NFL: Chicago Bears Report

2008-11-26T12:39:00.001-06:00

Yeah, we beat the hell out of the Rams, but we have to bring our A-game to Sunday's game against the Vikings. Take a look at this analysis and prediction.

2008-10-30T08:53:00.000-05:00

Vote on Tuesday! November 4th is the day to get to the polls.

2008-10-16T14:29:00.001-05:00

Items that lead to divorce...oh. Those are for kids?

Ha!

2008-07-15T14:04:00.000-05:00

Do a search for Stephen Colbert and Bears, and I guess you should expect anything. Check this out: http://bearsagainstcolbert.com/blog/

Bad for Them, Good for Us

2008-07-02T14:00:00.002-05:00

Here's an interesting article by Rod Woodson, talking about how different offseason is these days. From the players' perspective, I have to admit it must suck. There really is no real break.

But from my point of view, it means the team is that much better, stronger, faster...plus, I am that much more entertained. Sorry, guys!

Not So Blue

2008-06-25T13:55:00.004-05:00

I bought some theater tickets online today, and it reminded me of how easy the internet makes everything. Need flowers for Mom? Order online and get them to her tomorrow! Need a last-minute flight? Visit a website and print out your e-ticket before rushing to the airport.

When the internet first became popular, it took me a while to warm up. But man do I love it now. I don't know how many really really really cold nights I spent camped outside, trying to get popular concert tickets. It was miserable. I was young and could take it, but ugh.

And now, the only discomfort I have is maybe some carpal tunnel. I can take that, no problem. Thanks, Al Gore.

Never count out the Bears

2007-10-22T14:42:00.000-05:00

Unbelievable - that's all I have to say. I missed the game, and then read this. Of all the games to skip out on... all the drives to miss...

I'd have given my left leg to have seen that one. 97 yards!

Buh-Bye Bears, says Tank Johnson

2007-06-27T16:52:00.001-05:00

After support, patience, second and third chances, and even visits in jail, looks like Tank Johnson’s finally worn out his welcome with the Chicago Bears.

Aww.

Chicago Bears vs. New Orleans Saints... again

2007-05-10T11:23:00.000-05:00

Looks like nothing's ever final, no matter how much we'd like it to be. The Chicago Bears beat the Saints last year, right? Fair and square, all the way, good and done. UNTIL.... rematch time, as the New Orleans Saints return to go up against the Chicago Bears again.

No worries, we'll beat 'em again. We did it once....

Soldier Field Tickets

2007-03-09T16:47:00.000-06:00

According to the press releases from the International Sports Movement the 2007 season will start with a price bump on your favorite seating section at Soldier Field. Their breakdown reports that "approximately 73 percent of all seats will have a $5 increase. The remaining non-club seats will have an increase of $8 or $9. Two of the three club seat categories will have an increase of $5 or $20, the third does not have an increase in 2007. The Bears non-club ticket prices now range between $65 to $104 dollars and account for approximately 85 percent of the seating at Soldier Field." That said, if you do a little searching there are some great ticket deals online (checkout gotchatix.com).

2007-01-16T16:16:00.000-06:00

Jason McKie expected to play against the Saints--powering through that sprained ankle.

KICK TANK JOHNSON OFF THE TEAM

2006-12-19T13:25:00.000-06:00

The Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson was arrested this last thursday when Chicago police found six unregistered firearms at his house. It was the third time in eighteen months that Johnson was arrested. Later in the evening on the 14th, Johnson's friend and bodyguard was shot to death in a nightclub where the two were hanging out. His future with the Chicago Bears is in limbo right now, and for good reason. I personally think they should kick him off the team permanently. He sets a bad example for all professional atheletes. No one should be above the law.

DAVID HESTER SETTING RECORDS!

2006-12-12T12:22:00.000-06:00

David Hester, the second-round draft pick for the Chicago Bears this year, had one hell of a game this last weekend. Fans were freakin' out in St. Louis when Hester set a NFL record with his 5th and 6th returns for touchdowns this season. The crowd started chanting, "Let's go, Bears!". Coach Lovie Smith said he almost felt like he was back home. Rex Grossman was looking better this week, too. The Bears just might go all the way!

STAND BY YOUR GROSSMAN

2006-12-05T11:40:00.000-06:00

So can Rex Grossman lead the Chicago Bears to a win this next week against St. Louis? That's the question that every Bears fan is asking themselves right now. If he can just react and stop overthinking it, he'll be fine. I think Coach Lovie is right. Grossman will not get any better by being sidelined. I look forward to seeeing the game this next week. I've got my ticket!

RICKY MANNING'S BAD BEHAVIOR

2006-11-30T13:09:00.000-06:00

So when I read stories about celebrities assaulting folks, I always wonder how the celebrity could let themselves get into that situation. Case in point, the Chicago Bears leading defensive back, Ricky Manning, has been charged with assaulting a man at Los Angeles Dennys. The news I read said he punched and kicked the man in the face until he lost consciousness. What the hell was he thinking? I have a feeling that whatever could have been said, it probably didn't warrant being beat unconscious. I hope he really learns that violence is not the answer.

Chicago Bears Brush Off Giants

2006-11-14T19:45:00.000-06:00

What we really brushed off was that foolish loss to Miami. I’m glad our Bears didn’t let that faze them, though I have to admit I was perturbed at their being down 13-10 at the half.

The second half was a whole nother game, including Grossman throwing three TD passes. Coolest of all was Devin Hester, and I mean cool as a cucumber, grabbing the Giants’ field goal that didn’t quite make it and just watching them mosey off the field, leaving him to take off and run 108 yards for a touchdown. That tied a record the Bears’ Nathan Vasher set last year—all but impossible to beat the record: where would you run from, the locker room?

Da Bears are looking bigger than giants these days!

I Knew It Was Coming

2006-11-06T19:17:00.000-06:00

The Bears’ perfect season was earned. It was no fluke. Still, I figured the odds on keeping the streak for 17 games…not good. What I expected, though, was a loss at Giants Stadium next week, or maybe in Foxboro at the hands of the New England Patriots.

So I knew a Chicago loss was coming. Just not in Chicago or delivered by the now 2-and-6 Miami Dolphins. Well, that’s just that much less pressure on the Bears on down the stretch. We can concentrate on the stats that really matter: the Ws.

Madden Likes Bears (and some other team)

2006-10-26T15:56:00.000-05:00

With the World Series going on, NBC football commentator John Madden had time for an interview with Scott Fowler, which I spotted on line. Most of it was about the Carolina Panthers, and a lot was about the Dallas Cowboys and the whole Bledsoe vs. Romo quarterback thing.

The part I cared about was the last remark: Madden thinks the best teams in the NFC right now are the New York Giants and the Chicago Bears. Naturally, I agree. Or at least I think he's half right.

Chicago Bears-Voting ends today!

2006-10-05T14:46:00.001-05:00

Voting is on for the FedEx Express NFL Player of the Week Award and quarter back Rex Grossman is a nominee! Voting ends today, Thursday at 5pm central standard time so what are you waiting for? I wonder if i still have time to get some tickets? If so i'll have to leave the game on at home for my dog.

Chicago Bears Want a Prettier One Against Seattle Seahawks

2006-10-01T17:46:00.000-05:00

It will be good to be back at my blog spot again--just so I don't undo the charm that my Chicago Bears seem to have with them so far this season! Last game (the 19-16 win over the Minnesota Vikings) especially seemed to hang on at least as much luck as skill. But undefeated is what we are, and undefeated we shall stay.

If we can beat the Seattle Seahawks, that is. Okay, the Seahawks were in the Super Bowl last year, and they would like to stay undefeated themselves. But Lovie Smith and da Bears like a challenge, and so do all the Chicago fans at Soldier Field and around the world who'll be cheering 'em on tonight!

Bears Hang On To Whole Team

2006-06-19T15:39:00.000-05:00

Looks like Lovie Smith and the Bears’ management know we’ve got a good thing going, because we’re going to have all 22 of our starters back. Of course, that includes Rex Grossman, too. One difference is that we’ve added Brian Griese to the team, just in case our starting QB needs backup. The whole season looks pretty solid to me right now. In June.

Chicago Bears fan crosses the lake into enemy territory.

2006-05-15T19:36:00.000-05:00

I have been watching a lot of NBA Playoff coverage and a few of the games. I am looking for the Detroit Pistons to win out against the Cleveland Indians. My brother would kill me if I didn’t. I think the Miami Heat have a good chance to beat the New Jersey Nets so I suppose the Pistons will meet them in the Eastern Conference Finals. Go Pistons!

Getting a little sweaty in the palms.

2006-04-18T20:27:00.000-05:00

I wish this draft would just happen. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not going to be able to fill all the holes before then so I am afraid this is a really important draft for us. All the speculation is just too much for me. I am going to have to hide out until after Draft Day. Just let me know what happens. I can’t watch.

It has been too long

2006-03-27T22:27:00.000-06:00

The Chicago Bears have acquired Brian Griese for the back up quarterback position. Rex Grossman will remain our starter of course and Kyle Orton is the third stringer. Some have said this will be our strongest line up at the quarterback position in five years. What do you think?

Bears Fan Convention this Weekend

2006-03-10T12:42:00.000-06:00

The Chicago Bears had a great 05-06 season and I think that was talked about at this year’s Bears Fan Convention. Bears QB Rex Grossman was available for autographs that evening, but only for children. I didn't go to the convention because I spent my hard earned cash on some great seats for the Chicago Bulls versus Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.

Confidence Can Take You Places

2006-02-10T17:49:00.000-06:00

The Chicago Bears are hopeful for winning at least a divisional title in 2006. Our goals are set high, no just because a wild card team just won the Super Bowl, but because we know that when we play to our potential we are champs.

Kobe Not a Wilt By Far

2006-01-23T16:51:00.000-06:00

I think that Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers is a great player and that he deserves a lot of praise for scoring 81 points in one game. People have been comparing him to Wilt Chamberlain and I think that is just because he is the second highest scorer under Wilt. I do not think that Kobe Bryant has the depth of talent or character to be compared to a basketball legend like Wilt Chamberlain.

Carolina Threatens Chicago Bears

2006-01-09T18:43:00.000-06:00

The Chicago Bears meet the Panthers on Sunday in their first NFC Championship game since 1998. Not even a loss could muddy the Bears fine reputation as a winning team this season. We had some great wins and our defense was consistently unstoppable in the regular season. The Panthers impressed the world last week with their complete shutout victory over the New York Giants. Eli Manning had a terrible game and was plagued by turnovers throughout the game. If we play it right and don’t get flustered we can surely overpower and out play Carolina with ease.

Bears Give Vikings the Win

2006-01-02T16:44:00.000-06:00

The Chicago Bears loss to the Minnesota Vikings really meant nothing. We rested a lot of our starters and tried to have a kind of bye week because we had already clinched a playoff spot. We allowed the Vikings the 34-10 because we didn’t need the victory and we had already earned a first-round bye. Our starters will be extra rested when we play our first playoff game at Soldier Field. We have the chance to play the Buccaneers, Giants or Panthers. The Bears could possibly get home-field advantage for the NFC Championship, if the Seahawks lose and we win our second-round playoff games. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope for a Super Bowl finish to this awesome season.

Bears Catch Favre in the Pocket

2005-12-27T18:52:00.000-06:00

The Chicago Bears won their game against the Green Bay Packers in the first half. There was no question who was the dominant team even as the Packers started scoring in the second half. Brett Favre looked terrible, throwing interceptions and spending way too much time in the pocket hunting for receivers. The result of his hesitation in the pocket was getting sacked by Tank Johnson and Alex Brown multiple times. This Bears fan enjoyed the game immensely but couldn’t help but wonder why Favre hasn’t retired. Nobody would deny his greatness but they may forget if they have to watch a repeat of the 2005 Packers season.

Green Feeds Bears Win

2005-12-20T18:44:00.000-06:00

Mike Green was feeling pretty bad after his poor performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He stepped up and put forth an outstanding performance against the Atlanta Falcons. He was responsible for two defensive interceptions and Green didn’t miss as many tackles as he had the previous Sunday. He put a powerful hit on Falcon Michael Jenkins that caused the ball to fly free and land in the hands of Nathan Vasher. Mike Green claims:

"I loved that one," Green said with a smile. "I was reading the quarterback's eyes.”

Not even Michael Vick could get a game going for the Falcons and the Bears defense was the dominant factor in that failure.

Orton Secure Once Again

2005-12-12T17:24:00.000-06:00

Despite the Chicago Bears loss to the Steelers on Sunday, there will be no change at the quarterback position for the Bears. Kyle Orton will continue to start after he threw for 207 yards of offense in the game and showed improvement over recent appearances. Orton even missed some wide open receivers that game, yet it was still an improvement. We have been winning games but Orton had been floundering against teams like the Green Bay Packers and many people thought that coach Lovie was going to replace him. But the team’s official site announces he will be staying where he is for now.

Berrian Comeback a Winner

2005-12-05T17:36:00.000-06:00

The Chicago Bears expertly stomped the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field this Sunday. Bernard Berrian finally got to play this week and he showed up to play a great game. Bernard had been out with an injured thumb that obviously healed well because his performance on the field was stellar. The Bears got quite a few first downs off catches by wide receiver Bernard Berrian. He caught two passes from Kyle Orton that led to two field goals and the win for the Bears. Bernard was given a lot of deep passes and he made big plays out of those chances.

Bears Stomp Bucs, Packers are Next!

2005-11-30T17:18:00.000-06:00

The Chicago Bears played a strong game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and won 13-10. It wasn’t a high scoring game and Chris Simms made some great plays for the Bucs. The Bears defense won this game with their fierce pass rush, sacking Simms four times, and by allowing the Buccaneers only one touchdown. Tampa Bay had a chance to tie the game and things got pretty tense on this fans couch, but Bucs’ kicker Matt Bryant missed a field goal in the final minutes, sealing their fate. This is our seventh consecutive win and we are planning on Green Bay being the eighth.

The Bears are coming off a hard schedule and have long awaited this rivalry match up with the Green Bay Packers. It is no secret that Brett Favre and the Packers are not having the best season. Nonetheless we are taking this game very seriously and will add the Packers to our list of wins next Sunday.

Defense Wins the Day

2005-11-22T10:28:00.000-06:00

The Chicago Bears were stellar against the Carolina Panthers using their number one ranked defense to shut out the number one ranked team in the NFC South. The Carolina Panthers were held to three points just as we did to the Vikings earlier in the season. Alex Brown was on fire with two sacks and Adewale Ogunleye got three sacks for the game which helped him to surpass Brian Urlacher for highest number of sacks on the Bears team. Kyle Orton had a lot of time in the pocket as the Panthers defense failed to break through the Bears’line once, earning no sacks this game. The Bears showed that they are a determined and disciplined team proving why they have the best defense in the league.

Blowing Out the 49ers

2005-11-16T13:29:00.000-06:00

The infamous high winds of Chicago, Illinois made an appearance at Sunday’s game and fought an angry defense against both sides. Nathan Vasher, in a moment of genius, anticipated the wind’s effect on a field goal kick and caught the ball as it was blown off course. He ran 108 yards to score a touchdown for the Chicago Bears. The San Francisco 49ers never knew what hit them as the wind aided the Bears in their 17-9 win. With all the havoc the wind was making we still saw a skillful and organized game from the Bears as we have these past five wins. Can they keep this intensity into the playoffs?

Getting Defensive

2005-06-14T09:26:00.000-05:00

The Chicago Bears have always been known as tough and ‘gritty’ team. Payton was a good example and so was the “Fridge”. I think now the Bears have an extreme example of being tough. That example lies within defensive tackle Terry “The Tank” Johnson. Johnson was arrested this past week on gun charges. Nothing to serious.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they changed his named to Terry “The Gun” Johnson...Ha-ha…j/k

The Product

2005-06-01T16:29:00.000-05:00

I happen to be a Texas native and huge University of Texas fan. Now I get to see one of the Longhorns products play for my favorite team, da’ Bears. Nathan Vasher came from UT as an undersized corner back.

He stands at 5-10 and weighs 177 pounds, which makes him as big as me. But the guy has skill. Vasher is very agile, has great ball skills, speed, and can jump better than the rest. He makes a great nickel back for now, but with McQuarters gone, expect to see a lot more of Vasher.

Round n' Round

2005-05-29T16:09:00.000-05:00

Money seems to make the world go round. It also makes the world of sports go round, especially football. Players jump different teams all the time and because of the new salary cap rule that allows veteran players to receive more money with out it counting against the salary cap, their has been 93 different players who have changed teams. An example of the new rule is kicker Doug Brien. Brien will earn $750 thousand dollars but only $450 thousand of it will count against the cap.

Out the Door

2005-05-24T15:39:00.000-05:00

It is official the Bears released cornerback R.W. McQuarters. The Bears have solid depth at the secondary position, but they may regret this move later on in the season. In this day of age of overpriced cornerbacks, McQuarters should very well find a well-paying job sooner than most would expect. Teams are always on the look out for a skilled punt returner.

Better Days

2005-05-18T19:02:00.000-05:00

It seems that days of being a Bear are coming to an end to cornerback R.W. McQuarters. McQuarters was drafted by the 49ers and then let go a couple of years later after not living up to his full potential.

It is said that he McQuarters would be on the trading block for as low as a 7th round draft pick. If that is what McQuarters is worth to the Bears don’t expect him to be on the roster this upcoming season.

Looking for an Option

2005-05-11T18:22:00.000-05:00

from Foxsports.com

The team is still looking for another option at strongside linebacker and is expected to sign a potential starter at the position, perhaps before the start of minicamp on May 21.

Anthony Simmons and former Bear Warrick Holdman are thought to be among the players capable of coming in and starting ahead of Hunter Hillenmeyer, who is better suited at middle linebacker where he's the top reserve behind Brian Urlacher.

The team has an excellent tandem in Urlacher and Lance Briggs and would like another player with great range to plug in next to them on the strong side.

Who's Number 1

2005-05-06T15:36:00.000-05:00

The decision to draft Purdue QB Kyle Orton in the fourth round solidifies the fact the 2005 season comes down to Rex Grossman-or-bust at the quarterback position. The team said it wanted to bring in a veteran quarterback after last year's debacle in which four different players started at the position after Grossman went down. Instead, it settled on Chad Hutchinson, signed off the scrap heap late last year, to perform that roll. GM Jerry Angelo said after the draft that the team was not trying to create competition for Grossman because the decision was made a couple of years ago that he would be the No. 1 guy and "we want to see that come to fruition." The problem is that Grossman, like everyone the team uses at that position, has proven fragile, suffering two serious injuries in six starts over two years.

The Bears have needed at least two starting quarterbacks for nine straight years, including at least three in seven seasons. All of which means Orton may find his way on the field a lot sooner than anyone expects. Craig Krenzel, a fifth-round pick last year, may end up in training camp, but is now a long shot to make the team. He won his first three starts last year and had a 3-2 record as starting quarterback.

The Glass Kid

2005-04-18T13:56:00.000-05:00

We have talked many of times about the status of quarterback Rex Grossman and this entry will be no different. The simple fact of the matter is; Grossman is supposed to be the Bears franchise quarterback. With that type of value behind the kid, Grossman will be the topic on Coach Lovie Smith’s mind since Grossman is still healing up from his surgically repaired knee from last season.

The Bears hold the number 4 pick in this years NFL draft. Look for the Bears to keep in investing in their ‘glass kid’ even though they will probable draft a quarterback on the first day.

Grossman has been throwing the pigskin of recent and is supposed to start taking snaps under center when the Bears minicamp starts on the 21st of May. Of course if the season started today Grossman could not play, but the upside is that Grossman will be ready for full contact once the season is underway.

Another Report

2005-04-09T13:09:00.000-05:00

from Foxsports.com

Running back Thomas Jones is coming off his best season as a professional, but he suffered through another losing season in a star-crossed career that has taken him from Arizona to Tampa Bay and Chicago. He produced a career-high 948 rushing yards and added 56 receptions to become the first player to lead the team in both those categories since Neal Anderson in 1989. So why are the Bears talking about taking a running back with the No. 4 pick in the April draft? There are a couple of reasons. Anthony Thomas was not offered a contract to return once he hit unrestricted free agency, and there are differing opinions within the organization if Jones will suit the new offense under Ron Turner. Jones was brought in as a perfect fit for the old system that was based on the St. Louis and Kansas City offenses. He's a cutback runner with breakaway speed who uses excellent vision and patience to break plays. He might not be the ideal fit for a power running game. Still, his excellent hands and route-running ability make him a double threat out of the backfield, and he will have a significant role in 2005.

Scouting Report

2005-03-30T17:23:00.000-06:00

from Foxsports.com

Defensive tackle Tommie Harris should be even better following a stellar rookie season after undergoing what the team has called a routire arthroscopic procedure on his right knee. Harris is a high-motor, gap-shooting tackle who fits perfectly in coach Lovie Smith's defensive scheme. He started all 16 games as a rookie after leaving Oklahoma following his junior year and finished with 58 tackles, including six for loss and added 3.5 sacks. Harris is capable of disrupting passing attacks because he has some rush moves to go with speed and quickness. He is relentless in the pursuit of quarterbacks and runners and is athletic enough to make plays on the backside.

The Hard Truth

2005-02-14T11:09:00.000-06:00

from Foxsports.com

The team is pleased Rex Grossman is recovering well from his knee injury, and new offensive coordinator Ron Turner is predicting great things for Grossman in what will be his fifth offensive system in as many years, including college.

But the sad truth is that the team can't rely on Grossman alone after going through four starters a year ago and seeing Grossman pick up two serious injuries in six games. The team isn't going anywhere until the quarterback position is solved, and while Grossman may be the answer it would be foolish to consider it a done deal.

Better Days

2005-02-03T13:50:00.000-06:00

Just like most things in life, it is left to right, and starting with the offensive line-men for the Bears are just the same, and the left tackle Mike Gandy who has never played to his best.

It’s been better days for John Tait who might have to play on the left side if a solution doesn’t arise in time for the next season.

The Grossman Project

2005-01-24T09:57:00.000-06:00

In the 2003 draft the Chicago Bears drafted QB Rex Grossman in the first round, in hope to build an offensive around him for the future of the franchise. The problem is that he is not a franchise quarterback. Not because he doesn't have the talent but because of his lack of play. See in 2003 he missed the last three games of the season and in 2004 he missed every game after week 3 due to injury.

If Grossman can come back healthy for a full 16 games the coaches might actually have a chance to evaluate him at a constancy. Well the new Offensive Coordinator, Ron Turner, will make sure of that.

Season of Disappointment

2005-01-10T11:19:00.000-06:00

It hurts when you see a team win a playoff game knowing your team beat them or knowing your team has just as good as a chance as any. That seems to be the case this year in the NFC. The Vikings who are the wild card team that beat the Packers where 8-8 going into the playoffs, and it is not like the Bears didn't beat both those teams this year.

"There's disappointment, Normally you set 10 as that magic number to get into the playoffs and we have teams that are 8-8 in this year and we were close. I've looked over our season and there were a lot of games we could have easily won. I think most of us that are not in the playoffs right now are thinking that way. If we could have done a little more, we could have had a happy ending to the season." - coach Lovie Smith

Explanation not good Enough

2004-12-27T19:06:00.000-06:00

By Larry Mayer, from the official site of the Chicago Bears

After further review, the Bears still believe that they were victimized by an incorrect call late in Sunday's 19-13 loss to the Detroit Lions.

Bernard Berrian's apparent 43-yard touchdown reception would have given Chicago the lead with 1:26 remaining, but field judge Lee Dyer ruled that the rookie receiver was out of bounds.

Though Berrian clearly got both feet in-bounds, referee Terry McAulay upheld the decision that it was an incomplete pass, explaining after a replay review that the ball moved when the receiver hit the ground.

A day later, the NFL backed its officials and did not offer the Bears an apology.

"The ruling on it was that we didn't have control," coach Lovie Smith said Monday after discussing the matter with the league office. "Bernard had two feet in-bounds as we all know. The NFL office is saying that he didn't have control when he landed out of bounds.

"Just because you have two feet in-bounds doesn't mean that it's a catch if you land out of bounds without control. That's what they say the ruling was based on. Of course, I still see it differently and we'll move from there."

Watching replays of the disputed call on the scoreboard, Bears players celebrated while Lions coach Steve Mariucci and quarterback Joey Harrington huddled on the sideline to discuss plans for a two-minute drill with no timeouts remaining.

"I thought it might have been a touchdown like you did," Mariucci told a reporter after the game.

Had the field judge not incorrectly ruled that Berrian was out of bounds, there likely wouldn't have been enough evidence to reverse the decision after a replay review.

"I don't think that he had a good view to really make the call," Smith said. "He went with that. Once they review it, though, now everything comes into play (including) this official ruling that they're going on now (that Berrian didn't have control).

"Initially, the official down there said that he was out of bounds; that he did not get two feet in-bounds. Of course that wasn't the case. But once they looked at it and they had a chance to look at it over and over like we have, that's what the ruling said."

While Smith remains convinced that the Bears should have been awarded a touchdown, he's turning his attention to Sunday's season finale against the Green Bay Packers.

Bernard Berrian holds the ball aloft after being ruled out of bounds.
"You know what I saw," he said. "I saw-with my great vision that I have-two feet in with possession as he went down. That's what I think I saw. That's what a lot of Bear fans I think saw from it. I still say the same thing and I have looked at it a few times to say the least. I did look at it a few times. Now we're looking at Green Bay."

The Bears committed eight penalties in Sunday's loss, raising their season total to 120, two short of the team record set in 1948. Chicago has the youngest squad in the NFL and a first-year head coach, but Smith doesn't think officials are unfairly targeted the Bears because of those factors.

"I can't look at it that way at all," he said. "I have to think that all officials go out there and make the right call based on how they see it. They don't even really care who the two teams are that are playing at the time. That's the only way for us to look at it. That's the only way we will."

Offense costs Bears in Loss

2004-12-13T14:22:00.000-06:00

by Larry Mayer, from the official of the Chicago Bears.com

The offensive resurgence sparked by new Bears quarterback Chad Hutchinson came to an abrupt end Sunday in Jacksonville.

One week after throwing a career-high three touchdown passes in his first start in a win over the Vikings, Hutchinson failed to lead a woeful offense into the end zone in a crushing 22-3 loss to the Jaguars that all but eliminated the Bears from playoff contention.

"We had our backs up against the wall," said coach Lovie Smith. "It was a disappointing loss. A goal of ours was to get to 9-7. Of course we felt we had to win this game. We put an awful lot on the game as far as having to win it and we didn't get that done."

In a performance reminiscent of when quarterbacks Jonathan Quinn and Craig Krenzel were directing the offense, the Bears mustered 210 total yards and 10 first downs, converted just 2 of 12 third-down opportunities and yielded a back-breaking safety.

Overwhelmed by an onslaught of Jacksonville blitzes, Hutchinson completed 17 of 33 passes for 212 yards with five sacks, one interception and a lost fumble as the Bears (5-8) lost for the third time in four games since a three-game winning streak.

"I felt good, but that's the NFL," Hutchinson said.

Adding injury to insult, Brian Urlacher limped off the field late in the game after injuring his left hamstring. The Pro Bowl middle linebacker missed the entire preseason and two regular season games with a pulled right hamstring.

When asked about the severity of the injury, Smith said: "As far as how bad, I don't really know. Hamstring, that kind of tells you all you need to know. So we'll see and go from there."

Though the Bears offense registered its lowest point total of the season, Smith spread the blame for the loss. The defense allowed Byron Leftwich to pass for 242 yards and 2 TDs without being sacked and Paul Edinger missed a field goal that would have drawn the Bears to within 7-3.

Send in a question for Lovie Smith to answer on Bears Insider Monday at 6 p.m. on WSCR 670 AM.

"Offensively, we never really got into a rhythm," Smith said. "We weren't able to really establish the run. We hit a few passes here and there, but we weren't able to finish the job. Defensively, I felt like we were able to slow them down as far as the run was concerned, but they were able to get some big pass plays on us.

"You can't blame one group. It was a team loss for us."

Penalties killed the Bears. They were flagged 13 times for 104 yards and had two other infractions declined by the Jaguars.

The two costliest fouls were committed by the defense: a phantom illegal contact call against safety Mike Green on a third-down incompletion gave the Jaguars a first down en route to their first touchdown and a roughing-the-passer penalty on cornerback Charles Tillman wiped out a turnover and led to a Jacksonville field goal.

"Either we're that undisciplined or something was wrong today," said defensive end Alex Brown. "We don't make that many penalties, but for some reason they got called. When something went right for us, they'd bring it back. It was crazy out there."

The Bears held running back Fred Taylor to 79 yards on 21 carries, but they were hurt through the air.

Leftwich's 6-yard TD pass to rookie receiver Reggie Williams gave the Jaguars a 7-0 lead with 3:18 left in the first quarter.

The Bears seemingly had stopped Jacksonville when Green broke up a third down pass intended for receiver Ernest Wilford. But Green was penalized for illegal contact, giving the Jaguars a first down at the 7.

After opening the game with four straight three-and-out possessions, Hutchinson's 45-yard pass to Thomas Jones put the Bears in scoring position. But Edinger hooked a 47-yard field goal attempt wide left with 11:28 remaining in the second quarter.

The Jaguars (7-6) were about to double their lead, but Leftwich's apparent 33-yard TD pass to wide open tight end Todd Yoder was nullified by a holding penalty on left tackle Bob Whitfield.

Edinger's 42-yard field goal cut the deficit to 7-3 with 1:44 left in the half. Hutchinson's 38-yard strike to rookie Bernard Berrian gave the Bears a first down at the 12. But blitzing linebacker Jason Gildon sacked Hutchinson for a loss of 14 on third-and-eight from the 10.

The Jaguars responded by marching 56 yards on eight plays, extending their lead to 10-3 on Josh Scobee's 30-yard field goal with :31 left in the half.

Scobee's 25-yard field goal widened the margin to 13-3 with 5:36 remaining in the third quarter. The kick followed a 15-yard penalty on Tillman that nullified a takeaway.

Green stripped Yoder after a 4-yard reception and Urlacher returned the fumble 11 yards to the Chicago 32. But Tillman was flagged for delivering a forearm shiver just under Leftwich's facemask after the quarterback had released the ball.

After Chris Hanson pinned the Bears at their own 4 with a 50-yard punt, blitzing linebacker Daryl Smith sacked Hutchinson in the end zone for a safety, widening the margin to 15-3 with 13:48 left in the fourth quarter.

Blitzing constantly, the Jaguars took advantage of a Bears offensive line that was missing left guard Ruben Brown, who's out for the season following neck surgery, and right tackle John Tait, who missed his second straight game with a sprained right knee.

"They brought a lot more blitzes than we had seen on film," said center Olin Kreutz. "I've said it a thousand times: communication is my job. It's my job to put the guys on the right guys and if guys are confused out there, that's my fault. They blitzed a lot and I didn't get it done."

Leftwich's 31-yard TD pass to Smith on third-and-27 gave the Jaguars a 22-3 lead four
minutes later. Smith beat Tillman to the right corner of the end zone on an all-out blitz. Tillman was flagged for pass interference on the play and then penalized for being offside on the extra point.

After two short completions gave the Bears a first down at the Jacksonville 31, Hutchinson's pass into double coverage intended for David Terrell was intercepted by safety Donovin Darius near the goal line.

Rookie Nathan Vasher registered his team-leading fifth interception of the season late in the game, returning the pick 38 yards to the Jacksonville 15. But Hutchinson was pressured into three incompletions and was sacked on a drive that typified Chicago's offensive frustrations.

Smith couldn't hide his disappointment after the Bears were all but mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, but the first-year coach vowed that there would be better days ahead.

"I'm still surprised at the way we played," Smith said. "I thought that we would play better. We don't know the reason why. Our preparation was good last week.

"You're going to have games like this and I think it's as simple as that. It was a bad game for us at the wrong time, but we'll have our day. We have three more to go and we'll have a smile on our face before long."

Colombo to Roster, Gandy Waived

2004-11-08T16:25:00.000-06:00

By Larry Mayer

LAKE FOREST, Ill. - The Bears on Monday added offensive tackle Marc Colombo to the 53-man roster and waived guard Mike Gandy.

Marc Colombo has been sidelined for two years with a dislocated left knee.
An excruciating two-year odyssey ended Oct. 20 when Colombo finally returned to practice for the first time since dislocating his left knee in a Monday night loss at St. Louis on Nov. 18, 2002.

The 29th selection in the first round of the 2002 draft, Colombo was just beginning to develop when he suffered the devastating injury. Damage to the femoral nerve, which supplies sensation and helps straighten the leg, prevented him from regaining strength in his quadriceps muscle.

But that problem has subsided and Colombo feels that he possesses enough strength and flexibility to continue a once-promising career.

Gandy, a fourth-year pro, started five games at right guard this season but missed the last two contests with a hamstring injury. He was replaced by Rex Tucker, who is back on the field after missing 33 straight games with three different injuries.

Tucker's return, along with the presence of Pro Bowl left guard Ruben Brown and backup Steve Edwards, who started all 16 games at left guard last season, made Gandy expendable.

In other roster news, the Bears announced that defensive tackle Darrell Campbell will begin his three-week practice window on Wednesday.

Campbell has spent the entire season on the reserve/non-football injury list and will be able to practice with the team for the next 21 days before having to be removed from the reserve roster on Dec. 1. Campbell is an undrafted rookie out of Notre Dame.

Chance for redemption soon.

2004-10-18T15:35:00.000-05:00

Our loosing streak has hit 3, and we have a oppurtunity to end it right here.Quinn(``I'm not hitting passes. Guys are there and I miss them,'' Quinn said. ``The fans are frustrated. I'm frustrated. Everybody's frustrated.'') has had a series of games which he wants to forget a.s.a.p. We lost to a weak team yesterday, which doesn't say much for us, but we have to keep our heads up high, because the next 2 games are games that could lift us up back to playing form. They are teams struggling like us, so its either make or break it in the next couple of games. Lets find the rope in the hole we've dug ourselves into and get out! GO BEARS!

We need to jump on the weak teams

2004-10-11T13:13:00.000-05:00

From sports.yahoo.com

After four games the Bears are tied for last place in the NFC North with the Green Bay Packers at 1-3.

The Bears' first four opponents have compiled a cumulative 9-5 record, and even though their only victory came against the 1-3 Packers, it was still significant in that Green Bay had won 18 of the previous 20 meetings.

The next four opponents, the Redskins, Buccaneers, 49ers and Giants, are a combined 4-12. If the defense plays as well against its upcoming opponents as it did in holding the Packers to 10 points and the Eagles to 19, a .500 record at the halfway point isn't out of reach.

Lately we have been playing nowhere clost to our potential, and the next couple of games we have the worse teams in the NFL. If we can get a leg up on them, we could really boost our confidence to atleast try to get back in the playoff race. We are being plagued with injuries and unless we can get out there and sort of "forget" about the injuries for about 3 hours, we won't get past the fact we are missing people.

New Qb, Tough opponent.

2004-09-30T16:21:00.000-05:00

From sports.yahoo.com:

In what's become an all-too-regular occurrence lately, the Bears will have someone new at quarterback for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. This time it's Jonathan Quinn, forced into the starting lineup after Rex Grossman's season-ending knee injury.

It seems like they get our players in the worst of times. We are going to have to face a NFL Powehouse and its going to be without a regular QB. We have been playing games out to the bitter end and I know if we play like we did against the Packers, we can pull of the win. Now lets get out there and support Grossman and our Bears!

Doesn't look easy this Year

2004-09-23T15:01:00.000-05:00

With every team in the NFC North atleast having 1 win out of 2, it doesnt appear that we are going to get to the playoffs without roughing it through. To make things even harder against the Vikings, Charles Tillman is out with a hairline fracture and it is in the hands of either Todd McMillon or rookie Nathan Vasher to get this defense back inshape to get ready for Randy Moss and the Viking Offense. Lets hope this isn't too much of a problem. I would love to see the expressions on the Vikings fans like we did last week with the Packers. Make it 2 Bears!

We need to tune out the media

2004-09-14T16:16:00.000-05:00

I'm starting to think that whenever the Bears mess up, and the media blows it up, we dont learn from our mistakes, but we dwell on them. After a dissappointing season last year, we couldn't pull off the 17-20 loss against the Lions. It makes me sad that we couldn't take advantage of the Lion's bad playing. Instead, we had to play down to their level. It seems to me that unless we can get something to pump our Bears up this year, it won't get better. So lets go guys and show the Media and all the Sports people out there that we aren't going to have a loosing season again, and that our last game was just a mistake!

Half and Half

2004-09-06T15:51:00.000-05:00

After loosing to the Browns this weekend, we have gone half and half on the preseason. But I think the thing that was more suprising was...

Veteran defensive lineman Bryan Robinson, who had been with the Chicago Bears since 1998, was among 20 players cut Sunday as the team pared its roster to 53

Lets see if the preseason will be better than this preseason. Go Bears!

Satisfied

2004-08-28T15:34:00.000-05:00

Even though we lost one game last night( 13-17 against the Saints), I'm trying to keep optimistic since we won 2 aswell. Its definatley an improvement on last year so lets cross our fingers for the playoffs this year. Next friday they are going to be playing Browns, so lets get out the fields and support our Bears!

Maybe a Winning Streak in the Preseason?

2004-08-19T15:57:00.000-05:00

With a victory over the Rams....
From sports.yahoo.com:

The Chicago Bears overcame a whopping 19 penalties for 160 yards, capitalizing on Ahmad Merritt's 87-yard kickoff return at the start of overtime in a 13-10 preseason victory over the St. Louis Rams on Thursday night.

.. we are starting off this season with a flare in hopes it will be a much better one than the last. With a whole new list of rookies, the season is looking up even though it hasn't even started. Lets get em' Bears!

Lets have a good season

2004-08-10T13:41:00.000-05:00

Im excited to get this season started this year, especially with the draft of Nathan Vasher( Texas... my school). Heres an update on the draft picks.

From sports.yahoo.com:
1
14 (14)
Tommie Harris
DT
Oklahoma

2
15 (47)
Terry Johnson
DT
Washington

3
15 (78)
Bernard Berrian
WR
Fresno St.

4
14 (110)
Nathan Vasher
CB
Texas

4
16 (112)
Leon Joe
OLB
Maryland
(from San Francisco)

5
15 (147)
Claude Harriott
DE
Pittsburgh
(from San Francisco)

5
16 (148)
Craig Krenzel
QB
Ohio St.

7
14 (215)
Alfonso Marshall
CB
Miami (FL)

Lets see how things end up this year. Go Bears!

Bears Schedule

2004-07-28T16:23:00.000-05:00

Hey, here's the 2004 Chicago Bears schedule:

2004 Preseason
Date Opponent Time/Result
Aug. 12 at St. Louis 8:00 p.m.
Aug. 21 San Francisco 8:30 p.m.
Aug. 27 New Orleans 8:30 p.m.
Sept. 3 at Cleveland 8:00 p.m.

2004 Schedule
Date Opponent Result
Sept. 12 Detroit 1:00 p.m.
Sept. 19 at Green Bay 1:00 p.m.
Sept. 26 at Minnesota 1:00 p.m.
Oct. 3 Philadelphia 1:00 p.m.
Oct. 10 Open Date
Oct. 17 Washington 1:00 p.m.
Oct. 24 at Tampa Bay 1:00 p.m.
Oct. 31 San Francisco 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 7 at New York Giants 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 14 at Tennessee 1:00 p.m.
Nov. 21 Indianapolis 1:00 p.m.
Nov. 25 at Dallas 4:35 p.m.
Dec. 5 Minnesota 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 12 at Jacksonville 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 19 Houston 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 26 at Detroit 1:00 p.m.
Jan. 2 Green Bay 1:00 p.m.

All times are Eastern

New Bears blog

2004-07-22T13:53:00.000-05:00

Hey folks, just getting all set up with this blog, i'll start posting on it soon, so come back!