NFL Thoughts: Chicago Bears and Beyond
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 10, 2011 11:49 AM CST
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PrintThe Wildcard round is history, and by history I mean historic. I don't care what your record is, if you win your division you deserve to make the playoffs. Because once you get in the postseason anything can happen. And don't give me the B.S. about how it wasn't fair a team with a better record had to go on the road. Tough. The Saints were an overwhelming favorite, but the Seahawks took care of business. It was a historic upset with a run for the ages to seal the deal.
1) You just know on Saturday night the Bears were happy with the Seattle upset, thus setting up a potential trip for them to Soldier Field. But now that it's a reality, and they have a chance to break down their playoff game film, they'll see this is no ordinary 7-9 (make that 8-9) team. Matt Hasselbeck is a playoff tested QB, they have a big threat at WR, and if they get the running game rolling it could be a really good back and forth game.
2) I was surprised at how easily the Ravens took out the Chiefs. I thought K.C., with that stellar run game, would be able to run on Baltimore and control the clock. And even though Jamaal Charles was Jamaal Charles, they just kept turning the ball over.
3) The Ravens offense held the ball for nearly 42 minutes. Is there anything better for a top defense than a ball control offense.
4) Colts head coach Jim Caldwell is getting torched for calling his final timeout in the 4th quarter when the Jets were driving with just 29 seconds remaining, but I think the challenge flag he threw in the 1st when the ball clearly didn't touch Santonio Holmes on the punt was equally as dumbfounding.
5) But nothing puts the "dumb" in dumbfounding, like Holmes did himself on the play in the first place. Was he playing a solo game of Idiot Croquet?
6) I was really hoping the Nick Folk game winner would have snuck through the uprights with about 12 inches to spare. The headline would have practically wrote itself.
7) So the Dolphins flirt with the idea of hiring Jim Harbaugh, then end up extending head coach Tony Sparano anyway? Good for Sparano for getting more money out of the deal. And I think the 49ers got them a hell of a coach. I know it's not much of a stretch, but they win the NFC West next year.
8) If Green Bay has an actual running game, that changes everything. This James Starks fellow rushed for more yards yesterday than he had all season. Fluke or for real?
9) Lock down corner, and former Raider, Nnamdi Asomugha is a free agent due to a clause in his contract. Can anyone think of a team that could use an upgrade in the secondary?
10) So here are my early picks for the weekend games, Pittsburgh, New England, Green Bay, and Chicago. Who you all taking?
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It is totally not fair that a team with a better record had to play a game on the road....
Good read. I loved the look on Manning’s face when he realized his own team had called the timeout. Priceless.
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
I remain a pessimistically hopeful Bears fan.
I think it's totally fair.
It’s the whole point of the Wild Card, the opportunity for the “best of the rest” to be given a chance, albeit on the road (because they didn’t qualify by winning a division, however pathetic said division was). And as I said in the “Ask a Seahawks Fan” thread, the better record has gone on the road in Wild Card weekend 9 times in the last five years (including twice this year, name the other one). Just because this is the first time (and possibly the only time) a losing record has or will ever win a division does not mean the entire thing needs to be redone or scrapped. It’s an anomaly.
by Steven Schweickert on Jan 10, 2011 12:07 PM CST up reply actions
It's an anomaly wrapped
inside a labrynth of an enigma.
"The problem isn't that people aren't smart, it's that some folks have an attention span of about seven days. Look at the broader picture and you'll always be smarter." - Bill Barnwell of F.O. on why the media picks playoff winners on Monday.
Agreed, but anomallies make stories and legends
And that was possibly one of the best story lines of this post-season.
I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.
I was sarcastically replying after Lester told me not to tell him it was unfair.
I’m like a small child, tell me I can’t do something and it makes me want to do it more.
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
I remain a pessimistically hopeful Bears fan.
Regardless of your comment,
mine was gonna find its way here. :)
by Steven Schweickert on Jan 10, 2011 1:44 PM CST up reply actions
Guess what
No matter what the playoff system is, there will eventually be teams that are travelling on the road in January to play a team that isn’t as good as them. It happens. I remember when Seattle was in the AFC West back in the day when that was the toughest division in football. Even though our division sent two or three teams to the playoffs consistently, there were weaker teams in “The Dance” because they won their division. Division races mean something. I personally want week 16 and 17 to mean something when two division rivals with good records are facing each other. If both teams get a home playoff game regardless of the winner, that sux. Trust me, next year the teams will be reminded of why exactly it’s so important to win your frickin’ division. Guaranteed.
by CHawkFanIn9erLand on Jan 10, 2011 1:11 PM CST up reply actions
I would have done the same thing as Manning
I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.
6) I was really hoping the Nick Folk game winner would have snuck through the uprights with about 12 inches to spare. The headline would have practically wrote itself.
Yeah, I don’t see the Rex feet jokes ever getting old. “Oh, its personal!”
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
My thoughts
1) Re: Seattle. They aren’t going to get the running game going. The Bears devour running backs like Lynch. Too much pressure on Hasselback, playing with a broken thumb, in sub freezing temps… I think the Bears roll Seattle. 38-10.
4) Re: Caldwell. Absolutely agree on all counts. That challenge was IDIOTIC. Even my wife was like… I guess they don’t have access to the replay huh? I said no, there’s someone in the booth looking at it, telling him to challenge it, and they’re playing it on the scoreboard in the stadium. Her response: “Oh.” Then silence. lol
Then the final timeout. That was game changing. He basically gave the Jets a 4th timeout. That was monumentally stupid.
8) Re: Starks. Fluke. If not… holy crap.
10) Re picks. Baltimore, New England, Atlanta, and Chicago.
I like the way you think
10) Re picks. Baltimore, New England, Atlanta, and Chicago.
That is my final four as well…
Unreasonable people make life difficult...
by WisBearsFan34 on Jan 10, 2011 12:32 PM CST up reply actions
Seattle didn't run it against you guys last time
It’s not how we competed last time, It’s not how we’ll expect to win this week either. I honestly think it comes down to how bad Russell Okung’s ankles are going to limit him vs peppers.
If Peppers gets neutralized, you guys will have to be much more creative on defense than last time we met.
by CHawkFanIn9erLand on Jan 10, 2011 1:32 PM CST up reply actions
yeah, but he's already on your de-line
We suck at run blocking, but we’re pretty dang good at pass pro vs base defenses.
Don’t get me wrong, you’re a great defense, a good team, and should win next week. But Seattle is really gonna consider it a window of opportunity if you take the same approach defensively as last time we played. You stopped the run last time. Everybody stops the Seahawks from running. Seattle got 78 of it’s yards on two of it’s last 3 running plays against the saints. So they were shut down in the run, and still seattle scored. And by the way, that was against a top 6 defense.
Hasslebeck has the amazing ability to play terrible next week, just like he had the amazing ability to play great against NO. So hoping Hasselbeck sucks against you guys next week may actually work.
But make no mistake, hope is not a strategy. I think you’ll need to build a game plan involving creative ideas for getting to Hass. I really don’t think your base defense will get it done.
Unless, like I said, Okung is really limited by his ankle problems, allowing peppers to do better this time around than last time.
by CHawkFanIn9erLand on Jan 10, 2011 2:22 PM CST up reply actions
I think a lot of us
expect Hasselbeck to play well again. Seattle is a totally different team with him as QB, IMHO. We might hope he sucks but expect him to play well even against our good D. But our good D can be not so good at times as well – (see Jets game and a hurt Mark Sanchez moving the ball on us at will).
I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something. - Dick Butkus
See my signature block.
Corey Wootton, the Favre Slayer.
by Brendan Hess on Jan 10, 2011 2:11 PM CST up reply actions
Well
1 – seattle still worries me to be honest. Especially now with all the national love they are getting. I know timmy hasselbeck cant wait to pick the winner of this game
2 – Ya thought the chiefs would give balt a game. Boy was I disappointed. Just see my rants in the kc balt thread for that
3 – Ran right over kc. I think some the players wanted to cry there at the end. ray lewis looked so cold sitting on the sidelines though
4 – Ya I (and pmanning) were like WTF. See now that PFT is reporting that caldwell might be on the hot seat going into next season. Who wouldnt want that job
5 – Dunno missed the play
6 – That would of been nice. Had hope when it drifted a little that way but I am disappoint
7 – Some of the fins players were complaining about sparano so I am surprised about him keeping his job TBH. harbuagh I dont know. I want to see him coach some NFL games before I make a judgment. But I will say this 8 – 8 (or 9 – 9) wins the NFCW next season anyways so he has a chance
8 – Ran against a bad and banged up eagles D so dunno. Will say he looked good though. Think buck said he was the greatest RB in packer history so who knows
9 – Please say Bears
10 – Dont like picking Bears games. Others though ravens, pats, and falcons
I want history to erase his every achievement.....I want him to feel the disgust in the bronco fans eyes when they look on him in shame....
- Jay Cutler on josh mcdaniels firing
Asomugha
As long as there’s no CBA he can’t sign anywhere, correct?
by boondock_saint812 on Jan 10, 2011 12:20 PM CST reply actions
Yes, no CBA, no Free Agency
FA can’t begin until CBA is finalized – or at least provisions put in place to determine status of free agents (Franchise tags, restricted/unrestricted, etc).
If its free, take two.
by T.J. Shouse on Jan 10, 2011 12:32 PM CST up reply actions
Will there even be a franchise tag in the new CBA?
I heard players didnt like it, but both sides will need to make concessions. Anyone have any idea where we rank as far as salary team wide? Will we have salary cap problems assuming there will be a cap? I have no idea how we stack up as far as payroll with the rest of the NFL.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Jan 10, 2011 12:35 PM CST up reply actions
We're ok cap wise
We spent a lot on Manumanu, Peppers and Taylor, but they were front-loaded to avoid cap issues starting in ‘11. More than half of Taylor’s contract was for this season, and he’ll cost less than $1.5 mil next year. Manumanu cost $6 mil this year, but only about $2 mil each subsequent year. Peppers contract was similarly constructed, although much, much bigger.
If its free, take two.
by T.J. Shouse on Jan 10, 2011 12:43 PM CST up reply actions
Just read this on USA today.com 2009 salaries for NFC:
Bears: 120Mill
Packers:114Mill
Vikings: 99Mil
Lions:95Mill
Giants:137Mill
Redskins:105Mill
Eagles:102Mill
Cowboys:90Mill
Cardinals:116Mill
49ers:107Mill
Seattle:89Mill
Rams:62Mill
Saints:121Mill
Panthers:112Mill
Bucs:84Mill
Falcons:95Mill
Looks like we are second in salary only to the NY giants. Thats a lot of dough being handed out, these guys would be nuts to shut this league down. Not sure if this includes bonus’s etc.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Jan 10, 2011 12:50 PM CST up reply actions
my bad, missed the Saints.
Thanks for the correction.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Jan 10, 2011 1:10 PM CST up reply actions
The Bears were fifth last season with 120mil.
"The problem isn't that people aren't smart, it's that some folks have an attention span of about seven days. Look at the broader picture and you'll always be smarter." - Bill Barnwell of F.O. on why the media picks playoff winners on Monday.
I read this last week
According to an NFL source outside the Bears organization, the Bears ranked 21st in the league in cash spending as of midseason. They spent $114 million, or $34 million less than the Patriots, who led the league in player payroll.
It’s from Dan Pompei and the Tribune
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 Jan 10, 2011 3:42 PM CST up reply actions
Even if ther is a franchise tag available
The Raiders can’t use it on him. It was in his contract
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 Jan 10, 2011 1:02 PM CST up reply actions
Thats what ESPN was saying this morning, same with Mike Vick
they cant cut a huge extension for MV until the CBA is set. Basically any player unsigned is in limbo until the problem is resolved. As far as a CB, I am not sure thats what we want to do with our free agent dough this off season. I think Oline is the key, and maybe a sure handed possession reciever like Amedola of the Rams, he had 85 receptions this year and thats with a rookie QB. I have given up on the idea of us getting a V Jax or Boldin type as the Bears just dont seem to think we need it.
Anyway back to topic, we gotta score 24 points or more and it a win, I see the D holding Seattle to around 20-24 points. Basically we score a few TDs we win, but if the offense decides to implode then it will be a long day. The early start favors us with a west coast team. All signs point to a win.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Jan 10, 2011 12:33 PM CST up reply actions
way too much
Our defense came out flat against Seattle last time. And Lance Briggs didn’t play. Unless the defense takes a gigantic dump, Seattle won’t score more than 10-17 points.
In short, in life, as in a foot-ball game, the principle to follow is: Hit the line hard; don't foul and don't shirk, but hit the line hard!" Theodore Roosevelt
Dominoes fell right
We’re definitely in the best possible position – Seattle beat us earlier this year, but they’re by far the most vulnerable playoff team (other than us, lol). I think Lynch has a decent game against us, but a balanced Martzian attack and a few key turnovers by our defense give us a 27-17 win.
If its free, take two.
I think both Seattle and Chicago got the matchup they wanted this week
by CHawkFanIn9erLand on Jan 10, 2011 12:44 PM CST up reply actions
Agreed
Wholeheartedly. Bears/Seahawks are viewed by general public as most flawed teams in playoff field for NFC. I’m confident Bears can win, but far from a guarantee. I’ll be a nervous S.O.B. the whole weekend.
If its free, take two.
by T.J. Shouse on Jan 10, 2011 12:47 PM CST up reply actions
Haha yep
It’s easy to think of them as pushovers, but it was quite the trap game for the former champs.
I am a bear of very little brains and big words bother me.
I was honestly absolutely confident
we were going to beat the Saints. It didn’t happen the way I thought it would, but it did happen. It’s funny how wrong I was, and yet so beautifully right
by CHawkFanIn9erLand on Jan 10, 2011 1:19 PM CST up reply actions
I knew the Saints were right to fall this post season
But I didnt think the Seahawks had the chops to do it, is Pete Carroll making a big difference with this team? Seems like it from the outside.
He outcoached Lovie in the week 6 matchup but this is a very diff Bears team as we have discussed for the past 24 hours.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Jan 10, 2011 1:22 PM CST up reply actions
He's 100% responsible
for us not being a 4-12 team
I’m supremely confident that we’ll be a pretty dang good team come 2012. We’ll be improved in 2011, but still way to many holes to fill. We’re a bad team, with good leadership finding creative ways to win games in which we’re actually overmatched.
by CHawkFanIn9erLand on Jan 10, 2011 1:35 PM CST up reply actions
Well now that Carroll can legally buy the good players that he wants...
I keed, I keed. The man can coach.
by Steven Schweickert on Jan 10, 2011 1:38 PM CST up reply actions
I'm a Huskies Fan
I hate everything Carroll did prior to last spring. :D
by CHawkFanIn9erLand on Jan 10, 2011 1:39 PM CST up reply actions
He's an overconfident,
score-running, player-buying, irritating tool who happens to be a very good coach.
No, I am not bitter about the 2007 Rose Bowl at all, whatever gave you that impression?
by Steven Schweickert on Jan 10, 2011 1:43 PM CST up reply actions
HOF
there was a post last night or this morning (i can’t remember when) that richard dent is on a shortlist for canton
Dent has a good shot this year
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 Jan 10, 2011 1:05 PM CST up reply actions
Most of the saints fans from what I've seen are being good sports about the loss
Blaming themselves instead of the NFL and the division may not be so bad with bradford having a year under his belt. Besides the other three teams that had to play on the road won, beating better teams than the seahawks.
1. If we play our game, even rush-pass ratio, and don’t turn the ball over, they have NO CHANCE against us.
2. Baltimore is more experienced than kc and the teams are evenly matched so the former to me made a big difference.
3. No there isn’t we should strive to do the same on sunday.
4.no thoughts didn’t see that play
5.see above
6.the city of new York and fatman Rex would have to. He did almost miss it though. Also the colts defense was awful in the final minute, no way should the jets have scored.
7. I have the rams but yeah with the best running back in the NFC, decent receivers, and Patrick Willis they have a fighting chance.
8. I agree, however Philly has a suspect rushing defense in addition to all their injuries defensively
9. Us
10. I agree with all those picks except I think atlanta is going to take it against gb, I’m not going to break tradition and say that I’m rootin for the pack, but I will be licking my chops if we get to face them in a rubber match over at soldier field.
9.
48 minutes of intensity
by dsenchi on Jan 10, 2011 12:42 PM CST via mobile reply actions
There is no excuse for the saints losing that game
And there’s really only one reason the seahawks won. Pete Carroll. With Mora at the helm, Hass doesn’t pull that off. Lynch isn’t even on the roster, and neither is Mike Williams. Pete Carroll came into the team meeting with a plan that could deliver victory if they executed. With a shallow roster like this one, full of holes like this one, it comes down to a couple key assignments and huge plays that either go our way or don’t.
If the plays don’t go our way, our team isn’t good enough to win. So we lose, and we lose big.
If they go our way, the game is a close contest. And you know what coach Carroll does with close games?
He wins them
by CHawkFanIn9erLand on Jan 10, 2011 1:23 PM CST up reply actions
Asomugha..
potential replacement for Tillman? Would certainly shore up the D for a few more years if we can find a replacement up front for Tommie as well.
Actually Tillman is our second best guy of all things all-round
Asomugha be the one to go toe-to-toe with the other team’s #1 and Tillman would be #2
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 10, 2011 5:33 PM CST up reply actions
My Pick
I honestly think it will be Jets, Steelers, Falcon, and Bears.
very curious about how T Brady and the pats play with that young team
Could go either way, I just hope if the Pats take it, Rex Ryan will have his vocal cords surgically removed so we dont have to hear anymore of his drivvel. its personal blah blah blah, shut up and play football. Jets will need to play perfectly to come out of Foxboro with a win but this looks like the year of the underdog so its possible.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Jan 10, 2011 12:55 PM CST up reply actions
Another fine post Lester.
I like Pats, Steelers, The Pack( I don;t really like them but..), and Da Bears.
Looking forward to an Epic Battle in the Spaceship on the Shore.
Just win dammit!
by Suffering from Chicago Sports on Jan 10, 2011 12:59 PM CST reply actions
I concur
Those are my picks, but I’ll spend all week deciding if I WANT the pack to win (giving us a home game for the NFC title) or Atlanta (we gotta go on the road, but avoid the Pack). I’m already excited for another week on the couch.
If its free, take two.
Couple additions on 'Hawks vs DaBears ...
- If Julius Peppers wins his assignment vs Russell Okung, game over. If Okung wins, Seattle will really test your db’s deep
- More important than stopping Seattle’s run game, will be stopping Seattle’s tight ends. John Carlson and Cameron Morrah are both receiving with a lot of confidence. This means Seattle has two additional passing threats when they are in run formation. If those two get involved in the passing game, that will act as a body blow to your defense.
- Tatupu has a concussion. He’s typically the guy assigned to take out the lead blocker on running plays. He’s also the guy who keeps the backside defender focused against cutback runs. If he is unable to play as expected, you will need to exploit this. I think it’s key that you use a fullback or 2nd Rb as a lead blocker, and design lots of cutback runs to keep our speedy , yet undersized defense honest from overpursuit.
- Jam Mike Williams and Brandon Stokely. In the games Mike Williams was healthy (after his breakout game vs chicago), he was only stopped in games where the defense jammed him consistently. He’s not speedy, he’s just physical. Don’t let him get into his route.
- Cutler hasn’t put an entire season together until this year. If there has been any common theme from Seattle’s losses (and most of their wins, for that matter), it’s been that passes underneath are the way to beat us. We have an uncomfortable combination of undisciplined youth and declining age in our secondary and coverage linebackers. Everybody runs on Seattle, but the teams that passed well underneath are the ones that scored seven rather three.
- Coach Carroll is looking for one or two matchups that he can count on getting two or three big plays from. That’s how seattle has gotten here. We have so many glaring holes, yet we played to our strengths to beat Sand Diego, Chicago, San Francisco and the Rams. He’s been really good at finding a path to being competitive, and it’s really been all about one or two remarkable plays.
If those few plays go our way, it will be a close game.
If not., you will likely blow us out.
by CHawkFanIn9erLand on Jan 10, 2011 1:02 PM CST reply actions
Bears dont bump and run much so expect those 5 yarders to be there
On defense it all starts with the front 4, Peppers, Harris, Toneia, and Issy need to be factors the whole game. That will hurry Hasselbeck and he doesn’t move very well. If he can establish himself as a pocket passer and get time he will dink and dump us to death. If we can keep him off balance I expect lots of 3 and outs, 3rd down efficency will be huge, if the Bears D can win that battle we (the Bears) win it. If the Seahawks get a few cheap scores and their confidence grows throughout it could be a problem. Gotta drive the proverbial stake through the heart right away, no grey areas.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Jan 10, 2011 1:19 PM CST up reply actions
Agreed. Early domination is key.
We can’t come out anything other than fired up. We need to crush their dreams and hopes early.
The sooner we can plant the seed of doubt in THEIR minds, the sooner this game is over. Nothing worse than an overachieving unit coming in thinking they can push our guys around.
Just win dammit!
by Suffering from Chicago Sports on Jan 10, 2011 1:28 PM CST up reply actions
I replied without hitting the "reply button.
If interested, please read my “reply” in the post below.
by CHawkFanIn9erLand on Jan 10, 2011 1:30 PM CST up reply actions
Sorry for the transgression, I will watch my p's and q's form here on out
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Jan 10, 2011 6:09 PM CST up reply actions
It's not your P;s and Q;s
that are the problem. It is your S’s and Z’s. First post!!! Long time reader. Your welcome for the insightful football info.
by ruggerschr on Jan 11, 2011 12:21 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
rec'ed
for a great use of smartassiness
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 Jan 11, 2011 12:37 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'ed for creation of the word smartassiness.
When the world slips you a Jeffrey, stroke a furry wall.
- Aldous Snow
by Ditkavsworld on Jan 11, 2011 12:48 PM CST up reply actions
That's the reason I listed Peppers first
If he doesn’t win that matchup, then your base defense will have a really hard time getting there quick enough. You guys gave up points to Seattle because you relied upon your base defense to get to the QB.
I realize you guys aren’t a blitz package poster child. And you’re not known for press coverage. But Seattle’s better in the red zone and the deep passing game than they were earlier this year. If you don’t do something different, don’t expect Seattle to score fewer points.
But, like we both said, if Peppers finds the Yellow Brick Road, that’ll be all the difference in the world.
by CHawkFanIn9erLand on Jan 10, 2011 1:28 PM CST reply actions
What matchup do the Hawks like the most?
Williams doesn’t have the speed, but beside Tate who’s got speed to get deep on the Bears safeties?
"The problem isn't that people aren't smart, it's that some folks have an attention span of about seven days. Look at the broader picture and you'll always be smarter." - Bill Barnwell of F.O. on why the media picks playoff winners on Monday.
Mike Williams against anybody
John Carlson against a linebacker.
Morrah against a nickel back
Mike williams and stokely establish the short route to open up the long route. Hasselbeck’s experience vs the cover 2, and mike williams’ size work pretty well getting the cover safety to bite on a double move. That’s why I keep saying the way to beat Williams is press coverage, because you have to jump routes on him early to stop him. He is so big and physical he catches the ball even when he’s covered. You really need a physical corner playing close and a disciplined safety playing over.
If you don’t do that, he catches 10 balls for 8 or 9 first downs, just like last time he played you. I think at this point in the season they’ve tipped their hand, and proven what works against him and what doesn’t.
by CHawkFanIn9erLand on Jan 10, 2011 2:28 PM CST up reply actions
But if Cutler gets on a roll
If you guys establish the run, and the screen pass, and isolate curry or heater with tight ends underneath effectively, then it likely may not matter.
by CHawkFanIn9erLand on Jan 10, 2011 2:29 PM CST up reply actions
Sounds like a job for Tillman
Although, the Bears don’t matchup with their corners. Jennings is very short, but adapt at tackling and defending the ball.
"The problem isn't that people aren't smart, it's that some folks have an attention span of about seven days. Look at the broader picture and you'll always be smarter." - Bill Barnwell of F.O. on why the media picks playoff winners on Monday.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Tillman shadow WIlliams
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 Jan 10, 2011 3:44 PM CST up reply actions
Book it.....
Bears, Falcons, Steelers, Patriots!!
by Dozjah on Jan 10, 2011 1:48 PM CST via mobile reply actions
James Starks
Living in Wisconsin, all of my friends have been calling for Starks to get more carries for weeks. He had a good game against the 49ers and didn’t see a whole lot of carries after that. The coaches say he runs too high and exposes the ball, which is probably true but didn’t seem to matter yesterday. I’m sure they’ll give him carries going forward but I’m not overly worried about him against a good run defense like the Bears if it comes to that.
I've heard the same think about him
Runs too high and is loose with the ball
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 Jan 10, 2011 2:32 PM CST up reply actions
I called 3 out of 4 this past weekend.
If not for the Eagles imploding I would’ve been perfect!
Bears, Pats, Ravens, and the dirty birds.
"The problem isn't that people aren't smart, it's that some folks have an attention span of about seven days. Look at the broader picture and you'll always be smarter." - Bill Barnwell of F.O. on why the media picks playoff winners on Monday.
I like your thinking!!!
Unreasonable people make life difficult...
by WisBearsFan34 on Jan 10, 2011 3:01 PM CST up reply actions
I hope the propheteer
is prophetic with these picks!
I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something. - Dick Butkus
Let's just hope your not
3 for 4 again with the Bears game wrong. I was 3 for four this weekend as well but expected the Jets to lose.
You know, these Seahawks fans that are posting...
make me so, so, so, SO glad that GB won yesterday.
No Eagles fans! Yay!
Now, if the Bears don’t miss tackles and Martz uses a balanced game plan, with Forte ripping off a couple of nice ones, we’re on the way to the title game.
The Bears, healthy and skilled, should win this game. But I never say anything is a sure thing, anymore. Here’s hoping for a clean, injury-free game.
NW>Neast fans
Just a little too hostile for most peoples’ tastes.
"The problem isn't that people aren't smart, it's that some folks have an attention span of about seven days. Look at the broader picture and you'll always be smarter." - Bill Barnwell of F.O. on why the media picks playoff winners on Monday.
To be fair to the Eagles fans
I’d probably also be in a bad mood most of the time if I was surrounded by Eagles fans.
by Greetings from the Lord Humongous! on Jan 10, 2011 3:44 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
lol
rec’ed
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 Jan 10, 2011 3:45 PM CST up reply actions
Green!!
When the world slips you a Jeffrey, stroke a furry wall.
- Aldous Snow
by Ditkavsworld on Jan 10, 2011 4:32 PM CST up reply actions
Make it green
but not Eagles green ;)
"The problem isn't that people aren't smart, it's that some folks have an attention span of about seven days. Look at the broader picture and you'll always be smarter." - Bill Barnwell of F.O. on why the media picks playoff winners on Monday.
That's fine
but please, not a lot of it similar to their alternate jerseys!
"The problem isn't that people aren't smart, it's that some folks have an attention span of about seven days. Look at the broader picture and you'll always be smarter." - Bill Barnwell of F.O. on why the media picks playoff winners on Monday.
My thoughts
1) DA BEARS just need to take care of business and they should beat the Seahawks
2) I think Cassel caught Favre syndrome, he seemed to turn it over every play in the second half
3) It’s easier when the opposing offense can’t hold the ball for more than 3 plays
4) Mistakes like that lose you football games, especially if Peyton has to play with little help
5) I think he was, they should of gave it to the Colts just to punish Holmes
6) …
7) Sparano deserved an extension, give him another season or two.
8) Fluke, Green Bay always has and will suck.
9) Me want
10) Chicago I know, the other don’t matter
# 2 - playcalling
Weis did not call a very good game, IMHO. They have a great 1-2 run combo in Charles and TJ and he kind of panicked and started getting throw-happy, Cassel is good but not great and he started pressing (like Favre indeed), and it just snowballed out of control. Ravens are too good to try and get throw-happy and even if their run D is awesome you got to still keep pounding away.
I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something. - Dick Butkus
Especially
with their pass D doing a 180 since Reed’s arrival back in the lineup. The guy is a freak!
"The problem isn't that people aren't smart, it's that some folks have an attention span of about seven days. Look at the broader picture and you'll always be smarter." - Bill Barnwell of F.O. on why the media picks playoff winners on Monday.
Actually according to kc media
haley took over all playcalling from weis in the 2nd half……
I want history to erase his every achievement.....I want him to feel the disgust in the bronco fans eyes when they look on him in shame....
- Jay Cutler on josh mcdaniels firing
by CloudyFuture on Jan 10, 2011 7:23 PM CST up reply actions
That is interesting
thanks – I stand corrected. Charlie, if you’re out there and you’re reading WCG (who wouldn’t be?), my apologies.
I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something. - Dick Butkus
4)...
I completely agree. I don’t know from which angle the replays where being shown at LucasOil, but there was no remote possibility of that call going the other way whatsoever.
"Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win."
I would
but you guys have a 2 day waiting period to post. Which, personally, seems a bit excessive.
Hopefully someone here is an existing member and can do it.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
Hey
not everyone has as much time on their hands as you, sir.
"Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win."
by GriggsBriggs on Jan 10, 2011 7:44 PM CST up reply actions
...Son?
"Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win."
by GriggsBriggs on Jan 11, 2011 5:06 PM CST up reply actions
Mom?
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
I remain a pessimistically hopeful Bears fan.
Ditka.
When the world slips you a Jeffrey, stroke a furry wall.
- Aldous Snow
by Ditkavsworld on Jan 13, 2011 12:37 PM CST up reply actions
#1
Marshawn Lynch do THIS against us. There’s no way our D will miss 7 tackles.
by boondock_saint812 on Jan 10, 2011 4:53 PM CST reply actions
As fans
we’d be up in arms if the Bears D missed two tackles, let alone seven!
"The problem isn't that people aren't smart, it's that some folks have an attention span of about seven days. Look at the broader picture and you'll always be smarter." - Bill Barnwell of F.O. on why the media picks playoff winners on Monday.
8 tackles
but the Seahawks had the lead before that play and hadn’t really done anything on the ground until then.
by Greetings from the Lord Humongous! on Jan 10, 2011 5:24 PM CST up reply actions
ugh just sitting here bored
and the NFLs Roid user of the year comes on TV, i really dont like that guy. Peppers for MVP ,DPOY, and Urlacher for CBPOY
Its best for us to play the hawks no because of the record.
but because they beaten us. The players wont underestimate this team they want to destroy them and give them NO hope at all. This Bears team I think will be ready and hungry Sunday.
(Sing song)...Everybody Hates Rondo...
Yes indeed
It’s revenge time. I look for the Bears to send the Seagulls packing for the season. I look for Peppers to wake up from his two-game slumber and be a beast once again!
Yes, I know my screen name is out of date...
by Fire Ron Turner on Jan 10, 2011 6:47 PM CST up reply actions
I think for the Seahawks to win all they need to do is stop the run.
We saw what happened during the game earlier this year. If they can force third and long situations, Chris Clemons and Raheem Brock (who have 21 sacks between them), they can probably beat the Bears’ tackles (who even you guys have to admit aren’t great) pretty easily. Yes the Bears may have a better run game than they did back in week six, but the Seahawks’ run defense has greatly improved since Colin Cole returned so I still don’t think it’ll be a huge factor.
The 1st game the Seattle D-line had .5 a sack
their secondary had 5.5… it was the blitzes that caused problems for the Bears in week 6, but they’ve tightened the o-line up a lot since that 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 Jan 10, 2011 7:47 PM CST up reply actions
The way the Bears have compensated for the deficent Oline is to Play call to its strengths
this has worked with varying degrees of success. Quick slants and screens have done a good job of negating a pass rush that cannot be completely covered. Now this only gets U so far and Jay Cutler is still taking too many sacks, but a lot of that falls on his inability to almost ever throw the ball away. The guy just holds the ball too long a lot of times. However when the running game is working it adds another element and the offense starts clicking as seen in the Eagles and Jets regular season games. When its not working you get the Giants, Pats, and the final GB game where we score almost no points. Thats the key to this matchup, if the Bears can score 21 or more we win, if we end up with our offense on its heals in reverse and only put up 10 points its going to be tough to win it. Our defense should allow around 20 points or so, which may or may not yield a win.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Jan 10, 2011 10:47 PM CST up reply actions
They were terrible
Now they are just below average in the passing game… Their run blocking has been real good of late
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 Jan 11, 2011 9:51 AM CST up reply actions
More specifically
I think they need to stop the run on 1st down. Martz, even with Lovie’s knife in his back, will really have a hard time sticking with a running game consistently if he’s facing 2nd down and >8 on a consistent basis. That’s just what the voices in my head are saying
by CHawkFanIn9erLand on Jan 10, 2011 8:20 PM CST up reply actions
Are the Seattle CBs tall?
That is a problem for Hester and Knox when they are matched against CBs that are bigger than them. I cant remember that detail fom week 6 but a good pair of CBs can negate our wide outs with the right technique. Earl Bennett is the only Bear receiver you can count on in crunch time, (Olsen and Forte but there not true Wide outs) The Bear receivers have trouble with those 50% balls that either the WR or CB has a 50% chance of getting and JC throws a few of those every game. If the Seattle CBs are passive tje WRs will score alot, if they get up in there and harass Hester and Knox and contest catches you can take them almost completely out of a game. Lets hope that doesnt happen this Sunday.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Jan 10, 2011 10:52 PM CST up reply actions
Cutler passed for 270 yards the week six game between Chicago and Seattle
and that was with no running game. We give up 246 yards per game passing, or somewhere close to that, and 118 rushing yards per game. Much higher than the bears offensive averages per game.
So, like I’ve said a few times here, you guys gotta get pressure on Hasselbeck. Do that and the wheels come off for us. If you don’t, you may still win, but it could make it uncomfortable for you.
by CHawkFanIn9erLand on Jan 11, 2011 12:13 AM CST up reply actions
Martz doesnt use the run to win, just to setup play action
So merely stopping the run wont work, Martz will throw 35-40 times in the second half if we end up behind. You will need to stop and aerial assault. This has worked with mixed results so far this year, if JC is clicking forget it, if he can have a QB rating over 100 we almost always win. If he is having an off day it can get ugly. But to think just stopping the run will solve this offense think again.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Jan 10, 2011 10:57 PM CST up reply actions
Re: Caldwell
What is it with the Dungy disciples and their bad TO usage and challenges?
----------
Is my mind a'goin on me or am I watchin you jibber jabber like some sorta jibberty box. Jibber Jabber on! Jibber Jabber on! -- Early Cuyler
Great write-up, Les.....
All were very good points. As for the predictions, I like what you got. That’s exactly the sheet i turned in on the office pool.
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jan 11, 2011 1:29 AM CST reply actions
As Long As Martz Doesn't Go Pass Happy
I’m pretty confident the Bears win this game. Lovie Dovie should have a baseball bat ready and knock out our OC is he starts calling nothing but passes.
No way Martz gets crazy
He understands his team
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 Jan 11, 2011 9:49 AM CST up reply actions
the truth is ....
The truth is i used to put my bet on Vick,The Eagles …….
I supply with NFL,MLB,NHL,NCAA jerseys
The way I see it
Steelers, Falcons, Jets in OT, Bears
All women are beautiful when the lights are off!
by touchdown bears on Jan 11, 2011 11:11 AM CST reply actions
My predictions:
Steelers, Pats, Bears and I could care less. If Greenbay wins, we know them and we get them at home. If Atlanta wins, we play away but on a field that plays to our speed and against a team whose record was established beating beating up on NFC west teams like Seattle.
Italic phrase Lawyered!
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