The Inside Scoop: Sean Jensen returns for another live Q/A with WCG

I don’t like to do that, because there are too many things that can change, namely injuries.

It’s a week-to-week deal, based on a number of factors. I’m lucky to be 9-2 on the season, which is one game better than the team!

But don’t the Bears typically play big-time receivers one-v-one. I think they did this with Bowman-v-Johnson game one.

Well, they really didn’t the last game. Not sure why they would all of a sudden now, especially with Drew Stanton at QB.

It’s REALLY important, because it’s an easy win, against a division and conference opponent.

The way teams are playing right now, I’m not sure 10 wins even guarantees you a playoff spot in the NFC, so they need to be thinking 11. That means they need to win 3 out of 5. That’s not going to be easy with a pair of 9-2 teams left, as well as a road date at the Metrodome.

I wondered, at times, if Urlacher was having a good or great year. I personally don’t think it’s been great. Maybe a few more splash plays would change my mind. But, he is in the Pro Bowl mix, and he would also have to be an outside candidate for Comeback Player of the Year. But, frankly, he’d probably be second among middle linebackers. Minnesota’s E.J. Henderson is playing pretty solid after a gruesome leg injury. And let’s not forget about Wes Welker with the Patriots.

There is a lot of confidence at Halas Hall, and Smith has done a nice job of leading this team. He’s assembled a good coaching staff, and his players respect him and play hard for him. The McCaskeys seem to be more glass-full types, and I would think they would give him the benefit of the doubt. I would think one playoff win and a respectable loss would seal it.

There’s the possibility of a lockout, and the fact that Lovie’s already signed through 2011. I don’t see the McCaskeys wanting to dump him, pay him and then add another coach who might not even get to spend much time with the players.

Offense: Jay Cutler. When the Bears have won, Cutler’s usually played a key part. Same could be said in the losses. But, the Bears are 8-3.

Defense: Julius Peppers. Not even close. Not sure there’s a close second, based on the attention he commands and the impact he still makes (If you want proof, go back and watch the Eagles game).

Special teams: Devin Hester. He’s back in rare form, as the most feared returner in the league. That could serve this team well, down the stretch.

Coaches: Lovie Smith. No one has said anything, but I have to think that he sat Mike Martz down during the bye and read him the riot act on running the ball more and adjusting the offense more to suit Cutler’s strengths. Just my gut feeling. Martz is infamously stubborn, and the Bears’ offense has really ramped up the number of runs.
Even if that’s not true, though, Smith made some bold decisions on his coaching staff. Mike Tice seems like a good hire, as well as Mike DeBord (tight ends) and, of course, Rod Marinelli. The latter guy hadn’t ever called plays on defense, but is there any doubt that Marinelli is qualified to be an NFL defensive coordinator? Keep this up, and he may become a head coaching candidate again, which would seem unthinkable given the 0-16 season.

The Packers are a fun team to watch. But there are a couple of things that concern me about them. First, they can’t run the ball, which could be an issue once the weather starts to impact things. If Rodgers and Co. called the Metrodome home, I would feel different. But they play at Lambeau Field, which is famous for some nasty winter weather.

Second, the Packers have overcome a slew of injuries. That they’ve continued to win is a credit to their scouting and coaching staffs. But the injuries haven’t slowed, and I’m not sure they’ll be able to survive another two months…

No…

Clearly the Bears…

Their running game gets shut down, and Sanchize is no Mike Vick, that’s for sure …