The Chicago Bears Must Beware The Dreaded Trap Game
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...
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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ESPN has a fun little tool.
And I’m not talking about Schlereth. Playoff Machine
by boondock_saint812 on Dec 2, 2010 11:08 AM CST reply actions
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...
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.
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.
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
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
You're right...
if they lose this game Lovie should be terminated on the spot.
I hope that makes you feel better……
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
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
Depends on what the Bears do each week and then the Cubs during the summer...
so you can probably imagine!
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
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
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.
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
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
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...
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.
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
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
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
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...
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.
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
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
not crazy just old
I forgot how good Collins is.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
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
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
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.
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
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.
Darn it!
I just published my preview before reading this one. Now I look like a plagiarist! Sorry, Lester…
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
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."
Hey now, don't go getting us confident and whatnot, we need that chip to stay firmly on our shoulders.
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
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
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
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
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
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":

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