Not even an hour into NFL free agency, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that big fish defensive end Julius Peppers and highly touted running back Chester Taylor will both visit the Chicago Bears on Friday. Brad Biggs is also reporting that tight end Brandon Manumaleuna will also pay a visit.
Continue reading "Peppers, Taylor and Manumaleuna visiting ..."
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
With NFL free agency kicking off at midnight on Thursday, the Chicago Bears need to make a huge splash. They have no first or second-round draft picks to spend money on and a salary cap-less year on the horizon, priming them to be major players in free agency for the first time I can remember. I'll take a look at a few positions and players the Bears should be targeting in free agency.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
If you're reading this, it means you're not among the thralls of New Orleans Saints fans in Louisiana or with the team in Miami that are just beginning what is sure to be a month-long party because their team just won their first ever Super Bowl. On a night thought by many to be Peyton Manning's coronation, Drew Brees ended up at the post-game podium as the MVP of the night after a 31-17 victory. Sunday's championship contest didn't get off to the most exciting of starts, but it sure finished with one.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Can't bet against the point spread? Feel too much pressure when deciding between your heart and your head? Vegas has you covered with these completely ridiculous prop bets, covered by Esquire. Here's a few choice selections and my useless advice.
Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Super Bowl 44 Prop Bets"
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
The wait is over. Super Bowl 44 is nigh. Manning versus Brees starts in mere hours. After prepping you for the game yesterday with separate previews of the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, it's time to bring the two together for my Super Bowl predictions.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
We are now a little more than a day away from the culmination of the 2009 NFL season. As we all have that inevitable Super Bowl party where no one else knows about football, I'm here to help you impress your friends with your gridiron knowledge. In this special edition of the Opening Drive I take a look at the NFC representative in SB XLIV, the New Orleans Saints.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Completing the circle of "Lovie's guys," Bears defensive line coach Rod Marinelli was promoted to assistant head coach and defensive coordinator on Friday. The move was among many staff decisions made by Smith and GM Jerry Angelo. Shane Day, quality control coach with the San Francisco 49ers, was hired to become the new quarterbacks coach and Eric Washington was promoted to defensive line coach. Seattle's Mike DeBord was signed on Tuesday, assuming the tight end coaching vacancy.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
After a 27-day germination, the Chicago Bears' offensive coordinator search finally bore fruit. Oddly enough, the man chosen for the job was rumored to be a front-runner as soon as Ron Turner was released. The polarizing Mike Martz will step into what boils down to be the offensive head coaching job.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Are you ready for two weeks of hype for a Brett Favre versus Peyton Manning Super Bowl?
Well TOO FREAKING BAD! The Saints were having none of it today. And what a coincidence that in a year marred by missed field goals, it was on the leg of lesser-known Saints kicker Garrett Hartley that the Saints earned a spot in their first ever Super Bowl with a 31-28 win over the Vikings.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Don't mess with Peyton Manning. That's what the number one ranked Jets defense learned Sunday afternoon, as they saw their 11-point second quarter lead evaporate under the intense heat of the Colt offense on the way to a 30-17 loss.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Here it is: the last weekend of real football. Conference Championship Sunday is here and isn't lacking for drama. From Brett Favre and Peyton Manning's legacy to the Jets' dominating defense or the surge in New Orleans, every team is a great story. Who do I think will make it to the Super Bowl in Miami? Read on in this edition of the Opening Drive!
Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Conference Championship ..."
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
It was an ugliest of games for the team in the prettiest of cities. After winning 11 straight games to finish the regular season, the San Diego Chargers came out with a resounding thud at home against the Jets on Sunday. Penalties, missed field goals and turnovers formed a perfect storm of suck for the Chargers and kept the Jets in the game until the final quarter where they took and held onto the lead to advance to the AFC championship game with a 17-14 victory.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Count me among the "fooled" pundits who thought the Dallas Cowboys would have the upper hand over the Minnesota Vikings in their divisional round match-up. How wrong we were. Tony Romo turned the ball over three times en route to an embarrassing 34-3 loss to Brett Favre and the Vikings.
Continue reading "Cowboys make quiet exit from playoffs ..."
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Even if yesterday's were drama-less (story of the playoffs so far), I couldn't miss a second. That won't change today as the most hyped game of the weekend starts Divisional round Sunday. New York's Cinderella story (is Rex Ryan the fairy godmother?) closes out the night with a west coast appearance. The Opening Drive of Divisional Sunday in the NFL starts now!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
I guess the Ravens used up all their karma. After everything went Baltimore's way last week against New England, they fell completely flat in Indianapolis Saturday night, missing every opportunity imaginable. Against a lesser foe, they could have mounted a comeback. Against Peyton Manning and the Colts, they had no chance.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
After Tim Hightower took the opening hand-off 70 yards for a touchdown, all I could think of was how awful the Saints fans would feel if their team lost in their playoff opener. Luckily for them Reggie Bush showed up with his bird-killing cleats on, leading the Saints to a 45-14 thrashing of the Arizona Cardinals to kick-off the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
In case you haven't heard, we're knee-deep in the NFL playoffs. Today kicks-off the best weekend of football all year. Eight teams remain in the Super Bowl hunt, with the top seeds in each conference joining in on the action. Let's not waste any time, here's the Opening Drive for Divisional Saturday in the NFL!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
It's fitting that in a game with over 1000 yards of offense, a defensive play decides the outcome. On the first drive of overtime, an Aaron Rodgers fumble was recovered by Cardinal Karlos Dansby and taken back 17 yards for the game-winning touchdown, eliminating the Packers from post-season play with a final of 51-45.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Well that happened.
From the very first play from scrimmage, it was obvious: These aren't your dad's Patriots. (If you dad was a Pats fan two years ago.) Ray Rice took the opening hand-off 83 yards to the endzone to put the Ravens up 7-0 en route to embarrassing Bill Belichick's Patriots 33-14.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Proving that their shut-out win last week was no fluke, the Dallas Cowboys picked up right where they left off with a 34-14 blowout win over the Philadelphia Eagles Saturday night. In a flag-filled contest (actually setting a playoff record for most penalty yards), only Dallas overcame their mistakes. Philly never stood a chance.
Continue reading "Cowboys send Eagles home with a 34-14 ..."
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
It wasn't exactly how he'd like it to happen, but Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan will sure take it. The New York Jets suppressed the home team Cincinnati Bengals Saturday in a 24-14 victory, despite giving up 171 yards on the ground.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Playoffs? Yep, they're here! After another 17 week regular season, the Wild-Card round begins this afternoon with the rematch between NY Jets and Cincinnati Bengals, followed by what could be the game of the weekend. Philadelphia travels to Dallas for the third meeting this season between these NFC East rivals. Time for analysis and predictions! It's the Opening Drive of Wild-Card Saturday!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Though it means nothing, I am required by football law to point out I was 7-0 in my Opening Drive predictions for week 17. Woot. Multiple teams lost because they did not keep their starters in while one NFC East leader got railed on. Now, onto the last week of the regular season with this edition of the Final Drive!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Happy New Year everyone! The NFC is all about seeding this Sunday, with all of the players at the table. In the AFC, the two wildcard spots will be hotly contested with the Ravens and Jets owning the inside track. Let's not waste time, here's the Opening Drive of week 17 in the NFL! *sniffle* It goes by so fast!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
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...
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
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!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
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!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
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.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
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.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
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!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
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!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
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.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
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.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
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?
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
With three utterly craptacular contests on Thanksgiving, I’m looking forward to a little competitive football this Sunday. However, it’s not until Monday that the real showdown of week 12 takes place. Let’s get some Opening Drive in your diet!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Well, it wasn't a barrage of Jay Cutler interceptions that led to Chicago's loss to Philadelphia at Soldier Field Sunday night. Instead of tossing red zone picks, Cutler played smart and checked down to his receivers, setting up four Robbie Gould field goals. Thing about field goals is, a touchdown's better than two of them. That simple math led to the demise of Lovie Smith's team and the deflation of their playoff hopes as they fall to 4-6.
Continue reading "Different story, same result in Bears' ..."
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
The Chicago Bears are losers of four of their last five contests. Their three primetime games this season have all resulted in losses, two of which were especially rich in turnovers. So why am I not convinced the Bears will lay an egg when they play the Eagles this Sunday night? Easy: they're playing at home.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
After three quarters of a boring contest, we finally got some action late in Thursday's Miami v. Carolina game. To anyone who had Ricky Williams on their fantasy team, good job. Now, we look to the weekend in the week 11 edition of the Oepning Drive!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
With all of the surprise upsets, there’s no way I can take the time to properly address them all. I’ll hit the best and worst of week 10 in this edition of the Final Drive!
(3-6) Tennessee Titans 41
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
There were a few games I couldn’t even pretend to drum up a story for. Monday night’s Baltimore v. Cleveland match-up is beyond ugly. Still, there's plenty of drama for the week 10 edition of the Opening Drive!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
I can’t blame the defense this time. On Thursday night, the Bears offense did everything they could to lose this game. Ten penalties and five Jay Cutler interceptions prevented Chicago from leaving Candlestick Park with a victory. I won’t bother boring you with the minutiae. The final score: San Francisco 10, Chicago Bears 6.
Continue reading "Penalties and Cutler's five interceptions ..."
Posted by Joe Anello | 1 comment
Welcome to a newly streamlined and revamped Gameday Preview! I figured the prior incarnation was just too filled with stats and useless analysis. From now on the preview will be more akin to extended Opening or Final Drive commentary. This week sees the Bears heading to San Francisco to take on the 49ers on Thursday Night Football. Let’s get to it!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
The last two undefeated teams carried on their winning ways, the last winless team won, the Giants gave one away by kicking a field goal and the Broncos could not hang with the Super Bowl Champs. Let’s wrap up week nine with the Final Drive!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
The last two undefeated teams carried on their winning ways, the last winless team won, the Giants gave one away by kicking a field goal and the Broncos could not hang with the Super Bowl Champs. Let’s wrap up week nine with the Final Drive!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
So that almost happened. Despite being out-played, out-coached, and out-classed in the first half, the Chicago Bears mounted a valiant comeback before falling to the Arizona Cardinals 41-21.
Continue reading "Bears can't catch up to Cardinals, lose 41-21"
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
A slew of division match-ups are highlighted in this week’s NFL schedule. First place is up for grabs in the NFC East and one team hopes to avoid falling further behind the Colts in the AFC South. What games should you be watching? Find out in the Opening Drive of week nine!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
The Titans and Rams each found their first wins, another team fell from the undefeated ranks and both New York squads lost key division games. By the way, Drew Brees and Peyton Manning are pretty good. *cough*Favre won*cough* Let’s wrap the week eight in the NFL with the Final Drive!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
It wasn’t pretty, but I’ll take it. The Bears put down the Cleveland Browns by a final score of 30-6 Sunday at Soldier Field. While a 24-point win against a number of other teams would have been memorable, that margin wasn’t enough for Bears fans who wanted to see domination like they saw in Cincinnati. Instead, they saw Lovie Smith’s squad do little more than take advantage of Cleveland’s never-ending mistakes.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
In the 2009 NFL, there are more teams at the bottom of the scrap heap than I can ever remember. Three (Tampa, Tennessee, St. Louis) are still winless, and another three (Detroit, Cleveland, Kansas City) have only managed one victory. It’s not just that these teams are bad; they’ve been downright awful this season. That’s why the Bears should (note I said should) have an easy day this Sunday when they welcome in the Cleveland Browns.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
This weekend Denver faces yet another stiff challenge, and four division match-ups make the Opening Drive! Oh yeah, and some guy named Favre returns to the second team he played for. No big whoop. Let’s analyze!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
I won’t punish you by going over every thing the Bears did wrong on Sunday. I don’t have that much time to write and I already punished myself by watching the game off my DVR after having heard the slaughter on the radio Sunday. Instead, let me explain what you can learn from their 45-10 beatdown at the hands of Carson Palmer, Cedric "holding a grudge" Benson and the Bengals.
Continue reading "What I learned from Chicago’s blowout ..."
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Wow, it was blowout city this weekend. 11 of the 13 NFL games in week 7 were decided by ten points or more. That’s just ridiculous. Maybe it was good I was moving furniture on Sunday… wait, no it still wasn’t. To the Final Drive of week 7!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
At 3-2, my Chicago Bears are in better shape than I would have predicted going into the season. That being said, I’ll still be upset if they lose in Cincinnati Sunday afternoon. Despite holding a lead in the AFC North, the Bengals are a beatable team. Let’s get right down to it in my Gameday Preview!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Um… I struggled to find six games with real significant drama. Bob Sanders will return to the Colts, but it’s against the lowly Rams! The Packers face the bumbling Browns, New England faces winless Tampa Bay in London, and Buffalo takes on Carolina. *shudder* Here’s the best of week seven in my Opening Drive!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
In a crazy week six in the NFL, we saw both New York teams fall, one squad completely give up, and three teams continue their undefeated ways. The Final Drive of week six starts right now!
(3-3) Houston Texans 28
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
So that happened. After threatening on several occasions in the red zone and leading a possible game-tying drive to the five-yard line, the Chicago Bears rightfully lost a game they had no business winning.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
After a well-needed bye week, the Chicago Bears are back in action tonight, heading to the Georgia Dome to take on Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons. Coming off a 45-10 beatdown of the San Francisco 49ers, the Falcons could not be flying higher. After a heart-breaking loss in Atlanta last season, the Bears are ready for some payback.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
With a busier schedule than normal, the Opening Drive was relegated to Sunday morning! Here’s my quick takes on some of the weekend’s NFL match-ups.
(3-2) Baltimore Ravens at (5-0) Minnesota Vikings In one of the better match-ups of the weekend, Brett Favre and the undefeated Vikes get their toughest challenge to date when the surely fuming Ravens come to town. I don’t know if I can imagine that team after losing three straight. I’d be scared. Still, Minnesota has a stout defense of its own. Favre and Joe Flacco need to protect the ball because each offense excels at cashing in on turnovers. Man I hope the Ravens win.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Still love me some NFL. Josh McDaniels kicked Bill Belichick’s Patriots right out of Denver while Matt Ryan picked apart a supposedly stout San Francisco defense. Oh, and Peyton Manning is still awesome. I wrap up week five in the NFL in the Final Drive!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
With some downright horrendous match-ups this weekend, this edition of the Opening Drive is shorter than usual. Just writing about Cleveland versus Buffalo would put me to sleep. Let’s get things going with the most anticipated games of week four!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
It was unimpressive statistically, but Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears dominated the Detroit Lions in the second half en route to a 48-24 win on Sunday.
Even though Detroit’s offense ran 76 plays compared to Chicago’s 50 and racked up nearly 400 yards, it wasn’t enough to overcome losing the field position battle. All of the Lions’ 13 drives started from within their own 30-yard line. Out of the Bears 13 drives, only three started behind the 30. With that kind of field position, Jay Cutler didn’t have to throw for 300 yards to get the victory.
Continue reading "Bears Demolish Lions in Second Half of Blowout Win"
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Someone finally looked like a rookie quarterback; things are going south in Tennessee, and some guy named Brett Favre made headlines. I wrap up week four in the NFL with the Final Drive!
(3-1) New England Patriots 27
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
One thing is for sure going into this Sunday’s match-up at Solider Field: these aren’t the 2008 Lions. Know how I know that? The 2009 Lions have won a game. It happened just last weekend against the Redskins. Detroit head coach Jim Schwartz is hoping to turn it into a streak, with the Chicago Bears playing their second victim.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
In week four of the NFL season, at least one more undefeated team will fall. AFC forces meet in Boston, and one of the best rivalries in the league takes it to a whole ‘nother level thanks to a certain unretiring quarterback. Week four Opening Drive commence!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Plenty of drama in a weekend that saw one team break a 19-game losing streak and another keep their undefeated streak going. Let’s start the Final Drive of week 3!
(1-2) Detroit Lions 19 (1-2) Washington Redskins 14
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
It was tougher than it should have been, but the Chicago Bears left Seattle with a 25-19 victory over the Seahawks. Despite a Jay Cutler interception and fumble, the Bears found a way to win. After three heart attacks and defibrillator attention, I found a way to write this story.
Continue reading "Cutler leads Bears to 25-19 win in Seattle"
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
After winning a game no one expected them to win, the Bears are now widely expected to travel to Seattle and defeat the injury-battling Seahawks. Which Seahawk is injured you ask? Someone pretty important…
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
In week three, two early unbeatens face off at the Metrodome while numerous 0-2 teams try to avoid the near-insurmountable playoff climb out of the 0-3 hole. Let’s get started with this week’s Opening Drive!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Week two had its fair share of upsets and surprises. (Not the least of which were my Bears!) Let’s take a look at the week that was in my Week 2 edition of the Final Drive!
(2-0) Atlanta Falcons 28
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Critics be silenced! The Chicago Bears have defeated the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers!
A week after his less-than-stellar outing against the Green Bay Packers, Jay Cutler came home to Chicago and proved to be worth the king’s ransom that was paid for his services. Though there is certainly room for improvement, this is a win the Bears desperately needed.
Continue reading "Bears Shock Steelers with Late Field Goal"
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
This certainly has been a troublesome week for Bears fans after a confounding opener in which Jay Cutler threw four interceptions and Brian Urlacher dislocated his wrist, ending his season. With a load of criticism being heaped Jay’s way and a depth chart shuffle since Monday, the Bears now have to focus on Sunday’s match-up to avoid starting this season 0-2. Unfortunately their mountain to climb is steep, as the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers are coming to town.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
With 16 games in the regular season, losing your first two isn’t a cause for panic, but it is a cause for concern. In the Week 2 edition of the Opening Drive, here are some teams who need to avoid an 0-2 start.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Week one of the 2009 NFL season is in the books. Filled with injuries, blowouts and a dramatic ending out in Cincinnati, let’s take a look around the league in this first edition of the Final Drive!
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Well that was a hot mess. I’m just glad to have that one behind me now. I’m writing this article as fast as possible just to get the taste out of my mouth.
A positively putrid performance was put on by the Chicago Bears offense in what ended up being a defensive battle. Like it goes in the NFL, the quarterback is going to get most of the blame. Jay Cutler threw four interceptions in Chicago’s 21-15 loss to the rival Green Bay Packers Sunday night.
Continue reading "Cutler tosses 4 INT's as Bears fall to Packers"
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Maybe you didn’t hear the NFL kicked off its season last night. Maybe you didn’t know the Chicago Bears are headed to Lambeau Field to play the Packers on NBC’s Sunday Night Football. What I’m pretty sure you heard is that Jay Cutler is a Chicago Bear.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Do you smell that? It smells like football! No more preseason, no more scrubs fighting for jobs. It's time for the return of the Opening Drive!
Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers
In the Thursday night season opener, we get what should have been last season’s AFC Championship match-up. The eventual Super Bowl winner Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to make another deep postseason run, and they’re talented enough to do it. Running back Rashard Mendenhall is back after spending most of last year on IR with a shoulder injury. During this campaign he’ll begin to see more carries each week as an eventual successor to Willie Parker. Ben Roethlisberger may still have a lot on his mind, but beating the Titans on national TV may cure what ails him. (For now anyway.)
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
If you were watching last night’s Bears 26-23 preseason victory over the Browns trying to catch a glimpse of your favorite Bears, I hope you didn’t blink.
After a Zack Bowman interception on the first play from scrimmage, Jay Cutler took the field and handed off to back-up running back Kevin Jones six times, leading to a Robbie Gould field goal. Matt Forte didn't even play. After those first seven plays, it was scrub time.
Continue reading "Bears Answer Few Questions in Victory Over Browns"
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
The game’s over. Can you shut up about it now? As the most exciting and drama-filled preseason game I can remember, Sunday night’s Bears v. Broncos match-up didn’t disappoint. Well, unless you’re a Broncos fan that is.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
After last week’s impressive performance, the Chicago Bears are looking to improve on the little things and settle some key position battles. This week, they visit the mile-high city for one of the most hotly anticipated preseason match-ups in recent memory. As much as Jay Cutler and Josh McDaniels say this game doesn’t matter, you know they’re itching to embarrass the other guy just a little bit. I personally can’t wait to see our defense pick off Kyle Orton, but that’s just me.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Can all the naysayers please sit down?
After a sub-par performance in his first preseason game as a Bear, Jay Cutler had to listen to a week of Chicago fans moan and groan about the offense’s slow progress. That certainly won’t be the case this week.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Well, that could have gone better. Not that you should be too concerned with the outcome, but the Chicago Bears lost in their first preseason outing last night to the Buffalo Bills in a score of 27 – 20. It was an inconsistent performance at best from the Bears, who were without key pieces on both sides of the ball.
Continue reading "Cutler Doesn't Meet Hype Against the Bills"
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Well, the Brett Favre saga appears to be over… for now.
The routinely flip-flopping quarterback informed ESPN’s Ed Werder of his decision to stay retired after telling Brad Childress of the Minnesota Vikings. Favre explained that he was unsure of his body’s ability to withstand another grueling NFL season and the training camp and preseason schedule that accompany it.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
I can’t remember a busier or more significant Chicago Bears offseason. After the miraculous acquisition of Jay Cutler (which I still can’t believe happened), and then the signing of Orlando Pace, Jerry Angelo could have sat out the rest of free agency and skipped the draft and Bears fans would have been content. Not one to rest on his new QB’s laurels, Angelo refuses to let up.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
With nine picks in the final six rounds, the Chicago Bears addressed their most pressing areas of need. Wide receiver, the defensive line, and safety were all points of focus for the Bears, who used six of their nine selections in those areas. It was a solid draft if nothing else, getting value late in the draft.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
So there is barely any news on the Chicago front. After waiting over five hours to make their only pick of the day at number 17 in the second round (49th overall), the Chicago Bears made a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. The Bears sent their 2nd round selection to Seattle and received the Seahawks’ 3rd round (68th overall) and 4th round (105th) choices, both of which will be on Sunday.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Mmm… draft weekend. I live for it. Call me crazy, call me an NFL freak, but I simply can’t get enough Mel Kiper or Todd McShay spouting off intangibles of some cornerback out of Florida State in the fifth round. I will be pasted to my couch this weekend, analyzing every Bears selection and dutifully following the ticker at the bottom of the screen.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Jay Cutler is a Chicago Bear. I said it. I can’t believe it. This was a pipedream. All I wanted to hear was that the Bears expressed their interest and were on the phones trying to make an offer. I did not even fathom the idea that they could actually land a franchise quarterback. General Manager Jerry Angelo not only called the Broncos, but pulled the trigger on a massive blockbuster trade, acquiring the Pro Bowl QB from Denver.
Continue reading "Chicago Bears Trade for Cutler, Sign Pace"
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
I know. I was just as confused when you heard the news that controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens had been signed by the Buffalo Bills. For a player with a troublesome history like Owens, this might be his last chance to redeem himself and prove he can play nice with others. For a team that barely gets any national attention, Buffalo just cannon-balled into the media pool. I did not see this coming. Oakland? Yes. Al Davis loves stockpiling problem children. Then it’s always a surprise when they’re a problem and are released a year later. Buffalo? Dick Jauron is the model of calm and non-confrontational. Trent Edwards is a second year quarterback whose growth could be stunted if T.O. starts acting up early. Is this a good acquisition for the Bills? Well, to answer simply: maybe.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
I know, you’re shocked. Jerry Angelo is usually so busy during this hectic time of player visits, physicals, and contract negotiations. Oh wait, I think this is annual vacation. My mistake. Like clockwork, the Bears have effectively disappeared from the free agent landscape, instead waiting for the second or third-tier talent to begin finding homes. The Bears have only made one acquisition so far: back-up offensive lineman Frank Omiyale. It’s a solid move for Angelo and his porous offensive line, but it’s nothing ground-breaking. Omiyale signed a four-year deal that will end being worth around 12 to 14 million dollars. He’s a versatile talent, evidenced by his last season in Carolina, where he was used all over the Panthers’ offensive line. He comes into Chicago expected to start at a guard spot (probably on the right side), leaving last year’s first round pick Chris Williams at left tackle. I’ll quickly run through the news regarding Chicago and their molasses-like talent search.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Now THAT was a finish. With toes touching and his hands grasping, Santonio Holmes drove a stake into the collective heart of the Arizona Cardinals and their fans. It was the last score of a thrilling fourth quarter that saw the Cardinals rally from thirteen points down to take a 23 – 20 lead with 2:37 left on the clock. That was 35 seconds more than the Pittsburgh Steelers needed to drive 78 yards to the end zone, regaining the lead and winning the forty-third Super Bowl. I won’t waste your time recapping plays like James Harrison’s 100-yard interception return or Larry Fitzgerald’s 64-yard catch and run. You watched those on Sunday. Instead, I’ll try to hit the nuances and little snippets you may have missed as you stuffed down wings and left the room during gameplay so you wouldn’t have to miss a commercial.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
Now that I’ve adequately covered each individual team, now it’s time to analyze the game between them! It’s the last game of the season so it’s also the last edition of the Opening Drive!
Continue reading "Joey A's Super Bowl Opening Drive: Game Preview"
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
When the NFL’s regular season match-ups were announced, the Pittsburgh Steelers were already at a disadvantage. They were handed the league’s toughest schedule, which included meetings with the NFC East and AFC South, along with the always competitive AFC North of which the Steelers are a part. When you factor that in with the injuries they sustained during the season, particularly in the running game with Willie Parker missing an extended amount of time, first rounder Rashard Mendenhall put on IR after week four, the same as guard Kendall Simmons, it’s astonishing the Steelers made it to Tampa.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
After years of being the “sexy pick” of the NFC West, Ken Wisenhunt's Arizona Cardinals finally lived up to the hype this season by beating up on the mediocre teams in their division and winning the NFC Championship.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
After some tremendous post-season play, the Super Bowl is set. In this edition of the Final Drive, I look back at Sunday’s Conference Championship games.
Arizona Cardinals 32, Philadelphia Eagles 25
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
For the second straight week, all of the NFL’s contests are rematches. Who are the ad wizards that are responsible for this? I smell a fix! (I kid, I kid.) After my two favorite football weekends of the year, this Sunday is without question the best singular day of action. I’ve got you covered with all the details in the penultimate edition of the Opening Drive.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
This year’s NFL action hasn’t failed to deliver intriguing storylines, and the Divisional round continued that trend. This round’s upsets have produced a fresh and exciting conference championship Sunday. Let’s find out how we got here with a look at last weekend’s action in the Final Drive.
Posted by Joe Anello | No comments yet
