Game 9 - Houston Texans @ BEARS - 7:20 PM SNF

[Banedon]

So I was thinking, when we played Carolina, our most effective drive was in hurry up at the end of the game. Obviously part of that was chicken [expletive] defense by Carolina, but I also think that the Bears should try using the hurry up more often. Maybe even to start games. It could help limit the pass rush by not giving the rushers time to catch their breath and it could keep them from changing defenses up too much. Also might help the receivers get open a bit more.

 

Personally, I thought it was the fact that they used the quick slant over an over again. The hurry up was a huge part too though because the Panthers weren't able to change their coverage to adjust to the play though.

 

I just don't think the Bears use the quick slant enough, especially when it's the best weapon against a blitz happy team. I was screaming for a quick slant agains the Packers.

 

Whatever it takes scheme-wise to punish them for the pass rush. Everybody comes hard after Jay on the first play of the game. I heard this morning that the Bears have started the game off with a rush 5 times, and with a pass 3 times, and on all 3 pass plays, they resulted in a sack. There has to be a way to take advantage of that over-eagerness by the opposing defense.

[jersey cubs fan]

So I was thinking, when we played Carolina, our most effective drive was in hurry up at the end of the game. Obviously part of that was chicken [expletive] defense by Carolina, but I also think that the Bears should try using the hurry up more often. Maybe even to start games. It could help limit the pass rush by not giving the rushers time to catch their breath and it could keep them from changing defenses up too much. Also might help the receivers get open a bit more.

 

Personally, I thought it was the fact that they used the quick slant over an over again. The hurry up was a huge part too though because the Panthers weren't able to change their coverage to adjust to the play though.

 

I just don't think the Bears use the quick slant enough, especially when it's the best weapon against a blitz happy team. I was screaming for a quick slant agains the Packers.

 

Whatever it takes scheme-wise to punish them for the pass rush. Everybody comes hard after Jay on the first play of the game. I heard this morning that the Bears have started the game off with a rush 5 times, and with a pass 3 times, and on all 3 pass plays, they resulted in a sack. There has to be a way to take advantage of that over-eagerness by the opposing defense.

 

In theory, a screen is a great option. I don't see the Bears going with hurry up as much as they may go with no huddle. They want time of possession. With a defense that is about patience and opportunism, and which often spends a lot of time on the field (including after scoring themselves), I think it could be very risky to go with a hurry up.

[Banedon]

So I was thinking, when we played Carolina, our most effective drive was in hurry up at the end of the game. Obviously part of that was chicken [expletive] defense by Carolina, but I also think that the Bears should try using the hurry up more often. Maybe even to start games. It could help limit the pass rush by not giving the rushers time to catch their breath and it could keep them from changing defenses up too much. Also might help the receivers get open a bit more.

 

Personally, I thought it was the fact that they used the quick slant over an over again. The hurry up was a huge part too though because the Panthers weren't able to change their coverage to adjust to the play though.

 

I just don't think the Bears use the quick slant enough, especially when it's the best weapon against a blitz happy team. I was screaming for a quick slant agains the Packers.

 

Whatever it takes scheme-wise to punish them for the pass rush. Everybody comes hard after Jay on the first play of the game. I heard this morning that the Bears have started the game off with a rush 5 times, and with a pass 3 times, and on all 3 pass plays, they resulted in a sack. There has to be a way to take advantage of that over-eagerness by the opposing defense.

 

In theory, a screen is a great option. I don't see the Bears going with hurry up as much as they may go with no huddle. They want time of possession. With a defense that is about patience and opportunism, and which often spends a lot of time on the field (including after scoring themselves), I think it could be very risky to go with a hurry up.

 

You know, I was equating no huddle and hurry up as the same in my head, but you're right. It's more the no huddle that I'm interested in seeing.

[UMFan83]

Just did some reading up on Texans fan's opinions of the game this week. Fairly respectful overall. Looks like both teams fans are using the game as a measuring stick.

 

Some selected quotes:

 

If we eliminate mistakes and penalties we can pull this game. Cutler is known to be impatient and will try to force things to make a big play. That's when he makes mistakes.

If we can cover Marshal, that's Cutler's safety valve.

 

I kinda see this game as the irresistable force against an immovable object...for both sides. I could be wrong of course, but I think it will be a low scoring game decided late in the 4th quarter by special teams.

 

If we play clean and dont turn it over, we will out score them. If we have 2+ turn overs, we lose. I really dont think they can march the field on us, where their bend not break defense is drivable on as long as we are patient and smart. They wait for mistakes, and pounce, dont let it happen.

 

Would love to see Merci get some forced fumbles, all those hits they allow on Cutler, yummy.

 

Still, a very good team, mainly on D and ST.

 

Both teams have a good defense, both teams have a good running back, both teams have a good/decent QB, but only one team has a good/decent offensive line.

 

We need to create turnovers on defense to swing this game in our favor.

 

If Cutler has time to throw we WILL lose.

 

This is a tough team all around.

Cutler is a good quarterback.

He has weapons and they have a good running game.

Their defense is one of the best.

These 2 teams are very evenly matched.

I think it's going to be a brawl.

Final 2 minutes and who has the ball last in a low scoring game.

I still think the Texans can pull it out, but only by less then a touchdown.

 

Could not find a single meatball to give me something good to bring back here. And this was the Texans Official Site board.

[ctcf]

Just caught this on Rotoworld. Sounds like Alshon will be back for the 49ers game which makes me extremely happy:

 

Alshon Jeffery (hand) will reportedly be held out of this week's game versus the Texans "as a precautionary measure."

There's a "slight chance" Jeffery will play Sunday night, but the team is leaning toward protecting him from re-injury for one more week. The rookie's injury did not require surgery, but he's been wearing a cast. Neither Devin Hester nor Earl Bennett has topped 50 yards in a game with Jeffery out of the lineup.

[Banedon]

Yeah, I've gone to several sites, and there's a mix of confidence and nervousness. I saw similar stuff, pretty respectful.

[UMFan83]

Daniel Manning talking about the Bears and his departure from the team. Seems like he really liked being a Bear and was quite upset that the Bears didn't try harder to keep him.

 

http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/11/texans-danieal-manning-opens-up-about-facing-his-former-team-on-sunday/

[ctcf]

The Bears are now #3 in the ESPN Power Rankings, behind only the Falcons and Texans. The 49ers and Giants round out the top 5.

 

http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings/_/year/2012/week/10

[bukie]

If the game comes down to special teams, the Bears will win in a blowout.

 

The Bears have a top of the line D and ST, with a below average O held down by the O line and Cutler not being able to throw passes in the first quarter.

 

The Texans have a well above average O and D, with the worst ST play in five years.

[UMFan83]

Interesting mid-season awards/predictions article on NFL.com

 

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000091214/article/2012-nfl-midseason-report-mvp-super-bowl-xlvii-picks-more

 

Two people (out of 16) picked Peanut as his DPOY (everyone else picked Watt). 8 of the 16 'experts' picked the Bears to win the NFC North, with the other 8 of course picking Green Bay. All 8 of the guys who picked GB had the Bears winning a Wild Card spot. 6 of the 8 people who picked the Bears to win the NFC North had them in the NFC title game (also one person who picked the Bears as a WC had them in the NFC title game). Two of them had Bears over 49ers, 1 had Bears over Packers, 1 had Bears over Falcons, 1 had the Falcons beating the Bears, and 2 (including the WC guy) had Packers over Bears . Of the 4 that picked the Bears to make the Super Bowl, 1 has the Bears beating the Pats and 2 have Bears over Texans, while 1 has them losing to the Steelers (?)

 

Overall, 7 out of 16 had the Packers winning the Super Bowl, followed by the 3 picking Chicago, 2 picking SF, and one person each picking Houston, New England, Pittsburgh and Atlanta.

[bukie]

FO noted today that the playoffs are amazingly predictable this year, with 9 of the 12 spots all but locked up (every division leader plus PIT), and two others at more than 75% certainty (GB, SEA), with only the last AFC wild card spot really up for grabs since Miami lost to Indy.

[KingCubsFan]

Interesting mid-season awards/predictions article on NFL.com

 

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000091214/article/2012-nfl-midseason-report-mvp-super-bowl-xlvii-picks-more

 

Two people (out of 16) picked Peanut as his DPOY (everyone else picked Watt). 8 of the 16 'experts' picked the Bears to win the NFC North, with the other 8 of course picking Green Bay. All 8 of the guys who picked GB had the Bears winning a Wild Card spot. 6 of the 8 people who picked the Bears to win the NFC North had them in the NFC title game (also one person who picked the Bears as a WC had them in the NFC title game). Two of them had Bears over 49ers, 1 had Bears over Packers, 1 had Bears over Falcons, 1 had the Falcons beating the Bears, and 2 (including the WC guy) had Packers over Bears . Of the 4 that picked the Bears to make the Super Bowl, 1 has the Bears beating the Pats and 2 have Bears over Texans, while 1 has them losing to the Steelers (?)

 

Overall, 7 out of 16 had the Packers winning the Super Bowl, followed by the 3 picking Chicago, 2 picking SF, and one person each picking Houston, New England, Pittsburgh and Atlanta.

Surprised there wasn't more love for the Giants.

[Guest]

FO noted today that the playoffs are amazingly predictable this year, with 9 of the 12 spots all but locked up (every division leader plus PIT), and two others at more than 75% certainty (GB, SEA), with only the last AFC wild card spot really up for grabs since Miami lost to Indy.

 

DVOA also says we are more or less what our record says we are...

 

Our third seven-win team, Chicago, is about average historically for a team with their record, but of course they are quite imbalanced. They rank first in the league in defense and special teams, but 25th on offense. The Bears have moved up from the fifth-best defense in DVOA history to the fourth-best defense in DVOA history -- and remember, FO counts turnover returns based on what the average return does on similar interceptions (based on location and pass distance), not based on how long the actual return is. So in our stats, the Bears aren't getting as much credit for all those defensive touchdowns, and they still have a historically great defense. Ignore anyone who argues that the Bears are feasting on easy opponents, by the way. They've played a very easy schedule of opposing defenses, but an average schedule of opposing offenses.

[rawaction]

So I was thinking, when we played Carolina, our most effective drive was in hurry up at the end of the game. Obviously part of that was chicken [expletive] defense by Carolina, but I also think that the Bears should try using the hurry up more often. Maybe even to start games. It could help limit the pass rush by not giving the rushers time to catch their breath and it could keep them from changing defenses up too much. Also might help the receivers get open a bit more.

 

Personally, I thought it was the fact that they used the quick slant over an over again. The hurry up was a huge part too though because the Panthers weren't able to change their coverage to adjust to the play though.

 

I just don't think the Bears use the quick slant enough, especially when it's the best weapon against a blitz happy team. I was screaming for a quick slant agains the Packers.

 

Whatever it takes scheme-wise to punish them for the pass rush. Everybody comes hard after Jay on the first play of the game. I heard this morning that the Bears have started the game off with a rush 5 times, and with a pass 3 times, and on all 3 pass plays, they resulted in a sack. There has to be a way to take advantage of that over-eagerness by the opposing defense.

 

In theory, a screen is a great option. I don't see the Bears going with hurry up as much as they may go with no huddle. They want time of possession. With a defense that is about patience and opportunism, and which often spends a lot of time on the field (including after scoring themselves), I think it could be very risky to go with a hurry up.

 

You know, I was equating no huddle and hurry up as the same in my head, but you're right. It's more the no huddle that I'm interested in seeing.

 

I wonder if Tice has been kinda saving the no huddle for the "good" teams. The word is they put a lot of work into the no-huddle during the bye. And Jay has been pretty clear that he likes it. I'm guessing we might have seen in more vs. Detroit if Cutler wasn't hurt.

[Cubswin11]

Go Bears???

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/bears-fans-drink-nashville-bars-dry-234602900--nfl.html

[Derwood]

Cutler is 12-1 in his last 13.

 

but he's just not a winner like Kyle Orton

[Banedon]

Most dominant team in football:

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/kerry_byrne/11/06/bears-defense/index.html?sct=nfl_t11_a0

[Banedon]

Urlacher is defensive player of the week.

[Banedon]

Tillman told 670 The Score he might miss Sunday’s game against the Texans if his wife goes into labor.

 

“The wife is due any day, so hopefully this baby can stay in until after the game on Sunday,” Tillman said. “I hope she stays in – I’m having another girl. Monday, for sure, but if she comes Sunday, I think I’m going to have to be at the hospital Sunday. So, I hope she stays in until after Sunday.”

[Banedon]

Sherrick McManis gets ST player of the week. First time since 2008 that two players from the same team have gotten player of the week honors.

[UMFan83]

Tillman told 670 The Score he might miss Sunday’s game against the Texans if his wife goes into labor.

 

“The wife is due any day, so hopefully this baby can stay in until after the game on Sunday,” Tillman said. “I hope she stays in – I’m having another girl. Monday, for sure, but if she comes Sunday, I think I’m going to have to be at the hospital Sunday. So, I hope she stays in until after Sunday.”

 

Dammit, that would be a big blow. I don't trust Jennings on Andre Johnson. Completely understandable if it happens, but it would really suck regardless. I guess the odds are ok though. I'm assuming if the baby comes Friday or Saturday he'll still be able to sneak out and play.

[Soul]

Can't they give her some kind of drug to keep it in?

 

Come on now. Priorities people.

[Guest]

Owen Daniels - TE - Texans

Owen Daniels missed Texans practice Wednesday with hip a injury, and is undergoing tests.

Per reporter Nick Scurfield, Daniels is "very, very sore." Beat writer Tania Ganguli reports the soreness is in the "back of his hip." Coach Gary Kubiak said Daniels could play Sunday without practicing, but he's sounding questionable at best for Week 10. Although Daniels could easily end up playing, Owners need to be readying a back-up plan.

[Old Style]

Urlacher is defensive player of the week.

Over Tillman?

[Banedon]

Urlacher is defensive player of the week.

Over Tillman?

 

Yep. I mean, Urlacher had his best game of the season, but it should've been Tillman.