Chicago Bears Blogs

Alright Bear fans, your long wait is over. After turnover on the coaching staff (which is not yet completed), Ted Philips has finished his search for the fifth GM of the Chicago Bears. His name? Phil Emery. Excited yet?

Continue reading "Bears select Phil Emery to be next ..."

Well that didn’t take very long. After all of three days, Lovie Smith has found his next offensive coordinator. The big-time hire? Mike “Boat Show” Tice. (I would have also accepted “Ticket Scalper.” I hinted at Tice’s eventual hiring on Tuesday when I addressed the firing of Jerry Angelo and Mike Martz, but I suppose I should break down this “hire,” yes?

Continue reading "Bears promote Tice to OC: Right call?"

Woof. The news broke quickly today from Halas Hall as the Chicago Bears started their offseason with a major shake-up near the top of the organization with the removal of Jerry Angelo and the “resignation” of Mike Martz. No time to waste in breaking these moves down!

Continue reading "Wha??? Bears move on without Jerry ..."

I’m not going to spend this Gameday Recap pontificating about what could have been this Bears season. That’s for later. In today’s contest, the Bears held onto the win over the struggling Vikings to get to 8-8 on the year.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011-12 Gameday Recap: Bears 17, Vikings 13"

Let’s get this over with.

(7-8) Chicago Bears at

Continue reading "Joe's 2011-12 Gameday Preview: Bears at Vikings"

It was closer than it should have been for longer than it should have been, but it ended just as it should have as the Bears lost in Green Bay and ended their hopes for a playoff berth in fitting fashion. Josh McCown mounted a valiant effort, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Aaron Rodgers’ five touchdowns.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Recap: Packers 35, Bears 21"

Five straight defeats have put the Chicago Bears (7-8) out of the playoffs.  The Bears lost to Green Bay 35-21 with a makeshift offense that gained 441 yards, and an improved passing game due to Josh McCown, the backup QB, who played well in defeat.  McCown, showed poise, and a pretty good arm, as he battled with the Bears to a 14-10 half-time score.  Then in the 3rd quarter, Green Bay's vaunted offense went to work and Aaron Rodgers threw for 5 TD passes in the game.  It wasn't that the Bears were so bad.  It was that Green Bay was so good.  The Bears huffed and puffed to stay close to Green Bay.  Then the Pack went into overdrive and before you knew it, the score was 28-10 and game over.

Continue reading "Early Hibernation for Bears"

Merry Christmas! Did you get everything you wanted this morning? Was Santa kind to you? Well you better hold onto that feeling, because it’s about to get ripped away from you on Sunday Night Football as the “somehow still in the playoff hunt” Chicago Bears head to Green Bay to take on the rival Packers. Yikes. Break out the eggnog as you read this preview… it’ll ease your mood going into the game.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Bears at Packers"

I'd like to see the Chicago Bears give the Green Bay Packers a game tonight.  I don't know if that is going to happen.

There are too many vulnerable spots for Chicago.  One Josh McCown, is making his first start as a Bear at QB.  Two, Kahlil Bell is making a start and he is practically a rookie.  I think what may keep Chicago in the game is that these two teams are arch-rivals.  The Bears will be fired up.  I hope they will surprise some people tonight.  I think Chicago will play The Pack tough to start, but Green Bay's talent will eventually wear the Bears out. It could be 31-10. 

Continue reading "Give Us a Game"

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.  The Bears certainly miss the injured Jay Cutler who is probably out for the remaining two games this season.  The Bears are in the midst of a 4 game slide that could go to 6 to end what was a promising season.  QB Cutler did a lot to to make it promising.  After a slow start, he found his groove and hit receivers open or not.  He threw with greater confidence.  His touchdown pass to Johnny Knox in the corner of the end zone in the San Diego win was a thing of beauty.  He flipped the ball which sailed into Knox, about 35 yards away.  Jay Cutler has a great arm and NFL players and coaches know it. 

Continue reading "Cutler Is That Good"

If you really want to get upset with anyone is the Bears organization, look at the coach and GM.  Coach Smith needs to be more flexible in using his personnel.  The backup for Jay Cutler has been a bust.  "Disappointment" is the PC word that Smith used to desribe the QB play.  Behind closed doors, they are already thinking about next season and giving Nathan Edlerle a shot.  Haning throwing 9 interceptions in 4 games is too much.  And, at least two for for TD's.  If you give 14-21 points to the opposing team and can't score you run a deficit.  It's like the Bears are in debt in the QB slot.  And, they need a healthy Cutler to re-balance the ratio of Td's/INT's.

Continue reading "Get Better Back-Ups"

I’m sorry you had to sit through that Bear fans, but you can rest assured the 2011 season is over for the Monsters of the Midway. Their loss to the Seattle Seahawks may only drop them to a 7-7 record, but their unmistakably terrible quarterback play has clearly taken them out of the playoff picture. The offseason isn’t here yet though, so the Gameday Recaps continue!

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Recap: Seahawks 38, Bears 14"

The Chicago Bears have allowed the Seattle Seahawks take a commanding 24-14 lead late in 3rd quarter at Soldier Field.

The Bears are about to be buried for this season.  No Cutlers, No Forte, No Wright, No Johnny Knox, who left the game in an ambulance and was taken to a local hospital.  Unfortunately, Caleb Hanie, who looked so good against the Packers in the NFC game and looked mediocre at best, and simply not-ready-for-prime-time.  He lacks the skills that Cutler has.

Continue reading "Kiss This Season Goobye"

Losers of three straight, the Chicago Bears are trying to get back on the winning horse this afternoon against the rising Seattle Seahawks. Can you believe these two teams are actually still in the playoff hunt? They both need a lot of help to get there, but this game is too significant for either team to lose. Drop one more game… and you likely won’t see January.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Seahawks at Bears"

After a scoreless first half, I bet fans were just aching for this game to end in regulation. For Bronco fans, it was setting up perfectly for another installment of “Tebow Time.” Fortunately, the Bears had other ideas, forcing two turnovers from Timmy Teebs and shutting the Broncos down.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Recap: Broncos 13, Bears 10"

Honestly, you had to see this game to believe it.  The Bears radio announcer sounded like a relative had died, when announcing this one.  You have to laugh, at the stupidity of the Bears schemes, and the execution of plays in the final closing minutes of the 4th quarter and in OT, to let The Tebow mysitque grow.  I thought the Bears would win this game, but when they had Hanie hand off for 8 consecutive plays in their last two possessions, I knew this team was in trouble.

Continue reading "Bears Squander Lead, Fall in OT, 13-10."

Continue reading "Tebow On the Run"

With two straight losses with Caleb Hanie at the helm, the Chicago Bears find themselves in an unenviable position on Sunday, traveling to Denver to meet the best (and most run into the ground) story in the NFL: Tim Tebow. After taking over the reins for John Fox’s offense, the Broncos are 6-1 and lead the AFC West after starting the year 1-4. Will there be more magic in Denver or can Urlacher and the Bears keep Timmy in check? It’s time to break this one down!

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Bears at Broncos"

I'm getting worked up here, waiting for this darn Bear-Broncos game.  I don't know.  The Bears practically had a playoff berth wrapped up and then two injuries to Jay Cutler and Matt Forte have derailed the Bears run to post-seasn.  But, its not over till it's over.  I'd like to see The Bears surprise the experts and pickers and the League, and pull off the upset.  Can you imagine, beating Tim Tebow an upset?  Here is a guy who several weeks ago, completed 2 or 3 passes in a game, and the Broncos still won.  Now, if the Bears D is worth anything, if Urlacher and Co. have a pulse, they willl kick some serious butt, I don't care what the altitude is.  Urlacher and Hanie played in the Rockies, or the Mountain time zone, (I don't care if there are Mountains out there).  They were close to the Mountains.  Christmas wish: let Hanie make some plays.  Smart plays.

Continue reading "Win One For Larry Morris"

Just read a blog saying that Lance Briggs would be "freakin" pissed" if the Bears lost the Denver and Tebow-mania.

I don't know if that is so smart to give Broncos any quotes or fodder now.  After all, the Bears have to fly in and play way over sea level, as in Rocky Mountain high.  In Chicago, the land is flat as a pancake.  This is going to be a big climate change.  Like going to 3 time zones.  So, keep the lips buttoned down and take the anger out on the field.  It is time to put up or shut up.  The NFL can be about playing through adversity.  This is an adverse situation.  You have to play through it.  The question is how can the Bears be competitive without Cutler or Forte on offense?  I'll say this, good teams find ways to win.  Let's see if the Bears are a good team.

Continue reading "Just Hit Hard and Play"

There was a time when John Elway, the great QB for the Denver Broncos could make a Bears fan feel anxious about coming into Denver.  Now, a rather wild hot streak with Tim Tebow calling the signals, has Denver tied atop the AFC West, and in playoff consideration.  Just a few weeks ago, the Bears were sitting pretty after a win that got them to 7-3 for the year.  But a broken thumb to QB Jay Cutler and a sprained knee to starting back Matt Forte, has sidelined both players, Cutler most likely out for the season. 

Continue reading "Bears vs. Denver and Tebow"

Boy, it's come to this.  Brett Favre would be willing to listen to an offer from the Bears.  What is this football world coming to?

I say let Hanie sink or swm.  He lead a good drive that Roy Williams snuffed out when he didn't hold onto the ball, which was then intecepted at the 1 yard line.  That wasn't Hanie's fault.  People are reporting that he threw 3 interceptions.  He gets the blame for a receiver's miscue. He threw 2 ill-timed passes.  I say give Hanie a shot vs. Denver.  If he doesn't have a good game, then sign someone else.  But, don't look to Favre to save the Bears.  He's a Bears killer.  I don't think it is a good idea.  If Johnny Unitas were in Favre's situation, I'd say, take a look.  He used to kill the Bears too.  That guy could thorw the ball.  Favre could easlily throw two intercepts in a Lance Briggs moment.

Continue reading "Don't Sign Favre, Jerry"

The Chicago Bears lost a game and perhaps their start running back, Matt Forte, to a knee injury that took him out most of the game.  Caleb Hanie, had a good drive going, late in the game, and Roy Williams couldn't control the ball at the goalline, where a Chief's defender caught it before the ball hit the ground.  Heck, the Chiefs scored a TD on a desperate hail-mary pass that went through Brian Urlacher's hands before the first half-ended. 

Continue reading "Bad Loss To Chiefs, 10-3, Forte Hurt"

Well it was a team effort today. It took all the Bears collectively failing in order to lose this in the fashion they did to Tyler Palko. The blame starts with the offensive play-calling, then shifts to the crappy play Caleb Hanie, veers towards horrible injuries and finishes with a pathetic showing from the offensive line. As much as you don’t need to be reminded, here’s the analysis of today’s clusterf*ck.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Recap: Chiefs 10, Bears 3"

With their fourth loss in the rearview mirror, the Caleb Hanie-led Chicago Bears welcome the deceptively decent Kansas City Chiefs to Soldier Field. Oh yeah, and Kyle Orton might show up sometime today as well. Casual NFL fans may look at this game as an easy win, but it could be very, very ugly. My breakdown illustrates why.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Chiefs at Bears"

Ndamokung Suh will miss two football games for his over the top roughness on defense for the Lions.  His appeal was denied by Art Shell, former NFL great.  Suh was plain dirty and finally got called on the carpet.  I saw him during the recent Bears-Lions game and he gave a late shot to Cutler.  The announcers at the tiime were soft on him, saying, "he has a reputation"  and his play may punctuate that.  The reason he has a "reputation" is he has been a chronic borderline offender who never got caught.  Well, two games later, he did.  It took a point blank unsportsmanlike penalty like stomping on a player fallen on the field to move the League to do something. 

Continue reading "Suh Deserves Suspension"

It starts now.  If the season ended today, the Bears would be a Wild Card and get into the playoffs.  Now, inorder for that hold up, the Bears need to win 3 games.  I think they can.  I see Hanie improving.  If he doesn't, he's out.  But their defense and special teams are very good.  I think they will squeeze in and make it.  What they will do once they get there is open to debate and it's too early to tell. 

Continue reading "Bear Playoff Push"

The score of this game 25-20, is misleading.  The Bears were down 25-13 when they scored their last TD.  It is hard to imagine a player who hasn't played in a game all season, to come out and play well.  Caleb Hanie had the jitters early on in the game, and eventually settled down and led the team.  He threw three interceptions and two TD's.  The INT's defintely hurt the Bears.  One was nearly returned for a TD.  I think next week he will look better.  And, in two weeks, you will see noticeable improvement.  It's just that Hanie is learning his new role as the Bears try to clinch a playoff berth.  Yeah, it's learning On The Job.

Continue reading "Bears Fall To Raiders, 25-20"

As I assumed, today’s loss to the Raiders was a slow, painful death. Chicago hung around after several costly turnovers, but couldn’t mount the offense to overcome Sebastian Janikowski’s six field goals and a late touchdown from Michael Bush, halting their five game win streak. As much as I’d prefer not to, let’s get to the breakdown.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Recap: Raiders 25, Bears 20"

It had to come sometime. After a week of waiting, we finally have to watch what the Bears 2011 regular season looks like without Jay Cutler. Chicago travels to the Black Hole today, taking on the Raiders in a hostile environment, led by fourth year back-up Caleb Hanie.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Bears at Raiders"

Ok Jay Cutler is out.  He is injured.  We may not see him back this season.  But all is not lost.  Hanie should get us in a spot where the team should go 3-3 down the stretch.  That means the defense has to step it up.  Julius Peppers, fly guy.

Continue reading "Bears' Fans Need to Chill Out"

After a few days of attempting to drown myself in a (surprisingly deep) pool of my own tears, I figured it was time to comment on the impending thumb surgery of Jay Cutler and what it means for the Bears in 2011.

Continue reading "Picking up the pieces: Where do the ..."

The intrigue around Jay Cutler's broken thumb keeps building.  Kyle Orton, the ex-Bear QB was released by the Denver Broncos today and it was felt that Orton pushed to be released once it became apparent that Cutler would be out.  Now, the questions arise:  Will the Bears pick him up?  If they do, will he start or back-up Hanie?  Is Orton a good fit for the current Bears offense?  It would appear that Hanie doesn't have the arm that Orton has, but he has improvisational ability to move the pocket, much like Cutler did.  This would be more in liine with parts of the Martz offensive scheme.  If Hanie moves around, that gives time for the Bears receivers to get open.  Kyle Orton is a more conventional pocket QB.  This would put additional pressure on the patched quilt line up front.  Guys have been injured at the rate of a toll both off the Dan Ryan.

Continue reading "Orton to Chicago?"

Jay Cutler's out with a broken thumb.  And, backup QB Caleb Hanie is in as starter.  Cutler, with protection, showed how good he is.  What an arm!  His throw to Knox in the corner of the end-zone was a great throw, something Bears fans haven't seen in a long time.  Let's hope the injury isn't as serious as speculated. 

Continue reading "Cutler's Injury"

Bears lose Jay Cutler due to a broken right thumb.  Boy, this is bad news for the Bears who are among the hoittest teams in the league.  Things were going so right for this team.  The line was giving protection to a QB who showed he has a great arm.  He was quieting his critics with his athletic play.  Now, he may be out for the season.  Who steps up?  Caleb Hanie, the QB who almost pulled off an amazing comeback vs. the Packers in the NFL title game.

Continue reading "Hanie Gets the Call"

Tied at 3-3 midway through the second quarter, this game tried to disguise itself as a defensive struggle as the Bears stumbled over themselves on several drives. But then the scoring came in bunches as the Chicago Bears held off the San Diego Chargers on Sunday afternoon, increasing their winning streak to five games despite numerous comeback attempts.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Recap: Bears 31, Chargers 20"

The Chicago Bears did enough things well to win their matchup against the Chargers, 31-20.  They made enough big plays in the second half to come through against a stalwart effort by San Diego.  The Bears forced 3 turnovers, 1 forced fumble and two interceptions, and Jay Cutler threw for 2 TD's.  Perhaps most importantly, the Bears held the ball for 14+ minutes in the fourth quarter to take the ball out of QB Philip Rivers hands.  When he did have it, and threw for two interceptions, one in the end zone. 

Continue reading "Bears Hold off San Diego, 31-20."

Riding high with four straight wins, the Chicago Bears welcome in the San Diego Chargers, who are sweeping the floors of the AFC West thanks to four straight losses. Can the Bears force more Philip Rivers turnovers in front of their home crowd today? Or will the Chargers begin their annual late-season winning streak? It’s time for another Gameday Preview!

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Chargers at Bears"

The Bears play San Diego and face Philip Rivers and the high-octane offense of the Chargers on Sunday. Rivers has thrown for 700+ more yards than Cutler.  It is safe to say, the Chargers don't have a RB like Matt Forte.  The downside, if there is one, coming from the Bears rollicking win over the Lions last week is, that the offense wasn't that effective in the second half.  Cutler moved the ball well to bring Gould within FG range, and handed off to Forte who scored the Bears lone TD on offense early on in the game.  He hit Roy Williams and Earl Bennett with nice throws.  Bennett seems to be Cutler's favorite target these days.  Johnny Knox also made a nice catch for a first down.  Hester scored to make it 20-0 and the game was essentially over.  Even Chicago couldn't blow that big a lead.

Continue reading "Bears Face Chargers in AFC-NFC Matchup"

I watched the game on a silent TV in a sports Bar in NYC. where everyone was glued to the NY Giants-SF 49'ers game.  I saw the Bears fans go crazy at Soldier Field and I cheered along with Wright and Tillman intercepted those passes for TD's.  The second one at first I thought was a replay of the Wright's score.  But I quickly realized it was live and it was great to see Tillman run to the end zone.  Missed Hester's TD.  Saw the replay and felt awe.  It was like watching Gayle Sayers all over again.  He was the greatest runner I ever saw in person.  Totally electrifying.  No disrepect to Walter Payton at all.  He's 1B.  He was fantastic too, but had a different style.

Continue reading "More thoughts on the Bears"

Well that was easy. The Chicago Bears wasted no time it laying the wood to the Detroit Lions, paying them back for the Monday night loss earlier in the season and notching their fourth win in a row. The Lions were sloppy with the ball on offense and committed costly penalties of which the Bears were more than happy to take advantage. It was a defensive demolishing from Lovie Smith’s crew, who went to man coverage and shut the Lions down.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Recap: Bears 37, Lions 13"

The Chicago Bears won their 4th straight game and saw Devin Hester return a punt 82 yards for a TD, and the defense pick off two Matthew Stafford passes for touchdowns, en route to a convincing Bears win.  The game was marred by a fight that broke out near the Lion sidelines when a D.J. Moore hit Matthew Stafford.  Afterwards there was a melee which was broken up by officials.  But lines will be levied.

Continue reading "Bears Smash Lions, 37-13"

Time for revenge! Following their ugly Monday night loss to the Lions in week five, the Bears have won three in a row and are nipping at the heels of Detroit in the NFC North standings. If the Bears win they’ll be tied with Detroit for second in the NFC North and in prime position for the first Wildcard slot come playoff time. Let’s break down this incredibly important contest.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Lions at Bears"

The Chicago Bears (5-3) climbed back into the discussion of wild-card entry with their plucky win over the Philadelphia Eagles on MNF.  Now, the Bears, who are hot, need to beat Detriot at home this Sunday.  The Bears need another solid effort.  Getting a win in the NFL is hard and when it comes, so satisfying.  But the Bears need not rest on their laurels.  They can't afford to. 

Continue reading "Bears Face Lions 2nd Time"

Is everyone settled down now? Anyone still riled up? I have to say, there was almost no breathing during that final two minutes, but I’m relaxed enough to run you through how the Bears picked up their fifth win in eight games, dropping the Eagles on their home turf.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Recap: Bears 30, Eagles 24"

I am surprised as the next long-time Chicago Bears fan.  The fans who froze at Wrigley Field and sipped thermos filled with something more than hot cocoa.  By golly, the Bears pulled one out at a time when I thought they would go in the tank.  They made plays when they had to make plays.  The Bears had more gas and put Michael Vick off his game, and throttled down an explosive attack.  Jay Cutler, when he has time, looks like an All-Pro.  He may never be, but this guy plays to win.  You can sit on his face and hear it in his voice.

Continue reading "Bears Get It Done, Beat Eagles 30-24."

The Chicago Bears started out well against the Eagles.  They took a 10-0 lead that seemed precarious, and promptly allowed the Eagles to tie the game.  Then the Bears scored after forcing a turnover deep in Eagles territory.

Continue reading "Bears Down 7 to Eagles in 3rd Q."

After resting on their collective butts during a much-needed bye week, the Chicago Bears head out to the City of Brotherly Love to take on Michael Vick and the surging Philadelphia Eagles. Can Lovie Smith’s defense repeat last year’s impressive performance against Vick and take their winning streak to a whopping three games? Let’s break this one down.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Bears at Eagles"

The Chicago Bears are coming off the bye week with a Monday Night game vs. Philadelphia on their turf in a key NFC matchup.  If the Bears have any hope of a Wild Card spot, they must win this game.  The Bears need to play sharp for the entire game without costly penalties or turnovers.  They need to corral Michael Vick and keep him under control.  If he explodes, the game is over.

Continue reading "Bears Play Eagles on MNF"

There is something in the Bears' DNA that does not allow them to pay a quality player like Matt Forte.  This has gone on since George Halas owned the team.  He was tight with the bucks.  Now, years later, nothing of significance has changed.

Continue reading "Forte's Frustration"

The Chicago Bears need a wide receiver.  Roy Williams is slowly finding his groove with the team.  He made some catches last week and against the Vikings. 

Bernard Berrian was released by the Vikings.  I called for the Bears to take him in recent years but Berrian may be passed over.  His production with Minny was down from his first year where he grabbed 7 TD's and gained almost 1000 yards.  This season he has caught 7 passes for 91 yards.  Heck, Dane Sanzenbacher, the rookie from Ohio State has caught 3 TD's for Da Bears, and he was undrafted.

Continue reading "Is Roy Williams "The" man?"

The Bears flew to London, England and faced Tampa Bay in the 5th annual NFL game played in Wembley Stadium, the venue noted for big soccer games.  In England, soccer is called football.  American football is somewhat a new game,

Continue reading "Bears Beats Bucs 24-18 in London"

Were you sweating after that one? I’m pretty sure I stopped breathing for that last two minutes. It grew more uncomfortable than it needed to be, but the Bears pulled out a win on London Sunday afternoon, getting out early on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and hanging onto that lead for dear life. It took a helluva effort from Matt Forte and actual catches from Roy Williams, but Chicago got on the board early and played enough defense to keep the Bucs from completing the comeback late.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Recap: Bears 24, Buccaneers 18"

This week the Bears hop across the pond to visit London’s Wembley Stadium in the NFL’s annual UK event. Taking on the NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Bears are still playing catch-up in their own division, but this game is a key component of determining their place in the NFC. Let’s analyze this shiz yo!

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Bears at Buccaneers"

On a night where the Bears had everything to lose, they stood together as a team and mercilessly pummeled the Vikings on their way to their third win of the season. Chicago’s front four battered the hapless Donovan McNabb while Cutler and the offense played keep-away and Devin Hester continued to lay claim to his “Greatest Return Man of All Time” status.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Recap: Bears 39, Vikings 10"

The Chicago Bears are making it look so easy in building an early 16-0 lead against the Vikes at Soldier Field.

Matt Forte is chewing up yards, and Jay Cutler is throwing strikes, to Devin Hester for a TD and to Roy Williams for 2 first downs.  The defense forced a safety on the Vikes.  Oh, if every opening 12 minutes went this way.

Continue reading "Bears Take 16-0 lead vs. Vikes"

After their embarrassing, penalty-plagued Monday nighter, the Chicago Bears are in primetime in a divisional match-up for the second straight week, this time taking the Sunday Night Football stage against Minnesota. At risk of falling in last place in the NFC North, the Bears can’t afford to lose.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Vikings at Bears"

or the Detroit Lions it was a festival, a celebration, bring on the MARDI gRAS...Lions Fans were psyched to be in the line

f fire, as Bears went dwon to defeat, 23-14.  Bears had too many false starts, 9 in fact.  But this was a tough loss.

Continue reading "Bears Fall to 2-3 with Loss To Detroit"

I… uh… um…

I have NO idea what that was. To be honest, I’m surprised the NFL didn’t just black-out the game after the first quarter, but they let it continue, ending with the Lions ascension to 5-0 on the year. The Bears drop to 2-3 after a horrible showing at Ford Field. I’m hesitant to get started, but let’s get to the breakdown.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Recap: Lions 24, Bears 13"

After years of nearly inexplicable suckage, the Detroit Lions are on the verge of starting 5-0. In their way, Lovie Smith’s Chicago Bears, who are fighting to get back into the division hunt. Inconsistency has been the term du jour when describing these Bears, who finally got their running game going in week four… but managed to give up over 500 yards of offense to the Panthers. Can they put it all together tonight? Let’s break down the match-ups in this latest Gameday Preview.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday 2011 Preview: Bears at Lions"

The Chicago Bears did a lot of things right this past Sunday and got by the Cam Newton led Panthers 34-29 at a celebratory Soldier Field.  Devin Hester returned a punt for a touchdown, broke off a 74 return on a kickoff and is the only Bear that approximates the great Gayle Sayers.  The Bears scored a TD on an interception.  And, Matt Forte ran a career best 205 yards after gaining two yards last week.  Forte still has it. The Bears need to open lanes for him just like today, and then he can scoot up the field. He is versatile and fast, and is a threat to break a long gain.

Continue reading "Bears Win A Wild One, 34-29 vs. Panthers"

Well it was way too close for comfort, but I’ll take it. The Chicago Bears got help in the form of Devin Hester and D.J. Moore touchdowns to beat the Carolina Panthers 34-29 Sunday afternoon.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Recap: Bears 34, Panthers 29"

This week Chicago welcomes in former player and defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, who now coaches for the Carolina Panthers. Rivera brings with him number one overall pick Cam Newton, who has taken the league by storm. (Sorta.) Let’s see if the Bears have what it takes to put the Panthers down.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Panthers at Bears"

The Chicago Bears lost to the Green Bay Packers 27-17 at home today.  The offense sputtered.  The rushing game was virtually non-existant.  The Bears gained a paltry 13 years on 11 carries.  Where is Rick Caseras when you need him?  He was a vintage fullback who could have dragged two players with him.  The Bears don't have that kind of player.  The Bears don't have a competant offensive line which can protect Jay Cutler or block the run. 

Continue reading "Bears Lose to Pack, 27-17"

It wasn’t as consistently ugly as one might have expected, but the better team won as the Packers trounced the Bears at Soldier Field Sunday afternoon. Aaron Rodgers was surgical in his delivery, hitting tight end Jermichael Finley for three touchdowns en route to the 27-17 victory. It was a sloppy game for both sides, with penalties and turnovers a’plenty.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Recap: Packers 27, Bears 17"

Nearly eight months removed from their collapse in the NFC Championship game, the Chicago Bears get a shot at (way less significant) revenge on Sunday when they welcome in the Green Bay Packers to Soldier Field. There’s no need to delve into the importance of this historic NFL rivalry, so let’s get right into the match-up’s created by the current rosters.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Packers at Bears"

The Chicago Bears got assaulted in the 2nd half of the Saints game.  It was matador D time as the offensive line parted like the waves of the Red Seas to let Saints defenders in on QB Jay Cutler.  If it wasnt on a football fiield, you can call it a mugging.  It wasn't pretty.  And, it could get ugly on Sunday when the Bears face the arch-rival Packers.

Continue reading "Pray for Them"

Oh what a let-down that was. In their second game, the Chicago Bears managed to flat-line against the Saints, getting their quarterback Jay-Roughed in the process. Chicago’s offense held serve with the high-powered offense for about a half, and then Sean Payton let loose the entire playbook, taking the Bear defense to school like a game of Madden.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Recap: Saints 30, Bears 13"

Following the much-heralded destruction of the Atlanta Falcons in week one, the Chicago Bears fly down to Louisiana to take on the New Orleans Saints. Many analysts have mentioned the Bears’ recent success against the Saints, but all of those contests have been in Chicago and typically in less than stellar conditions. This Sunday the Bears will be in the Superdome, where the Saints will clearly have the advantage. But do they have the advantage on the field? Let the dissection begin!

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Bears at Saints"

The Bears play a certain power team on Sunday in the swaggering New Orleans Saints.  This game is played in front ot ardent Saints fans at the Superdome.  Should be LOUD.  The Bears will need to make their own noise.  They can play ugly and lose or play a tough, error free game and squeek by the Saints. 

Continue reading "It's Up to the Bears On Sunday"

Let it be said, when the Bears play well, they can compete wiith anyone, and today, they not only competed but won a game handily against the Atlanta Falcons.  Many observers predicted big things for the Falcons this season, and placed the Bears out of playoff contention.  That might change.  Then again, this is the NFL, where season outcomes change from week to week.  Look at the Colts.  Peyton Manning was out of the game, and the Colts lost big time.  Actually, their game was more lopsided than the Bears game.  But give credit to a focused Jay Cutler, and a reborn Brian Urlacher.  Urlacher and Julius Peppers played like 30 year olds on defense today as they forced a strip of the QB.  Urlacher returned the fumble for a TD, which is just a big as Devin Hester flying down the sidelines for a TD on a punt return. 

Continue reading "Bears Fleece Falcons, 30-12 in Opener"

It was a complete victory at Soldier Field Sunday afternoon as the Bears dominated the visiting Atlanta Falcons 30 to 12. In a game where the Bears were underdogs, they sent an early message to the rest of the NFC, intimating that they will not be overlooked. Chicago took the NFC’s best team in 2010 and made them look sloppy and unpracticed.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Recap: Bears 30, Falcons 12"

It’s finally here. After lockouts, crazy free agency preseason games and everything else, the Chicago Bears are taking to Solider Field today for regular season action. They’re welcoming in the Atlanta Falcons, whose 13-3 record was the best in the NFC during 2010. Let’s get to some match-ups, shall we?

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Falcons at Bears"

Now that I’ve broken down the team piece by piece ( offense, defense and special teams), it’s time for the predictions. This year I decided to analyze the schedule and put my predictions out there. Obviously it means little having barely seen the team, but it’s still fun to talk about. Here’s the schedule and a quick thought on each game:

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After previewing the offense in my last blog, the stalwart Bears defense and special teams are under the microscope. With such questions regarding the impending offensive output, these two phases can’t drop the ball in almost any game. (When is that going to end?) Let’s see if they have the talent to keep up the intensity.

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Can you hear that? It sounds like the Bears are coming out of hibernation. After an offseason filled with drama surrounding the lockout, Jay Cutler, players unhappy with their contracts, new faces and crappy turf, the Chicago Bears are finally ready to take the field for regular season action. Before that happens, let’s preview each aspect of the team, starting with the offense.

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Always a source of drama, the North collided in the NFC title game when the Packers overtook the Bears on route to their Super Bowl win. Can the Packers repeat as champs? Will Detroit finally take the next step forward? Can Donovan McNabb get the Vikings to the playoffs? This divisional preview is all Black and Blue!

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 NFL Season Preview: The NFC North"

The Big question marks for the Bears are on offense.  Can the O-line hold up and protect Cutler.  They were as porous as a flooding river in Vermont last season.  They did get better in the second half, and managed to protect Cutler much more efficiently down the stretch.  It is hard to believe that a makeshift line got them to the NFC title game.  Well, the Bears will have guys in new positions this year.  The Bears will have a new left tackle and will start rookie Chris Carini at RT.  Look for Earl Bennett to have a break-out year for the Bears.  He and Cutler played together at Vanderbilt and now they have had some time to get a rhythm going.  Look for Johnny Knox to out-duel Roy Williams for the starting wide receiver spot. 

Continue reading "Bear Down, Chicago"

With teams trimming down their rosters to 53 this week, you knew there would be plenty of movement on the free agent front and a few surprises along the way. Even the Bears got themselves in the headlines for some key releases and one surprising but welcome addition.

Continue reading "Wheeling and Dealing: Analyzing the ..."

I don't know all the ins and outs in the Lance Briggs contract dispute.  The bottom line is the Bears have to sign him either to a one-year deal or an extension. 

Lance Briggs is a major star in the NFL, one of the best players on Bears D.  Paired with Brian Urlacher, they are a great 1-2 punch.  Briggs is in on almost every play and teams game plan to move the ball opposite of him.  He still is very quick and is a forceful hitter.  He also manages to come up with big turnovers in the game.  He is a game player and one of the reason why the Bears made it the NFC title game.

Continue reading "Lance Briggs Has To Stay"

And that’s a wrap folks! In their fourth and final preseason outing, the Bears took care of the Cleveland Browns 24-14. Taking their last looks at their roster before trimming it down, the Bear coaching staff has their work cut out for them. Here are my thoughts from tonight’s (still meaningless) win.

Continue reading "2011 Preseason Recap: Bears 24, Browns 14"

With rosters being trimmed to 53 (down from 80) this week, there are quite a few Chicago Bears who will be fighting for their job on Thursday night. Let’s get to the storylines you should watch for as the Browns come into Solider Field for the last preseason game of 2011.

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In the last major week of preseason action for Chicago Bear starters, the signs of progress were clear. Even in a 14-13 loss to the Chris Johnson-less Titans, Bear fans finally saw a glimmer of hope for the coming season. Here are my takeaways from Saturday’s exhibition:

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In their third preseason game, which the media long ago dubbed the “dress rehearsal” for every team, the Chicago Bears have to show fans a small glimpse of the team that made it to the NFC title game last year. Wait, no it shouldn’t. That team wasn’t actually that great. What the Bears NEED to do tonight in Tennessee is show how far they’ve come with the new pieces they have in place and what this season could potentially resemble. Here’s what I’ll be looking for from tonight’s match-up with the Tennessee Titans.

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After both defenses traded three-and-outs early, the Giants finally found their way on the scoreboard in a 41-6 win over the Bears in preseason action Monday night. For you Bear fans that aren’t throwing your computers away in despair, here’s what I took away from this (meaningless) loss.

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After the sack-fest that ensued against the Bills last weekend, Lovie Smith’s Chicago Bears head to the Meadowlands, the site of last year’s memorable sack bonanza. We’re certainly going to see the starters in action for a longer stretch, but we shouldn’t see the heavy-hitters go late into the second quarter. That being said, here are the storylines to watch in game two of the Bears’ preseason schedule.

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The Chicago Bears finally saw game action for the first time since the NFC Championship. In Saturday night’s preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills, you would have missed each team’s key starters if you happened to blink. However, fans did get a solid look at the starting five offensive linemen as well as some key back-up battles. Here’s what I learned from Saturday night’s 10-3 win over Buffalo.

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With the 2010 NFL season far in the rearview mirror, the Chicago Bears open up the 2011 preseason Saturday night against the Buffalo Bills. With a nonexistent offseason and only a short training camp stay so far, these exhibition games will hold more significance than any in recent memory.  However, thanks to Comic-Con, I’ll just outlay an abbreviated overview of what to look out for in tonight’s match-up.

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With free agency speeding along at a fast and furious pace, it’s an endurance test to even stay on top of all the roster moves made by one team, much less the entire league. Despite that, I’m all ready to analyze the Bears’ flurry of transactions thus far.

Continue reading "Breaking Down Free Agency: Chicago Bears"

Read that Joe Theismann thinks Jay Cutler got a raw deal after the NFC Championship game when he left due to a sore knee.  He tried playing on it, but went back to sidelines.  What if, Cutler tried to play, was hit, and really messed up his knee requiring major surgery?  Is he so dumb?  No.  He erred on the side of prudence and he knows his body.

Continue reading "A Word on Jay Cutler"

After sitting out the fourth round thanks to a trade with Washington the day before, the Chicago Bears took Idaho QB Nathan Enderle at the 29th pick (160 overall) in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Enderle has likely been tabbed to be the eventual successor to Caleb Hanie as the primary back-up to Jay Cutler. At 6’6” and 240, Enderle is a big tall, quarterback with the ability to stand tall in the pocket. That comes in handy in the Mike Martz offense, which puts a lot of pressure on his quarterbacks with plenty of deep drops. This pick is reminiscent of last year’s draft when Martz got GM Jerry Angelo to take Dan LeFevour in the sixth round. Though LeFevour was eventually placed on the practice squad and snapped up by Cincinnati, but who’s really keeping track? Oh wait, I am. I know Hanie is likely on the way out after this next season because his contract is up, but drafting a QB in the fifth round isn’t sufficient value to me. Why don’t you trade back and get a pick for next year and take a QB? I’m not sure Enderle was next on anyone’s draft board, so the value wasn’t there for Chicago.

Continue reading "Chicago Bears 2011 Draft Recap: Day Three"

Day two of the NFL Draft is all tuckered out and ready for bed, just like my sister. Amidst Chris Berman idiocies and countless Jon Gruden “that guy’s,” I’m ready for a recap of rounds two and three. Here we go!

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Trading up in the second round, the Chicago Bears jumped on Oregon State defensive tackle Stephen Paea at the 49th overall pick. Paea would have been a possible target in the first round for Jerry Angelo and Tim Ruskell had Gabe Carimi not been available, so finding him in the second round means the Bears picked up two talents on which they clearly had first round grades. The 6’1”, 303-pound Paea set an NFL combine record with 49 reps of 225 pounds, so he’s got the strength to play up the middle in Rod Marinelli’s defense.

Continue reading "Chicago Bears Draft Recap: Rounds Two and Three"

We waited long enough, but at the 29th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Jerry Angelo and the Chicago Bears selected Wisconsin offensive tackle Gabe Carimi. A left tackle, Carimi will undoubtedly be a starter on the offensive line when the season starts, likely next to Chris Williams on the left side. I’ll break him down more after the draft ends, but it’s a solid start for Jerry Angelo. Carimi has a nasty streak in him, which is necessary with some of the pass rushers in the NFC North. He’s also durable, having started 49 games for the Badgers during his four years. He can definitely play guard, but look for him to get time at left tackle.

Continue reading "Chicago Bears Draft Recap: Round One"

For the first time since picking Chris Williams 14th overall in 2008, the Chicago Bears will have work to do in the first round of the NFL Draft. At the 29th slot, GM Jerry Angelo needs to fill a hole and find an instant contributor/starter, not a three-year project. With expectations high after an NFC Championship appearance, there can be no whiffing at the top of Angelo’s draft.

Continue reading "Joe's Draft Day Preview: Chicago Bears, Round One"

The first rule? "There's no crying in Baseball."  With apologies to Tom Hanks and his Bears, in the pro circles it's said that good pitching stops good hitting. A World Series will verify that, Lincecum, Cain, and Bumgardner shut down Texas' fearsome bats.  Other examples abound, the D-Back's duo of Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling stopped the Yankees in 2001, who despite wins by Pettit and Clemens, could score only 5 runs in four games facing Arizona's best.

Continue reading "Mariners Rule # One?"

That could have gone… better.

Four years after the Bears made their run to a Super Bowl loss, Lovie Smith had his boys back in an NFC championship against the rival Packers. The stage was set for an epic win… or deflating defeat. Well, the latter came to fruition as the Bears dropped a heartbreaker on their home turf (re: dirt.)

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Recap: Packers 21, Bears 14"

It's sad that NFL football fans, and Chicago Bears fans are launching criticism toward QB Jay Cutler.  He looked indifferent standing around on the sidelines some people intimated.  Why wasn't he designing plays with Mike Martz on the sidelines?  He can't play, then morph into a coach. 

Continue reading "Get Real on Cutler & Bears"

Bears QB Jay Cutler left the NFC title game early in the third quarter with an injured knee.  He said he couldn't put pressure in planting his foot and doctors told him not to go back in the game.  So he listened to his body and the medical staff.  And, he is getting massive grief for being injured.  It's like Brian Urlacher got hurt, didn't play for almost an entire season.  He broke his hand or something. 

Continue reading "If Cutler is Hurt, He's Hurt"

In winter's chill, the Green Bay Packers fought back a late Chicago Bears rally and won the NFC championship game, 21-14 on Sunday.  In a football game that felt like it had games within games, the Bears looked over-matched on the verge of being blown out, trailing 14-0 at half-time.  But, the Bears defense rose up and gave Chicago a chance to win the game.  Green Bay gained most of its 350 yards in the first half, and gained only 105 yards in the second half.  The Bears, meanwhile, rallied behind a gutty performance by Caleb Hanie, a third string QB, who saw limited action this season.  Hanie drove the team down the field and threw a TD pass to Earl Bennett to make a 21-14 game with about 4:50 to play.  The Bears got the ball back but Hanie was intercepted by Green Bay as the Bears were driving to score. 

Continue reading "Bears Fall to Pack, 21-14 in NFC Title Game"