad year with Harringon, Leftwich, who knows who else) that ATL struggled and then found themselves in the playoffs last year. I give their management a lot of credit for spending the money on Turner and this year Tony G. Both players are critical in the continued success and development of Matt Ryan.

by brands735 on Oct 13, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions  

It depends on who you ask

He’s served his time, but he did cripple the franchise for one year, the worst year ever to be a Falcons fan. The fact that he admitted he wasn’t trying very hard in Atlanta at times hasn’t endeared him to anyone here, either. Personally, I wish him well and hope he gets his life and career turned around, but his bridge with the Falcons is burned and that era is over.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 13, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

Zero

I’m not really a jersey guy. I do have a Michael Vick figurine and a couple of posters, though. Frankly at this point, he’s not in our vocabulary. The team’s doing well, he’s off doing his own thing in Philly, and our paths will cross but once this season.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 13, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions  

In the end I think it is a good thing for ATL he is gone. For a few years Atlanta was crazy good with him but his lack of a passing attack always ended up dropping him in the playoffs. I don’t think he ever would have let to a SB championship; Matt Ryan, at 2 years in the league, has shown he has the leadership to be a SB winning QB. Losing Vick allowed you to build something new that would be good and for years to come. Just sort of crappy the way it went down.

I live in Philly now and I cannot stand seeing the guy everywhere. Philly fans will do ANYTHING for a win. A lot of fans quickly bashed their team saying they wouldn’t root for Vick but during the pre-season he got standing ovations every time he enterred the game. I personally cannot stand the guy.

by brands735 on Oct 13, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions  

Wondering...

About your special teams play? If this thing turns into a shootout it may come down to a late field goal. Also how is your return coverage doing so far, as I feel we have excellent kick and punt return players and potentially an advantage in that phase.

"They better get another quarterback cuz we're comin"-#58 Wilber Marshall LB Chicago Bears

by BearDown34 on Oct 13, 2009 10:02 AM CDT reply actions  

Last season

We set an NFL record for fewest punt return yards allowed. Michael Koenen is an excellent directional punter and our coverage is pretty good. Jason Elam had a blip early in the season but is still a strong kicker this late in his career. Our return game is headlined by Eric Weems, a former practice squad wide receiver who is doing good things with the football this season. Overall, I’d say it’s a strength.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 13, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions  

Thanks Dave

"They better get another quarterback cuz we're comin"-#58 Wilber Marshall LB Chicago Bears

by BearDown34 on Oct 13, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions  

from what I've seen

the Falcons special teams is very good. but at the same time, it seems that every team had been victimized by the juggernaut that is the Bears special teams.

I’m not saying it will happen, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Hester, Knox, Manning or Bennett broke one. or two. or three. not TD’s, mind you, just long returns.

there’s no way you could tell me, with a straight face, that our special teams doesn’t frighten you.

by Cosmis on Oct 14, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions  

Non-football question

Are you actually a falconer? I just learned a buddy of mine has a hawk and occasionally will hunt with it. I was pretty fascinated by the whole thing.

by bmbrock on Oct 14, 2009 2:00 AM CDT reply actions  

Why has Matt Ryan done so well?

Rookies Quarterbacks don’t normally play as well as I have seen him [and Flacco] doing since last Season. How does he do it?

Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.

No band-wagoner fans allowed, pick a team and stick with em, throughout the good and the bad.

by JoeCB1991 on Oct 14, 2009 4:22 PM CDT reply actions  

Who is your worst player in coverage?

So I can go tweet to Cutler where to throw! Thanks.

Phil: " Whose baby is that?
Alan: "Check his collar or something." - The Hangover

by ANYTIME09 on Oct 14, 2009 9:49 PM CDT reply actions  

Well, that's not fair

But by the numbers, veteran Brian Williams has been our worst coverage cornerback, followed by Chris Houston. Neither are terrible, but neither are great.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 15, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

I checked out you guys over at the Falcoholics

and it seems as if they are expecting this game to be over by Halftime in the Falcons favor. What do you see happening in this game?

by Syndor on Oct 14, 2009 10:07 PM CDT reply actions  

I think it will be another close game like the one last year.

Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.

No band-wagoner fans allowed, pick a team and stick with em, throughout the good and the bad.

by JoeCB1991 on Oct 14, 2009 10:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

Come down to another FG

All I have to say is Robbie “solid” Gould.

"Repetition is only good when you've been winning." - Valet

by propheteer on Oct 14, 2009 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

They did just crush a “good” team last week so they are on a super high. We are coming off a bye so we are chomping at the bits. I am surprised they think it will be a blow out though.

by brands735 on Oct 15, 2009 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions  

Love the quotes on good.

I’m still not sold on SF yet. I love the direction they’re going in, but I really don’t even see them winning the juggernaut of a division that is the NFC West. Just sayin’.

-------
"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox

by David Taylor on Oct 16, 2009 7:50 AM CDT up reply actions  

I am not a fan of Shaun Hill. He is a poor man’s Kyle Orton.

Yes, its been said.

by brands735 on Oct 16, 2009 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions  

That's hilarious.

-------
"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox

by David Taylor on Oct 16, 2009 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

Some people do expect it to be over early

I, on the other hand, will never underestimate Jay Cutler again. You guys will keep it close throughout the game, but I do think we’ll pull out a win by a touchdown, maybe more.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 15, 2009 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

Bears – 245
Strange JV highschool team wearing some tattered combination of Red/Black/White – 3

in light of other teams website, already predicting a blowout, i figured i’d return the favor

"I'm sorry Josh, I'm with Chicago now, you need to stop calling me" -JerBear50 as Jay Cutler

by BearNecessities on Oct 15, 2009 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

With Cutler here,

I don’t see how this team gets blown out. It’s not as if Atlanta has a stud defense. It’s solid, but I don’t believe it to be better than ours, top to bottom. They beat Miami, Carolina and San Fran, and got shut down by New England. We beat PItt, Seattle and Detroit, and just got narrowed out by GB. I’m just saying that some are making Atlanta out to be some type of juggernaut, and while they may get to that level, I think they’re not there yet. Don’t forget, we have a pretty good team too.

Metal sharpens metal.

And this guy right here understands and knows what leadership is all about: The coach, the hall of famer......... Dick Butka! George Ryan

by dakoose on Oct 17, 2009 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

Jamaal Anderson

Is the coaching staff really looking at him as a rotation guy at DT, or a potential long-term solution? He’s pretty undersized to hold up at the POA.

"Repetition is only good when you've been winning." - Valet

by propheteer on Oct 14, 2009 11:22 PM CDT reply actions  

I think he may put on a little weight

But he’s a natural run-stopper and offers better penetration through the middle of the line than he ever has at end. I think it’s an experiment that has some legs, given that he actually played pretty well against the Niners last weekend.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 15, 2009 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

How did he do against the run?

I’m guessing the Bears will test him by running right at him early and often.

"Repetition is only good when you've been winning." - Valet

by propheteer on Oct 15, 2009 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

He's best against the run

He’s easily our best run-stopping defensive end and he carried that over to his spot inside. Honestly, you’ll have better success running anywhere besides right at him. If he can’t make the tackle himself, he fills space well so the back has to look for a new route.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 16, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions  

I like this thread.

I like the nice back-and-forth between the Falconer and WCG fans. Very refreshing to see an enlightened visitor come into WCG, as opposed to the “my team is better than your’s” mentality that I see all too often. Falconer, you’ve just been “wrecked”

by BearsBullsCubs10 on Oct 15, 2009 8:35 AM CDT reply actions  

Thanks for the praise

But my team is better than yours! ;)

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by Dave Choate on Oct 15, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

I was checking out your loss...

The Patroits did something that exposed your weakness in the passing game and I think you’ll be surprised come sunday how average your team is slim, Oh and by the way if your team is better than Ours how come you always choke in the playoffs Son!

by payton#34 on Oct 15, 2009 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

Dude. He winked - he was being facetious.

And what’s up with the sudden infatuation with referring to people as “son?”

-------
"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox

by David Taylor on Oct 16, 2009 7:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

What's that son?

You can't believe everything you read on the internet, that's how World War One got started.
*This tagline is copyrighted by smudgers, inc. for the private use of the WCG audience. Any use of this tagline or any pictures, descriptions, or accounts without smudgers, inc. consent is prohibited.

by Ditkavsworld on Oct 16, 2009 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah, totally kidding

After spending my entire life as a Falcons fan, I’ll never be surprised again when weaknesses are exposed. It’s part of being the fan of a traditional doormat.

The Patriots choked off the run, doubled up on Tony Gonzalez and dared us to throw deep, and we chose to go timid. If we don’t take downfield strikes that take advantage of our weapons, we’re screwed. Fact of life.

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by Dave Choate on Oct 16, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions  

Bears vs. Falcons

I want the Bears to win this game. I just don’t think they will. The Bears have shown a very concerning inability to stop the passing game. Matt Ryan is exactly the type of QB that can and most likely will pick this defense apart. I’m worried about this game. The Falcons have the 2nd ranked scoring defense in the league. The Bears need to come out and execute all game long. Not just the 2nd half like they have been all year.

I think what works in the Bears favor is Michael Turner. The Bears have a Top 10 defense against the run. Michael Turner likes to put the ball on the ground. He’s fumbled 3 times already and has lost 2 of them. Given the Bears defensive philosophy of forcing turnovers, I think this could be a big factor in determining a Bears victory, along with solid ST play.

by McRipper on Oct 15, 2009 12:24 PM CDT reply actions  

So help me god...

if i go to another Falcons game and THIS happens again,
I’m lighting Atlanta on fire.

"If God had wanted man to play soccer, He wouldn't have given us arms" - Ditka

by EricEmpire on Oct 15, 2009 7:58 PM CDT reply actions  

Like Sherman?

Sorry Dave the Falconer.

"Repetition is only good when you've been winning." - Valet

by propheteer on Oct 15, 2009 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Exactly.

I will do exactly that.

"If God had wanted man to play soccer, He wouldn't have given us arms" - Ditka

by EricEmpire on Oct 16, 2009 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions  

FIRE!

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by Dave Choate on Oct 16, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions  

Lol – funny stuff.

I still have bad dreams about the hospital scene in Atlanta from Gone With the WInd.

But consider this – if there is a fire Sunday, it may be more like the one caused by Mrs O’Leary’s cow !

by WarWolf on Oct 17, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'll be right there

W/ ya man.

"The phone's for you, I think it's the Devil."

by Acreman20 on Oct 15, 2009 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

Indeed

Where you sitting, didn’t I offer to buy you a beer?

"If God had wanted man to play soccer, He wouldn't have given us arms" - Ditka

by EricEmpire on Oct 16, 2009 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions  

Indeed you did sir

We’ll be down on the lower level, section109 I believe?

"The phone's for you, I think it's the Devil."

by Acreman20 on Oct 17, 2009 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

don't worry, we'll probably still have more fans in the crowd

i was there in 2001 for the game in an entire section full of bears fans…and it ended 31-3 i believe. i hate domes, atlanta’s a pretty cool city though.

on a side note, during that game they announced that we had started bombing afghanistan and the refs had to halt play for a few minutes while everyone did the USA chant. that was awesome…how times have changed.

by genetic on Oct 16, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ahhh.... Bears/Falcons Week!

Nothing screams Hot-lanta like riding on the Marta and battle-rapping old ladies!

-------
"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox

by David Taylor on Oct 16, 2009 7:59 AM CDT reply actions  

Son

You need to throw up that one of the girl on the MARTA trying to beat up the old lady. “I’m presssssin charges, where’s my hat?”

You can't believe everything you read on the internet, that's how World War One got started.
*This tagline is copyrighted by smudgers, inc. for the private use of the WCG audience. Any use of this tagline or any pictures, descriptions, or accounts without smudgers, inc. consent is prohibited.

by Ditkavsworld on Oct 16, 2009 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions  

Today's lesson, actually view the attachment before posting a response.

Public Service

You can't believe everything you read on the internet, that's how World War One got started.
*This tagline is copyrighted by smudgers, inc. for the private use of the WCG audience. Any use of this tagline or any pictures, descriptions, or accounts without smudgers, inc. consent is prohibited.

by Ditkavsworld on Oct 16, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions  

Not that it means anything

but Mark “I hate the Bears” Schlereth and Marcelius Wiley picked the Bears to lose. Anybody else want to smack the smugness off of Schlereth’s face?

You can't believe everything you read on the internet, that's how World War One got started.
*This tagline is copyrighted by smudgers, inc. for the private use of the WCG audience. Any use of this tagline or any pictures, descriptions, or accounts without smudgers, inc. consent is prohibited.

by Ditkavsworld on Oct 16, 2009 12:18 PM CDT reply actions  

Both of those guys are soooooo terrible.

Wiley is like, a half a notch better than Emmit Smith.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-7GjL2SlUo

And Schlereth is a wantabe power poster.

by rdent4hof on Oct 16, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

Awful just awful.

You can't believe everything you read on the internet, that's how World War One got started.
*This tagline is copyrighted by smudgers, inc. for the private use of the WCG audience. Any use of this tagline or any pictures, descriptions, or accounts without smudgers, inc. consent is prohibited.

by Ditkavsworld on Oct 17, 2009 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

Warren Sapp

picked the Bears… said the Defense is comin’

"I'm sorry Josh, I'm with Chicago now, you need to stop calling me" -JerBear50 as Jay Cutler

by BearNecessities on Oct 16, 2009 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

I have a question too -

What is your take on the Bears – Bucs Gaines Adams trade ?

by WarWolf on Oct 17, 2009 2:06 PM CDT reply actions  

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