Notes, Scribbles, and Things Jotted Down: Week 17, Vikings Edition

by Steven Schweickert on Jan 2, 2012 7:01 AM CST in Game Recap

Since I missed this last week thanks to travel issues, my thoughts on one Josh McCown. I'm not exactly convinced that he's the answer to the Bears' backup woes - his throws seemed more accurate than Hanie's, but still kind of wobbly. At least he was a little better in putting the ball where his receivers could reach them. Through this three-game trial, he's 35-55 for 414 yards and 2 TDs (the majority of that action in two starts), but his 4 INTs are still somewhat alarming and leads to a QB rating of 68.3. I'm not quite sold on him, but he could be an interesting backup piece if offered a camp spot next season.
I think for now we're going to go with "Slow down" on the Kahlil Bell love. 3.2 YPC is not the stuff of starting running backs, especially coupled with the three fumbles Bell's had the last two weeks. He's a homeless man's Forte, but that just won't get it done on a consistent basis.
As far as the receiving options go, there was hardly any time in the game where a receiver had a clear spot to get to a ball - Bears' receivers either had someone on top of them or ready to hit them as soon as they came to the ball. If Sam Hurd's old spot opens up again, there needs to be a consistent difference maker installed in the corps.

The Bears allowed seven sacks. It almost felt like J'Marcus Webb allowed all seven - Jared Allen abused him like a rag doll in every way possible and then some. I just don't see how Webb can be a favorite to start at left tackle next year - in the NFL, the left tackle is expected to handle an end one-on-one. Webb required two tight ends on his side to help against Allen, and that was after Allen picked up his three and a half sacks. I think he can be a decent swing tackle, but I can't imagine him starting next season.
So Tim Jennings finally caught an almost-interception. 'Bout time.
Speaking of interceptions, nice to see DJ Moore closing games out with interceptions like he did early in the year.
Am I crazy to say Israel Idonije had the best game on the line, and not Peppers? I'm just hard pressed to think of anything defensively Peppers did in the game, not counting the blocked FG. Oh wait, there was that time he almost had Joe Webb wrapped up and Webb eluded him far too easily, then completed a lengthy pass.
The defensive tackles really need to show up better, though. All four that recorded a tackle only picked up 6 total tackles combined, and no tackles for loss.
Regarding the Urlacher injury, I don't blame Major Wright. They both were going for the ball and the two came down awkwardly - it's a freak occurrence that just doesn't happen often.
In between the last four bullets, Jared Allen just got around J'Marcus Webb again.
Joe Webb is an elusive little quarterback. Not a franchise guy by any means, but he can keep plays alive and seems to work best when plays break down and a receiver comes to him. Were he on my team, I might enjoy watching him a little more. As is, it's annoying to watch him avoid pass rushers.
Don't look at Devin Aromashodu's 3-for-53 day without looking at A) him being tied with two others on the team with three catches, B) Percy Harvin's ten-catch day, and C) his three catches compared to eleven targets. He is who the Bears let go.
Gasp. The Bears got off the field on third down. On defense.
Both teams had three turnovers. The difference is the Bears took advantage of the one Charles Tillman took to the end zone.
The Bears weren't penalized until the third quarter, and only four times for 20 yards. Express shock and awe.
One of the Vikings penalties was on a defensive lineman playing gunner on special teams making a block as Hester called for the fair catch. He didn't see it and kept playing.
Speaking of Hester, he had a miserable game both receiving (dropping a pass) and returning (stopped at the 2, negated by a penalty). I know Hester's a fantastic returner when he's on... but sometimes I'll admit I would not be against having a player who's decent at returns but also contributes offensively like a Desean Jackson or Percy Harvin. Love his instincts, but he just doesn't have enough technique to get by and learn on the fly in the NFL.

That's what I've got. What's on your minds this Monday morning?

Tweet Comment 22 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

We agree on a great deal here...

I think McCown may not be the answer, but he did earn a try-out for next season as a back-up. He doesn’t need to BE Cutler, just hold the fort down when Cutler is out. He showed he can operate the offense and many of the INTs were not poor decisions as much as bad plays by the WR or just the inconsistency that comes along with not having been on the team all season.
The WR corps is just awful. REW showed up, but he’s not going to ever be more than depth at WR even on this Bears team. The Bears can probably keep Hester in a limited role and Knox (assuming he plays again) is a nice speed guy at the #4/#3 spot. I still think Bennett is a true keeper at #2 IMO, the Bears need 2 genuine stars catching passes, be they 2 WRs or a WR and TE.
While I’d like to see Forte get paid, I believe he will get the franchise tag next season, and from a purely business perspective, that’s probably the best move the Bears can make. Forte has been out/playing hurt in 2 seasons so far and concerns about his durability have to be considered. A good tandem back, a la Barber, will be necessary and K Bell is a #3 RB and not much more.
The D-line, IMO is just not very good as a unit. They seem to have far too much difficulty getting to the QB. Watching the Giants last night, I saw how a good Cover-2 defense works. The Bears need to take notes. C Davis looks like what Wootten should by now, but the Bears still need a better answer at NT, DE and 3-tech, IMO. The current starters should really be rotation guys short of Peppers.
I’m OK with Jennings as the first guy off the bench at CB, but the Bears need a better guy to pair with Tillman. DJ Moore and Graham are a good tandem at Nickel, I hope they are both kept. Graham especially for his ST and his ability to play some CB in emergency situations.
J Webb is, on his best day, a swing tackle. The Bears need to get a true LT to play that position. I’d like to see Spencer move to C and Garza be the depth at C/G. CW, Louis and EW can compete for the G positions, but I’d still like to see the Bears get a kid in the late rounds of the draft to compete at interior line. The Bears IMO, need to draft another tackle and get a FA to fill that hole.
For all the attempts, I still think the Bears need a better SS than Wright. Perhaps he improves, but he’s just not what I expected from him. Conte seems to have a better future, but I’m not completely sold on him either. If he improves, he’ll bee a solid FS, otherwise, he’s just a good guy off the bench.
Lastly, The Bears desperately need to find a SLB. Roach is horrible and the depth at LB is non-existent.
At bare minimum, the Bears need to fire JA/Ted Phillips/Tim Ruskell and send Martz away. I’d personally like to see Lovie go as well, but a new OC and GM will be vital to the near term success, if the Bears hope to be more than mediocre. A new DC might help, but since that’s Lovie’s realm, I suspect Marinelli will remain at DC. This team might be able to turn the corner, but it will take some serious improvement for the Bears to be more than also-rans in the next few years.

There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!

by LostInSTL on Jan 2, 2012 8:47 AM CST reply actions

For all the "They (the D-L) are a great unit on paper" love and the (below average) sack numbers...

… they really disappeared far too often for my liking.

But we have far too many other needs to sink yet another high draft pick into a lineman (almost every year for the last six years… 3rd rounder in 2006, 2nd in 2007, 3rd, 3rd/4th, 4th, 2nd in 2011).

But the line needs to be effective for the defense to work.

… It makes my brain hurt.

Weekend contributor and official editorial lackey/waitstaff at Windy City Gridiron
If a people-avoiding gaming hermit is on Twitter, I should be too. Follow me!

by Steven Schweickert on Jan 2, 2012 9:11 AM CST up reply actions

Ah super pessimistic guy

We meet again lol. But, I too would like to see a new person take over as the GM, so no argument there.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 9:43 AM CST up reply actions

At various points this offseason, we really need to do a true "Point/Counterpoint" with you two.

It’ll be like “Spy vs. Spy” only with less explosions and more comedy.

Weekend contributor and official editorial lackey/waitstaff at Windy City Gridiron
If a people-avoiding gaming hermit is on Twitter, I should be too. Follow me!

by Steven Schweickert on Jan 2, 2012 9:47 AM CST up reply actions

Lol I bet!

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 10:52 AM CST up reply actions

You want us to agrue on purpose?...

That sounds like a dream come true! I’m all in!

There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!

by LostInSTL on Jan 2, 2012 11:54 AM CST up reply actions

BRING IT!!!

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 1:37 PM CST up reply actions

BEAR NEEDS

AGREE WITH EVERYTHING FROM BOTH OF YOU!! THE IDIOT ANGELO HAS TO GO!! BEARS SERIOUSLY NEED LT, CANNOT BE FOUND IN LATE ROUND OF DRAFT! NO FA LT’S THIS YEAR, MAINLY GUARDS, SO LT MUST COME FROM DRAFT! NEED WR’S THESE CAN COME VIA FA,AT LEAST TWO, FA CAN ALSO YIELD DL HELP, DRAFT FOR CB, LB AND SAFETY!

by eliseo on Jan 2, 2012 9:14 AM CST reply actions

Eliseo NEEDS

…to learn how to deactivate CAPS lock. Or if it was intentional, try taking a valium to calm down a bit.

Find out what the other team wants to do. Then take it away from them.
-George Halas

by NormalFan on Jan 2, 2012 11:39 AM CST up reply actions

Bell and McCown

Agree regarding KBell. If he is your third RB, I guess that would be okay, but he is nothing special. He plays hard but he plays loose with the ball. He should not be the primary backup to Forte.

McCown OTOH, does have the look of a solid backup to Cutler. If he is the team’s #2 next season, that would be fine, but if there is another possibility out there, sure bring him in and take a look. The team cannot afford to not have someone who can step in and at least give them journeyman work at QB. Hanie should not be in a Bears’ uniform next season, he’s done. Enderle? I am not there is anything there.

I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren

by lookingdeadred on Jan 2, 2012 9:34 AM CST reply actions

I'm still going to be patient with Enderle

Give him a full offseason to work out with the offense, and he could become a good back-up someday. He showed some good things during the last preseason, just leave him be to develop.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 9:41 AM CST up reply actions

hanie showed some good things in preseason, too

usually against guys who are going to be cut. Enderle does not have the requisite skills.

I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren

by lookingdeadred on Jan 2, 2012 11:01 AM CST up reply actions

With Josh McCown, this is what I see

He was basically thrown into the fire and was coaching high school football prior to signing up as the back-up. His numbers weren’t all that great, but I would give him a C considering the circumstance of the worn out bandaid known world wide as the starting O-Line of the Chicago Bears, a receiving corps led by Roy Williams, and having very little time to regain a grasp on this offense.

He has definitely earned his chance to be the #2 QB with the Bears next season.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 9:38 AM CST reply actions

I hate to say it, but did the Bears screw up by winning?

How many teams finished 8-8? 6 or 7 I think. We would have got a much better draft position at 7-9, but not near as much pride and maybe someones job would have been at stake.

"And furthermore, I think Carthage must be destroyed."

by TheotherDane on Jan 2, 2012 9:49 AM CST reply actions

Draft order determined

7 teams finished 8-8 and the Bears at at the bottom of that list in draft order. We pick 19th.

http://blogs.nfl.com/2012/01/02/2012-nfl-draft-order-pick-nos-1-to-20/?module=HP11_content_stream

"And furthermore, I think Carthage must be destroyed."

by TheotherDane on Jan 2, 2012 10:02 AM CST up reply actions

could have had the 11th or 12th pick...13th at worst

WCG's Resident Nickelback and Boy Band fan

Also rated Worst WCG Blogger by Dr. Steven Schweickert's extensive "Total BR" (Blogger Rating)

"Oh Dilfer, give me the strength...
to be as bad a WCG Contributor as you are an announcer/authority on anything. Peace be with you. " (JoetheBoss)

by ThorCo on Jan 2, 2012 10:09 AM CST up reply actions

Forget draft position

It would be a total slap to the faces of all the vets that worked hard this season. We would be talking about the upcoming playoff game against the Giants if this team didn’t get devastated by the injury bug. Considering this is a playoff contending team that winds up picking ahead of the rest of the playoff teams in the NFL, I wouldn’t be complaining at all with the 19th overall selection.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 10:56 AM CST up reply actions

Yes, IMO

----------
I on the other hand am a fully rounded human being with a degree from the University of Life, a diploma from the School of Hard Knocks, and three gold stars from the Kindergarten of Getting the Shit Kicked out of Me.

by SaintCee on Jan 2, 2012 10:31 AM CST reply actions

reply fail :(

by SaintCee on Jan 2, 2012 10:32 AM CST up reply actions

I'm not sure what's expected by fans of a backup QB

Yesterday’s performance and the game McCown had the week before are both more than enough for me to crown the guy backup QB. I’m not sure there should be any question that he’s a capable backup. You don’t need a guy who can light things up holding a clipboard. If he’s capable of being a winning, above average QB, he’s not going to want to sit on the bench for 16 games a season. You also don’t plan on having him play. McCown is a-OK as a backup in my mind, going forward. And there’s more than just the 2 games that makes me confident in him. There’s a reason the Bears passed by other options and picked this guy up. We don’t know exactly why, but there’s something they liked in him that led to all this happening. I’d rather go with the guy that proved he could play with THIS unit, THIS coaching staff, and even managed to win a game with a team that had just lost 5 straight, than some other guy we pick up and have no clue what to expect.

Regarding Bell, I’m not down on him after this last game. Vikings have a good front 7, backs have bad days. Just take a glance at some of Forte’s games, this season even. All RBs have bad days. Though I’ve become a big fan of Bell and probably have a higher opinion of him than the average fan, much like with McCown I don’t have very high expectations. I could see Bell easily putting up 1200 yards a season if he were a starter and remained healthy, but there’s no way he’s at the elite level, or even the “very good” level. He’s simply an aptly capable, good runner with his share of weaknesses, but more than enough positives to make him a great #2RB option.

by dm1982 on Jan 2, 2012 1:26 PM CST reply actions

You don't have very high expectations of Bell?

1200 yards? great #2 option? Sounds like inflated expectations.

I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren

by lookingdeadred on Jan 2, 2012 2:15 PM CST up reply actions

I have to say,

I just looked at the 2012 draft order and with that win in a game that meant nothing…other than us beating the Viqueens who I do hate…we seemed to have dropped at least six spots in the draft. How do we manage to get the short end of the stick every time? Nice win boys..damn it man!!

What did one tampon say to the other..nothing, they were both stuck up cunts..lmao!!

by monsterman34 on Jan 2, 2012 11:16 PM CST reply actions