Daventry

Agreed, definitely a winnable game, and if we are really going to make a run this year it is the kind of game we need to be winning.....we have many tough games coming and every win is important.

My thinking is that if we cannot win a game like this, against an obviously struggling team, we are going to find it hard to make it into the playoffs and win some of the other tough games we have coming up.....I will be discouraged if we lose this one.

I say Bears win against a struggling Steelers, 28-17......we can't afford to lose a game like this, regardless of the Steelers desperation. GO BEARS!

I reckon the Colts think they can win big soon and Richardson will be a sure bet....I think it is a good trade for both teams.

Some replies sound a little like sour grapes from the Lovie lovers....no worries, I think most here can see we have an upgraded coaching staff this year and the team is definitely on its way up.

Bostic's hit might well have been "illegal" but it certainly could not be compared to Matthews hit, and that is the problem with the system that is in place. How can you give Bostic a fine for a hit, that basically was a solid football hit but not within the current rules, that is higher that a blatant off the field of play hit from a guy who made clear before the game that the team were going to be hitting the QB?

Great!!!!!!!

ABSOLUTELY! That is a perfect example of a real injustice; although I think the NFL is doing a good job overall they missed the boat on these particular examples....Matthews should have been ALOT harder.

Should be 150,000 at least........

That is it, Billy Goat Tavern....a "must go" place IMO...very authentic Chicago.."cheeseburger, cheeseburger, no fries!!!"

Not sure where it is, but the place where they based the Saturday Night Live gigs with John Belushi, Billy Goats?, would be great to visit....Navy Pier is kind of cool as well....

I have always avidly disliked Urlacher due to some of his immature childish antics, but I have to say I gained a bit of respect for him in that interview, if nothing else because of the fact he at least showed some restraint (for him and his level of maturity) and admitted some culpability. Regardless of whose fault it was, it is too bad that he went out like he did....but I am glad they did not pay him and he moved on as it was time.

I didn't see the hit but it sure sounds bad....not the first time for him eh? I am surprised he is not getting hit harder via suspension. How about Matthew's hit in the 49ers game on their QB? That was dirty, reminded me of the Forrest Gregg days in Green Bay!

I do think the D line will improve and grow, maybe that is just hope but I would find it hard to believe the talent there does not look better than it did on Sunday. Also, Cinci's overall effectiveness in the passing game had to be in large part down to the QB, who was on fire, and the all-pro WR who simply would not drop a pass and go get anything in reach. We have a tough schedule coming up, having looked at it today we are going to be really tested and I hope we can improve and beat some of the very good teams we are going to have to face, ie the Packers, Ravens, Giants, and Redskins.

Absolutely agree, the defence was similar, I would like to see a more wrapping up and aggression but the CB's were huge, the safeties solid, and they managed to keep a very sharp Cinci QB with excellent WR's within striking distance. If everyone stays healthy the O line looks like it will be a real strength; two great rookies with solid guys all around them. I hope Cutler continues to improve and gel with the new system and Jeffery as a more and more integral part of the passing game, but who can complain with the game as the first under a new coach against a strong and hungry Cinci team? Lots to look forward to this year!

Yes it is....it is worrisome.

How does Tillman look then...I have to get a jersey, what a player!

Manning is a beast, and he really seemed to have many options when looking to pass. The guy from the Patriots looks like he will have a big year there, although he did drop a punt and a couple of passes I seem to recall. I would not say they were "lucky" in winning the Super Bowl, just that they were playing over their heads a bit due to the Lewis retirement IMO.... And I agree that the club is extremely well run and get the most with their available players; I guess they did not have an option but to pay Flacco but I am not sure he will turn out to be worth all of the money spent, especially considering what they had to lose to afford to pay him so much.

I was not surprised to see Denver beat Baltimore soundly; Baltimore was lucky to win the SB IMO, they were high on the Ray Lewis retirement and won on adrenaline and luck....they are a good team but not SB material, certainly are in for a fall down this year. It was interesting to see the old Bear Corey Graham starting for them; I wish we could have kept him as I thought he was an excellent player for us and somehow was in Lovie's doghouse. What does everyone think of the game? Manning is quite the QB, they surely are going to the SB this year, at least the playoffs, very good looking team.

I share the enthusiasm for the new regime and how they are conducting business; they seem to have had a very good draft and made some good decisions. I think we have a lot to look forward to this year! I also agree that there are many good posters on the board, sometimes we all say silly things but overall the quality of input is excellent with excellent and thoughtful insight into football and the Bears! I learn alot from all here constantly. I think we all could be a bit more delicate in how we put things, and think before we post at times. It has helped me to limit my posts after I have been drinking a bit of good beer, as I tend to be more verbose at those times and have looked back at some of those posts later and thought "on no!" Haha, I love a good beer on the weekends. I cannot wait for the season to get started to see how we do. I feel that our offence could be hugely improved and our defence might even be better than last year! Roll on 2013!

THANK YOU!

Hey buddy, for what it is worth, just drop it and move on...this coming from a guy who was banned from the forum as I dared to say Url should be cut due to money issues and I suspected Cutler quit in the playoffs a couple years ago (please don't anyone dare bring that issue forward again, haha). The guys here are good guys, very knowledgeable for the most part, and some very opinionated, but they will leave it in time and I am sure recognise your knowledge. I would prefer you stay as I can see you are a true fan and bring knowledge...hang out a bit if you are able IMO.

Thank you Miami, but I have purchased NFL Game Pass now so am able to watch....but much appreciated!

I wish they could get Olsen back too, I wasn't too comfortable with that decision at the time and looking back now it is even less palatable.

Amen to that! I feel very optimistic, our O line is hugely upgraded with a thorough sweep out of the crap and some great new blood thrown in, with excellent new looks in players and play-calling! Cannot wait to see what we do in Week 1.