Filed under: Bears, NFC North

As much as I wanted to give this award to Rex Grossman for showing a lot of guts by coming out and playing very well after all the crap he's taken this week. I just couldn't do it. I mean when a guy who is no faster then some Linebakcers becomes only the sixth player EVER to have two kickoff returns for touchdowns in the same game, AND sets the NFL record for most returns for a touchdown in a season, all in one game. One must give props where props are due.

In the word's of MJD this week in the MNF Live Blog and Jerry McGuire. Devin Hester, you complete me!

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Filed under: Bears, NFC North

Rex Grossman did just about everything he could last night against the Rams to silence the criticism he has recieved the past few weeks. Using a balanced running attack with an effective short game, the Rams were the perfect remedy for Grossman's woes. I remember during the pre-game warm-ups that Rex looked very nervous having all the camera's on him and wasn't sure how he would play. I said earlier in the week that all we needed from Rex was an eighty five or better passer rating. Well, Grossman delivered with a solid 114 QB rating but most importantly, he did not turn the ball over once. Even when things didn't go as planned, you couldn't fault Grossman.

This is what I like to see from our offense and starting QB. Rex showed a lot of courage and poise after taking brutal criticism all week by not over thinking and trusting his players to make plays. Ron Turner and his offensive play calling did just about everything right in taming his young QB and knowing the right time to let him loose. In my opinion, this is the best performance out of Rex all year. He was accurate all over the field and took whatever gthe defense gave him.

Establishing a solid running game that utilized all three of the Bears running backs was key for Grossman's success in the pass game. Thomas Jones, Cedric Benson, and Adrian Peterson combined for 175 yards and two scores. Most impressively on the offense though was Grossman. Rex took his shots down field but more importantly used many checkdown's to his tight end or running back's out of the backfield when nothing else was there. He even turned in the longest run of his career to get back to plus rushing yards which was previously at minus seventeen.

As much as this game could be remember for the night Grossman broke out of his funk. It will more likely be known forever as the day Devin Hester broke the NFL record for most return's for td's in a year. Hester was absolute magic on kick off return's becoming only the sixth player in NFL history to return two kicks for touchdowns. His most impressive coming on a 94 yard return when the "Good Hands" team was on the field expecting an onsides kick. That just blows, my mind. You have the "Hands" team on the field and the guy still takes it to the house. Earlier in the year I mentioned that I thought he looked like he could be the fastest man in the NFL. Someone made a comment saying that title belonged to DeAngelo Hall. I'm not buying it and I want to see them race! Devin, you are the man!

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Filed under: Bears, NFC North

Tonight's Monday night showdown pitting the Bears against the Rams has become much more important then it was before yesterday. Yes, it is important see if Rex can stop his madness. Yes, it is important see how well our defense is going to be without some of it's pro-bowlers. But tonight's game became much more important when the Saint's pummeled the Cowboys and the Seahawks took it in the rear by Leinart and friends. A win tonight coupled with the two losses yesterday would guarantee the Bears a first round bye and bring us within one game of wrapping up home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

I think tonight's game is going to be tougher then some may think because of well, lots of things. For one, the game is in a dome on the road. Two, we are going to be playing without Tommie Harris, Mike Brown, and possibly Nathan Vasher. Three, we have no idea what to expect from our QB.

Keys to Victory:

-Run the ball, run the ball, run the ball (St. Louis is 31rst against the run)

-Keep it simple for Rex (This means you Ron!)

-Tackle! We can not have Stephen Jackson running all over us

-Don't' give up big plays to the trio of St. Louis WR's

Final Score Prediction:

Bears 31

Rams 21

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Filed under: Bears, NFC North

So, apparently I haven't beaten this subject to death just like the rest of the world over the past three weeks that I am now battling a lead blogger for space on my Bears site. I guess the only way I can manage to keep up is to talk about Rex Grossman, AGAIN! This is all I want from you.

Rex, this is obviously your last chance to prove that you can not screw up an offense. Your last chance to prove to the rest of the world is that you can manage to not do your best to give the game away. You have Brian Griese and his career eighty four something quarterback rating waiting right behind you and taking half of your reps. If that can't light a fire under your ass I don't know what will.

What I am getting at here Rex, is even though you have the support from Lovie and your teammate's. Is that you don't have their trust. Trust, that you will not give the game away in the playoffs and or the Super Bowl provided we get there. Trust is crucial and if you continue to fail at gaining that trust back you're gone. You are a quarter-to-quarter player now so do yourself a favor. Just try to have a quarterback rating of at least eighty four. Because the rest of the team and world knows that with our defense and special teams, that is all we need, and that is all we care about. We really don't care what the name on the back of the jersey is. You want that name to be Grossman. Then for god's sake, DO IT!

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Filed under: Bears, NFC North

It's that time of the week again where we bring in the enemy blogger as a guest to answer some tough (all in good fun) questions and I do the same for his FanHouse.

This weeks Monday night showdown with the Rams brings us The Watchdog from the Rams FanHouse. This game should be a fun one to watch for several reasons. First and foremost, Lovie Smith will be returning for the first time as an enemy. Lovie of course was the master defensive coordinator (man, how much do they miss him?) that helped the Rams to the Super Bowl twice a few year's back. Secondly, this will be Sexy Rexy's second Monday night start of the season and all of us Bear's fans are hoping he doesn't take a crap in the woods and finds some sort of cure for his atrocious futility.

As usual, in the nature off fair play. There is a reciprocal post on the Rams FanHouse where you can see The Watchdog's question's for me.

On to the five questions!

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Filed under: Bears, NFC North, Fantasy Football

EDITED Friday Morning:

Ok, who the hell really knows what's going on. I have heard so many different things about Harris' injury I am surprised he even still has a leg. First it's his knee and it's not too bad and now it's both his knee and his hammy but his hammy may be torn, blah blah blah. Basically, no one is saying anything concrete and Tommie will at minimum be out for the rest of the regular season.

Original Post: Despite what other headline's would have you believe, I am not going to try and trick you with a headline that say's Tommie Harris is out for the season. Tommie will more then likely be out for the rest of the regular season but should be ready to go by the playoffs.

This is fine by me because it could have been worse. The Bears already own the division. Plus the only need to win two games to secure the #1 seed as well as only win one game to secure at least a first round bye.

What does concern me is missing his presence on my fantasy team's Bear Defense that already is without Mike Brown and gives up a ton of rushing yards. Alfonso Boone will take Harris' place in the ever rotating interior line who I think will fill in just nicely, but he's no Tommie Harris.

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Filed under: Bears, NFC North

Already owning one NFL Special Teams Player of the Week awards, Devin Hester now has two and hopes to get a third.

Having already tied the NFL record for returns in a year with four, if Devin Hester is to get another Special Teams Player of the Week award. It will most def finitely be because he broke the NFL record for the most returns in a year.

The rookie phenom from Miami seems to be making a mockery of the rest of the NFL as a punt returner as the next closest guy only has ONE return for a touchdown. Hester has three punt returns for a score and has almost a four yard lead in average per return. Just so everyone knows the number's aren't skewed because of lack of opportunities, Hester also lead the league with 33 returns and has almost 150 yards more then the next best guy.

Keep it up the awesome work Devin!

P.S. Lovie, can we PUHHHHLEASEEE get Devin in on some offensive plays?

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Filed under: Bears, NFC North

I know a lot of you are probably wondering why Devin Hester didn't get this award this week with his record tying fourth return for a touchdown. And I don't fault anyone for thinking that. I too think Hester is well deserving of it. But this weeks Monster of the Midway is Ricky Manning Jr.

Fresh off of his one game suspension RMJ's interception return for a touchdown was the game changing play of the day. Until Manning Jr.'s fifth interception of the year, the score was 7-6 and all but looking like Rex Grossman would win his third "Weekly Bomber of the Midway" award. However, RMJ jumped the quick out pass by Brad Johnson and took it the house opening this game wide open and the Bears never looked back.

So Ricky, this Bud's for you! We missed you dearly last week. Now let's go wrap up a first round bye!

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Filed under: Bears, NFC North

There is an old saying that goes like this: Offense wins games. Defense wins championships! And for this year's Bears it could only be even more accurate if that statement including something about Special Teams.This game had me feeling jittery, anxious, pissed off, and made me so happy at times I could feel my blood going through my body at a high rate! The defense single handedly won this game with turn over after turnover. Several turnovers left us in great position to score and Ricky Manning Jr. jumped an out route and took one to the house. Throw in a a Devin Hester punt return and a safety and this game wasn't even as close. Which is very odd, because the first three quarters had me feeling on edge except for when the D was creating plays. The edgy feeling of course came from the play of Rex Grossman who despite his worst efforts actually managed the game better then Brad Johnson (who eventually got benched).

Despite this joyous day there is plenty to be concerned about. Primarily the play of Rex Grossman. Yes it was cold and windy but this is Chicago. If you can't play well and manage a game here in the cold then you shouldn't be the QB. Yes, the Minnesota defense made a couple of plays that skewed the INT numbers but if you look at the rest of Rex's passes. They looked downright terrible. It looks as if his hand is too small and he can't grip the ball well enough when the ball is a frozen rock.

I feel good today because wrapped up the division and are that much closer to home field advantage throughout the playoffs. I am concerned about our run defense, though. We have given up too many big runs over the last five games and with Tommie Harris' status in question you have to wonder how we can tighten it up.

Final Score:

Vikings 13

Bears 23

Other game notes

- The refs still suck

- Benson looked really good again running the ball

- Vasher left with a hammy boo boo

- I was knocking Lance Briggs' tackling last week but it happens. The Bears need to give him a better offer and hope he takes it. 5 Mil should do it.

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Filed under: Bears, NFC North

After a week full of bulletin board material, Rex Grossman and the Bears host the Vikings today at 1pm. I don't know what it is, but I have this feeling that Grossman is going to do very well in this game. We're at home, coming off of a tough loss and Rex has something to prove.

The Vikings boast a stiff run defense but may be without big man Pat Williams. I would look for the Bears to go to the air with max protect packages because of the succees the Vikings had last game getting to Grossman. Coming after Grossman is going to leave our recievers in man coverage and I'm sorry Darren Sharper, you just don't have what it takes to cover Moose or Berrian!

Just like the last game, the Bears must stop Chester Taylor. I don't think Brad Johnson and Co. can beat the Bears through the air without having success on the ground.

The weather in Chicago today with the wind chill factor is -4 degrees. This game is going to be a hard fought divisional battle but expect the Bears to wrap up the division today with a convincing victory.

Final Score Prediction:

Vikings 10

Bears 27

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Filed under: Bears, NFC North

Sorry guys, this page is not cached from a few weeks ago. Hitting the refresh button will still bring up the same page. For this past Sunday's loss against the Patriots, our Weekly Bomber of the Midway is Rex Grossman.

Rex was downright terrible in this game and he is becoming a familiar face on the Bomber of the Week article when the Bears lose. If it wasn't for the Bears having the best defense in the league, Rex would own three "Bomber" awards for his putrid play against Arizona, Miami, and New England.

I don't know what it is about Rex. When he's good, he's damn good! When he's bad, he's REALLY bad. I know he's doing everything he can to win. I don't doubt that for a second. I just wish he could calm himself down and think things through. The fumble on the snap at NE's four yard line is inexcusable and all but cost the Bears the victory.

So please Rex (and Ron), slow down. Even the trivial things need to be thought about and executed properly. You know damn well you're hands were too far apart on that snap. Give yourself ample time to think things through. I know we are 9-2 with you, which is awesome. I just don't want to be 0-1 in the playoffs because you failed to do the simple things.

Now let's go tear up the Vikings secondary!

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Filed under: Bears, NFC North

I said it before the season began and I am going to say it again. Brian Griese is the QB that can lead the Bears to a Super Bowl win. Rex did a nice job against mediocre teams trying to prove us all wrong, but when faced with serious challenges. Rex folds like an origami Fruit Bat!

The game against the Pats was the last straw for me. The Bears had many opportunities to win that game! Now I could throw at you multiple excuses for the loss. We were without two of our top DB's, we were road weary, blah blah blah. However, even with all of that. The Bears were still in great shape to come out of Foxboro with a win.

The reason we lost to the Patriots is very simple and very clear for everyone to see. Rex Grossman. I equate Grossman to a 5th grade bully. He has no problem beating up on 4th graders and looks good doing it. But when a 6th grader with a tough reputation gets in his face, he's a scared confused little boy who just can't muster up enough moxy to get the job done. I just don't understand why he and Ron Turner refuse to learn that if we for the most part just run the ball, play small ball, take what the defense will give you, and occasionally go for the big score. Our defense is good enough to win games if the offense (meaning Grossman) doesn't give the game away. No one's defense is good enough to overcome big turnover's (like the one on the four yard line by Rex). Has anyone noticed that roughly 90% of the Bears turnovers have been committed by Grossman?

No one, including myself is going to deny Rex has talent. He just doesn't have what it takes (yet) to lead a team to victory not by putting up big numbers and what not, but by not giving the game away. Rex, gave the Pat's game away. In fact, if not for the Bears terrific defense, we are a 7-4 team right now!

I am sure I am not the only one with this opinion. It is time to hand over the reigns to Brian Griese. He is capable of making all the plays Grossman can and is experienced and smart enough to know he doesn't have to do it all. Griese will not force things that are not there just to try and make a play.

Other game notes:

-Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman need to go back to tackling school.

-I think the Refs need to have their vision re-examined (See at least two Berrian plays)

-Cedric Benson looked very good.

-Does Rex remember who Desmond Clark is?

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Filed under: Bears, NFC North

So much for what I know. I was under the impression the Bears @ Patriots game was moved to Sunday night. However it looks now to me as if the Eagles @ Colts debacle will take it's place. I sure hope America enjoys it.

Anyway, the Bears go into New England on the ass end of a three game road trip riding their high horse after consecutive wins in the Meadowlands. This game promises to be a battle of two of the best defenses in the NFL. The Bears (even with their injuries and suspensions) I believe have better skill players but no one can undermine the genius of Bill Belichick.

I honestly have no idea who will win this game. Way too many factors to give an honest guess.

Me being a homer, I will say the Bears will win. Me actually breaking down the game says it's as simple as a coin toss. It's 50/50. I could spew out one thousand football cliche's here about what needs to happen in this game for a Bears victory but I will do my best not to bore you.

- No mistakes. Commit turnovers against the Pats and they WILL make you pay.

- Ball control and balance. Establishing a solid run game is key to keeping pressure off of Rex so he can make cool, calm, and smart decisions when passing. If we can establish the run game, I think there are major opportunities for the Bears to exploit the depleted Patriots secondary.

- Defense Defense Defense. There is so much to say here. The Bears need to step up on the run defense (four straight 100 yard games rushing given up) and not allow any big runs. We need to be able to get pressure on Brady without blitzing and fly to the ball once it's released.

Basically, we need to play Bear football to the T to come out of Foxboro with a win. It is going to be a great game and I am excited to see the chess match between Lovie Smith and Bill Belichick. I hate to say this but I think the road weary Bears may succumb to being on the road so long, the absence of two of their top DB's, and Bill Belichick's Darth Vader Hoodie!

Best Hopeful Guess Final Score:

Bears 17

Patriots 24

Let's hope I am wrong!

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Filed under: Bears, NFC North

Alright, so this weeks game is ubber important. The win or loss doesn't really matter since we are spanking the rest of the NFC, but we need to get a good gauge of exactly how good we are compared to the AFC. However, the lazy ass NFL commisioner decided it was finally time to suspend RMJ for a game and that can only hurt us instead of doing it weeks ago or next week.

This weeks PRIME TIME battle between the Bears and Patriots (can we bring back Donnell Wooford for a game?) brings us guest enemy blogger Jeff Nussbaum of the Patriots FanHouse.

As always, there will be a reciprocal post on the Patriots FanHouse page.

Now on to the 5 questions:

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Filed under: Bears, NFC North

So the powers that be in the NFL finally got off their asses and decided to suspend Ricky Manning Jr. for his "no contest" plea to an assault charge stemming from altercation the day before he signed with the Chicago Bears.

I am not sure exactly when Manning Jr. plead no contest to the charge but it highly pisses me off that the NFL waited so long. I mean, for god sakes Koren Robinson was suspended about 4 weeks ago and he hasn't even been found guilty yet. It just seems all too convenient for the NFL poster boy Tom Brady and the Patriots for their upcoming game against the Bears minus one of their top DB's.

Manning Jr. says he will not appeal the suspension and go ahead and miss the Pats game. I don't know about you, but I think the Pats game could be one of the best gauges of our team to date. Without Ricky, what does it really tell us? Poo on you Roger, or am I supposed to call you the "Duke"?

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Filed under: Bears, NFC North

Mark Bradley couldn't have picked a better time to get to full strength after only having one catch for 5 yards in the first 8 games. Two weeks ago when Bernard Berrian went down with a rib injury against the Dolphins. It was very obvious to everyone that the Bears offense was completely different without a deep threat. Well Mark, we all thank you for getting healty and providing the Bears yet another deep weapon!

Bradley produced the biggest play of the day against the Jets. Just when I was about to fall asleep during this battle of defense's, Bradley took a short quick pass from Grossman. All but broke the Jets' cornerback's ankle's and was off to the races for a 57 yard touchdown.

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Filed under: Bears, NFC North

So here we are again. Back at the Meadowlands. Did we even leave?

Today at 1pm the Jets fresh off an upset victory over New England host our Bears fresh off a dismantling of the banged G-men. To be fair, I respect the Jets and they are an up and coming team you wouldn't want to overlook. However I also think Pennington with his less then average arm strength and the Jets suspect run defense will be the reason the Bears dominate this game. I don't see the Jets getting a good enough pass rush to get ruffle Rex's feathers which we know is key to anyone looking to upset Da Bears!

Pre-Game Predictions:

Thomas Jones - 125 yards and two touchdowns.

Rex Grossman - 225 yards and two touchdowns.

Bears Defense - 5 sacks 1 FR, and two INT's.

Final Score:

Bears 34

Jets 10

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Filed under: Bears, NFC North

I am sorry I didn't have this weekly article I like to do, for last weeks game against the New York Giants. I was sick as a dog from Wednesday night to Saturday morning. But just like the Bears, we're back and kicking ass again. This weeks match up against the New York Jets bring us enemy guest blogger of the Jets FanHouse, Brian Bassett. He has some great answer's to my questions!

As always in the interest of fair play. There is a reciprocal post on the Jets Fanhouse.

Now onto the five questions:

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Filed under: Bears, NFC North

This weeks Monster of the Midway award could have gone to Devin Hester for his back-breaking, record-tying, and down right amazing kick return. Or it could have gone to Rex Grossman who shook off a really ugly first 25 minutes of the game to come back and throw 3 td's.

My choice for Monster of the Midway is Thomas Jones. His 26 yard gallop on 3rd and 22 single handedly sparked the Bears come back. Not only was Jones' run the longest run for a third down conversion since 1999, it gave life to a Bears offense that was well, all but missing from the first twenty five minutes of the game. Prior to that run the Bears had rushed for 8 yards on 10 carries. TJ's run backed off the Giant D that had been pressuring Rex all game and opened up passing lanes. Jones finished the game with 113 yards and a touch, but nothing was as important then that one single play!

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Filed under: Bears, NFC North

As I think about last night's game something one of my faithful readers said last week came popping to mind. Aaron told me last week that he cringes when he sees "The Look" on Rex Grossman's face. "The Look" is the same one we saw against Miami and the first twenty five minutes of the Giants game. This look is one of utter lack of confidence and confusion. This look is one you would make too if you had no idea what was coming at you and you weren't sure of how the play will work out.

We all know and understand that when Rex gets really pressured, he makes bad decisions and unorthodoxed throws. He then loses confidence in his line and sometimes even if there is not much pressure on him, he will make quick, poor (mechanics wise) throws. This is when you see the look all Bears fans cringe at.

But there is a flip side to that look. Rex also possesses "The Look" of sheer arrogance and know-all. When he steps under center and has that look we Bears fans know that Rex has it together and we are going to do well. He knows the plays he's running, through all of their progressions and not just his first go to guy. He knows the defense that is being run against him. He knows his line is going to get him the time he needs. He just knows! And by "The Look" on his face, all of us Bears fans know too, how Rex is going to play or is playing at the time. Personally, I like the look of sheer arrogance!

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