Week 17: Bears at Houston, noon on Fox

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Oh I know, I said in a previous post that those are partially his fault too. I'm saying in terms of accuracy, he's a damn reliable kicker.

 

And that is primarily because he never tries the harder kicks, which would lower his percentage as they lower everybody else's.

 

I have trouble believing that's "primarily" the reason he's got one of the best FG%s in history despite kicking in one of the worst fields for FG%.

[jersey cubs fan]

Oh I know, I said in a previous post that those are partially his fault too. I'm saying in terms of accuracy, he's a damn reliable kicker.

 

And that is primarily because he never tries the harder kicks, which would lower his percentage as they lower everybody else's.

 

I have trouble believing that's "primarily" the reason he's got one of the best FG%s in history despite kicking in one of the worst fields for FG%.

 

Fine, replace primarily with, "in large part". Never having to attend the tough ones really helps keep his percentage high.

[Soul]

I wish he had a stronger leg, but I'll take Gould because he seems to make those end-of-game kicks. Actually it should go as a credit toward the entire FG kicking unit. When you look at how the Packers pissed away last weekend's game due to an inability to make a critical kick, you begin to realize there's value in what that unit does. Lots of guys miss the shorter ones with the game on the line. For whatever reason, we don't seem to.

 

Would be nice if Gould could kick those longer ones though.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

How many teams have been left muttering in recent years about how they would have had the Bears if not for some special teams play?

[Handlebar McSkullet]

Oh I know, I said in a previous post that those are partially his fault too. I'm saying in terms of accuracy, he's a damn reliable kicker.

 

And that is primarily because he never tries the harder kicks, which would lower his percentage as they lower everybody else's.

 

I have trouble believing that's "primarily" the reason he's got one of the best FG%s in history despite kicking in one of the worst fields for FG%.

 

Fine, replace primarily with, "in large part". Never having to attend the tough ones really helps keep his percentage high.

 

Mason Crosby has all the power in the world, yet Gould went 2 for 2 in the game and Crosby missed his last two.

 

Gould is one of the best kickers in the league. I also dont agree that he doesnt have the leg to make those kicks. I heard (havent looked it up) that he has drastically improved his kickoff average this year.

 

It also seems that Lovie and Dave Toub have a philosphical aversion to kicking from that distance. Which I agree with. What is the league average for kicking a 50 yarder or beyond? I bet it isnt good. Id rather have one of the best directional punters in the league pin the opposing team inside their own 10 then miss a 50 yarder and let the opposing team take the ball at the 40 or farther.

[jersey cubs fan]

I wish he had a stronger leg, but I'll take Gould because he seems to make those end-of-game kicks. Actually it should go as a credit toward the entire FG kicking unit. When you look at how the Packers pissed away last weekend's game due to an inability to make a critical kick, you begin to realize there's value in what that unit does. Lots of guys miss the shorter ones with the game on the line. For whatever reason, we don't seem to.

 

Would be nice if Gould could kick those longer ones though.

 

A big part of the Packers pissing away their field goal chances was the best kick blocking unit in the league was on the other side. I'm not saying Gould sucks, I'm saying his accuracy is greatly helped by the fact that he never attempts long kicks. I'd rather see the Bears treat that as 4 down territory, without fullback dives, than eschew 50 yard field goals for an extra 25 yards of field position.

[hawkeyecub]

Good enough for everybody to keep their jobs, and bad enough to make every Bears fan want them all replaced.

 

I don't quite understand that sentence if it pertains to coaches.

 

From an outside perspective, I think the Bears coaching staff did a heck of a job to get this team to 9, maybe 10 wins. Look at the talent on your offense. Forte has been better than anyone expected but your o-line is average at best, your WR's aren't a threat and Orton has regressed this year as a QB.

Your defense is about what you would expect them to be at this stage of their careers with a few injuries. Not great anymore but still above average.

 

I can whine all day about luck but I just don't see a roster talented enough where fans should expect more than 9 wins or 10 tops.

 

If you were just talking about Angelo and those on the personnel side, disregard everything I just said.

[TruffleShuffle]

Orton has regressed this year as a QB.

 

do you mean that orton has regressed as the year has gone on? i guess that would be true, but i'd probably consider it "playing more like kyle orton."

[hawkeyecub]

Outside the Giants, the only team that really outclasses the Bears is the Eagles.

 

And the Cowboys and the Panthers and the Vikings.

 

Cowboys? They don't impress me. The Bears outplayed the Panthers in Carolina (albeit with no Smith) and they are very much equal with the Vikings.

 

The Panthers are a better team now. The Bears are a worse team. The Vikings have more talent in every facet of the game except kick returning.

 

I'll give you Carolina, not Minnesota. Their "superb talent" is vastly overrated. They've got a couple fat guys on the DLine and Peterson. Their QBs are nothing, their receivers are unimpressive, the rest of their D hasn't exactly shut down the league. They allowed 48 points to the freaking Bears. They've played the same teams as the Bears and have the same record. They do not outclass the Bears.

 

The couple fat guys thing is so stupid. It's like dismissing a great WR duo as "a couple tall guys". Yes they are very fat. They're also extremely good and don't allow anyone to run the ball. Oh and Kevin is quick enough to pressure the QB.

 

Oh they allowed 48 points to the Bears? Basing an opinion off 1 game from two months ago is always a great idea. Especially when 14 of those points came on special teams TD's. Two other TD drives started at midfield because of special teams. They were also using scrap heaps at MLB because E.J. Henderson was lost for the season two weeks prior as were his top two backups.

 

The Vikings defense has been very good. They have the same record as the Bears because their passing game has been terrible most of the year and the special teams have been awful.

 

Football Outsiders ranks them 3rd in defensive DVOA, 5th against the run, 4th against the pass. They're 6th in the NFL in yards allowed per game, 1 yard behind Tennessee. They aren't just one dimensional anymore because they're getting pressure (4th in sacks).

 

If Tarvaris truly has improved, along with the running game and defense I think they're with everyone but the Giants. If he gives them the type of QB play they've had most of the year, they're very average. I'm betting we see the latter on Sunday.

Edited December 26, 2008 by hawkeyecub

[hawkeyecub]

Orton has regressed this year as a QB.

 

do you mean that orton has regressed as the year has gone on? i guess that would be true, but i'd probably consider it "playing more like kyle orton."

 

I would agree. I mean his production level has regressed.

 

He had a nice stretch going there in the early-mid portion of the year where he looked solid. Outside of Jacksonville, he's pretty much been terrible since coming back.

[jersey cubs fan]

The couple fat guys thing is so stupid. It's like dismissing a great WR duo as "a couple tall guys". Yes they are very fat. They're also extremely good and don't allow anyone to run the ball. Oh and Kevin is quick enough to pressure the QB.

 

Oh they allowed 48 points to the Bears? Basing an opinion off 1 game from two months ago is always a great idea. Especially when 14 of those points came on special teams TD's. Two other TD drives started at midfield because of special teams. They were also using scrap heaps at MLB because E.J. Henderson was lost for the season two weeks prior as were his top two backups.

 

The Vikings defense has been very good. They have the same record as the Bears because their passing game has been terrible most of the year and the special teams have been awful.

 

Football Outsiders ranks them 3rd in defensive DVOA, 5th against the run, 4th against the pass. They're 6th in the NFL in yards allowed per game, 1 yard behind Tennessee. They aren't just one dimensional anymore because they're getting pressure (4th in sacks).

 

If Tarvaris truly has improved, along with the running game and defense I think they're with everyone but the Giants. If he gives them the type of QB play they've had most of the year, they're very average. I'm betting we see the latter on Sunday.

 

Lighten up Francis. I was commenting on the Vikings not being anything special. They aren't a head and shoulders better team than the Bears.

[Handlebar McSkullet]

Good enough for everybody to keep their jobs, and bad enough to make every Bears fan want them all replaced.

 

I don't quite understand that sentence if it pertains to coaches.

 

From an outside perspective, I think the Bears coaching staff did a heck of a job to get this team to 9, maybe 10 wins. Look at the talent on your offense. Forte has been better than anyone expected but your o-line is average at best, your WR's aren't a threat and Orton has regressed this year as a QB.

Your defense is about what you would expect them to be at this stage of their careers with a few injuries. Not great anymore but still above average.

 

I can whine all day about luck but I just don't see a roster talented enough where fans should expect more than 9 wins or 10 tops.

 

If you were just talking about Angelo and those on the personnel side, disregard everything I just said.

 

I agree with this post. This is a 4 win team who might win 10 and go to the playoffs. The coaching staff, for the most part, has done a great job especially Turner, Hiestad(sp?), and Toub.

[UMFan83]

So all those that were waiting for Mike Brown's season ending injury, you got it. He was placed on IR today.

[salukifudd]

So all those that were waiting for Mike Brown's season ending injury, you got it. He was placed on IR today.

 

Last game as a Bear?

[rawaction]

Good enough for everybody to keep their jobs, and bad enough to make every Bears fan want them all replaced.

 

I don't quite understand that sentence if it pertains to coaches.

 

From an outside perspective, I think the Bears coaching staff did a heck of a job to get this team to 9, maybe 10 wins. Look at the talent on your offense. Forte has been better than anyone expected but your o-line is average at best, your WR's aren't a threat and Orton has regressed this year as a QB.

Your defense is about what you would expect them to be at this stage of their careers with a few injuries. Not great anymore but still above average.

 

I can whine all day about luck but I just don't see a roster talented enough where fans should expect more than 9 wins or 10 tops.

 

If you were just talking about Angelo and those on the personnel side, disregard everything I just said.

 

I agree with this post. This is a 4 win team who might win 10 and go to the playoffs. The coaching staff, for the most part, has done a great job especially Turner, Hiestad(sp?), and Toub.

 

This is stupid. Teams don't win 2.5 times more than their talent dictates. If the Bears win 10 games. They are a 10-win team. The team does not lack talent. Urlacher, Briggs, Tillman, Harris, Ogunleye, Mike Brown, and Vasher have all played at a probowl level at times in their careers. On offense, Hester, Olsen, and Forte are extremely talented. Kreutz is still a solid player. This team is not devoid of talent.

 

Just because the Bears don't have a QB dating centerfolds, a RB in ESPN commercials, or a WR that whines about not getting the ball, doesn't mean they aren't a talented team. Besides, talent has never guaranteed anything. The two most talented teams may be sitting at home come Sunday night.

[rawaction]

So all those that were waiting for Mike Brown's season ending injury, you got it. He was placed on IR today.

 

Last game as a Bear?

 

I would think so. He's a free agent. He can't be counted on. He only made it to week 16 because the Bears scheme took it easy on him early in the year. He's too similar to Payne, who is younger. He can still play though. I'd like to see him hook up with Singletary in SF.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

This is stupid. Teams don't win 2.5 times more than their talent dictates. If the Bears win 10 games. They are a 10-win team. The team does not lack talent. Urlacher, Briggs, Tillman, Harris, Ogunleye, Mike Brown, and Vasher have all played at a probowl level at times in their careers. On offense, Hester, Olsen, and Forte are extremely talented. Kreutz is still a solid player. This team is not devoid of talent.

 

Talent levels change quickly in the NFL. Just because a guy was a Pro Bowler a few seasons ago doesn't mean he has a thing left in the tank now, and half the guys you listed don't. Football is a game that attrites talent incredibly quickly.

 

This team is pretty thin on talent, and bad teams are capable of winning 10 games in the NFL on luck alone, let alone coaching.

[cubweiser03]

To bad about Brown, the last 5-6 i thought he was playing very well and making some nice plays. The only players on the defense playing better during that time were Briggs and maybe Urlacher.

 

This team is talented, not Dallas Cowboys talented but still have some good talent on the roster. The Bucs, Panthers, Falcons, Eagles Vikings, and Colts didnt blow me away with the amount of talent on their rosters. I wasnt like oh my god they have a lot of work ahead of them to catch up to these guys.

 

Should be an exciting Sunday, getting in the playoffs would be great.

[MPC]

So all those that were waiting for Mike Brown's season ending injury, you got it. He was placed on IR today.

 

Last game as a Bear?

 

I would think so. He's a free agent. He can't be counted on. He only made it to week 16 because the Bears scheme took it easy on him early in the year. He's too similar to Payne, who is younger. He can still play though. I'd like to see him hook up with Singletary in SF.

 

Brad Biggs wrote a swansong type piece in today's Sun-Times. He pointed out it took some arm twisting by the coaching staff last spring to convince Angelo to bring Brown back this year. The article also had numerous high praise statements about Brown from coaches, former coaches, and teammates from both sides of the ball. So, yes, I'd say he's done as a Bear. I'll miss him, he was one of my favorite players, despite the crushing, seemingly never ending series of injuries the past few seasons.

[hawkeyecub]

This is stupid. Teams don't win 2.5 times more than their talent dictates. If the Bears win 10 games. They are a 10-win team. The team does not lack talent. Urlacher, Briggs, Tillman, Harris, Ogunleye, Mike Brown, and Vasher have all played at a probowl level at times in their careers. On offense, Hester, Olsen, and Forte are extremely talented. Kreutz is still a solid player. This team is not devoid of talent.

 

Talent levels change quickly in the NFL. Just because a guy was a Pro Bowler a few seasons ago doesn't mean he has a thing left in the tank now, and half the guys you listed don't. Football is a game that attrites talent incredibly quickly.

 

This team is pretty thin on talent, and bad teams are capable of winning 10 games in the NFL on luck alone, let alone coaching.

 

Not only that but most of the offensive guys are either a stretch or not at premium spots. I'll grant you Forte and they've ridden him into the ground.

Where would you rank Olsen among NFL tight ends? He's about 10th in production and still doesn't get great reviews as a blocker.

Hester was extremely talented as a return man. You're going to list a guy who will probably end with less than 50 catches, a touch over 600 yards and 3 touchdowns as your primary receiver as extremely talented? Not as a WR he's not. Kreutz is an above-average center, hardly a difference maker in this league.

 

Honestly if you held a draft right now where entire offenses were selected as a whole, where would the Bears get picked? Around 24th or so? The defense used to be great but has aged and is now just good.

[Brian]

well it was nice to see MB completely lay out one last Packer (if indeed this is it for him as a Bear)

[rchap24]

How brittle is Brown? it is just ridiculous....Unless he comes back for a minimal minimal contract hes not worth it

[UMFan83]

Man I can't stop thinking about this game, I am pumped for it.

 

I have already braced myself for the fact that the Bears odds of ending the day in a playoff spot aren't great, but just for this team to be alive for a playoff spot with the last week of the season, this is what sports is all about. It's just unbelievable to me that this Bears team that I had going 4-12 in August is a win away from a 10-6 season. I know the Bears probably aren't as good as their record, but I will not let that make me enjoy the season any less.

 

What's everyone doing for the game?

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Split screening this and the Vikings game on my computer monitor. Hopefully I can squeeze the Packers game in there as well.

[cubweiser03]

Man I can't stop thinking about this game, I am pumped for it.

 

I have already braced myself for the fact that the Bears odds of ending the day in a playoff spot aren't great, but just for this team to be alive for a playoff spot with the last week of the season, this is what sports is all about. It's just unbelievable to me that this Bears team that I had going 4-12 in August is a win away from a 10-6 season. I know the Bears probably aren't as good as their record, but I will not let that make me enjoy the season any less.

 

What's everyone doing for the game?

 

Going to the bar. The Detroit game is televised here so i need to go to a bar that has the ticket. We just had our county vote for beer on Sundays a couple weeks ago so more people will be there. About 90% of the people at the bar will be Bear fans so that makes it more fun too.

 

Yeah this is sweet. If they can get in the playoffs thats another week of Bears football, plus playoffs games are amped up to another level.