Susan Rhein, Bears Superfan

I just read on the Bears website that as of Tuesday, Cedric Benson was placed on the injred reserve list and that he will require surgery on his ankle. Best of luck to you Cedric, you'll be in my prayers.

Another note on the Bears website said that the Bears signed Offensive Lineman, Ryan Gibbons and terminated the contract of Safety, Brandon Sharp. It must be rough being a player on the practice squad of any team because, one week you're on the team and the next week your not.

GO BEARS

Susan Rhein, Bears Superfan

Don't give up hope just yet, the Bears are still in the Game for a Wildcard Playoff spot and wouldn't it just be like the Bears to come from behind for the rest of the 2007 Season and earn a spot in the Playoffs and then Win the SuperBowl.

Okay so I have filled my Christmas stocking with a lot of hopes and dreams and I've overloaded Santa's mail box with letters of hopes and prayers and well God has turned off his hearing aide because, he's tired of hearing from me too but, I'm like the Ant and the Rubber Tree Plant, I still have high hopes.

When the Bears opened up the 2nd half of their 2007 Season with a Win over the Raiders, I thought maybe the Bears Players had read my last blog but, when they played the Seahawks and Lost, I said oh no, I didn't congratulate them for a fabulous Win in the blog and that's why they lost so, when they fought like heck to bring home the Win against the Broncos, I knew I better get on the Blog and say WAY TO GO BEARS. I haven't given up hope and neither should the Bears Players, I still believe that the Bears can clinch a spot in the Wildcard Playoff but, the Bears need to (1) stay healthy and (2) win the rest of the games in the 2007 Season.

I just checked the standings for the remaining teams that the Bears have to play in the 2007 Season and as far as I can see, there isn't a team left that the Bears can't beat. Even with the Packers having a 10-1 rating, who was the team that gave the Packers that one loss, that's right, it was our beloved Bears and they did it in the Packers House.

So in my opinion, if the Bears Players buckle down and execute all plays properly, I really believe that the Bears will have a chance for the Wildcard Playoffs.

My condolences go out to the Washington Redskins and the family and friends of Safety, Sean Taylor.

GO BEARS

Gail Freund, Bears Superfan
The Bears certainly got the job done. What an exciting last quarter. And what miserable weather it was at the game. It's unfortunate that Cedric got injured and will be out the rest of the season, but Adrian should do just fine.

Yesterday on the Score a listener phoned in and suggested that the Bears trade Devin Hester for a first round draft pick. Do you think he was a Bears fan?

This Sunday should be interesting. The game is being billed as the meeting of the two Rex's...Grossman and "Rex" Manning. With almost identical records we should be able to get another victory.

My condolences to Sean Taylor's family, too.

GO BEARS!

Steve Serres, Bears Superfan

Walter, your analysis on the 3rd was straight-up perfect. I think we're playing for next year already. But if the O-line can hold up a little and give Adrian a chance it could be a little exciting.

On a sad note, my prayers are with the Redskins and the family and friends of safety Sean Taylor.

Walter Brzeski, Bears Superfan


Well, I tried to imagine ways for this season to be Bearable. But, it doesn't seem like our team is going too far this year. In today's game, I expect the Bears to come out and play a good game with Denver tightening up on the road. BEARS 27 BRONCOS 16

So, I thought a little humor might heal some wounds, starting with me.


Next, some Bears jokes......

Q: What do you call 53 people sitting around a TV watching the Super Bowl this year?
A: The Chicago Bears

Q: What's the difference between the Chicago Bears & a dollar bill?
A: You can still get four quarters out of a dollar bill.

Q: What do the Chicago Bears and Billy Graham have in common?
A: They both can make 70,000 people stand up and yell 'Jesus Christ!'.

And, a link to some Holiday humor (courtesy of www.elfyourself.com)

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9600303714

Gail Freund, Bears Superfan
During the first drive against Seattle I wondered who came out in the Bears' uniforms. Where did this offense come from? Was that really Cedric Benson who ran over 40 yards for a touchdown? Were the players that excited because Rex was back? Was this the new Rex who was just out there to have fun since he had nothing to lose? Was Cedric fired up since it was said that he was overweight and out-of-shape? Was Bernard going to show everyone why he should be the franchise player with the big, new contract?

Sure, it wasn't a terrible lopsided loss like if they had played the Pats. But with a 10-0 start they should have won. It seems like what some of the other bloggers have said is right. There have been too many changes in the coaching staff. There were relatively few player personnel changes, so it must have to do with the coaching. Poor Danieal Manning's head was swimming the first half with so many changes. His mind was as boggled as many of the fans. And what exactly did Lovie see last Sunday against the Raiders to say, "Rex is our quarterback"? Sure, Rex threw the touchdown that won the game...after he picked up that four-leaf clover when he was on the ground.

Next Sunday Denver at Soldier Field. Only 7 days away. Sometimes Sundays just roll around too quickly.

GO BEARS!

Gail Freund, Bears Superfan
It's been a slow two weeks. The only Bear staying in the news is Brian since he appears to be feuding with the Chicago press.

There's a nice article in today's Trib about how successful Chris Harris has been in Carolina. Of course. Kind of like everytime the Cubs have traded a soon-to-be Superstar. Chris is a nice fellow so I'm happy for him.

Rex took snaps in practice this week. Guess we shouldn't feel sorry for Kyle. He's got it made earning his check for never getting an opportunity to work...or never leaving the field beat-up.

Always the optimist, the Bears will not only beat Oakland today, but win 8 straight this second half.

On a more solomn note...some of you Bears Fans know Libby from Iowa. An avid Bears fan, Mike Brown fan and Kyle Orten fan...Libby and her friend, JoAnne, would come to Bourbonnais for almost a week each Training Camp. They also attended Family Night at Soldier Field, and this past year Libby came to the Bears Convention at the Hilton. I just had a call this morning that Libby died of a heart attack. What a shock, particularly considering how young Libby was. My condolences to her family. You'll be missed, Libby.

GO BEARS!

Dan Wise, Bears Superfan
This is a huge week for two players in the spotlight. Cedric Benson needs to have a great game. 100 yards plus is a must. This Raider defense is horrible against the run so why shouldn't he be able to rip them up. It is a huge test for him. Hopefully he does well so the Bears don't have to add running back to their growing list of off season needs. The same goes for Griese. If the offense "gets off the bus running" he should be able to play a good conservative game and rack up some nice yardage and NO INTERCEPTIONS. The Bears should win this game easily if they had such a productive week of practice as they said they had. As Bear fans we have to hope the second half of the season is positive.

Walter Brzeski, Bears Superfan


Well, after suffering through the Bears dismal loss to the Lions at home, I'm finally able to give my 'two cents' again after fixing my crashed computer. (Some might say it was a good thing it crashed) (www.clipartguide.com)************************************************************************************
PROGRAMMING ALERT!!!!
And, not only am I going to start blogging again. But, this Sunday night (11/4), I'll be in the fan's seat on CLTV's Weekly Sports Roundtable at 9:00PM, hosted by Lou Canellis. Let's hope I remember how to talk.
************************************************************************************

Anyways, back to the Bears and here are some of my thoughts on the season:

OFFENSIVELY:

1. The aging offensive line is really playing poor to awful this year. And, the biggest problem I see is with their inability to run inside because Olin Kreutz, Reuben Brown, and Roberto Garza aren't getting any movement at the point of attack (POA)and allowing the defense to push them back or clog up the 'A' gaps. Thus, this is a big reason why Cedric Benson isn't getting into the flow of the game; as he's consistently being hit behind the line of scrimmage (LOS). And, to get yards from Benson, the Bears have been trying to throw him the ball and this ISN'T one of his strengths. (www.nfl.com)
Also, the line has shown a lack of discipline by consistently getting whistled for false starts and creating 2nd or 3rd and long situations. The penalties put the Bears in definite pass or draw situations and forces Adrian Peterson into the game for Benson.

2. The inability of the Bears receivers to catch the ball and get open. (www.fotosearch.com/clip-art/brick.html)
3. Poor Quarterbacking decisions and fundamentals by both Brian Griese and Rex Grossman. If Griese falters against Oakland next week, will Grossman or Kyle Orton get the call?

4. Ron 'Dr. Evil' Turner's inability to settle on an offensive identity and unable to recognize his player's strengths.> (www.austinpowers.com)
5. Cedric Benson can't catch, block, or bring any enthusiasm to the team.

As a whole the best description I can give of the offense is that of a popcorn machine. When the kettle is hot (as the play is happening), different kernels (players) are popping off (making mistakes) all the time.> (www.clipartguide.com)

My thoughts on the DEFENSE, SPECIAL TEAMS, AND COACHES TO COME..............

Congratulations to Tommie Harris on being voted the recipient of the 2007 Ed Block Courage Award. He deserves it. Last week there was an article that he wanted suggestions from people on how the players could help stop the violence in the community. He said there was plenty of money and players available and willing to help. I think I read the article on wbbm780.com. He can be contacted through his website (www.tommieharris.com). Most of you probably already know, but you can help contribute to various players' charitable organizations simply by doing your searches on www.goodsearch.com. There is a drop-down box that lists the different foundations such as Tommie's, Peanut's, Lovie's. A contribution is given to the foundation of your choice each time you do a legitimate search. It's such an easy way to help out.

Let's be optimistic that the season can still be turned around after the bye week. It sure doesn't seem like the same team. The players just don't have that fire anymore. There isn't just one player or group that's having difficulties...it's everyone. Tommie said the fans need to believe...okay, I do.

GO BEARS!!