Week 15: Bears vs. Tampa Bay - Sunday Dec 17, 12 pm CST

[UMFan83]

Not sure what Peter King is on right now to think the Bears are the luckiest team in the NFL, and that the Saints are still the best team in the NFC.

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/peter_king/12/17/week15/index.html

 

3. New Orleans (9-5). I give up on trying to figure out the NFC.

 

4. Chicago (12-2). I mean, I just give up.

 

The Bears have horseshoes in their shoes.

 

It's like he looked at the final score, or just watched the overtime period. The only real break the Bears got was the lack of a replay on Davis' catch. Everything else went against them. The biggest problem yesterday was a total lack of focus on defense after getting a huge lead.

 

Normally I don't get too involved in caring about how people rate us, but HOW CAN YOU RATE SOMEONE WITH A RECORD THATS THREE GAMES WORSE ABOVE US?!?!?!?!?!

 

Peter King we had 4 freaking defensive starters out including 3 Pro Bowlers, you ignorant man.

 

I just sent this email to him:

 

Peter,

 

How could you possibly be so ignorant to rate a team thats THREE GAMES WORSE above the Bears? I normally don't give much credence to rankings, but this lack of respect for the Bears is appalling.

 

Did you just look at the final score and just assume that the Bears suck? I don't get it. We had 4 defensive starters injured, and three Pro Bowlers. Our safety was third string. Maybe if you did a little research, you would see that if our secondary didn't get burned as bad as it did, which it wouldn't have if we had Vasher and Johnson in there, we would have won handily.

 

Obviously you can't watch all 16 games in a weekend, but I would figure you'd at least do a little research when you are going to rate a 9-5 team ahead of a 12-2 team from the same conference. Especially when the 9-5 team is coming off a deflating loss and the 12-2 team has done nothing but win 5 out of the last 6 games (with the one loss coming on the road to a good 10-4 Patriots squad by 4 points). Peter stop being so ignorant.

[goonys evil twin]

The Bears dominated that game. They relaxed in the 4th quarter, but then controlled the OT period. Anybody who tries to pretend that win involved luck is an idiot. This team has been on cruise control since the Giants game, and has still managed to win 4 of 5. The defense has been plain vanilla for a while now, and the coaches are obviously 100% focused on the playoffs. They say great teams find ways to win games when they don't play their best. The Bears have done that a few times now. They've also destroyed teams along the way.

 

I'm going to enjoy watching this team blow through the NFC competition in the playoffs while the experts keep doubting their ability.

 

I guarantee you that a 12-2 Dallas team with an up and down young QB would be in the indesputable champion of the NFC in the eyes of these people. None of this crap matters though. What matters are the games, and the Bears are going to win at least 4 more this season.

[Banedon]

Peter King also says Drew Brees is still the MVP right now, which I think is just ridiculous. So he's obviously got some kind of love for the Saints right now.

[RynoRules]

People conveniently forget that most championship teams play close games and get lucky against bad teams along the way.

 

Exhibit A may surprise you: the 85' Bears. Here are their results:

 

|

1 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | W | 38-28 |

| 2 | New England Patriots | W | 20- 7 |

| 3 | at Minnesota Vikings | W | 33-24 |

| 4 | Washington Redskins | W | 45-10 |

| 5 | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | W | 27-19 |

| 6 | at San Francisco 49ers | W | 26-10 |

| 7 | Green Bay Packers | W | 23- 7 |

| 8 | Minnesota Vikings | W | 27- 9 |

| 9 | at Green Bay Packers | W | 16-10 |

| 10 | Detroit Lions | W | 24- 3 |

| 11 | at Dallas Cowboys | W | 44- 0 |

| 12 | Atlanta Falcons | W | 36- 0 |

| 13 | at Miami Dolphins | L | 24-38 |

| 14 | Indianapolis Colts | W | 17-10 |

| 15 | at New York Jets | W | 19- 6 |

| 16 | at Detroit Lions | W | 37-17

 

 

 

The Bears were fortunate to pull out wins in each of the following:

 

- Vikings (7-9) in Week 3 (getting their butts handed to em' on Mon. night until McMahon went crazy in the second half)

 

- Green Bay (8-8) in Week 9 (lead by the legendary Lynn Dickey, Eddie Lee "Ebony and" Ivery, and the ageless James Lofton)

 

- Indy (5-11) in Week 14 (Mike Pagel and TE Pat Beach were the stars. beach was freakin awesome in tecmo Bowl, not quite as good in real life.)

 

Point is that when you over-analyze each and every game and performance...well you are guilty of over-analysis.

[Banedon]

I'm going to enjoy watching this team blow through the NFC competition in the playoffs while the experts keep doubting their ability.

 

Agreed. The Saints will be the only real NFC competition, and I'm not convinced that they'll be as tough as they've looked at some points.

[USSoccer]

I'm going to enjoy watching this team blow through the NFC competition in the playoffs while the experts keep doubting their ability.

 

Agreed. The Saints will be the only real NFC competition, and I'm not convinced that they'll be as tough as they've looked at some points.

 

And the Saints just lost to a very bad Washington team at home. How anyone can say with a straight face that the Saints are better must be crazy.

[cubweiser03]

The Bears dominated that game. They relaxed in the 4th quarter, but then controlled the OT period. Anybody who tries to pretend that win involved luck is an idiot. This team has been on cruise control since the Giants game, and has still managed to win 4 of 5. The defense has been plain vanilla for a while now, and the coaches are obviously 100% focused on the playoffs.

 

I did hear Lovie say yesterday that they arent showing everything because they want to save some new looks for the playoffs.

 

Bucs score on a 10 yard drive.

2 short pass plays with long YAC TD. These were 2 of the D. Mannings worst plays ive seen from him this year. He took bad angles both times. He makes those plays and the Bucs have to work for 14 points. He's young and going to make some mistakes, its not like he's been doing that all year, so im not too worried about him making those mistakes too much in the playoffs.

[goonys evil twin]

Peter King is the king of overanalyzing. His co-offensive player of the week?

 

Mark Brunell, QB, Washington. What? But, you say, he didn't even play in the Redskins' upset of the Saints. Correct. "He did an incredible job for us last week, and he deserves some credit for this win,'' assistant head coach/defense Gregg Williams said. "Even though he's left-handed, he played Drew Brees perfectly on our scout team all week, giving the defense a great look. He went to the spots on the field Brees would go to, and threw to the spots Brees would throw to.

[Banedon]

Peter King is the king of overanalyzing. His co-offensive player of the week?

 

Mark Brunell, QB, Washington. What? But, you say, he didn't even play in the Redskins' upset of the Saints. Correct. "He did an incredible job for us last week, and he deserves some credit for this win,'' assistant head coach/defense Gregg Williams said. "Even though he's left-handed, he played Drew Brees perfectly on our scout team all week, giving the defense a great look. He went to the spots on the field Brees would go to, and threw to the spots Brees would throw to.

 

Did they draw the birthmark on his face? Ya know....for realism's sake?

 

 

At least a small measure of respect from Clark Judge on Sportsline. From his 5 thoughts at the end of his "judgements":

 

 

1. Why does a guy named Tank need a bodyguard, anyway?

2. Aside from Chicago, whom can you trust in the NFC?

[RynoRules]

Peter King is the king of overanalyzing. His co-offensive player of the week?

 

Mark Brunell, QB, Washington. What? But, you say, he didn't even play in the Redskins' upset of the Saints. Correct. "He did an incredible job for us last week, and he deserves some credit for this win,'' assistant head coach/defense Gregg Williams said. "Even though he's left-handed, he played Drew Brees perfectly on our scout team all week, giving the defense a great look. He went to the spots on the field Brees would go to, and threw to the spots Brees would throw to.

 

What a freaking joke.

 

The saturation of analysis has created some absolutely moronic opinions.

[Banedon]

Peter King last night spend about 5 minutes before the game talking about Drew Brees's contract. He said that while everyone thought he signed a 6 year deal, it was actually a 1 year deal with an option for the other 5, and that in order to exercise the option, the Saints have to pay $12 million. He did a nice job of trying to scare the crap out of Saints fans with this, before saying that the team knows they'd be dumb not to exercise the option, and that they will. Then why mention it Peter? Why spend 5 minutes of airtime on it??

[bukie]

Peter King last night spend about 5 minutes before the game talking about Drew Brees's contract. He said that while everyone thought he signed a 6 year deal, it was actually a 1 year deal with an option for the other 5, and that in order to exercise the option, the Saints have to pay $12 million. He did a nice job of trying to scare the crap out of Saints fans with this, before saying that the team knows they'd be dumb not to exercise the option, and that they will. Then why mention it Peter? Why spend 5 minutes of airtime on it??

 

In that vein, though, isn't every NFL deal a 1 year deal with options for more years if the team decides to pay? Can't every NFL player be cut at any time for any reason, and the contract void out?

 

Maybe he was trying to be clever, but...no.

[bukie]

I'm going to enjoy watching this team blow through the NFC competition in the playoffs while the experts keep doubting their ability.

 

Agreed. The Saints will be the only real NFC competition, and I'm not convinced that they'll be as tough as they've looked at some points.

 

I'm not the slightest bit concerned about the Saints or the Seahawks in the NFC. The Giants, maybe a little. The Falcons, if they can make it, not at all.

 

Good Rex can have a field day with the Cowboys' safeties, but Dallas's defense is fairly average all-around, which is a concern if the Bears can't get to Romo.

 

TBH, the team I would be most concerned about playing would be Philly, and not just because they are the flavor of the week. They're the only NFC playoff team besides the Bears with a good defense, and if the offense can click with Jeff freaking Garcia helming them, they must be doing something right. Plus, they have a pretty balanced offensive attack. And, maybe I'm still a little bit paranoid from 2001.

 

So, I guess if I were to rank teams in order of who I'd least like to see the Bears play in the NFC playoffs:

 

1. Eagles

2. Cowboys

3. Giants

4. Saints

5. Seahawks

6. Falcons

7. Anybody else who might make a run, like the Packers/Vikings/Niners/Rams/Panthers

 

So, in my eyes, best case scenario for the Bears is for the Falcons to sneak into the playoffs, upset the 3 seed NFC East winner, and have the Seahawks win the other first round game, so it'd be down to the Bears-Falcons-Saints-Seahawks.

[YearofDaCubs]

I'm going to enjoy watching this team blow through the NFC competition in the playoffs while the experts keep doubting their ability.

 

Agreed. The Saints will be the only real NFC competition, and I'm not convinced that they'll be as tough as they've looked at some points.

 

I'm not the slightest bit concerned about the Saints or the Seahawks in the NFC. The Giants, maybe a little. The Falcons, if they can make it, not at all.

 

Good Rex can have a field day with the Cowboys' safeties, but Dallas's defense is fairly average all-around, which is a concern if the Bears can't get to Romo.

 

TBH, the team I would be most concerned about playing would be Philly, and not just because they are the flavor of the week. They're the only NFC playoff team besides the Bears with a good defense, and if the offense can click with Jeff freaking Garcia helming them, they must be doing something right. Plus, they have a pretty balanced offensive attack. And, maybe I'm still a little bit paranoid from 2001.

 

So, I guess if I were to rank teams in order of who I'd least like to see the Bears play in the NFC playoffs:

 

1. Eagles

2. Cowboys

3. Giants

4. Saints

5. Seahawks

6. Falcons

7. Anybody else who might make a run, like the Packers/Vikings/Niners/Rams/Panthers

 

So, in my eyes, best case scenario for the Bears is for the Falcons to sneak into the playoffs, upset the 3 seed NFC East winner, and have the Seahawks win the other first round game, so it'd be down to the Bears-Falcons-Saints-Seahawks.

The only team I'm worried about are the Cowboys and it's no easy task to come to Soldier Field and win unless you have Steve Smith on your team. Our defense is starting to concern me though.

[UMFan83]

I'm going to enjoy watching this team blow through the NFC competition in the playoffs while the experts keep doubting their ability.

 

Agreed. The Saints will be the only real NFC competition, and I'm not convinced that they'll be as tough as they've looked at some points.

 

I'm not the slightest bit concerned about the Saints or the Seahawks in the NFC. The Giants, maybe a little. The Falcons, if they can make it, not at all.

 

Good Rex can have a field day with the Cowboys' safeties, but Dallas's defense is fairly average all-around, which is a concern if the Bears can't get to Romo.

 

TBH, the team I would be most concerned about playing would be Philly, and not just because they are the flavor of the week. They're the only NFC playoff team besides the Bears with a good defense, and if the offense can click with Jeff freaking Garcia helming them, they must be doing something right. Plus, they have a pretty balanced offensive attack. And, maybe I'm still a little bit paranoid from 2001.

 

So, I guess if I were to rank teams in order of who I'd least like to see the Bears play in the NFC playoffs:

 

1. Eagles

2. Cowboys

3. Giants

4. Saints

5. Seahawks

6. Falcons

7. Anybody else who might make a run, like the Packers/Vikings/Niners/Rams/Panthers

 

So, in my eyes, best case scenario for the Bears is for the Falcons to sneak into the playoffs, upset the 3 seed NFC East winner, and have the Seahawks win the other first round game, so it'd be down to the Bears-Falcons-Saints-Seahawks.

The only team I'm worried about are the Cowboys and it's no easy task to come to Soldier Field and win unless you have Steve Smith on your team. Our defense is starting to concern me though.

 

Or Jason Taylor

[goonys evil twin]

TBH, the team I would be most concerned about playing would be Philly, and not just because they are the flavor of the week. They're the only NFC playoff team besides the Bears with a good defense, and if the offense can click with Jeff freaking Garcia helming them, they must be doing something right. Plus, they have a pretty balanced offensive attack. And, maybe I'm still a little bit paranoid from 2001.

 

Philly's defense is nothing special. Since the 27-3 post bye victory over the Redskins, they've given up an average of more than 28 points per game (5 games). They are 7th in the NFC in both yards allowed and points per game, which is just above average. They also don't create a large number of turnovers. They have racked up some yards and scored a lot of points. Philly is just like most other NFC contenders, good, but nothing special.

[bukie]

The only team I'm worried about are the Cowboys and it's no easy task to come to Soldier Field and win unless you have Steve Smith on your team. Our defense is starting to concern me though.

 

Yesterday, the defense allowed one actual offensive drive, and got burned for 2 big plays. 10 points were scored on a turnover and a stupid coverage penalty where the Tampa offense managed to move the ball a grand total of 9 yards combined.

 

My only real concern was a lack of focus on defense after they got the big lead, and that the Mannings got burned twice on plays within 2 mins of each other.

[Jon]

Highlights

[Banedon]

So, I guess if I were to rank teams in order of who I'd least like to see the Bears play in the NFC playoffs:

 

1. Eagles

2. Cowboys

3. Giants

4. Saints

5. Seahawks

6. Falcons

7. Anybody else who might make a run, like the Packers/Vikings/Niners/Rams/Panthers

 

Here's my list:

 

1. Saints

2. Cowboys

3. The field

 

The Falcons would be my favorite team to meet, so I can agree with you there.

 

I think the Bears would do a good job sniffing out Bush, but Brees scares me a bit. I think he could have a good time shredding our secondary depending on how healthy we are.

 

The Cowboys don't scare me a lot, just more than the rest of the possible opponents.

[Banedon]

The only team I'm worried about are the Cowboys and it's no easy task to come to Soldier Field and win unless you have Steve Smith on your team. Our defense is starting to concern me though.

 

Yesterday, the defense allowed one actual offensive drive, and got burned for 2 big plays. 10 points were scored on a turnover and a stupid coverage penalty where the Tampa offense managed to move the ball a grand total of 9 yards combined.

 

My only real concern was a lack of focus on defense after they got the big lead, and that the Mannings got burned twice on plays within 2 mins of each other.

 

Good post. Couldn't agree more.

[goonys evil twin]

By the way, isn't it amazing how good a TE can look when there is an actual threat of a WR catching a 15-20 yard pass now and again?

[Banedon]

Any word on Thomas Jones? From the Trib article about Cedric:

 

Cedric Benson has been craving chances since he was drafted, and Sunday he got them at a crucial time.

 

With Thomas Jones out of the game injured, Benson carried eight times for 41 yards in the fourth quarter, then added four carries in overtime.

 

EDIT: I should have read the whole article:

 

But Jones, who has played through ankle and groin injuries in recent weeks, was forced to turn over rushing duties to Benson and Adrian Peterson after straining his left side.

 

"I was trying to catch a swing pass, and I turned my body in a weird way," Jones said. "I felt a little strain or something. It was real sore, and for me to go back in the game, especially when we have other backs who can go in there, it was better not to let it get worse."

[goonys evil twin]

Any word on Thomas Jones? From the Trib article about Cedric:

 

Cedric Benson has been craving chances since he was drafted, and Sunday he got them at a crucial time.

 

With Thomas Jones out of the game injured, Benson carried eight times for 41 yards in the fourth quarter, then added four carries in overtime.

 

EDIT: I should have read the whole article:

 

But Jones, who has played through ankle and groin injuries in recent weeks, was forced to turn over rushing duties to Benson and Adrian Peterson after straining his left side.

 

"I was trying to catch a swing pass, and I turned my body in a weird way," Jones said. "I felt a little strain or something. It was real sore, and for me to go back in the game, especially when we have other backs who can go in there, it was better not to let it get worse."

 

I'd really like to see Benson dominate the next two games. Go into the playoffs with a bruising back in full stride, and Jones should be available for the occasional change of pace.

[Soul]

I'm going to enjoy watching this team blow through the NFC competition in the playoffs while the experts keep doubting their ability.

 

Agreed. The Saints will be the only real NFC competition, and I'm not convinced that they'll be as tough as they've looked at some points.

 

And the Saints just lost to a very bad Washington team at home. How anyone can say with a straight face that the Saints are better must be crazy.

 

The Skins are certainly better than the Bucs. And it was fun to see NO's heralded offense shut completely down. If I'm playing NO in the playoffs, the first game tape I study is the Washington game.

 

As for our game, the first half was great. I'm not sure why the massive breakdowns and turnovers all of a sudden in the 2nd half. But we should have won this game by 20 points. And-----it wasn't the DT's fault either. I don't think Tank Johnson not being there had really any effect at all. Maybe a little in the pass rush.

 

Not having Vasher----that was obviously a serious handicap. For Nate's part, he says he is 100% and wishes he could play. It's obvious Lovie isn't taking any chances, knowing he absolutely is going to need the interceptor in the playoffs.

[Mark Priors Calves]

Danieal Manning is the weak spot of the defense. He's constantly out of position, both in passing and running situations. I've noticed it at times throughout the season but more the last few weeks. Yesterday's game against the Bucs was the worst I've seen him play all season. At least he's a rookie and should develop into a solid safety but right now, I wish Mike Brown was healthy and Chris Harris could slide back into the FS position. That's not happening this season, so I can just hope Manning doesn't get exposed at a crucial point of a playoff game.