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The Chicago Bears Must Beware The Dreaded Trap Game

If Calvin Johnson sees the end zone this week, I hope his view looks something like this.  On his back, with the ball no where near him.

I know last weeks Nationally televised game against the Eagles was billed as the one that would determine exactly what kind of them the Bears are, contenders or pretenders, but this weeks game against the Lions has me more worried than their match up against Philly.  There are just a lot of surrounding circumstances that make me wary.

Last week I was confident the Bears style of play on both offense and defense would give the Eagles fits.  But this week, even though I think Chicago has the better team, even though Vegas odds say Chicago has the better team, and even though every NFL expert will finally be picking the Bears this week, there's still a little voice deep down telling me this is a classic trap game.  Take the jump to see my concerns, then feel free to tell me I'm off my rocker...

Star-divide

The 'us against the world' mantra that Lovie Smith has his team buying into will be hard to sell against a two win Detroit Lions team.  The only angle that would have any merit is pointing to the people claiming the Bears never should have beat them in week one.  The catch that wasn't a catch thanks to an oddly worded (and some would say bad) rule, was all that stood in the way of a Bears loss.  These Bears do play at their best with their backs against a wall, and for whatever reason they thrive on doubt.  They just love quieting critics and proving people wrong.  But this week there will be none of that, the visiting Bears are favored between 3 and 3.5 by most odds makers.  How will they respond as favorites?

Having an emotional let down is natural after playing in such a meaningful game as the Bears did last Sunday.  It was an exciting and chippy game, and the trash talk has continued on through the week.  This Sunday the win is a foregone conclusion in most minds.  But then next week, in week 14, the Bears have the New England Patriots coming to town for another Nationally televised game.  A game that some may even call a potential Super Bowl preview.  A game sure to surpass the viewership record that the Eagles vs. Bears contest set last Sunday.  Could some players, in their subconscious, be overlooking the trip to Detroit?

The Lions last played on Thanksgiving, meaning they have extra time to prepare for the Bears.  The Lions do play a bit better at home than on the road, both wins this year were in Detroit.  And of there three home loses, the Eagles and Jets both nipped them by just three points, and even the Turkey Day game was much closer that the final score showed (it was 24-24 at the start of the 4th).  In fact that N.E. game was the only game they played with a lopsided score.  The Lions point differential is only -24, with -21 of that courtesy of Tom Brady and the Patriots.

I'm sure there is enough talent on the Lions to keep the Bears from overlooking them, and as a defense it's hard to not be already salivating at the thought of possibly playing another 3rd string QB, then of course they need to win to maintain their lead on the Packers, but I don't know...  there's just something about this game...

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It's okay we know you didn't mean stink.

Since he’s not fun, just a tool.

"It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt". -Mark Twain

by pappabearhalas on Dec 2, 2010 2:20 PM CST up reply actions  

Read some of the comments

Most of them bout the bears are the “Cutler will choke” crap

(Sing song)...Everybody Hates Rondo...

by T.Moore on Dec 3, 2010 8:36 AM CST up reply actions  

I was worried for BUF

and not for the Eagles, I guess that’s today’s Bears/NFL for ya.

by jimribs on Dec 2, 2010 11:09 AM CST reply actions  

CJ's "catch"

I think was properly ruled. I know if I was a Detroit fan I wouldn’t agree, but look at the play in real time. When in slow mo it looks like a catch, but in real time he ditches the ball too quickly to determine if it’s a drop/release or if he’s using it for balance to pick himself up.

by jimribs on Dec 2, 2010 11:12 AM CST reply actions  

The way I look at it is this:

Imagine that same play had happened with the exception being that johnson was located at midfield. Would this be considered incomplete or a fumble? My guess is that it would be ruled incomplete.

by Bearly Intimidated on Dec 2, 2010 1:05 PM CST up reply actions  

Yeah, with us facing a 3rd-string QB,

and the possibility that Kyle Vanden Bosch (neck) and Jahid Best (turf toe) will either be no-gos, or a less-than-healthy starts, then I think we’re in a pretty good position to blow the Lions out of the water.

by Dane Noble on Dec 2, 2010 11:13 AM CST reply actions  

That's what the Bears need

A big old fashioned @$$ kicking

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 Dec 2, 2010 11:15 AM CST up reply actions  

of course

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 Dec 2, 2010 11:19 AM CST up reply actions  

Agreed,

if they lose this game they should fire Lovie on the spot.

by BearFan611 on Dec 2, 2010 12:11 PM CST up reply actions  

Amazing

never missing a chance to use the words Lovie and fired in the same sentence.

. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank

by ed_brown on Dec 2, 2010 12:31 PM CST up reply actions  

You're right...

if they lose this game Lovie should be terminated on the spot.

I hope that makes you feel better……

by BearFan611 on Dec 2, 2010 12:44 PM CST up reply actions  

why not call for Lovie to be fired before the game so he can't screw it up?

. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank

by ed_brown on Dec 2, 2010 12:45 PM CST up reply actions  

so your willing to wait until Da Bears lose their next game

for Lovie to be terminated on the spot?

 very reasonable.

. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank

by ed_brown on Dec 2, 2010 12:51 PM CST up reply actions  

If you don't believe in yourself no one else will

some day the Bears will have a new Head Coach and you will be able to rejoice.

. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank

by ed_brown on Dec 2, 2010 1:12 PM CST up reply actions  

make sure to get some video

maybe we can use it in a Lucky Charms commercial

. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank

by ed_brown on Dec 2, 2010 9:34 PM CST up reply actions  

Sorry

Allie already has the job.

If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
I remain a pessimistically hopeful Bears fan.

by Just Dave on Dec 2, 2010 1:22 PM CST up reply actions  

Like

Anakin was to Obi Wan ?……

Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!

- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans

by CloudyFuture on Dec 2, 2010 2:41 PM CST up reply actions  

I don't think that went over so well.

Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...

by awfullyquiet on Dec 2, 2010 2:45 PM CST up reply actions  

once your mostly a machine

you can be any height you wish

. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank

by ed_brown on Dec 2, 2010 9:35 PM CST up reply actions  

Ive said it once before and I'll say it again.

I see the Bears pitching a shutout. I don’t see this Bears team with the amount of scrutiny they go through for everything looking past the Lions or anyone. 31-0. I really think the good guys are going to have a really good showing on sunday.

Adrian Pedestrian!! Now that's funny Mr. Bayless...

by Syndor on Dec 2, 2010 11:30 AM CST reply actions  

Im still worried

But Stanton does not worry me as much as stafford or even hill

I expect the bears to hand out a whooping

Greg Olsen carrys the team to another win

Guns dont kill people. Brian Urlacher kills people.

by Bear Lovin 21 on Dec 2, 2010 11:39 AM CST via mobile reply actions  

Hop aboard the Olsen Express!

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 Dec 2, 2010 11:48 AM CST up reply actions  

Choooo chhooooooo

Guns dont kill people. Brian Urlacher kills people.

by Bear Lovin 21 on Dec 2, 2010 12:02 PM CST via mobile up reply actions  

Regardless of the "Trap" Game

This is a game they know they MUST win.

To remain in from of the Pack, they cannot lose focus for even an minute. Our guys are pros, they know this.

From the standpoint of what others may be saying about the first game, I think they will be intent on making this a statement game.

Finally, another starting QB (OK Hilll is the Backup), injures himself a week before the Bears D comes to town, coincidence? I think not.

If you don't ask, you don't get. So get on with it already.

by Suffering from Chicago Sports on Dec 2, 2010 11:49 AM CST reply actions  

Agreed, if we are to win the division

rather then just get in the WC spot, we need this win.

I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.

by Topher Doll on Dec 3, 2010 1:01 AM CST up reply actions  

nice

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 Dec 2, 2010 11:51 AM CST up reply actions  

Nice

But this is great…

It’s a Trap!

Unreasonable people make life difficult...

by WisBearsFan34 on Dec 2, 2010 1:51 PM CST up reply actions  

NOW WITH BRINE SHRIMP!!

hilarious.

If you don't ask, you don't get. So get on with it already.

by Suffering from Chicago Sports on Dec 2, 2010 3:24 PM CST up reply actions  

Omiyale said it best...

“…every game from here on out is like a playoff game” (paraphased) and that is how the Bears should look at each and every game including the Lions game. It would be stupid to lose the investment and hard work of the past by falling to the Lions or any other team on the schedule, to be quite frank.

"I am a sinner who does not expect forgiveness. But I am not a government official." - Francis Wolcott

by Maelvampyre on Dec 2, 2010 11:58 AM CST reply actions  

HA HA...he should stop false starting then...jeez....every week!!!

"Yes, risk taking is inherently failure-prone. Otherwise, it would be called sure-thing-taking." - Jim McMahon

by bearsfn9 on Dec 2, 2010 3:28 PM CST up reply actions  

I don't think the bears are happy about 'losing' in week one.

Everyone’s going to make sure that’s not going to happen now…

Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...

by awfullyquiet on Dec 2, 2010 12:03 PM CST reply actions  

Cutler and Martz are the Key

as long as Jay doesnt throw a ton of interceptions and Mad Mike keeps the run-pass ratio of the last 4 games we are good.

by Gaak on Dec 2, 2010 12:13 PM CST reply actions  

perhaps we should bench Jay and Mike

and go with Hanie and Tice.

. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank

by ed_brown on Dec 2, 2010 12:52 PM CST up reply actions  

Are you Crazy

I pull Cutler and start Collins since you know he knows the offense best….I do it all the time in Madden……

Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!

- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans

by CloudyFuture on Dec 2, 2010 1:00 PM CST up reply actions  

not crazy just old

I forgot how good Collins is.

. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank

by ed_brown on Dec 2, 2010 1:13 PM CST up reply actions  

Well

you can edit his age and “player ranking” that always helps……

Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!

- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans

by CloudyFuture on Dec 2, 2010 1:19 PM CST up reply actions  

I'll have to trust you on that

just don’t challenge me to a pinball game without bringing lots of Quarters.

. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank

by ed_brown on Dec 2, 2010 1:21 PM CST up reply actions  

I've been a big negative Nancy on the Bears all year...

Until the Miami game. I know they played against a 3rd string QB, but they weren’t fumbling their way to victory. They flat out killed it that game. They might ride the “we get no respec’” train pretty far.

My vote is…

Lions 13
Bears 24

Unless Suh goes crazy.

by celerysalt on Dec 2, 2010 12:21 PM CST reply actions  

against a one man defence (a boy named suh) i predict a shut-out BEARS WIN

by stepeo on Dec 2, 2010 12:51 PM CST reply actions  

Suh is a really good player

I hope they don’t run right at him again

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 Dec 2, 2010 1:06 PM CST up reply actions  

When somebody's that good

it’s like you’re always running right at him.

by Arbusto on Dec 2, 2010 1:08 PM CST up reply actions  

BOY?

im sorry SUH is a man….
dont forget that

did i mention i love boobies?

by Tommy Ohyeah Mcduffie on Dec 3, 2010 9:00 AM CST up reply actions  

trap game

Division game, can’t look past this one…..no matter who DET’s QB is. Story on breakingsports where they interviewed Briggs and he told them Burleson’s quote is posted in the locker room. Don’t think the Lions will be overlooked.

by walterfan34 on Dec 2, 2010 2:20 PM CST reply actions  

Darn it!

I just published my preview before reading this one. Now I look like a plagiarist! Sorry, Lester…

by wildbilly on Dec 2, 2010 2:27 PM CST reply actions  

no worries

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 Dec 2, 2010 3:23 PM CST up reply actions  

THIEF!

CUT OFF HIS HANDS!

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

by Kev H on Dec 2, 2010 3:25 PM CST up reply actions  

As a Lions fan

I really don’t think you have to worry too much about this one.

Stanton is not good, which is the reason he’s a third stringer who won’t be here next year.

Hanson has just been shut down, and while Rayner is OK, he’s no Hanson.

I expect the Lions to keep it close – the defense can still keep it close, like we did in Week 1. The Bears’ O-Line, despite recent success, is still porous in passing downs. The running game can hit big plays, but in general has been the run game we’ve seen the last few years, between the tackles and two yards for too many plays.

If you guys hang on to the ball, though, I don’t see too many problems. I wish I did.

[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."

by NobodySpecial on Dec 2, 2010 3:18 PM CST reply actions  

We had four fumbles last game against DET!

Suh will rip off Cutler’s head and eat it like a piece of popcorn! Bad O-Line!
Megatron made Shaun Hill a relevant NFL QB, he could do the same for Stanton!
They almost beat us last game!

(Better, Arbusto?)

by Steven Schweickert on Dec 2, 2010 4:51 PM CST up reply actions  

Heh

Just reality. Like the Miami game, a good team has a very hard time winning with a third stringer.

[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."

by NobodySpecial on Dec 2, 2010 5:14 PM CST up reply actions  

This is a possible trap game

But i dont think the Bears will fall victim to it. To be honest the 1st game shouldnt have even come to the catch or no catch point as the Bears were driving up[ and down the field at will and held the Lions to under 200 yards of total offense..I think the Bears will limit their turnovers and win this one by a cpl touchdowns

Da BEARS

by EmmCeee on Dec 2, 2010 4:55 PM CST reply actions  

Your team is exciting to watch

and is taking me back to those days of defense ruling the game. Not to take away anything from Cutlers recent performance.

I’m hoping to crush Detroit and round Green Bay out of the playoffs down the stretch.

Good luck to you.

GGN Moderator, House pessimist, veteran arm chair coach.
www.GangGreenNation.com

by Bro Namath on Dec 2, 2010 4:58 PM CST reply actions  

While it's no secret...

that I think Lovie is awful at getting his team prepared, there is little doubt in my mind that the Bears will require much of Lovie’s input to win this game. This is not going to be a trap game because for all of his faults, Lovie does not look past the game at hand. What he does during the game is sometimes a bit curious, but he’s going to focus his attention 100% on this game until it’s over.

I'd prefer not to have Lovie return...Unless we win the SB baby!!!!

"There's a fine line between stupid, and clever!"

"I am serious... and don't call me Shirley." Leslie Nielson 1926-2010

by LostInSTL on Dec 2, 2010 7:16 PM CST reply actions  

man that was an awful job Lovie did getting the team ready for the Eagles

and those moves during the game (I’m rolling my eyes).

I guess your right we can expect more of the same Sunday.

. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank

by ed_brown on Dec 2, 2010 9:53 PM CST reply actions  

Trap games don't exist

There’s no statistical reason to think that you’re going to do worse in a “trap game”: http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stat-analysis/2010/pfp-2007-trap-games

by dbt on Dec 3, 2010 1:12 AM CST reply actions  

Slight edit:

Trap games don’t do exist

(But) There’s no statistical reason to think that you’re going to do worse in a "trap game":

by Dane Noble on Dec 3, 2010 7:18 AM CST up reply actions  

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