Finally, the end - Bears at Lions, Sunday at noon

[jersey cubs fan]

For the first time since the Rams game, and maybe only the 5th time this year, the Bears are favored, by 3 this time against the still pathetic Lions. If Lovie's Bears have been impressive against Favre-led teams, the Lions have been a similar thorn in his side. Chicago has won 3 in a row, but they've lost 4 times to Detroit since Lovie took over, including an embarrassing post-super bowl season sweep that featured a ridiculous come from ahead loss where the Tampa-2 was humiliated with a freaking 34 point fourth quarter. I will forever remember watching that game on my blackberry from a pub in London, just terrible. That one game may slant my take on things, but it just feels to me like Detroit is a team that gives Chicago too much of a run for their money.

 

Anyway, the game doesn't mean much of anything to anybody, except for those in danger or losing jobs. A loss would effectively ruin any positive vibe coming out of the Minnesota upset, while a win would just leave a bitter taste in the mouths of those who were hoping for change. Whether they win 6 or 7 games, I have to think this season has put a dent in the convoluted "Lovie has more wins than anybody in the NFC besides Tom Coughlin since 2005" defense that the John Mullins of the world used to try and laugh off any calls for Lovie being fired earlier this year. I think I said before the season that it would take a 10 loss season to force some change, so I guess I'll stick with that prediction, and also predict Chicago wins in unimpressive fashion, and they make only minor changes to the staff and roster this offseason.

[sneakypower]

go Bears

[soapy]

Chicago has won 3 in a row, but they've lost 4 times to Detroit since Lovie took over, including an embarrassing post-super bowl season sweep that featured a ridiculous come from ahead loss where the Tampa-2 was humiliated with a freaking 34 point fourth quarter. I will forever remember watching that game on my blackberry from a pub in London, just terrible.

 

Ugh, I was at that game in Detroit. Horrible. Needless to say, I will also forever remember that embarrassment.

 

As for this game, I can't bring myself to hope for a loss and a nail in the Lovie/Turner coffin against Detroit. I just have too many friends that are Lions fans. Besides, I think even the Bears should handle Culpepper or Stanton.

[jersey cubs fan]

Chicago has won 3 in a row, but they've lost 4 times to Detroit since Lovie took over, including an embarrassing post-super bowl season sweep that featured a ridiculous come from ahead loss where the Tampa-2 was humiliated with a freaking 34 point fourth quarter. I will forever remember watching that game on my blackberry from a pub in London, just terrible.

 

Ugh, I was at that game in Detroit. Horrible. Needless to say, I will also forever remember that embarrassment.

 

As for this game, I can't bring myself to hope for a loss and a nail in the Lovie/Turner coffin against Detroit. I just have too many friends that are Lions fans. Besides, I think even the Bears should handle Culpepper or Stanton.

 

With no draft status to worry about and in my opinion very little chance that any meaningful change will occur with a loss, I don't find it hard at all to avoid cheering for a loss.

[Guest]

The last meeting generated my current desktop photo of Cutler helecoptering his way into the endzone.

 

That's all I've got.

[JonJayCutler]

I don't know, losing to a team like the Lions might be humiliating enough to force some changes. That said, I have never been able to, nor will I ever be able to root against the Bears. Even if we had a first-round pick.

[minnesotacubsfan]

f-that

 

kill the lions, go bears!!!

[bukie]

I think best case scenario at this point is that Cutler has another good game to get some of the critics off his back heading into next year. It's been a forgetful year for Jay, but he's with the Bears for the long haul, and is a better player than often given credit for around here.

[Prizefight]

I don't know, losing to a team like the Lions might be humiliating enough to force some changes. That said, I have never been able to, nor will I ever be able to root against the Bears. Even if we had a first-round pick.

 

Yup, can't do it. Go Bears.

[Flames24Rulz]

I might be going to this game on the way back from Toronto. I'm pretty interested in checking out Ford Field.

[Derwood]

7-9 is the worst possible finish this team can have; not bad enough to change anything, not good enough to gain anything

[rawaction]

Right now, this looks like it could be one of the most boring offseasons in Bears history. If the Bears hang onto Lovie and bring in another no-name OC and DC, then have a weak FA showing again, and have no early draft picks...2010 will be met with little fanfare.

 

However, fire Lovie, bring in a fresh new coaching staff, and make a splash in an uncapped FA market...then 2010 can be as exciting as this year was supposed to be.

[minnesotacubsfan]

Right now, this looks like it could be one of the most boring offseasons in Bears history. If the Bears hang onto Lovie and bring in another no-name OC and DC, then have a weak FA showing again, and have no early draft picks...2010 will be met with little fanfare.

 

However, fire Lovie, bring in a fresh new coaching staff, and make a splash in an uncapped FA market...then 2010 can be as exciting as this year was supposed to be.

 

 

the bears hiring a new coach scares the hell out of me

[Soul]

I'm starting to hear more & more that everyone will be back....even Mr. Turner.

 

If that's true then I can't see getting very excited for the 2010 season.

 

Bears will be suffering through plenty of injured players for this final game. Also, the letdown factor is in effect. Don't be surprised if the Lions sneak up in this one.

[NCCubFan]

If Turner is brought back Angelo MUST be killed. Justifiable homicide.

[WrigleyField 22]

If Lovie is back I'm finding a new team to cheer for next season.

 

If Turner is back I may never cheer for the Bears again.

[RedFlash]

I'm starting to hear more & more that everyone will be back....even Mr. Turner.

 

:banghead:

 

There is no way the Bears can justify bringing the whole coaching staff back. I really don't mind bring most of the coaching staff back, but Ron Turner cannot under any circumstance return. He simply don't know how to use a QB properly. You don't have to fire Turner, just don't render him a contract.

[jersey cubs fan]

I'm starting to hear more & more that everyone will be back....even Mr. Turner.

 

:banghead:

 

There is no way the Bears can justify bringing the whole coaching staff back. I really don't mind bring most of the coaching staff back, but Ron Turner cannot under any circumstance return. He simply don't know how to use a QB properly. You don't have to fire Turner, just don't render him a contract.

 

You do have to fire him, he's signed through next season.

 

 

Right now, this looks like it could be one of the most boring offseasons in Bears history. If the Bears hang onto Lovie and bring in another no-name OC and DC, then have a weak FA showing again, and have no early draft picks...2010 will be met with little fanfare.

 

However, fire Lovie, bring in a fresh new coaching staff, and make a splash in an uncapped FA market...then 2010 can be as exciting as this year was supposed to be.

 

I'm afraid you're right. Although I could see them spending some FA cash since they will once again have no early pick signing bonus money to worry about. They generally stay away from the top of the free agent list, but between Pace, Muhsin, Tait, Miller, trading for and extending Ogunleye and Cutler, and keeping all their big money free agents, the Bears aren't afraid to spend on veteran football players.

[Banedon]

Bears receiver Devin Hester is expected to return to full participation in practice today for the first time since suffering a left calf strain against the Rams.

 

Hester, who missed the last three games, could be back in the mix on kickoff returns, with Johnny Knox (ankle) and Danieal Manning (calf) expected to miss Sunday's season finale at Detroit.

[tfarks]

DA's a given but I hope we get to see Iglesias in the season finale.

 

And Turner is not coming back. Bring in Weis.

[Fred Hornkohl]

My fearless prediction........

 

BEARS       26
Detroit     17

[minnesotacubsfan]

My fearless prediction........

 

BEARS       26
Detroit     17

 

 

easy there Fred....

[UMFan83]

Debating whether to watch this live, or watch it on my DVR after I go to the DePaul/Georgetown game tomorrow. Is there anyway I will successfully avoid finding out the score?

[Banedon]

Potentially the last game of Lovie Smith's career with the Bears? *crosses fingers*

[Omar]

Is this game quiet or what?