The Inside Scoop: Chicago Bears beat writer Sean Jensen joinsWCG for another Q/A session
by Dane Noble on Nov 18, 2010 2:38 PM CST
in The Inside Scoop/ Interviews
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Remember the good old days of "Good Rex, Bad Rex?" One week, Bears fans would be jumping for joy, and the next, screaming bloody murder. The 2010 season has seen two sides of the Jay Cutler/ Mike Martz offense as well; the Good Offense that clicks and makes adjustments and executes, and the Bad Offense that can implode and make us look like a bunch of amateurs on the field.
Luckily, we seem to be hitting somewhat of a stride offensively, and for the Bears to be serious contenders in the NFC this year, they need to maintain the Good Offense status from here on out. Maybe Martz, Tice, and Cutler are finally all getting on the same page.
Meanwhile, Lovie Smith and Rod Marinelli have quietly gotten the defense back on track, and is looking much like the defense did a few seasons ago. We are mostly healthy, and aren't likely to lose steam anyime soon. Those guys are for real.
On a short week, it's hard to be fully prepared for the opponent, but Miami is pretty banged up right now. Tonight should be a great game. And on that note, let's turn it over to the comment section, and get some questions in for the Chicago Sun-Times beat writer Sean Jensen. Jensen is in Miami as we speak, and will check in with us about an hour before kickoff to answer our questions. Jensen is also a tweeting madman, so make sure to follow his Twitter account for all of the latest and greatest from South Florida. As always, you're more likely to have your question answered if you preface it with a compliment on how nice his legs look, or how attractive he is (he's into compliments and such).
Have fun!
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Are you surprised to see Jake Long likely to start tonight,
and do you think he can be effective against a fully-healthy Julius Peppers? A torn labrum is a pretty serious issue…
I read today if he plays
that his career could be threatened if he reinjures it. That’s not something I’d take for granted.
"He's a great candidate," Ryan said. "If I hadn't made him drop in coverage so often on running backs, he might be the all-time sack leader. They call it zone blitzing nowadays. We called it, 'Richard, pick him up.'" - Buddy Ryan on Richard Dent's HOF chances.
Jake Long
Not at all. I’ve heard Long is a tough guy, and he may be the best in the league. I think this puts pressure on Julius Peppers and Idonije, because Long reportedly has a torn labrum and will need surgery in the offseason.
Tyler Thigpen
I’ll admit that I was absolutely enamored with this guy and that Kansas City offense they ran a couple years ago. I lobbied pretty hard for Chan Gailey to the Bears (though this was before I was really active on the sites) due in large part to his incredible turnaround of that lethargic KC offense.
What’s the scouting report on him? I seem to remember him being fairly strong armed and accurate, but with limitations on his decision making and mobility. The basic reason they ran a Spread in KC was because of his inability to see the field and make good decisions from under center. Was there anything that I missed there?
Also, how has he looked with the Miami WRs and RBs? Back in KC, he had the ultimate safety valve in Gonzalez. Fasano is decent, but not Gonzo. How do you feel he’ll look if he’s given the keys to the offense?
Tyler Thigpen
Tyler is a very good athlete, and he’s a got a good arm. He’s just very raw, and I don’t think the Chiefs did him — or any other NFL team — any favors by using him in that spread. He’s in the early stages of his development, but he’s got upside, which is why the Dolphins traded for him.
Given the short week, issues up front, etc… I doubt the expectations are too high on him. But, we’ll see.
I think the Bears match up well with this team because they’re very disciplined. That’s a key to defending the Wildcat.
What do you think of the Chris Williams situation?
Is he a complete bust? Can he develop into a serviceable LG? Could he ever be the LT that he was drafted to be?
by RexysMidnightRider on Nov 18, 2010 3:05 PM CST reply actions
Nick Roach
How will him starting affect his Special Team role? If he’s taken out of special teams who would replace him?
(Asshole Sr) "If you learn one thing here, NEVER pass out in Ohio."
There was never "Good Rex, Bad Rex"
I Remember “Not Bad Rex” and “Bad Rex”. “Good Rex” wasn’t exactly lighting up the score board. I don’t think he even managed a 300 yard game. Cutler was frustrating because you just know he has it in him to take us places. Too bad we didn’t have Jay in 05.
not that I'm a huge Rex fan but,
He did have one 300 game… and a handful of really good games, and the 1st 5 games of the 2006 season he was a legit MVP candidate
If you go in the bathroom, turn off the lights, and say "Da Coach" 5 times while facing the mirror... Ditka will appear and slap the wussy right out of you.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Nov 18, 2010 3:35 PM CST up reply actions
There definitely was a good rex.
Especially those first 5 games of the Super Bowl Season…his stats were:
93/152
1, 243 Yards
10 TD’s
3 INT’s
102.64 Passer Rating.
5-0 Record
I clearly remember an NFL Live episode on a victory monday where Mark Schlereth of ESPN was saying how Rex Grossman was the early MVP…that didnt turn out so well
by Patriotbball5460 on Nov 18, 2010 5:39 PM CST up reply actions
i remember that too
sex cannon was the first bear to win NFC offensive player of the month since sweetness. obviously they aren’t in the same category but sexy was awesome for a minute. theismann was saying they were going 19-0, etc…..bleachhhhhh.
by reefermadness3 on Nov 18, 2010 6:31 PM CST up reply actions
With a short week...
What do the Bears usually cut from practice time.
If you go in the bathroom, turn off the lights, and say "Da Coach" 5 times while facing the mirror... Ditka will appear and slap the wussy right out of you.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Nov 18, 2010 3:27 PM CST reply actions
Does the lack of a definitive...
primary WR shrink the playbook for Martz and Cutler? Related, do the Bears need to upgrade significantly at WR in the offseason or do the current WRs simply need to get better/more experienced?
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIRE LOVIE (IT'S BACK BABY!)!!!
"There's a fine line between stupid, and clever!"
Lack of No. 1 receiver
I don’t think it affects the play book. But they’re trying to get more receivers involved. They must figure if they don’t have a go-to guy, they’ll confuse other teams and test their depth.
Do you think we'll ever see Devon Aromashadu used inside the redzone?
I know he’s been getting a few more reps lately but he’s never in around the goal line and I would think his size matchup against most corners would be a weapon we could use.
Pulling from your vast knowledge of the Vikings
How close do think Brad Childress is to being unemployed.
If you go in the bathroom, turn off the lights, and say "Da Coach" 5 times while facing the mirror... Ditka will appear and slap the wussy right out of you.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Nov 18, 2010 4:06 PM CST reply actions
Forte and Taylor
I believe that they will both have 80+ yards tonight. Olsen will catch a TD pass or 2 also. The offense is starting to click and come together. I really want Forte to break out tonight though.
by Jonathan Heun Jr on Nov 18, 2010 4:12 PM CST up reply actions
Who will have a big game?
I’m going to say Lance Briggs. I don’t know why, but I’m just going to go with him. I think he’s looking better and better, after being sidelined for a couple of games, and he has a knack for making big plays.
What the deal with Desmond Clark?
I find it very strange that he hasn’t been used at all, especially as a veteran player who has not only been beneficial as a reciever, but maybe even more so as a blocker. Was that one drop in the endzone earlier in the year enough for Martz to bench him?
by I Have Bearsititis on Nov 18, 2010 4:08 PM CST reply actions
Dez Clark
Dog house. Martz has one, and he’s put a lot of players in it in the past and they can’t get out.
But Clark’s not alone; Devin Aromashodu is also in there with him. And Caleb Hanie.
Does Mike Tice install whatever blocking schemes Mike Martz creates,
or does Martz just create the Xs and Os of the skill positions and leave it up to Tice to figure out how to block it?
wildcat
Sean,
What’s the strategy in terms of defensing the wildcat??
Wildcat D
Gap integrity. Stay in your lane, don’t get lulled or fooled or overwhelmed by the odd formation, of having a running back take the snap, or having two tackles lined up on one side.
Since so many players have been in this system so long, that plays to the Bears’ advantage. For the Dolphins to be successful, they’ll need to use those tendencies against the Bears, somehow. Predict what they’ll do, and then do something different.
Trickery, basically.
How much has Hester's success this year
have to do with him concentrating more on being returner as opposed to a WR? It’s discussed here ad nauseam about why he wasn’t successful the past couple years, and why he is this season. Thanks!
"He's a great candidate," Ryan said. "If I hadn't made him drop in coverage so often on running backs, he might be the all-time sack leader. They call it zone blitzing nowadays. We called it, 'Richard, pick him up.'" - Buddy Ryan on Richard Dent's HOF chances.
The magic 8 ball still says doom and gloom,
but what is your opinion on whether there will be a lockout next year?
How did Webb fall to the 7th round?
It sure seems like his arrow is pointing way up, but I’m still dumbfounded to think another team wouldn’t chance a pick higher than the last round. Please explain more than just that he’s raw or played at a small school!
"He's a great candidate," Ryan said. "If I hadn't made him drop in coverage so often on running backs, he might be the all-time sack leader. They call it zone blitzing nowadays. We called it, 'Richard, pick him up.'" - Buddy Ryan on Richard Dent's HOF chances.
Webb
Yes, 7th round seems low. But, I’m still not completely sold on him. Not sure he’s as great an athlete as they make him out to be.
Give me a few more games.
C'mon man.
Didn’t you see how he blocked a guy last week while facing towards Cutler, and away from the DE? Pure athletic beast! ;)
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cheekymonkeyart.com | follow me on facebook and twitter
by David Taylor on Nov 18, 2010 7:08 PM CST up reply actions
Dolphin fan here.
What do the bears rely on to move the ball down field? Cutler’s arm? solid running game?
GO:Gators, Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, and Yankees
he who fears losing, has already lost
Josh Johnson for 2010 NL Cy Young!
Brandon Marshall is a Dolphin.....watch out World.
Luck and lots of prayer
Lol jk.
Bears do a lot of fancy route running and some solid outside runs mainly
13. It's a magic number
Dolphin fan
Cutler’s arm.
The running game is solid, but they haven’t been consistent. Neither has Cutler’s arm, but that’s what they’ve largely depended on to move the ball.
Sean
Is Forte the man for the future of the Bears? Or should they start looking for a legit RB, or is Taylor that legit RB?
13. It's a magic number
Sean I heard Doug Gotlieb say that
The Bears last chance for a victory this year is tonight. I know that Doug isn’t As talented a journalist as you are but what are your thoughts? Oh and why are we so blessed to have Coach Ditka?
When the world slips you a Jeffrey, stroke a furry wall.
- Aldous Snow
Gotlieb
That’s an absurd statement, not even worth dignifying.
They can at least beat the Lions, too. LOL
Tonight will be very telling. They SHOULD win the game, but will they blow it somehow? 7-3 would be pretty sweet…
I thought it was absurd as well.
He also said we didn’t really beat the lions but the rule book says otherwise.
When the world slips you a Jeffrey, stroke a furry wall.
- Aldous Snow
by Ditkavsworld on Nov 18, 2010 7:06 PM CST up reply actions
Sean have you gotten your Ditka sweater vest yet?
I hear everyone’s doing it.
When the world slips you a Jeffrey, stroke a furry wall.
- Aldous Snow
Well then how about those awesome throwbacks?
When the world slips you a Jeffrey, stroke a furry wall.
- Aldous Snow
by Ditkavsworld on Nov 18, 2010 7:07 PM CST up reply actions
How hard of a time are you guys giving Mully
for not making the trip down? I would be unrelenting in my torture.
If I did what I love for a living, what would I do in my free time?
Writer at windycitygridiron.com {-/-} http://www.twitter.com/kdoggers
Starting to hear rumblings
of Lovie not only being safe now but that he might even get an extension. Heard anything on this?
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
Lovie called me with a response to this...
“Lovie Smith is your head football coach. You can see that I’m doing a lot of things right out there. As far as an extension goes, I’m not going to get into all of that. I will say that we just finished up the first two quarters of our football season, and that there’s a lot of football left to be coached. Bottom line, I’m just gonna take it one game at a time, and we’ll go from there. I’m not gonna put numbers to it, but if we remain balanced, like around 50-50, then I’ll be just fine. We just need to continue to get off the bus running, and play well at all four phases of the game.”
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cheekymonkeyart.com | follow me on facebook and twitter
by David Taylor on Nov 18, 2010 6:55 PM CST up reply actions
Lovie
Haven’t heard anything. Sorry.
I don’t know why something would be taking place now. Seems premature, at best.
Sean thoughts on Major's progression...
When the world slips you a Jeffrey, stroke a furry wall.
- Aldous Snow
What is the difference with rod running the d vs Lovie.
I know Urlacher was out last year but it seems that rod calls the d much better.
When the world slips you a Jeffrey, stroke a furry wall.
- Aldous Snow
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