72 hours from now all players should be in Bourbonnais. There has been no word yet on Williams inking his deal yet. Based on a previous article at the Trib it was looking as though he would be in camp on time.
While some posters are looking at the upcoming camp with cautious optimism, others are filled with trepidation.
Health is alway a concern, and more so with the Bears than in recent years.
Tommie Harris should finally be 100% after coming off a 2007 campaign that found him favoring his surgically repaired leg which led to injuries to the good leg/hamstring.
Along side Harris, Dusty Dvoracek may find himself in a dogfight to remain the starter next to Harris, when the season begins. If both DT's are 100%, the line should begin well.
Urlacher finds himself in an interesting spot. Still not agreeing to the fair extension offer the Bears put on the table in the off- season, Brian is coming of####ood year, but has to deal with an arthritic back AND neck surgery this past off season.
Urlacher is not getting any younger and could be on the verge of seeing his skills start declining.
Mike Brown is yet another Bear coming off an injury plagued season. Brown has suffered 4 season ending injuries in each of the last 4 seasons with a ruptured achilles and a torn ACL the most serious. He has been flying around the practice field in mini-camps and OTA's. The secondary is obviously better when Brown is on the field.
Another important piece of the puzzle is CB Nate Vasher. Vasher tore a groin muscle against Dallas in week three and only saw the field one time thereafter.
His presence on the field will also be key to the Bears resurgence on defense in 2008.
An unseen benefit of all the injuries last year is the experience gained by players that will be on the roster as depth this year. Guys like Graham, McBride and Payne.
Then added to the equation are the rookies: Harrison, Steltz and Bowman.
It is easy to predict the DEFENSE WILL BE BETTER than last year. If Mike Brown, Tommie Harris and Dusty Dvoracek stay healthy in 2008, it is entirely possible the defense returns to the top 5 this season.
The trepidation comes from the other side of the ball. Some people think Ron Turner should have had the door smacking his backside as he was swept out the door after the disastrous year we were forced to witness. Perhaps one reason he was retained for 2008 is the continuity the system gives an offense that will see so many personnel changes this year.
The OL wasn't even a shadow of what was expected from them last year. Gone are two starters and one starter changes position heading into 2008.
We all know the offense has the potential to be good. Every national writer visiting camp last year raving about what they witnesed is evidence for said potentail. The OL ineptitude along with Olsen's injury and the lack of using Hester combined with too many dropped passes and poor route running by WR's and zero running game doomed the offense last year. Grossman was benched after week three and playoff aspirations dwindled quickly.
Questions are many and answers few as Camp Bourbonnais begins in slightly more than 3 days. Williams should be moved up to the starting LT position by the end of camp's first week, leaving the LG position up for grabs.
The TE position is set with perhaps one of the best TE tandems in the NFL.
The QB spot is wide open and so key in how the offense will operate: With Orton, it is reasonable to assume a more workmanlike approach of ball control. If Grossman earns the start it is just as reasonable to believe we would see a more verticle attack.
Can Kevin Jones help solidify a running game that promises to feature rookie Matt Forte, after an ACL repair operation just 8 months ago?
There are far too many questions that stand unanswered heading into camp. One thing is certain: We will know every move Orton and Grossman make; every bad throw, every interception and most likely everything they ate while at their Summer home.
I wouldn't be surprised to see polls equal to those for the upcoming Presidential election.
"After three days at camp, the Bear poll has Orton ahead by three points, but Grossman will line up tomorrow with the "ones" as they continue alternating days as the first string QB. Come back tomorrow for the latest poll results...."
With all that pressure, it will be a very interesting camp for Rex and Kyle.
What an experience Sunday was. First the drive. It was snowing in Wisconsin and with little in the way of street lights even on the freeways up here, there were times one couldn't see the road. Slow goings to say the least. In the time it normally takes to make it from where I live near the Dells to the exit for the Elgin casino, I had only made it to the state line.
Fortunately, once getting to the Illinois line, the precipitation had turned to mostly rain. Despite temps near freezing, the roads were well salted and the pace picked up dramatically.
About an hour before I arrived at the parking garage near O'Hare, I received a call from a fellow chicagosports.com message board member, BearsLbBack, who had arrived in Chicago Saturday night from Connecticutt. We were hoping to meet up somewhere before or during the game. Our seats were both on the West side so meeting seemed probable.
Finally arriving at the Cumberalnd "L" station, my son and I put all our warmer clothes on and made our way up to the "L" platform. As we boarded the train, I reached for my phone only to realize I had left it on the car charger. Oh well, so much now for catching up with BLB.
My son is a little superstitious... when we made our way toward the Planetarium parking lot, he made sure we travel the same path we normally take. Found some humor in that.
Finally arrived at the tailgate spot where friends have been made completely from message boards, we enjoyed some traditional tailgate treats like bratwurst, but one of the tailgaters always brings foods that are native to the road team.
Thus we enjoyed some cajun jumbalaya which was extremely good!!
Adam and I began the walk to the stadium shortly after noon. It wasn't very crowded at that point, but the gate at the South end zone was flooded with people entering by the time we got there.
We found the WBBM booth (the local AM station that broadcasts Bears Football) and listened to some of the pre-game broadcast before veturing out to the South end zone seats to watch pre-game warmups. Rex and the receivers were working near that goal line and passes seemed to be flying well. The field was very damp.
We positioned ourselves directly behind the South goal posts to watch the kickers. Despite the winds coming mainly from the East, there was no doubt the range for either kicker was not going to be much more than 42-43 yards. That proved prophetic when Cundiff lined up for a 47 yard attempt in the third quarter and landed... about 4 yards short!!!
As warmups continued, Saints fans were walking around almost parade like, fitting for fans from a city that needs no excuse to have a parade. There was one fan dressed in black, complete with mask and cape calling himself "Datman." There were a few people talking smack to our visitors from the deep south, but for the most past, most Bears Fans walked by and simply said good luck.
As game time grew closer, the electricity in the air was palpable. When the players headed to the locker rooms, Adam and I made the trek to section 430 Row 17 Seats 19-20!!
Not having an ice scraper with me, I thought of the next best thing.... I pulled out a credit card from my wallet and used it to clean the ice off our seats. Yes, it was a Bears Credit card. The edge of the card is roughed up from its use as a scraper, but the memories... will always be there whenever I reach for that card.
I didn't know it then, but I could have kept the card in my pocket. People were standing even before the National Anthem and seldom sat the rest of the game.
To a man, everyone around our seats was hoping the Bears would win the coin toss and Hester would give us a great start, but it wasn't to be and New Orleans began the game on offense.
The crowd was amazing. Screaming at every opportunity. I had the great fortune to be at 4 playoff games; The Giants and Rams in 85, and the Eagles, 49ers in 88. Never was a crowd more amped for a game. EVER!!
There was a flachback to last year when Devery caught the 40 yard pass to give New Orleans a first down at our 32, but Tillman had his hands on it and almost came up with the pick. Three plays later Izzy Idonije sacked Brees and forced the punt.
As the game progressed, there were a few concerns about the offense not getting into the end zone. The missed TD when Clark was wide open in the end zone stung. Still it was 9-0 and the defense wasn't allowing a thing.
The crowd was delerious when Jones scored near the end of the first half making it 16-0. The buzz going thru Soldier field was unlike anything I had ever experienced.
Most people will remember the great catch by Berrian for the TD in the 4th quarter, but the catch of the game was by M. Colston. After taking the kick after Jones' score, the Saints faced 3rd and 10 at their own 27. Colston's grab of Brees' underthrown ball could have gone down in the history books, as it was THAT GOOD!!!
16-7 at half time. I am sitting (one of the few times all day) talking with Adam right before the second half kickoff telling him how important answering New Orleans score will be. The first possession starts well with a nice grab by Berrain good for 17 yards. From where we were sitting as the Bears broke the huddle, my sons says Grossman is going deep on the next play. Sure enough, Rex throws deep down the left side, but the play is broken up. Two plays later, the Bears are forced to punt. After a penalty, the Saints have to begin at their own 7 yard line.
The crowd is shocked when they see Bush get behind the defense (thanks to an illegal pick) and races 88 yards. Suddenly the game is within a Saints field goal from a lead change and we are all looking for that Hester spark.
Cundiff and the Saints try to kick the ball away from the Windy City Flyer, but the plan backfires. After the ball is kicked out of bounds, giving Chicago the ball on the 40, fans around me are saying "time to take charge."
Expecting Chicago to try and regain momentum by running the ball, the Saints were ready for Jones and tackle him for a two yard loss. The two scores has given the Saints the shot in the arm they needed and forced yet another three and out. Brad Maynard, punting the ball well all day, gets off another fine one with great hang time, allowing the center to get down field to stop Bush for no gain on the return.
The Saints mount another drive but stalls at the Bears 29, where New Orleans sends in Cundiff for a 47 yard attempt. The kick is almost blocked at the line, but ends up short just as his kicks were short during pre-game.
Hoping the stop would put some life back in to the Bears offense, Chicago gets the ball at the 37 yard line, only to see the Saints defense playing at their most inspired all day forcing another three and out.
Maynard magic.
Brad Maynard booms a kick that appears headed to the pylon and a touchback, but ends up going out of bounds at the five yard line.
Filled with a rekindled energy, the Bears defense forces Brees to throw the ball away while in the end zone. After a pregnant pause the referee, after consulting with another official drops his yellow flag and rightfully rules the play intentional grounding and awarding the Bears a SAFETY!!! Suddenly, the Saints now must score 6 to take the lead and the crowd is right back in the game!!!
After the safety, both teams have the ball but exchage punts. The Bears now have the ball with 16:47 remaining in the game. Previous to this possession, Rex seemingly had been asked to manage the game. There were several plays where a pass was broken up but the ball was placed where it needed to be. Other times Grossman had near misses to Berrain and Davis. This drive was critical for the Bears, and it was starting at their own 15....
1-10 Short pass to Berrian for 13 yards
1-10 Jones carries for 7 yards.
2-3 Grossman to Muhammad for 20 Yards.
1-10 Grossman to Berrian for 12 yards.
1-10 Grossman to Berrian 33 yards TOUCHDOWN
5 PLAYS 85 YARDS. GROSSMAN 4-4 78 YARDS.
Suddenly, what had become a one score, nerve racking game, was now an 11 point lead with 14 minutes to play.
After a sack on second down there was some confusion when it seemed like Ogunleye had recovered a fumble but a Saints player stripped the ball and New Orleans recovered. Lovie challenged the call and the crowd expected a reversal. The stadium jumbotron showed the ball coming clean when Wale sacked Brees.
The referee came back with the right call and the Bears were back in business. After an offside on the Saints, Chicago had first and 5 from the 21. Five plays later, Cedric Benson bowled over anyone in his path and lunged in to the end zone for another TD aNd suddenly what had been a tight two point game had become an 18 point blowout.
The crowd was insane the rest of the game. Nate Vasher intercepted a Brees pass for their 4th turnover of the game and Thomas Jone has a great TD run to make the final 39-14!!
After Rex kneeled to run off the last few seconds of the game, he turns the Bears bench, winds up and throws the ball in to the crowd!!! Time for the celebrating to begin on the field. The fans had been celebrating for 20 minutes already.
What a great ride. Back in 1985, the Bears received the Halas Trophy in their locker room after the game. This time the crowd got to celebrate along with the team as they rushed a stage on to the field. Seeing Brian Urlacher hold the Halas Trophy aloft for all of Chicago to see was absolutely unbelievable.
Special thanks goes to Vic W. I met Vic thru a Bears message board a few years ago and we became friends. He became a season ticket holder the same year he accepted a job that sent him out East. He was there also, but sitting with another season ticket holder, using his extra ticket.
I had the pleasure to be at the NFC Championship game because I was sitting in Vic's seats.
Thanks Vic. You gave me a chance to create all new memories with my son.
The first and worst game of the weekend. Seven scores but no TD's in a game that was played in Baltimore.
Weather no factor, yet the game lacked star quality. The Colts end up hosting the AFC title game, but won't advance if they play like that next week.
Eagles at New Orleans.
Great game. A game filled with ebb and flow. Probably the best game of the weekend and definitely deserving of the prime time slot. Despite being the only team playing on six days rest this week, Philadelphia was game. This games sets up half of what could be a 1 vs 2 matchup.
Seattle at Chicago.
Another great game to watch. Ups and downs and emotions ran high. Seattle, despite being undermanned defensively, played like the defending champions they were. Two key plays in the first half keeps Seattle close. Charles Tillman fans on a sure pick 6 and then a great play by Seattle for a sack and fumble of Rex Grossman leads to a 14 point swing and what should have been a 28-7 blow out turns in to a 21-14 dogfight.
10 straight points by the Seahawks and it is game on. 24-21 Seattle after 3 quarters.
Despite two huge drops by Bears receivers the Bears force overtime: The first by M. Muhammad that falls in to the waiting arms of Seattle's BD Hunter. The second a very catchable ball dropped by B. Berrian that should have been 6 points.
An apparent TD called back: Devin Hester electrifies the crowd with a 64 yard punt return for a touchdown, but a penalty for an illegal block brings the ball all the way back to the Chicago 29 yard line. Cedric Benson accounts for 38 yards of the game tying drive as Robbie Gould kicks 41 yard field goal into a 12 MPH wind.
Almost a costly mistake. With the Bears defense forcing a 4th down at mid-field and the clock winding down, the Bears call a timeout with only 2 seconds remaining on the game clock. WIth virtually no risk, Seattle attempts a Hail Mary, but to no avail.
OVERTIME: After winning the coin toss Seattle opens the extra stanza with a wuick first down. Bears stiffen and force a 4th down. Reserve lineman I. Idonije flashes across the punter almost blocking the punt but the result is a poor punt of 18 yards setting up Chicago with decent position to start their first overtime drive.
Two plays gain nothing setting up a third and ten from Chicago's 34, and Rex Grossman, who has been dogged incessantly by the media, throws a perfect pass to Rashied Davis good for 30 yards and a first down in field goal range.
Robbie Gould comes in after three more plays net only four yards and nails a 49 yard kick sending Chicago to their first NFC title game since the 1988 season!
New Engalnd at San Diego.
Now all that has to happen is for the Chargers to coast to the title game against the Colts, right???
Through 27 minutes the Chargers dominate New England. Tom Brady, struggling through the a first half somehow rights the ship and pulls of####reat two minute drive for a Touchdown, pulling the Pats close at half time 14-10.
With a very un-Brady 52.8 QB rating, the Patriot QB pulls out a huge 4th quarter drive highlighted by a needle-threading pass to Caldwell good for 49 yards, setting up the game winning field goal.
So the top two seeds in the AFC fall and it will be the top two seeds facing off for the NFC title in Chicago.
If the conference championships play up to the level of the last three games, Next Sunday is gonna be a great day to watch football....
2006 has turned out to be very entertaining. WIth Chicago and Indianapolis getting off to fast starts. Baltimore returning to the form of circa 2000 and the collapse of so many teams, the playoffs this year should be fun to watch.
One would even think with so many twists and turns we have witnessed this season, the New York Giants may end up hosting the Kansas City Chiefs in Miami, as the NFC is the designated "home" team this year.
Chances for upsets this weekend? There are many. In fact, the lower seed could end up winning every wild card game this week. A look:
Saturday 4:30 PM Kansas City at Indy. The Colts can't stop the run and guess who is coming to town? If there was no LT, everyone would be agog over what Larry Johnson has done the last two seasons. More than 3,500 yards starting only 25 games!!! Throw in 37 touchdowns and 188 carries that netted a first down in those two seasons.. Indianapolis is a 6 1/2 point favorite.
Kansas City can also throw the ball. I would not be surprised in the least should the Chiefs try some play action passes deep down field early against the Colts.
Saturday 8:00 PM Dallas at Seattle. Not too very long ago the Cowboys enjoyed their status as the NFC's flavor of the moment. Romo goes to the Pro Bowl???? Seattle meanwhile has lost two straight home games and limped into the playoffs. Seattle's 12th man must be a major factor or the Cowboys could easily advance.
Sunday 1:00 PM New York Jets at New England. The Jets have already beaten the Patriots in Foxboro this year and had to win 5 of their last six games to make the post-season. Chad Pennington is the comeback player of the year. Of course the grass was replaced after that loss and New England hasn't lost at home since the Field-Turf was installed.
Sunday 4:30 New York Giants at Philadelphia. On paper,the one sure thing should be an Eagles victory. No team has had more MO going into the playoffs. In this topsy-tuvry season some New Yorkers must be thinking "we've got them right where we want them."
As my blogging pal and respected scribe Ricko would say, Thanks for taking the time to read.
On a day where favorites fell like over-ripe apples from a tree, ESPN and NBC announcers once again put new teams in their showcase windows.
Al Michaels and John Madden were proclaiming the New Orleans Saints the best team in the NFC before the final curtain came down on their beat-down of "America's Team. Indianapolis almost gave up 400 yard rushing while both Baltimore and San Diego moved up a notch or two in everyone's power rankings.
As much as everyone was waiting for a certain Monday night game a few weeks ago to showcase the year's certain MVP, the one and only Rex Grossman, tonight those same talking heads are treating him like a dead man walking as Rex prepares to take the field tonight in St. Louis.
In a sixteen game world that is the NFL's regular season, the parity driven league has several good teams but no great ones. Last year's Super Bowl Champions were only 7-5 after 12 games and had the daunting task of having to play three playoff games ON THE ROAD. Few expected Pittsburgh in Detroit last year as the month of December began.
There are struggling teams with good talent that can still catch fire the last three weeks of the season: Jacksonville, Cincinnati, Carolina, Seattle, New York Giants to name a few. Any of these teams could end up in Miami. However unlikey that may seem, it has happened more often than not in the NFL over the last decade. That is what makes New England's run of three championships in four years so impressive. People forget that during their "dynasty" they failed to make the playoffs in the year following their first title.
The team that calls Chicago home is 10-2, the first team to clinch their division, has a running game that is finally clicking and with a win tonight, will be the first team to clinch a first round bye in the entire NFL.
Regardless of whether Chicago is the best team in the NFL, or even the NFC after 13 regular season games is truly meaningless. Tonight's game has more riding on it than perhaps any other game in Chicago's franchise since the barnstorming days. This team my either start a train ride thru the playoffs headed to Miami, or their franchise QB may end up sitting at the end of the bench.
There have been big games over the years, but I can't recall a bigger game for one individual wearing a Bears jersey.
We may never see an undefeated season from an NFL team in our life times, but that doesn't mean anything. The only thing that matters is to be undefeated in the post-season. The last time I looked, there HAS been one of those every year since the NFL instituted a league playoff system.
Chicago. Indianapolis. San Dieago. Dallas.
Teams that have all graced the top of someone's "power ranking" system at one time or another. Those same teams that may not even still be in contention when Conference Championships are played in January. Then again any of these teams could be parading the Lombardi Trophy.
There have been times in 2006 where several teams looked "Super" yet each team has stummbled at least once. So week in and week out, expect a new team earn those top power rankings. Thankfully the NFL isn't the B.C.S.
There have been many teams that made it to the Super Bowl that were a surprise, including Pittsburgh just last year; Over the last ten years alone there have been so many. Not one NFC team has made a repeat appearance in the Super Bowl since the GREEN BAY PACKERS in 1996 and 1997.
The focus of this board is and will always be the Chicago Bears and their endeavors to make the playoffs and ultimately win the BIG ONE...
Rex Grossman has come to a crossroads in his career. Tonight we can witness the making of a franchise quarterback or not, but one thing is certain.
It will be a game he remembers the rest of his life.
So far the season has been a fun ride.... A few bumps along the way, but a joyous ride.
In the last 4 or 5 weeks our running game has progressed nicely, moving from 24th in the league to 14th. Just the right time to fool the Pats with an aerial game, but I am not loking for an aerial circus. Manage the game and strike when the opportunity is there.
The season is all about getting to the post season and tendencies and stopping what the other team can do. Almost like a chess match.
What I like recently is adjustments are being made and those adjustments are working. Even going back to the Cards game when the defense took over the second half. There were adjustments in both games at Giants Stadium.
The weather for the Giants game was terrible but we dominated after stemming the emotional beginning. The Jets game adjustments to stay with the running game was impressive. The outcome wasn't pretty, but the result was just as effective.
This week poses an very interesting challenge. The Patriots have one of the best defenses against the run, but our running game is clicking well. Something has to give there.
The weather for the last Sunday in November seems to be a non factor with predicted highs near 60 on Foxboro tomorrow.
I am looking for an interesting game plan from the Bears tomorrow. We might see a lot of Rex with both Berrian and Bradley on the field at the same time.
With two deep threats on the field, it can dictate to the weakened Pats DB's. Perhaps Des Clark can work the middle and find seams deep. Forcing the Pats to respect the pass early can open the running game late. Expecting the Pats to pressure Grossman with blitzes, I would not be surprised to see Bradley as the hot receiver on short routes, giving him an opportunity to run after the catch, something at which he excells.
It will be interesting.
Another factor, the Pats were forced to sign a punter after putting theirs on IR this week. He hasn't kicked a ball in a regular season game in 2 years. If the Bears can get a quick stop or two early, giving Hester an opportunity early, we may be able to strike quick and dictate the play on both sides of the ball.
On defense, the front seven need to have a huge day. Keeping their RB's from piling up yards and confidence early and pressuring Brady with pressure from the middle.
Grossman should manage the game and look for a few opportunities deep to keep their defense honest, stay away from turn overs and the Bears can finish this "brutal" stretch in their schedule a perfect 3-0!!!
Look it up. It will be hard to find. Wasn't last year. Nope, not even close. Surely it was 2004 wasn't it? No, not then. I know, it was in 2003. That was the year they made the big free agent splash and brought in Kordell Stewart.
Sorry. It wasn't even then.
Could it have been the dreadful year of 2002, when they had to play 16 road games while Soldier Field was being overhauled???
No.
Before this season, one must travel back to the last game of the 2001 season. It was then, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, when the Chicago Bears scored at least 31 points.
Well, actually the Bears did score 38 points last year in their home opener against Detroit. But you get the idea. Only once did the Bears score at least 31 points. They got close, losing to New England in 2002, losing 33-30.
THIRTY ONE POINTS!!! The Chicago Bears circa 2006 are averaging 31 points per game! The Bears have one game in 64 scoring at least 31 points and they have averaged 31 points thru the first 5 games in 2006!!!
That's insanity. We Bear fans haven't seen that, well we have never seen anything like this, at least in our life times. What fun it has been.
Last year, the Bears defense scored a few points. I think the Bears defense scored at least four touchdowns, if not more.
Despite playing dominating defense, this year's defense has not yet put the ball in the endzone.
THIRTY ONE POINTS!!! This is quite a ride really. Who'd a thunk it??? Fans and media were crying for offensive help after last year. We certainly address that. We drafted an Offensive Guard that didn't make the final roster and a fullback that hasn't seen much playing time. No GM Jerry Angelo was crticized openly by media and fans alike for not addressing the offense.
He drafted a Safety, a return specialist, a linebacker and two defensive linemen. 3 of thise five draft choices have made significant impacts just 5 games into the season. Danieal Manning has secured a starting spot on the best defense in the league. Devin Hester put icing on the Bears season opening victory cake with a punt return for a touchdown.
Then there is the steal of this year's draft. One Mark Anderson.
5 1/2 sacks playing part-time. The Houston Texans wish they were getting as much production from their number one choice. What was his name? No, it certainly wasn't Reggie Bush. He just scored on a game-winning punt return.... for the SAINTS!
Two other defensive draft picks are red-shirted and will be ready to contribute next year.
Jerry Angelo knew what he had in his receiving corps. No one else did. His "secret weapon?"
Bernard Berrian.
Not many knew much about Berrian when he came out of Fresno State. It isn't often a Senior red shirts. He hurt a knee against Wisconsin in Fresno's season opener against Wisconsin. While he would have been able to get back to the lineup for the Bulldogs last few games, Berrian decided to opt for the red shirt route.
How soon people forget.
Playing with future NFL QB David Carr, Berrian had 85 catches for 1,364 yards and 13 touchdowns, and set a new Western Athletic Conference record with 2,776 all-purpose yards in 2001. He red-shirted 2002 and without Carr as QB, his numbers dropped in 2003.
Now in his third year, Bernard Berrian is playing like he is making up for lost time. His 4TD receptions double his previous two years with the Bears. He has scored one TD for every 4.8 receptions!!
This has been a season to remember so far. I will make sure I have a DVD recording of every game played in 2006.
I often think back Dad, and wonder what it would have been like to enjoy the Bears Super Season of 1985 with you. It was you that had shown me the passion that was my birth-right as the son of a Bear fan.
I remember riding all the way from our suburban home to the "garage" where you parked in downtown Chicago not far from the Tribune Tower, where you worked all those years for the Tribune Company. We would park in that multi-level "garage' and walk the two blocks to the Chicago subway that would take us to Wrigley Field. I was all of 8 years old, but I remember the walk took forever. I can't remember the very first game you ever took me to, but I remember Mom saying I have been going since I was an infant. I can only remember back to 1965. It was only 8 seasons from the first game I can remember attending with you in '65, against the Rams, to the last game we attended together, but it has provided a life-time of memories.
Walking up the stairs at Wrigley, to view the field left me awestruck. How could this be the same place you took me to see the Cubs play? It seemed so... different. I remember the smells... The peanuts and the hot dogs. I remember men wearing suits and hats (ah, the days of the old fedora).
Gale Sayers was a rookie in 1965, Dad. So was #### Butkus. You told me they would be in the hall of fame some day. You were right, Dad, you just never lived long enough to see their enshrinement.
Do you remember, Dad, the game in 1967, when the Bears played the Cardinals? The Bears had a quarterback named Jack Concannon. He threw a 93 yard touchdown pass to #### Gordon. It was a long pass down the right side. Gordon caught the ball and jogged untouched the last 40 yards after the defender had fallen down on the play. He had gotten a hand on the ball, but Gordon was able to make the catch any way and scored easily. We won that game 30-3.
Do you remember the game you took me to in 1968? We were playing the Minnesota Vikings and you some how brought home a copy of that game's program on Friday, two days before the game (I think the program was called "Game Day" back then). A picture of the Vikings place kicker graced the cover and I remember you telling me what you said to the guy who had given you that program. You said "I told him that the game was going to be decided by a field goal, but the kicker would be wearing a different unitform." You were right, Dad! The Bears kicker, Mac Percival, kicked a field goal in the last minute to win the game.
Do you remember, Dad, when the Bears played their last game at Wrigley? It was a nice day for a mid-December in Chicago. We were playing Green Bay. It was great Dad. Do you remember the final score? It was 35-17 BEARS. It was a great day being there with you, Dad.
Those memories have always stayed with me.
Dad, I remember watching Gale Sayers trying to play when the Bears started the season at Soldier Field in 1971. He was just a shadow of what he once was, but you were right. He was one of the greatest running backs we have ever seen.
Dad, I also remember the last game you took me to. It was the season opener in 1972. You didn't feel well, but I remember you telling me you didn't want to let me down. We went to the game and unfortunately the Bears didn't do well. They lost that game 37-21 to Atlanta, but I had no idea it would be the last time you would see them in person. It was one of the few games we went to where the Bears had played so poorly, that we left the game early.
They didn't win their first game that year before you passed away. The cancer you had bravely fought for 5 years had finally taken it's toll. I remember people telling me the Bears won the game that day in the funeral home and it was your going away present. I will never forget that, Dad. They beat Cleveland that day. It was October, 1972.
You missed another great running back, Dad. His name was Walter Payton. He was tough, like you. He met the opposing team head on. He never had much of a offensive line in front of him and there was little else on offense. Still, Walter was great. He is now in the Hall of Fame along with several other players you never got to see with me.
I kept your season tickets, Dad. I kept them all the way until the Bears won another Championship in 1985.
Now I have a son, who like us, loves the Bears. I didn't have the opportunity to have you around to share that Super year, but I have tried to do my best with Adam. I know he will keep our tradition alive.
Chicago announced plans to renovate Soldier Field, so I made sure I had tickets to take Adam to the last game played there before the renovation began. Like me in 1970, Adam was 13 in 2001. Two things happened that year. One, the Bears made the playoffs and that game was played at home. Also, Dad, one of our games got postponed when America was attacked by terrorists. One game (a home game) was pushed back to the end of the year. So, despite my plans to have Adam at the last home game at the old Soldier Field like you had me at Wrigley, I made sure he knew what my plans had been. The game wasn't the last one played before they started renovating, but Adam knows the significance of why I had to have him there for what would have been the last game at Soldier Field.
That brings me to this year, Dad. The Bears are looking good. Real good, Dad. Watching Adam enjoying this season is what I would expect how you would have felt watching me, had you been there in 1985. Like the '85 team, this Bears team has a great defense. Just like the '63 team you saw win the NFL Championship. It's early in the season and way too much can happen, but it sure has been fun so far.
Thanks, Dad. Thanks for bringing me to all those games. I remember a lot. In fact, I had kept every single program you bought for me. I had them until, well, you know what happened to them as I am sure you are watching from above. The same thing happened to the season tickets I held so proudly.
Adam loves the Bears like me before him and you before me. It is our legacy. So now I know what it would have been like to have had you with me in 1985. I am just enjoying from what would have been your perspective.
Would you have expected that four games in to the 2006 season, Rex Grossman would have a better QB rating than one Peyton Manning?
Many (including me) likened last year's team to the Bears team of 1984, hoping that this years team would take the loss to Carolina much like what the '85 team did after losing to San Francisco in the NFC title game in the '84 season.
Similarities from 1985 to 2006? There are many:
After starting the year 2-0 coming off a humbling loss in the previous season's playoffs, the Bears QB leads the team to a come-from-behind vicory in the third game of the year.... AT Minnesota.
In their 4th game of the year Chicago got off to a slow start (they trailed the Skins 10-0 in '85 and trailed Seattle 3-0), but ended up winning in a blow out 45-10 in '85, 37-6 last night)!
In a coming out party, proving the team is for real, the Bears put a pasting on the defending NFC Champs (true, in '85 the Bears beat the reigning SB Champs, but you get the idea ).
They play the AFC East(the Colts were in the AFC in '85 and Chicago didn't play Buffalo).
Like the 85 team, this team has a dominating defense.
A surprising passing game (one that utilizes the TE).
They have a young kicker that looks great.
They are dominating time of possession (so far the defense has been on the field only 27:00 per game compared with 31+ last year).
They come to play every down, regardless of the score.
Coaches like to divide the season in to 4 quarters.
Last week was without doubt a great weekend of NFL football!! Hard fought games in Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis were pleasures to watch. The games may not have been artistic. but they did make for great viewing.
Last week 9-5, but a miserable 1-5 ATS (with one push). Like the headline says, glad I am not a betting man. This blog is (after all) strictly for entertainment purposes.
WEEK FOUR.
Bye week: Denver (who has been on a roll), New York Giants, Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay (who all need the break)...
Colts 3-0 (-9) at Jets The Colts are winning but giving up a lot of yards. The Jets almost came back against the Pats and pulled an upset in Buffalo. Look for the Home team to cover, but Indy to win the game, based on the fact the road team is 2-6-2 ATS in this series.
San Diego 2-0 (-2) at Baltimore 3-0 This is, by far the best match up of the early Sunday games. The Chargers have the best RB in the game and Baltimore is only allowing 1.8 yards per carry. With San Diego's history of playing well on the road ATS (14-3-2) this will be a tough game for the Ravens. Coming off a bye week, giving the nod to the Chargers.
Minnesota 2-1 (+1) at Buffalo 1-2 Coming off two straight home games and 3 straight against playoff teams from '05, Minnesota appears headed in the right direction. Buffalo disappointed last week but does have the home field advantage. Tough game to call with two new head coaches. Minnesota has been the better team early, but I will give the nod to the Bills.
Dallas 1-1 (-9) at Tennessee 0-3 Dallas is coming off a bye week and have two question marks at WR. Terry Glenn will play with stitches in a thumb and while T.O. is expected to play one has to wonder. Tennessee pulls an upset.
San Francisco 1-2 (+7) at Kansas City 0-2 Kansas City won 10 games last year, but their OL has been suspect. With a week to hone the offense, look for the Chiefs to win at home.
New Orleans 3-0 (+7) at Carolina 1-2 It is not often an undefeated team is an underdog by so many points. Many are banking the Panthers are ready to put on a playoff push. Here's thinking the Cinderella story for the Bayou Boys continues for at least another week. New Orleans is on an emotional high. While a loss might end Carolina's playoff hopes as the season barely scratches October, the Saints will have too much this week.
Arizona 1-2 (+7) at Atlanta Atlanta needs to get back on track quickly and with Arizona's porous defense the best way to beat the Cards is keeping their offense off the field. This plays right into the hands of the Falcons. Falcons win big.
Miami 1-2 (-4) at Houston 0-3 Miami has been one of several huge disappointments in the early season. Perfect time to right their season before it is too late. Houston has been among the worst teams and will continue to be. Maybe the Texans are in need of the first overall pick in 2007 to show everyone they can get one right.
Detroit 0-3 (+5) at St. Louis 2-1 Detroit's Shaun Rogers has been way too quiet these past two weeks. Bad news for the Rams. Fortunately they are at home and the Lions' woes, which could be titled "The Never Ending Story," continues.
New England 2-1 (+6) at Cincinnati 3-0 Cincinnati has a better offense than Denver and they are playing at home. I have never seen T. Brady as frustrated as he was in the Pat's loss at home to Denver. If bettors weren't being swayed by the fact the Bengals are playing Brady's Boys the line would be higher. Look for Cincy to stay undefeated.
Jacksonville 2-1 (-2) at Washington 1-2 Jacksonville has a tough defense. Portis expects to play but he can't carry the load by himself. Jacksonville stays on the heals of Indianapolis.
Cleveland 0-3 (-2) at Oakland 0-2 Has someone come up with a name for this machup? Bay of Pigs and the Toilet Bowl have already been taken. The Browns gave it everything they had last week and should have enough to show why they are a two point favorite on the road.
Seattle 3-0 (+3) at Chicago 3-0 Truly should be the showcase game of the week. What were the schedule makers thinking when they decided this game wasn't worthy of Monday night honors? There is quiet confidense building in the Windy City, while Seattle wants to prove getting to the Super Bowl last year was not a fluke. Without MVP Shaun Alexander the Seahawks may very well be too one-dimensional to get thru Chicago's defense enough to win. Look for Rex Grossman's picture end up on 30 Rock as NBC's Rock Star of the Game.
Green Bay 1-2 (+11) at Philadelphia 2-1 About the only people watching this game will be NFC East fans, and Brett Favre fans. Congratulations to #4 becoming only the second QB to surpass 400 career TD passes last week. He might take a couple of steps closer to the all time record for interceptions (He only needs 20) on Monday night. Hopefully for the Green and G.. (it really is yellow) faithful, this game won't get ugly until it is too late to notice.
Hollywood could not have written a better script for the Saints homecoming back in the Crescent City yesterday. The organization AND the City needed that win last night.
The White Sox were put out of their misery last night. Ozzie Guillen could not pull the Sox out of their slump as he did to close out 2005's magical season. Pitching let down the White Sox this year, but less apparent, yet all too real is the fact that the White Sox could not manufacture runs in 2006. Too reliant on the long ball, the Chisox didn't have the same chemistry this year and it ultimately cost them. Look for a lot of changes from the White Sox in 2007, most importantly, a centerfielder.
Chris Simms, get well soon. If anyone had suspected you were not tough enough for the NFL, you answered those crtics. Gladly, it was not by losing your life. If you are in serious pain, tell someone. It is still and always will be a game.
Shaun Alexander is out for several weeks. The NFL needs players like SA. He does his job in the relative anonymity of the great Northwest and does it with style.
On to the NFL Rankings after week three, last week's ranking in parenthsis.
1: Indianapolis Colts (1) An impressive victory over Jacksonville. Indy was beat up by the Jags defense, yet had just enough to pull out a victory. Games like these are wht true champions need to put in to the win column.
2: Cincinnati Bengals (4) Going in to Pittsburgh and coming away victorious was impressive. They need to stay at the top of their game with the Patriots coming to town this week.
3: TIE Chicago Bears (2) Seattle Seahawks (3) After Seattle pasted the Giants last week I was prepared to rank them numer 2, but losing the reigning MVP has to hurt the Seahwaks. Despite taking a huge step by winning in what has been a snake pit for several years, too many penalties and a lack of a running game caused the Bears to drop this week. Needless to say, what a great matchup this week as Seattle travels to the banks of Lake Shore Drive and an engagement with Chicago. It looks like a cog in the Bears new-found offense will be out for a while as Des Clark pulled up lame at Minnesota. Hopefully there is no damage to the small bones in the foot. It was that same type of injury that kept all-world Michael Jordan off the court early in his career.
5: San Diego Chargers (5): An early bye week may take it's toll later in the season, but the Chargers are serious contenders and could very well be playing deep into January.
6: Baltimore Ravens (9): Cleveland of Old vs the New Cleveland was quite an entertaining matchup last week and the better team prevailed. This is already a great rivalry and one must throw out the records any time thay play. Baltimore will be right there all year.
7: Jacksonville Jaguars (6): Never was the importance of all three units more evident than in the Jags loss to the Colts. Jacksonville had handcuffed the Colts offense until the Colts scored on a punt return. That swing in momentum prevented Jacksonville from knocking off the Colts.
8: Denver Broncos (12): An impressive victory going into New England and coming away with a convincing victory. Hats off to the Broncos.
9: Atlanta Falcons (7): Did the Saints uncover the way to stop the Vick led running game? Or was there no way the Falcons, or any other team could have won in New Orleans this week. Jury is still out on the Falcons college style offense.
10: New Orleans Saints (19): A 3-0 start. Who Dat Say Gonna Beat Them Saints... Yes, it has been a long time since the French Quarter heard that chorus. The Saints may not belong nor may they stay in the Top Ten, but this is my blog and I am taking a little artistic license to honor the team for what they did Monday night.
11: Minnesota Vikings (14): Yes they lost at home, but their defense grew up while losing to Chicago. If Brad Johnson continues to lead the team in the poised fashion he has shown in leading the Vikings to a 2-1 start, Minnesota will contend for a Wild Card.
Notre Dame has had it's share of 4th quarter comebacks in the Irish's glorious history. The game last night may not have been the prettiest and it may not be written in sports annals such the way it was back in the days of artistic journalists. It was, however, an incredible comeback.
Trailing by 17 points at halftime and 16 points entering the 4th quarter it seemed like Notre Dame's season was over. A team with two losses never makes it to the BCS, do they? Even Mother Nature seemingly added salt to the wound that was the sixteen point deficit the Fighting Irish faced as the last period began. As if it was on cue, or scripted in Hollywood fashion, the wind shifted, howling straight at the Irish offense.
What had been a decided advantage playing into the wind, moving from right to left on your television screen, the Notre Dame offense now had to finish the game heading into gale-force winds and pouding rain.
Undeterred, the Irish played on. Still trailing by 16 points and facing a fourth and five, QB Brady Quinn found Jeff Samadzija for a 43 yard touchdown, but only 8:18 remained. Surely the Irish would attempt a two point conversion. If successful, the deficit would be down to 8 making it a one possession game.
On this night, the Irish luck seemed just out of reach. The Spartan defense held and the lead was still a near impossible 10 points. Only 8:18 remained.
Needing only to continue to pound the ball with a running game that piled up 248 rushing yards this night, MSU tried to run the ball, but the Notre Dame defense proved stout. On third and nine, MSU QB Drew Stanton, who ran for 53 yards this night, tried to run around the defensive left side. It was there he ran into Chinedum Ndukwe, who stripped the ball from Stanton and recoved at the Spartan 25. Notre Dame had only 6:46 remaining.
Two penalties and 15 yards later, Brady Quinn came to the line facing 1st and 25 and 30 MPH winds squarely in his face. MSU was guilty of a pass interference penalty giving the Irish a first down back on the 25 yard line and Quinn made quick work finding Samardzija for 11 yards, then he threw a 14 yard TD to Rhema McKnight. 4:57 still remained.
One kick away from a three point game. The luck of the Irish surely will take this game into overtime. The Irish hearts suddenly became downtrodden yet again when the extra point sailed wide left. With the new time rules and a Spartan running game that had torn though the Irish defense most of the evening surely the 4 point lead would be safe in the hands of the MSU offense.
57 seconds came of the clock before the Spartans ran their first play from scrimmage. With a first down at their own 11 yard line Javon Ringer ran for 8 yards. Notre Dame, with all three timeouts, let the clock run. Second down and the clock running down to 3:29 the Spartans ran once again, this time for no gain. Still no timeout called and the clock kept it's downhill run to 0:00. The clock read 2:53 when it happened.
Inexplicably, the Spartan QB dropped back to pass! Drew Stanton threw the ball over the middle only to be intercpeted by Nptre Dame's Terrail Lambert at the 24 yard line.
Lambert wrote his own paragraph in the legendary annals of Notre Dame football by returning the interception 24 yards for the game winning touchdown.
There may have been more improbable comebacks in the great history of Notre Dame football. There may have been greater odds to evercome. But playing on the road and in terrible conditions, this game is one for the golden historical accounts of the legendary football program that calls South Bend, Indiana home.
Kudos to the New York Mets and Yankees. When was the last time both the Yanks and Shea Boys were the first teams to win their respective division's in the same season?
Pre-season has begun in the NHL, but has anyone noticed? Pittsburgh rookie Evgeni Malkin was injured yesterday on a play that made the news. A brutal hit that was accidental. Hope the injury is not serious.
Speaking of the NHL; For those of you that don't know, the NHL stands for the Now Hidden League!!! Please tell me the NHL isn't being televised on OLN this year. And if OLN still has television rights, will anyone know?
I used to enjoy hockey. Growing up in Chicago I was glued to the TV when the Blackhawks played (at least for road games). Bobby Hull, Stan Makita, Tony Esposito. Those were the days. Unfortunately, for Chicago hockey fans, no championships are forthcoming and we can only hope for someone to buy the team from the current owner. Only then will the Hawks return to glory. Rumors are swirling the Donald Trump has an interest in purchasing the Chicago Cubs. Perhaps he can save hockey in Chicago and buy the Blackhawks as well.
On to the NFL and STATEMENT SUNDAY!!!! After picking the winners in 9 of 12 games in week one, I tried my hand with the entire week two schedule with good results. I went 12-4 in week two (21-7 for the year). Against the spread I finished 11-5.
Week 3 (Byes; Dallas, Kansas City, Oakland, San Diego
Chicago 2-0 (-3) at Minnesota 2-0
Great matchup of two undefeated divisional foes. Chicago player's are letting their play on the field do the talking and haven't disappointed. Chicago's QB Rex Grossman has made an impressive start giving Viking coaches something to ponder. Do they (like other teams) continue to put 8 and 9 players in the box and make #8 beat them, or do they drop more defenders in coverage. Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson are both looking for opportunities to have a big day. Brad Johnson is a veteran QB that has practiced against some of the best cover-2 defenses going back to his Super Bowl days at Tampa. Chicago won't say they want revenge for what Minnesota did in last year's finale when the Vikings tore through Chicago's second and third stringers and ended up losing the number one ranking in defense last year, but the first string defense is looking to make a statement. Chicago wins another road and division game.
Green Bay 0-2 (+6.5) at Detroit 0-2
If it weren't for contractual obligations, Fox probably wouldn't be televiding this game. Detroit was embarrassed in Chicago and Green Bay has just been embarrassing. Brett Favre only needs 20 more interceptions to be the all time leader. Green Bay's rookie linemen will have their hands full as Shaun Rogers should be in the Packers backfield most of the day. Take the Lions to cover.
NY Jets 1-1 (+5.5) at Buffalo 1-1
After starting the season splitting two road games against divisional opponents, the Bills look to be one of this season's early surprises. The Jets tried to come back against the Pats, but had dug too deep a hole. Buffalo has a difference maker in Willis McGahee.
Carolina 0-2 (-3)at Tampa 0-2
Carolina, or Coach Fox simply gave last week's game away. That won't happen this week. One team has to get off the carpet while the other can already say wait until next year. Carolina wins and covers.
Cincinnati 2-0 (+1) at Pittsburgh 1-1
Another STATEMENT GAME. Great divisional matchups this week continue with Bengals vs. Steelers. Cincinnati wants to make their statement but have 12 players on the injury report. I think Cincy wins, but I would not wager on this game.
Jacksonville 2-0 (+7) at Indianapolis 2-0
This could be an ugly game from an offensive viewpoint. After bullying Pittsburgh and only allowing 153 total yards (26 rushing), can the Jags pull the reigns in on the best aaerial show in the NFL? Yes, Jacksonville pulls another upset.
Tennessee 0-2 (+11) at Miami 0-2
A few years ago, Chicago Bears' GM Jerry Angelo courted Nick Saban, who turned down the coaching gig. The Dolphins were highly overrated coming in to the 2006 season and if the Titans pull of a huge upset this week, Saban will be on the hot seat. Miami should win but no pick here ATS.
Baltimore 2-0 (-6.5) at Cleveland 0-2
Baltimore is only giving 6.5. Lay money on the Ravens before the line changes.
Washington 0-2 (-4) at Houston 0-2
Another year, another slow start by the Redskins. The Skins get off the mat and put their first game in the victory column. Give the 4 points.
NY Giants 1-1 (+3.5) at Seattle 2-0
Seattle was extremely shaky in the season opener, but seemed to get back on track at home last week putting a workman like 341 yards of total offense on the board. If the Giants are behind in the 4th quarter this week, the 12th man and Seattle's defense won't let Eli steal the show this week. I will take Seattle to win but I won't wager on the spread.
St. Louis 1-1 (+4.5) at Arizona 1-1
The Cards christened their new stadium with a win on opening day. The sold-out crowd will be in great form and the Cards impress. Arizona giving the 4.5.
Philadelphia 1-1 (-7) at San Francisco 1-1
A seven point road favorite. Hard to spot a home team that many points. Philly should come home victorious, but I would stay away from a line wager.
Denver 1-1 (+7) at New England 2-0
When will Denver's offense wake up? Denver's offensive woes won't continue, but they still won't have enough against the Pats this week. Give the points and take the Patriots
Atlanta 2-0 (-3) at New Orleans 2-0
I spent two and 1/2 years in New Orleans back in the mid-eighties. My heart is with the Saints, but I would never go near this game if I were wagering. GEAUX SAINTS
NFL rankings after week two. Peaking ahead to this week's games. Last week the NCAA Broadcasters kept referring to "Separation Saturday." With some great matchups in the NFL this week, I call it "Statement Sunday!"
1. The Colts: Another year, another 2-0 start. The Colts continue to dominate the early season like no other team. Indy can make a huge statement with a victory over Jacksonville this weekend. Dwight Freeny hopes to be in the lineup.
2. Chicago: Yes, it has only been two weeks, but with an offense that can put points on the board and stay on the field, keeping one of the best defenses in the league fresh, the Bears will be an exciting team in 2006.
3. Seattle: Despite a shaky start, Seattle got back on track with a victory at home. Another early "statement game" as the Seahwks host the Giants.
4. Cincinnati: If Carson Palmer has all his receivers at his disposal this week the Bengals can get some separation from Pittsburgh. Cincinnati will be looking to show everyone that winning the AFC North last year was no fluke.
5. San Diego: Like Chicago, I have the Chargers rated higher than most media rankings for two reasons. First, the Charger defense is for real. Second, LaDainian Tomlinson is the best back in football.
6. Jacksonville. The Jaguars pushed around the Steelers all night and earned a great amount of respect in the national media. This writer loves Jacksonville. The OL must stay healthy to keep the rush off Byron Leftwich. He now winds up to throw like a pitcher. His wind ups could end up costing him some INT's.
7. Atlanta. The Falcons have rushed for 558 yards in ONLY TWO GAMES!!! Their yardage is more than the rushing total of Tennessee, Miami, Oakland, Detroit and Tampa COMBINED!!! They aren't rated higher because their offense may be too one-dimensional for continued success in the NFL and, with the signing of kicker Morten Anderson, any field goal beyond 40 yards will be an adventure. At 46 years, Anderson became the second oldest player in history. A great kicker for years, Mort simply does not have the leg he once had, which could mean trouble in close games.
8. Pittsburgh. Big Ben was rusty to say the least last week. They would fall out of the top ten if they lose to the Bengals this Sunday.
9. Baltimore. Ray Lewis is healthy again and the Ravens defense is playing extremely well early, albeit against two anemic offenses. Jamal Lewis, however is out for two weeks with an injury and Baltimore will need to score more TDs in the coming weeks.
10. New England. Tom Brady is one of the best QBs in the NFL. Any time the Pat's offense is on the field they can score with Brady behind Center.
11. NY Giants
12. Denver Broncos
13. Philadelphia Eagles
14. Minnesota Vikings
15. Carolina Panthers
16. Dallas Cowboys
17. Arizona Cardinals
18. St. Louis Rams
19. New Orleans Saints
20. Buffalo Bills
21. Washington Redshkins
22. NY Jets
23. Miami Dolphins
24. Detroit Lions (Still looking to find 40 points)
