Bears vs Chiefs

[adam]

The 3 Bears with sacks, McPhee, Houston, and Young....just like we all envisioned it. Acho and Porter had solid games.

 

KC is also a really hard place to play, so it was cool to hear all the Bears fans cheering on that last drive.

[Alaskan Grizzly]

You're kidding about the KC defense right? Half their defense are Pro Bowlers and some are future HoFers (Johnson, Poe, Hali, Houston, Peters, Berry, Branch).

 

They were 1-3 because they played DEN, CIN, and GB (who are a combined 13-0). DEN beat them with a defensive TD.

 

Nope not kidding. They've were ranked 29th in the NFL going in. Allowing 397 yards per game. *source ChicagoBears.com

 

And here: http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamdef

 

They're ranked at the bottom in most stat providers. Yes they have a lot of "former" pro bowlers but it means nothing when you're overall defense is ranked at the bottom. Look no further than Seattle and you'll find a team 2-3 (just like Chicago) despite all they're recent success.

[AZ54]

This is one of the biggest upsets of the day. maybe the biggest after it's all said and done. We were 10pt underdogs and rightfully so. These coaches impress me with what they can get out of the talent they have the on the field. One day I want to watch a Bears game where I don't need to keep my roster webpage open so I can figure out who is on the field.

[50england50]

I think Shea has played really well this year but defense improved when he went off. Both inside linebackers hit harder and I think that made a difference although Charles going off injured may have also swung the game in our favour.. Would be great to hit the bye 3-3 and then get healthy especially at wide out. I thought Grasu improved as the game went on.

[jason]

You're kidding about the KC defense right? Half their defense are Pro Bowlers and some are future HoFers (Johnson, Poe, Hali, Houston, Peters, Berry, Branch).

 

They were 1-3 because they played DEN, CIN, and GB (who are a combined 13-0). DEN beat them with a defensive TD.

 

[adam]

Nope not kidding. They've were ranked 29th in the NFL going in. Allowing 397 yards per game. *source ChicagoBears.com

 

And here: http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamdef

 

They're ranked at the bottom in most stat providers. Yes they have a lot of "former" pro bowlers but it means nothing when you're overall defense is ranked at the bottom. Look no further than Seattle and you'll find a team 2-3 (just like Chicago) despite all they're recent success.

Yeah but defensive rank is also based on who you play. The teams they lost to (CIN, GB, and DEN) are all high powered teams that are going to make numbers look worse. Seattle? They have 2 wins at home and 3 losses on the road. That is who they are. They were exposed by Andy Dalton.

 

I am not saying KC is great, but their defense is league average at worst (regardless what the stats say) and Cutler orchestrated 2 TD drives in a little over 3 minutes (88 yards and 67 yards respectively) with our top 3 WR's, LT, and Center out. That is tough to do without the injuries and against any NFL defense. Just think of what this offense will look like with a healthy Jeffery and Royal (and then with a healthy White).

 

Another crazy thought, if Mariani scores that 2pt conversion (which it looked like he did), Jay probably never throws that ball to Forte on the next drive, and we play for a FG to tie. Thanks refs.

[Alaskan Grizzly]

Yeah but defensive rank is also based on who you play. The teams they lost to (CIN, GB, and DEN) are all high powered teams that are going to make numbers look worse. Seattle? They have 2 wins at home and 3 losses on the road. That is who they are. They were exposed by Andy Dalton.

 

I am not saying KC is great, but their defense is league average at worst (regardless what the stats say) and Cutler orchestrated 2 TD drives in a little over 3 minutes (88 yards and 67 yards respectively) with our top 3 WR's, LT, and Center out. That is tough to do without the injuries and against any NFL defense. Just think of what this offense will look like with a healthy Jeffery and Royal (and then with a healthy White).

 

Another crazy thought, if Mariani scores that 2pt conversion (which it looked like he did), Jay probably never throws that ball to Forte on the next drive, and we play for a FG to tie. Thanks refs.

 

For the sake of argument and because most of my "beef" is based on historical play of Jay, I'll give it to you. He played well TODAY, yes. Against a defense that may or may not be better than their record shows. The only litmus test is if this continues. Jay must prove he's the QB you and a few others THINK he is before I'll buy in. Until then I'll stay critical. At the risk of hurting Jason and Hustla's sensitivities.

 

A lot of why our team won is because Fox and crew know what they're doing. Like Jay said, they're on the verge of something special. "I hope to be there when they do (turn that corner)." (According to John Lynch during in game commentary).

 

[Bears4Ever_34]

For the sake of argument and because most of my "beef" is based on historical play of Jay, I'll give it to you. He played well TODAY, yes. Against a defense that may or may not be better than their record shows. The only litmus test is if this continues. Jay must prove he's the QB you and a few others THINK he is before I'll buy in. Until then I'll stay critical. At the risk of hurting Jason and Hustla's sensitivities.

 

A lot of why our team won is because Fox and crew know what they're doing. Like Jay said, they're on the verge of something special. "I hope to be there when they do (turn that corner)." (According to John Lynch during in game commentary).

My take on Jay has always been if Eli Manning, a guy who's lead the league in INT's 3 times in his career, can win a Superbowl, Jay Cutler can as well. The guys around him just have to make up for his inconsistencies, which is always less than ideal. The Giants did it with a pass rush and physical rushing attack with weapons on the outside. The Bears are trying to do that as well, but it's going to take a few years to build it. Cutler might not be around long enough to reap the benefits.

[Mongo3451]

My take on Jay has always been if Eli Manning, a guy who's lead the league in INT's 3 times in his career, can win a Superbowl, Jay Cutler can as well. The guys around him just have to make up for his inconsistencies, which is always less than ideal. The Giants did it with a pass rush and physical rushing attack with weapons on the outside. The Bears are trying to do that as well, but it's going to take a few years to build it. Cutler might not be around long enough to reap the benefits.

It may happen sooner than we all think. We have a boatload of money and a bunch of young talent. It may come to pass that our guys are better than we thought and they just needed coached up. I've been optimistic before and been let down, but this is the best staff the Bears have ever assembled. And let us not hold our breath, but Jay Cutler has game winning drives in back to back weeks!

[Chitownhustla]

It may happen sooner than we all think. We have a boatload of money and a bunch of young talent. It may come to pass that our guys are better than we thought and they just needed coached up. I've been optimistic before and been let down, but this is the best staff the Bears have ever assembled. And let us not hold our breath, but Jay Cutler has game winning drives in back to back weeks!

 

Quick additional thought, look at the Atlanta Falcons and how fast the coaching staff got that turned around.

 

I do not think they had the type of cap space we will have going into next season.

 

Quick turnaround wil only happen with Cutler being able to play consistently

 

[Stinger226]

For the sake of argument and because most of my "beef" is based on historical play of Jay, I'll give it to you. He played well TODAY, yes. Against a defense that may or may not be better than their record shows. The only litmus test is if this continues. Jay must prove he's the QB you and a few others THINK he is before I'll buy in. Until then I'll stay critical. At the risk of hurting Jason and Hustla's sensitivities.

 

A lot of why our team won is because Fox and crew know what they're doing. Like Jay said, they're on the verge of something special. "I hope to be there when they do (turn that corner)." (According to John Lynch during in game commentary).

I give Jay credit when he plays well and make it a point to criticize when bad. I only care about now, who cares, if his past is shitty, he has had moments before, but is playing well now, so lets live in the moment, nobody is saying we should give a him contract extension.

You dont have to like him, he won the game for us today. Would you rather have he screw up so we lose a game so your point he isnt any good fits better? Rout for the bears, get off the Im right crap.

[Alaskan Grizzly]

I give Jay credit when he plays well and make it a point to criticize when bad. I only care about now, who cares, if his past is shitty, he has had moments before, but is playing well now, so lets live in the moment, nobody is saying we should give a him contract extension.

You dont have to like him, he won the game for us today. Would you rather have he screw up so we lose a game so your point he isnt any good fits better? Rout for the bears, get off the Im right crap.

 

Stinger I know I'm wasting my time in doing this but if you'd look at the body of what I've written you'd understand, or at least comprehend, my point. I'm glad he did well today. Have never said I wanted to be "right". Please get that idea out of your head.

 

All I'm asking for is him to keep up the winning trend. Not revert to sloppy play. History has proven that to be true.

[madlithuanian]

Lagavulin 16 is especially tasty after a win!

 

Checking twitter on injury updates:

 

Looks like Alshon and Royal are out. Not 100% confirmed but someone tweeted that Alshon and Royal are not warming up.

 

 

Really glad to see Ratliff playing!

 

 

Fingers crossed the SP Team unit(return and coverage) gets better this week, we could use them helping the team win instead of making it harder for the team to win.

 

 

I think with a run heavy offense to set up the pass, some decent SP team play and the defense getting better we have a real shot at winning this game.

 

KC does not look as good as last year.

 

 

LET GO BEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jason]

For the sake of argument and because most of my "beef" is based on historical play of Jay, I'll give it to you. He played well TODAY, yes. Against a defense that may or may not be better than their record shows. The only litmus test is if this continues. Jay must prove he's the QB you and a few others THINK he is before I'll buy in. Until then I'll stay critical. At the risk of hurting Jason and Hustla's sensitivities.

 

A lot of why our team won is because Fox and crew know what they're doing. Like Jay said, they're on the verge of something special. "I hope to be there when they do (turn that corner)." (According to John Lynch during in game commentary).

 

It's not sensitivity. It's objectivity. Nobody has said Cutler is faultless; that's just how you read everything. All we want is for Cutler haters like you to accept the fact that he has had a TON of shit to overcome as a QB in Chicago. Historically bad OLs at times, historically bad defenses at others, brand new offensive scheme nearly every year, inept coaches sprinkled in there for good measure. It's pretty hard to succeed with those hindrances.

[scs787]

Man, that 4th quarter was a ton of fun. Been watching the games at a local bar and that place has been rockin the last 2 weeks. Cutler is back to his clutch ways. I hope Alshon is back next week, but man, Lions are a dumpster fire right now and the bears can probably beat them without him. Get to .500 and have Alshon come back 100% after the bye.

[scs787]

Nope not kidding. They've were ranked 29th in the NFL going in. Allowing 397 yards per game. *source ChicagoBears.com

 

And here: http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamdef

 

They're ranked at the bottom in most stat providers. Yes they have a lot of "former" pro bowlers but it means nothing when you're overall defense is ranked at the bottom. Look no further than Seattle and you'll find a team 2-3 (just like Chicago) despite all they're recent success.

 

 

Seahawks have struggled because they're OL is God awful and guess what? That matters. It's not an excuse.

[adam]

It's not sensitivity. It's objectivity. Nobody has said Cutler is faultless; that's just how you read everything. All we want is for Cutler haters like you to accept the fact that he has had a TON of shit to overcome as a QB in Chicago. Historically bad OLs at times, historically bad defenses at others, brand new offensive scheme nearly every year, inept coaches sprinkled in there for good measure. It's pretty hard to succeed with those hindrances.

 

Some perspective on Cutler:

 

Cutler is officially 46-12 as a starting quarterback when his defense gives up 21 points or fewer

Last year Cutler was 5-1 when the Bears allowed 21 pts or less (and the only loss was the last game of the season when there was nothing to play for).

 

Jay Cutler has now led 15 game-winning drives (4th-quarter or OT) as a member of the #Bears and 22 overall for his NFL career (Rodgers has 13).

 

To me this is where some player's stats (or general perceptions) are deceiving. Some get to play with a lead or in low stress situations all the time. Look at Rodgers yesterday, he had 2 INTs and a fumble and they still won 24-10. Mainly because they had a defensive TD and the 2 offensive TDs were huge runs after the catch. Last week the Packers only scored 17, but it didn't matter because SF only scored 3. So in the last 2 weeks, the GB defense has allowed 13 pts and scored 7 on their own. Pretty much any QB in the league would win those games.

 

Look at our last 10+ win seasons:

2012 - Cutler 8-3 when defense allows 21 or less

2010 - Cutler 8-3 when defense allows 21 or less (this year was funny, with Cutler throwing to the likes of Hester, Knox, Earl Bennett, and Aromashodu)

 

Again, I understand Cutler is not a HoFer, or even a Pro Bowler at this point, but I think his errors are blown out of proportion more than he gets credit for his successes (mainly because of his attitude and demeanor on the sidelines?). The media needs a whipping boy to generate interest, and Cutler has been an easy target for a long time. I just think it is time to move on from that silliness.

[bowlingtwig]

Some perspective on Cutler:

 

 

Last year Cutler was 5-1 when the Bears allowed 21 pts or less (and the only loss was the last game of the season when there was nothing to play for).

 

 

 

To me this is where some player's stats (or general perceptions) are deceiving. Some get to play with a lead or in low stress situations all the time. Look at Rodgers yesterday, he had 2 INTs and a fumble and they still won 24-10. Mainly because they had a defensive TD and the 2 offensive TDs were huge runs after the catch. Last week the Packers only scored 17, but it didn't matter because SF only scored 3. So in the last 2 weeks, the GB defense has allowed 13 pts and scored 7 on their own. Pretty much any QB in the league would win those games.

 

Look at our last 10+ win seasons:

2012 - Cutler 8-3 when defense allows 21 or less

2010 - Cutler 8-3 when defense allows 21 or less (this year was funny, with Cutler throwing to the likes of Hester, Knox, Earl Bennett, and Aromashodu)

 

Again, I understand Cutler is not a HoFer, or even a Pro Bowler at this point, but I think his errors are blown out of proportion more than he gets credit for his successes (mainly because of his attitude and demeanor on the sidelines?). The media needs a whipping boy to generate interest, and Cutler has been an easy target for a long time. I just think it is time to move on from that silliness.

Absolutely agree wholeheartedly. I've been screaming about this for a long time about the media

[BearFan2000]

Absolutely agree wholeheartedly. I've been screaming about this for a long time about the media

 

I agree as well. Since he arrived in 2009 with the expectation of him being the Savior of the team while coaches, coordinators, and GM's did little to surround him with much to work with. How many years were we screaming "FIX THE FREAKING OL!" he's had virtually no consistency in both weapons and systems. He's had up years and down years. He has been a lightning rod for media scrutiny and much of which may be his own doing. I don't know him personally so I can't say for sure if he is the jerk who doesn't care like the media makes him out to be. It may be greatly embellished cause on Bears teams since 2009 who've disappointed they needed someone to hang it on and Jay's outwardly odd behavior made him an easy target. It may be a bit of both, he may be misunderstood, and personally a little rough around the edges. His teammates stand up for him and seem to like him and that is really what matters. While the past has been very mercurial with regards to his play on the field and the team's overall play, we do have a top notch coaching staff for the first time in recent memory here. Jay and Gase are clicking and have trust in each other. Jay can trust Gase cause he clearly knows his stuff. That I think is huge. He finally has a coordinator who has had much success, is highly respected and though of in the league. It's like being taught by a substitute all your career and now having a top notch teacher you have more trust in them knowing what they are telling you. And when Jay buys in the offensive players around him buy in and start truly believing in the system. He has looked far more under control and confident this year which is why I think we have to look at how things are now vs forever making him have to overcome a past that he can't change. We may finally have a staff that can get the most out of Jay, the evidence is there especially considering the mash unit our roster has become.

 

After last season I wanted him gone I was tired of losing and tired of watching horrible offensive football. I came into this season with the understanding that he's here pretty much because his contract made him virtually impossible to move and with the expectation that after this season he's gone. That thinking is beginning to change I see positives that make me think I'd be ok if he was here beyond this season. Not saying contract extension, but after this year his contract is far easier to swallow, and if he proves this year to be a QB who can run this offense efficiently I think he may deserve a chance to run it with the full compliment of talent around him. I'm not 100% sold on him yet because it is hard to shake the past but I think some objectivity here is wise. Consider this if by season's end Jay proves he can not only be competent but has full command of this offense, keeping him around and drafting a QB we can groom behind a Cutler that can help teach the kid the offense that could be a win win for us.

 

I do have one question regarding Jay. I've noticed that he has had some throws the last couple weeks that were low. Could this be partly effected by the hammy, or is it somewhat intentional on contested throws to make them harder to pick off, or is it just a continuity issue as he's playing with guy's he's had little experience with and is getting used to. Most of the guys he's throwing to were on the field in preseason when he was on the sidelines as we have been scraping the bottom of the barrel for warm bodies to line up outside.