Week 3: Bears @ Minnesota - Sunday, Sept. 24th, 12 pm CST

[hawkeyecub]

I knew the Vikings would give the Bears offense trouble because of how they like to blitz. Grossman loses his mind under pressure, and you guys did a good job of taking advantage of that, although you could have had up to 5 INTs today.

 

Exactly.

 

If Sharper catches that ball right in his hands (which he ALWAYS does) it's a pick 6 and a different game. E.J. dropped an interception in his hands.

 

I thought Childress and his staff outcoached Lovie today, which makes it the third straight game. When you're talking about Fox, Gibbs and Lovie Smith that's an accomplishment. You guys of all fans (after Wanny and Jauron) should understand what it's like to go from ineptitude to good coaching. Not to put Childress at the top of the league, but it's just comforting and fun to watch. The only call I really questioned today was the fly to Williamson on 4th and 2 at the end of the game.

 

Losing that game sucks and it hurts our chances in the division. But big picture I'm satisfied with the start. It's just nice to know that when you need a stop you can actually hope for it with some realism and you won't be outcoached every game. We just need to get that red zone offense taken care of, much like the Bears.

[hawkeyecub]

Well that sucked.

 

I think all of you Bears fans should realize that the Vikings really aren't much of an inferior team. We neutralized your defensive front pretty well, rattled Grossman a little bit and broke off some runs with a decent passing game.

We don't do anything great, but do everything pretty well. Our defense is better than most expect or give us credit for, simply because the Vikings haven't had a defense in so long. I know some of you will say otherwise, but it wasn't that the Bears played that poorly, we just played pretty well. The division will be more of a dogfight than most of you may think. This is a Vikings team that is well coached and doesn't kill itself. Oh and we can actually keep teams out of the end zone every once in a while.

I'm satisfied to come out of this stretch 2-1 and prove that we're a pretty solid team that can go toe to toe with the Bears.

 

That fumbled handoff was the game. I can't believe it.

I won't concede any more to them. They didn't "neutralize" our defensive front...they managed less than 100 yards on the ground, less than 200 in the air, and only put up 3 FGs. They did a decent job keeping us off of the QB, that was about it. Considering they gave Johnson as good of protection as they could conceivably expect, it didn't boost the offense at all. We knew our weakspot was our offensive line, you did do a good job exploiting that, I'll give credit there. That was a close one on the road, I'm predicting a lopsided contest in Chicago next time.

 

I disagree.

 

Our o-line is still coming together and the right side is a work in progress. I think it will get better and the running game will develop. We did neutralize your defensive front to the extent that you weren't in our backfield much at all.

 

I really don't think this team will be blown out at much at all this year and not against the Bears. Our defense is good enough to keep us from getting blown out and we won't turn the ball over much. That will keep us in most games and we showed that we can rattle Rex.

[Jehrico]

Well that sucked.

 

I think all of you Bears fans should realize that the Vikings really aren't much of an inferior team. We neutralized your defensive front pretty well, rattled Grossman a little bit and broke off some runs with a decent passing game.

We don't do anything great, but do everything pretty well. Our defense is better than most expect or give us credit for, simply because the Vikings haven't had a defense in so long. I know some of you will say otherwise, but it wasn't that the Bears played that poorly, we just played pretty well. The division will be more of a dogfight than most of you may think. This is a Vikings team that is well coached and doesn't kill itself. Oh and we can actually keep teams out of the end zone every once in a while.

I'm satisfied to come out of this stretch 2-1 and prove that we're a pretty solid team that can go toe to toe with the Bears.

 

That fumbled handoff was the game. I can't believe it.

I won't concede any more to them. They didn't "neutralize" our defensive front...they managed less than 100 yards on the ground, less than 200 in the air, and only put up 3 FGs. They did a decent job keeping us off of the QB, that was about it. Considering they gave Johnson as good of protection as they could conceivably expect, it didn't boost the offense at all. We knew our weakspot was our offensive line, you did do a good job exploiting that, I'll give credit there. That was a close one on the road, I'm predicting a lopsided contest in Chicago next time.

 

I disagree.

 

Our o-line is still coming together and the right side is a work in progress. I think it will get better and the running game will develop. We did neutralize your defensive front to the extent that you weren't in our backfield much at all.

 

I really don't think this team will be blown out at much at all this year and not against the Bears. Our defense is good enough to keep us from getting blown out and we won't turn the ball over much. That will keep us in most games and we showed that we can rattle Rex.

 

The APs take on it...

 

The Bears' defense was not, however, outdone. All Minnesota managed against them in three quarters was two field goals by Longwell of 31 and 26 yards. Brad Johnson was under constant pressure, and Taylor had his lowest rushing total, 74 yards on 20 carries, of the year.

 

You guys did have Rex rattled there for awhile, but I liked how he stepped up and responded late in the game.

[Careless]

I think its obvious that the Vikings are a good team. Before the game, I considered them a fringe playoff team. Now I view them as a solid 9-7 or 10-6 wild card team. Possibly even better. Viknigs have a pretty easy stretch coming up save the games against New England and the Giants. Anyways, sorry it got testy in here, you cant blame Bears fans for getting confident over our team after the way we played the first 2 weeks.

 

Don't worry about it, I know how it is.

 

I know why most Bears and fans around the league don't take us very seriously. The thing is, this team is well coached, won't kill themselves and plays solid defense. We haven't seen any of those three things from the Vikings in years. It's a totally different team.

 

Our defense and limiting turnovers on offense will keep us in most every game. At the same time unless our offense can score touchdowns when they get in the red zone, it will be tough to overtake the Bears. I think we did show that the Bears offense isn't as good as some thought and Rex can be rattled or confused with pressure.

 

Like I said before the season I would have been more than satisfied with a 2-1 start. We have the Bills and Lions heading into the bye, then come out with Seattle and New England. After those 4 games we'll know how good the Vikes can be.

 

I knew the Vikings would give the Bears offense trouble because of how they like to blitz. Grossman loses his mind under pressure, and you guys did a good job of taking advantage of that, although you could have had up to 5 INTs today.

I'd like to thank the Vikings for not blitzing with more than 5 after taking the lead in the 4th quarter. It let the bears win the game. Again, thank you for your coaching.

[USSoccer]

Anyone else not impressed with Jones? I was disappointed APete didn't get his usual series to change the tempo up a little. I hope Benson gets more of a look next week too.

 

The offensive play calling was pretty lousy all around. They didn't run enough, and they ran at the wrong times. Benson didn't get a single carry, despite Jones dancing around the holes that the O-line managed to open up. They didn't go deep once, although with the time Rex had, I'm sure it wouldn't have worked anyway.

 

I swear it looked like Grossman would rather chuck the ball off his back foot while backpeadaling rather than get wrapped up on that turf.

[gflore34]

I believe the closeness of the game was due to the Bears' failure to execute, how many red zone possesions came up TD empty?

[hawkeyecub]

I believe the closeness of the game was due to the Bears' failure to execute, how many red zone possesions came up TD empty?

 

You could say the same thing about the Vikings.

 

Both defenses buckled down in the red zone and I think both offenses got a little conservative.

[Jon]

Video highlights. Edited September 25, 2006 by Jon

[UMFan83]

Video highlights.

 

Thanks Jon!

[jaydee]

I believe the closeness of the game was due to the Bears' failure to execute, how many red zone possesions came up TD empty?

 

You could say the same thing about the Vikings.

 

Both defenses buckled down in the red zone and I think both offenses got a little conservative.

 

No, you can't.

[hawkeyecub]

I believe the closeness of the game was due to the Bears' failure to execute, how many red zone possesions came up TD empty?

 

You could say the same thing about the Vikings.

 

Both defenses buckled down in the red zone and I think both offenses got a little conservative.

 

No, you can't.

 

Umm, why not?

 

Neither team executed in the red zone offensively. Both teams made big plays defensively in the red zone. Both coaches played it very close to the vest in the red zone.

[CP_414]

I believe the closeness of the game was due to the Bears' failure to execute, how many red zone possesions came up TD empty?

 

You could say the same thing about the Vikings.

 

Both defenses buckled down in the red zone and I think both offenses got a little conservative.

 

No, you can't.

 

Umm, why not?

 

Neither team executed in the red zone offensively. Both teams made big plays defensively in the red zone. Both coaches played it very close to the vest in the red zone.

 

I think the Vikings are a good team. I said early in this thread they are a possible playoff team. That said, the Bears defense has been doing this on a weekly basis for over a year now. Until the Vikings have the same level of red zone success over a long period of time, they will not (and should not) get that same respect.

 

The game was about as close as I expected. I'm concerned the Bears failed to run for the 3rd straight week. I hope Benson gets 15 carries next week. I was impressed by Rex. He had his problems, but under pressure against a good team, in a tough place to play he won. He made big plays all day, and got the winning TD late. The penalties were an abberation, back to normal next week.

 

Seattle will be a lot of fun. This is the toughest home game of the year, if not toughest game of the year. It may have home-field implications in the playoffs.

[DivineBovine]

Rex is a different quarterback under pressure. He made a lot of wobbly throws and unforced errors when he the Vikes blitzed. I think this comes from lack of experience. A lot of it is mental, because he had more time than he thought a few times. When he had time in the pocket, he was as good as usual. I'm not concerned about it. I'm glad he experienced pressure today, so he'll be better next time.

[hawkeyecub]

I believe the closeness of the game was due to the Bears' failure to execute, how many red zone possesions came up TD empty?

 

You could say the same thing about the Vikings.

 

Both defenses buckled down in the red zone and I think both offenses got a little conservative.

 

No, you can't.

 

Umm, why not?

 

Neither team executed in the red zone offensively. Both teams made big plays defensively in the red zone. Both coaches played it very close to the vest in the red zone.

 

I think the Vikings are a good team. I said early in this thread they are a possible playoff team. That said, the Bears defense has been doing this on a weekly basis for over a year now. Until the Vikings have the same level of red zone success over a long period of time, they will not (and should not) get that same respect.

 

I completely understand that, but this is the third straight week they've done that. We don't have the track record yet, but that's what our defense has done in three games.

Brunnell, Delhomme and Grossman aren't elite, but they are solid quarterbacks. Tomlin has found a way to keep them out of their rhythm and stifle them in the red zone.

[Guest]

I thought the bears were clearly the better team in the second half. grossman kept the vikings in the game with that terrible pick but otherwise this wasn't that close in the second half.

[UK1679666180]

I didn't read this entire thread but...

 

Am I the only one that would consider removing Hester from punt return?

 

For what he brings as far as potential explosion, he kills himself with bad decisions. I think a better idea would be switching if the Bears are going to be pinned deep in Bears territory, if he continues to make the same mistake and to use him if the Bears are going to have good field position.

[CP_414]

I didn't read this entire thread but...

 

Am I the only one that would consider removing Hester from punt return?

 

For what he brings as far as potential explosion, he kills himself with bad decisions. I think a better idea would be switching if the Bears are going to be pinned deep in Bears territory, if he continues to make the same mistake and to use him if the Bears are going to have good field position.

 

All rookies have to go through a learning process. There are ups and downs. He has big play potential and removing him from that job now would be a huge error in my mind. He has a chance of scoring every time he touches the ball. We can't replace that. I would let him try to work out the kinks.

[Mark Priors Calves]

I didn't read this entire thread but...

 

Am I the only one that would consider removing Hester from punt return?

 

For what he brings as far as potential explosion, he kills himself with bad decisions. I think a better idea would be switching if the Bears are going to be pinned deep in Bears territory, if he continues to make the same mistake and to use him if the Bears are going to have good field position.

Hester's been bad the last two games. He's trying to make something happening when there are simply no lanes to run in. He needs to realize in the NFL you can't simply make plays because of your speed, most other guys are fast too. Maybe getting that TD return is actually more of a negative because he's not heading north-south, instead its east-west with spins and jukes for 4 yard returns.

[Mark Priors Calves]

My initial take on the game:

 

-O-Line was terrible today. No running game, although that falls at the feet of Ron Turner too. Olin Kruetz continues to prove to me how overrated he really is.

 

-Grossman bouncing back in the 4th quarter after a pretty bad game. Reporters and experts mention his "moxy" or whatever buzz word you want to use to describe Grossman. But today I think Rex showed what all those people had been talking about.

 

-The tackling of the defense was atrocious. I'm scared to think of what Alexander would be able to do if they Bears continue to not wrap up ball carriers and continue to try to strip the ball every play.

 

-Robbie Gould has quietly become a very reliable kicker, if he gets tested from 50+ yards out, hopefully he steps up and continues his consistent performance.

 

-Overall, a win is a win. Not a pretty game, but I'll take a victory over a division opponent on the road anytime. Bring on the Seahawks.

[Wilson A2000]

I didn't read this entire thread but...

 

Am I the only one that would consider removing Hester from punt return?

 

For what he brings as far as potential explosion, he kills himself with bad decisions. I think a better idea would be switching if the Bears are going to be pinned deep in Bears territory, if he continues to make the same mistake and to use him if the Bears are going to have good field position.

 

He needs to know that if you are receiving a punt deep in your own territory, you never try to return a punt inside your own 10 unless it is a boomer and you have plenty of room to return it. But the big drop step that was called for when Grossman threw the interception was not smart. You have to run and get ourself out of trouble first. Grossman was lucky though cause he could have given up at least two more picks. But he picked himslef up and helped get the W. Let me say this: Tommie Harris is a flat out stud. Man is he good. Urlacher played terrible. The whole team couldnt tackle today. I am not sure if it the line or Jones, but the running attack needs to get better. Jones was running better at the end of the game though. He historically does do that. Suprised that Benson and Peterson didn't get in at all. But with the amount of pressure the Vikes were brining today, maybe Lovie wanted a RB who could block. The last play the Vikes did, I am not sure that the deep ball was the first option. It shouldn't have even been an option. But soem Bear was bringing pressure and I think Johnson just threw the ball up because that was al he could see. Still a really dumb play on 4th and 2 with the game on the line.

[YearofDaCubs]

I didn't read this entire thread but...

 

Am I the only one that would consider removing Hester from punt return?

 

For what he brings as far as potential explosion, he kills himself with bad decisions. I think a better idea would be switching if the Bears are going to be pinned deep in Bears territory, if he continues to make the same mistake and to use him if the Bears are going to have good field position.

 

He needs to know that if you are receiving a punt deep in your own territory, you never try to return a punt inside your own 10 unless it is a boomer and you have plenty of room to return it. But the big drop step that was called for when Grossman threw the interception was not smart. You have to run and get ourself out of trouble first. Grossman was lucky though cause he could have given up at least two more picks. But he picked himslef up and helped get the W. Let me say this: Tommie Harris is a flat out stud. Man is he good. Urlacher played terrible. The whole team couldnt tackle today. I am not sure if it the line or Jones, but the running attack needs to get better. Jones was running better at the end of the game though. He historically does do that. Suprised that Benson and Peterson didn't get in at all. But with the amount of pressure the Vikes were brining today, maybe Lovie wanted a RB who could block. The last play the Vikes did, I am not sure that the deep ball was the first option. It shouldn't have even been an option. But soem Bear was bringing pressure and I think Johnson just threw the ball up because that was al he could see. Still a really dumb play on 4th and 2 with the game on the line.

We really haven't gotten much from Thomas Jones this year. I'm really surprised Benson didn't even have one carry today. I think we need to use Benson a bit more to see what we have in him.

[Jon]

For the Joniak fans out there, here's the ending with the calls from WBBM radio: http://youtube.com/watch?v=RwefACD-wg0

[Brian]

For the Joniak fans out there, here's the ending with the calls from WBBM radio: http://youtube.com/watch?v=RwefACD-wg0

 

Awesome, thanks!!

 

"BALL, BALL"

 

"BEARS HAVE IT!"

[Jehrico]

I didn't read this entire thread but...

 

Am I the only one that would consider removing Hester from punt return?

 

For what he brings as far as potential explosion, he kills himself with bad decisions. I think a better idea would be switching if the Bears are going to be pinned deep in Bears territory, if he continues to make the same mistake and to use him if the Bears are going to have good field position.

 

He needs to know that if you are receiving a punt deep in your own territory, you never try to return a punt inside your own 10 unless it is a boomer and you have plenty of room to return it. But the big drop step that was called for when Grossman threw the interception was not smart. You have to run and get ourself out of trouble first. Grossman was lucky though cause he could have given up at least two more picks. But he picked himslef up and helped get the W. Let me say this: Tommie Harris is a flat out stud. Man is he good. Urlacher played terrible. The whole team couldnt tackle today. I am not sure if it the line or Jones, but the running attack needs to get better. Jones was running better at the end of the game though. He historically does do that. Suprised that Benson and Peterson didn't get in at all. But with the amount of pressure the Vikes were brining today, maybe Lovie wanted a RB who could block. The last play the Vikes did, I am not sure that the deep ball was the first option. It shouldn't have even been an option. But soem Bear was bringing pressure and I think Johnson just threw the ball up because that was al he could see. Still a really dumb play on 4th and 2 with the game on the line.

We really haven't gotten much from Thomas Jones this year. I'm really surprised Benson didn't even have one carry today. I think we need to use Benson a bit more to see what we have in him.

I'm also surprised Peterson hasn't been getting his one series a game. He averaged over 5 yards a game last year, you'd think he would at least have gotten a taste with how bad Jones was.

[Banedon]

For the Joniak fans out there, here's the ending with the calls from WBBM radio: http://youtube.com/watch?v=RwefACD-wg0

 

I really enjoy the Bears radio guys. Joniak is great.