Week 14: Bears vs. St. Louis - Monday Dec 11, 7:30 pm CST

[BigSlick]

Ugh.

 

Can you guess who will be ESPN's celebrity guest Monday night? If you said Jim Belushi, chances are you've seen this act before.

 

It's becoming a cliché. I like Belushi, but does he have to make an appearance nearly every time the Bears play on Monday night? Doesn't Chicago have any other celebrities?

 

Also, Belushi's Chicago connection isn't the only reason he will get some time in the booth Monday. His show "According to Jim" happens to run on ESPN's sister station, ABC. Basically, it will be an extended promo for the program.

 

The whole celebrity deal is puzzling and one of the major raps against ESPN's presentation. I'll let Sylvester Stallone slide since Kornheiser got him to do a "Yo, Adrian" last week. But James Denton? Christian Slater?

 

ESPN says the Monday broadcast is a different animal and that the celebrity guest is a way to lure the casual fan. I don't see it.

 

Are there really viewers who are flipping through the dial just to check out who the celebrity guest is on Monday night? Doubtful. And the exercise is offensive to the football fans who just want to watch the game.

 

Spare us the celebrities, ESPN, and give us the game.

 

Belushi's a disgrace to SIU alums everywhere.

 

Belushi's a disgrace to John Belushi.

[BigSlick]

Anyone else really nervous about Rex in this game? I'm kinda tapping my foot waiting for this game to start and it's scary to think what happens to Rex if he blows this one.

 

I'm nervous in the sense that I want him to shut the local and national media up for at least a week, and am not looking forward to the backpatting that will happen if he craps the bed and Griese comes in.

 

I'm actually more concerned about the defense than Rex.

 

I'm nervous for Rex only because I want him, specifically, to succeed. Generally, in football I don't pull for a specific Bear player to succeed -- but Rex is different. I like him, and I like his make-up. I think if he can get over this hump, we'll have a real by-God Quarterback we can count on.

 

I'm strangely not nervous about this game because I know its essentially inconsequential. The play of Rex will determine which quarterback will play, and basically, we'll be deciding who the starter is during this game. Thats fine. There some security in that thought.

 

Also, we only have to go 2-2 in the remaining games to secure HFA, so if we lose, oh well.

[goonys evil twin]

 

My concern for Rex and hope for his success is only related to how it affects the team. If he bombs, I'd have no problem discarding him to the side. There's nothing about his makup, personality or anything else that makes him anymore intriguing than any other QB. In fact, I've always thought he's a little too Forrest Gump to be much of a leader. I believe any so-called self confidence comes across as forced at best. But I don't care about any of that, I only care about what he does on the field. He's done enough on the field to prove he's got the ability to do what no other Bears QB has done in the modern era, but he's also done enough to prove he's got a lot to prove. So, if he does well, I'll like that he's a good Bears QB, if he does poorly, I'd like to see somebody better brought in. He has more upside than most, and he is the current starter, so I'd prefer he does well.

 

Most of what you feel about Rex seems contrary to what every other person and teamate says about him. You could be right though. I just have a different impression.

 

You are right about one thing though. Bears > Rex. If Rex bombs tonight, then, it's been real brother.

 

His teammates have talked about how talented he is as a QB, and occasionally talk up his leadership ability. But I'm not certain that most of what I feel about him is contrary to every other person. Rex comes across as a dope. Listening to him speak, it's hard to be impressed. But like I said, I don't really care about that. I care about what he does on the field, and with that, I think I'm in aggreement with at least his teammates. I don't need a suave swash buckling GQ QB. I just want him to play the position well. I think his teammates are sick of all the no talent hacks who came before him, and are talking Rex up because of how much more physical talent he has compared to the guys from the past. And, similar to the fans, they want the carousel to end. But if he plays poorly enough to cause Lovie to make a change, I don't think his teammates would have a problem with that.

[goonys evil twin]

Also, we only have to go 2-2 in the remaining games to secure HFA, so if we lose, oh well.

 

So the Bears have tie-breakers over New Orleans? I didn't think that was the case.

[Chocolate Milk]

 

My concern for Rex and hope for his success is only related to how it affects the team. If he bombs, I'd have no problem discarding him to the side. There's nothing about his makup, personality or anything else that makes him anymore intriguing than any other QB. In fact, I've always thought he's a little too Forrest Gump to be much of a leader. I believe any so-called self confidence comes across as forced at best. But I don't care about any of that, I only care about what he does on the field. He's done enough on the field to prove he's got the ability to do what no other Bears QB has done in the modern era, but he's also done enough to prove he's got a lot to prove. So, if he does well, I'll like that he's a good Bears QB, if he does poorly, I'd like to see somebody better brought in. He has more upside than most, and he is the current starter, so I'd prefer he does well.

 

Most of what you feel about Rex seems contrary to what every other person and teamate says about him. You could be right though. I just have a different impression.

 

You are right about one thing though. Bears > Rex. If Rex bombs tonight, then, it's been real brother.

 

His teammates have talked about how talented he is as a QB, and occasionally talk up his leadership ability. But I'm not certain that most of what I feel about him is contrary to every other person. Rex comes across as a dope. Listening to him speak, it's hard to be impressed. But like I said, I don't really care about that. I care about what he does on the field, and with that, I think I'm in aggreement with at least his teammates. I don't need a suave swash buckling GQ QB. I just want him to play the position well. I think his teammates are sick of all the no talent hacks who came before him, and are talking Rex up because of how much more physical talent he has compared to the guys from the past. And, similar to the fans, they want the carousel to end. But if he plays poorly enough to cause Lovie to make a change, I don't think his teammates would have a problem with that.

 

Like I said, I disagree with your assesment. I've never heard a single person question his intelligence or call him a dope before. I've never even heard a hint of that stuff living in Chicago, reading Chicago newspapers, and listening to sports radio. I'm not going to debate you about it since this stuff is all opinion.

[kujay]

Also, we only have to go 2-2 in the remaining games to secure HFA, so if we lose, oh well.

 

So the Bears have tie-breakers over New Orleans? I didn't think that was the case.

 

Isn't the first tiebreaker conference record? The Bears are 1+ on NO in that right now, but if they lost tonight, obviously they would be even there and move to the next TB. Have no idea what that is? Common opponents?

 

Here's hoping they make it a non-issue and take care of business against a team they should pound on.

[Butterscup1679666578]

I decided that the Bears were going to win by about 30 tonight. That is all.

[jaydee]

 

My concern for Rex and hope for his success is only related to how it affects the team. If he bombs, I'd have no problem discarding him to the side. There's nothing about his makup, personality or anything else that makes him anymore intriguing than any other QB. In fact, I've always thought he's a little too Forrest Gump to be much of a leader. I believe any so-called self confidence comes across as forced at best. But I don't care about any of that, I only care about what he does on the field. He's done enough on the field to prove he's got the ability to do what no other Bears QB has done in the modern era, but he's also done enough to prove he's got a lot to prove. So, if he does well, I'll like that he's a good Bears QB, if he does poorly, I'd like to see somebody better brought in. He has more upside than most, and he is the current starter, so I'd prefer he does well.

 

Most of what you feel about Rex seems contrary to what every other person and teamate says about him. You could be right though. I just have a different impression.

 

You are right about one thing though. Bears > Rex. If Rex bombs tonight, then, it's been real brother.

 

His teammates have talked about how talented he is as a QB, and occasionally talk up his leadership ability. But I'm not certain that most of what I feel about him is contrary to every other person. Rex comes across as a dope. Listening to him speak, it's hard to be impressed. But like I said, I don't really care about that. I care about what he does on the field, and with that, I think I'm in aggreement with at least his teammates. I don't need a suave swash buckling GQ QB. I just want him to play the position well. I think his teammates are sick of all the no talent hacks who came before him, and are talking Rex up because of how much more physical talent he has compared to the guys from the past. And, similar to the fans, they want the carousel to end. But if he plays poorly enough to cause Lovie to make a change, I don't think his teammates would have a problem with that.

 

Like I said, I disagree with your assesment. I've never heard a single person question his intelligence or call him a dope before. I've never even heard a hint of that stuff living in Chicago, reading Chicago newspapers, and listening to sports radio. I'm not going to debate you about it since this stuff is all opinion.

 

if anything i would say he sounds somewhat like tom brady when talking to the media in terms of tone etc.

[goonys evil twin]

Like I said, I disagree with your assesment. I've never heard a single person question his intelligence or call him a dope before. I've never even heard a hint of that stuff living in Chicago, reading Chicago newspapers, and listening to sports radio. I'm not going to debate you about it since this stuff is all opinion.

 

I've heard plenty of people say similar things. I don't think he's a complete idiot.

 

I think he would be very difficult to have an interesting conversation with.

 

In other words, he's more Eli than Peyton in the personality department. But again, that's more or less inconsequential, as I am only concerned about his play on the field.

[bukie]

Also, we only have to go 2-2 in the remaining games to secure HFA, so if we lose, oh well.

 

So the Bears have tie-breakers over New Orleans? I didn't think that was the case.

 

Isn't the first tiebreaker conference record? The Bears are 1+ on NO in that right now, but if they lost tonight, obviously they would be even there and move to the next TB. Have no idea what that is? Common opponents?

 

Here's hoping they make it a non-issue and take care of business against a team they should pound on.

 

New Orleans would win any tiebreaker with the Bears, as if they finish tied, NO would have the better conference record.

[Brian]

I decided that the Bears were going to win by about 30 tonight. That is all.

 

that would be nice.

[CubColtPacer]

Also, we only have to go 2-2 in the remaining games to secure HFA, so if we lose, oh well.

 

So the Bears have tie-breakers over New Orleans? I didn't think that was the case.

 

Isn't the first tiebreaker conference record? The Bears are 1+ on NO in that right now, but if they lost tonight, obviously they would be even there and move to the next TB. Have no idea what that is? Common opponents?

 

Here's hoping they make it a non-issue and take care of business against a team they should pound on.

 

If the Saints tie the Bears in record, there will be no need to go past the conference record tiebreaker. Both teams only have NFC games left (the Bears went 2-2 against the AFC, the Saints went 1-3). If the Bears lose 2 more games and the Saints win out, they will both be 12-4, but the Saints will get the 1 seed due to only having 1 conference loss while the Bears will have 2.

The Bears have to win 3 out of the last 4 to make sure of their own destiny-otherwise, the Saints can win out and take HFA away.

[nikao]

So is the simple way to say this that the Bears' magic number for home field advantage is 3? After NO's win yesterday, we could assume that this will mean three wins for the Bears, but a win tonight and another Saints loss would make that fairly easy. This team should beat either GB or the Lions, even if the whole defensive line goes down.

[CP_414]

Count me another person really rooting for Rex tonight, but really worried about this game. The losses of Vasher and Tommie Harris could be brutal against a solid Rams offense. I think (hope) good Rex shows up and leads the Bears to a 31-17 win.

[UMFan83]

As much as I wouldn't want to goto the Superdome for the NFC Championship game, I would worry about getting a bye and a home playoff game much more then HFA. To do that we only need to win one more game.

[CubmanPi]

As much as I wouldn't want to goto the Superdome for the NFC Championship game, I would worry about getting a bye and a home playoff game much more then HFA. To do that we only need to win one more game.

That's what I'm more concerned with. I don't care who/where the Bears play the NFC championship, as long as they're one of the two teams on the ticket. This year will likely be the third of six in which the Bears get a second round playoff game at home, and we know where that's gotten them so far.

[Soul]

As much as I wouldn't want to goto the Superdome for the NFC Championship game, I would worry about getting a bye and a home playoff game much more then HFA. To do that we only need to win one more game.

 

This is true. No doubt we can accomplish that much with ease.

 

However, HFA might require as much as 3 of our last 4, depending on what NO does, since one more loss would tie them with us in conference records.

 

Needless to say being the #1 seed gives us the weaker of the two opponents who come out of the 1st round. Assuming it's Seattle and Dallas coming out (a big if), I'm not sure which one I consider to be "weaker." It sort of depends on the matchup.

[Brian]

it's official's tommie's done for the year, surgery tomorrow. Expected to be ready for training camp.

 

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=2787

[Soul]

it's official's tommie's done for the year, surgery tomorrow. Expected to be ready for training camp.

 

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=2787

 

I think this is just a crushing, crushing loss.

 

But, Big Slick gets mad at me when I'm too negative, so I'll lay off :wink:

[CP_414]

it's official's tommie's done for the year, surgery tomorrow. Expected to be ready for training camp.

 

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=2787

 

Ugh. That is brutal. Time for Boone and Ian Scott to step up and stuff the run. This is a major blow to the D. Without T Harris the front 4 will struggle to get to the QB, the Bears might have to bring some LB and CB blitzes and the secondary will be weaker.

[ctcf]

My apartment has instituted the 1st Annual Rex Grossman Drinking Game (Dedicated, with love, to Kyle Orton).

 

1/2 Shot for 1st Down Passes

Double Shot for TD Passes.

 

Here's praying I end up blowing chunks.

[CubmanPi]

My apartment has instituted the 1st Annual Rex Grossman Drinking Game (Dedicated, with love, to Kyle Orton).

 

1/2 Shot for 1st Down Passes

Double Shot for TD Passes.

 

Here's praying I end up blowing chunks.

When I first read this, I thought it was going to be a shot for fumbles lost, two shots for INTs, and I was thinking that you'd end up in the hospital by halftime.

[UMFan83]

My apartment has instituted the 1st Annual Rex Grossman Drinking Game (Dedicated, with love, to Kyle Orton).

 

1/2 Shot for 1st Down Passes

Double Shot for TD Passes.

 

Here's praying I end up blowing chunks.

 

Haha, if you did that last week for the vikings game, you would have had 1/2 shot of alcohol over a 3 hour period.

[CubmanPi]

You should have a defensive drinking game too.

 

1/2 shot for forced punts

1 shot for 3 and out

2 shots for each takeaway

[ctcf]

You should have a defensive drinking game too.

 

1/2 shot for forced punts

1 shot for 3 and out

2 shots for each takeaway

We'll use that as the backup. If its going increadibly bad after a quarter we will add that to the mix.