After a still-ongoing bevy of computer issues, I'm back with a classic-text version of my Bears blog. I may have missed a Gameday Preview, but let's face it, did you need one? Every Bears fan knew their team HAD to beat the lowly Rams or face the embarrassment of losing to one of the worst teams in football. Thankfully, that didn't happen as the Bears put up 17 points at Soldier Field, more than enough to dwarf the offensively-challenged Rams. So what did I learn from this much-needed win?

Unfortunately, not much. Jay Cutler injured his hand during the contest but it certainly doesn't look to be anything overly serious. Ron Turner put an obvious emphasis on running the ball, force-feeding the ball to Matt Forte and Kahlil Bell 38 times for 120 yards. Cutler only threw 18 times, a sure side effect of an injured hand. Still, the Bears went downfield early, attacking a porous St. Louis secondary. Devin Hester made his best catch of the season and Earl Bennett caught his first career touchdown.

Continue reading "What I learned from the Bears' 17-9 win over the Rams"

Why is it that recent late-season meetings between the Bears and Packers hold little to no significance? Oh wait, I remember now. Because one of these teams decides to be out of it by week ten. This year its the Bears' turn. Each squad has gone through their own specific roller-coaster rides, but while the Bears have been on the The Whizzer and are in the midst of projectile vomiting, the Green Bay Packers have ridden Batman: The Ride six times and are ready for more. How's that for an analogy? Sunday's divisional match-up at Soldier Field will feature two teams going in opposite directions.

While the Bears may be hanging their hat on how close their week one loss to Green Bay was (in spite of four Cutler picks), this is not the same Green Bay. Their defense is among the best in the NFL and their offense has found a groove under their now-protected quarterback Aaron Rodgers. They've been running the ball effectively if nothing else and shouldn't have any problems dissecting a Bears defense that lacks any real continuity. If Chicago is to have a chance against the Packers offense, their pass rush must routinely put Rodgers on the ground with pressure from their front four.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Packers at Bears"

I feel teased. I feel like a perfect 10 didn't bother giving me the time of day when I walked past her at the bar. No big whoop. I wasn't going to think twice about it. But then she starts coyly smiling at me an hour later while drinking a cocktail through a straw. A half hour later SHE comes over to me and asks if I'm single, causing me to wonder whether or not I cleaned my bedroom and stashed my Spider-man pillow in case of a female presence. All of a sudden, when I feel like she's giving me the all-clear, she walks away to chat up douche number six and leaves me high and dry. That's how the Bears' 21-14 loss to the Packers made me feel.

After a none-too shocking three-and-out by the Bears offense, Green Bay running back Ryan Grant took his first carry 62 yards to paydirt, leaving me resigned to an unseemly stomping at the hands of our division rivals. But a funny thing happened at Soldier Field on Sunday... the Aaron Rodgers didn't start throwing 40-yard bombs, the Bear defense tightened and the Bear offense scored! After pulling ahead 14-13 in the third quarter of a game they had no business winning, I actually thought we had a chance. That'll teach me.

Continue reading "What I learned from the Bears' 21-14 loss to the Packers"

It was a crazy week 14 in the NFL, book-ended by division upsets on Thursday and Monday night. While the playoff picture is coming into focus, we still have loads of drama in the NFC East and two undefeated teams with their eyes set on the Lombardi Trophy. The Final Drive starts now!

(13-0) New Orleans Saints 26
(6-7) Atlanta Falcons 23

A Chris Redman-led Falcons mounted a valiant comeback, but Drew Brees and the Saints pulled out a thriller to clinch the NFC South. With a Saturday night game against Dallas coming up, the unbeaten New Orleans is proving they are the true team to beat in the NFC, winning in a variety of ways. 

(7-6) Miami Dolphins 14
(7-6) Jacksonville Jaguars 10

Jacksonville had control of their playoff destiny. That is, until Miami won in a squeaker. Now the last AFC wildcard spot is up for grabs in a free-for-all. Sorry Jaguars, you had you chance. Chad Henne continues to impress and Ricky Williams continues to shoulder the load without Ronnie Brown. 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 14"

After another dramatic Colts win, the still-undefeated Saints try their luck against the Cowboys on Saturday night while the second seed in the AFC is on the line on Sunday. Let's start the Opening Drive of week 15 in the NFL!

(8-5) Dallas Cowboys at (13-0) New Orleans Saints 

Dallas' DeMarcus Ware is going to play less than a week after suffering a neck strain, but that may not be enough for the free-falling Cowboys. Going into New Orleans and escaping with a victory will require near-flawless play and a lot of luck. Even without tight end Jeremy Shockey, Drew Brees has an abundance of weapons at his disposal. If the Saints move to 14-0, it will could signal the end of Dallas' playoff hopes and the end of Wade Philips' tenure as head coach.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 15"

After much delay and a postponed game time thanks to an intense eastern snowstorm, the Chicago Bears finally landed in Baltimore last night. Now they have to deal with the snow AND the frothing Ravens, who are still fighting for their post-season lives. While a winnable affair, today's contest with the aggressive birds will surely leave the Bears battered and bruised. 

(5-8) Chicago Bears at
(7-6) Baltimore Ravens 

Led by Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, the Baltimore defense thrives on shutting down the run and confusing the opposing quarterback into throwing interceptions. This will be their lucky day, as our offense excels at running the ball poorly and turning it over. *Update: The Ravens will be without safety Ed Reed and receiver Mark Clayton.* Regardless of the outcome, I would like to see Lovie Smith let some of his younger talent on the field just so we know what we might have for next season. (Juaquin Iglesias anyone?) Seeing as how many reports have Smith returning for the 2010 campaign, I wouldn't think that's too much to ask. Though so far Lovie's been focused on trying to win meaningless games and not the future.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Chicago Bears at Baltimore Ravens"

By the end of the first quarter Bears QB Jay Cutler had already tossed two interceptions. The Baltimore Ravens had already exchanged those gifts for fourteen points. After six total turnovers and nary an offensive score to be found, the lesson was obvious. I already knew my Bears sucked. Now I know they suck, have given up on their coach and may not win another game this season.

Baltimore Ravens 31
Chicago Bears 7 

Two fumbles and four interceptions completely destroyed any possibility of a decent outing. Joe Flacco took advantage of the non-stop turnovers and cashed in on four touchdown throws, the first two of which went to tight end Todd Heap. The lone Bears score came on special teams thanks to an Earl Bennett 49-yard punt return to the endzone in the second quarter. Even at 14-7, I never for once thought my Bears could pull out a victory. I know better by now.

Continue reading "What I learned from the Bears' 31-7 loss to the Ravens"

Happy Holidays everyone! After watching the San Diego Chargers take hold of the number two seed in the AFC by knocking off the Titans Christmas evening, I'm ready for a great Sunday in the NFL. Even though the NFC playoff picture is pretty clear, the AFC is still wide open. Let's get to the Opening Drive of week 16! 

(8-6) Baltimore Ravens at (7-7) Pittsburgh Steelers

After a string of poor losses, the Steelers are back and in command of their playoff lives. Beating the Ravens would pull them back into the mix while simultaneously putting the Ravens on the outs. Without Troy Polamalu, the Steelers must rely on another big game from Big Ben Roethlisberger. With their week twelve meeting ending with an overtime field goal, this rematch is up for grabs. On Heinz Field, I'll give a slight edge to Pittsburgh.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 16"

Holy idiotic decision Jim Caldwell! This week in the Final Drive features a barrel-full of storylines. The playoff contestants in the NFC were locked in while the AFC remains a dog-fight for the final two playoff spots. Let's wrap up week 16!

(8-7) Pittsburgh Steelers 23
(8-7) Baltimore Ravens 20

The Steelers took advantage of Raven penalties and missed opportunities to win a physical game and stay alive in the playoff hunt. Unfortunately for them, Baltimore still has the inside track to the post-season, only needing to beat Oakland next week in order to advance. The Steelers may have dug themselves too big a hole of which to climb out.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 16"

I know the game was meaningless for the Bears. There's not a huge difference between 5-9 and 6-9. Lovie Smith's job status could have been decided already. Jay Cutler was going to have a poor season either way, right? That being said...

Eff you Minnesota. Seriously. Take that Brett Favre. Hope you enjoy playing the first weekend of the playoffs because you just lost out on the number two seed in the NFC. 

Monday night's shocking overtime win over the much ballyhooed Vikings gave Bear fans something to cheer about at the end of this massively disappointing season. Minnesota came out flat as can be while Chicago started quickly, something they have rarely done in 2009. There were a few too many injuries for the Bears, as Charles Tillman, Israel Idonije, Danieal Manning and Johnny Knox all went down at one time or another.

Continue reading "What I learned from the Bears' 36-30 win over the Vikings"