...The Bears still stink! I didn't have to go far Monday to find criticism of the Bears in the media after they beat Denver 37-34 in overtime.
Larry Mayer, a writer on the Bears website: http://www.chicagobears.com/ wrote: "Plagued by drops and general ineffectiveness..." That's pretty harsh criticism of the Bears offense considering it came from their own website. Then Mike Nadel in the Rockford Register Star wrote: "Assisted by his incompetent linemen and butterfingered receivers, Rex Grossman had played down to expectations."
Nadel's article at least touched on the reason I initially thought the Bears would lose against the Broncos: Their defense. It wasn't until Wednesday or so that I heard much said about the defense. Maybe that's why it took so long for me to get this blog out. Or maybe I was just being lazy. Maybe I had too much tryptophan left in my system after four turkey dinners in seven days' time. Who knows?
Getting back to the Bears, let's start with the positives:
Game ball #1 goes to Devin Hester, who I was penciling in as the goat after he swatted that punt and caused a turnover that led to three points for the Broncs. But truly great players follow up mistakes with brilliance. And Hester proved to me that he is truly a great player. We all know he's no mental giant, but he knew he blew it and was determined to make amends. And his 14-point third quarter turned the tide for the Bears. And I love how Brendon Ayanbadejo put it: "It didn't sting Seattle, it didn't sting the Raiders. But oh my goodness, someone took a baseball bat and hit the Denver Broncos upside the head and his name was Devin Hester." Poetry. I would say "Too bad he won't see another returnable kick all year," but coaches these days are so darn arrogant I wouldn't be surprised to see someone else kick to him.
Game ball #2 goes to Adwale Ogunleye. He made eight tackles, got the only two sacks for the Bears in the game, forced a fumble, and recovered a fumble. You may have also noticed that he didn't get burned on any of those annoying pitch plays. Although he was completely taken out on a couple option plays. Ogunleye is officially the anchor of the D-line. He is the only reason that unit isn't a complete joke. With Tommie Harris and Darwin Walker playing hurt, and Mark Anderson and Alex Brown playing as if they were AWOL, Ogunleye has almost single-handedly provided the Bears with a pass rush. I don't think he's received enough credit for his play the last few weeks.
The other standouts on defense were Hunter Hillenmeyer, who the Bears credited with twelve tackles, and Brian Urlacher who was credited with ten tackles.
Hey, did you notice that Charles Tillman picked off his first pass of the season? Welcome to the 2007 season, Tillman. You finally showed up after signing your big contract. Better late than never, I guess. Nice job blocking that punt, though. That was really big.
On offense, there wasn't much to crow about either, but they came through in the clutch so it's hard for me to dump too much criticism on the entire unit.
Rex Grossman did a good job of emerging from a pressure-induced funk and making plays when his line finally decided to block for him. I think it would've been easy for him to fold with the start he had. But he didn't. I was listening to the game on the radio in the fourth quarter, but I heard the pass to Bernard Berrian in the end zone at the end of regulation was beautiful.
Adrian Peterson didn't have gaudy numbers, but he proved that the Bears could plug any running back into that system and they'll gain around three yards per carry. I liked the fight he showed on key runs too. He knows how to keep his legs moving to get a couple extra yards, and I think he's actually harder to bring down than Cedric Benson. Is Peterson the answer at running back? No. But at least it looks like he's putting forth an earnest effort. He was the Bears steadiest receiver too, with five catches for 41 yards.
Robbie Gould was magnificently consistent in nasty conditions. Clutch kicks. Clutch kicker.
Ron Turner made some nice play calls at the end of the game, folks. The play call to burn Champ Bailey in the end zone was perfect, as was the play action pass to Desmond Clark in OT. There are times when Turner shows us how good he can be as a play-caller.
Now for the negatives...
Is there a starting tackle in the league that better defines the word "futility" than Fred Miller? His two holding penalties and fifteen-yard facemask penalty just killed the Bears. One of his holds cost the Bears a touchdown. He can't block any defensive end with speed. He's not run-blocking well, either. Did anyone notice how much better the line played once John St. Clair entered the game after Miller was "hurt?" Geez. Why didn't the Bears make that switch after the bye week? Miller's been bad all year, but he's been awful lately.
If Miller starts against the Giants (and their formidable pass rush) this week, Bears fans will not only get another look at Brian Griese, but probably Kyle Orton as well. Do the Bears have a fourth QB? They might want to sign one just in case...
Seven dropped passes in the game for the Bears. During the game, we learned that they're number-two in the league in dropped passes this year. I guess it makes sense to say the Bears' receiving corps is number two and leave it at that. That was childish, wasn't it? Sorry, but when I watch the leader of the receiving corps drop a ball that hits him in the hands at face level it makes me want to throw things at the TV. I don't mean to pick on Mushin Muhammed, because Berrian, Greg Olsen, and Clark were all guilty of dropping passes that were well thrown by Grossman.
Somebody can correct me if I'm wrong here, but I saw at least one missed tackle on almost every touchdown the Broncos scored Sunday. With the exception of Ogunleye, Hillenmeyer, and Urlacher, is there any pride left on the Bears defense at all?
The only possible exception on missed tackles leading to touchdowns was the pass play where Ricky Manning Jr. was torched for 68 yards... Brandon Marshal was untouched. And here I thought there was no way I would miss Trumaine McBride after the Seattle game. Way to prove me wrong, Manning.
When the other team is scorching your defense with simple outside pitch plays and freakin' option plays in the NFL, you have serious issues.
Adam Archuleta does not belong in the NFL.
If there is a goat of this game, I think it has to be Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan. Letting head-case/super flake punter/kickoff specialist Todd Sauerbun kick to Hester in the middle of the field after he already returned a punt 75 yards is unconscionable. Was it hubris? Temporary insanity? Not that I'm complaining, but I hope Bears fans realize the gift Shanahan gave them Sunday. Sports Illustrated realized it, and called it one of the worst mistakes of week twelve. I whole-heartedly agree.
Grossman alluded to the fact that, while the Broncos didn't resort to a per-se prevent defense, they started to play softer coverage at the end of the game. This allowed the previously yardage-challenged Bears offense to march down the field in the final moments of regulation to tie the game. Why didn't Shanahan stick with the defense that was making the Bears look stupid all game? If someone knows the answer, please enlighten me.
I like Mike Shanahan. I think he's a good coach. But he really blew it against the Bears Sunday. Maybe we can count on another gift from Tom Coughlin (who I think is a moron) this week. That's the only way the Bears will get back-to-back wins, because even when they win a game they look awful.
Anne V
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Great points - I was shocked on that Fred Miller penalty. I can't remember the last time I saw a 15-yard OFFENSIVE face-masking penalty.
I've always respected Shanny, but these past two years without Kubiak, he's been pretty subpar. I think if he misses the playoffs this year, and next as well, he's gone.
Dan TM is Stupendous…
Evanston , IL
Total Comments (2071)
Yeah, back-to-back Superbowl victories only buy you about a decade of futility... And his time is running out.
And yes, I almost fell off the couch at that facemask penalty.
Sneaky Pete
Rochelle, IL
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Very good analysis Pete. This Bears team, is uh, is uh, well they're not horrible, nor are they great. Perhaps the best word is opportunistic. I know I picked the Giants for some goofy this week, sorry but if the Bears do win guess who is back in the playoff hunt. As soon as you crown then the team to beat, they start losing. As soon as you crown them frauds, they start winning. As soon as you figure them out please let me know.
iB4e:nebulapup.blogs…
Austin, TX
Total Comments (8529)
Hey hey hey, lets focus on the IMPORTANT stuff... how'd you score -4- turkey dinners in that short a time? Quickest I managed 4 was 10 days, I'm envious! ;-)
Seriously though, it's a rather impressive thing to watch the strength of the Bears falter so completely. But hey, you can give thanks for Devin Hester all day long.
Gir
Buffalo, NY
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Miller should just be cut. No ifs, ands or buts. Just boot him out the door.
As for Shanahan...I've never understood why people thought he's a great coach. Look at his record without Elway...it's okay, but nothing stellar. He always mismanages games, and he's one of the biggest jerks out there. And don't even get me started on the whole timeout before the kick thing that he started. If the Broncos are smart, he's done after this season. But some moronic team will pick him up cause of his name.
Josh
Total Comments (5870)
I watched this game while playing cards with friends.
It was a great ending, I thought the Bears season was over.
But there is nothing that makes me smile more than watching Shanahan's face turn purple. (Pack-Broncos SuperBowl - say no more).
He looked like he was trying to crap a brick.
flyer00jay
Total Comments (17)
Bears writers are spoiled and bitter after last years success has turned to this years mess, irregardless if you eek out wins or not. Rex just needs to go and Benson out for the year is the official playoff dagger. Great blog Sneak.
Cassidy's House:…
Whatsittoya, NO
Total Comments (16281)
Not quite sure what's going on with this team..., it seems every other year they have good to great seasons? They win 13 one year, barely win 7-8 the next, then back to 10-11? It's a true roller coaster ride for Bears fans! Hester reminds me a little of Mike Brown a few years ago..., making big defensive plays in the fourth. And hey, with NYG, Washington and Minnesota coming up, followed by a tough game against GB..., who knows? Maybe Grossman and the guys will break through..., 8-8 maybe?
Kev316
Peterborough, ON
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ib4e: I can't figure them out. I'm sure the Bears have caused bookies throughout Las Vegas to pull their hair out this year...
Gir: My folks had Thanksgiving the weekend before, that's one turkey dinner. My gf's parents are divorced, so that's two more dinners. Although her dad already had guests, so the turkey was served cold, but it was still turkey! Then Sunday my gf's brother had a housewarming party featuring... A FOURTH turkey dinner! So, basically, I scored four turkey dinners because of my gf's family. I'm not complaining, I'd eat turkey all year if I could... ;)
Josh: That's the harshest you've been on a single player since I've known you... And I agree. I think Shanahan would be a good offensive coordinator. He does a great job with the running game.
flyer: I caught that too. It was awesome. I thought his head was going to explode. ;)
Cass: Losing Benson means nothing. I'd rather have a back that can get 3 yards per carry, but can also block and catch. A.P. can do that. Rex? Well, I'm done blaming him this season until his line and receivers start playing better. If those two areas improve and Rex still stinks, yeah he needs to go.
Kev: I think the Bears will finish 7-9. I will continue to think that until they prove they can win back-to-back games. So far, the only constant for the Bears has been their inability to win two games in a row.
Sneaky Pete
Rochelle, IL
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Shanahan looks like a serial killer with those crazy eyes of his, and maybe he hasnt had a victim lately. Devin Hester should be scared. *shivers delicately*
Tracy00214-Is back!
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4 turkey dinners in 7 days? Wow!!!! And lucky you
To be honest, I turned this game off after Hester's punt & kickoff TDs...they were still losing despite those and didn't expect it to turn around.
As an FYI though, the Packers will be sure to remove 75% of your point-producing potency next time we play by kicking it out of bounds on the punts and squibbing it on the kickoffs...ENJOY!
PackBrew42 is…
Miller Brewery, WI
Total Comments (4060)
Yeah, I'm only hard on players when they deserve it...and after watching Miller play the last few weeks...he deserves it. Let's get Jake Long in the first round (I know pipe dream) and then shift Tait back over to the Right side. Then pick the best RB in the second round.
Josh
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As for Shanahan...I've never understood why people thought he's a great coach. Look at his record without Elway...it's okay, but nothing stellar. He always mismanages games, and he's one of the biggest jerks out there. And don't even get me started on the whole timeout before the kick thing that he started. If the Broncos are smart, he's done after this season. But some moronic team will pick him up cause of his name.
Josh | 11/29/07
If he is gone from Denver, I see him going to Minny to continue his pride & joy of having a nose for good RBs (even though we all knew AP was good before going to the Vikes and just how much better he is after seeing him play for the Vikes).
PackBrew42 is…
Miller Brewery, WI
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Well, let's be fair here. It's not often that Olsen drops a pass. He has done so this year, of course. But it's not as if it's a recurring theme.
Grossman was typical Grossman- wildly inconsistent. He got picked off- again. He got sacked, yet another common theme. He also turned the ball over three times-twice on fumbles, and once on an interception. Simply put, he is worse than the oft inconsistent Eli Manning. I know that's saying a lot, but there it is. Both QBs have tremendous talent, and that can be seen as plain as day when they are on. But both of them are far too inconsistent. New York would probably feel a lot better once Eli is punted like it's fourth and long. We Chicagoans will feel better once Grossman is canned, and we get someone who can be an adequate replacement. That relief will be short lived, though. We are still the Bears, and we have gone through so many QBs in the past 10 years alone. It doesn't help matters any when they suck ****. But we still go through them like they're water.
The pass defense is the next matter. Vasher's absence has had a profound and negative impact on the pass defense. When he's playing, QBs are hard pressed to make clean passes to receivers. The pass defense also forces more turnovers when Vasher is in. He had limited practice yesterday- an encouraging sign. I'll take that over no practice. He said that he felt great, and that he expects to play on Sunday. His arrival will give a much needed shot in the arm to a very important part of the D.
On another note, there is also some more encouraging news that is often overlooked. Terrence Metcalf has done a good job of filling in for Ruben Brown. In the 2 contests Metcalf filled in for Brown, we have rushed for more than 100 yards. Considering how the running game was in essence non existent for much of the season, this is great news indeed. Does that mean that the run game was miraculously reinvented? Obviously not. We need a proven weapon at RB. I still hold hope that Peterson can show the same spark that produced The Run back in college. But that is a cautious optimism- I do not know if he will do so.
Wolfe needs to see the ball more. He was a dangerous weapon in college on both offense and special teams. With Benson down for the remainder of the season, Wolfe will see the ball more. This will give him the experience he needs to mature in the NFL.
That said, we still need to improve the run game. A lot. We have pretty much blown amy chance we had at getting McFadden by actually winning some games. Unless we trade up, I think the greedy Pats will get him. They already have Moss, and have won Super Bowls before his arrival. They obviously have what it takes to win it all. So they don't really need McFadden. But I still think they'll take him nevertheless.
cubs/bears
Total Comments (1290)
Josh: I've said the same thing. Get a new LT and move Tait back to RT. I think the Bears are going to take the CB money and try to tempt Michael Turner away from the Chargers.
PackBrew: Shanahan in Minny? Hm. That would be interesting. He's an upgrade from Childress, that's for sure, but if Shanny can't win with Jay Cutler, what the heck is he going to be able to do with Tavaris Jackson? Wuff! ;)
Sneaky Pete
Rochelle, IL
Total Comments (1056)
cubs/bears: Don't be too quick to blame Grossman for everything. Seven drops. No appreciable running game. Lord knows how many hits laid on Grossman. Griese didn't do much better when he was in, so I don't think the problem is at the QB position.
I'm I completely happy with Grossman? No. But he's not the biggest problem on offense. I think it's the line.
The pass D misses Vasher to be sure, but the lack of a consistent pass rush hurts too. Missing Mike Brown, and a competent strong safety is a killer too.
We recently learned that Ruben Brown was playing with one arm most of the season, which begs the question "What *does* it take to get benched by the Bears?" I guess they'll let you play even if you're injured to the point of being ineffective.
Can the Pats afford to pay McFadden what he'd want? Not without giving up a whole slew of players.
Sneaky Pete
Rochelle, IL
Total Comments (1056)
PackBrew: Shanahan in Minny? Hm. That would be interesting. He's an upgrade from Childress, that's for sure, but if Shanny can't win with Jay Cutler, what the heck is he going to be able to do with Tavaris Jackson? Wuff! ;)
Sneaky Pete | 11/29/07
Shanahan, if in Minny, would maybe pursue McNabb is he's available? Or....hmmmm, yeah, good point, but if McNabb is available, Minny & Chitown I could see both going for him
PackBrew42 is…
Miller Brewery, WI
Total Comments (4060)
Note to the Bears, just say "no" to McNabb!
If McNabb becomes a Bear, does anyone really think he'll be able to turn that offense around single-handedly? As injury prone as he is, they better get three (or four) offensive linemen to protect him. That'll leave no room for improve the RB and WR positions.
Geez, people. If you want to fix a run-down house, start with the foundation, not the window-dressing... ;)
Sneaky Pete | 11/29/07
[comment copied from Josh's latest blog]
Sneaky Pete
Rochelle, IL
Total Comments (1056)
That's correct, you don't want McNabb.
He will never finish a season and just break your hearts.
flyer00jay
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Sneak -
Good blog brother. A few thoughts I'd like to share. First off, I think Peanut has been fine this season. Interceptions or not, at least he can TACKLE!
Also, despite the fact I've had Turner's back all season, he needs to go. How the offense can go from impotent for 55 minutes to viral for 5 is beyond me. Why he would call a running play for Grossman--who has enough trouble holding the ball while standing--in the red zone is reckless.
Even though he committed the turnovers as usual, I have to admit that Rex looked better. Throwing the ball away, making better passes; too bad he still can't throw a good deep ball.
Why can't our defense stop an option play or a fake fb toss outside? They should be embarrassed. BUT, I also noticed that on one of the option plays Ricky Manning Jr. had a chance to give Cutler a good shot and instead he pretended like he was playing touch football. If they want to run the option, there is not better way to discourage them than to knock the crap out of the QB.
One more win means we continue to decrease our chances of drafting Darren McFadden. Speaking of RBs, Benson getting injured on his best run of the season goes to show that he's been running NOT to get injured. He's garbage & he shouldn't be re-signed.
chicago al
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