Alaskan Grizzly

Some other points to remember with regards to Tebow. As was already mentioned, besides Grossman coming from Florida so too did Shane Matthews, Chris Leak and Danny Weurffel (all QB's that have been on the Bears roster orignally from the University of Florida). Grossman finished runner up for the 2001 Heisman after leading the Gators to two National championships and Weurffel of course won it in 1996. That being the case....let whomever want to, to go ahead and get Tebow. I hope the Bears go with next year's version of Flacco if they draft a QB at all. Orton should stay and work on his long game before they give up on him. He has the poise and familiarity that the Bears need.

Head coaching record Cill Cowher Team Year Regular Season Post Season PIT 1992 11 5 0 .688 1st in AFC Central 0 1 .000 Lost to Buffalo Bills in AFC Divisional Game. PIT 1993 9 7 0 .563 2nd in AFC Central 0 1 .000 Lost to Kansas City Chiefs in AFC Wild-Card Game. PIT 1994 12 4 0 .750 1st in AFC Central 1 1 .500 Lost to San Diego Chargers in AFC Championship Game. PIT 1995 11 5 0 .688 1st in AFC Central 2 1 .667 Lost to Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XXX. PIT 1996 10 6 0 .625 1st in AFC Central 1 1 .500 Lost to New England Patriots in AFC Divisional Game. PIT 1997 11 5 0 .688 1st in AFC Central 1 1 .500 Lost to Denver Broncos in AFC Championship Game. PIT 1998 7 9 0 .438 3rd in AFC Central - - - - PIT 1999 6 10 0 .375 4th in AFC Central - - - - PIT 2000 9 7 0 .563 3rd in AFC Central - - - - PIT 2001 13 3 0 .812 1st in AFC Central 1 1 .500 Lost to New England Patriots in AFC Championship Game. PIT 2002 10 5 1 .656 1st in AFC North 1 1 .500 Lost to Tennessee Titans in AFC Divisional Game. PIT 2003 6 10 0 .375 3rd in AFC North - - - - PIT 2004 15 1 0 .938 1st in AFC North 1 1 .500 Lost to New England Patriots in AFC Championship Game. PIT 2005 11 5 0 .688 2nd in AFC North 4 0 1.000 Super Bowl XL Champions. PIT 2006 8 8 0 .500 3rd in AFC North - - - - PIT Total 149 90 1 .623 12 9 .571 Total[10] 149 90 1 .623 12 9 .571 Lovie Smith Team Year Regular Season Post Season CHI 2004 5 11 0 .312 4th in NFC North - - - - CHI 2005 11 5 0 .688 1st in NFC North 0 1 .000 Lost to Carolina in Divisional Round CHI 2006 13 3 0 .812 1st in NFC North 2 1 .666 Defeated Seattle in Divisional Playoff Defeated New Orleans in Conference Final Lost to Indianapolis in Super Bowl XLI CHI 2007 7 9 0 .437 4th in NFC North - - - - CHI 2008 9 6 0 .600 'Season in progress' ' - - - - Total 45 34 0 .570 2 2 .500 Overall Total 47 36 0 .566 Now imagine if the Pittsburgh folks had given up in '98, would they have gotten that second Super Bowl appearance? Let alone win it? I am sure this post will spark some debate but that is good. I still think keep Lovie and look out Houston.

Same to you and yours and everyone else.

The answer is that Chad "Ocho Cinco" is all about himself. He is a decent, not spectacular, WR with a lot of need for attention. He has no place on the Bears. He would be like T.O. is for Dallas...unnecessary drama. There are many other classy receivers out there that could be had for much less....headache and money. This wanting to fire Lovie thing is just plain ridiculous. He just re-signed a new contract and face it, the team has a winning record, again. What he needs to do is search out some better folks for the role of OC and DC. I mean really, how far is this team from going to the Super Bowl again? The wanting of Cowher as HC is almost as ridiculous as wanting Lovie to go. They have comparable records to this point. So what if Lovie is not a fired up smash mouth guy...apparantly he is doing something right. The speculation that he has "lost the team" is just that...speculation. I say again, the Bears have a winning record and I say, keep Lovie. Lastly, sign Cassel. Is there a possibility this would happen? I would certainly hope so. The Bears would look pretty fine with Cassel as #1, Orton as #2 and Hanie #3 (or vice versa for the last two). LOOK AT THAT...Me thinks he is onto something.

Totally and unconditionally agree. There are way too many that are willing to blame Lovie for all that ails the Bears. I have said and still say that Turner needs to go. He has not been able to do much with what he has. Lovie was hired with the understanding that he is a Defensive minded coach. The Bears are going to end up with another winning record...like it or not. Kinda hard to disapprove of that result and find someone else better. I think if someone, offensive minded, were brought in from the college ranks then things could turn around on the Offensive side. Who??? I admit I don't know who, but again someone who is offensively aggressive and will get away from that stinkin' dink and dunk West Coast Offense. That being said....Will the McCaskey's go out and pay top dollar for someone like Cassel? He knows cold weather and will be available next year. My concern is instead, they (The Bears), will go for someone like Culpepper or McNabb. Lastly and regarding Offensive talent. Something tells me that when Grossman goes to his new team...wherever that may be...and if he gets a decent Offensive Coordinator that gets into his mind and helps him stop flinching....watch out. I predict Grossman will be Pro Bowl bound if all this comes to fruition.

I really hate to say it but....I told you so. The Bears should have traded Hester when they had the chance. Especially when he had that mysterious "rib" injury back during the preseason (or whatever). He is only going to decline. His value was at an optimum then and is since....lost.

I really hate to say it but....I told you so. The Bears should have traded Hester when they had the chance. Especially when he had that mysterious "rib" injury back during the preseason (or whatever). He is only going to decline. His value was at an optimum then and is since....lost.

As it turns out...you are right. As much as it pains me to agree with that statement. In the meantime, good luck to you guys in Chitown...and those of you in California with your own mess. Happy Holidays.

Some time back, I gave a quick "first hand" (me being from Alaska) perspective of Governor Palin and the full story of Troopergate and other news tidbits. Now, those of you in Illinois have a bit of a story your own with your Governor Blagojevich. So is this something that has been getting local attention for some time? I recall some of you expressing frustration with Obama when he was in the State Senate. I am curious what some of you may know, if anything more about this story. As Paul Harvey used to say..."And now you know, the rest of the story."

Each week there seems to be someone else to blame...especially when the losses start to roll on. A few weeks ago it was Urlacher because he was disgruntled and "embarrassing" when it came to doing interviews. Then, as always, it was Grossman (which I am not disagreeable to) when the Bears lost last week. Heck early on I said the Bears should have traded Hester when they had the chance.... And it goes on.... I agree with several in this board that say Babich should be one that needs to hit the road...he has been nothing short of bland and Turner might as well go with him. When it comes to the losses, this may actually stem the bleeding. Lovie is in it for a few more years and for good reason. If Angelo is worth his weight he will do something like a poster mentioned earlier and sit and talk with Lovie about what he wants to get done as well, to include excusing Turner and Babich and bring is fresh minds. Maybe even have Lovie start calling the D if they can find someone Offense oriented. At this point trying to rebuild would really be detrimental. It is really obvious that the players could benefit from a more rigorous training regimen. The D is especially looking more and more lackluster as the season progreses. It almost looks like they (players) are watching game film and thats it. Urlacher and Brown are about the only two that look like they care, others (Graham, Manning and Payne for example) are too young or not disciplined enough to know the difference. There are a lot of issues that need fixing but starting over is not the answer. Heck, the Bears are still tied for the lead in the NFC North.

Count me in. I don't get this "Fire Lovie" thing going around. Just doesn't make ANY sense at all. Especially when you compare him to Cowher. Cowher's record and Lovie's record to this point are VERY similar. Cowher went to 2 Super Bowls (lost one/won one). So far Lovie is on course to have a similar schedule. Look, he came into Chicago and said he would do three things: #1 Beat Green Bay...did it a few times now, #2 Win the NFC North - check..and then some #3 Go to the Super Bowl - again accomplished So now all he would need to do is win the Super Bowl in order to gain the recognition that you apparently think he is lacking. I really don't think that Lovie is being given a fair shake in the deal. I agree that Babich should go...regardless and most definitely Turner. Both have overstayed their welcome. I do think that Lovie still has what it takes.

My vote is on Hanie playing. I was ready to see him before the 2nd half started. My wife says that she would even like to see Urlacher play QB at this point. Not much of a passing game, but the Bears were never really known for their passing eh?

Eegads...are you crazy? This guy cries about allegedly being spit on by someone from Nebraska. Boo hoo... he would never make it in Chicago with that type of moxie. Especially after he throws his first INT. "Boo hoo, the fans don't like me". I see Cedric Benson in this one. Really, it is way to early to decide on what the Bears need to do with QB. Still 11 games to go. Orton and the Bears are winning, there are FA's to consider and what about injuries etc that take place between now and then? Let alone what could happen in the off season. Like Lovie, continue to give Kyle the chance he deserves.

Continuing with the original thread, please do watch the debates. Especially the one coming up on Thursday. Palin vs. Biden. Should be entertaining. I don't suppose you would be interested in a job as Vice President?

I still say Flacco. As much as I really do like Forte, he is exceptional, I think having Flacco would be better down the road. Things now are starting to work out for the better; I didn't necessarily believe that Orton could bail the Bears out but knew he was a decent QB...just not the solution. In fact, I was watching Orton and wondered since he seems to be improving is it because he is now getting 1st team "reps" and therein forced to practice more? I think he has untapped potential and is definitely showing more and more improvement. In that line of thinking what of the potential of Hanie? Could he be the QB they need in the long run??

I too like this "hurry up" offense displayed by the Bears. Especially since Orton has decided because he wears #18 that he too can call audibles every time. I assume that he has been given some leeway in doing this and looks like he is slowly starting to figure out opposing defenses. I really like how with Orton he is showing improvement each game. He is most definitely poised, compared to Grossman and doesn't get rattled. He knows the rush is coming but continues to look downfield. The 2 INT's were not a result of desperation but more of getting whacked as he was trying to release the ball. And, he is working on the long ball too. They are starting to look like lazers and going longer than 20 yards. I knew this kid would work out ok.

Was it you??? I thought it was Bradjock, that predicted earlier this week the Bears would win because he wouldn't be able to watch the game. Sounds like you need to stop watching alltogether for the rest of the year. Good job fellas!! Couple of "easier" games these next couple of weeks to work on technique and keeping the lead. And get back those that got hurt tonight. Again, congrats and rest up.

Wouldn't it be nice??? Bears 1985 I especially like the Payton part in the middle...truly poetry in motion and the part when Covert is planting LT. The Bears of 2008 could so much be like these guys. Singletary = Urlacher Wilson = Briggs Dent = Ogunleye/A. Brown McMichael = Dvoracek Fencik = M. Brown Frazier = Tillman Suhey = McKie Hilgenburg = Kreutz Butler = Gould McMahon = Orton (a bit of a stretch??) Payton = Forte (I know, a REAL stretch and blasphemy..but similar no?) The others the 2008 team needs; Hampton, Gault, Van Horne, Covert, Marshall, Bortz, Perry, Thayer and especially Ditka. A swift kick wouldn't hurt either. C'mon guys, let's put the Eagles out this weekend. Play up and keep the lead!!!

You are right in some regards but off base in others. With McCain, my opinion of him is that after he lost the bid in 2000 he basically became a lap dog for the Republicans (see Rove/Cheney) and is obviously much more "tempered" than when he was a true Maverick. As far as picking Palin as the "exciting" factor for his ticket, so yes she is exciting but what about the long run? What makes her inexperience more exciting than Obama's inexperience? If she is so "down home" why is Obama not? If people look at the things she says IE: Russia is not THAT close to us here in Alaska and other topics "Bridge to Nowhere" a lot of what she says is smoke and mirrors. The newness will wear off and then those that vote Republican will see that not everything was as it seemed. Going back to my original thought why would you continue with the economical standpoint and support the McCain ticket? I like the guy too but he doesn't have any new ideas, seperate from Bush's plan, to fix the problem. Obama at least is discussing ideas and plans he has. How is the Republican way of handling the economy better than the opposition? Lastly, going back on the experience factor again. George Bush Jr came in as a Governor of Texas prior to his becoming President. Besides at one time owning the Texas Rangers, what major accomplishment could you attribute to his leadership? That he could take credit for singlehandedly? Cheney was a CEO for Halliburton (and you see what good that has been for them) after serving as Sec of Defense for GB#1 and other governmental entities before that, so he could be the grizzled old vet for which you refer. She (Palin) and McCain are falling into that "Good ol Boy" network they claim to not want to be a part of.

Yeah, it is pretty obvious (at least to me) that as long as Obama concentrates on the issues he really can't go wrong. I actually heard Karl "Satan" Rove say the other day that he thinks Palin is a flash in the pan. I agree, her appeal is wearing off as people start to figure her out. I am glad that the general American public is doing it quicker than my fellow Alaskans have and are. If you haven't been paying attention the Troopergate incident up here is being basically stalled as more and more people refuse to testify. Not all of the ones expected on Friday had subpeonas but that sounds as thought it will change this week. This is really a sad thing as Palin promised cooperation at the start but since joining McCain, nothing but interference.

Hey, is this Bizzaro Terra Tor? You write very similar to his style. I like your points...exactly why and how I started this post in the first place. I see you and I agree on Hester's apparent slow slide down. I think we missed our opportunity. But like a few here on this board have said, we have him now and I hope he decides to get his ass off the pine and play the season out. ESPECIALLY given the money he's getting.

I told Mad Lith some time back that I would write this so here up to this point is what I have. I have been a resident of Wasilla (the town she was Mayor of) for about 3 years now. All told I have lived up here for just over 30 years. I lived in Anchorage for awhile but when my wife and I went to buy a house things were too expensive so we looked to the "Valley" as an alternative. Wasilla is in that area and is and was growing. See my reason above for why that is. Wasilla does provide more of the large box stores and other well known commercial shopping alternatives so you don't have to drive into Anchorage as much. I might add that the drive from Wasilla to Anchorage is about 45 minutes one way. At the time when I moved out to Wasilla it seemed a good idea, but then gas prices took off and well.... Anyhow, the reason I went there was because housing was more expensive and crowded in Anchorage. In Wasilla you could still get a decent house with a couple acres for a reasonable price. I would say that, more than anything, was why Wasilla has been growing. She claims to have been there when that growth spurted, which in part is true. However these aforementioned big commercial stores (Wal Mart, Sears, Sportsmans Wearhouse and other well knowns) were starting to sprout up and paying the taxes associated. Which I understand were more the doing of her predecessor than she. When she ascended to the job as Governor, she was more in the right place at the right time. The previous Governor had been a US Senator (Murkowski) prior to that and when he came to Alaska he apparently forgot that Alaska is more a small town slower pace than Washington DC. He had lost touch. Murkowski came in and started right off the bat with things that people didn't like. He appointed his daughter to his post as US Senator (which rule was changed shortly thereafter) and as you know went ahead and bought a jet for conducting business, much to the chagrin of the constituency. (By the by, the jet was not sold on Ebay..but instead by a broker and for a loss). These things and several other gaffes were common during his 4 year tenure. When Palin came on to challenge for the Governor ship the voters had enough. She ran against a rather popular former Governor who was a Democrat in the general election so I will give her that. But Alaska is no doubt a Republican/Conservative based place. Anyhow, here came this new fresh face with new ideas. I was even starting to like her towards the more recent timeframe (I didn't vote for her initially). Until the recent "Troopergate" fiasco that is. The gent, Walt Monegan, that she had appointed as Commissioner was the former Chief of Police for Anchroage Police Department. The largest in the state at about 300 or so officers. He is also a respected figure not just in Anchorage but also in all of Alaska. When things got to where she didn't want him any longer in office she did offer him a job elsewhere in her cabinet but he declined. If you want current updates on how this is going from a local source go to Local news. So now she is in the limelight as a VP contender. There was a letter recently written by another Wasilla resident that is making the rounds on the internet. It has a lot more information of the inner workings and gives you a perspective of someone that knows Palin more one on one. Kilkenny's letter. Lots of other good info on there too. Take a look at these two links and let me know if there is anything else you are curious about. Interesting stuff for sure.

So true, so true....and very funny. So now, besides all the other impeding on rights and all we as a nation are force fed to help bailing out large companies IE: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and just today AIG. You know we are all paying for that right? Isn't this very similar to a point someone made a week or two ago on this very post about "getting something for nothing" but in reverse? So who is the better to help in a situation like this...the small person without medical benefits and little or no education or the multi billion company that can't manage its money? And by the by, Congress authorized an "extended military engagement" as is witnessed by the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. They are not technically wars. A war in the truest sense is declared (or allowed) by Congress against another nation(s) not a group, ergo Terrorists. In the case of the aforementioned examples, these are more a title of what Bush wanted to do and was eventually authorized by Congress.

That is one thing that I like about you Terra...eloquence. If this had been anyone else, I would have paused to reply however how long we gonna ride this pony? I think it pretty obvious that D. Manning....maybe even R. Davis can do decent returns in the system that Toub has set up. One man a team does not make. What happens when (not if) Hester is lost for the season? Heck, what happens when teams figure out he can't return like he was in the past? I said before the season started that the Bears should have taken advantage of Hester's tradabilty when they had the chance. Sure...maybe a deal for a reputable QB could have been made...say Brady Quinn, for example?

I don't completely agree but for the sake of arguement I would assume most will vote then for the lesser of two evils. I will concede that at times the Democratic party (of which I am not a part of) tends to be a little too wussy and hesitant in what their plans are. Hillary would have been a breath of fresh air in that regards. Don't misunderstand my appreciation for her as I feel she thinks she was "owed" the Presidential bid...and later the VP slot. But she is a fighter and has a tough resolve. But again, sometimes the Democrats just try to hard to be overly intellect and sensitive to what they think people want. Just state your dang policies and stick by your guns. IMHO, Obama is wanting to try something different and right the ship. McCain probably does too but is too far too gone. He has the likes of Rove and Cheney giving him advice on what he should be doing and how he will do it.