Gail, Bears Superfan

I'm getting ready for the game and I'm very excited. Like Mark Bradley (player and blogger) I'll be at the game. I am actually looking forward to spending New Years' Eve at Soldier Field with the Bears...and probably way too many Packers' fans. Most of the group I go with won't be attending. They have a party every year so this won't change their plans. I'll probably be asleep on the Pace Bus when the New Year actually arrives.

I didn't get too many Bears' Christmas gifts. Kenneth, did you get your Rex jersey? My friend called yesterday to tell me Finish Line and Champs at Woodfield were selling the jerseys two for $90.00 at one store, and buy one, get one half off at the other. I'm surprised they are discounting them this soon. Finish Line even has Desmond Clark jerseys. Right now I can start wearing some old jerseys I have---just don't let people see the back (80 - Dez White, 37 - Tony Parrish, 24 - Glyn Milburn, 21 - McQuarters, and, of course, 35 - A Train, 88 - Robinson, 44 - Enis, and 8 - McNown). I don't know why I can't bear to get rid of them. It would free up lots of closet space. When is someone going to invent removable names for the back? I need to talk to Ocho Cinco about that.

Back to gifts, my friend bought out Meijers for their $4.00 NFC Championship Ornaments. One is for me, but I haven't seen it yet.

The Bears are going to win tonight. At the beginning of the season I predicted 13-3, but I will gladly be wrong. In spite of the fact that there will be lots of Packers fans in the stadium, the fellows are going to be really wound up and determined to end regular season with a win.

Happy, Healthy New Year to all of you! GO BEARS!

Kenneth Sothman, Bears Superfan

First things first: Believe it or not, I agree with everybody's opinion over Sunday's game. It seems like Brian and his boys are coasting through a little too much, and worse yet, our season-ending tailspin is just making other teams lose respect for us. Seriously, do you think any team really fears playing against the Bears, with a 50/50 chance that either the offense or defense will fold?

But like Gail pointed out, a win is a win, and we as fans should be proud of the team that could finish the season with a 14-2 record. It's something truly special, and Superbowl championship or no Superbowl championship, this team is going to go down as one of the best teams we've ever watched.

Personally, I for one am very dissapointed in the moving of the game to night, but I guess this would make the perfect ending that not even Vince Mcmahon could have scripted better. Is there anything that beats shutting out the Packers in the very first game of the season at Lambeau, and then beating the Packers on NBC during the final game of the season at home? Add in 12 other wins, most of them either blow-outs or complete roller-coasters, and you have one exciting season.

But then again on the other hand, playing on the final game of the season could turn nightmarish too. But we won't get into that scenario...

On a side note, did anybody receive any fun Bears merchandise over the holidays?

Edit at 3:49 p.m.:

I forgot to make my point of the title, I believe there's about a snowball's chance that tomorrow night is Brett Favre's last game. Green Bay is a young team and has a chance to finish with 8-8 record, and there's no way Favre is going to go out on a non-playoff year. Especially if there's a chance they can improve, and possibly get about ten wins out of their schedule in a not-so-great conference.

Now if for some reason the Packers do win, and somehow everything goes right and they do make the playoffs, then sure, it will be his last game.

But tomorrow night, Bears win 24-17, and Bears fans can ring in the new year in style.

Mark Bradley, Bears Super Fan

Great News! Santa was good to me this year, and I'm excited to be attending the Bears New Year's Eve bash.

Top 10 Reasons for Bears Game Changing to NBC Prime Time:

10) Flexible scheduling
9) Possibly Brett's last game
8) The Packers have a good chance to be playing for a playoff berth
7) What better way to end the year with Sunday night football in Chicago
6) Games Protected - Falcons and Eagles (Fox) and the Raiders and Jets (CBS)
5) Denver has already made 6 prime-time appearances - maximum allowed for one season
4) Bears are in the playoffs; their biggest rival game against the Packers
3) The Bears are 4-0 in prime-time games this season
2) 4 of Devin Hester's 6 kick return TDs have come in the Bears' 4 prime-time games this season.

And the #1
- Given the other NFL cities- Chicago was the best place to celebrate New Years Eve 2007!

I'm looking forward to Brett Favre playing his last game at Soldier Field, which is adding more lure to the game. I think sending him off with a Bears malling as a retirement gift would be fitting.

I hope that the Bears don't take a ho-hum approach, since they have already locked up home field advantage through the NFC playoffs.

A clean sweep: With a win Sunday night over the Packers, the Bears would become just the fourth team since the NFL/AFL merger in 1970 to sweep its conference opponents in a season.

Like the ’85 Bears, the only other teams who have swept their conference opponents—the 1972 Miami Dolphins and the 1984 San Francisco 49ers—also won Super Bowl titles.

Gail, Bears Superfan

Another win for the Bears! Well, a very lucky win. It looks like Tommie, Tank and Charles were really missed but this Sunday should be better for the defense. Mark Anderson had another great game. Offense looked good. Gabe filled in nicely for Jason but he really took some hits. Brian Griese certainly looked on target when he replaced Rex near the end of the game. He made it look so easy.

Have you checked out the Bears website? There is a vacation, Touchdown in Paradise with the Chicago Bears, through Apple Vacation. The vacation will include 5 Bears. Right now, although subject to change, the players are Rashied, Bernard and Robbie. It's an all-exclusive 4 nights in Puerto Vallarta. Sounds like fun.

Looking forward to Sunday night's game, but does anyone really think it will be Brett Farve's farewell to football? For this season it will be, but will he really retire? Probably doubtful.

GO BEARS!

Sue Rhein, Bears SuperFan,


Hello everyone, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you.

What is happening to our Defense?? I don't understand how our so called number one Defense could be allowing teams with crappy records score points. I wasn't able to stay home and watch the game on Sunday so I taped it. I haven't had the opportunity to actually sit down and watch the game and from what I have heard from the sports media and family members is that our Defense isn't playing up to par and that our entire team seems to be taking a "relaxed road" to the playoffs.

Well I for one was not happy with the way our Defense played against the Tampa Bay Bucs and I'm glad that I haven't watched the Detroit Lions game as of yet, because otherwise I would probably have a lot more to write with regards to our 13-2 Bears.

However, I guess a win is a win no matter how ugly it is but nonetheless, we are going to be playing Brett and the Packers next Sunday and if our Bears think for one minute that Brett and the Packers aren't going to come into Soldier Field looking to steal our thunder and take away a win then the Bears better go back to week one when we beat Brett and the Packers on their home turf.

Brett and the Packers have had 15 games to mull over their strategy as to how they were going to come in and win and if our Defense doesn't step up a beat or two or even three, then Brett and the Packers will be going home with a "W" in their column and the possibility of being in the playoffs. Coach Lovie said that his main objective was to come in and beat Brett and the Packers, well I can't imagine a better ending to the Bears 2006 season and a jolt to a brand new beginning to 2007 than to beat Brett and the Packers on our home turf at Soldier Field.

GO BEARS

Paul Bixby , Bears Super Fan

It sure is getting difficult to watch these games. I feel like the fire has gone out of this team. How do teams like Tampa Bay and Detroit get into the position of being able to win the game in the final seconds? The Bears stole two games away from teams that wanted it more. A slightly better throw from Kitna at the end results in a Lions Victory and a different coin flip results in a Buccaneers win.

Have we been sold a bill of goods? Has the plucky band of heroes from September been replaced by a bunch of war-weary veterans sick of all the fighting? I can't wait for the playoffs so the games can matter again and I can stop watching these guys rack up the loafs.

I'd love to see the Bears stick it to Green Bay for He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named's last game. But they're not gonna. It's going to be another episode of Chicago's new favorite game show, "How will we almost throw a game away?" It would be especially nice to beat the -ack- Packers and keep them out of the playoffs for good. I don't think I could bear the "Cinderella" storyline or "General's last ride for glory" storyline about He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named.

I'm sick of this pussyfootin' around though. I want these guys to play every game like they need every game to survive, because in three weeks, they will. It's real easy to trick yourself into coasting only to be unable to accelerate when it's needed.

Kenneth Sothman, Bears Superfan

Ken Sothman's Christmas List

1. A victory over those pesky Lions, in fact I don't only want it to be a victory, I want this to be ended by slaughter rule in the third. I'm still a little irate over the trash talking that went on earlier in the season, and a nice whooping would be the icing on a cake.

My prediction: Bears 41, Lions 13.

2. For Mike Brown, Tommy Harris, Nathan Vasher, and any other injured Bear to recover soon.

3. I'd like this version of Rex Grossman to stay for good. None of that three interceptions a game or 1.3 QB rating Rex, and if I receive that one, I won't be afraid to return him to the store.

4. Speaking of Rex, I wish that not only I but also Kathee receives a Rex jersey under the tree... ;)

5. For Devin Hester to realize he's only a rookie, and even though he's really good now, if he keeps up a hard work ethic he can become great.

6. For Brian Urlacher to be considered overrated every year, just to add fuel to his fire.

7. I'd like all the negative Bears press to just go away with a convincing second round playoff win.

8. For Cedric Benson to realize that his time will come with patience.

9. That Lovie Smith just one time quotes the Bears style of play as "Lovie-Ball".

10. And of course, a Bears Super Bowl championship!

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday!

Gail, Bears Superfan

Congratulations to our Pro Bowlers, and, also on the win Sunday. It certainly kept me glued to my seat. I'm glad everything has quieted down, Rex has been doing well and Tank is still in the family.

Since it's a little late to discuss last week's game, just a few notes on Bears Sightings. My friends went to Real Time Sports the beginning of the month to see Peanut. They had a great time. Everyone was dialing up friends and Peanut was talking to them. He went from table to table mingling with the people.

Just the opposite happened at Juniors. Other friends went in late November. They said the food and atmosphere was very good, but Lance was escorted to a private room where he watched the game. No one was able to go in to get autographs or even say hello. No other players were there, either. My group had been planning on going last Monday but considering their report, changed our minds.

Then two weeks ago, Chris and Nathan came in while I was working. That was quite a surprise. Chris was so friendly..as usual. No Fly Zone.

This week I saw Ahmad Merritt. He was terrific. He said he's expecting to see all of us at a Rush game this season.

So...tomorrow's Detroit. Actually, I was thinking about all the last minute things I could do until I remembered that the Bears are playing! Of course they will bring home a win!

Happy Holidays to all of you. GO BEARS!!

Danielle Barrera, NBC5.com intern

Hello Bears fans,
Bears Business has turned to podcast! If you are new to the bears superfan blog, Bears Business was a show that myself and fellow intern Lindsay Mufich did for the blog. Today I interviewed Bears Superfan Blogger Mark Bradley. Check out our podcast here at NBC5.com click, Bears Podcast

I want to say thank you to Mark Bradley and I look forward to future Bears Business Podcasts!

Talk to you soon,
Danielle

Kathee Meade, Bears Super Fan



Seven Bears are going to the Pro Bowl! Did anyone notice that all but one of them are from our defense and special teams? A coincidence? I think not! Anyway, great going Harris, Kreutz, Briggs, Gould, Hester, Ayanbedajo and of course, Urlacher!! Congratulations for having the most Pro Bowl selections in the entire NFC! We’re all very proud of you!

Kathee Meade – Bears Super Fan

Lisa Schmidt, Bears Super Fan

I only have one thing to say -- quoting Brian Urlacher and other Bears.. A win is a win. It doesn't matter if the other team scores 49 points as long as we score 50. Our Bears have home field advantage through the playoffs, and I couldn't be prouder.

GO BEARS

Ken Sothman, Bears Superfan

Note: I apologize for the long absence, I just finished finals weeks for the first semester yesterday afternoon. Though it wasn't fun, I've seemed to have come out in one piece, and I did study up on some mind tricks from psychology we could possibly use on Rex if he morphs back to Hex Grossman. Now to the important stuff...

I have mixed feelings about today's game. Because with a close 34-31 victory over the Bucs of Tampa Bay, the Chicago Bears season was almost ended today.

The Bears season wouldn't have ended because it's the playoffs, for it's only week 15 so the one and done format is still a few weeks away. It wouldn't have been ended because they would've been eliminated from contention, for with this victory the Bears have actually improved to 12-2 and have clinched home-field advantage through the NFC Championship. And definitely not because of more poor play from starting quarterback Rex Grossman, who threw for a career high 339 yards with two touchdowns tagged along.

But the dreams of a Super Bowl in Miami almost ended due to an atrocious fourth-quarter from Chicago's defense, which up to this point, has been the proven back-bone and force that holds the fort together. And with three touchdowns in the fourth quarter, Buc's third-string quarterback Tim Rattay almost single-handedly catapoulted the walls down by sending the game into over-time after being down 24-3 midway through the third quarter.

Now I don't mean to jump on Urlacher and Company's case too hard, for they have saved this team many times this season, including a long stretch when Grossman's offense couldn't find the end zone if it was handed a map. But after the accumulation of injuries from starters Mike Brown, Tommie Harris, and Nathan Vasher, added in with the marathon that is the NFL season, I think it's safe to say after these past two weeks the defense just hasn't been the same. The Rams and Bucs, two teams with a combined record of 9-19 record, have been able to attack at will in the second-half with a combined 42 points. And today's second half almost cost not only the game in my opinion, but also the season.

Heading into the playoffs, the Bears can't afford to look vulnerable. As in case for past SuperBowl champions, the best example being last year's Pittsburgh Steelers, the most important factor heading into the playoffs is momentum. Without momentum (as in a four-game win streak) and a serious charge heading into the playoffs, the Bears would once again be the questionable bye-team that's one bad game from either side of the ball away from being eliminated. It took place in both 2002-2003 and 2005-2006, and it would once again take place this season. These next two games against the Lions and Packers may as well be considered the post-season.

For a more detailed comparison, look at the Colts. Every year the Indianpolis Colts come out firing, blowing teams away on the score-board, putting together highly impressive records through the first ten weeks, and wrapping up all considerable important regular-season goals through week 12. Then Peyton's crew goes into cruise control mode, and tend to finish the season on a less then prosperous note. And as I've pointed out many times in this blog, the total of Super Bowls they've been to during my 20 year-old life-time: zero.

Hopefully the boys on "D" can get themseleves rejuvenated and back to playing full-time "Lovie-Ball!" before it's too late. Signs of "Lovie-Ball!" reappeared when Alex Smith was stripped of the ball during over-time, and hopefully the style of defense is here to stay.

Because the last thing Bears fans need is another repeat of last year's Panthers game.

Mark Bradley, Bears Super Fan

The Bears are 12 & 2 and Rex is our Quarterback!

The Chicago Bears - NFC North champions, earned a first-round bye, and homefield advantage! Playoffs go through Chicago!

Game Ball: Rex Grossman & Desmond Clark
Rex Grossman, passed for a career-best 339 yards, completed 29 of 44 with two touchdowns and no interceptions. As we watched to see if Rex Grossman could put together back-to-back quality performances and eliminate concerns over the quarterback position going into the playoffs, I think Grossman responded with an excellent effort.

Grossman became the first Bears quarterback to throw for at least 300 yards since Oct. 7, 2002 when Jim Miller had 353 yards in a loss to Green Bay.

Desmond Clark (7 catches, 125 yds, 2 TD) - Clark's 100-yard receiving game was the first by a Bears tight end since Emery Moorehead had 114 against the Bucs in 1985.

Clark did most of his damage in the first half, catching six passes for 107 yards including touchdowns of 24 and 12 yards. His six TDs this season equal a career high he set with the Denver Broncos in 2001.

The Hester / Bucs Fact:
The Bucs haven't returned a kickoff for a TD in their 31 seasons in the NFL. Hester has played 13 games, fielded 10 kickoffs and taken two back for touchdowns. The Bucs have played 495 games, fielded 1,877 kickoffs and never reached the end zone.

I liked seeing Hester, who now has the NFL-record six returns for TDs this season, lined up as a wide receiver late in the first quarter but Grossman's pass to him on the outside was too way low and incomplete.



Robbie Gould, who'd missed earlier in overtime from 37 yards, connected on a 25-yard field goal with 3:37 left to give the Bears the victory. Robbie needs to work on a routine to overcome the time out that tends to "Ice the Kicker."

Game Notes:
* The Bucs managed just two first downs and 64 total yards in the first half.

* The Bucs have lost 7 of 8.

Defense
The Bears looked every bit the dominant NFC team until relaxing with a 24-3 lead and allowing Tampa Bay to make a run in the second half and send this game to overtime.

I think part of that run was the Bears defense being tired and not having the normal rotation of Mike Brown, Nathan Vasher, Todd Johnson, Leon Joe, Tank Johnson, Tommie Harris. . .

Losing Tommie Harris and losing safety Mike Brown and now these incidents with Tank Johnson, they can't afford to keep losing players of that caliber.

This is not the same defense that won that Arizona game when Rex was simply dreadful. The important thing now is that we have the home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, lets hope the offense can score more points and get us to the Super Bowl.

Thank goodness we have a great special teams and have that return weapon in Devin Hester and that Rex is coming around at the right time. Rex had two very good games back to back.

Paul Bixby , Bears Super Fan

ROBBIE MISSED?! What is this game? The defense holds thankfully. I can't believe this! Devin fumbles again? You'd think after the first fateful fumble he'd learn ball security! This is just too much! I'll hold this post off until the game finishes, but at this rate, this game will still be in overtime at Christmas!!!

The offense comes close... Point of discussion, do you think the Bears should have gone for 4th and 2 with Jones, Benson and McKie having such strong games?

Now, 1st and 10 from the 2. Time for the Defense to make the play of their careers. I will not be satisfied with a tie. It's unforgivable that the Bucs were able to make such a game of it.

False Start, 2nd and 9 from the 3. Let's go. Rattay is still in the end zone for the snap. Safety.

Nuts! Peanuts that is. Peanut keeps him away from the first down. 3rd and 1. False Start! HUGE False Start! Game Changer! Let's go Bears! Overthrown!!!


I better get more Doritos! I put them away, that MUST be the reason for the comeback...

*Crunch* Hester catches and get out at midfield... Great position for Rex. Come on Sexy, Go away Hexy! Gould better get ready. He owes us now!

GO RASHIED!!!!! That's a clutch play for Rex AND Rashied. Especially since Davis hadn't even played.

Eileen's favorite Adrian Peterson comes in, gets some yards. He gets a Gigantic First Down (TM) to put the Bears in running range of the end zone. Let's go OFFENSE!

They're kicking? Tampa tries the ice the kicker approach. I wish that didn't work, but Robbie has shown he is susceptible to it in two separate games. Don't let 'em shake you Robbie. I think I actually would have changed plays then since TB used their last time out. Robbie kicks ...

IT'S GOOD!!!!!

This game should have been over 40 minutes ago! Thank goodness for the offense... When was the last time you heard that about the Bears? I think we actually owe the offense the win. Way to go guys!

My lovely daughters, Thing 1 and Thing 2 want me to tell you that, and I quote, "The Bears are cool!"

I'm gonna go catch my breath and watch something boring like the Philly vs. Giants game that Fox just switched over to... waittaminnit! 7 to 7 already? Wow. What'd I miss?

Paul Bixby , Bears Super Fan

I agree with the fans in the stadium! I can't believe they chose overtime over a shot at the end zone. Nothing is so chancy as an overtime possession. This is crazy. Tampa gets the ball first. I don't know the percentage, but overtime favors the receiving team I believe. This doesn't feel good. I haven't been this edge of my seat for a couple weeks. I don't like it. I promise no more posts till the end of the game. Which may be soon. This just feels ill-advised to me.

Paul Bixby , Bears Super Fan

Defense held, Special Teams fouled up, let's go Offense!

Paul Bixby , Bears Super Fan

Everyone seems to have taken a small break from blogging, even the Bears Business ladies. I'm back from mine.

Honestly, it was hard to write. I had hitched my wagon to Rex so much that it was painful to watch him Hex out so much. I couldn't find anything to say other than Kathee was right. It seems that since his 1.3 QB Rating outing against Minnesota Rex has found his niche a but more. At the beginning of the season he was flashy and lucky, and then he hit a patch where he was flashy and unlucky. That took all the flash out of him and he just barely survived the Minnesota game.

Finally, last week, Rex began to trust his receivers a little more, the receivers earned that trust and the Bears focused their gameplanning on the running game more which took pressure off of Rex. We saw Rex pump fake, run for 22 yards and throw the ball away when there was nothing to find.

This week, Rex has been the same steady, less flashy player, taking his shots when he could find them (even though Moose dropped a big-yard-potential play). The story now is the defense.

As I write this, Tampa Bay has just tied the game at 31 points. What has happened to our Vaunted Defense? Injuries and stupidity. 4 major injuries and Tank Johnson's stupidity has deprived our defense of 5 starters. Unbelievably, the Defense has allowed Tampa Bay to score 4 touchdowns (4?!) to a team who has not scored an offensive touchdown in six games? (Is that what they said?) I can't believe we might be looking at an overtime situation when they were up by 14-21 points. It's time to shut these bums down. I'm afraid that there has been a regression to the mean. As Rex has improved, the defense has declined.

Tampa is taking the ball over at 2 minutes left in the fourth quarter, it's time to see this defense force a turnover for once this game. Get pressure on the quarterback, make him miss, grab a ball, strip a ball, do something! The offense has done a tremendous job against a weak defense, the defense has done a LOUSY job against a weak offense.

Let's go defense!

Tipped pass, but no good result

Kathee Meade, Bears Super Fan



Aw, come on Tank!! Your third run-in with The Law in 18 months? What the heck is going on with your thinking process? I was always proud of the fact that you came from my neck of the woods, but now, I'm starting to wonder about your judgement calls. How dissappointing! What does a guy your size need an assault rifle for? Geez!!

I heard on a radio broadcast this morning that, by the time this all goes to court, the football season should already be over. Has anyone heard what The NFL plans to do with regard to punishing him? For the time-being, Tank has been indicted, not charged - so I'm not sure The NFL can do anything to him until the whole court process is complete.

Kathee Meade

Eileen, Bears Superfan

I missed the first half of the game because of a work event that I couldn't miss-- SO I was shocked that we were up by only a point at halftime when I was finally able to sit down to enjoy the game.

All in all, the game seemed like pretty much a mess. I was heartened to see Rexy do better (believe me, I know that doesn't take much considering his QB rating last week), but still the overall team performance was kinda lacking too.

That isn't to say it wasn't an exciting game, because I really thought it was. Seeing Hester return for those TDs (and hearing the announcer positively GUSH over him during Monday Night football) was a lot of fun. One of my personal favorite things was seeing Adrian Peterson carry the ball. I have a soft spot for him, and it was a lot of fun seeing him have several carries. Cedric look out.

What does everyone think about Tampa?

Kathee Meade, Bears Super Fan



Now, THAT’s what I’m talking about! Good job, Bears! My favorite plays in the game were Grossman’s 22 yard run (my goodness, he CAN run) and of course, Hester’s two touchdown returns.

I’m thrilled that Grossman had a good game, but as I stated before, it’s all about consistency and being good the majority of the time – not doing wonderfully, then doing horribly, then having one good game. It makes one wonder, what about the next game? Again, I’ll gladly keep my fingers crossed. I tend to agree with you, Gail (and Wade), in that it is too soon to tell which direction Rex will lead the Bears. It's one of those wait-and-see kind of things.

I was happy to see Jones and Benson, taking turns and pulling off some tight running. They had the Ram defense wondering what hit them. Good running always helps the offense look good and our team look more rounded.

Oh, and I feel bad for Robbie. I surely didn't expect to see him miss another 3-pointer, but that's the way it goes sometimes.

GO BEARS!!!

Gail, Bears Superfan

So, now the tables are turned and the Defense gets criticized. Seems a little unfair to me. The fellows, as usual, were on the field most of the game and it was really apparent how hot it was in the stadium. The excuse could be used that three Pro Bowlers plus Todd were MIA, there are several rookies (albeit, very good rookies) on defense, and there then there was Stephen.

As for Rex, he had a good game, making the right decisions, running for a change, even getting back up after being sacked. Or maybe Ron Turner was making better decisions. A few passes that were missed were actually the fault of the receivers this week. When the camera shot close-ups of Rex I had the feeling that he was still confused, or perhaps still thinking too much. I didn't think he looked focused like Mark Bulger. Since Rex has been known to have good games in the past I will continue to hold my breath and squint my eyes until I have more confidence in the perpetual rookie QB. Even Wade Wilson stated (in my words, and or interpretation) that this was just one game and it's too soon to tell if Rex is over his problems.

And Schmitty, you asked how I could possibly think Miami could make it to Super Bowl. Well, this is the Season of Miracles...and being a Bear fan you know that you've gotta believe.

GO BEARS!

GO BEARS

Mark Bradley, Bears Super Fan

Concerned by worries his receiving skills were underdeveloped, Mr. Hester was the 57th overall pick in the NFL draft. Though the scouting report on NFL.com correctly predicted he "will make a big impact as a rookie because he will be able to help his team consistently win the battle of field position." There is no better field position than the opponent's end zone.

Mr. Hester starred on offense, defense and special teams at the University of Miami, averaging 17.7 yards every time he touched the ball on interception returns, kick returns, catches and carries.

And yet watching him return a kickoff, field goal or punt for a touchdown this season as a Chicago Bears rookie, it's possible to see Mr. Hester as a visitor from a future football world, where blockers are nice to have but not always necessary and players run so fast they seem to outrace time itself.

Two stellar kickoff returns. The first was merely spectacular; the second (which clinched the game) was unbelievable. Protecting a lead and preping for an onside kick, the Bears didn't have much of a blocking scheme set up, so Mr. Hester knifed through the middle of the Rams coverage, essentially untouched, looking far faster than anyone else on the field. When he was done, he had set the new record for return touchdowns in a season (six) and Bears coach Lovie Smith was talking about playing him at offense.

"Get Hester as many touches as possible," Chicago Sun-Times columnist Jay Mariotti tells Mr. Smith, who ran down the sidelines with Mr. Hester on his second score. "Be creative and wild. Because you are watching football's most exciting player, a dizzier blur than Reggie Bush and Vince Young, a kid who made hair grow on Tony Kornheiser's head during a 42-27 victory that temporarily eased Bears angst everywhere."

It also helped that quarterback Rex Grossman broke out of a slump with a respectable performance against the pitiful Rams defense. The Chicago Tribune's Rick Morrissey says that the margin between Mr. Grossman staying in the game and at the Bears' helm, or being yanked for Brian Griese, was a step that receiver Bernard Berrian had on his defender and turned into a 34-yard touchdown reception in the first half.

"There were less than four minutes remaining in the half when he saved his job," Mr. Morrissey writes of Mr. Grossman. "If there's a damsel tied to the railroad tracks with a train fast approaching, you might want him to be the guy getting his fingers loose."

Lisa Schmidt, Bears Super Fan

Wow, what a game. I think some very important things happened last night. First, the Bears won. But more importantly, I think, is that our dear little Rexy realized something. Rex doesn't have to be Peyton Manning for the Bears to win. He doesn't have to throw 5 or 6 touchdown passes, he doesn't have to pass for over 300 yards. He has to make good decisions. He has to stop overthinking and make the play. His 22 yard run was glorious. Rex realized last night that if there is nothing there, he either needs to make something happen on his own or take care of the football so there is no sack or loss of yardage or a turnover. And if Rex has really truly learned this, well, my friends and fellow Bears fans, that Super Bowl Championship is only a a matter of 54 days away.

Now, Devin Hester. Man, is that boy fast. He is so fast, he has to slow down so he can let the other guys get to their blocks. So fast, he stopped running at full speed at about the 20 yard line at his second return of the night because everyone else was so far behind him. If we can give him a little practice on the wide receiving end of things, we'd be scoring touchdowns left and right. He is just so fast. Now our defense seemed to be a little lacking, but with Tommie, Nathan and of course Mike Brown out, that's to be expected. They will adjust according and come back in a big way against Tampa on Sunday.

How cool was the Barack Obama spot before the game? What a great way to introduce the game. I really hope it was televised nationally, because that would be a great way to expose Barack if is indeed deciding to make a presidential run soon.

Oh and who knew that half of St. Louis were Bears fans? I thought I was looking at Soldier Field at one point.

BEAR DOWN CHICAGO BEARS!

Gail, Bears Superfan

Who was that quarterback running down field with the ball? That had to be the biggest surprise of the game, much to the delight of the team and the fans, and the amazement of the Rams. Now other teams actually have something new to try and plan for.

And Mark, Rex has three great running backs.

What an exciting game. Congratulations to Rex and everyone who scored...Bernard, Thomas, Muhsin, Adrian, Robbie...and last but not least, Devin. Loved your high stepping and your "come on" gesture! Give me a Hester jersey for Christmas!!!
Lots of record breaking, Thomas and Devin. And great plays from many players like Mark Anderson, Dante Wesley, Cedric, Peanut, Chris. I'm not intentionally leaving anyone out....

Bring on Tampa Bay. And Super Bowl: Bears vs. Miami.

GO BEARS!!

Mark Bradley, Bears Super Fan

My advice to Rex Grossman
· Don’t play desperate
· Play smart – take what the defense gives you
· Don’t put the Bears Defense in a bind
· Let the plays develop and come to you
· Let the running game develop – you have 3 great running backs
· Look each lineman in the eyes and secure their blocking support
· In the opening drives work towards getting 1st downs
· Its ok to work towards good field goal range – Your team mate is the best kicker in the NFL
· Be patient in the Red Zone - Trust your QB instincts / Don’t over analyze
· Most of All Have Fun!!!

Rex is a good quarterback with tremendous potential and has much to learn only with experience. Now that he is injury-free, he can get in-game experience rather than watching from the sidelines as a cheerleader.

The media winds swirl for Rex's benching, but doing so would be a detriment to his psyche and maturation process. You don't bench the future of the team just because he struggles. Rex needs to learn from his mistakes.

Danielle Barrera, Web Intern



Hello Bears Fans,
It's been a long time since my last post. Sorry about that. However, I do have a new Bears Business episode for you. Check it out. Go Bears.
Danielle

Lisa Schmidt, Bears Super Fan

Hi, I am so sorry I have been MIA! Things have been crazy busy. I am so glad we took two of three on that East Coast Road trip. But I must say, we could have beaten the Patriots. Rex needs to stop making bad decisions. I think we should stick with him, because the only way he will improve is to be given the opportunity to do so, but he needs to stop making such bad decisions in the meantime.

The Minnesota game was a classic example of those big decisions. Thank goodness for our defense and special teams. And I really think someone should consider getting Hester involved in the offense. Man, that boy can run! Every time he gets the ball he has a chance to take it to the house. And that is a fantastic feeling to know there's an opportunity as long as there is an opening. And if there is an opening, he is going all the way!

I am thinking the conditions Monday night might be perfect for Rex to get his groove back. He needs to realize though, that at least 4 or 5 of the next games the Bears will play (playoffs included) are going to be in cold, nasty, snowy weather and he will have to become used to playing in that weather rather quickly.

I hope everyone is doing well!!!!

Kenneth Sothman, Bears Superfan

Truthfully Kathee, the Rex situation has gotten so bad that I couldn't help but smile and laugh at what took place on Sunday (of course that helps when you're winning). I mean, how can a quarterback go from so good to so bad with no medical reasoning behind it? Has there ever been anything quite like this before? He just keeps on getting worse, and worse, and worse, and there just doesn't seem to be any kind of end to it. Are we sure there isn't some form of point shaving scandal hidden behind all of this?

I did catch that press conference on Sunday, and it did pretty much push this whole situation over the top. Is Rex trying to say he needs to just go out and play instead of thinking, and since his style of play revolves around just gun-slinging the deep ball, does this mean we'll see more of it next week? Isn't that the problem in the first place? And don't the laws of physics at this point back up the argument that when it's cold and windy in Chicago, like it was Sunday and will be during the playoffs, that this could possibly never improve?

If anything though, this truly is the most intriuging story besides Tony Romo/T.O./Parcells mess turned miracle in Dallas. How far can a truly good team go with such an awful quarterback? And if they can't make it to the Superbowl, then what happens next year?

Even worse on a sub-plot, did we cheat out Kyle Orton all along? Let's face it, along with Rex killing the Bears, he's basicailly torched the young career of Kyle Orton. At this point Kyle would've been in his second season leading the Bears to a second division championship, and we have to think he would've improved, right? I mean for Kyle there was only room to improve. Instead the poor guy is stuck on the sidelines watching somebody that may just be doing a worse job then he could've been doing at this time of the year, and I can only think this would effect him if he ever gets another starting chance on the Bears or any other team at all.

But I'm still not sure if I'm ready to quite give up on my boy Rex just quite yet. There has to be a happy ending to this, right?

But dang, he surely has made me look bad in the past month, I'll admit to that.

Kathee Meade, Bears Super Fan



Alright Kenneth,

You can’t tell me that you weren’t bummed out by your man’s performance on Sunday, can you? Or the fact that he has been involved in 18 turnovers his last seven games and hoards of angry fans are secretly demanding his demotion? His 1.3 quarterback rating was the lowest by a Bear in 30 years! That fact alone should tell you that he was doing much more than behaving badly. He truly stunk! You'll really feel better if you just succumb and admit the truth!

Now the story is that he’s thinking too much! Oh, come on! P L E A S E! Just play the game (as he is being paid very well to do)! Do the job! If he can’t, there IS no excuse. Reality bites sometimes! Grossman is stating that he can overcome his current problems by reacting more on instinct. But he’s made that point too many times, leading fans, media and everyone else to believe that he hasn’t a clue on how to escape his personal fog. The question is, are you lost in that personal fog with him?

Kenneth Sothman, Bears Superfan

Umm... Kathee... what happens when every team not named the Colts/Chargers have a bad defensive game? They lose!

I'm pretty much with Lovie at this point, in reality we're 10-2, officially now the NFC North Champions, while the road to the Superbowl has to go through Chicago. For what reason should we be worried? So what if Rex put together a 1.3 rating? A win is ultimately a win, even if it comes ugly on a 19 degree day. At this point I feel much safer as a Bears fan knowing my offense only has to put together about fourteen points a game, then as a Colts or Chargers fan should feel for their team must put up at least 28+ points to be victorious. If anything, I'd rather be in position where the offense, defense, and special teams are in position where the game is ours to lose, rather then ours to win everytime out there.

And I hate to point it out, but I'm pretty sure we can't blame the injuries to our defense for the fact they were cold and stiff, since they were basically moving around the whole game. But we can of course blame the fact that's why our offense was so horrible...

But to the positives!

- Like I mentioned earlier, NFC North champions only 12 games into the season! No problem with this at all, even though I wish the next four games or so had more importance to them. I'm not a big fan of coasting it into the post-season, and I'm not sure if we have that "on-off switch" we can just turn on whenever we want. But then again, the final game against Green Bay should be enough to get our blood pumping...

- Even though I've been down on them for most of the season, I was glad to see Ricky Manning and Cedric Benson putting points on the board. Very gutsy move by Cedric to cut to the outside rather then run it up the middle for the first down, but as long as it pays off I'm all for it.

- The only thing that didn't surprise me about Devin Hester's return is that he didn't do a back-flip and then moon-walk into the end zone. I'm curious what would happen if we switched his #23 with Rex's #8...

- One goal down, three more to go!

Added on a couple hours later:

But of course, since Kathee and my opinions always seem to differ, I hope somewhere we can meet a happy medium in the middle! Of course either way I think the both of us will be happy as long as the Bears end up wearing the championship rings in the end...

Added a couple hours later:

I can't believe I forgot about my MVP of the weekend... ROB BIRONAS!!!

Kathee Meade, Bears Super Fan



My "No Holds Barred" opinion. . . . . . .

Thank goodness for the Bear’s defense and special teams! It looks like our good ole’ boy, Rex, now suddenly realizes that there are some things he needs to fix about his game performance. Yeah, how about raising that 1.3 QB rating that came out of yesterday’s game, for starters? What took the boy so long to notice? Did you hear all of the booing he was getting? Was anyone surprised by that?

Honestly, I think every Bears fan out there was sitting on the edge of their seat during the entire Minnesota game with their fingers crossed, just like I was. Did you see the Bears fan’s reaction in the stands when the camera would pan around between Grossman’s multiple failures? I saw a lot of pure looks of disgust and head shaking. As I stated earlier in my blogs, The Bears have a great team – with only one hold-back. If, and only if, we had a well-rounded QB to lead this team, I know we would make it to the Super Bowl.

I’m thankful that we are the Division Champs, don’t get me wrong. I just don’t think we can go all the way with what we’ve got. God help us if we are behind in a playoff game because all we’ll have to rely on is our defense and special teams to make a winning difference. What happens, I may ask, if defense and/or special teams are having a bad day? Easy answer – we lose! No doubt about it. Chances are great that Grossman wouldn’t be able to pull the Bears out of it by moving the team down the field, into the endzone.

Let’s face it, guys. All that needs to be done is to move the ball down the field. How many passing yards by Grossman yesterday? 34? We’ve got what I consider to be the best field goal kicker in the entire NFL. Move the ball, Gould takes the field and there’s an easy 3 points for us. Do that 5 times per game, and you can pile positive numbers on the board that might make a difference between winning and losing. It’s elementary!

It was sad to see Harris and Vasher get injured yesterday. Partly to blame for that was the fact that our defense was on the field the majority of the time (and in a very cold temperature). When the offense goes 3-and-out, they get cold and stiff on the sideline and our defense has to play more than they should, leaving more time for the possibility of injuries. I hope Harris and Vasher can get back to the field soon – we’ll need them!

Gail, Bears Superfan

Congrats, Kenneth and Ball State. And a BIG CONGRATS to the BEARS! Defense, Tank, Brian, Wale, Alex, Hunter, Lance, Peanut, Danieal... all of you, thanks. And Devin, you are awesome. For someone who never saw snow before it must agree with you. Great TD for Cedric, too. Ricky, I knew you would get the ball back to make a big play. Robbie, you looked frozen but still a perfect day.

Why wasn't that a TD instead of a safety? Whatever the reason it was an excellent play. Very exciting game.

Hope Tommie and Nathan are all right.

I won't comment about Rex except to say that Brad was taken out of the game, not for the season, just for the day, and I do believe he will survive. And I know it's easy to see Fred on the field, but he cannot be the receiver.

GO BEARS!

Kenneth Sothman, Bears Superfan

Well, due to huge USC lost last night, rumor on the street is Ball State has an outside chance at playing in the national championship...

But more importantly, the Bears have a game to win today! Unfortunately the game will be blacked out due to the most likely Colts/Titans classic that I'm sure we'll be able to watch on ESPN Classic Tuesday night, but maybe that's a good thing depending on how Rex plays today...

Bears 30, Vikings 10.

Melissa R. Box, Bears Super Fan

Gail, I agree with you about Rex being inconsistent. Do we wait two years for our QB to improve? What would be the status of our team when he's the "New and Improved QB"?
Our opponents know that getting up in Rex's face will make him throw the ball IMMEDIATELY which usually creates turn overs. We have a good team, but I have to agree with Troy Aikman when he said 'Rex is holding us back'. Improvement is needed-he has made four turnovers in a game, three times this season. Last Sunday was my first time getting a look at New England, I didn't think they were all that! Of course their defense was good, but Offense......umm we should have won that game! At this point in the season, I'm not confident that Rex could bring us back from being down. I really had faith in him on Sunday when we were down until he just lobbed the ball on the 1st down-which I might add was crucial and it was......INTERCEPTED! Is it too much for Bears fans to want a consistent QB? When he's not consistent can't we give him a break and let Griese play? Is it too much for Bears fans to want to go to the Superbowl this season? Tony and Glen, we would-I would like to see Griese in the game when Rex isn't doing good. You never know he might lift us up to win when we're down. Yeah, I know statistically Griese has had his share of downs, but hey the Bears hired him-why not use him in the Game! Let's just hope Minnesota doesn't trash Rex from his Trash talking.