Divisional Round: Bears vs. Seahawks - Sun Jan 14, 12 pm CST

[BigSlick]

 

How is that different than this situation? We've had some terrible offenses in the past, no doubt. And it's improved for sure. But as fans don't we have a right to expect more than a mediocre offense?

.

 

Well, it's quite different. The NFL has a salary cap. You don't really have a good chance of having both a great defense and a great offense. Realistic expectations are to have a great unit (I'd prefer that to be defense) and an adaquate unit. The Bears were middle of the pack in offensive yards this year and top of the conference in scoring.

 

I really don't think the offense is mediocre. To describe it as such is to make the same mistake that national media makes when saying Grossman had a bad 2nd half. The offense is inconsistent, and that is because Rex is inconsistent. When it ticks, it's very good. It'll never be Colts good. But it gets the job done. We can talk about the defense giving them a short field all we want, but they did that the past few years and the offense made nothing out of it. They still move the ball and score a lot.

 

I think the biggest mistake fans make when critiquing teams is blaming play-calling. The NFL is just far too complicated for the average fan to truly understand, much more so than baseball. Strategy is much more than just see ball hit ball. All too often people mistake a play that works with a great play call and a play that doesn't work with a good one. An end around that results in a loss of yardage is stupid while an end around that gains 15 yards is brilliant.

 

I've had a problem with Turner abandoning the run, but that was mostly early in the season. I have a problem with them not allowing Benson to take over games, but the times the offense has struggled has almost always been when Rex turns the ball over. Turner has taken what was largely considered one of the worst receiving groups in the game and made it very potent. He's gotten the most out of Thomas Jones, and is giving Benson more and more. He's made what most people thought was an inept TE group a real threat. And he's provided the groundwork for Rex Grossman to show real development as a potential franchise QB.

 

Maybe he could have done a better job preventing Rex from melting. Maybe he should have relied more on a running game early in the season (although now we're in a great position with 2 healthy and not even close to overworked RB's). Maybe he could a better job of mixing some things up. But when Rex isn't a disaster, this offense runs well, passes well, moves the ball well, and scores more frequently than almost all other NFL offenses. When it's 3rd and 9 they don't try for 3 yard gains. When they are in the red zone they don't tighten up into incompetent fools. They stretch the field deep, they complete the intermediate pass that seperates the men from the boys. They get the TE the ball, they pound with the run on occasion.

 

This offense is not mediocre. The play-calling and strategy allows for big gains, big plays and big scores. Every single problem with this offense revolves around disaster Rex. Take away disaster Rex, and this is quite possibly the highest scoring offense in the league this year. And it's hard to justify bitching about that.

 

The problem is also that when Bad Rex appears Ron Turner seems to be intent on throwing THIRTY FIVE FREAKING TIMES THAT GAME. Can we just buckle down and run 45 times if Grossman isn't having the best game?

[USSoccer]

 

This offense is not mediocre. The play-calling and strategy allows for big gains, big plays and big scores. Every single problem with this offense revolves around disaster Rex. Take away disaster Rex, and this is quite possibly the highest scoring offense in the league this year. And it's hard to justify bitching about that.

 

The problem is also that when Bad Rex appears Ron Turner seems to be intent on throwing THIRTY FIVE FREAKING TIMES THAT GAME. Can we just buckle down and run 45 times if Grossman isn't having the best game?

 

The adjustment in game plan when Rex is clearly struggling with his reads is something that is lacking. Usually it's clear in the 1st quarter what kind of game Rex is going to have. If he's making stupid decisions and getting pressured, Turner should have a couple run-only series, if only to allow Rex some time to settle down. This usually doesn't happen.

[Banedon]

Ok Goony, I'll admit maybe I'm being overly critical of him. He has gotten the best out of a receiving core that wasn't highly thought of (although I think through this whole "Bad Rex" frenzy, the receivers have really gotten off lightly. They miss a break on a timing route and all of a sudden it looks like Rex is clueless.) However I still think Turner has some 2 glaring weaknesses.

 

1) Adaptability. I don't think he adjusts well to defenses doing the unexpected. If Rex gets flustered in the first half because of something the defense is doing, I don't see Turner changing the gameplan at the half in a way that helps Rex be in a better position to succeed.

 

2) Predictability. I don't think Turner does a very good job varying week to week to keep defenses on their toes.

 

Anyway, I imagine it's all a moot point, because I don't think he'll get the Miami job.

[goonys evil twin]

The problem is also that when Bad Rex appears Ron Turner seems to be intent on throwing THIRTY FIVE FREAKING TIMES THAT GAME. Can we just buckle down and run 45 times if Grossman isn't having the best game?

 

I've had issues with how he handles those games. However, you can't just run every down, you will kill your backs and eventually be stopped. You also won't come back from the double digit deficits they've encountered.

 

I don't pretend to think Ron Turner is genius. But he's a legit NFL OC who has turned the Bears offense into one of the most potent offenses in football, not just middle of the pack, which is what I was hoping for at best coming into the season.

 

I have a theory that the Bears coaches took a very big picture look at this season and it affected in-game decisions. They had this division wrapped up months ago, and they had homefield advantage locked up long ago. I believe they purposefully saved Benson for the stretch run and the playoffs. I believe they put as much on Grossman early to test him and accelerate his learning curve as they could without giving away games. I believe they held back a bit of strategy for the playoffs and almost toyed with the conference, especially since the NY games were wrapped up. Ever since then, it's been cruise control. I don't know if that will come back to haunt them, given how hard it is to just turn on a switch. But I think they were devestated by last year's loss to Carolina, and decided from the start to plan everything around how they would handle the first game of the playoffs. That is a huge game for all these guys. They knew winning a division was not enough. They've shown the ability to play pass happy offense, and to play it safe. They've shown Hester on offense just a bit. They've shown enough that whomever they play in that first game, will have a million more things to prepare for than Carolina prepared for last January.

 

Whether they succeed, or not, depends entirely on Rex not being disaster Rex. When he's not disaster Rex, this team rolls.

[BigSlick]

The problem is also that when Bad Rex appears Ron Turner seems to be intent on throwing THIRTY FIVE FREAKING TIMES THAT GAME. Can we just buckle down and run 45 times if Grossman isn't having the best game?

 

I've had issues with how he handles those games. However, you can't just run every down, you will kill your backs and eventually be stopped. You also won't come back from the double digit deficits they've encountered.

 

I don't pretend to think Ron Turner is genius. But he's a legit NFL OC who has turned the Bears offense into one of the most potent offenses in football, not just middle of the pack, which is what I was hoping for at best coming into the season.

 

I have a theory that the Bears coaches took a very big picture look at this season and it affected in-game decisions. They had this division wrapped up months ago, and they had homefield advantage locked up long ago. I believe they purposefully saved Benson for the stretch run and the playoffs. I believe they put as much on Grossman early to test him and accelerate his learning curve as they could without giving away games. I believe they held back a bit of strategy for the playoffs and almost toyed with the conference, especially since the NY games were wrapped up. Ever since then, it's been cruise control. I don't know if that will come back to haunt them, given how hard it is to just turn on a switch. But I think they were devestated by last year's loss to Carolina, and decided from the start to plan everything around how they would handle the first game of the playoffs. That is a huge game for all these guys. They knew winning a division was not enough. They've shown the ability to play pass happy offense, and to play it safe. They've shown Hester on offense just a bit. They've shown enough that whomever they play in that first game, will have a million more things to prepare for than Carolina prepared for last January.

 

Whether they succeed, or not, depends entirely on Rex not being disaster Rex. When he's not disaster Rex, this team rolls.

 

This is true, and while it is very true that the battle between offensive and defensive playcalling is incredibly complex and requires a lot of thought and patience (watch some of ESPN's The Best NFL Games and you'll see offensive linemen talking about their team calling a hitch when the defense is in a certain formation and you'll understand what he's talking about) but sometimes you gotta cut your losses.

 

3 runs and a punt is better than a pick-six. Always. Especially with our defense. I'm more than happy to punt the ball after running the ball 3 times and taking off some clock.

[USSoccer]

 

3 runs and a punt is better than a pick-six. Always. Especially with our defense. I'm more than happy to punt the ball after running the ball 3 times and taking off some clock.

 

I'll agree with your basic point, but our defense can't be counted on to stop anything right now. The offense has to be productive.

[gflore34]

I know this isn't along the lines of the current discussion but, in yet, another crucifixion of Grossman by ESPN and Mark S. this morning, he mentioned Grossman' relative short-ness. Why is it no one ever questions the height of Drew Brees? Last time I checked he's listed at 6 feet...

[Banedon]

I know this isn't along the lines of the current discussion but, in yet, another crucifixion of Grossman by ESPN and Mark S. this morning, he mentioned Grossman' relative short-ness. Why is it no one ever questions the height of Drew Brees? Last time I checked he's listed at 6 feet...

 

Brees has proven he can find passing lanes. Rex gets his passes tipped on a relatively frequent basis.

[gflore34]

I know this isn't along the lines of the current discussion but, in yet, another crucifixion of Grossman by ESPN and Mark S. this morning, he mentioned Grossman' relative short-ness. Why is it no one ever questions the height of Drew Brees? Last time I checked he's listed at 6 feet...

 

Brees has proven he can find passing lanes. Rex gets his passes tipped on a relatively frequent basis.

 

Thanks, I thought the answer would be along those lines. Given the bashing of the Bears and Grossman by National Media I begin to wonder if they should even show up on the 13th or 14th.

[Chocolate Milk]

I know this isn't along the lines of the current discussion but, in yet, another crucifixion of Grossman by ESPN and Mark S. this morning, he mentioned Grossman' relative short-ness. Why is it no one ever questions the height of Drew Brees? Last time I checked he's listed at 6 feet...

 

Brees has proven he can find passing lanes. Rex gets his passes tipped on a relatively frequent basis.

 

Sorry, I don't agree here. I beleive this to be perception and not reality.

[goonys evil twin]

I know this isn't along the lines of the current discussion but, in yet, another crucifixion of Grossman by ESPN and Mark S. this morning, he mentioned Grossman' relative short-ness. Why is it no one ever questions the height of Drew Brees? Last time I checked he's listed at 6 feet...

 

Brees has proven he can find passing lanes. Rex gets his passes tipped on a relatively frequent basis.

 

Sorry, I don't agree here. I beleive this to be perception and not reality.

 

My perception is that those tips have been more of a good rex terrible rex thing as well. I don't think good rex has had an inordinate number of his passes tipped.

[Banedon]

Unfortunately I'm not able to find anywhere that keeps track of tipped passes.

[UMFan83]

Interesting. Scounts, inc. rates the playoff teams based on all of their major positions, and then tabulates the score to determined the best overall team in the playoffs. The Bears are rated 4th best overall, behind 3 AFC teams: the Chargers, Ravens and Patriots.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs06/news/story?id=2720408&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab3pos2

 

Some interesting 'findings'

 

Bears have the 11th best QB (out of 12). Can't really argue there. Bears have the 8th best RB. Definitely not sure I agree there, especially when TJ/CB are rated below Corey Dillion and Lawrence Maroney. The other 6 teams I can live with because the best RBs in football are in the playoff field.

[Jon]

Lovie is hopeful McKie will return to practice early next week. I really hope he'll be fine.

 

He also said yesterday that Tillman will be ready to go.

[Banedon]

Interesting. Scounts, inc. rates the playoff teams based on all of their major positions, and then tabulates the score to determined the best overall team in the playoffs. The Bears are rated 4th best overall, behind 3 AFC teams: the Chargers, Ravens and Patriots.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs06/news/story?id=2720408&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab3pos2

 

Some interesting 'findings'

 

Bears have the 11th best QB (out of 12). Can't really argue there. Bears have the 8th best RB. Definitely not sure I agree there, especially when TJ/CB are rated below Corey Dillion and Lawrence Maroney. The other 6 teams I can live with because the best RBs in football are in the playoff field.

 

Yeah, the Bears RB ranking was my beef.

[TruffleShuffle]

I take offense to the Eagles' coaching being ranked behind Baltimore.... probably Seattle too, and maybe even Dallas.

[UMFan83]

I take offense to the Eagles' coaching being ranked behind Baltimore.... probably Seattle too, and maybe even Dallas.[/quote

 

How many Super Bowls has Andy Reid won as a head coach compaired to Brian Billick, Mike Holmgren and Bill Parcells?

[TruffleShuffle]

I take offense to the Eagles' coaching being ranked behind Baltimore.... probably Seattle too, and maybe even Dallas.

 

How many Super Bowls has Andy Reid won as a head coach compaired to Brian Billick, Mike Holmgren and Bill Parcells?

 

George Seifert has two Super Bowl rings, Barry Switzer has one, and Dusty Baker came within five outs of winning a World Series.

[UMFan83]

I take offense to the Eagles' coaching being ranked behind Baltimore.... probably Seattle too, and maybe even Dallas.

 

How many Super Bowls has Andy Reid won as a head coach compaired to Brian Billick, Mike Holmgren and Bill Parcells?

 

George Seifert has two Super Bowl rings, Barry Switzer has one, and Dusty Baker came within five outs of winning a World Series.

 

I know it, I just kinda assumed that they basically ranked the coaches in terms of their championship and postseason experience.

[BigSlick]

I know this isn't along the lines of the current discussion but, in yet, another crucifixion of Grossman by ESPN and Mark S. this morning, he mentioned Grossman' relative short-ness. Why is it no one ever questions the height of Drew Brees? Last time I checked he's listed at 6 feet...

 

If you've followed ESPN and Mark Schlereth this whole season, you'll see a trend here. (and I unfortunately have)

 

Mark Schlereth HATES the Bears. I mean, someone must have cut his knees or something during his playing days for the amount of hate he unleashes on our boys.

 

He picked against us THE FIRST THREE GAMES OF THE SEASON. Yes. He picked against us versus the Packers. Versus the Lions. And, oh yes, against the Vikings.

 

Absurd.

[Soul]

Anyone else seeing a lack of urgency with this team?

 

They got their butts kicked by Green Bay, Grossman admitted he basically didn't care. Looked very much like the entire team didn't.

 

One would think they'd be dialing it up this week, despite the extra time before the next game. You know, getting back to basics, keeping their fitness up----maybe even working on a couple new wrinkles.

 

Instead, I'm hearing practices have been very light. Anyone else heard the same? I know Tank Johnson didn't show Friday. I know it was an excused absence and he's got alot to deal with in his life, but still----wild horses couldn't drag me away at this moment in time.

 

Chico Rivera hasn't even been in town, instead gallavanting around the country doing interviews (hmmm....heard this story before??) while his struggling defense sits at Halas Hall twiddling their thumbs. And now Ron Turner is getting in on the act, doing interviews as his QB tries to find the energy to care.

 

Christ, I guess they're just satisfied with being divisional champs. After all, why wouldn't they be? All you have to do in this league is win the division and the big time salary offers start rolling in. Who cares about the Super Bowl? Nobody in Chicago, apparently.

[chuckywang]

Do you guys like my new avatar?

[cubbyvirus00]

thats the best avatar ive seen in a REALLY long time hahahaha.

 

The bears are in trouble for sure. The Ravens will be champs for sure.

[David]

The Ravens? No way.

 

The Chargers are coming out of the AFC.

[BigSlick]

Anyone else seeing a lack of urgency with this team?

 

They got their butts kicked by Green Bay, Grossman admitted he basically didn't care. Looked very much like the entire team didn't.

 

One would think they'd be dialing it up this week, despite the extra time before the next game. You know, getting back to basics, keeping their fitness up----maybe even working on a couple new wrinkles.

 

Instead, I'm hearing practices have been very light. Anyone else heard the same? I know Tank Johnson didn't show Friday. I know it was an excused absence and he's got alot to deal with in his life, but still----wild horses couldn't drag me away at this moment in time.

 

Chico Rivera hasn't even been in town, instead gallavanting around the country doing interviews (hmmm....heard this story before??) while his struggling defense sits at Halas Hall twiddling their thumbs. And now Ron Turner is getting in on the act, doing interviews as his QB tries to find the energy to care.

 

Christ, I guess they're just satisfied with being divisional champs. After all, why wouldn't they be? All you have to do in this league is win the division and the big time salary offers start rolling in. Who cares about the Super Bowl? Nobody in Chicago, apparently.

 

I, I would hope that they listened to their own advice from last year, But its possible they didn't.

 

I just want one playoff victory. Plz? :evil: