Re: Week 6 - Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons, 7:20 PM NBC

[cubweiser03]

After Knox got through that seem the hole was freaking huge and nobody was around him. It was actually hard to tell how fast he was because you couldnt compare him to anybody else or him blowing some doors off some guy. If i was a lions fan and saw that coverage i would of smashed my hand on a table.

 

And i dont have a problem with the Bears going short and intermidiate in the passing game. The offense is much more consistant at moving the ball and relies less on the homerun than in years past. BUT with that said id still like to see a few more hester bombs.

[bukie]

The Knox kickoff return was a textbook case of over-pursuit by the Lions. If you watch video, by the time Knox is at the 25, he's already past the entire coverage team and has only the kicker to beat. There are two blockers between Knox and the kicker. So, of 10 coverage guys, 2 ran past the play unblocked and were never a factor.

[rawaction]

What I would like to see is more zone blitzing, especially with Anderson at DE and/or Idonije at DT. They are athletic enough to be factors dropping back in coverage with more speed coming off the edge.

 

I'd like to see that, but I don't think they have the personel. I don't think either of those guys would be effective at all dropping back.

 

It's not about being effective. They just have to cover their area and cut off a passing lane. Both being 6'5" and the two most athletic DL on the team, makes them the most likely candidates.

[jersey cubs fan]

What I would like to see is more zone blitzing, especially with Anderson at DE and/or Idonije at DT. They are athletic enough to be factors dropping back in coverage with more speed coming off the edge.

 

I'd like to see that, but I don't think they have the personel. I don't think either of those guys would be effective at all dropping back.

 

It's not about being effective. They just have to cover their area and cut off a passing lane. Both being 6'5" and the two most athletic DL on the team, makes them the most likely candidates.

 

They still have to do more than just back up though. I don't think they are nearly as athetlic as the type of 3-4 ends that typically run that sort of zone blitzing scheme.

[Guest]

The Knox kickoff return was a textbook case of over-pursuit by the Lions.

 

Yeah, it was definitely one of the easier returns he'll get the opportunity to enjoy.

 

As awesome as it has been going from Hester to Manning to Knox and then back to Manning and getting very similar results, I had to smile even more when the dejected Lions fan sitting next to me watched Earl Bennett break off a big punt return in Hester's absence.

[David]

The Knox kickoff return was a textbook case of over-pursuit by the Lions. If you watch video, by the time Knox is at the 25, he's already past the entire coverage team and has only the kicker to beat. There are two blockers between Knox and the kicker. So, of 10 coverage guys, 2 ran past the play unblocked and were never a factor.

 

 

 

That's why actually exactly why Toub told him to run it that way.

 

Some shrewd coaching decisions paved the way Sunday.

 

The first decision was by special teams coach Dave Toub, who noticed in the first half that the Lions had a tendency to overpursue on kick returns. So at halftime he told kickoff return man Johnny Knox he was going to break one.

 

On the opening kickoff of the second half, Toub called for a kick return in which everybody starts out blocking left. Then Knox was supposed to bounce the return to the right.

 

It could not have worked better, as Knox went 102 yards for a touchdown and a lead the Bears never lost.

[UMFan83]

Just for fun, since Lovie likes to break the season down in quarters, with quarter 1 out of the way, how does everyone think quarter 2 will go? There are some tough games here, 2 against the AFC, 1 against the defending NFC champs, and 1 that might be our most important game of the year.

 

@ Atlanta

Most important game of the year? What? Yeah that's what I said. In no way am I conceding the division at all, especially because we haven't played Minnesota yet, but you gotta admit the Vikings looked pretty good on Monday night. Should we fall behind the pace in the division, our next hope is a wild card spot. Atlanta is in a similar situation. New Orleans finally looks like they are living up to the potential the experts have predicted for years. If NO runs away with the division, it will leave Atlanta fighting with teams like the Bears for a WC spot. The tiebreaker can be huge. Last year before week 17, despite having the same record as the other contenders, the Bears needed a miracle scenario to stay alive for the WC because of lost H2H tiebreakers against TB, Carolina and Atlanta. OK so it's not the most important game, I said that for dramatic effect, but by the end of the season this might just be the game that gets us into the playoffs or shuts us out.

 

@ Cincinnati

Another tough road test. So far our road schedule is GB, Seattle, Atlanta, Cincinnati. Very tough. I suspect though that they are not as good of a team as they have seemed so far. Their defense is improving, but we have been facing good D's all year and have faired pretty well. We should at least be able to put some points on the board. Although they have a decent amount of offensive weapons, they have sorta underachieved there so far. Carson Palmer hasn't been the same QB since his 2005 injury (although he is still good), Chad 85 is still very solid but possibly a little past his prime. We'll have to look out for Benson as he has probably circled this game a long time ago. There is plenty of motivation for Ced to run all over the Bears. But overall, they scored 7 points against an admittedly good Broncos D. They also didn't look particularly great being unable to move the ball down the field most of the game vs. Cleveland and especially in OT. I think we can take this one.

 

vs. Cleveland

Yeah this should be a gimme. After 2 tough road games and a decently tough game the next week, my only hope is that the Bears don't overlook this one. Cleveland did look decent against Cincinnati last year, and although Anderson is a mostly mediocre QB, he does give the Browns an added level of offense that the horrible Quinn does not. The only way I can see them winning is if Anderson exposes our secondary and LBs, has a solid day and the defense causes a couple of fluke turnovers. I think being at home and facing an awful team should be enough to win handily. There are not too many gimmes on the Bears schedule this year (I count 4, Cleveland, St. Louis, Detroit, Detroit) so we need to take advantage.

 

vs. Arizona

Honestly not sure what to think about Arizona. A lot of people say that their biggest issue is their offensive line play right now, and that plays right into the Bears hands with our improved pass rush. Mostly the same key pieces are there from their Super Bowl run, but the jury is still out deciding whether that run was a fluke mediocre team that got hot at the right time/played some good matchups, or a developing team that finally put it together at the right time. I think it's somewhere in the middle. A lot of 'experts' have written them off after their 1-2 start, but looking closer at it, they lost a close game to a SF team who seems to have made the leap this year, and got blown out by a elite Colts team. Their one win is against a Jags team that has looked pretty good to start the year, and it was a rather convincing win (31-17). I think this game will come down to how well the Bears pass rush does against the Cardinals line and how much they can pressure Warner. If Warner has time to throw, or if the Bears can't rush effectively enough with their front 4 and need lots of blitzes, then Warner might light up the Bears and move up and down the field with ease. If the Bears can get their hands on Warner and the Dline is constantly pressuring him, then Warner will likely make mistakes which hopefully lead to turnovers.

 

This is a pretty tough quarter of the season. We play 2 playoff teams from last year, one team that looks like it could be a playoff team next year, and what amounts to hopefully a gimmie. Because of the gimmie game, I think 3-1 is obtainable, and 2-2 is acceptable. I think one of the 3 tougher games will be a game that could go either way, and whether the Bears can pull it off will determine 3-1 or 2-2. For the sake of making a prediction, I say Atlanta is the back and forth game, and the Bears find a way to pull it out. I think they beat Atlanta, Cincinnati and Cleveland before falling to Arizona in a bit of an upset. I would assume most people would predict the Bears having trouble in the road games, but I'm going out on a limb.

[Butterscup1679666578]

We go 3-1 in that stretch too.

[Banedon]

Cutler pic from the Trib this morning...obviously from his Vandy days.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2009-10/49728166.jpg

[jersey cubs fan]

vs. Arizona

Honestly not sure what to think about Arizona. A lot of people say that their biggest issue is their offensive line play right now, and that plays right into the Bears hands with our improved pass rush. Mostly the same key pieces are there from their Super Bowl run, but the jury is still out deciding whether that run was a fluke mediocre team that got hot at the right time/played some good matchups, or a developing team that finally put it together at the right time. I think it's somewhere in the middle. A

 

The jury is not out, they were very clearly a fluke super bowl team. They were 9-7, outscoring their opponents by 1 point, and they have a 38 year old inconsistent QB. They aren't a young team putting it together, they are a mediocre team with the ability to put a bunch of points on the board at times.

[JonJayCutler]

That Cutler pic looks like a potentially broken neck and torn left ACL on the same play. :shock:

[rawaction]

3-1 is probably the worst the Bears could do if they want to win the NFC North. The Vikings will be 5-0 after Sunday. Then have 2 tough games vs. BAL and PIT, and unless they lose both and the Bears sweep, they are going to be hard to catch.

 

The Falcons game is clearly the toughest in the stretch, IMO. The Bengals could easily be 4-0 right now, but I think their strengths play right into the Bears hands and the Bears are a better team than them, even being on the road. The only thing I worry about with the Browns is them being desperate for a win at 0-7. However, playing in Chicago should be enough to overcome that. I actually think the Arizona matchup is a good one for the Bears. While the Cards have great WRs, I think the Bears can get pressure on Warner and force some turnovers. Nov. 8 it should be pretty cold if the current weather is any indication and it should be the worst weather game of the year for the Cards. And as was said, they aren't a great team by any means.

[Banedon]

3-1 is probably the worst the Bears could do if they want to win the NFC North. The Vikings will be 5-0 after Sunday. Then have 2 tough games vs. BAL and PIT, and unless they lose both and the Bears sweep, they are going to be hard to catch.

 

The Vikings aren't going to be THAT good. They'll lose some games to teams they shouldn't.

[Soul]

I don't accept that we would lose to Cleveland or Arizona.

 

I'm also not all that sure about Cincy. I think we have a real good shot at that game. Yes, they have been good, but this is not a team that has shown sustained success yet. I think there's a decent chance that they fade.

 

I'll go 3-1. 2-2 at the worst, as you said.

[jersey cubs fan]

3-1 is probably the worst the Bears could do if they want to win the NFC North. The Vikings will be 5-0 after Sunday. Then have 2 tough games vs. BAL and PIT, and unless they lose both and the Bears sweep, they are going to be hard to catch.

 

The Vikings aren't going to be THAT good. They'll lose some games to teams they shouldn't.

 

Agree. Minnesota was going to roll early this season, especially with their legal system coming to the defense of their players. Favre doesn't have 16 quality games in him. And Peterson is a fumbling machine. They are going to lose a couple heartbreakers on top of the just the games they are likely to lose. By the time they see Chicago the first time, Favre will already be slipping.

 

This is all going according to script. Let's enjoy.

[Soul]

This is all going according to script. Let's enjoy.

 

We got 'em right where we want 'em!

[RedFlash]

3-1 is probably the worst the Bears could do if they want to win the NFC North. The Vikings will be 5-0 after Sunday. Then have 2 tough games vs. BAL and PIT, and unless they lose both and the Bears sweep, they are going to be hard to catch.

 

The Vikings aren't going to be THAT good. They'll lose some games to teams they shouldn't.

 

Agree. Minnesota was going to roll early this season, especially with their legal system coming to the defense of their players. Favre doesn't have 16 quality games in him. And Peterson is a fumbling machine. They are going to lose a couple heartbreakers on top of the just the games they are likely to lose. By the time they see Chicago the first time, Favre will already be slipping.

 

This is all going according to script. Let's enjoy.

 

Not to mention Congress is going to take a look at the "Williams suspensions" in November, (a House subcommittee will look at the issue) ad there is still a chance that the Williams' Wall may have to serve out their suspensions THIS YEAR. Not saying it's going to happen, but there is still the possibility. So there is a chance that the Bears could be facing a Vikings team who season will be on the brink come November 29.

[rawaction]

Still, even if Favre does wear down in the next month or so, they are still going to be 5-0 Sunday, and likely 6-1 (I don't see them losing to BOTH Pittsburgh and Baltimore) after 7 games. Then they go to GB and could be 7-1 or 6-2 by then. If the Bears go 2-2 in the next stretch, they are 5-3, which isn't bad, but it's still 1-2 games behind and the Vikes would be favored vs. the Bears in Minnesota. Plus, the Bears have the @ San Fran short week, Philly, and @ Min stretch of games after these 4.

[Banedon]

Still, even if Favre does wear down in the next month or so, they are still going to be 5-0 Sunday, and likely 6-1 (I don't see them losing to BOTH Pittsburgh and Baltimore) after 7 games. Then they go to GB and could be 7-1 or 6-2 by then. If the Bears go 2-2 in the next stretch, they are 5-3, which isn't bad, but it's still 1-2 games behind and the Vikes would be favored vs. the Bears in Minnesota. Plus, the Bears have the @ San Fran short week, Philly, and @ Min stretch of games after these 4.

 

That's the worst possible interpretation of things to come. I don't think it's hard to envision a scenario where the Bears go 4-0 in their next 4, and the Vikings lose to both Pittsburgh and Baltimore. That's just not that far out to me.

[Banedon]

In fact, I'm kinda wondering if the STL game might be a trap game for Minny. A last second win, a game against GB with Favre at QB, and then STL? That's a big drop in emotion, and they play Baltimore next week...so they could look past STL.

 

I'm not brave enough to pick them in my leagues, but I wouldn't be surprised if things went that way.

[cubweiser03]

I don't know man, Favre looked pretty good monday night. Having that line protect him is huge. Its when he gets under pressure is when he turns into a turnover machine. Im not so sure he's going to break or meltdown all that much because of the protection he gets back there.

[rawaction]

Still, even if Favre does wear down in the next month or so, they are still going to be 5-0 Sunday, and likely 6-1 (I don't see them losing to BOTH Pittsburgh and Baltimore) after 7 games. Then they go to GB and could be 7-1 or 6-2 by then. If the Bears go 2-2 in the next stretch, they are 5-3, which isn't bad, but it's still 1-2 games behind and the Vikes would be favored vs. the Bears in Minnesota. Plus, the Bears have the @ San Fran short week, Philly, and @ Min stretch of games after these 4.

 

That's the worst possible interpretation of things to come. I don't think it's hard to envision a scenario where the Bears go 4-0 in their next 4, and the Vikings lose to both Pittsburgh and Baltimore. That's just not that far out to me.

 

Vikings will be home for BAL though, and they have played better football this year than the Steelers, though both played their best this past week and Polamalu will undoubtedly be back. I think having the Ravens in the dome will give Min the advantage. They could lose both and the Bears could go 4-0, but I think the odds of both are slim.

[Banedon]

The Vikings are a mirage to me. The Lions, the Browns, a new Green Bay defense with an awful O-line, and a miracle lucky play against the 49ers. I haven't seen a win that impresses me yet. And maybe they think the same about us...that we've gotten lucky with some missed field goals, and that's fine.

 

Even if you are impressed with them though, I don't see how they'd be so hard to catch...two of our final six games are against them. Plus they'll be playing a Cincy team that could possibly be making a playoff push, and the Giants the final week while we have the Lions. (Though the Giants might not care about that one.)

 

Anyway, I just think it's too early in the season for must wins or worrying about playing catchup when we're 1 game back in week 4.

[Mark Priors Calves]

Didn't see this posted yet, but the Bears' game at the Bengals on Oct. 25th was moved from noon to 3:15.

[Banedon]

Didn't see this posted yet, but the Bears' game at the Bengals on Oct. 25th was moved from noon to 3:15.

 

I'm fully expecting the Bears-Minny game on Nov 29th to get moved at some point.