How Bout Dem Bears?

padraig_f · 04-09-2014 12:35PM

Looking forward to some real football, but Super Bowl dreams slightly dampened by the consistently bad pass-coverage in the pre-season. Heard some caveats for this...the vets weren't trying....they weren't game-planning, but it was so consistently bad (incl. against the Jags and Henne/Bortles), it looked to me a bit more than that.

Hey, it will definitely be better with the added personnel (still really like the pass-rush), but you just think against the top offenses you expect to see in the post-season, it would be exploited.

Had a look at the Bills in pre-season, EJ Manuel is the weak point, and the Bills know it. I expect them to come out run-heavy to mask this, and to test the league's worst run-defense from last year. Big key to the game then is stopping the run, and get Manuel into pass situations.

kennyb3 · 04-09-2014 12:41PM

padraig_f wrote: »

Looking forward to some real football, but Super Bowl dreams slightly dampened by the consistently bad pass-coverage in the pre-season. Heard some caveats for this...the vets weren't trying....they weren't game-planning, but it was so consistently bad (incl. against the Jags and Henne/Bortles), it looked to me a bit more than that.

Hey, it will definitely be better with the added personnel (still really like the pass-rush), but you just think against the top offenses you expect to see in the post-season, it would be exploited.

Had a look at the Bills in pre-season, EJ Manuel is the weak point, and the Bills know it. I expect them to come out run-heavy to mask this, and to test the league's worst run-defense from last year. Big key to the game then is stopping the run, and get Manuel into pass situations.

If we make the post season, i'd be happy. I've no superbowl dreams, not even faint ones, you don't win (or get near) superbowls with our LBer's or safties or DC. The Dline will be better for sure but that's it. I got enthused at one stage and then reality hits and you look at those 3 things as objectively as possible and you say - no hope.

Despite what everyone else thinks i'd expect an offensive drop off too due to injuries (blessed last year) and Trestmans playbook being slightly more exposed (e.g. won't be getting away with Jeffery end-arounds this year).

We should win Sunday, don't and it could be a long season esp given our first half schedule.

ChicagoJoe · 06-09-2014 12:58PM

It's tough to be optimistic about the defense after last season's injury-plagued debacle and what we have seen from the preseason. Mostly, it's tough because the back seven of the defense is suspect.

SameOleJay · 06-09-2014 03:41PM

I think back 7 is pushing it. A corner trio of Peanut, Jennings and Fuller could be very decent. I anticipate Bostic coming in for the nickel packages which would actually leave a few pacy players in too.

Safety and linebacker huge concerns though, no doubt.

padraig_f · 06-09-2014 04:42PM

kennyb3 wrote: »

If we make the post season, i'd be happy. I've no superbowl dreams, not even faint ones, you don't win (or get near) superbowls with our LBer's or safties or DC. The Dline will be better for sure but that's it. I got enthused at one stage and then reality hits and you look at those 3 things as objectively as possible and you say - no hope.

Despite what everyone else thinks i'd expect an offensive drop off too due to injuries (blessed last year) and Trestmans playbook being slightly more exposed (e.g. won't be getting away with Jeffery end-arounds this year).

We should win Sunday, don't and it could be a long season esp given our first half schedule.

kenny you were optimistic there for a very brief period over the summer, I know I saw a positive post there at one point. ah I'm kind of the same, was being slightly tongue-in-cheek with the Super Bowl dreams talk, reaching the playoffs is the more realistic target. the NFC is such a bloodbath...Seahawks looking better than last year, Saints too, they look to have improved their defense, 49ers are depleted but will be good again when they get Bowman & Smith back, Packers are still the team to beat in the division, and I think the Eagles are going to be excellent this year.

Would be nice to win the division, and get a home playoff game.

I'm optimistic though the offense is going to be better this year. Just with the second year effect, guys will be more comfortable, and they'll expand the playbook. Think this, plus the talent on the roster trumps any familiarity defenses will have.

kennyb3 · 06-09-2014 04:49PM

I certainly was, I thought something or someone would show up at safety and possibly linebacker. I still have hope for Bostic, but we are a few players short at least.

Still hopefully they can get off to a flyer and carry on from there.

As I said I'm more of a realist, but hoping they can give us all something to be excited about tomorrow.

kennyb3 · 07-09-2014 07:47PM

That's a disgraceful int for a 16m+ qb. You cant teach an old dog new tricks. Year what is it now and still at it? Tied in the 4th just to compound things.

Oat23 · 07-09-2014 07:58PM

kennyb3 wrote: »

That's a disgraceful int for a 16m+ qb. You can teach an old dog new tricks. Year what is it now and still at it? Tied in the 4th just to compound things.

Keep calm and dump it off to Forte.

Oat23 · 07-09-2014 08:15PM

Well that's one way to ruin a Sunday.

SameOleJay · 07-09-2014 08:19PM

Deary, deary me.

aaronm13 · 07-09-2014 08:19PM

Well that sucked. Interception was horrible for the Bills touchdown.

kennyb3 · 07-09-2014 08:24PM

Long season ahead, could get real ugly real quick with our schedule. What date is next years draft?

Beaten at home by the bills with ej Manuel at qb - bloody hell. We never stop biting on play action. Jackson ridiculous yardage on the ground. Offence pathetic, jay will never change. We will no doubt be signing his praise at some stage but just no consistency apart from in his interception column.

SameOleJay · 07-09-2014 08:32PM

Corners were terrible. I am so sick of Jennings trying for the big play and killing us back there.
Pass rush non existent
Passing game fell to pieces without Alshon.
We needed Jay to step up and he collapsed.

Miserable stuff.

crunchie44 · 07-09-2014 08:37PM

Bears biggest problem has been stopping the run. We sign very good pass rushers and rely on the draft to patch in few run stuffers looks silly now. Jackson is as old as my dad and he found it extremely easy to walk through the line

kennyb3 · 07-09-2014 08:47PM

I'm honestly in shock - can't believe the bills bet us, and at home. It's so hard to keep watching them put Shea out there, we are playing a man light.

Ps we need a game manager in trestmans system, not a gunslinger, the 2nd int is just unforgivable to be honest. You wouldn't see a middle tier qb do that let alone anyway that has thoughts of making a Super Bowl. Next week I dare not watch. We ll be crucified.

I need to go kick something.

kennyb3 · 08-09-2014 07:51AM

Having calmed down a bit last night, I had a thought;

Phil Emery really f'ucked up releasing Earl Bennett. Yes he didn't know Wilson would go down but even when he did - no move. We ended up with Holmes, who was signed how many days ago?? out there.

It's like the Izzy situation of last year. Yet again the depth isn't there and the level of turnover is way way too high.

Yes we we're unlucky with injuries, but injuries are a massive part of the NFL - look at Miami with 3 linebacker missing yesterday and backups still palying well.

Earl is still a good catcher (remember the steelers TD last year), a good back up with a comfort between him and Jay. He didn't do well last year as he didn't see much of the field, didn't get many target as BMarsh and Alshon were on it all the time. Yesterday was the sort of situation we needed him.

We ended up with Morgan, Spurlock & Holmes out there last night - who had a combined total of 0 games for us before (ignoring preseason).

That's just one thought that came to me anyway that might get missed.

Honestly I can't believe we were 'finding' our #3 receiver a few days before kickoff - bloody joke really.

Oat23 · 08-09-2014 08:12AM

kennyb3 wrote: »

Having calmed down a bit last night, I had a thought;

Phil Emery really f'ucked up releasing Earl Bennett. Yes he didn't know Wilson would go down but even when he did - no move. We ended up with Holmes, who was signed how many days ago?? out there.

It's like the Izzy situation of last year. Yet again the depth isn't there and the level of turnover is way way too high.

Yes we we're unlucky with injuries, but injuries are a massive part of the NFL - look at Miami with 3 linebacker missing yesterday and backups still palying well.

Earl is still a good catcher (remember the steelers TD last year), a good back up with a comfort between him and Jay. He didn't do well last year as he didn't see much of the field, didn't get many target as BMarsh and Alshon were on it all the time. Yesterday was the sort of situation we needed him.

We ended up with Morgan, Spurlock & Holmes out there last night - who had a combined total of 0 games for us before (ignoring preseason).

That's just one thought that came to me anyway that might get missed.

Honestly I can't believe we were 'finding' our #3 receiver a few days before kickoff - bloody joke really.

Earl should have been brought back after Wilson got hurt, definitely.

But..

In a fan Q&A recently, he was asked ''Why was Earl Bennett not called after Wilson was hurt?''

He replied with something like ''Don't assume Earl was not called, nobody in the Bears org has said that.''

So maybe he was called and Earl wasn't willing to accept a deal at the price they wanted.

Hester had a day yesterday too :eek:

kennyb3 · 08-09-2014 09:18AM

Thanks hadn't read that - guess we won't know. Emery and Trestman are too cute at times when they talk. Just say he was called or not.

Trestman really annoyed me yesterday with the 'clean it up' and 'lots of positives' stuff - we heard this all last year.

They are into year 3 - time to turn talking into winning. We seem to be improving talent wise, but regressing win wise.

In saying that give me them both media wise over Lovie & JA any day.

kennyb3 · 12-09-2014 09:19AM

Saw this elsewhere;

Cutler 2-7 in last 9 games - will be 2-8 after sunday no doubt.

Beat the 0-5 Giants and the Browns (that's it!). Lost to the Saints, Lions twice, Packers, Redskins, Eagles and Bills.

That's a bit depressing - we've beaten nobody of note lately.

If we lose Sunday - history shows we've a 12% chance of making the playoffs (0-2 teams).

And for more good news - our 2015 schedule is;

@Seattle
@St. Louis
@San Diego
@Kansas City
@3 Division games
@TBD

SF
Arizona
Oakland
Denver
3 Division
TBD

I'm full of positivity this morning as you can tell!

Realt Dearg Sec · 12-09-2014 10:49AM

kennyb3 wrote: »

Saw this elsewhere;

Cutler 2-7 in last 9 games - will be 2-8 after sunday no doubt.

Beat the 0-5 Giants and the Browns (that's it!). Lost to the Saints, Lions twice, Packers, Redskins, Eagles and Bills.

That's a bit depressing - we've beaten nobody of note lately.

If we lose Sunday - history shows we've a 12% chance of making the playoffs (0-2 teams).

And for more good news - our 2015 schedule is;

@Seattle
@St. Louis
@San Diego
@Kansas City
@3 Division games
@TBD

SF
Arizona
Oakland
Denver
3 Division
TBD

I'm full of positivity this morning as you can tell!

Looking at the schedule on Sunday after the loss, I predicted, best case scenario, an 8-8 season. But it's early days. Presuming we lose Sunday, but who knows after that. I watched the first half last night and the offense is still capable of catching fire again like last season, certainly it's unlikely the O-line will be that bad all year (although the injuries might prove very, very costly there). Defensively, our linebackers are catastrophically bad, but I actually thought the safeties seemed to do OK. Our D line was very poor considering the moves and money thrown at the issue, but presumably they can't stay that bad all season.

Playoffs? I really doubt it. Standing still seems to be the most likely course of events.

Innish_Rebel · 12-09-2014 11:12AM

Yeah I have to admit - I was fairly positive for the season, but after the buffalo game, the D-Line & Linebackers really depressed me. I had hoped/expected the improved D-line would in turn allow the LB'ers to show better - early days yes but look at the schedule coming up... A tough run 6 away in next 8:

Added to fact that Vikes & Lions looked better than expected on weekend!!! Let's hope the D steps up & Jay stops the turnovers... On the positive FORTE is immense.

@ 49ers (potential SB contenders)
@ Jets (away - to 1:0 team)
v Packers (it's the packers)
@ Panthers (Cam back)
@ Falcons (Just beat a big SB tip in Saints)
v Dolphins (Just beat Brady's Pats)
@ Patriots (They are always tough)
@ Packers (it's the packers)

kennyb3 · 12-09-2014 11:23AM

Allen not showing up sunday is a huge concern - he was very average last year and we've a lot of money tied up in him. Cordy Glenn is excellent though - but Allen is meant to be a star player.

Huge part of the defensive problem is we've one average staring defensive player out of these picks (that player is Bostic)

2012

19th pick (McClellin)
79th pick (Hardin)
184th pick (Frey)
220th pick (McCoy)

2013

50th Pick (Bostic) - the okay starter
117th pick (Greene) - still could end up a starter
188th pick (Washington)

So 7 picks - one shambolic starter, one average starter.

The McClellin and Hardin picks have hurt us bad and we haven't hit on any lower round guys yet.

Hopefully Fuller, Ferguson & Sutton can turn out to be good players.

On these I think Fuller will be very good, I'm not one bit sold on Ferguson and have concerns over Sutton.

kennyb3 · 12-09-2014 11:25AM

Innish_Rebel wrote: »

Added to fact that Vikes & Lions looked better than expected on weekend!!!

That's a huge concern imo - least we might finally get a high pick!

padraig_f · 12-09-2014 12:07PM

kennyb3 wrote: »

Saw this elsewhere;

Cutler 2-7 in last 9 games - will be 2-8 after sunday no doubt.

Not generally a fan of quoting QB win-loss records, but that was a ****-show last week.

I've tried to give Cutler the benefit of the doubt as much as possible, but he's out of excuses this season....co-ordinator that makes Josh McCown look great, great receivers, great running-back, good enough o-line, 2nd year in the offense.

So just very disappointing to see him still screwing up. You wonder now will he ever learn. Don't want to overreact over one game, but when you're paying a guy $22m, you expect pretty consistent excellence. Hit-and-miss performances aren't good enough for that kind of money.

kennyb3 · 12-09-2014 12:17PM

padraig_f wrote: »

Not generally a fan of quoting QB win-loss records, but that was a ****-show last week.

I've tried to give Cutler the benefit of the doubt as much as possible, but he's out of excuses this season....co-ordinator that makes Josh McCown look great, great receivers, great running-back, good enough o-line, 2nd year in the offense.

So just very disappointing to see him still screwing up. You wonder now will he ever learn. Don't want to overreact over one game, but when you're paying a guy $22m, you expect pretty consistent excellence. Hit-and-miss performances aren't good enough for that kind of money.

He won't learn imho - I really thought he'd made strides at the start of last season. I got sucked in! I forgave him the Minny fumble but then the Lions game happened.

That was his 8th season playing QB in the league - 9th times a charm eh?

So maybe we have to accept Jay Cutler the interception machine along with Jay Cutler the genius - there's little in between. Honestly I find it hard. We are stuck with him for 3 seasons regardless.

I think the thing is with the interceptions he'll throw you need either a) a super defense (can get off the field regularly) or b) one that's aggressive and forces turnovers.

Neither are ever happening under Mel Tucker who runs the blandest, most vanilla, placid defense. We blitzed a whole 4 times last week (Bills blitzed 12 times for example)!

Our tunovers have fallen off a cliff - when was our last Int?

And my god can we stop playing with 2 deep safties and at least try show a different look.

padraig_f · 12-09-2014 02:00PM

kennyb3 wrote: »

He won't learn imho - I really thought he'd made strides at the start of last season. I got sucked in! I forgave him the Minny fumble but then the Lions game happened.

That was his 8th season playing QB in the league - 9th times a charm eh?

I was optimistic Trestman might be able to coach him into not making those kinds of mistakes, first season in the offense you maybe give him a pass on some things. Game 1 of the second season, just a bit depressing to see a performance like that.

Our tunovers have fallen off a cliff - when was our last Int?

And my god can we stop playing with 2 deep safties and at least try show a different look.

Conte had that one on Sunday. Was actually a nice play, he was sitting deep at the snap, but anticipated the play, moved up and jumped the route.

While the defense didn’t have a good showing, they conceded just 20 points in regulation and 3 in the second half. With the new personnel on the defense, I’m happy enough to give them a bit more time. Willie Young was one bright spot.

Big task on Sunday for them against the read-option, and I’m not that optimistic. Remember the last game against the 49ers? Was Kaepernick's first start, when Alex Smith had the concussion. I expected them to come out running ball that night, not to expose Kaepernick too much, but they came out throwing, and killed us. Thought it was quite smart from Harbaugh.

kennyb3 · 12-09-2014 03:03PM

Sorry yeah the conte Int - managed to blank that one in the rage.

Willie Young & Houston both bright spots. The dline in general was good but when you've no LB'ers of any quality (Briggs is fat & old these days) and not great safties - then it's going to be tough.

The defense will improve a bit imho - but they've some players there to improve a lot imho (low base).

I just have zero faith in Tucker - no scheming, showing same looks, lack of blitzes. Just generally no aggression or attitude. Staring Shea Mc when he's hopeless. He's just exposing us in all sorts of ways.

SameOleJay · 12-09-2014 03:09PM

I’ll say it till I’m blue in the face but to look at a group of Bostic (Atrocious year 1), Briggs, Williams (Both clearly on the wane) and Shea (Just useless) in the off-season and decide not to invest one free agency cent or ONE SINGLE DRAFT PICK is just beyond comprehension.

He didn’t value the top tier safeties on offer. Fine,. Take a mediocre free agent on the cheap in Mundy and a late round flier in Vereen. But to ignore the middle third is just unforgivable.

I’m gonna stay hopeful anyway for a mediocre D and strong offense to take us to the play-offs.

kennyb3 · 13-09-2014 09:22AM

We ve waived fales?

Bemused.

And by cutting fiametta do we now have no fb?

SameOleJay · 13-09-2014 10:39AM

I'd imagine it was always the plan with Fales. Let him go when everyone's set with their QBs and hopefully sneak him onto the PS.

You're right, no FB. Maybe his injury is pretty bad after all.

If we don't have one of Alshon or Marshall back it could be 2012 all over.

How Bout Dem Bears?

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