Hey everyone! I am so excited about Sunday. And can I tell you -- I am happy the Bears are not favored. Look what happened against the Saints when they weren't favored. Look what happened against Seattle when they WERE. I so wish I could be down there in Miami, but unfortunately I don't have $5000 lying around for a ticket! Is anyone going to the game?

I saw an interview this morning on Fox with my beloved Mike Brown, asking him if it was hard for him to sit on the sidelines. He also said he hopes this is the beginning of a dynasty, and he will be around for years to come to create that dynasty. I am sad Mikey isn't going to get to play Sunday, but I know he's a huge emotional leader to the team, even if he is not on the field.

Oh! Make sure you buy the Sun-Times tomorrow -- there's going to be an article about me in the LifeStyles section. Let me know what you all think!

BEAR DOWN!

Paul Bixby , Bears Super Fan

Sue,

I am well assured the visiting fans weren't Saints just by virtue of being from New Orleans. I know that they were caught up in their "Cinderella story" (how could they not with the way the media had their collective lips planted on the Saint's rear end) and in their brief charge for the lead during the game, but that doesn't excuse the behavior of our fans. I would rather we had taken the high road when possible, and there are some lows that are just too low.

I liked your joke too. :)

Sue Rhein, Bears Super Fan,


Paul, I was at the Saints game and let me tell you, it wasn't pretty. Don't believe everything you read in the papers about how the Bears Fans were so rude to the Saints Fans because, some of those Saints Fans were just as rude if not worse.

My nephew Michael and I were walking through the stadium attempting to find a program for the game which by the way I was totally unsuccessful because they were all sold out and while walking around on the inside of the stadium and through the mobs of people, every time a Saints Fan ran into another Saints Fan in passing, they would yell and scream "push the Bears Fans out of the way because the Saints are marching in" and sure enough, my nephew and I would then get pushed out of the way as they walked past us. Then I saw another Saints Fan with a stuffed teddy bear hanging from a tree branch and a fellow Bears Fan stopped with Saints Fan and questioned him about the stuffed teddy bear hanging from the tree branch and the Saints Fan replied "that's how it's done in the South."

So please do not think that everything you read was on the up and up because, the Saints Fans were doing enough of their own mud slinging as well. Its funny how us Bears Fans were made out to be the bullys and the Saints Fans were made out to be just that, "Saints."

Sorry Paul but since I was there in person, I know both sides to the story.


PS,

I loved your joke.

Paul Bixby , Bears Super Fan

We've had a couple jokes at Indianapolis' sake on here for a few days, and it's all in fun, but I'd like to address something serious here for a moment. Our city's honor has been stained. Thoughtless acts by a few have laid shame at the threshold of our home. The snopes article can be found here.

It seems some of our fellow Bears fans were more than a little rude to the people of New Orleans when they came to visit us. It wasn't enough that we knew that the Saints were coming here to get the Fleurs de Lis handed to them when everyone else claimed they would dominate our Bears at home. No. Apparently some fans took it upon themselves to craft signs that say things like "Bears finishing what Katrina started" and "In the Flood, Noah took the Bears, not the Saints." Even worse, according to John Kass on Wednesday, some fans even accosted a black New Orleans area reported with taunts, a shove, and the n-word.

As a Bears fan, I am ashamed at this behavior. The ignorant punk who slung such scum at our guests were, according to the witness, drunk enough to think it at all appropriate to say such a thing. That is no excuse. It's shameful that what should have been a proud reclamation of the Bears primacy of the NFC was so quickly dashed by the least representative among us.

All the reports I saw prior to the game told how New Orleans fans were impressed with the friendliness of Chicagoans and were amazed by our respect to them for what they had gone through and for the efforts of their teams. Now, unfortunately, the last image these people have returning home is of stone ignorance amongst our fans. I am astounded by the lack of class displayed by these idiots.

On their behalf, and on behalf of all Bears fans, I'm sorry to the people of New Orleans. I'm sorry that some of our citizens and fans can't separate the seemingly high-stakes of a football game from the truly high stakes of Mother Nature's wrath being visited upon your home and hearth. I'm sorry that these jackasses seem to believe that apparent disrespect for our football team justifies actual disrespect for the plight of your city and your people. I'm sorry that our worst element was on display. I'm sorry that we could not be the class act that most of Chicago truly is. Please understand that these morons don't for a second represent the vast majority of our fans and citizens.

I think that, as a society, we have forgotten the useful function of the feeling of shame. Shame is the embarassment one feels at being discovered doing something wrong. It is a hard feeling. It is a painful feeling. It is a feeling that is best experienced infrequently. Too often, we excuse anti-social behavior instead of making the perpetrator feel shame for betraying the trust of society, the contract of acceptable behavior in a civilization. Shame burns so painfully, that one is loathe to repeat the action that brought it on - much like placing one's hand in a fire. The people who did this should be ashamed. We should do what we can to make them feel that burning shame.

If you were the morons who made such disgusting signs or the idiots who said such horrendous things to our guests, shame on you, and I expect your apologies as well - first to the People of New Orleans, and second to me, the rest of the Bears fans, and the rest of your city for bringing such shame upon the rest of us. Because of you, the rest of us must shoulder the burden of your shameful acts. You disgust me.

Labels: Bears, Katrina, Posters

Paul Bixby , Bears Super Fan

Here's one for you Susan:

Two boys are playing hockey on a pond in a Chicago Park when a crazed fighting-breed dog suddenly attacks one of the boys. Thinking quickly, the other boy takes his hockey stick, shoves it under the dog's collar, twists it and breaks the dog's neck, saving his friend.

A reporter is standing by, sees the incident, and rushes over to
interview the boy.

Young Cub Fan Saves Friend From Vicious Animal he starts writing in his notebook. "But I'm not a Cubs fan," the little boy replies. "Sorry, but since we're in Chicago, I just assumed you were," says the reporter and starts writing again. "

Sox Fan Rescues Friend From Horrific Attack he writes in his notebook. "But I'm not a Sox fan either," the little boy replies. "Sorry, but since we're in Chicago, I just assumed you were," says the reporter and starts writing again. Bears Fan Rescues Friend From Horrific Attack he writes in his notebook. "I'm not a Bears fan either," says the boy. "Oh... I assumed everyone in Chicago was either for the Cubs, Sox or Bears.

"What team do you root for?," the reporter asked. "I'm a Colts Fan," the boy replies. The reporter starts a new sheet in his notebook and writes:

Little Bastard From Indiana Kills Beloved Family Pet

Susan Rhein, Bears SuperFan,

Marcus thinks he is being cute by sending me the attached email. However, we all know that he found this in an Indy paper and the language was reversed because, the Bears Marched the Saints out of Chicago with a score of 39 to 14 last Sunday so, like I told Marcus in my email to him, the Bears know exactly where the Goal Line is and, they will cross it over and over again next Sunday in Miami. Marcus' email to me is below.


I saw this on the news wires today..

CHICAGO (AP) -- Chicago Bears football practice was delayed nearly two hours today after a player reported finding an unknown white powdery substance on the practice field. Head coach Lovie Smith immediately suspended practice while police and federal investigators were called to investigate. After a complete analysis, FBI forensic experts determined that the white substance unknown to the players was the goal line. Practice resumed after special agents decided the team was unlikely to encounter the substance again...


Okay fellow bloggers what are your thoughts with regards to Marcus' email?? Let your Bears pride shine through because, there's a horse that needs to be corralled.

Gail, Bears Superfan

Well, they had me fooled. The tickmaster $600.00 tickets were for a pregame tailgate party. I should have know it was too good to be true.

GO BEARS!

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

SUPER BOWL BOUND BEARS. I cannot stop smiling today. What a thrilling game. Our Bears dominated the Saints. I couldnt' have asked for a better victory. Everyone came together to play one of the best games I have seen in a long time. And I used to like Reggie Bush, but after that little stunt, I must say I hope when the Bears meet the Saints again Urlacher rips him apart. I was so happy when that fan through their water or whatever it was at him. You don't taunt our defense, you don't taunt Brian Urlacher, how dare you, in our house.

But anyway, I am so happy for the Bears. I am so excited I don't know how I am going to wait until February 4. Thomas Jones looked amazing. He ran so hard, he was so fired up, and I don't think that emotion and enthusiasm is going to go away -- it's going to be so much more in Miami.

Our Bears are going to the Super Bowl. and they are going to win. CONGRATULATIONS TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF OUR CHICAGO BEARS. You have made us proud.

Gail, Bears Superfan

I just checked Ticketmaster. They have general admission tickets available for Super Bowl for $636.65.

GO BEARS!

Kathee Meade, Bears Super Fan



Defense (clap clap), defense (clap clap) defense (clap clap) . . . .

What a day for our boys yesterday! I was more than happy to see our defense turn it up a notch against Drew Brees and his crew. That’s just what the Bears needed. Our special teams also did very well, with Maynard making some awesome punts, pinning the Saints close to the end zone just about every time. It was really great to see Brees temporarily lose his thinking-cap by giving us that safety. The Bears seemed to take off from there.

It’s kind-of funny that, for the past week, the media has spent a lot of time talking about the double threat of Bush and McAllister and, of course, the arm of Drew Brees. We showed them, didn’t we? What a way for the Bears to make a name for themselves. What about our double threat of Jones and Benson? I guess the Saints weren’t too worried about them, but they should have been!

Well, Marcus, it looks like we’ll all get to see the match-up of Grossman versus Manning. Could this have ended up any better? Seeing that I live in Indiana, I’ve got the best of both worlds. There really isn’t any way that I can be too let down after Super Bowl Sunday plays out because I’ll be happy with whoever comes out on top. (Actually, I tend to lean a bit more towards the Bears!) I’m a winner, either way!

We’ve got the Goulden ticket, we’ve got the Goulden ticket, we’ve got the Goulden ticket! How about that Robbie Gould? He is as good as they come! As long as the Bears can get the ball down the field, we can all count on Robbie to put the ball through the uprights! He is simply amazing!

My favorite flashback of yesterday’s victory was that unbelievable catch by Berrian! The man was in the process of falling backwards and yet he still had the where-with-all to want that catch bad enough, to pull it in and somersault into the end-zone. Great hands, Bernard!

There is so much to say, but I’ll sign off for now so the rest of you have something left to cover in your blog.

Kathee Meade

Gail, Bears Superfan

CONGRATULATIONS CHICAGO BEARS!

You're right, Eileen, you can't attribute the win to any one player, but Lance was terrific (RESIGN HIM). I don't remember the Bears fans ever being that loud before. There were lots of Saints fans in attendance but they were all right. Two of them even sang the Bears Fight Song each time we scored. Once the game started I didn't hear a single "Who Dat?"

So Reggie thought he could come into our house and taunt us? It looked like Adewale told him a thing or two.

Kenneth, you should have been there for the presenting of the Halas Trophy. Besides the confetti falling, and the streamer-like material they shot off, the snow was almost fake looking the way it was coming down. It was awesome.

You asked about what it was like around here up until the game. There was no hype. Not that many more people were wearing Bears clothes. I guess some buildings downtown, not many, were lit up. Last night leaving the game there were several buildings that said "BEARS". Now there should be some real excitement this next two weeks. I just hope we don't have to hear about the 85 Bears anymore this next two weeks. This is the 2006 Chicago Bears time to shine. They are the team going to the SUPER BOWL, and they deserve all the recognition.

I got home in time to see the last half of the Colts game. What an exciting game that was, too. I had predicted Bears/Indy in the Superbowl.

Did anyone see or hear Mike Singletary's new Superbowl Shuffle for our Bears? Now that's cool. Guess Mike will always be a Chicago Bear at heart.

GO BEARS!

Eileen, Bears Superfan

Oh... My... GAWD! We are going to the superbowl!!!! What an amazing game! And even more amazing is the fact that you cannot point to any one player to attribute this win to. It was a complete and true team effort. What teamwork!

Bear Down Chicago... We're going to the Superbowl!!!

Marcus Riley, Casual Bears Fan


Can you believe it? I said, "CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!!!!" We've been talking about this possibility all season, but I can't believe it's happened. Bears and the Colts in the Super Bowl! As a reminder to our blog readers, I've been an admitted Colts fan all season, due to my residency there for a couple of years before moving to Chicago a couple of years ago. After approximately equal time in both cities, I am slightly torn. My heart will tell me which way to go, and if tonight was any indication, I was definitely more excited by the Colts' win. Of course, it was a closer game. Hard to say. Either way, I did put myself on the record back in October.

Paul Bixby , Bears Super Fan

I gave you my math at the beginning of the season. The Bears won the 1963 NFL Championship. 23 years later, the Bears win Superbowl XX. My Dad was 28. 21 years later, this year, the Bears are going to the SuperBowl. I'm 28. It seems only reasonable that the Bears are going to win.

Have I mentioned how much I hate Joe Buck calling Bears games? I am sick and tired of Buck finding some way to talk down every Bears success and highlight every Bears failing. Even before the end of the game, Buck starts calling the Bears the underdogs in any SuperBowl. Why? Just because they are the NFC team? Buck said it himself. If the Bears defense plays like they did today and the running game moves like they did today, they compete with any team. Lack of respect seems to have driven the Bears defense thus far, so bring it on Nay-Sayers!

It's nice to see the Bears bring home the George S. Halas trophy. It would only be fitting for them to also bring home the Vince Lombardi trophy since they were such rivals.

These Bears worked hard all year long with this goal in mind. They have earned their place this year, despite all the ups and downs. They deserve to be here.

By the way, Marcus, you may have to put your money (figuratively speaking, of course) where your mouth was back on October 17th depending on the outcome of tonight's game.

GO BEARS!!!!!

Paul Bixby , Bears Super Fan

Mrs. Bixby (Not Her Real Name) just pointed out the feature article on page three of the Metro Section of the Chicago Tribune today on our very own Painted SuperFan, Glenn Timmerman. Two pictures and about 36 column inches is pretty darn good! Nice article too. Sadly, no mention of the blog, though. Congrats, Glenn.

GO BEARS!!!!

Paul Bixby , Bears Super Fan

Crunch time baby. Crunch time.

To answer Kenneth's question: Yes, Kenneth, there is a snowy day in Chicago. In fact, there is a snow advisory, according to the National Weather Service, at varying levels from Iowa to Indiana. It's pretty funny really. I hate snow. I hate the cold weather. But, sadly, I am madly in love with Chicago, so I refuse to move. Plus, I don't want to have to purchase the NFL Sunday ticket to watch my beloved Bears. I almost feel bad for the dome-homes when they have to come to Chicago with Chicago weather. Not that our boys have been too accustomed to it this year either. This winter has just been wacky.

And, by the way, Kenneth, my darling wife, Mrs. Bixby (Not Her Real Name), is at the store as I write this, purchasing said triangular charms of lucky cheesy goodness.

My dear daughter, Thing 1, has been marching around the house all week, singing:

"Oh when the Saints,

Come marching in,

Oh when the Saints come marching in,

Oh how I want to be a Beeeear,

When the Saints come marching iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin!"

I'm so proud :)
We are eagerly anticipating a Bears lockdown. I am so sick and tired of hearing about that danged "Cinderella Saints" destiny story that I will be glad to see them go back to New Orleans in defeat. I like what David Haugh wrote in the Chicago Tribune on Friday:

"One NFL personnel executive scouting last week's Saints-Eagles game attributed the Saints' intensity over 60 minutes to them "playing for the entire state," but he did not list that among the top three reasons New Orleans beat the Eagles or is capable of beating the Bears.

Drew Brees. Deuce McAllister. Will Smith. The name Katrina never came up.

No matter how profound of an effect the hurricane had on Saints players, coaches and front-office personnel, it minimizes the magnitude of New Orleans' rebirth to include it in a football discussion, as many already have done this week.

For three hours Sunday, none of that will matter and the major national story line serving as the backdrop for this game will not make the Bears any easier to block or the Saints any easier to tackle."

This is a football game. Everyone in the media (outside Chicago, at least) seems to believe that New Orleans is an obvious favorite to win simply because there was a major natural disaster in their home town. I think that minimizes both the victims of the tragedy and the effort and ability of the players on the team. It reduces the victims to mere by-standers in a sports story elevating a game above their personal loss, and reduces the effort of these men to nothing more than the divine hand of Fate delivering wins on a silver platter. It says they are lucky and not good. I would be very upset if someone were to simply write off the hours, days, months I spent in the weight room, on the practice field and in the trainer's room by saying that means nothing compared to my luck, or destiny. I respect the effort the Saints have put forth this year. In fact, their first Monday night game in week 3 (coming off of wins in their first two games), may have been the most exciting game I watched all year, with apologies to the Bears. It came out of nowhere. That game sent a message to the nation that the Saints were playing to win and were no longer satisfied to be an automatic notch in every other team's win column. And they said with authority.

That said, I just don't believe their effort is going to get them out of Soldier Field and down to Miami. Between the new soft sod and the snow, Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister just won't be able to get their motors running. There is no turf here gentlemen. You'll need to figure out how to dig into real dirt and grass. I don't think McAllister will have as much trouble as Bush since Deuce is more of a downhill runner, but Reggie is not going to be able to cut as sharply as he is accustomed to. In fact, I'm pretty sure that the first time he tries a double-move, he will wind up making a single move onto his butt.

With the weather and wet sod, my prediction is Bears 17, New Orleans 12. I think the weather and wind will keep Drew Bree's passes short, getting the Saints into the Red Zone, but not into the End Zone. I see four field goals, tops. The Bears will run the majority of their plays, making only a few big passes (again, due to weather and wind), but they'll be huge ones. I think two touchdowns are likely with a field goal topper. We won't need Robbie "Good As" Gould much of the game, but he'll be there when we need him.

Just in case you think I'm going soft on the Saints in this post, I want you to see how Thing 1 and Thing 2 will be watching the game today:




"As for me and my house, we will follow the Bears"

- The Book of Halas 24:15, The Football Bible

Kenneth Sothman, Bears Superfan

Oh boy oh boy oh boy, it all comes down to this!

Did it snow in Chicago today? I woke up to about three-four inches on the ground down here in Muncie, which could only lead to great things for the Bears! I'm thinking it's gonna come down to victory snow angels after they win!

My official prediction: Saints 21, Bears, 34.

GO BEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edit: Paul, get your Dorritos!

Kenneth Sothman, Bears Superfan

(Note: This is going to be cut into two parts, with the top half being about the NFC Championship while the bottom half will be more AFC Championship oriented...)

Quite frankly, this is the single most important football weekend of my life. Never before in my twenty years has both the AFC and NFC held such intriuging match-ups, and that's without putting in the equation that MY CHICAGO BEARS ARE ONE WIN AWAY FROM GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL.

That reality hasn't quite set in on me yet. Maybe I've been too busy with school to attempt to even take a step back and soak this in, but when I did get a few glaring minutes, I felt as if my heart was going to burst.

Following Sunday's victory (which I'll get to later on), there was already a column on ESPN.COM from Gene Wojciechowski that "the Bears were the most vulnerable team" left out of the four." Then as the week has gone by, everybody in the media has played the Cinderella card with the Saints, except they thoroughly believe the Saints are that much better then the Bears. And if you don't believe me, check ESPN once again after you look at Gene's article, for every expert that is a human being picked the Saints to win.

The fact that the Saints are this much of an overwhelming pick the whole week completely baffles my mind. Consider this:

- The Bears may have only beaten the Seahawks, but does anybody else realize that the Saints barely squeaked by the Eagles at home? Did anybody really feel intimidated by the Eagles? Here was an awful team from the NFC that only made the playoffs because they got hot against a string of under-achieving teams, squeaked by during the first round, and then were one completely awful offensive penalty away from pushing the Saints to overtime at home. And since the Saints beat them, they're the favorites? Would the Eagles be the favorites if they won?

- The Saints, a warm weather team, are going to play an away game against the number one team in the conference in weather that will be 30 degrees at the warmest. For what reason should any of us believe that the Saints offense is going to run them off the field in such awful weather? So far, the Saints are 1-2 while playing in cold weather, and that one win came at the end of the season when the Giants were unraveling. Are there any stats to back this notion up?

- The Saints don't have a single impressive win on their schedule! I'm serious! Besides the fact they beat they absolutely crushed the Cowboys when Dallas was also ultimately unraveling, they beat a bunch of really bad teams.

- New Orleans has trouble stopping the run, plain and simple. I'm kinda confused why this hasn't been talked about more, because both Jones and Benson are just as good/if not better then Brian Westbrook.

Honestly, this is one of those games where it's all said and done, everyone outside of Chicago is going to question themselves and ask "Why didn't I see this coming all along?". Sometimes, common sense should just kick in.

Onto some more Bears stuff:

- I wish I knew what it felt like to be in the Chicago area right now seeing everyone walking around in Bears paraphanelia. Honestly, besides ESPN ultimately giving the Bears no chance at all, (Do you guys understand why it's been so sad for me this week? There's not a single media outlet I have access to that is pro-Bears)everything is completely Colts. So in these final two days, soak everything in as much as you can, and remember us Bears fans across the country don't get that luxury.

- Truthfully, I'm wondering what Chicago Bears team Sue has been watching all season long. After the loss the the Dolphins, this team hasn't quite specifically put together a very good overall game since. But who cares? Winning ugly is exactly what distinguishes a championship team from every other team in the league: the ability to win games when not playing at 100%.

This is especially known in the Chicago area, for the 2005 White Sox is the closest resemblence to this football team then any other cross-sports team I can think of. And all the other teams that don't get the breaks, well, we'll just call them the Cubs.

But seriously, every team that wins a championship in every sport has those games where they just slip by. And it's suppose to be like this, it's the playoffs! The best teams are playing the best teams, of course the game was going to be close, a team's season is on the line.

- Did I ever mention my "24" theory on here before? If not I'm gonna kick myself in the pants, since it was the total points the Seahawks scored last week and may seem I just made it up. But I've always believed the magic number for the Bears was 24, for no opponent will score more then 24 points against them, and all they need to do is at least match that number to win. Well, even if I hadn't mentioned this before, I see no reason why it won't be in effect this weekend.

- Rex Grossman is officially one win away from making me look like a genius all along.

- Final prediction comes tomorrow or Sunday morning. Until then, long live Lovie-Ball!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

As I had mentioned before, the past week of mine has been filled ulitmately non-stop Colts coverage. Since I live about 40 minutes away, and I have watched more Colts football then any other team this season, I feel I must weigh in on this game.

On one side, you have the "Great" Peyton Manning, who's played awful this playoffs. There's not a single thing a Colts fan, a non-Colts fan, a football expert, or anybody could say to disprove this fact. Look at his line: one touchdown, five interceptions, and 438 yards. Realistically from dropped passes, there should be about an extra three interceptions on that line.

Yet the Colts have managed to win both of their games. So I will give credit where credit is due: The Colts took advantage of extremely poor coaching from both the Chiefs and Ravens. It's as easy as that. If Edwards and Billick don't hand Dungy wins on a silver platter, and I'm quite skeptical the timing of this taking place while EVEN MORE Manning commercials are being produced, the Colts aren't at this point. Honestly, the Colts have had much better teams then the one they are fielding this year.

And just to note, even if the Colts do make the Super Bowl on Sunday, unless Peyton wins a SuperBowl it doesn't matter.

Then on the other side you have Tom Brady and the Patriots. What more could be said about Brady? Sure the media has basically come together to make Peyton Manning look like a super-hero no matter how poorly he has played, but why hasn't more been made of Brady's season?

The Patriots freely let go Brady's best receiver in Branch and the best kicker in the game in Vinataeri all over a few million dollars. This may look bad, but in the Patriots situation, it shouldn't have mattered. TOM BRADY TOOK A SMALLER CONTRACT FOR THESE SPECIFIC SITUATIONS TO KEEP HIS TEAM TOGETHER AND TO CONTINUE TO BUILD WINNING TEAMS. Three Super Bowl championships, and this guy absolutely shows all he cares about is his team. Yet in a time when the media complains about selfish players who only care about themselves and the almighty dollar, you have quite possibly the second-coming of Joe Montanta giving up money.

Yet the Patriots just let these two important pieces of their championship puzzles slip away.

Now Brady has taken a completely inept receiving core to the AFC Championship, quite possibly his greatest feat yet (despite his last poor game), yet all the talk is about how great Manning is? Where is the logic in this?

I can face the truth. The Colts have a much better team then the Patriots on paper. This is an under-manned Patriots team, and as Bill Simmons put, "It's the best team in a re-building stage in the history of sports." There's absolutely no way the Colts should lose, especially with the Patriots pass defense in such ill-shape.

So this is what I'm going to say: the Colts will win. But under no circumstance should any Colts fans act as if this puts Manning on the same playing field of Brady, or changes anything from the past. It's just one win, and if the Colts lose in the Superbowl, then quite frankly this win doesn't matter anyways, and Peyton will still be ring-less.

And yes, this was a short mini-vent, for I truly dislike the Colts and everything they're about. I find it unbelievable that the NFL has put so much stock into this team, but quite frankly this has only happened because the Colts have the smallest fan base of any good team in the NFL.

Let's face it, the Colts aren't even the overwhelming favorite team in their own state. Northern Indiana is full of Bears fans while the south-east is where the Bengals fans start pouring in. Throw in the fact that Indy is somewhere between only the 20th-25th top market in the country, and this idea I've thrown out isn't too far-fetched.

So on Sunday night I'll be at a restaurant called "Scotty's Brewhouse" with a big group of friends, all of us anti-Colts fans. To give an example how excited I am, just for this Sunday I've purchased a Patriots robe and bucket hat. And if you think this is bad, just think if we get a Colts/Bears Super Bowl...

But when it's all said and done, I can't wait until I can say Rex Grossman owns more rings then Peyton Manning.

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

Hey everyone, so sorry for the long MIA! Anyway, I am so glad the Bears won, but I seriously though I was going to have a heart attack. I realize our defense isn't playing as terrifically as they were in the beginning of the season, but losing Tommie and Mike creates a hole that is not easily overcome, and they have done quite a good job regardless. I look forward to hosting the Saints on Sunday.

That said, I think the fact that the rest of the nation is rooting for New Orleans is only going to give more fuel to our boys. It doesn't really matter what the rest of the nation is doing -- considering the game is here in our Sweet Home Chicago and the majority of the 65,000 people who will be in attendance our Bears fans. I think now that the stigma of not winning a playoff game in 12 years has been overcome, the Bears have confidence, hunger, and a desire to become the Super Bowl XLI Champions. Rex looked good on Sunday, not great, but we don't need a great quarterback to win -- just a competent one. Unlike the teams in the AFC who are still in the playoffs, we rely on more than just our quarterback to win football games.

Speaking of, why does Bill Bellichik cut the sleeves off of his sweatshirt? Does he think this is 1986? Every time i see him, I just want to start singing "FAME! I'm gonna live forever! I'm gonna learn how to Fly! FLY!"

Looking forward to having a heart attack free Sunday.

GOT BRIAN? WE DO! #54

IN THE NAME OF DITKA



BUTKUS,



AND THE HOLY PAYTON.



AS IT WAS IN 1985,




SO SHALL IT BE IN 2006, REIGN WITHOUT END.

DAAAAAMEN!!!!

Gail, Bears Superfan

I think that it's fantastic that the Bears won the play-off game. Instead of finding fault with the wins I think the fans and media should be congratulating them. Everyone involved with the Bears from the owners, coaches and staff, players and families, and fans want the team to now win the Championship and the Super Bowl. And like the players, I believe that they will win. But in the event that they don't, why take the attitude "wait till next year" when the 2006 Bears have already accomplished so much?

There's been so much said as to what they should have done in games instead of focusing on the actual win that it doesn't seem like the players are having fun. It's like every week they are expected to prove again that they can win. They seem to be fighting an uphill battle.

All throughout the preseason and regular season I have had my doubts and criticism about Rex, but during the Chargers/Pats game they showed a commercial (I can't remember what it is actually for) where the characters are making comments which are supposed to show that they really don't know what is going on. The first scene is two fellows in a car. The passenger says, "The Chicago fans really love their quarterback, Rex Grossman", and the driver just turned and stared at him. That commercial made me feel so bad for Rex. All along I felt that nothing could shatter his confidence but I have had a change of heart the last couple weeks.

This season has been and still is a learning experience for the coaches and players. You could probably count on one hand all involved who have gone this far before. Even Lovie doesn't always make the right decisions. But are you planning to grade them like in school: all right, you came up with the correct answer but I don't like the way you came up with it so I give you a C instead of an A?

Give the Bears their props. They deserve it. And it's not over yet. We still have to beat Indianapolis in the Super Bowl.

GO BEARS!

Susan Rhein, Bears Super Fan,


Okay I've read enough of what my fellow bloggers have written to be able to ask this question, were all of you watching the same Bears game I was??

I'm sorry but I was quite disappointed in the way the Bears almighty defense played and how they allowed the Seahawks to score 24 points. I don't feel as though the Bears defense was playing like they did in the first 6 weeks of the season because, if they had, then the Seahawks wouldn't have scored as many points as they did and they surely wouldn't have almost walked away with a win, which had the Bears lost the game, it would have left us Bears Fans saying "there's always next year".

I will admit that in the first quarter of the game, the Bears defense did look like the defense from the beginning of the season however, as the game progressed, the Bears defense wasn't playing up to par. In the 4th quarter, when the Seahawks had 3rd and 1 and then 4th and 1, I dared the Bears defense to prove to me that they could hold the Seahawks to no gain on yardage. As the rest of the entire stadium was screaming "Defense" and/or "D", I just stood there with my pom-poms hanging at my hips and my lips were shut. Now that's a first for me and anyone who knows me or sits around me at Soldier Field or who has ever been to my house during a Bears away game, that's just not me to just stand there and say and do nothing while any part of the Bears team is on the field. I truly get into the game 110% and that's why my voice is still hoarse today, two days after the Bears beat the Seahawks in overtime.

I'm not going to sit here and say that the Bears offense was all that great either because, there were a couple of times that the Bears offense could have capitalized on some key plays which would have given the Bears at least an additional 3 if not 7 points during the first 4 quarters of the game which of course means the Bears wouldn't have had to go into overtime and pray to an even higher power that Robbie's kick would be good.

If you ask me, the Bears have a lot of cleaning up and preparing to do on all sides of the ball if the Bears intend to not only beat the Saints during next Sunday's game and become the NFC Champions but, if they want to advance to the Superbowl and finish their ride to Miami and bring home the win to Chicago where it belongs, then the Bears need to be a lot stronger, tougher, and definitely more focused and insinc with each other.

A win from this Sunday's NFC Championship game matters a whole heck of a lot and not just to the players, the coaches, the owners of the team or even the sponsors who pay for every five seconds of advertisement but, most of all it matters to US, the Fans. We have dreampt of nothing but bringing a Superbowl win home to Chicago since the last Superbowl win back in 1986 so, I say its time the Bears of today prove to not only the Fans, but to the Bears of years past that the Monsters of the Midway still exist and that they have come not only to play but, to bring a victory that is long over due home to Chicago.

GO BEARS

Gail, Bears Superfan

What a fantastic win. The game was a real nailbiter. I have a hard time watching Rex and Devin. But everyone did their part for the win. I hope the Bears work things out with Lance. It would be unfortunate to lose such a great defensive player.

Some of the fans started booing Rex but were told to shut-up. He did an excellent job. In his interview you could hear in his voice that he could hardly contain his excitement.

After half the crowd was dead. This went on until the fourth quarter. They weren't being too helpful to the team. And drunk? People couldn't even stand up prior to half-time. Wonder how they really enjoy the game?

Mike Brown looked good during the pre-game practice. He wasn't on crutches anymore. He stood dead center field the entire time Seattle was out there practicing. Troy Aikman talked to him for a long time. It was nice to see Tommie come out on cructhes pre-game, too. Coaches and other players came over to give him a hung. He was even included in the prayer circle.

Lots of kudos for all the players: Thomas Jones, Bernard, Rashied, Adewale, Robbie, just to name a few. Does anyone know exactly what happened to negate Devin's TD? At the time the report was a flag against a Bears player, but they didn't know who, only that Ricky Manning seemed to be the closest to where the flag was thrown.

I hope Mark and Adewale's injuries aren't too serious.

GO BEARS!

Kathee Meade, Bears Super Fan



KATHEE MEADE

Way to go, Bears!! That was an awesome game! Looks like the “Good” Grossman landed in Soldier Field Yesterday! He came out, playing strong and sure of himself and the rest of the team followed suit.

By scoring 7 points on the Bear’s first possession was outstanding. It was everything I had hoped for. It’s always best when a team can put important points on the board on their first exchange. That leaves the opposing time, feeling as if they are playing catch-up. The momentum goes directly to the winning team.

The key points of the game (in order) were 1) The 68-yard pass completion and stumble run-in by Bernard Berrian to put us ahead by 7 in the first half. 2) The decision by Ron Turner and Lovie Smith to go for it on 4th and 1 on the 7-yard line, quickly followed by Thomas Jones running the ball in to the end zone, making the score 21-14, just into the beginning of the second half. (2 TD's for Jones during the gam!) 3) Briggs, stopping the run on 3rd down, forcing Seattle to settle with a field goal. 4) Ogunleye’s sack on 3rd and 1. 5) The 4th and 1 stop on Alexander by Briggs. 6) Jones saving that potential interception on a muffed play. 7) Tank sacks on 3rd and 10 to force the game into overtime. 8) The Bear defense stops Seattle on their first possession in overtime. 9) A completed 30-yard pass to Davis on 3rd and 10 and of course, 10) the 49-yard field goal by Gould.

Everyone worked very hard for this win. It was easy to determine that the Bears wanted it bad. Playing at home had its noise advantages too, I’m sure. Hopefully, home-field advantage will play a part in this weekend’s fight against the Saints. As long as the Good Rex comes out to play on Sunday, The Bears should be able to find themselves, awaiting their turn at The Super Bowl!

Way to go, guys! We knew you had it in you! Keep up the good work and let’s show everybody that we mean business! The road to The Super Bowl IS within our reach! Time to study some New Orleans film, make the proper adjustments where needed and send The Saints home with a firm sendoff!

Mark Bradley, Bears Super Fan

Bring on the Gumbo - Bears are one victory from the Super Bowl!!!



Pro Bowler - Robbie Gould's 49-yard field goal with 10:02 left in overtime Sunday gave the Bears a thrilling 27-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks and sending Chicago into the NFC Championship game for the first time since 1988.

KEYS TO THE GAME: Bears postseason debut with Seattle.



Rex, Rex, Rex (21/38 282 1TD 1 INT)- He played a solid game! He delivered on key passes and ran a effective offense. Strong leadership with poise.

Rex Grossman’s 282 yards passing were the most among the eight NFL quarterbacks who started last weekend’s divisional playoff games. New England’s Tom Brady was second with 280, followed by New Orleans’ Drew Brees (243) and Philadelphia’s Jeff Garcia (240). Grossman’s 76.9 passer rating ranked third, trailing only Brees (96.2) and Garcia (88.2).



Berrian’s 68-yard TD reception from Grossman was the second longest in Bears history, trailing only a 75-yarder scored by Willie Gault Dec. 30, 1984 in a 23-19 win over the Redskins at Washington.



Cedric Benson (12 CAR 45 YDS) and Thomas Jones(21 CAR 66 YDS 2 TD) -- Took the perfect opportunity to take over the game and establish the running game. The first post-season touchdown of Jones’ seven-year NFL career on the game’s opening drive gave the Bears their first lead in a playoff game since Jan. 19, 2002 when they were ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles 14-13 in the third quarter en route to a 33-19 loss.

With Seattle so banged up in the secondary they signed guys off the street, that also thins out the special teams whose coverage units are one of the worst in the NFL. The receivers had key plays and missed some easy passes that are expected of them in key playoff games.

We saw a Defense of group that looked more like the one from the first 6 weeks of the season. They had key sacks and 3rd and 4th down stops.



Devin Hester - who set an NFL record with six kick returns for TDs this season, almost had another in the fourth quarter. His 63-yarder was called back for an illegal block.

I think the trouble Devin has in games comes because he’s so anxious to make a play that his fundamentals suffer. He’s trying to return the punt before finishing the catch and he’s chasing the ball rather than getting into the proper position to field it.

Aches & pains:
I was bummed to see WR Mark Bradley carted to the locker room after injuring his right ankle during the second quarter of the game, on a 5-yard pass from Rex. It looked as if the bad field condition had a big part injury. I hope he will be back for next week.

The Bears, who won their first playoff game since Jan. 1, 1995.

I'm looking forward to the Bears hosting the Saints next Sunday in the NFC championship game. With the Bears not going to the Super Bowl since January 1986 and New Orleans never has been that far.

The Bears are one game away from the Super Bowl. Yes, they have issues. But they get the next game at home and would you bet on any of the other NFC teams coming into Soldier Field and winning?

BTW: I enjoyed Peggy's special reports "Prince Adewale Ogunleye & The Lovie of the Game." I hope that she will be able to do more interviews like that this week to help pump up the players.

BEARS WIN!!!!! BEARS WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!

My heart is starting to slow down. I can't take many more wins like this. Robbie is, as always, good as Gould!

The game was as close as I thought, but definitely closer than I would have liked!

Rex's performance was very respectable. His receivers were a bit of a letdown at times, but the offense pulled their own weight against a tough defense.

The Defense's handling of Shaun Alexander makes me fear the double team of McAllister and Bush next week, but we'll burn that bridge when we get there.


Let's celebrate this win today and begin next week's fight tomorrow. On our way to Miami! Go Bears!!!!!!!

Paul Bixby , Bears Super Fan

Sorry I've been so quiet. I was very disappointed by the -ack- Packers game. Packer week in Chicago is such a sacred institution that it pained me greatly to hear Rex say he just wasn't as prepared as he should have been, allowing the distraction of New Year's Eve destroy his concentration in the game. Hitman Jim McMahon said it best in an interview last night "It's just unprofessional. You have a job to do." It made it really difficult to hope about today's game.

However, this postseason so far has been insanely intense. I believe the Bears will feel it. Two weeks rest should help them edge over a very hungry Seattle offense. Seattle will want to come out to prove that the lack of Shawn Alexander in their prior meeting was the only reason the Bears took last year's NFC champs to school. I don't believe that's the case. I think this Bears team needs to prove even more that last year's choke fest against Carolina was the fluke and that this group of guys will deliver when it counts. Seattle is not Arizona, but I want to see Brian take control of the Seattle offense the way he owned the Arizona offense in Game 6.

I've got my Bears shirt, my Doritos and an alcoholic beverage of my choice. My Lions fan buddy is coming over to cheer against the Bears, but then, he roots for the Lions so he wouldn't know what a winning football team looked like if they tackled him every time he walked out the door. I'm confident the Bears will prove their mettle today! Go Bears!

Kenneth Sothman, Bears Superfan

For the past two weeks (at least once I got over my Wendy's food poisoning from Dec. 29th... let's just say the combination of being sick on New Year's Eve plus Rex's 0.0 did not make for a fun night) I've been on a journey searching for five burning questions I felt I needed answered. I went through desserts, jungles, scaled up mountains, poured in countless hours of NFL shows, read thousands of words on the internet, and even asked the young lady at the Target cash register her feelings of tomorrow's game. The answers below are what I've collectively gathered.

1. Can Matt Hassleback defeat the Chicago Bears defense?

Out of all the "good" quarterbacks in the NFL, I'd have to say that Matt Hassleback is the quarterback I fear least. In fact, he was one Tony Romo fumble away from not even playing this week. Which as a whole, I'm much happier that we're facing this Seahawks team instead of the Cowboys, especially since it makes for a better story line. Shouldn't our road to the Superbowl be through the defending NFC Champs anyways?

Now I'm not saying that Hassleback's not talented, but would anybody honestly be surprised if he turned in a one td, three INT, and 189 yard game tomorrow? If Lovie's defense was playing like they were during the first time these two met and I was a gambling man, I would bet the dorm room that Hassleback is a lock to have a bad game. But with how shaky the Bears defense is right now, it's not really a guarantee anymore.

So will he do it? Personally, I'm gonna say no. Which brings me to my next question...

2. Does the previous time these two teams met mean anything at all?

Besides the fact the Seahawks now have extra motivation to win at Soldier Field tomorrow, no, that first game has no meaning at all. These are two completely different teams from when they first met, and I don't mean that in a positive way at all for the Bears. Doesn't it feel like forever ago that Rex was tossing TD's left and right, the defense was shutting down offenses like they were playing video games on easy mode, and we felt as if 30-point victories were the norm?

Then for the Seahawks, for the most obvious reason they were missing their team-MVP in Shaun Alexander. If the Seahawks were to win tomorrow, it's going to be all on Alexander. There's just no way Hassleback can do enough by himself to carry this alone.

Also, don't forget Hassleback's quote from last week, "We used that Chicago game to exploit our weaknesses and fix them."

3. Is it fair that the media has basically portrayed the Bears as a bad 13-3 team?

Though I had mentioned before that momentum is something you clearly need heading into the playoffs, I don't think Chicago can be taken nearly as easily as everyone has made it out to be. You don't win 13 games by flat out luck, the Bears are a really good team with an above average defense, an above average special teams unit, and have an above average tandem of running backs. Sure, maybe the Rex and the offense will make mistakes, but it doesn't mean the other Seahawks offense is going to get an easy stroll into the end zone because of it.

And just to get the Packers game out of the way, it was in all a game that didn't matter standings-wise. This happens every year where the team with the most wins easily coasts into the off-season, so it's not really as big of a deal as made out to be. Now do I believe that Rex is right for admitting he phoned it in? Of course not, and I believe the players that were out on the field should have given 100% no matter what. It's too easy for somebody to get hurt if they don't, and given Rex's position, he could've at least phoned in a semi-decent first half. Overall, I found his act despicable. Which brings me to the next question...

4. Can Rex even stay in the whole game tomorrow?

My gut says Rex will be in the whole game, especially since it's been beaten into our heads that Lovie doesn't have him on a short leash. Now for what time of game he's actually going to have, that to me is too baffling. The good news is everytime he seems to have been counted out, he fires back with a really good game. Which maybe that's the consistency we actually need from him? The bad news is, well, he's Rex, so who knows what can happen.

I don't think he's particularly going to have a break-out game, but I think he'll have one td, one int, about 230 yards, and he'll be leaning heavily on Jones/Benson to carry the offense.

But now that I've been pro-Rex all year long (and his whole career), I will state this. If Rex blows the game tomorrow, I will come on here Monday and say alot of negative things about him, and dis-own him as my favorite player.

(Just out of curiosity, let's say Rex plays this way through the Super Bowl, and the Bears win the Super Bowl. Would he then get an automatic free pass to start all of next year? Or could for once, this story just fade away?)

5. Is this the Bears last game of the season?

I'm going to say no. I honestly think the Bears are going to be in control most of the game, and win by the score of 24-17, but the game won't be nearly as close as the score suggests.

Truthfully though, if the season were to end tomorrow, I'd ultimately feel cheated. This team is too good to not at least make the NFC Championship, and now that they're only one win away from it, it just wouldn't seem right. I need that taste of defeat from last year ultimately washed out.

Some random thoughts on the playoffs so far, which have been very entertaining besides the Colts games

- I truly feel for the fans in Philadelphia, for it just doesn't seem fair that a team should potentially lose the game because of an off-sides. Jeff Garcia's throw on fourth down while getting rattled was a great highlight too.

- If anybody could save Peyton Manning in the playoffs, it does make sense that it'd have to be Adam Vinataeri. But I'll give credit where credit is due: the Colts beat a very good Ravens team. I think they were basically handed the win against the Chiefs, but the Ravens game shows they're possibly legit. Peyton is still playing bad though, and I have to think it's going to bite them in the end eventually.

- And as for the Pats/Chargers game tomorrow, I'm at as much of a complete toss-up as everyone else seems to be. I can't picture Tom Brady losing, but I can picture Tom Brady's defense losing. So I think the Chargers are going to pull out the win, but it's going to be a very fun game to watch.

So when I come back on here next, I'm hoping it's not to say goodbye...

Mark Bradley, Bears Super Fan

The Battle @ Soldier Field

I'm excited about the NFC favorites set to clash this weekend- The Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks. We've talked about how the first meeting in week 4 would provide a preview of the playoffs. Now we are in the playoffs!

I'm hoping Bears home field advantage will play out, and Rex will fight through adversity and go from goat to hero during this game.

I'm hoping that Ron Turner will open up the play book and establish the run then pick apart Seattle’s secondary.

I'm hoping the defense will play up to its ability and shut down Seattle’s offense.

Some key stats that might impact the game:

* Seahawks averaged just 4.8 yards per play this season

* Hasselbeck was sacked 8% of the time he dropped back to pass this year compared to just 5% last year

* Alexander averaged just 3.6 ypr after averaging 5.1 ypr last season

* Bears' defense yielded 4.7 yppl for the season (to teams that would combine to average 5.1 yppl

* Chicago's offense is averaging just 5.1 yppl this season vs. team that would allow 5.3 yppl

* Rex Grossman has thrown 20 interceptions on 480 passes

If Grossman can dispel the doubt and plays the way he has shown, the Bears - with a tremendous running game and a strong defense - Bear's won't repeat last season's one-and-done and on our way to NFC Champs!


* * * GO BEARS * * *

Marcus Riley, Casual Bears Fan


I guess the time for talking is just about over and we'll soon see whether the Bears have the right stuff to make a run to the Super Bowl. Personally, I like their chances, given an extremely weak NFC. Defense wins championships, and the Bears defense, while tattered, is still better than most, and can rise to the occasion for such a meaningful game. The Saints are good, but they need a year of playoff experience before they make their run.

Not to play armchair quarterback, but one thing I still can't understand is why on earth would Lovie play Rex in the last game to begin with? There was absolutely nothing to gain. He's wasn't about to learn anything new that he didn't already pick up in the previous 15 games, and Griese could have used a full games-worth of snaps in case he was needed in the playoffs. If you had no intention of benching Rex no matter how badly he played, why set yourself up for the possibility of him throwing a stinker and then the resulting media and fan firestorm for two weeks? You didn't have to be a soothsayer to see that one coming. But of course, my criticism comes days after the fact -- a luxury we in the media enjoy!

Here's some historical stuff for ya... I dug up some video of the postgame interviews after the Bears won it all in 1986. Click here to check it out.

Gail, Bears Superfan

I believe the Bears are going to win this Sunday. Shaun Alexander's numbers looked very impressive when compared to Thomas and Cedric, particularly since he missed six (I think) games, but then it dawned on me that our running backs split the time so it wasn't a very good comparison. Defense will be ready this week. We were missing Peanut's big plays. Except for Mike and Tommie it sounds like everyone will be back.

GO BEARS!

Kathee Meade, Bears Super Fan



KATHEE MEADE

Where have all the bloggers gone? This site has become a ghost-town, I swear!

Just because the Bears aren’t finishing as good as we would all like them to, doesn’t mean that we aren’t Super Bears Fans, does it? Maybe all of you are going along with that old adage. . . . . . if you can’t say something nice, then don’t say nothing at all. Well, I work from the old-school way of things and tell it like it is, so that’s what I’m going to do.

Is there anyone out there that thinks the Bears are going to pull off their first playoff game? Remember, Alexander and Stevens will be playing this Sunday, unlike our first meeting with Seattle. That, coupled with the fact that our defense is allowing way too many yards and Grossman is proving to be more consistent (in stinking), tells me that if I were a betting girl, I wouldn’t take the risk. Of course, Grossman could get lucky, but I kind of doubt it. He is too busy making excuses to everyone instead of, as he puts it, “fixing what is broke”. We have heard that excuse for a while now. If he doesn’t know how to make the proper adjustments, the Bears will end up getting killed on Sunday. That is my prediction. You heard it here first.

If the Bears defense can force a couple of key turnovers that lead to quick touchdowns (without Grossman being involved), we might have a chance, coming out with a victory. Of course, there’s always an opportunity for Hester to make another return for a TD, but all of these are “iffy”. In my opinion, there are other NFL teams out there that have a better well-rounded team than the Bears do – and it starts with the QB. Luck can only take a team so far and it’s not something that one can truly count on, each and every game.

Kathee Meade, Bears Super Fan



Happy New Year, everybody!

With the bustling holidays, the kid’s being off of school and all of the extras that come along with visiting family and friends, I’ve been way too busy to blog lately. All that is over now though and I’m, once again, back in the fold.

I, like the rest of you, wasn’t too happy with the Bear’s performance on New Year’s Eve. It was more than just a little embarrassing. I think I quit watching in the beginning of the 3rd quarter because I couldn’t take it anymore. All in all though, I’ve still got my fingers crossed and only hope for the best from our Bears.

I guess it’s back to the drawing board (how many times have we heard that one throughout this season) to figure out what needs “fixed” before going head-first into the playoffs. Byes are good in some ways and bad in others. I can only hope that the Bears regain that little spark back during their time off so they can at least make some kind of statement in the playoffs. Maybe Grossman should hire a hypnotist! It can only help at this point. Our defense could probably use a little of that too.

Props to Cedric for moving the ball like he did.

Kathee Meade

Gail, Bears Superfan

January 3, 2007: Time for the NEW SEASON...the POST SEASON. Say goodbye to last season which was a very good one, 13-3. Thanks, fellows, for getting to the Play-offs. Now let's get that Super Bowl win!

So who do you think we'll play in the first round? Giants, Seahawks, or Cowboys? And where do you think Ron Riviera will go? Arizona, Atlanta, or somewhere else? I wonder why they have to rush right into the interviewing process. Can't teams wait until after the Super Bowl? It's not like the new coaching job is going to begin immediately. Just seems like an extra distraction when it's really unnecessary.

GO BEARS!

Eileen, Bears Superfan

Gail, I definitely agree. I would think that a quarterback who had more completions to the PACKERS (yes, I mean interceptions), than to his own teammates, would feel a due sense of urgency and thusly try to step up his game a bit.

But I can't pin this loss (as heartbreaking as it was-- being our season closer... on New Years Eve... on a gorgeous winter night.... against our rival Packers no less!) solely on Rexy. Olin Kreutz put it best when he said: ''There is no excuse for the way we played. They kicked our [butts].''
I can't say that I disagree. Let's assume that there are better things in store for the 2007 post-season.

Gail, Bears Superfan

Did anyone else hear Rex's interview where he said he didn't feel any urgency yesterday? Shouldn't a win always be the plan?

Melissa R. Box, Bears Super Fan

All I can really say is- What a disappointment! A night game on New Year's Eve was exciting until Green Bay scored the first touch down and Grossman threw the first interception! I'm glad I wasn't there at Solider Field b/c I would have been out there booing Rex like everyone else! What a waste! Grossman fans please explain to me why he's is still our Quarterback? The only positive thing is.....At least this wasn't the playoffs!