Susan Rhein, Bears Superfan

Here we are again, another "L" in the column instead of a "W".

What a difference a year makes. I was looking at last years schedule, the Bears didn't lose their first game until November 5th against Miami. To date, the Bears have lost 5 games this season. Enough is enough.

Lets hope that this bye-week helps the Bears both mentally as well as physically. I checked out the standings around the league and, with the exception of a few teams, the Bears are still in the running for the Playoffs. We have another 8 games to play before the 2007 season is over and in my opinion, I can see the Bears going into the Playoffs at 11-5. However, do the Bears have the same vision as their fans and do they see themselves going to the Playoffs, now that's the real question.

The Bears have two weeks to recondition themselves both mentally and physically for the second half of the 2007 season. Now is the time for the Bears to shine and show the World how and why they made it to the Superbowl last season. The Bears have always been a team that has come from behind to win a game, however, its not just a game that the Bears want to win, the Bears want another chance at the Superbowl.

GO BEARS

Steve Serres, Bears SuperfanI don't know if anyone else feels this way, but we need a new quarterback (Griese is experienced and good), but I don't think he's a good match for our offensive scheme. Then again he doesn't have much experience with our system or the first team. Yes he's been with the team and has been learning the system but it's not the same as actually leading the team.

I'm still sticking with my original analysis that Ron Turner is probably the real culprit here. I don't know if any quarterback will improve our situation without a change in philosophy on the offensive side.

Speaking of sides what happened to our defensive line? The front four aren't pressuring like they did last year and quite honestly until you get to the secondary our defense isn't so exciting. Once the ball reaches the secondary they already have a first down so our opponents are just marching down the field. Seems just like two and three years ago. Guess we can't blame Ron Rivera...

Gail Freund, Bears Superfan




Get in the game and win $25,000 for your favorite park.

Double coverage. Trap block. Pass coverage. There's lots of ways to assist a teammate, but there's only one way you can team up with the Chicago Bears and make a difference in your community.

Vote in the Staples® Dream Park Challenge with the Bears and you could help win $25,000 for park improvements, plus you'll have a chance to meet Charles Tillman! Visit www.StaplesDreamPark.com for details.

GO BEARS!!

Gail Freund, Bears Superfan

Turner to Hamilton to Griese....fantastic work at yelling and lip reading during the final four drives of the game. At least the coaches accurately get credit for setting up the win.

Quote from "DID YOU KNOW?" on the Chicago Bears Website (www.chicagobears.com):

On Sunday, Brian Griese became the first Bears quarterback to pass for at least 300 yards in back-to-back games since Jim Miller on Nov. 14 and 21, 1999.


GO BEARS!!

Susan Rhein, Bears Superfan


I guess I am the only one that feels as though since Griese is such an "experienced quarterback" as I keep getting told on a daily basis by other avid Bears Fans that I expect him to play at a higher level than a rookie or 2 or 3 year quarter back.

I read on Monday in the Sun Times that Fans question as to what last season would have been like with Griese at the helm instead of Rex and that the Bears left Griese sitting on the bench and he should have been playing because he's such an "experienced quarterback."

I'm sorry but you don't come out swinging in your second week at the helm and take away a win from the Almighty Bret and Pack and then come back home to Chgo. and just sit back and play crappy because a team that has a worse record than the Bears has come to town.

Sorry but the "F" was for the whole Team, not just Griese.

GO BEARS

Eileen Firstenberger, Bears Superfan



So what does everyone think about this new drama with Griese saying that his headset wasn't working and now retracting that and saying that it WAS? What is the real deal.

Gail Freund, Bears Superfan

Sue,

How can you give Brian Griese an F for the Vikings game? The final score was 31-34. Did I miss the defense scoring those 31 points?

GO BEARS!!

Susan Rhein, Bears Superfan

I'm back. Sorry I've been away, I was on vacation doing landscaping at my house when the Bears dominated over the Packers (Yippee) and when the Vikings came to town, I was down and out with both a head and chest cold and never made it to the game.

Awesome game yesterday. My power went out around 2:15 or 2:30pm due to the powerful wind storms we had so, I couldn't watch the game. Instead I saw the game the old fashioned way, by way of radio and while they were describing the plays, I would close my eyes and allow my imagination to show me the field and the plays that were being made. It was way too nice of a day to be stuck inside watching 3hrs of football, even if it was "The Bears."

I owe my vision of imagination to my Mom, God Bless Her Soul. She taught me to close my eyes and imagine as to how the picture looked while she would read to me so, during the game yesterday that's what I did.

I gave Rusty Griese a "B" during the Packers game and naturally he received an "F" during the Vikings game and for yesterday's game I'm giving him a "B+" the "plus" is because he finally showed the public his veteran side. When his helmet broke and he lost audible he didn't freak out, he just played football the way he has been taught to play since he was a young boy. Congrats.

GO BEARS

Gail Freund, Bears Superfan
Tommie said they would just have to go 12-4. I didn't have any doubts until the fourth quarter. Having to use up the last two time-outs because of confusion on the field was very frustrating. Then to see Donovan celebrating like the Eagles had just won the Super Bowl added anger to the frustration...maybe for the players, too. For awhile it seemed like they actually felt defeated. But what an exciting finish.

Brian had an excellent game. Cedric and Adrian had good yardage. Greg Olsen, Desmond, and Bernard made important catches. And Moose was right there when it was a do or die situation. Of course, Robbie's contributions cannot go unmentioned. He was responsible for 12 points. In fact, it actually seemed like the team might be jinxed when Robbie missed the first field goal...he NEVER misses.

Brian Urlacher had a better week. Tommie was able to sack Donovan. Lance wasn't able to do much, but, as the announcer said..."Great acting by Briggs" when he fell on the ground to draw attention to the holding penalty.

I loved that Brian said his headset went out on the last 97 yard drive so he had to call audibles. No doubt that is the reason the Bears won. I hope he tells them that everyweek.

GREAT WIN!! GO BEARS!!!

Gail Freund, Bears Superfan
Hi Marcus,

I enjoyed your piece on Lance's Briggs4Kidz Fashion Show. Actually, there's not too many bloggers to voice their opinion. There is another Charity Fashion Show on October 29 at Alhambra Palace. It's called Fashion Xplosion benefiting breast cancer. About 8 or 10 Bears' players and some Rush players are scheduled to be there. Information can be found on missing blogger Glenn's website, www.biggestbearfan.com.

Now there seems to be all sorts of reasons for the losses. Tommie said that they need to change their mindset. My interpretation of what he said is that if they had won the Super Bowl they would now have confidence, but since they lost, they also lost their confidence. Sorry, Tommie, that seems a little lame. That was eight months ago, and it seems all everyone says is the team just takes it one week at a time. Then on a radio interview Brendon said that they play too much during the week instead of working. He said that Lovie says the players are like his grandchildren and he lets them be a little lax during weekly practices. In another radio interview Greg Olsen was asked to comment on what Brendon said. Greg said he sees the players practicing hard.

Guess they look much better during practice in Bourbonnais because they are only playing against themselves. Maybe the tougher schedule is just too much for the team. Maybe there were too many "little changes" like Dan mentioned: letting Todd, Cameron, Chris, Dante go to other teams. Too many changes at corner. Demoting an unhappy Alex to second string. Meeting up with tougher offenses. Sunday's loss cannot be blamed on Adrian Peterson alone. As Hub or someone said, don't start placing all former Bears players such as Thomas Jones on a pedestal now that they are gone, but there were some dependable Special Teamers that are no longer with the team.

At least the heat is temporarily off the offense. They did their part in trying to win against the Vikings.

A Bear's car flag is flying from my credenza at work. All I've heard this week is that I should be flying it at half-mast. Let's hope not.

GO BEARS!!

Dan Wise, Bears Superfan
What Bears team are we going to see the rest of the year? The second half of the Packers game was great. I really thought that would turn the season around and the Bears would win most every game for the rest of the season. The players were playing with so much heart and were focused. Then comes the Vikings game. Wow what a difference a week can make. The focus was gone and the team looked sloppy. There is no reason to be dominated by a one dimensional team. I hope Adrian Peterson is not as good as he looked, having to play him twice a year for the next however many years. Now, should we expect the Bears of week 5 (great) or of Week 6 (horrible)? Why is it all or nothing? And wouldn't we love to have Todd Johnson, Cam Worrell or Chris Harris (FYI - all are starters for the teams they signed with)right now?

I can already envision some of your reactions on this blog when you see this piece. I was out at Enclave a couple of weeks ago to cover a fashion show for Lance Briggs' charity, Briggs 4 Kidz. It's a side of the Bears you don't often see. Enjoy.

Slideshow: Briggs 4 Kids Fashion Show

Gail Freund, Bears Superfan

What a heartbreaker! Although there were missed opportunities when the Bears should have been able to score, the offense certainly stepped it up in the last 5 minutes to get the win. We just knew we were going to pull it out and win in overtime. Unfortunately there was just too much time left on the clock. Suddenly the Vikings' kicker has to break his own record?

Adrian Peterson is awesome to watch run. And some of our defense did just that. Today it was more apparent just how much Mike and Nathan are missed. Those are some big shoes to fill. Tommie, Mark Anderson, Brian...just had so-so games. Nothing to write home about. Lance, of course, showed exactly why the Bears should be doing some serious negotiating with him. What did defense have, one sack and no turnovers? Not what we count on for a win every week.

Cedric had a nice running game. He's not the best at catching the ball but he got some good yardage. Bernard finally got his touchdown, and Moose, too, when it was most needed. Our AP got some important first downs. Robbie was right on target, as usual. But what would we do without the exciting Devin Hester? Who scouted him out and told the Bears they should draft him? Now that's the person who should have received a big raise.

Next stop, the City of Brotherly Love. I certainly hope so.

GO BEARS!!

Walter Brzeski, Bears Superfan




The bag on my head says it all, what an embarassing loss!

OFFENSIVE LINE = D+
RUNNING BACKS = C-
WR/TE = B-
QB = C-

DL= F
LB = C
DB = F

SPECIAL TEAMS C+

COACHING = F

Walter Brzeski, Bears Superfan



The game against the lowly Vikings should give the Bears a chance to build more momentum. Keys to the game are simple:

Continue great special teams play

O-line needs to work together in blocking Pat and Kevin Williams

Cedric Benson needs to toughen up and have a career game (2 tds plus 130+yds rushing) and get to the outside for big yardage *expect a lot of '8 men in the box' looks)

Control the clock and rest the defense, Brian Griese needs to lose more rust

Ron Turner needs to open things up again
>(minnesota.publicradio.org)
Defense needs to set the tone early and cause 4 turnovers (1 for TD, Tillman?)


Bears 31 Vikings 10

Dan Wise, Bears Superfan
It was great to hear the Bears may be in negotiations to sign Lance Briggs to a long term contract. This is happening because the Bears will not have to pay Grossman his big QB contract as anticipated. (Who knows, Rex could come back and lead us to the Super Bowl, but it looks like he will be out of here). Also the Bears would have had to pay Berrian big bucks and he is not doing a whole lot either to earn that. Hopefully he comes back from this injury and become a deep threat like he was last year. The offense really needs that spark. Tommie Harris has sure earned his money and should be the first in line to be paid.
I believe most Bears fans would gladly take Lance in exchange for Rex right now and long term.

Gail Freund, Bears Superfan
My office co-worker who happens to be a Packers fan, just won't give the Bears any credit. He is telling everyone that the Packers beat themselves. The score would have been 21-0 if they hadn't dropped the ball. Must have been a different game that he was watching. I saw Peanut force those "dropped balls" by punching and stripping. I also credit Peanut with being instrumental in the win because it would have more than likely been 21-0 without him. The Packer fan also seems to think Urlacher was the only Bear who did anything. He doesn't understand how people could think the Bears' season will turn around because Brian made an interception. Even Brett gave the Bears credit where credit was due in his post-game interview.

Everyone had a hand in the win: Cedric, Desmond, Greg for their touchdowns...Robbie for his scoring field goals and extra points....great pressure was provided by Tommie, Lance, Mark...and those much needed turnovers and interceptions provided by Charles, Ricky, Brian U and Brad. Both Adrian and Garrett got much needed yardage. Devin got some more experience on offense. And the Packers helped provide those 1st downs thanks to penalties. Brendon was fierce on Special Teams. And, of course, Brian Griese played a good game moving the ball down field and keeping turnovers and penalties to a minimum. Finally, the icing on the cake when Brandon McGowan intercepted the ball on the final drive.

This was still a nail-biter. Lots of screaming, particularly during the first half. This was also the most animated I've ever seen Lovie to be on the sidelines. You could read his thoughts. Looks like his half-time "pep talk" played a significant part in turning the Bears back into the team that we know they are.

Now Walter can remove the bag from his head. Bring on the Vikings!

GO BEARS!!

Dan Wise, Bears Superfan
How impressive was that game? The Bears seemed to be more focused in tonight's game and wanted to beat the opposition more than they have all year. There was very little celebrating after routine tackles and the game carried a serious tone. It is so great to see. I believe now the team knows they can win week after week if they keep their heads in the game.
It was nice to see Mark Bradley and Greg Olsen get some playing time and Berrian to get some rest. Berrian is different this year and maybe needs to get healthy. Muhammad needs to start earning his keep. Cedric ran hard though not for many yards but hit some Packers hard. Hester didn't get to do to much himself but he was a huge factor in shortening the field. And Charles Tillman played his best in a long time. Coming off an injury the Packers must have thought they could beat him. This was a huge team win and lets hope it is a great start to the rest of the year.
And where do the Packer fans get some of that tacky junk they wear to the games!!! I guess they only have Salvation Army or Farm and Fleet to shop at.

Walter Brzeski, Bears Superfan

Well, the best thing about wearing the bag on my head is if I start hyperventilating, I can just adjust, pull it off my head and breathe into it. I wish the Bears could make easy adjustments on offense like I can with the bag.

Unfortunately, when the offensive coordinator (RON TURNER) starts criticizing his team's performance on 1st down, it's an indication he has lost control or doesn't seem to know what his team is good at doing. The offense is the 'weak-link' of the team and has a lot of problems:

1. An old and injured line that hasn't been getting off the ball, working together, and setting the tone.

Rueben Brown has played more like Charlie Brown (www.sundaymorningqb.com)
John Tait like the Toxic Avenger (www.http://toxicavenger.8m.com/imagegal.htm)
Roberto Garza like a bad wrestler from Nachos Libre (bobular.blogspot.com)
Fred Miller like Fred Sanford (www.tvparty.com )
and Olin Kreutz like Elmer "Which Way Did he Go' Fudd (www.celebrity-link.com)
2. WRs unable to get off the ball fast and into their routes, hold onto to the ball, and get into open pockets of the defense.

3. TEs not blocking and stepping with authority on run blocks, not getting away from defenders quick enough at the LOS, and not getting more YACs.

4. QBs with limited practice/game reps, inability to read and audible out of plays, faling to take what the defense gives them, and standing around waiting to get sacked instead of running for yardage.

5. RBs unable to hold onto the ball, cutback on zone plays, show enough quickness to the outside on runs, and poor pass protection.

6. Offensive Coordinator is extremely poor at: judging talent, bringing any kind of leadership, making adjustments at half and in the 4th quarter, and utilizing his players more effieciently.



KEYS FOR THE QUACKERS GAME: (i-love-cartoons.com)

Phase 1:
OFFENSE: (IMPORTANT: RBs need to hold onto ball, WRs need to catch it,& O-line needs to BLOCK AND PROTECT 100% better than Detroit game!)

1. Ball control and O-line needs to wake up and play well; as the line may feature John St. Clair, Terrence Metcalf, and Mark Levoir because of injuries

2. Allow Griese to spread the ball around, dominate the clock, and nickel and dime down the field; allowing a 'banged-up' Bears defense to rest

3. Audible to outside runs or three step passes when the Quackers jam the guard/center gaps

4. RON TURNER NEEDS TO CALL A GOOD GAME AND FIGURE OUT WHAT HIS TEAM CAN/CAN'T DO

5. 2 or less turnovers

Phase 2:
DEFENSE:(IMPORTANT: PRESSURE, COVER, PRESSURE, COVER)
1. Expect Brett Favre to throw it up 40+ times, limit him to short passes and blanket WRs and TE, force him into turnovers, possibly for TDs
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FACTOID ALERT:
The media has been making a big stink about the Bears having a revolving door at QB and Brett Favre being the man in Green Bay for the same period of time. Well, since the advent of color television, both the Bears and Packers have won one Super Bowl and lost one Super Bowl apiece.

A QB can pass for 1,000,000 yards and throw 1,000,000 tds passes (ie. Dan Marino, Fran Tarkenton, and Jim Kelly) But, the ultimate gauge is their ability to win the last game of the year; something Troy Aikman, Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, Bob Griese, Roger Staubach, John Elway, Jim Plunkett, Bart Starr, and Tom Brady have done more than once in their careers. (www.dallascowboys.com)
Favre may be 'God-like' in Packer-land and will be in the HOF, but, he has the same amount of Super Bowl wins as Jim McMahon, Kurt Warner, Joe Theismann, Doug Williams, Jeff Hostetler, Mark Rypien, Trent Dilfer, Brad Johnson, Phil Simms, and Ben Roethlisberger.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. LBs need to take the game into their hands and be dominant

3. D-Line needs to use their quickness and limit penalities

4. Bully Brett Favre....don't miss any opportunity to hit him hard (www.packerssuck.com/packerssuckpics/bears)

5. Force 3 Quackers turnovers (2 for TDs?, 1 for Ricky Manning Jr. and 1 for Mark Anderson),3-4 sacks, 6+tackles for a loss/no gain

Phase 3: (www.packerssuck.com/packerssuckpics/bears)
SPECIAL TEAMS: (MOST IMPORTANT: UPMEN NEED TO RUN KICKS BACK WITH AUTHORITY AND GAIN GOOD FIELD POSITION ON SQUIB KICKS OR CALL FOR A FAIR CATCH)

1. Go after the Quackers punter...force a bad/hurried punts and block more FGs

2. Stay in your coverage lanes and pin them down, force a fumble

3. Make the Quackers avg. starting position = 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 all his field goals, as he might get 4-5 opportunities

Phase 4:

FANS:
1. Fans making the trip to Quacker-land need to: Be heard, show your support

2. : Bring some enthusiasm & NOT GET ARRESTED (http://www.fotosearch.com/clip-art/jail.html)

3. : Don't sit on your hands

4. Fans in Chicago need: Not quit and believe

5. : Drown out all Quackers fans at your local watering hole

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

Bears 27 Quackers 26

If they can't hit 3 of 5, expect a score of: (UNFORTUNATELY, THIS IS MOST LIKELY)

Quackers 31 Bears 20
*************************************************************************************

JOKE OF THE WEEK: On the Bright Side...........
What do you call a QUACKERS fan with half a brain?
Gifted!


REMEMBER WHEN.............THE BEARS WENT INTO QUACKER-VILLE WITH CONFIDENCE (www.packerssuck.com/packerssuckpics/bears)

Gail Freund, Bears Superfan
For all the women Bears fans, if you were planning to attend NFL 101 at Soldier Field on October 30, it's too late. Tickets went on sale last Wednesday night and sold out quickly. This will be the first time in many years that I won't be attending.

As those who attend Chicago Bears events know, whether it be the Convention, Draft Day Party, Training Camp, NFL 101, games, or just weekly signings...you start to recognize and become friendly with the other fans. One of those fans, Cindi Dammann, just wrote a book:

News Release News Release News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cindi Dammann
815-744-2332
Email: info@analogypublishing.com
Forty Five Million Women Do It Weekly
According to the National Football League (NFL), 45 million women watch NFL games weekly and the number seems
to be increasing. This number rose 6.5% in 2006 according to Nielsen Media Research, the second straight increase. More
than 10,000 women attended Football 101 events last year according to the NFL.
Cindi Dammann considers herself a pioneer when it comes to watching football. She watched it before it was what
women did on Sunday afternoon and Monday night. She grew up in a small town about 90 miles southwest of Chicago. Her
first real memories of watching football began around 6th grade. She watched the Bears every Sunday along with other NFL
games. In high school, she attended every one of the school’s football games, both home and away. After high school, though
she lived in several other states, Cindi never lost her love for football and more importantly her Chicago Bears. Eventually, her
family and her Bears brought her back to the Chicago area. As the Bears and the NFL added more events throughout the
year, her love for the Bears and football grew even more. Thus, she decided to chronicle a year in her life as a football fan to
not only share with others, but as therapy to convince her that her passion was “normal.”
Tailgating Tales: Diary of a Female Football Fan is a year-long journey into the life of Cindi Dammann, a diehard
football fan, and more importantly, a diehard Chicago Bears fan. The book is a diary from training camp to training camp and
traces how her love and passion for her Bears encompasses her life.
Tailgating Tales is more than a play by play of one fan’s football season. It’s about a passion for the game. It’s about
loving something so much one’s life becomes totally immersed in it. One doesn’t have to be a football fan to enjoy the book.
It’s for anyone who is passionate for anything in life.
A portion of the profits of Tailgating Tales will be set aside by the author to be used to help unwanted, abused, and
neglected animals. The author’s goal is to one day open a cageless shelter.
Tailgating Tales: Diary of a Female Football Fan can be ordered from Analogy Publishing, P.O. Box 2153, Joliet,
IL 60434 or at www.analogypublishing.com or www.tailgatingtales.com . The price is $21.95 plus $4.95 for shipping/handling
for each book (Illinois residents add $1.65 sales tax per book).
Book Statistics
Title: Tailgating Tales: Diary of a Female Football Fan Author: Cindi Dammann
ISBN: 978-0-9792536-0-7 Copyright: 2007
Category: Sports Length: 248 pages
Retail price: $21.95 Binding: 5 ½ x 8 ½ trade hardcover

On October 11 she will be at the Barnes and Noble in Bolingbrook from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. On October 13 she will be at The Book Stall in Chestnut Court, 811 Elm Street, Winnetka at 11:00 a.m. If you can't make it to one of her book signings, at least check out her website www.tailgatingtails.com.

Congrats to Devin for being named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month, again. He's amazing.

Did you hear the cute story about Brett Farve and Tommie Harris? When Reggie White passed away, Brett had been aware of Tommie's relationship with Reggie and sent Tommie a Reggie White jersey. To reciprocate, Tommie participated in Brett's Charity Golf Tournament. This week Brett left Tommie the message that he hoped he was in good shape because he would be chasing Brett all over the field on Sunday.
Tommie's hoping for a sack. (Just remember, Tommie...don't get too anxious and cause a penalty again).

In spite of all the problems the team has encountered, they will beat Green Bay on Sunday.

GO BEARS!

(www.austinpowers.com/drevil)

Walter Brzeski, Bears Superfan
The Bears seem to be better at passing the buck then the ball. Ron Turner says the reason for the limited play calling has been the offenses lack of execution on first down. I wish someone would remind him he's offensive coordinator and the responsibility for the lack of success is on him? (www.workingwith.me.uk)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
THEY PUBLISHED MY LETTER, PART II (www.johncandy.com)
Speaking of offensive

CHICAGO -- The Bears seem to be better at passing the buck than the ball. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner says the reason for the conservative play-calling has been the offense's lack of execution on first down.

I wish someone would remind him he's offensive coordinator and the responsibility for the lack of success is on him.

-- Walter Brzeski
(http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-views06oct06,0,1744048.story)
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Check out then link to a Chicago Sun-Time article on Wednesday, October 3, 2007.
(http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/587689,CST-SPT-bearnt04.article)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BEARS IN BRIEF: First things first: Play calls start with execution

October 3, 2007
BY BRAD BIGGS bbiggs@suntimes.com
Offensive coordinator Ron Turner can be more imaginative in his play-calling if the Bears start having more success on first down.

The Bears rank 30th in the league on first down, averaging just 4.11 yards, and consequently are facing the second- and third-and-longs that are not conducive to keeping drives alive or allowing Turner to find a rhythm. The undefeated Green Bay Packers are ranked 31st, a direct correlation to their struggles running the ball.

''It's hard to set things up,'' Turner said. ''As a play-caller, you're constantly wanting to think a play or two ahead and try to set things up, and you have something in mind you want to run. And then you don't get a first down or you don't execute or you have a breakdown or whatever, it kind of kills the momentum.''

It's as if lobbyists have invaded the Halas Hall locker room. In one corner, you have those who want Devin Hester to become more involved in the offense. In another, there is a group clamoring for tight end Greg Olsen, the first-round pick, to get more action. Then there is the faction demanding Cedric Benson be handed the ball over and over.

There's only one football to go around.

''Anybody who's willing to go out there and make plays ... we need to find guys that make plays,'' quarterback Brian Griese said. ''Whether that starts with me and our offensive line giving us opportunity, to our tight ends to our receivers, we just need to make more plays in general as an offense. If those guys can provide those opportunities, yeah, give them a shot.''

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When Turner was named the coordinator, I was happy because of the previous coordinator, John Shoop. But, Turner has been almost as bad with his lack of creativity, player recognition and strengths, and deciding on the offense's identity. Are the Bears a passing or running team? Do the lineman need help in their assignments? How can Terrell Owens get open with the Dallas offense in Max Pass Pro and the Bears receivers unable to get open? Are there any audibles out of inside runs plays when the defense covers Olin Kreutz and the two guards? (chicagosportsblogs.com)

And, why does the backup quarterback only receive 20% of practice snaps and the third string none? What happens if the starter and backup go down? For example, a better breakdown of practice repetitions based on 50 snaps should be broken down into 5 groups of 10 repetitions. The first 10 reps should be 8 for the starter and 2 for the backup. The next 10 snaps should be 7 and 3, followed by 6 and 4. Then, 4 for the starter, 4 for the backup and 2 for the third stringer. And, ending with 2 for the starter, 4 for the backup, and 4 for the third stringer. Otherwise, if the starter goes down or needs to be replaced, the offense will have a chance to be successful.

Susan Rhein, Bears Superfan

So much for the quarterback switch.

I didn't see the game last weekend against Detroit because I was in the "Land of Cheese" last weekend celebrating my Goddaughter's 16th Birthday. But, from what I heard with regards to the game, I didn't miss much.

Looks like Rusty Griese needs to head back to the practice squad, and what about the three (3) interceptions I heard Rusty Griese had and only one touchdown. And to think that they switched Rusty Griese for Rex because Rusty Griese is a "more experienced/seasoned quarterback", so I keep getting told. Gee, it sounds more like Rusty Griese and Rex are taking plays from the same Ron Turner playbook so, maybe its not the quarterbacks fault after all.

GO BEARS

Walter Brzeski, Bears Superfan

Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Packers Fans (with apologies to Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings)

Mama don't let your babies grow up to be Packers Fans
Don't let 'em pick their noses and drive them old trucks
Make 'em be doctors and lawyers and such
Mama don't let your babies grow up to be Packers Fans
They'll never stay home and they're always alone
Even with someone they love
Packers Fans ain't easy to love and they're harder to hold
And they'd rather give you a piece of cheese then diamonds or gold....


In Chicago, Bears fans have all kinds of hobbies and fun things to do.


But, in Green Bay, Packers fans three favorite things come from an anagram of 'BRETT FAVRE"......"TV, BEER, FART"(community.foxsports.com)

(readymademag.com)

(www.freeclipartpics.com)


(www.freeclipartpics.com)



JOKE OF THE WEEK #1:

What do you get if you see a Packers fan buried up to his neck in sand?
More sand!

Dan Wise, Bears Superfan
Yesterday really brought the Bears back to reality. They have been confident of a return trip since to the Super Bowl since training camp and now face a tough road. Too many of the players have talked on TV shows and in the paper about how they are the best in the NFC. Every team is going to give the Bears their best game. I hope the talk is gone and some work is done to fix the the things they talk about time after time.
It was sickening when Grossman said he is just going to show up to work, because this is a job, until "they" decide to put him in. What a joker!! How about improving yourself and proving to the coaches and fans you give a rip. Every time he was on camera during the game he was smiling and laughing. There was really nothing funny going on.
There were some positives from yesterday. One was Griese gets a chance to work off some rust. I don't believe Grossman would have done any better than Griese at this point. The picks all came on plays to Berrian for some reason. What is up with him? A lot of catches but not being a consistently great player. A positive side on these injuries is getting to see if the draft picks can play. Jamar Williams, Kevin Payne, Trumaine McBride, Garrett Wolfe, Brandon McGowan are all getting playing time that they would not have seen. It will be good to know if Williams can play before Briggs leaves town. The defense really did an awesome job hanging in there even with the backups in there. And Hester is a stud.

Paul Bixby, Bears Superfan

*sigh*

It's so weird that with 21 of 22 starters coming back, it still feels like the "magic" is gone. It feels like such a waste after such a feel-good season as last year to wake up and feel like a Detroit fan usually does. Can only the Bears OR Green Bay be good in the same year? Can't they both have excellent teams so that when they meet, both fans get the best of their team instead of both feeling like they wasted three hours, one because his team forgot to show up, and the other because their team wasn't even challenged?

I missed yesterday's game, and didn't get it taped, but from what I heard, we don't stand a chance against Green Bay. I hope it isn't so.

By the way, I'm so glad that Griese came out to save the day. Maybe now all of those Rex-bashers will just shut up about the quarterback position and realize the problems lie in the running game and the weak offensive line.

Gail Freund, Bears Superfan

I hate Mondays, or any days, following a defeat. I've been at work three hours. So far I've heard that neither the Bears or Detroit are going anywhere this season, the Bears stink, they don't stand a chance next week, Green Bay is the "real deal". Then I get laughed at when I say the Bears will be all right. It's only four games into the season! Give them a chance. When did everybody's cup get half empty?

In the meantime---the team gets Victory Monday off. Fans deserve "The Agony of Defeat" Monday off.

GO BEARS!!