Gail Freund, Bears Superfan
It's obvious more areas still need to be addressed to be a strong contender. It was good to see the team could put all those points on the board with the replacement players. All the penalties certainly aren't helping.

The last year in Platteville, Ted Washington gave my friend a pair of his gloves. There was so much stick-um on them it was hard to pry anything off of them. Maybe this is something the team needs to look into.

Off the subject of the game, I just read this article on "The Guy Page" of the Sunday Trib:

www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/q/chi-0930_gy_briggs_r_dsep30,0,4229151.story

chicagotribune.com
QUALITIES OF LIFE: THE GUY PAGE
PARTY NEEDS INSTANT REPLAY
View of athletes goes dim
Chris McNamara

September 30, 2007

It's a dramatic scene as members of the Chicago Bears enter North Side nightclub Enclave, and a buzz crackles through the clubbers who've paid as much as $50 to party with the players at this fundraiser, held last weekend.

It helps that the pro athletes are backlit by a spotlight from a camcorder, illuminated by flashing cameras and brightened by what appear to be stars stitched into rookie Greg Olsen's pants.

But the players -- rolling in late, of course -- immediately head to a downstairs bar (entry blocked by a security guard) and retreat to a VIP area (entry blocked by a velvet rope and another security guard).

Now, I'd figured that since the ads claimed that members of the Bears, Bulls and Cubs would "host" this event, they'd actually be hospitable.

But maybe I'm naive.

"We're here to be around the players," beams Chicago's Martha Tovar, while the players are nowhere to be seen.

Bulls guard Chris Duhon is the exception; he actually hangs around the club like a real human being.

Of course, the athletes' jerseys are here. Tovar sports an orange Devin Hester shirt. Her sisters Maria and Lupe Cortez each don blue Brian Urlacher models.

We'd scheduled a brief interview with "host" Lance Briggs to discuss this fundraising event, but as midnight approached the linebacker had yet to deliver. The publicist said he is a perfectionist, which is a peculiar explanation for flaking on a two-minute interview.

Now, I'd think that a player who recently offended his fans by threatening to skip the season rather than receive $7.2 million as part of a contract he signed, a player who recently crashed his Lamborghini on the Edens, then ditched the vehicle, then lied about it to authorities, a player who is part of a struggling team getting badgered by fans and the media, would take advantage of an opportunity for good press.

But maybe I'm naive.

Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune

The story reminded that last season Junior's Sports Lounge advertised that you should come out on Monday nights and watch football with Lance Briggs and his teammates. My friends did just that. And it was exactly like above...Lance was escorted in by bodyguard to a private room where he stayed the entire night. No one was allowed near Lance. They didn't notice any "teammates" either.

Maybe the promo for his events should be: send your donation, but don't attend because I can't be bothered. (except his charity is probably getting a portion of the drink sales, too).

There are some exceptions where players like Peanut, Roberto Garza and Ruben Brown do actually mingle at their events, and probably more....but how nice that Chris Duhon visited with the general public.

So, another week to get it together before heading to Green Bay.

GO BEARS!!

Walter Brzeski, Bears Superfan






RANDOM THOUGHTS FROM THE LIONS GAME.......

Ron Turner as Sgt. 'I KNOW NOTHING' Schultz (www.chicagobears.com) (barracks.4t.com)


FRAUD ALERT....Ron and Norv Turner are the biggest con artists and jokers in the NFL. (www.txt2pic.com)

Rickey Watts + Dez White = Bernard Berrian (www.topps.com) (www.fleer.com) (www.chicagobears.com)

Does Brian Griese think he's BATMAN? Or, didn't he see the headlights coming? (www.stargamer.com)

When will the Bears RB coach Tim Spencer teach all the backs to carry the ball like Tiki Barber and Garrett Woulfe? (www.starpulse.com)

Olin Kreutz does a good Tilt O' Whirl impression when he tries to pass block Shaun Rogers. (www.coasterimages.com)

Someone better give Ron Turner some Folgers, so, he wake up and get Greg Olsen involved in the game. (www.geocities.com)

What exactly do the Bears coaches do at halftime? (www.simpsons.com)

Bears M.O.= Play them close for the first half, make adjustments and wear their defense down, let Bears WRs get open so they can drop passes, 'bum-rush' both guard/center gaps and make them look like their lineman are on roller skates, and wait for INTs to be thrown into double and triple coverage.

Also, keep asking Bears players where Thomas Jones is.
(www.nfl.com)

Hey, whatever happened to Chad Hutchinson? Hang loose Chad! (kukugirl.spaces.live.com)

I solve the O's problems and I see the light
We gotta plug and think, we gotta feed it right
There ain't no danger we can go to far
We start believing now that we can be who we are

Griese is the QB
They think our offense is just a growing pain
Why don't they understand, It's just a crying shame
Their lips are lying only real is real
We start to find right now we got to be what we feel

Griese is the QB
Griese is the QB, is the QB that you heard
He's got patience he's got meaning
Griese is the time, is the man is the QB
Griese is the way we are feeling.......

Walter Brzeski, Bears Superfan

Sometimes change is a good thing and for the Bears, it could save their season and morale; even after only 3 games. The happiest person on offense will be Adrian Peterson. Up until now, Peterson has been burrowing a hole in the 'flats' waiting for the QB 'checkdown'. Griese will find him and this will open up the Bears offense.

Plus, expect Griese to scramble for 2-3 first downs which will open things even more. Griese's rushing stats will be something like 3-25 yds. with (2) 1st downs

Updated Stat: According to NBCs Al Michaels, Rex Grossman had (28) opportunites to run in the past(2)seasons:(22) were kneel-downs/fumbles, (3) were sneaks, and ONLY (3) were runs.

KEYS FOR THE LIONS GAME:

Phase 1:
OFFENSE: (IMPORTANT: RBs need to hold onto ball, WRs need to catch it!)
1. Ball control, run the clock, take what the defense gives you
2. Allow Griese to spread the ball around to all your weapons, find a rhythm and keep Bears defense off the field, and dominate the clock
3. O-Line needs to get off the ball, work together, and communicate better. (If you're hurt, tell the coaches and have someone else play....NO HEROES NEEDED!)
4. Pickup the free man on blitzes, keep the back in with his head on a swivel looking for the free man.
5. 2 or less turnovers

Phase 2:
DEFENSE:(IMPORTANT: PRESSURE, PRESSURE, PRESSURE)
1. Limit YACs (yards after catches)...expect Jon Kitna to throw it up 50+ times
2. Confuse Kitna and Detroit O-line with different coverages, blitzes, & fronts
(http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/photo)
3. D-Line needs to use their quickness to get to the gaps fast against 'beat-up' Detroit O-Line and keep Kitna on the run ALL game.
4. Bully the Detroit WRs....don't miss any opportunity to hit them hard
5. Force 3 Detroit turnovers (1 for TD, Hillenmeyer?),6-8 sacks, 6+ tackles for a loss

Phase 3:
SPECIAL TEAMS: (MOST IMPORTANT: DEVIN HESTER NEEDS TO THINK AND NOT FUMBLE)
1. Go after the Detoit punter...force a bad/hurried punts
2. Utilize upmen on kickoffs to run squib kicks into Detroit territory
3. Pin Detroit in with avg. starting position at their own 18-22 yd. line
4. Brad Maynard needs to keep the ball up and average 40 yds/punt (Don't Outkick Coverage)
5. Robbie Gould needs to kickoff to goaline or within 5 yd. line and hit the critcial field goals (game tying FG with :00 left and winner in OT?)

Phase 4:

FANS:
1. Fans making the trip need to: Be heard, show your support
2. : Bring some enthusiasm
3. : Don't sit on your hands
4. Fans in Chicago need: Not quit and believe
5. : Drown out all Lions fans, Remind them they're from Detroit
(http://www.hvfd.com/photos/devil8.jpg)


If Bears can hit 3/5 on each of these areas, expect:

Bears 23 Lions 20 (OT)

JOKE OF THE WEEK:
Why are the Lions like a possum?
Because they play dead at home and get killed on the road.

REMEMBER WHEN.............WE had cheerleaders

Susan Rhein, Bears Superfan

Okay so maybe I am the only fan Rex has left in the City of Chicago but, I just can't imagine Rusty Griese coming in after not playing for two (2) years and being able to get it together by Sunday. Yes I know he's a more experienced and/or seasoned quarterback but, the fact still remains that he hasn't touched a ball in two (2) years and the last time he did is when he was playing for the Bucs and he beat the Dolphins and then was injured and went for surgery on his knee.

As I have seen in years past, anytime an experienced and/or seasoned quarterback has had surgery, they become a little bit gunshy of getting back out there because the possibly of getting hurt again plays over and over in their minds and with Rusty Griese not playing in a regular season game until this coming Sunday, I see him getting injured and going down.

After all, Detroit's Defense is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that they walk away with the "W" in their column and once Rusty Griese is down and out, who do you think the Bears are going to put back in at the quarterback position, Rex or Kyle?? You betcha, they're going to go right back to Rex.

Trust me, I'm not trying to jinx Rusty Griese by no means but, he's got a long way to go to be both physically and mentally in shape in order to be "in the game."

GO BEARS

Gail Freund, Bears Superfan
In last week's blog I said that I thought Rex had lost his confidence. Now, however, since he was surprised at the change, I realize his confidence hadn't waivered. I had my doubts that Lovie would finally do it. Since he needed to watch the tapes I thought maybe he hadn't been at the game.

Leave it to Roy Williams to start talking. Since he hasn't been impressed with the defense he must feel extremely confident now with all the injuries. It's going to be an important win for both teams, but the Bears have the SPARK.

GO BEARS!

Dan Wise, Bears Superfan
Lovie finally abandon his loyalty to Grossman. Thank you. There have been so many players run out of town that did not perform as well as expected, but not as bad as Rex did in so many games. It seems that Rex is about as good as he is going to get. It is hard to live with his inconsistency week after week. I am sure the defense was getting tired of having to bail the offense out. This is not saying that Griese or Orton are the answer but Rex certainly is not. Why not make the change while there is still hope for the Bears to take the division and hopefully the NFC. Griese is capable of engineering drives and is already making it known to the offense he is in charge. Should be an exciting few weeks.

Paul Bixby, Bears Superfan

Forgive me bloggers, for I have not blogged. It has been 15 days since my last blog. Work has been killer. That said ...

Wow, what a pre-season! Even though the Bears are down a couple games, I'm sure once the season starts, they'll get their act together! Rex is bound to find his stride again and give us a September like last year's Offensive Player of the Month-worthy September! Can't wait for regular season play...

What's that? It IS regular season? Rex has been this beat-up in real games? We're really last in the Division? Behind the Lions?! What kind of disturbed fantasy world did I wake up in? It's been extremely busy at work lately and I haven't even been able to catch up with the new bloggers to join our midst. Welcome to them, by the way, glad to have you with us. Normally we try to bring the good Offense out when we're having guests, but it got really rusty over the summer and we haven't had time to overhaul it.

So, Lovie dropped the Griese bomb today. "Brian's our quarterback." Sigh. It is awfully lonely in the Giant Ford Rexcursion these days. I didn't see an awful quarterback these past Sundays. I saw an awful offensive line. According to nfl.com, he's been sacked 9 times in 3 games. That'll rattle anyone's cage, especially one so confidence-dependent as Rex. Through all of this though, he has been a class act. Never blaming the running game for not happening 2 games out of 3, nor blaming those running backs for putting the ball on the ground almost as often as he throws an interception, nor blamed his receiving corps for not closing on the ball, or simply dropping it. That isn't to say Rex is blameless. As is often pointed out, he panics easily, causing him to get impatient and not check his 2 and 3 receiver, instead dumping off to the running back behind the line of scrimmage (flea-flicker anyone?). He also doesn't move out of the pocket well, as John Madden took no small delight in pointing out repeatedly. He also makes stupid mistakes that then get compounded by bad plays.

I hope those Griese fans see something I don't. But I have been here. I have seen all 357 million quarterbacks the Bears have started in the Favre era. I remember, which no media type seems to, that every quarterback the Bears have had since Jim Harbaugh wasn't worth being put on the field, especially when they have an ace-in-the-hole like [insert name of current 2nd or 3rd string quarterback here]. It was nice last year not having a "quarterback controversy," even though the chicken littles started calling for his head when he started to slide last season.

I like Rex. I really do. I feel bad for him that he has to go through this, but maybe, just maybe, he'll finally take this as a lesson and focus hard on his mechanics and find the spark that made Jerry Angelo fall in love with him in the first place.

Walter Brzeski, Bears Superfan

Here are two posts I had two years ago on my blog, "Open Your Eyes"...

Does anyone see any similarities and tendencies with 2007 Bears?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Olin Not Rollin' for Bears..................................................(www.cbc.ca)
I believe if the Bears are going to be successful on offense, they need to start improving from the middle of the line and work out, not the opposite. Instead of worrying about the play of tackles Fred Miller and John Tait, Harry Hiestand should first focus on Olin Kreutz. While, Kreutz may have been to the Pro-Bowl in the past, his play is starting to become Dan Jiggetts-ish.

Kreutz is continually being pushed back into the backfield by mammoth defensive tackles and needs help on every run play from the Reuben Brown or Terrence Metcalfe. Kreutz is big problem is that he doesn't step to the man he's going to block. He snaps the ball, waits for the defensive tackle to engage him, and then tries to use only his upper body; most often he fails to block his man this way.
..................................(www.chicagosuntimes.com)
If he has to block on the run by himself, Kreutz's man is most often the guy making the tackle or moving the line of scrimmage two yards back. And, when he has to slide off on a linebacker or safety after working a combination block with a guard, he rarely gets there and ends up standing around. (A good way to see if a offensive lineman is blocking his man is for his name and number to not be read. You can read his on practically every play)

On pass plays, he constantly turns his shoulders creating creases in the protection and does a terrible job picking up stunts and blitzes. In the Washington game, his man was responsible for flattening Kyle Orton three occasions.

Unless, Kreutz gets help or improves, I would roll Kyle Orton out every play and forget about doing anything up the middle on run plays.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2007 NAMES PLUGGED-IN NEXT TO 2005 NAMES)
Monday, August 29, 2005
NOT ALL CHAD'S FAULT

Before the injury to Rex Grossman, the Bears had a good shot of winning 10 games and possibly the playoffs. Now, they'll be hard pressed not to finish last in their division, regardless if the quarterback is Kyle Orton, Jeff Blake, or Kurt Kittner.(Brian Griese, Rex Grossman, or Kyle Orton)
............................................(www.images.com)
However, the Bears are way ahead of schedule of last season in putting the blame on someone for their offensive woes. Last year, it was Terry Shea (Wade Wilson) and Jonathan Quinn (Rex Grossman). And, this year, it's Chad Hutchinson (only Rex Grossman). Hutchinson (Grossman) has problems with holding onto to the ball too long, finding a secondary receiver and throwing into double coverage, tipping off his throws, and throwing on the run. But, he shouldn't be held responsible for the whole offense. And, I hope Orton (Griese) can overcome the inept play of his teammates better than Hutchinson (Grossman) and make something out of nothing.
...............................................(www.images.com)
If I was Chad Hutchinson (Rex Grossman), I would accept his share of blame for his play and give out some credit to others as well, including:

Jerry Angelo, for not bringing in another veteran quarterback earlier to compete for the backup spot. (NOT VALID IN 2007)

Ron Turner's play-calling. I would think he found it hard to find a receiver when only three receivers would go out for passes against 7 defenders and as Turner continued to call long developing pass plays when the line wasn't giving him time to throw.(VALID IN 2007)

Offensive Linemen, for letting the defense get to the pocket before him, forgetting their assignments, false starts, and missing blitzes.(VALID IN 2007 minus false starts and ad not getting a run game together)

Wide Receivers, for not getting to their routes faster, dropping balls in their hands, and not coming back to help him when he was under pressure.(VALID IN 2007)

Tight Ends, for being held up by linebackers on pass plays, loafing through their routes, and allowing pressure to get to him on pass plays.(VALID IN 2007)

Running Backs, for deflecting passes into defender's hands, missing blocks on pass protection, and failing to get out on pass plays fast enough to the flats to give him another option when other receivers weren't open.(VALID IN 2007, include fumbles and blitz pickup, but, minus pass deflections)

Special Teams, for getting a penalty on most of the returns and pinning the Bears back inside their own 20 yard line.(NOT VALID IN 2007)

Goodbye, Chad (Rex). Hopefully, the next team you go to will not make you the 'scapegoat' for all their troubles.
............................................(www.deadspin.com)

Labels: Olin Kreutz

Walter Brzeski, Bears Superfan

Is 'RAISING BEER', an anagram of 'BRIAN GRIESE", something fans will be doing if the Bears perform a Rexorcism at quarterback?
www.moviewallpapers.net/.../The_Exorcist.html

Rex Grossman shouldn't be blamed him for all the Bears offensive problems. But, continuing to play him after his repeated mistakes and pulling other players making mistakes has led to 'descension in the ranks'. Plus, Grossman's mistakes have led to the defense being on the field more and has helped lead to more defensive injuries because of opponents wearing them down.

A ball-controlled, 'nickel and dime', and 'clock-milking' offense under Griese will help the entire team; an offense Grossman was good at leading a VERY few times, but, one he never learned to understand.

The offense under Grossman's direction has resembled a popcorn machine with kernels (players) popping off (making mistakes) on practically every play.



Grossman shouldn't be blamed for:
- Ron Turner's poor play-calling and lack of a grasp of his player's abilities
- dropped passes and poor route running
- the running back's fumbling and blocking
- poor line play and bad penalties
- the decision to play Greg Olsen too long in the final pre-season game
- poor blitz pickup

But, Grossman's play has led to a 'lack of rhythm' for the offensive due to his inability to correct his fundamental mistakes, read a defense, move in the pocket, bad reads and forcing the ball, and keeping his hips closed on passes before he threw the ball.

Grossman probably could have continued with all his mistakes, except opening his hips too early on pass attempts. 'Opening his hips' too early, instead of staying square and moving his feet in the pocket, led to defenders jumping on passes and limited the passing routes to one area of the field.

In fact, all three INTs in the Dallas game were a direct result of Grossman opening his hips too early and pre-determining his receiver before looking for a 'checkdown' receiver or scrambling for yards. Though, I thought Grossman's ability to run for a first down was a sign of more good things to come, but, I was wrong as he went into the 'Bad Rex Tank' once again.

Gail Freund, Bears Superfan
Wow. What a game. Everything was going well into the third quarter...then it was all over. Defense must be truly discouraged whenever they get the turnover but offense still doesn't score. Offense must also be feeling very defeated since nothing seems to be going right. It was unbelievable when Rex was boo'd, then the next play he scrambled for a first down only to then throw a long pass to Desmond. It was like he was momentarily motivated. By the forth quarter it seemed the injuries just sucked the life out of the defense. Penalties were called because Devin and Olin couldn't ignor their frustrations any longer.

None of us even knew what happened to Lance, only that he didn't return to the field after the half. But when Ruben left the field we all joked that he'd had enough and was heading to the bar.

Good plays by Mark, Adam, Brian, Lance, Wale, Nathan, Charles just to name a few.

Nice entertainment to honor Hispanic Heritage month. I hadn't read the paper before the game so was surprised to see Gloria Estefan performing.

Guess we should look at the glass half-full like Alex is doing. He pointed out that it's only two losses. But the Bears certainly need to win the next three games.

It was good to see Mike Brown out on the field watching the fellows during pregame practice.

GO BEARS!!

Labels: Defeated by Dallas

Susan Rhein, Bears Superfan

So here we are in week 3 of the 2007 season and the fans are calling for Rex's head again but, how can the Fans blame just Rex, I don't understand that mind set. What about the Berrian dropped ball and the Benson fumble?? Both of those plays would have put the Bears in great field position to score and, what was that pass play by Gould and Maynard, that cost the Bears 3 points. Mr. Turner, keep the players to what they know best which is, running the football. The Bears are a running team not some fancy high flying wire act that operates without a net. We're a football team and a damn good one at that and we run the ball.

As for the Bears Defense, all I can say is that they put everything on the line in the first half of the game and they didn't reserve anything for the second half. If the Bears were only playing a 30 minute football game, then I'd have to give the Defense an A+ for not allowing the Cowboys to score in the first quarter and for keeping T.O. out of the end zone in the first half. But as the second quarter was coming to an end, you could already see how the Defense was starting to look tired. As for the second half of the game, I'd give the Defense a C+ and for the forth and final quarter, well lets just say that the Defense didn't even show up to play so they not only failed themselves, but they failed the Fans and they failed as a team.

The one thing the Bears Defense needs to remember is that they play a 60 minute game not a 30 minute game so, don't waste all the talent in the first half of the game when you still have a second half that's going to be even more intense than the first half. I read that the Bears mind set is to "score early and quick and then if they have a huge lead against the opposing team in the first half of the game then the Bears can relax" however, the Cowboys weren't a team that was going to roll over and just hand the Bears points. If the Bears were going to obtain a huge point spread over the Cowboys in the first half of the game, the Cowboys were going to make sure that the Bears earned each and every point with their blood, sweat and tears.

GO BEARS

Walter Brzeski, Bears Superfan


Some things stand out from the EMBARASSING Bears loss to the Cowboys:

1. Ron Turner has been found out. He and Norv are the biggest frauds in the NFL.

2. Grossman should start playing end, guard, and tackle. He should sit at the end of the bench, guard the water cooler, and tackle anyone that wants to take it.

3. Rusty Jones should go back to refurbishing cars as his players are out of shape and getting hurt.

4. Olin Kreutz has been exposed. A 'hot head' that has intimidated the media, fans, and his coaches long enough. If he makes the Pro-Bowl this year, it means he's part of the Hawaiian Family Secrets Family.

5. When will Tim Spencer teach Cedric Benson and Adrian Peterson to hold the ball like Tiki Barber and Garrett Woulfe?

6. If Lovie says, 'Rex is our quarterback' this week, then, I'm positive he's Jerry Angelo's puppet.

7. Mushin Muhammad is slower off the line then my grandmother. And, she's been dead for 11 years.

8. If the Bears stick with Rex 'Makes Me' Grossman, what does that say about what they think about the talents of Brian Griese and Kyle Orton?

9. Anytime Bob Babich wants to go to the booth and see what's happening on the field is fine with me.

10. Fred Miller reminds me more of Fred Sanford than Jonathan Ogden or Anthony Munoz.

Dan Wise, Bears Superfan
The fans can win the game tonight, or any game for that matter. It makes such a huge difference when the visiting team is trying to call the play in the huddle, the snap count or changing the play at the line. If you are going tonight, make sure you MAKE NOISE!!!! The fans definitely kept the momentum going for the Bears in the NFC Championship game last year. It was a bit quiet against the Chiefs and that helped keep them in the game. The fans influence on the game is not overrated at all. So be LOUD this week and anytime you are at the game.

Dan Wise, Bears Superfan
The Bears need to win really bad tonight. With the packers beating the Chargers, there will be even more doubt cast over the Bears. A loss would probably put the Cowboys and Packers ahead of the Bears among other teams. A win will keep the Bears at the top of the NFC. With only one touchdown this year by the offense (to a tackle) there is so much room for improvement. The cries for Grossman's head will get louder if he plays as Bad Rex. I don't believe he is the answer but the Bears got to the Super Bowl with him so it can be done.

Gail Freund, Bears Superfan
That's what Rex must feel like doing. He is all anyone has been talking about this week. By yesterday I was certainly feeling sorry for him. All of his confidence should be completely gone by now. Even TO has been keeping a low profile, not making the news. One Dallas sports columnist took the shots further making the statement that not just Rex but the entire offense stinks. All are reporting, however, that the Bears' defense is what Dallas needs to watch out for.

The Bears and the fans aren't going to let Dallas come in here and walk away with a win.

GO BEARS!!

Walter Brzeski, Bears Superfan

Well, we all know the game depends a lot on Good Rex or Bad Rex. But, what about Good Ron (Turner) or Bad Ron? Isn't it time Ron Turner starts to get the blame for the Bears poor offensive performance? Why is it always dumped on Rex?

Ron Turner SHOULD have some kind of grasp about what his players can and can't do by now. Last year, QB coach Wade Wilson was fired and rightfully so due to his inability to correct Grossman's poor fundamentals and reads. However, the Bears hired Pep Hamilton to strictly work on those things and isn't included in the play-calling or game planning, it's all in Turner's court.

Rex has been told so many things lately about his play that he seems to be frozen at times in what to do. But, the one thing I will tell Grossman to do is RUN, REX, RUN! If he scrambles that will open up the defense and allow some cushion for his receivers and help offset the huge pressure he's sure to face on Sunday night.


http://www.mooviees.com/mt/movie_still.php?m=1156&e=0&s=41321

On a side note: As I see it, the only real advantage the Dallas home fans have over the Bears home fans is:

http://www.dallascowboys.com/cheerleaders/squad.cfm

But, I give these girls credit:


KEYS FOR THE DALLAS GAME:

Phase 1:
OFFENSE:
1. Ball control, run the clock, take what the defense gives
2. Rein Rex in and spread the ball around to all your weapons
3. O-Line needs to get off the ball and work together
4. Pickup the free man on blitzes, keep the back in with his head on a swivel looking for the free man.
5. 2 or less turnovers

Phase 2:
DEFENSE:
1. Limit YACs (yards after catches)
2. Confuse Romo with different coverages and blitzes
3. D-Line needs to use their quickness to get to the gaps fast against 'mammoth' Dallas O-Line.
4. Bully Terrell Owens....don't miss any opportunity to hit him hard
5. Force 3 Dallas turnovers (1 for TD, Urlacher?)

Phase 3:
SPECIAL TEAMS:
1. Go after the Dallas punter...force a block (TD?) and bad punts
2. Utilize upmen on kickoffs to run squib kicks into Dallas territory
3. Pin Dallas in with avg. starting position at their own 18-22 yd. line
4. Maynard or Johnson need to keep the ball up and average 39 yds/punt(Don't outkick the coverage)
5. Robbie Gould needs to kickoff to goaline or within 5 yd. line and hit the critcial field goals (game winner with time expiring?)

Phase 4:
FANS:
1. Need to drown out the 15% of the crowd which will be Cowboys fans
2. Not boo Rex too quickly and give him a few chances, then, if he doesn't respond..start the 'GRIESE" chants.
3. Show up and bring some enthusiasm
4. Don't sit on your hands
5. Wait until a stoppage to get in/out of your seats

If Bears can hit 3/5 on each of these areas, expect:

Bears 24 Cowboys 23

Susan Rhein, Bears Superfan

I have read a lot of different articles over the past couple of days regarding the Bears and, I agree with Lovie on a lot of what I read with regards to not giving up on Rex just yet. After all, its not Rex who calls the plays while they're in the huddle, the plays are called in to Rex via Ron Turner and then Rex just relays the play to the rest of the guys and then from there its up to the receivers to execute the play properly and run the proper route.

There is one thing that I would like to see more of on the field and that is Rex in the Shotgun position rather than under Center. I think if Rex were in the Shotgun position more, it would give him better visibility of the field instead of him having to come out from Center, drop back and then look down field to see who is open. Just my suggestion.

I was surprised to read the following quote that was made by Lovie, but there it was in black and white on the Chicago Bears website. Here's the quote: "When you get a 17-0 lead on a team, sometimes you can relax a little bit and not play as well as you need to, and that’s what we did."

Well I hope for everyone's sake, the Bears don't take that same mind set into Sunday's game against the Cowboys. I keep hearing people talk about how the Bears better have all their quirks worked out prior to playing the Cowboys on Sunday because otherwise, the Cowboys are going to hand the Bears more than just their second loss for the season.

I have heard that the Bears will sometimes play softer against certain teams (such as the Chiefs) than others because, they look down the schedule to see which teams they are playing and when, and that's how the Bears know exactly which teams to "give their all to" (like the Cowboys). For instance, maybe the Bears didn't play as hard against the Chiefs as they could have because they knew they had to play the Cowboys this Sunday. If that's the case, then Lovie's quote from above would make sense to me and if that's not the case, then the Bears really need to start stepping it up a notch and start playing football at the professional level instead of at the high school level.

I found another quote with regards to the game against the Chiefs, but this one comes from Urlacher and it is actually more believable than the quote from Lovie, “We didn’t play as good as people think we did last week,” Urlacher said. “We made some mistakes. We should have gotten to the quarterback better than we did, had some chances to make some takeaways and didn’t do it and should have got a couple more sacks.” At least Urlacher was honest and didn't try to "sugar coat" why they played so poorly against the Chiefs.

GO BEARS

Walter Brzeski, Bears Superfan


If Rex Grossman thought he was under pressure in his last three games, including the Super Bowl, wait until Sunday night against Dallas. The way he plays will determine where the blame or credit for continually playing him will go to. Is it Jerry Angelo? Is it Lovie Smith? Is it Ron Turner? Or, is he related to someone in the "Family Secret's trial?

Greg Couch's column in the Chicago Sun-Times on Friday, "Is it in His Head", his suggestion of letting Grossman 'let it fly' is part of the problem. Many people have suggested this and I believe the are all 'off-base'.

If anything, Ron Turner should rein him in until he improves his field vision and 'check-downs', limits his mistakes, and leads the offense on more than one long scoring drive. Rex is more of liability than anything else until he proves differently.

The drive before half against the KC is a perfect example of what he's prone to do. Instead of driving the offense down the field to put up another score, at the KC 42 with under one minute and one timeout, he destroys their chances with bad 'decision-making' and passes.

First, he throws a 'helicopter' pass towards a confused Bernard Berrian incomplete with Adrian Peterson wide open and a chance to get deep in KC territory. Then, he throws too high for Peterson on a screen. Next, he gets a ball batted in face on a third and long pass play, while not in the shotgun. All this took place after Peterson took two dump passes into KC territory. Why not continue to throw to him?

Who's fault is it for this to continue to happen? Grossman? Turner? Lovie Smith? Or, Jerry Angelo?

Queen's song, 'Under Pressure' will be running through everyone's mind on Sunday:

Pressure pushing down on me
Pressing down on you no man ask for
Under pressure
That burns a building down
Splits a family in two
Puts people on streets