Week 12: Bears at New England - Sunday, Nov 26, 3 pm CST

[Chocolate Milk]

M aybe this has already been mentioned but why in the hell did they kick the pointless field goal? If they go for it and dont get it, then the Pats are still pinned back, so why not take the chance? Stupid pointless fieldgoal.

They needed two scores anyway?

 

The field goal Im talking about was in the 4th quarter with 3 mins left in the game. They were down 17-10 and on the 20 or so. If they go for the 4th and 7(i think) and they get it, then they more than likely score a TD to tie the game. If they miss it they essentially do what they did by kicking a field goal and put NE pushed back. So what really was the point of the field goal? Did Lovie actually think they could stop them and then get the ball with around 2 mins left or so and drive the field? If so hes an idiot, cause all day long the Bears needed long 10 plus play drives to move the ball to the other end. So if you are already in the red zone then just go for it plain and simple.

 

I didn't get this either.

[CubsInNC]

The lack of the shotgun is driving me nuts. I don't want to live and die by it, but considering we've seen it only twice the whole freakin' year is ridiculous. Sure seemed to work alright for the Pats today. Mix it up!

 

Get used to it. Ron Turner is a terrible coach. He absorbed alot of the Wanny stink during the 90's, then ran the U of I football program into the ground.

He is not the answer as our offensive coordinator.

 

His gameplan was fine today IMO. It was lack of execution. We can't block blitzes (a problem all year), and Rex was incredibly inaccurate.

 

Being an NFL coordinator has little to do with head coaching a Big 10 school, so I'm not sure why you keep bringing up Ron Turner's U of I record. Turner actually did what few other U of I coaches have ever done---win a Big 10 title, so even if it was a valid comparison which it isn't, it still wouldn't make sense.

 

We can't block blitzes? So find a workaround....shotgun, no-huddle, roll the pocket. Turner is a hack.

 

You could just block the blitz better, too. Grossman also hasn't been able to throw well under pressure, which we all know.

 

I'd like to see more shotgun too, however.

 

Didn't they say in the game w/ the Giants, that Rex had been against it? something about him saying he didn't feel comfortable with it? The O-Line (led by Kreutz) if I'm recalling correctly led the pleas for it though.

 

As for DCF... is there an ignore poster function associated with Premium? :P

 

Most people choose to debate disagreements vs. hiding behind the "I'm ingoring you crutch"...but to each their own.

 

If you had bothered to read the *first* part of the post you would see that I did present some information that contributes to the debate. In fact, I don't disagree that the Bears don't need to do something to combat the blitz. However, much like the in your face evangelicals in today's society, whose tactics turn away many more people than they win over, you don't do much for your cause when you refer to people, like Turner, with such abomination.

[CubsInNC]

 

Being mobile isn't all it takes to beat the blitz. Good vision, a quick release, and ability to read where the blitz is coming from are all more important than being mobile. Dan Marino wasn't going to outrun anyone, but you'd be hard pressed to sack him because of those three things.

Yes it is, vick never gets sacked

 

LOL!! I love sarcasm. And just in case anyone does think that, through yesterdays game:

 

Player - Sacked/Yards Lost

Vick - 32/215

[Soul]

Well now that I've had a chance to sleep on it, I'm not that upset. Here's my take:

 

1) People were saying the Bears might get blown out. Lawrence Holmes said on the radio that the Bears were going to be "overmatched." Clearly that wasn't the case. We hung just fine with the elite AFC team.

 

2) The Pats had a fantastic running defense, and we just shoved it right down their throats. That's great news. I think our running game is really starting to get it's legs now. If we can do that to the Pats, believe me there isn't a team in the NFC that will be able to deny us the running game.

 

3) Our defense had a couple breakdowns yesterday on critical drives. The DLine in particular is starting to disappoint. Alex Brown acknowledged that fact in his post-game interview. This will need to be fixed. Giving up 17 to the Pats isn't too bad though.

 

4) Grossman's problems are fixable. He played conservative and didn't force the ball against the Jets. That proves he can do it if he has to. Samuel had a great game as well. One of those INTs (the quick slant) was a good throw by Rex and Samuel just beat the receiver to the spot for the pick. There isn't a better QB on the Bears roster, and I still like our QB situation better than some (ehem....Eli)

 

5) We stopped the Patriots' vaunted running game and the hot rookie Maroney. Basically, everyone said the Pats would be able the pound the ball on us, but clearly they couldn't.

 

6) Our defense is a turnover machine. The Pats take care of the ball better than just about anyone else in the league. Nobody does that to them without being very, very good.

 

7) I'm confident if we faced the Pats on a neutral field or at home we would have a very good chance of beating them. They didn't dominate us physically at all----in fact quite the opposite. Eliminate just a few mistakes, and we could beat that team.

 

8) Winning 2/3 on the road trip that the experts said would devastate us. That's a MAJOR positive. We come out 9 and 2, and ready to face what can only be considered a favorable schedule the rest of the way.

[RynoRules]

I agree. I don't think what happened yesterday is a big deal.

 

We can win with Rex if he just plays decent. He doesn't need to be Brady, he just needs to be Trent Dilfer of the 2000 Ravens. There is no reason to panic with respect to Rex's play, IMO.

 

This does not mean that we should not be critical of Rex. He throws off his back foo far too often; doesn't "feel" the pocket even when the line protects for him; doesn't work through his progressions enough; etc. That said, he's plenty talanted enough to win; he just needs to learn not to take as many risks as he does.

 

The defense was very good yesterday with an exception or two. Don't forget they were playing against a very good QB with an underrated O-Line. Ask Dillon and Moroney if they are sore this morning.

 

The refs screwed us several times in the first half, preventing us from getting the lead early, which is a very important thing for this team, especially for Grossman.

 

Overall, not a great performance, but don't forget we were on the road against a good team. This wasn't the Lions we lost to.

[Banedon]

2) The Pats had a fantastic running defense, and we just shoved it right down their throats. That's great news. I think our running game is really starting to get it's legs now. If we can do that to the Pats, believe me there isn't a team in the NFC that will be able to deny us the running game.

 

Excellent observations. This one needs an addition though. After we had success in the running game in the first half, I really think we didn't go to it enough in the second half. We had some 3 and outs were we didn't even run the ball. And for at least one series, we had Benson on 1st and 2nd down, and then Jones for 3rd's...this confuses me, because I have much more confidence in Benson on 3rd down than Jones. Jones gets stopped too easily, while Benson can run people over.

 

Benson is greatly undervalued by the coaching staff, and I just can't let this go...it's really bothersome to me.

[da bears]

Great post Soul. I agree with everything you said. A lot of people were saying it'd be a wake up call for the Bears. Frankly, I think the Patriots should feel lucky to come out with a win in that game.

[Soul]

2) The Pats had a fantastic running defense, and we just shoved it right down their throats. That's great news. I think our running game is really starting to get it's legs now. If we can do that to the Pats, believe me there isn't a team in the NFC that will be able to deny us the running game.

 

Excellent observations. This one needs an addition though. After we had success in the running game in the first half, I really think we didn't go to it enough in the second half. We had some 3 and outs were we didn't even run the ball. And for at least one series, we had Benson on 1st and 2nd down, and then Jones for 3rd's...this confuses me, because I have much more confidence in Benson on 3rd down than Jones. Jones gets stopped too easily, while Benson can run people over.

 

Benson is greatly undervalued by the coaching staff, and I just can't let this go...it's really bothersome to me.

 

It's bothersome to me as well. To me, Benson is now the superior back. Man, the way he just ran over the Patriots DB was beautiful. I almost cried :)

 

Looking forward to seeing more of that from Ced in the future, that's for sure.

[Brendan]

2) The Pats had a fantastic running defense, and we just shoved it right down their throats. That's great news. I think our running game is really starting to get it's legs now. If we can do that to the Pats, believe me there isn't a team in the NFC that will be able to deny us the running game.

 

Excellent observations. This one needs an addition though. After we had success in the running game in the first half, I really think we didn't go to it enough in the second half. We had some 3 and outs were we didn't even run the ball. And for at least one series, we had Benson on 1st and 2nd down, and then Jones for 3rd's...this confuses me, because I have much more confidence in Benson on 3rd down than Jones. Jones gets stopped too easily, while Benson can run people over.

 

Benson is greatly undervalued by the coaching staff, and I just can't let this go...it's really bothersome to me.

 

i think, again, this goes to the perception that jones is a better pass blocker

[CubsInNC]

2) The Pats had a fantastic running defense, and we just shoved it right down their throats. That's great news. I think our running game is really starting to get it's legs now. If we can do that to the Pats, believe me there isn't a team in the NFC that will be able to deny us the running game.

 

Excellent observations. This one needs an addition though. After we had success in the running game in the first half, I really think we didn't go to it enough in the second half. We had some 3 and outs were we didn't even run the ball. And for at least one series, we had Benson on 1st and 2nd down, and then Jones for 3rd's...this confuses me, because I have much more confidence in Benson on 3rd down than Jones. Jones gets stopped too easily, while Benson can run people over.

 

Benson is greatly undervalued by the coaching staff, and I just can't let this go...it's really bothersome to me.

 

i think, again, this goes to the perception that jones is a better pass blocker

 

As well as the perception (as repeated numerous times by Joe Buck and Troy Aikman) that Benson can't catch or run routes.

[goonys evil twin]

Man, the national media just hates Rex Grossman, and are more or less writing off the Bears as a threat at this point.

 

Greenberg and Golic were outright lying about Grossman to make their point, saying he had a couple good games early in the year, but has been awful for 6 straight games. Rex has been inconsistent, but he's had 2 great games in the last 6, and another good one against the Jets. Those guys would be licking Brady, Eli or Chad if they did what Rex did against the Jets (managed the game, didn't turn over, threw a TD, won). But with Rex they classify it has awful.

 

Yes, he was awful against AZ, and yes, he was awful against Miami (although I'd say his teammates had more to do with than loss than he did), and he was bad against New England (but again, very little help from teammates). But he's had more good games than bad, and the team is 9-2 due largely to the fact that he's had some huge games. The media is writing this loss to the Patriots as exposing the Bears against good teams, but I'd venture every team in the league has a similar bad showing against a good team on the road. This was a meaningless games in a lot of respects. It was non-conference, it was the last of the 3 game road trip.

 

Peter King thinks the Bears defense couldn't handle Tony Romo in a neutral site game right now, and I think that's absurd. Romo hasn't done anything that Grossman didn't do earlier this year. I think I'm liking the way the football nation is treating the Bears right now. I think they are poised to kick ass and take name the rest of the regular season, and will be mighty pissed and hungry come playoff time.

[CuseCubFan69]

Man, the national media just hates Rex Grossman, and are more or less writing off the Bears as a threat at this point.

 

Greenberg and Golic were outright lying about Grossman to make their point, saying he had a couple good games early in the year, but has been awful for 6 straight games. Rex has been inconsistent, but he's had 2 great games in the last 6, and another good one against the Jets. Those guys would be licking Brady, Eli or Chad if they did what Rex did against the Jets (managed the game, didn't turn over, threw a TD, won). But with Rex they classify it has awful.

 

Yes, he was awful against AZ, and yes, he was awful against Miami (although I'd say his teammates had more to do with than loss than he did), and he was bad against New England (but again, very little help from teammates). But he's had more good games than bad, and the team is 9-2 due largely to the fact that he's had some huge games. The media is writing this loss to the Patriots as exposing the Bears against good teams, but I'd venture every team in the league has a similar bad showing against a good team on the road. This was a meaningless games in a lot of respects. It was non-conference, it was the last of the 3 game road trip.

 

Peter King thinks the Bears defense couldn't handle Tony Romo in a neutral site game right now, and I think that's absurd. Romo hasn't done anything that Grossman didn't do earlier this year. I think I'm liking the way the football nation is treating the Bears right now. I think they are poised to kick ass and take name the rest of the regular season, and will be mighty pissed and hungry come playoff time.

 

Mike and Mike are wave runners. Cowherd was dumping on Rex too. I've never been a fan of Grossman's but he isn't as bad as a lot of the "experts" say but he not as good either. I think he has to learn to make better decisions like any young QB.

[soapy]

Jesus. I've spent most of my day so far argueing with fellow Bears fans in the office that want to bench Grossman and bring in Griese. It is getting tiresome.

[YearofDaCubs]

Jesus. I've spent most of my day so far argueing with fellow Bears fans in the office that want to bench Grossman and bring in Griese. It is getting tiresome.

I have to deal with that with my friends and family. It's not like Griese is some future superstar. He's an ok QB and nothing more. I'm not going to lie though, Grossman needs to stop trying to make the big play every damn time. Truth is Grossman gives us the best chance to win from all of our QBs. He needs to learn.

[USSoccer]

Michael Smith has a very good article on Grossman up on ESPN.com

[Soul]

We'll see what happens next week.

 

That was one of the best defenses in the league we played, and despite the turnovers by Grossman we could easily have won.

 

If Rex loses all confidence and starts sucking at home against a team like the Vikings, then yeah I will probably start to worry. But otherwise, I think you have to let the kid grow and stick with him.

 

Murph's on the radio right now saying this isn't a rebuilding year so you have to go with Griese. Well-----I think that's BS. In the NFL, every year you are developing someone. It just so happens this year it's Rex.

 

Christ Almighty, we just got off the QB carousel. Was it that much fun that Bear fans want to jump right back on?

 

I think the national media just wants to be able to put their famous "Bears QB Carousel" graphic on the screen every game, and so they're going to push for Griese so they can throw it up there again. Well screw them. At some point you need to stick with someone even through the tough times.

[goonys evil twin]

We'll see what happens next week.

 

That was one of the best defenses in the league we played, and despite the turnovers by Grossman we could easily have won.

 

If Rex loses all confidence and starts sucking at home against a team like the Vikings, then yeah I will probably start to worry. But otherwise, I think you have to let the kid grow and stick with him.

 

I'm willing to go to Griese if Rex shows no improvement over the next couple of games. They will be favored in each game, and if he can manage impressive wins, then you have to stick with him. If he loses and looks like crap against 2 of the next 3, then it might be time to switch. Otherwise, it's a foolish move.

[Chocolate Milk]

Peter King thinks the Bears defense couldn't handle Tony Romo in a neutral site game right now, and I think that's absurd. Romo hasn't done anything that Grossman didn't do earlier this year. I think I'm liking the way the football nation is treating the Bears right now. I think they are poised to kick ass and take name the rest of the regular season, and will be mighty pissed and hungry come playoff time.

 

Peter King is obsessed with Tony Romo. Seriously. Every MMQB is a man-love ode to Romo. It's bizarre. King is unreadable at this point.

 

I think the loss may be a good thing for the Bears. It should certainly keep them hungry coming into playoff time.

 

The yells for a QB change are premature but I think we can all agree that Rex was very bad last night. <50% completions, 4 turnovers. Simply unacceptable. My guess is that the staff has him on about a 2 game leash before they'll consider going to Griese. I think that's about right. Rex has to play better and has to get better. I'm starting to become concerned.

 

I'd also like to add that the officiating was awful last night. Two brutal PI's weren't called on the second drive, one in the endzone. There were also COUNTLESS holds by the Patriot offensive line that were not called. Joe Buck kept harping on the last 2 PI calls like the Bears were getting all the breaks or some garbage. I hate Joe Buck. He sucks.

[minnesotacubsfan]

 

I'd also like to add that the officiating was awful last night. Two brutal PI's weren't called on the second drive, one in the endzone. There were also COUNTLESS holds by the Patriot offensive line that were not called. Joe Buck kept harping on the last 2 PI calls like the Bears were getting all the breaks or some garbage. I hate Joe Buck. He sucks.

 

my friend (who is neither a Bears fan or a football fan) who was watchign the game with me, couldnt understand why i was moaning about Buck at the beginning of the game. 1/2 throught the 2nd quarter, he says "now i get it..this guy is horrible" lol

[Banedon]

Trey Wingo just was on the NFL Live section of Sportscenter, and of course they were talking about Rex, talking about how he needs to grow, yadda yadda. It was much more tame than I thought. Then Trey comes up with this gem...and it's paraphrased from memory.

 

"And this Bears defense isn't as dominant as the one from a year ago. You can run on this defense. The only thing that stopped the Patriots was the turnovers, or they might have scored 25-30 points."

 

Um...Trey...that's exactly what the D did a year ago too...force turnovers! And if you're going to say that about the Pats, you have to say that about the Bears too...if it weren't for the turnovers, the Bears would've scored 25-30 as well.

 

Dumbass.

[Soul]

We'll see what happens next week.

 

That was one of the best defenses in the league we played, and despite the turnovers by Grossman we could easily have won.

 

If Rex loses all confidence and starts sucking at home against a team like the Vikings, then yeah I will probably start to worry. But otherwise, I think you have to let the kid grow and stick with him.

 

I'm willing to go to Griese if Rex shows no improvement over the next couple of games. They will be favored in each game, and if he can manage impressive wins, then you have to stick with him. If he loses and looks like crap against 2 of the next 3, then it might be time to switch. Otherwise, it's a foolish move.

 

That's pretty much the tact I'm taking. Certainly if Rex blows these upcoming games up, and we get in danger of losing HFA, it's going to force Lovie's hand no matter what. But I think if that were to happen, most people who are now supporting Rex (like myself) would be forced to reconsider as well.

 

Let's hope it doesn't come to that. None of these upcoming teams can hold a candle to the Patriots so I'm fully expecting the Bears to rebound in a big way.

[Sammy Sofa]

I think Rex needs to out and out tank like he did against the Cardinals 2-3 more times before they bench him. Somebody mentioned that Rex will lose you games...but he will also win them for you. Griese is OK, but he's a bandage at best intended for use if Grossman gets hurt...if he's in, the running game needs to explode and the defense needs to start scoring all the time. It won't be as ridiculous as it was with Orton, but it would definitely limit the Bears. Grossman, faults and all, opens up and expands this team. You bench him ONLY if he shows himself to be a complete disaster, and this latest game was nowhere near being that.

[CubColtPacer]

Trey Wingo just was on the NFL Live section of Sportscenter, and of course they were talking about Rex, talking about how he needs to grow, yadda yadda. It was much more tame than I thought. Then Trey comes up with this gem...and it's paraphrased from memory.

 

"And this Bears defense isn't as dominant as the one from a year ago. You can run on this defense. The only thing that stopped the Patriots was the turnovers, or they might have scored 25-30 points."

 

Um...Trey...that's exactly what the D did a year ago too...force turnovers! And if you're going to say that about the Pats, you have to say that about the Bears too...if it weren't for the turnovers, the Bears would've scored 25-30 as well.

 

Dumbass.

 

LOL-I was about to post yesterday during the game that I understand completely how it is to not get any pass interference calls against the Patriots. They interfere on just about every play, and hope the refs don't call it most of the time.

 

Then I read this quote, and it's exactly what happened after the Colts game. In fact, I heard this "This game between the Colts and the Patriots proved why they were the better team-even with 4 turnovers, they still almost won the game! That won't happen again". Well, it has-but the media has amnesia when it comes to Patriot mistakes most of the time.

[UK1679666180]

Not to complain too late after the fact, but did anyone else have a problem with Lovie calling the TO before the half to ice the kicker so late in the snap count? He basically gave the kicker a free practice kick, it should be noted that the kicker missed the 1st one.

 

This might've been mentioned earlier.

[cubweiser03]

Brian Greise has never thrown an interception in his life. No really, I saw him play every game in college and even then he never threw an interception. Every decision he makes is always the right one and if he makes the wrong read its the wr or olines fault. Guys who dont have the arm strength manage the game well because they make up for it in smarts and thus are immune from making mistakes. Griese is the model. He should start.