The Bears came out flat today, where their opponent Miami did not as you would expect. Every team wants to beat the Bears and so they try to give their best effort against them (Similar to what Pittsburgh is going through). Harrington quite frankly stunk it up overthrowing and underthrowing alot of recievers all game long but Grossman was much worse. Miami handed the Bears their first loss this year and how ironic that it was them who stopped our undefeated streak as they did back in 1985. What I noticed from Rex was this...
-Rex is an average Quarterback, he has much to improve upon
I thought Rex was going to be this pro bowl QB for us this year. He still might but if he keeps playing the way he has the last several games he wont be. I too believed the hype the first 5 games of the year where he was WHITE HOT! The Bears can still win it all with an average QB but from the beginning of the Year I predicted that his QB rating for the year would be around 84.8 and it looks to be slipping to that mark. Granted Berrian was out pretty much the entire game really hurt him. My question is... Why not try the shotgun? Is there some sort of law that the Bears cant use it? I dont really understand. Its easier for Rex who really is about 5'11-6'0 tall to see the field. That should be something they need to put into the offense because the way Rex plays. He isnt Kyle Orton or Brian Griese where they like to throw the short completions and "Manage" the game. so...
Also my take on Cedric Benson vs Thomas Jones
-Benson should start next weekend
From what I have seen from Thomas Jones this year is not good. Sure he had 100+ yards against a terrible 49er's defense but he isnt really that good IMO. Cedric has all the tools to be great and I think he had a little chip on his shoulder today to prove to everyone he was better than Ronnie Brown who was the first RB taken in the 2005 draft. He didnt get nearly enough carries to prove that but remember it was Benson who let that 30 yard TD play to Moose happen.. If you watch, his block on Zach Thomas gave Rex the time he needed to make that play when everyone was saying he cant block. Alls it takes is some practice and alot of playing time which he hasnt gotten all year. If I were the coach which I am not, give Cedric a try, let him start a game or 2 atleast to show what he's got. You can still mix TJ in there but switch the roles. Give Ced much more Playing time to feature himself. I would venture to say he gets 100 yards on 1 of the next three opponents we play against if he starts. His brusing style of play is perfect to "Bears Football" and can wear down any defense if givin' the oppurtunity.
-Berrian is so important
This kid is so important to our offense. He makes things happen and Rex didnt have that option today at all with our slow group of Recievers today featuring Justin "Cant hang onto the ball" Gage and Moose. Maybe if Currie or Bradley werent hurt all the time they could have siezed the oppurtunity and done something. Berrian was having a pro bowl year but his numbers have dramatically dropped since the Arizona game where he hasnt scored a Touchdown in over 3 games. Hopefully he can heal quickly but I highly doubt he plays next weak when we need him the most.
Overall Thoughts....
Were 7-1 and now next weeks game will be for 1st place in the NFC Conference (In other words, a HUGE game). We need this win so we can control our own destiny. We should come out ready to play and hopefully Rex will fix everything up because he cant continue to struggle like this too much longer or we wont get far in the playoffs and will be another 1st round exit that will piss everybody off.
GO BEARS!!
