Week 7 Vikings @ Bears Noon CST FOX

[UMFan83]

Looking at the offensive numbers, its quite amazing the Bears won

 

Total Yards 439-327 MIN

Passing Yards 284-274 MIN

Rushing Yards 155-53 MIN

TOP 35:07-24:93 MIN

First Downs 28-20 MIN

 

 

Oh yeah, this is why we won

 

Turnovers 5-1 CHI

[BigSlick]

Kyle Orton has shown that he actually deserves to be a starting quarterback its pretty impressive.

 

Its just a shame we don't 5 or 6 wins right now. Really frustrating. And its also a pain to see our defense completely fall apart.

 

Would also like to see our O-line give Forte some more holes.

[UMFan83]

BTW, the Bears currently have scored the MOST points in the NFL.

 

 

They have played 7 games while several teams have played 6, but of any team that has only played 6 games, the closest any team is to the Bears is 19 points (Arizona)

[rawaction]

I'm not liking this game. That's why last week was so pivotal to me. As I mentioned in the first game thread, I envisioned a scenario where the Bears beat the Colts. I envisioned a scenario where they beat the Eagles. Every other game was easily winnable on paper (and proved to be on the field as well). But this one, I will be extremely pleasantly surprised if the Bears win. I know the Bears have been the better team this year, but I think w/ the mounting injuries, tough luck losses, and talent discrepancy will be too much to overcome. I worry about the Vikings pass rush getting on track and the Bears repeating the TB and ATL performances on the D-line.

 

I haven't predicted a score yet, because I'm usually way off. So, to hope that tradition continues, I'm picking Minnesota 27-13.

 

 

So yeah, I was wrong. Happily. I counted on Vasher and Tillman missing the game. I counted on the defense not being able to stop Peterson and Berrian having a real good game. I counted on special teams making a good showing. What I didn't count on though was another excellent offensive performance. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop on the O-line and Orton to drop along with it.

 

Defense has to get better, though. With a bye week and 2 weak offensive teams (Lions, Titans) following, the Bears should have their chance to turn it around in a hurry. Goal for next 2 weeks is to get everybody healthy. I think if Harris, Tillman and Vasher are near 100%, this defense can get back to what the talent dictates it should be.

[CubInOK]

I'm not liking this game. That's why last week was so pivotal to me. As I mentioned in the first game thread, I envisioned a scenario where the Bears beat the Colts. I envisioned a scenario where they beat the Eagles. Every other game was easily winnable on paper (and proved to be on the field as well). But this one, I will be extremely pleasantly surprised if the Bears win. I know the Bears have been the better team this year, but I think w/ the mounting injuries, tough luck losses, and talent discrepancy will be too much to overcome. I worry about the Vikings pass rush getting on track and the Bears repeating the TB and ATL performances on the D-line.

 

I haven't predicted a score yet, because I'm usually way off. So, to hope that tradition continues, I'm picking Minnesota 27-13.

 

 

So yeah, I was wrong. Happily. I counted on Vasher and Tillman missing the game. I counted on the defense not being able to stop Peterson and Berrian having a real good game. I counted on special teams making a good showing. What I didn't count on though was another excellent offensive performance. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop on the O-line and Orton to drop along with it.

I'm not too sure I'd call the Titans a weak offensive team. The Titans can run, and apparently Kerry Collins still has something in the tank.

Defense has to get better, though. With a bye week and 2 weak offensive teams (Lions, Titans) following, the Bears should have their chance to turn it around in a hurry. Goal for next 2 weeks is to get everybody healthy. I think if Harris, Tillman and Vasher are near 100%, this defense can get back to what the talent dictates it should be.

[gflore34]

In Orton, could we really looking a legitimate NFL QB? Week to week he's improving, never having seen this before from a Bear QB, it's shocking. Going into this season I thought certain that Orton would be bad to average as Bears positioned themselves to draft a QB in '09.

 

By the way, is safe to assume the DL is not going to generate a pass rush this season? If so, how long will it take Lovie and company to come up with and most importantly start using blitz packages?

[rawaction]

In Orton, could we really looking a legitimate NFL QB? Week to week he's improving, never having seen this before from a Bear QB, it's shocking. Going into this season I thought certain that Orton would be bad to average as Bears positioned themselves to draft a QB in '09.

 

By the way, is safe to assume the DL is not going to generate a pass rush this season? If so, how long will it take Lovie and company to come up with and most importantly start using blitz packages?

 

Orton definitely could be a legit NFL QB. Heck, he probably already is. I think Grossman is a legit NFL QB too, though. The key with Orton will be eliminating the bad games when defenses put a lot of heat on him and good designed coverage schemes.

 

I still think the Bears need to draft a QB in the 1st half of the 09 draft, though. Maybe not 1st or 2nd round like we all suspected, but definitely by the 3rd. Grossman will likely be gone, and Hanie isn't a legit #2.

[UMFan83]

I think its interesting to see how much control he has over the offense and how often he calls audibles at the line. He seems to have good success doing that, and seems to throw other teams off guard.

[Magnetic Curses]

In Orton, could we really looking a legitimate NFL QB? Week to week he's improving, never having seen this before from a Bear QB, it's shocking. Going into this season I thought certain that Orton would be bad to average as Bears positioned themselves to draft a QB in '09.

 

By the way, is safe to assume the DL is not going to generate a pass rush this season? If so, how long will it take Lovie and company to come up with and most importantly start using blitz packages?

 

Orton definitely could be a legit NFL QB. Heck, he probably already is. I think Grossman is a legit NFL QB too, though. The key with Orton will be eliminating the bad games when defenses put a lot of heat on him and good designed coverage schemes.

 

I still think the Bears need to draft a QB in the 1st half of the 09 draft, though. Maybe not 1st or 2nd round like we all suspected, but definitely by the 3rd. Grossman will likely be gone, and Hanie isn't a legit #2.

 

the key difference between grossman and orton is how they react when the pocket collapses. while orton shoots through the hole and steps up, thus giving him another shot to hit a receiver down field, grossman backpedals, thus forcing a throw off his back foot---generally winding up in an interception. that's really all i see, but it's a huuuuuuuuuuge difference and why orton has been so successful and grossman so inconsistent.

 

as far as drafting another qb to fill the backup spot, i think that's unwarranted. i don't want to have to depend upon a rookie in any way if orton goes down. there will be plenty of veterans available before next season.

 

we need to fix the o-line, patch some holes on the defense and go from there.

[UMFan83]

The other thing I see is that Orton is much better at checking down and finding the second and third options.

 

Grossman got better at checking down into the flats later last year, but when he started, he knew where his first and seconds receivers were and he was going to find a way to force a pass into one of their areas.

[Banedon]

the key difference between grossman and orton is how they react when the pocket collapses. while orton shoots through the hole and steps up, thus giving him another shot to hit a receiver down field, grossman backpedals, thus forcing a throw off his back foot---generally winding up in an interception. that's really all i see, but it's a huuuuuuuuuuge difference and why orton has been so successful and grossman so inconsistent.

 

I agree that that is a HUGE difference, but it's not all I see. Orton has been a far, far better decision maker, and has been much better at reading the defense, and audibling for the best play. Rex still may have the better physical gifts, but QB, more than any other position on the field, requires the right mental mindset, which is where Kyle beats Rex hands down.

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

wow

 

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=0&statisticCategory=PASSING&conference=null&season=2008&seasonType=REG&d-447263-s=PASSING_YARDS&d-447263-o=2&d-447263-n=1

 

Also, look at that list and think off all the offensive weapons those QB's have, and then look at what Orton is working with.(although Olsen is emerging as one of the best pass catching TE's in the game). Simply amazing.

[jersey cubs fan]

Going into this season I thought certain that Orton would be bad to average as Bears positioned themselves to draft a QB in '09.

 

I still think the Bears need to draft a QB in the 1st half of the 09 draft, though. Maybe not 1st or 2nd round like we all suspected, but definitely by the 3rd. Grossman will likely be gone, and Hanie isn't a legit #2.

as far as drafting another qb to fill the backup spot, i think that's unwarranted. i don't want to have to depend upon a rookie in any way if orton goes down. there will be plenty of veterans available before next season.

 

At this point I'd be leaning heavily on drafting offensive line in the first again, unless a defensive playmaker slips to them. I definitely want a QB drafted, they should draft one at least every other year, but I'd be fine with waiting until Day 2 (which I believe is now rounds 3-7). Grossman might be gone, but I'm not sure how much demand there will be for his services elsewhere, and the Bears seem to like him and want him around. He still might play at some point this year, showing his value as a backup. If he left, however, I wouldn't have a problem going Orton, Hanie, Rookie in the depth chart. I don't see the point in going after mediocre veterans. Let potential future starters serve as backups.

[jersey cubs fan]

What the heck happened in that game? It was a college matchup with no defense. I was very happy with the passing game, but nothing else was impressive. Both big special teams plays were strictly due to poor play by the Vikings, like really dumb stuff. At least they got their turnovers, but other than that the defense sucked, and it wasn't just 3rd string defensive back related.

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

They need a pass rusher in the worst way. Alex Brown/Ogun are solid, but not the type of devasting pass rushers in the Simeon Rice mold(in his hayday). And it seems like Mark Anderson's rookie year was pretty much a fluke. On top of that we don't have any LB's that excel at the blitz. I'd love to see the Bears get a SAM type linebacker that can really rush the passer.

[UMFan83]

The problem with drafting offensive is that Angelo has proved that he misses way more than he hits when he goes for offensive players in the early rounds.

[UMFan83]

wow

 

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=0&statisticCategory=PASSING&conference=null&season=2008&seasonType=REG&d-447263-s=PASSING_YARDS&d-447263-o=2&d-447263-n=1

 

Also, look at that list and think off all the offensive weapons those QB's have, and then look at what Orton is working with.(although Olsen is emerging as one of the best pass catching TE's in the game). Simply amazing.

 

A lot of QBs must be having good years. I thought a 91.4 QB rating was pretty solid, but Orton is only 14th in the league with that rating.

 

Here are his rankings with other QBs:

 

Comp % - 62.2% (18th)

Yards - 1,669 (6th)

Yards Per Pass - 7.3 (13th)

Yards Per Game - 238.4 (10th)

TD - 10 (8th)

INT - 4 (12th)

QB Rating - 91.4 (14th)

 

Now keep in mind, Orton has been improving every week, and the last 3-4 weeks we've really let him take the reigns and make things happen. Still good to see a statistically mediocre or slightly above average QB over the first 7 weeks of the season.

Edited October 20, 2008 by UMFan83

[Banedon]

What the heck happened in that game? It was a college matchup with no defense. I was very happy with the passing game, but nothing else was impressive. Both big special teams plays were strictly due to poor play by the Vikings, like really dumb stuff. At least they got their turnovers, but other than that the defense sucked, and it wasn't just 3rd string defensive back related.

 

You're right about the D...hell, the 3rd string defensive backs had 4 ints...so at least they were doing something.

[Banedon]

The problem with drafting offensive is that Angelo has proved that he misses way more than he hits when he goes for offensive players in the early rounds.

 

Olsen and Forte in the last couple years. Jury is still out on Chris Williams. Maybe Angelo's getting better?

[jersey cubs fan]

The problem with drafting offensive is that Angelo has proved that he misses way more than he hits when he goes for offensive players in the early rounds.

 

Olsen and Forte in the last couple years. Jury is still out on Chris Williams. Maybe Angelo's getting better?

 

I wouldn't trust Angelo to make the right decision on a first round skill position player, but I do trust him on the offensive line and finding talented offensive players after the first.

[UMFan83]

The problem with drafting offensive is that Angelo has proved that he misses way more than he hits when he goes for offensive players in the early rounds.

 

Olsen and Forte in the last couple years. Jury is still out on Chris Williams. Maybe Angelo's getting better?

 

2008:

Williams - Hasn't played a game, jury still out

Forte - Jury still out but looks like he's going to be at least somewhat of a hit

Bennett - Hasn't made any impact, while other 3rd round WRs have

 

2007:

Olsen - Solid pick

Bazuin - Cut already

Wolfe - Almost no impact on offense

 

2006:

Hester - Obviously a great pick but was drafted as a DB/KR

 

2005:

Benson - Huge bust

Bradley - Cut

 

I'd say, not counting Hester or the 2008 class, there are 4 misses, and 1 hit, and early guesses on 2008 there is 1 hit, 1 miss, and 1 no idea.

 

Should have a better hit rate in 1-3 round picks, but its also a small sample size

[Banedon]

The problem with drafting offensive is that Angelo has proved that he misses way more than he hits when he goes for offensive players in the early rounds.

 

Olsen and Forte in the last couple years. Jury is still out on Chris Williams. Maybe Angelo's getting better?

 

I wouldn't trust Angelo to make the right decision on a first round skill position player, but I do trust him on the offensive line and finding talented offensive players after the first.

 

Do you not consider TE a skill position? Or you think the Olsen pick was lucky?

[BigSlick]

Glad we get a week to rest up. I still feel like the Lions will beat us in some stupid way, but if Orlovsky keeps playing as poorly as he has I'm not sure what we can fear.

 

Titans scare me, (Obviously a 6-0 team should scare anyone) but they exacerbate our issues on offense and defense. They got a mad good running game, and their defensive line is fantastic and our mashed up offensive line wont be able to handle them.

[UMFan83]

The problem with drafting offensive is that Angelo has proved that he misses way more than he hits when he goes for offensive players in the early rounds.

 

Olsen and Forte in the last couple years. Jury is still out on Chris Williams. Maybe Angelo's getting better?

 

I wouldn't trust Angelo to make the right decision on a first round skill position player, but I do trust him on the offensive line and finding talented offensive players after the first.

 

Do you not consider TE a skill position? Or you think the Olsen pick was lucky?

 

Wasn't he a projected mid-round pick that slipped to the 30th pick? Not saying he shouldn't get credit for it, but its not like it was a huge reach.

[Banedon]

Should have a better hit rate in 1-3 round picks, but its also a small sample size

 

Yeah...and I was trying to take an even SMALLER sample size of just the last 2 drafts...heh.

 

I'm kinda taking the devil's advocate approach here for the sake of discussion, but I generally agree that early round offense hasn't proven to be his strength.