Alaskan Grizzly

And I think, lending to Jason's insight, that is where plays like that are reviewed for consistency and graded by the peer group. In other words, if I understand correctly, after each game all officials are graded based on their performance. Obviously they (refs) want to be able to eventually gain the noteriety to officiate in the 'big game' so the lower the score, the less chance they get. The LAST thing we need to do is make the game longer by reviewing reviews.

The Bears/Ravens had a similar "trade off" with identical calls. Not necessarily identical plays. The first was a horse collar I think on Jeffery early in the game. Looked like the defender grabbed the back of the jersey to tackle him. Wasn't a horse collar but the manner in which Jeffery fell looked like it. And later in the game Bowman (I think) committed a similar tackle but his hand was more in the vicinity of the actual collar. Then the second example was Julius' roughing the passer play where Flacco started his feet first slide and in an attempt to do the same Peppers bumped Flacco at the end of his slide. Ridiculous call. But later immediately after McCown threw the ball a defender pushed off McCown with two hands who then "flopped" to the ground. Penalty Ravens. So yes, in a manner of speaking, sometimes they do have a tendency to even out.

OMG Crack, aren't games long enough?!?!

This just puts an emphasis on the remaining schedule and how premium the need for winning is. The upcoming games with STL, DAL and PHI are not ones to be taken lightly.

The best arguement similar to what you're referring to is when a ball is tipped while in route to the receiver. If a receiver and defender are locked up, pushing and shoving, while the ball is in its route and it gets tipped, then no penalty. This wasn't really that case. Was Gronk intending to "go to the back of the endzone"? Possibly. Was he impeded in doing that? No. Was Brady's pass intended to go to the back of the endzone? Probably. Did Brady's pass not make it to the intended point? Probably. Could have Gronk tried to return to an errant pass? Maybe. Was he impeded in making that move back to catch an underthrown pass? Didn't look like he tried. These are all things that were considered (according to the later explanations from the officiating folks) and not an easy choice to be made in the heat of the moment. I'm sure it was covered in the post play conference they had on the field. And Gak if you're so against officials making bad calls that determine team's fates, maybe you should have watched the Seattle-GB game last year in Seattle. I think a fair number of GB fans would say that call made a lot of difference in the season that year. I know they were substitute refs but nevertheless, the call stood.

Be careful in saying that just because former players say its wrong, it must be. One of those guys (at least last night) was Dilfer aka "Corndog". I think it was explained pretty well ... after the fact. I think the fact that the ref didnt explain the call is what irked many more than anything. However would that same call been made ...in similar fashion...randomly through any other game...probably not. I do have to admit that watching the smug Brady get it wrong was enriching. Lastly, why would you cheer for Carolina? They are in contention for an NFC spot. They or NO will get the NFC South at this rate, the other .. A much valued wildcard.

Have to agree. Although the defense is young (how many starters out right now?) the potential is there for a strong group. A lot of young unpolished talent. Props to Emery on that. And yes the penalties nearly did the team in. 100+ yards is pretty uncharactersitic for this team, and potentially a killer.

Funny how history repeats itself and we find ourselves talking about McCown in the positive light....again

One positive: Lions are down (so far) to Pitt

Wouldn't be so sure that Reed paired back up with Ryan is "done". Only time will tell. IMHO, the Jets made a good move.

I have always been a fan of Reed's. Playability or no, I think he could contribute if for nothing else as a veteran in a rapidly depleting defense. And for what it's worth, I think the only coach he really 'threw under the bus' was Interim HC Phillips. I think it safe to say Phillips really isn't all that great a coach. Recall his years with Dallas? Reed probably wasn't all that far off in his "out coached" statement. I just think the timing was really bad....with Kubiak down and Phillps' dad Bum passing the week before. A lot of raw nerves there. So the question to ask, would a team be responsible for any or all of the remaining years on Reed's three year deal? 15 million total? I think Houston is on the hook for this year, which would help Chicago but perhaps I'm way off(???)

I would have to ask some of the same questions as some of the comments. How about Ed Reed (at safety) or Asohmgua? Would either cost too much? Not as enthused by Reed now that it appears he's at the tail end of career but would he be better than Conte?

Nice link. It does indeed break down the play and allow you to see what transpired. I remember during the game saying that if there four guys in the area of Bennett, someone somewhere had to be open. Sure enough at the top is Forte waiting for what would have been an easy screen play and score. Marshall and Jeffery are locked on their coverage so they could of blocked those players. The only real free player looked to be the SLB (or NB cant quite tell) which easily could have been blocked by Long. This play epitomizes the bad issues (see habits) with Cutler and his gunslinger mentality. Thusly his propensity to the turnover, especially in the red zone.

Well you answered the question about how well Osweiller can run the offense in Manning's absence. The answer is 'unknown'. Not the same issue in Chicago. As far as playing for a bye in the playoffs versus being in the playoffs, I would ask Manning if he thinks its worth his long term health to decide that answer. Since they (Denver) are probably going to be in the playoffs regardless of how they do against KC, then if I were advising him the option it would be to sit. But being the NFL, its a business, they (KC) are a rival, they are doing well....then Manning probably plays. Chicago was playing for 1st place in the division and a playoff spot so having Cutler start, if he was able, made sense. However it was apparent pretty early that he couldn't sustain it. ..... Instead you put your backup in a difficult place (with only two mins to play and down by 8) to produce. Would have been nice for him to at least have the opportunity to come in and get some of the kinks worked out before being put in that predicament.

The question should be asked, who is Manning's back up and how well does he run the offense in his absence? Are they (Broncos) playing for playoff positioning vs just getting in the playoffs? Or because they want to just beat the Chiefs? I agree, to an extent, if a player is cleared to play he should play. But there are exceptions already out there (Vick in Philly and Schaub in Houston) where the backups are doing a better job, so they are listed "day to day" or not playing..... or whatever creative excuse they come up with to keep the backup playing. Anyhow, during the game against the Lions the announcer "Moose" Johnson noted that Jay was having trouble moving during half time warmups. I saw the same thing and wondered, as did Johnson, why not allow McCown to play the second half? As Johnson would go on to say later, McCown has not played in such a manner that the staff should question his ability in sustaining the game (if not win it). Couldn't have agreed more.

Sorry but a handful of us said he (McCown) should have started yesterday. So maybe it was Friday night QBing instead (or whatever the antonym is).

Incognito is a cancer. I'm sorry he played in Nebraska.

As much as I have banged on the team for the losses of Lovie and Urlacher, I think they may have done well with Mr Trestman. I'll be the first to admit that he's starting to grow on me. I especially appreciate his unwavering calm and demeanor during the time of crisis. I think about a week or so ago Cutler commented on the same thing. While he was standing on the sidelines during the GB game he was impressed with how calm Trestman was. This is a profound statement coming from Jay in that I think he has put a lot of faith and trust into the coaching staff. Maybe, just maybe with Trestman letting Cutler play as long as he did proved that Trestman was right (assuming he said something during the game) and in the future Cutler is more apt to listen to the advice. All that as it was, I think yesterday's game was one of those deals where no matter what the team was going to lose. I mean really (like Trestman pointed out) in the fourth quarter the Bears scored two TD's without getting any points. One being called back for a holding call (I mean really, how many penalties did Detroit get away with and this Slauson's reach thing resulted in a flag?) and the call with Jeffery going to the ground and not getting credit for his catch. That call reversal epitomizes why it is I hate the NFL as it is today. But the way it is yesterday's game is what it is and its done now. I think we as fans, they as players and more importantly, Coach Trestman all learned something yesterday.

If you read yours and 50 England's commentary it would have indicated your questioning of whether we, as Chicago fans, had the meddle to know whether our team and or players were any good. Asking if "we" were the "stupidest" fans and daring us to challenge the players to play (by your comments). We as fans may not "win" championships, but we DO know winners (and whiners for that matter) when we see them.

The same fan base who's city has a championship in each of the major sporting events; World Series Titles, NBA Championships, Stanley Cups and NFL Championships (notice I pluralized them). Where else can that be said? We really suck. And one final thought on Jay. With his injury perhaps he'll be more P. Manning or Brady like in that he'll be less mobile. More forced to read the field. Just a thought.

....and throw in the fact that if it does in fact cost the game, it loses the chance of first place in the division and solid ground for making the playoffs. C'mon Jay, don't fail us now.

With one exception being Rich Gannon.

Didn't think that, nor do I believe it. In this regard (bolded) you are referring to just the two sample games you chose right? Not the Minny or Det games where he committed three turnovers in each. You would definitely not be in the minority, but I guess not only can you call "moronic" but a "silly" one at that. One last disclaimer before I part: I hope all the best for Jay. I hope he puts up pro-bowl worthy numbers for the rest of the season. Along with that I expect turnovers....SOME turnovers, not many. I hope Jay gets the contract he deserves, with the Bears. And I hope they are able to bring back Josh for the next couple years in his relief. I have seen what Josh can do, and that comforts me. Because IF Jay does fail, we have someone we can rely on to pick up the pieces.

To quote the infamous words uttered by Admiral Isaroku Yamamoto: "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant." Maybe I should have left well enough alone because now I fear a whole new debate on how effective Webb continues to be, despite he being on the illustrious Minnesota Vikings. But I digress.... Oh SCS, lest we forget that Cutler was hurt against that very same (and venerable) Defense of Washington you mock. And where not only was he hurt, but before McCown took over, he threw an interception for a direct score. One game does not a season make. And through all this tongue in cheek commentary of yours you forget that McCown did beat the Packers...at Lambeau field...against a normally stout Packers D....who are coordinated by Dom Capers (one of the highest regarded D coordinators in the NFL). But I know, none of that matters.

Or similar to how some might insist J'Marcus Webb was NFL caliber? I don't see the comparison you illustrate but as they say in France; C'est la vie. I agree with you. Perhaps this 'debate' would be put to rest. On the other hand, it may have only perpetuated it. But.......if for no other reason than to keep Cutler healthy, I would rather he (Cutler) wait it out another week. My fingers and toes will be crossed that not only will he excel, but he will stay healthy doing it.