Alaskan Grizzly

What's this??? MadLith has started to drink the "Kool Aid" and become a Lovie supporter??? Do tell. Welcome aboard the Lovie bandwagon.

Couldn't agree more with this article. I was watching some SNF pre-game stuff and listened to an exchange between Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison where Dungy sorta took sides with Favre. Mostly because Favre cost so much. Harrison was adamantly against Favre staying in and letting Jackson have a go. This seems to be a consensus (if not practical) way of thinking anymore. As the author of this article and Harrison pointed out, both the tenure of Favre and Childress in Minnesota have outstayed their respective welcomes. My understanding is that the fan base is tiring of this whole mess and although I am happy to see both Minnesota and Favre crumble I would have to say it has become embarrassing. I won't be the least bit surprised if Childress is fired within the next two weeks (replaced probably by Leslie Frazier - boo) and Favre is relegated to "riding the pine". Won't it be beautiful?

Was just talking to a co-worker of mine that used to play college and semi-pro baseball and said pretty much the same thing. He said it is like when you wear those yellow lensed glasses at the shooting range with helping see more definition etc. I didn't notice but he had pointed out the same thing and told me about then mentioned the above comments. Interesting....but freaky. Would cause me to pause if I were lining up opposite him.

Furthering the thought about Forte and his two yard drop technique. One, I feel he is strong enough to do what Jones was good at and once he meets resistance at the line, bounce off and go around. He is fast enough that he could outrun the first wave of defenders and maybe get 5-7 more yards before the LBs zero in. Secondly, as far as pulling goes I would think either Garza or Kreutz would be able to help in outside running. Probably more Garza but still one extra body out on the edge to give Matt that extra time would be worth it. If not them then how about Mamumaluena (huge) or Kellen Davis? I think more screens and end arounds would soften up the middle more getting Forte (or Taylor) more yards. But ultimately this is probably why I am sitting here blogging my ideas instead of coaching or playing as my "talent/ability" (of what little I had) ended in High School many, many years ago.

I read the original post and wanted to counter one point with a "food for thought" moment. That regarding Webb's "killing" the Bears with his penalties. A friend of mine (who is a Pats fan) that I was watching the game with pointed out that Webb's holding is better than letting the guy, in this case a pretty good player in Wake, have a straight shot at Cutler. In which the options become a turnover (fumble) and/or a sack which could take out Cutler through injury or like in the case of the Giants game mess up his psyche (that is until he was concussed). So yeah, Webb's penalties suck but given the alternative AND that he is a seventh round Rookie, I'll take it.... For now. I expect that like the rest of the line, Tice will fix what ills Webb. Which at this point appears to be his footwork. I feel things will solidify and the penalties will start to drop. After all they (Bears) have over a week until their next game. Making minor, yes minor, tweaks at this point is where teams wish to be at this point of the year. The one thing I'd like to see also fixed is the running game. Something seems to be missing. I feel at times watching Forte is like watching Benson before he left. Run to the line and fall after 1-2 yards. They need more sweeps. The fact that Martz is doing more running is very encouraging. Let the tweaking continue. Keep up the improvements Bears.

^^. What he said and thank you, especially about the "whining". So what if Lovie looks lost, they are getting results. And to reply to the previous poster: that would be why the Defense is doing well. Lovie knows him some D and th talent it takes to make it work. Credit is where credit is due. I will venture to say that the Bears LB corps is the best in the NFL right now. Hands down. Keep up the great work Lovie and crew.

Boo freakin' hoo. You know what Favre, I bet at least half the rest of the guys on the field felt various pain too? Whoopdee doo. Why does anyone give this clown the attention he is addicted to? Once upon a time he was a good player (but unfortunately played for the Pack) now he's just a nuisance.

As my former 1/2 term Governor would say "you betcha". But I guess we'll see next week eh?

Whoops. You are right. Just read that. Dolphins just got better. I also hear they are going to start Pennington instead of Henne. And just when I thought the Bears might have a chance against them in a few weeks.

I think I know the replies already (similar to when Moss was out there) but for some reason I am intrigued by Al Harris being available. But then again I am a fan of Lovie's too so what kind of credibility do I have right.

OK I'll bite. I am one that once said that Chicago needed a #1 WR but that was before I realized how badly they need someone on the OL more. Does that make me a hypocrite? Hardly. Not even contradictory like your post is. Moss is bad news and for what in skills he may still have he loses in leadership. Me thinks Minn saw that too late or why else would they be willing to piss away a third round pick for a player they used for only three weeks? And not only that but risk a Det, GB or even Chicago signing him? So I say no thanks and am glad to see Minn falling apart. At this rate the only real competition in the division is going to be Detroit. DON'T FORGET TO VOTE TOMORROW!!!!

Here's a dose of motivational speaker, GySgt Hartman for you guys. ¥

Have been reading around and hearing about some folks that "could" fit into the Bears plans. Nothing solid mind you just rumors. Names on the list: Berrian ( ), Carolina's Steve Smith ( ), NE's Logan Mankins ( ) , Alphonso Boone (this one actually is more true than not) and I even heard someone mention Jeff Garcia ( Any others out there? And I have a new candidate for Head Coach for those that are not fans of Lovie's. At the very least watch the video when you start second guess how the season is going.

Although Collins is sucking big time, Carolina is nowhere near getting back in the game. I say put in Hanie too. Especially after that nice sack.. Way to get out of it Collins

Careful what you wish for. May not be 2012 before you see these Bears play again. In the meantime get a grip and enjoy 2010. It's only a quarter of the way through.

I'm a White Sox fan, and it was my opinion that they aren't very far away from getting like Detroit. There isn't very much skilled youth here (Name me 6 players who you look at and say- "he's a keeper." Hell, name me 3. Knox, Cutler, and..?) and the drafting to gain good, youthful players isn't there. ... Overall keepers: Peppers, Briggs, Urlacher, Tillman, Adams, Maynard, Taylor youthful "keepers": Toenia, Hester, Gould, Aromashodu, Bennett, Olsen, Jennings (there's more) but I think i have listed a few decent players. No OLmen listed but I do like Kreutz. Has tenacity even though age is starting to get the best of him.

Too many here are apparently Chicago Cubs fans and not enough White Sox fans. Where the Cubs are used to not making the playoffs and expect to finish out of the post season, White Sox folks generally feel as though they are contenders each year. Not sure if it is the North side versus South side way of thinking or what but to think the Bears are going to become the new "Lions" is sad. Sure the OL looks like a mess but the team overall is not that bad. And they are 3-1. In those wins the Bears beat the Cowboys (on the road) and Green Bay. Both teams that are considered contenders for playoff spots. Who among you would have expected this to be the case? I know I didn't, and I am probably one of the more optimistic here. This upcoming week against Carolina could be looked at in either a chance for redemption or a continual downward slide. My vote is that the Bears will play up and prove last week was a once in lifetime flop.

I think what's being overlooked here is that Anderson wasn't producing and, as the article pointed out, he did lose out to Idonije. Who hasn't been playing all that bad. So I say why not try out a proven commodity in someone like Grant? He did have 5 1/2 sacks last year and had a "strong camp" in Miami. I agree that they do need to look at the Oline but I think options are slim in the FA world. Nevertheless I have a feeling someone will be added soon.

You are absolutely right. They didn't adjust like in Dallas but Cutler, early on, didn't have much chance. The five and seven dropback won't work after 2-3 sacks. I think Jay could have stepped into the pocket a little more. By the time the half came around it was obvious that Cutler needed to get out. And there is no way shape or form that I would call him a "pussy". He's taken some pretty good licks since coming to Chicago either in scoring a TD or running for first down and he keeps coming back. Tonite it was a combo of psychological and 8-9 sacks taking their toll. I'm still a believer. This is a good slap back into reality. On to Carolina!!!

As far as Lovie goes, I agree with most everything you have noted Mad Lith. I feel the Bears have been "lucky" in two of three games (GB and Det). I don't think I need to say why. However, due to the fact that the Bears are 3-0 and and can afford to lose one or two more in the next couple weeks (if at all) I am pretty content. I think Lovie is able to recognize a good thing when he sees it. Martz is good at what he does and Marinelli, maybe not the best D coordinator, is able to get folks motived and play tough. Not sure what the deal is with Collins. I realize he is not the long term answer and fear what may happen if Cutler gets hurt ( ). The part that makes me cringe is when Cutler gets hit in the backfield. He has taken some pretty vicious licks the last two weeks and managed to still continue despite it. Somethiing to be said about his toughness. A true Chicago QB for sure. Stay strong Jay!!! Alaska is amazingly remote and vast. You guys mentioned seeing the Southeast. It is funny because not only is it cut off from everything but it is in its own when it comes to weather and terrain. Most of that area is very similar to what you see in the Seattle area. Lots of rain forest and pretty climate weather. Up in the area I live near Anchorage it is still pretty mild in temp. (70-75 summer / -20 in the winter). But it is not as closed off from everything although we only have two highways (one going North the other South) and that accounts for about half of all the highways up here. If you go more North, near Fairbanks you find a little more difference in people and weather. Their weather, because they are in the interior and away from the ocean, is pretty dramatic. Summers can be humid (like the Midwes) and near 90 and in the winter -40 or worse. The amazing thing about Alaska is when you get in an airplane and leave Anchorage (pop about 400,000) and within about 5 mins into the flight all you see is mountains and wilderness for as far as the eye can see. It is unbelievable. Anyhow, I ramble. Here's to another win on Sunday night. DA BEARZ!!!!!

I admit since I have Sunday Ticket, I overuse my DVR and have recorded not only all the games but this last week's NFL Networks episode of the Green Bay game. All told I've probably watched each game a minimum of three times. Anyhow my point in question format is, what is the deal with Todd Collins? Looking at the Chicago Bears website he is listed as the #2 behind Cutler. Yet what bothers me is that each time you see Cutler on the sidelines in between Offense possession he is sitting with Hanie going over stills and talking strategy. In almost everyone of those shots I never see Collins nearby. In fact I have seen him in a few shots hanging out by himself. What gives? I mean he is the #2 and does have SOME experience so wouldn't you think he would be working with Cutler on things he sees that might work and the like? Maybe I am missing something. But if this is the only thing I really have to complain about, things must be going pretty good which brings me to this weeks update on my recovery.. Madlith: Week three and things are looking good. Go LOVIE!!!

It seems totally weird hearing Burmeister say "anyone who appreciates a lot of QB play with passing game" especially where the Bears are concerned. This "Air Coryell" Offense mindset is taking some getting used to. I worry about how it will interpret to the winter months. Most of Martz' past experience with his type of offense (St. Louis, Detroit and San Fran) was within a domed facility or in agreeable weather. I think what helps is the Bears have one hell of a QB in Cutler. Which brings me to the other concern. My fingers are tired of being crossed whenever he gets hit by a 300-400 lb DLman. In the meantime I will enjoy the show. Looking forward to Peppers and Rodgers getting to know each other meeting frequently in the backfield and GB going back to Lambeau with their tail between their legs.

Hey Madlith, regarding that 16 step recovery process. 2 down, 14 to go. Things looked good on most counts. Dallas is a team experiencing very similar faults; shaky OL, questionable or unsettled secondary and inexperienced WR's. The defining difference for sure is Jay Cutler vs Romo. No comparison. Romo is hype, Cutler is the real deal. As far as playing GB. The game will hinge most definitely on GBs passing game and Matthews attempting to raise his sack #s. Rodgers has a propensity to hold the ball too long which will result in sacks and turnovers. And Cutler is mobile enough that he should be able move and adapt to the rush of GB. With he and Martz adjusting to the game tempo, as they did in Dallas, I like you have reserved confidence but feel a win is in the making. Heck it's at Soldier Field, it has to be.

Well since "they" actually play the game where "we" just watch, think their endorsement is pretty legit. I too will be interested to see how things end up if, nee when, the Bears win this weekend.

In my morning perusal, read on another board about the prospect of the Bears entertaining the idea or signing Adalius Thomas in light of the recent loss of Hillenmeyer. Why not? Don't think it really will happen, as the Jets and Dolphins are much more interested, but intriguing nonetheless. Also from the Chicagobears.com website: Read that Forte won the "NFC player of the week" - http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=7076 And this from Larry Mayer's blog - Do the Bears lead the NFL in any statistical categories after their Week 1 win over the Lions? David H. San Antonio, Texas As a team, the Bears are tied with the Colts for No. 1 in the NFL in total yards (463) and also top the league in rushing defense after allowing only 20 yards on the ground in last Sunday’s win over the Lions. The Bears rank second in the NFL in both overall defense (148 yards) and passing offense (362 yards). Individually, Jay Cutler ranks first in yards per attempt (10.63) and sixth in passer rating (108.3). Matt Forte is second in yards from scrimmage (201) and third in receiving yards (151). Brad Maynard is No. 1 in the NFL in punts inside-the-20 (4). - http://www.chicagobears.com/news/ChalkTalk...p?story_id=7077 I know many of you will say "well it's against the Lions" but nevertheless, still impressive. Despite the opponent. We'll see if it holds through the Dallas and Green Bay games.