stevenWi:

wisco:

stevenWi:

wisco:

stevenWi:

Bears will have no problems with any team from the East. There is only one team that should concern them. Atlanta. If Vick continues to play with both his feet and his arm, no team is safe. You simply cannot scheme a defense to stop him.He may fold when facing a D as talented as Chicago, but by then he will have had about 10 games under his belt running their offense. He's beginning to show some accuracy and his arm strength is above average. Along with his feet, that's a frightening combination.

The Bears have never lost to Vick.  I believe they are 3-0 against him.  Bears have speed at two linebacker positions that Vick has yet been able to beat.  Last year in December Vick was a non factor in the game.  It was cold and he looked like he did not want to be there.  Urlacher spied him all night and Vick wanted no part of it.

I am concerned more with the Giants.  However the loss of Arrington is huge.  We will find out in a couple of weeks.  That game is going to be a tough one for the Bears and a big test for Rex Grossman.  He will need to play well, on the road on national tv, for the Bears to come out on top.

What happened in the past has little to do with the present, particularily if Vick's last two games are an indication of what he's capable of using his arm. True, Urlacher has played him tough, but in the past no team had to worry about him rolling out and picking apart  D-backs. The LB's could concentrate on stopping his feet and expect his passes to be off target.Now, they have to consider protecting their zones and containing him. Eli will be overwhelmed by the pressure brought by the Bears front 4 and start lobbing the ball to Plaxico.I would think the only concern for Bears would be stopping Tiki and limiting Shockey . Bears score 10 or 13 pts and they beat NY  IMO..

I hope your right but I still am concerned.  The Giants defense is not bad and Grossman has been less than spectacular on the road.  That is more of what I would be concerned about.

Regarding Vick, you make some good points.  I haven't seen much of him this year to be honest.   I guess if he has improved that much on his accuracy he could be a problem.  I just don't see it happening in Jan when you have single digit temp plus the wind chill.   Time will tell IF that scenario plays out.  I also do not think Rivera would have a "contain" type of scheme against Vick.  I think it would be more of a stuff the run, attack/ collapse the pocket and let Urlacher and Briggs chase him down.    

Being down here in south fl. I've caught the last 2 Falcon games. I've never been a believer in Vick the QB, but the last 2 weeks I've got to admit his passing has been unbelievable. He's actually going through his progressions and waiting for recievers to open up rather than running if his primary reciever is covered. He's even read the D pre-snap and hit a couple of check-downs. I gotta say I was shocked. Maybe he just had two great weeks or his opponents schemed to stop him from running but he was actually hitting his recievers in stride and finding seams in the D. Get him outside in Jan., throw in some 20mph winds and mush rush the guy while containing with the D ends. Then I think you'd see the old Vick. 

 

If Vick comes to Chicago in January I think he's going to be in for a long day.  Last year when he came to Chicago and the temperature was around zero degrees he shriveled up like a scared turtle.  I'd be more worried about playing him in his dome or if he came to Chicago and it was one of those rare 60 degree January days, but if the temperature is below 20 degrees he's going to not want to be out there.

---

My Girls

Seems to me (sadly) that Vick can go into a cold weather stadium in a January playoff game and beat a team on the road. I'm not saying he will. But he's proven that he at least has the capability of doing so.

Of course this also assumes that the Falcons are better than the Bears - which I don't believe.

 

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Dbears54 predictions

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Matt Forte's success: http://boards.chicagobears.com/forums/thread/1159499.aspx

"which would make him 6X more successful than Ap : )

payton's 679 should be hit sometimes in week 10..

but Ap's "spectacular" rookie year TOTAL of 101 yards should be sometime in week 1 and ap's "career" best TOTAL of 510 sometime by week 9 : )"

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Bears record in 2008: http://boards.chicagobears.com/forums/thread/1111374.aspx

"Well figure if haugh can write 5-11 i'll take a stab at 11-5.. means about as much ..

We will have a top 3 "D" again..

In 2005, we went 11-5 with a rookie orton..

In 2008, whether ist rex or orton, he will be better than the 2005 orton

We have hester, instead of wade for ST a huge + for 2008

The wr's were moose/gage/wade/.. booker/hester/davis/bradley etc better in 2008

the te's just clark

clark/olsen/davis in 2008 better

the rb was jones...

2008-forte/jones/wolfe IMo the same or even an upgrade over 2005

so IMo even if the Qb's are just mediocre 11-5 not only possible,but probable if remain healthy..."

---

ROLL ON THUNDER
SHINE ON LIGHTNING
THE DAYS ARE LONG
AND THE NIGHTS ARE FRIGHTENING
NOTHING MATTERS ANYWAY
AND THAT'S THE HELL OF IT

I was at the grocery store buying eight apples, and the clerk asked me if I would like a bag. And I said, "No, man, I juggle! But I can only juggle eight. If I'm ever here buying nine apples, bag 'em up!"

IHATETHEBEARS:

Seems to me (sadly) that Vick can go into a cold weather stadium in a January playoff game and beat a team on the road. I'm not saying he will. But he's proven that he at least has the capability of doing so.

Of course this also assumes that the Falcons are better than the Bears - which I don't believe.

 

I know he did it to the Packers. 

---

My Girls

MikePhipps:

IHATETHEBEARS:

Seems to me (sadly) that Vick can go into a cold weather stadium in a January playoff game and beat a team on the road. I'm not saying he will. But he's proven that he at least has the capability of doing so.

Of course this also assumes that the Falcons are better than the Bears - which I don't believe.

 

I know he did it to the Packers. 

That's what IHTB meant by (sadly)

Bears lost, but still better than anyone else in the North.

 

Team	W	L	T	PCT	PF	PA	Home	Road	AFC	NFC	DIV	Streak
Chicago	7	1	0	.875	234	100	4-1	3-0	1-1	6-0	3-0	Lost 1
Minnesota	4	4	0	.500	130	135	2-2	2-2	0-2	4-2	1-1	Lost 2
Green Bay	3	5	0	.375	162	200	1-3	2-2	1-1	2-4	1-1	Lost 1
Detroit	2	6	0	.250	162	203	2-2	0-4	1-1	1-5	0-3	Won 1

---

Bears' record predictions .500 or lower
Trashcanman: 8-8
Butkus_51: 8-8
twelvechampionships: 6-10 or 7-9, whichever the flipflopper prefers.

It was going to happen no doubt.  I suppose the rollercoaster calls for Grossman's head have started again.    No doubt he struggled.   6 turnovers were brutal, especially since every one of the them was a table setting into the red zone, or very close to it.  Oh well, kudos to the Phins.  They played well, capitalized and deserved the win. 

Time to move on and get ready for Sunday night match up with Giants.  This should be a good one.  I am sure every expert out there now has the Giants the team to beat in the NFC.  We shall see.

Note for Packer fans... MM reminded me a bit of Wanny on that call from the 1 yard line... tried to "out smart" Buffalo.  Heard that from Wanny many times, same result.  If you hear MM say "all the pieces are in place", run and hide. 

Team	W	L	T	PCT	PF	PA	Home	Road	AFC	NFC	DIV	Streak
Chicago	7	1	0	.875	234	100	4-1	3-0	1-1	6-0	3-0	Lost 1
Minnesota	4	4	0	.500	130	135	2-2	2-2	0-2	4-2	1-1	Lost 2
Green Bay	3	5	0	.375	162	200	1-3	2-2	1-1	2-4	1-1	Lost 1
Detroit	2	6	0	.250	162	203	2-2	0-4	1-1	1-5	0-3	Won 1

26-0

Sweep

Expected resweep

Repeat

Cheers

Yeah, Sean Salisbury has now put the Giants into the Super Bowl against the Colts.  Should the Bears beat NY next week, and the Colts should lose, he'll change that to the Bears and the Pats or something.  he's a useless tool now like he was when he was playing.

---

Big "Jr" is watching you, but not for much longer!

wisco:

It was going to happen no doubt.  I suppose the rollercoaster calls for Grossman's head have started again.    No doubt he struggled.   6 turnovers were brutal, especially since every one of the them was a table setting into the red zone, or very close to it.  Oh well, kudos to the Phins.  They played well, capitalized and deserved the win. 

Time to move on and get ready for Sunday night match up with Giants.  This should be a good one.  I am sure every expert out there now has the Giants the team to beat in the NFC.  We shall see.

Note for Packer fans... MM reminded me a bit of Wanny on that call from the 1 yard line... tried to "out smart" Buffalo.  Heard that from Wanny many times, same result.  If you hear MM say "all the pieces are in place", run and hide. 

Team	W	L	T	PCT	PF	PA	Home	Road	AFC	NFC	DIV	Streak
Chicago	7	1	0	.875	234	100	4-1	3-0	1-1	6-0	3-0	Lost 1
Minnesota	4	4	0	.500	130	135	2-2	2-2	0-2	4-2	1-1	Lost 2
Green Bay	3	5	0	.375	162	200	1-3	2-2	1-1	2-4	1-1	Lost 1
Detroit	2	6	0	.250	162	203	2-2	0-4	1-1	1-5	0-3	Won 1

26-0

Sweep

Expected resweep

Repeat

Cheers

You run it down their throats and dominate every offensive statistic, yet on first and goal from the 1 you try to "outsmart" them. Them being the 1 win Bills. Why T F would you think you need to outsmart them ? I mean I know we're not that good, but we're playing the *** Bills Einstein!!!! McCarthy hasn't ever dropped the "pieces in place", but the Packer boards are ablaze with P.O.ed fans because rather than admit it was  horrible playcalling, MM is defending his decision which makes him either stupid or in a state of denial.

stevenWi:

wisco:

It was going to happen no doubt.  I suppose the rollercoaster calls for Grossman's head have started again.    No doubt he struggled.   6 turnovers were brutal, especially since every one of the them was a table setting into the red zone, or very close to it.  Oh well, kudos to the Phins.  They played well, capitalized and deserved the win. 

Time to move on and get ready for Sunday night match up with Giants.  This should be a good one.  I am sure every expert out there now has the Giants the team to beat in the NFC.  We shall see.

Note for Packer fans... MM reminded me a bit of Wanny on that call from the 1 yard line... tried to "out smart" Buffalo.  Heard that from Wanny many times, same result.  If you hear MM say "all the pieces are in place", run and hide. 

Team	W	L	T	PCT	PF	PA	Home	Road	AFC	NFC	DIV	Streak
Chicago	7	1	0	.875	234	100	4-1	3-0	1-1	6-0	3-0	Lost 1
Minnesota	4	4	0	.500	130	135	2-2	2-2	0-2	4-2	1-1	Lost 2
Green Bay	3	5	0	.375	162	200	1-3	2-2	1-1	2-4	1-1	Lost 1
Detroit	2	6	0	.250	162	203	2-2	0-4	1-1	1-5	0-3	Won 1

26-0

Sweep

Expected resweep

Repeat

Cheers

You run it down their throats and dominate every offensive statistic, yet on first and goal from the 1 you try to "outsmart" them. Them being the 1 win Bills. Why T F would you think you need to outsmart them ? I mean I know we're not that good, but we're playing the *** Bills Einstein!!!! McCarthy hasn't ever dropped the "pieces in place", but the Packer boards are ablaze with P.O.ed fans because rather than admit it was  horrible playcalling, MM is defending his decision which makes him either stupid or in a state of denial.

Don't forget that he was trying to "outsmart" Jauronstedt!   The Packers are playing better every week.  They still have a ways to go but it will take some time.  Fans just need to be patient which is easier said then done.  Just look at all the posters on this board calling for Grossman's head.

I believe you are correct. They are improved over last season, but still have a ways to go. As I see it, their only huge weakness (and it's a big one) is pass defense. They could improve in other areas as well. But pass defense is the only glaring one.

By the way, I for one haven't called for Grossman's head. In fact, in the other forum, I stated that he should remain the starter. It blows my mind that some posters on this board are suddenly calling for his head. The Bears are 7-1. As a Packer fan, I'm so jealous. The whining and complaining from some of the others is ridiculous. I can only imagine what it'll be like next week, if the Bears lose to the Giants - which is a distinct possibility.

Just curious Wisc, what's your prediction for this week's game?

---

ROLL ON THUNDER
SHINE ON LIGHTNING
THE DAYS ARE LONG
AND THE NIGHTS ARE FRIGHTENING
NOTHING MATTERS ANYWAY
AND THAT'S THE HELL OF IT

I was at the grocery store buying eight apples, and the clerk asked me if I would like a bag. And I said, "No, man, I juggle! But I can only juggle eight. If I'm ever here buying nine apples, bag 'em up!"

IHATETHEBEARS:

I believe you are correct. They are improved over last season, but still have a ways to go. As I see it, their only huge weakness (and it's a big one) is pass defense. They could improve in other areas as well. But pass defense is the only glaring one.

By the way, I for one haven't called for Grossman's head. In fact, in the other forum, I stated that he should remain the starter. It blows my mind that some posters on this board are suddenly calling for his head. The Bears are 7-1. As a Packer fan, I'm so jealous. The whining and complaining from some of the others is ridiculous. I can only imagine what it'll be like next week, if the Bears lose to the Giants - which is a distinct possibility.

Just curious Wisc, what's your prediction for this week's game?

It is pretty normal for some fans to jump on and off the Grossman bandwagon.  He has looked really good on days and really bad on others.  When I say people are buying into the hype, don't take it so personal.  Yeah, I know I called you out but it just seems you only like to point out his negatives.   I aplogize for picking you out on that one.   With a young QB, patience is the key.   When Grossman has struggled it goes two ways.  Part of the problem is his own mechanics, decision making, etc.  That he can improve.  Remember how raw Favre was early in his career (note, I am NOT comparing him to Favre in talent).   But I think the bigger problem is the play calling.  It just seems every time they get behind or in a little trouble, Turner tries to make Grossman into Marino and calls games like he is playing Madden 2007 instead of calling plays that fit his personel.   That needs to improve.  Run the ball, call some screens and draws and play action.  That is what Grossman can do best.  Sprinkle in some deep vertical passes and he will shine.  Don't keep forcing the ball 20+ yards downfield.   With this defense it is not necessary.

Regarding a prediction for this weeks game.  I really believe the Bears will win the game.  Defensively the Giants are a little beat up and the Bears are relatively healthy... that is if Urlacher's injury is not serious.   The key is Rex Grossman.   The Bears will go as Grossman goes.   The only thing that kills the Bears is turnovers.   We will find out alot about the Chicago Bears on Sunday night.  Even if they fall apart they still are good enough to win the division.  I for one will not be satisfied with just the division.  The window of opportunity is open for the Bears THIS year.  Let's see if they have the metal to take it.  I believe they do and am looking forward to the game.  Cheers.

 

I'm riding high on my predictions right now. Last weekend, at the last minute, I chose both Miami and Detroit in upsets. I lucked out on both.

I'll have to go with the Giants this weekend. They played poorly against Houston, and still managed to win. I don't think they're the kind of team that is going to make a habit of playing poorly however. Couple that with a home field advantage, and Grossman's inconsistency in recent weeks, and the pick is an easy one. Plus, should there be a concern over the Bears' running game? I see that they're 19th in the NFL.

I do agree though, how Grossman performs is the key. If he has a good game, it'll be tough to beat the Bears. If he has another bad game, the Bears might be sunk. I think the Bears' defense is also key. If they can create some turnovers (which they can) and give the offense a short field, I think the Bears will win. But if they fall behind, I have my doubts that they can come back.

The Bears' defense is better than the Giants'. But the Giants' defense is pretty good too. This is another big test for Grossman - playing a good team, with a good defense, on the road.

I will say this, if we have a hard-fought game that the Bears end up winning, they will be my pick for NFC champs. Right now, my pick is for the Giants - both this week and to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

---

ROLL ON THUNDER
SHINE ON LIGHTNING
THE DAYS ARE LONG
AND THE NIGHTS ARE FRIGHTENING
NOTHING MATTERS ANYWAY
AND THAT'S THE HELL OF IT

I was at the grocery store buying eight apples, and the clerk asked me if I would like a bag. And I said, "No, man, I juggle! But I can only juggle eight. If I'm ever here buying nine apples, bag 'em up!"

IHATETHEBEARS:

I'm riding high on my predictions right now. Last weekend, at the last minute, I chose both Miami and Detroit in upsets. I lucked out on both.

I'll have to go with the Giants this weekend. They played poorly against Houston, and still managed to win. I don't think they're the kind of team that is going to make a habit of playing poorly however. Couple that with a home field advantage, and Grossman's inconsistency in recent weeks, and the pick is an easy one. Plus, should there be a concern over the Bears' running game? I see that they're 19th in the NFL.

I do agree though, how Grossman performs is the key. If he has a good game, it'll be tough to beat the Bears. If he has another bad game, the Bears might be sunk. I think the Bears' defense is also key. If they can create some turnovers (which they can) and give the offense a short field, I think the Bears will win. But if they fall behind, I have my doubts that they can come back.

The Bears' defense is better than the Giants'. But the Giants' defense is pretty good too. This is another big test for Grossman - playing a good team, with a good defense, on the road.

I will say this, if we have a hard-fought game that the Bears end up winning, they will be my pick for NFC champs. Right now, my pick is for the Giants - both this week and to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Agree with most of your post.  Like I said, we will find out alot about the Bears/Grossman this Sunday.  I do not think the outcome of the game will determine who goes on to be NFC Champs.  There are still too many games left in the season and so much can happen.  Remember last year, the AFC Champs and eventual SB Champs did not surface until about week 11 or 12.  Patience, patience, patience.

By the way, I think GB is going to get crushed this week at Minny.  Chester Taylor is going to run wild.  Vikings have played so poorly the last two weeks, this will be a "get well" game for them.  I also predict MM is going to be questioned big time by the media when this one is over.  Just a hunch.

You think? I think MM has a free pass this season - and perhaps next year as well. No one ever expects the Packers to win in Minnesota anyway.

Personally, I think the Vikings aren't that good. So the Packers have at least a chance. But if I were betting, my money would be on Minnesota.

Minnesota's offense isn't very good. I suspect it'll be close, regardless.

---

ROLL ON THUNDER
SHINE ON LIGHTNING
THE DAYS ARE LONG
AND THE NIGHTS ARE FRIGHTENING
NOTHING MATTERS ANYWAY
AND THAT'S THE HELL OF IT

I was at the grocery store buying eight apples, and the clerk asked me if I would like a bag. And I said, "No, man, I juggle! But I can only juggle eight. If I'm ever here buying nine apples, bag 'em up!"

wisco:

IHATETHEBEARS:

I'm riding high on my predictions right now. Last weekend, at the last minute, I chose both Miami and Detroit in upsets. I lucked out on both.

I'll have to go with the Giants this weekend. They played poorly against Houston, and still managed to win. I don't think they're the kind of team that is going to make a habit of playing poorly however. Couple that with a home field advantage, and Grossman's inconsistency in recent weeks, and the pick is an easy one. Plus, should there be a concern over the Bears' running game? I see that they're 19th in the NFL.

I do agree though, how Grossman performs is the key. If he has a good game, it'll be tough to beat the Bears. If he has another bad game, the Bears might be sunk. I think the Bears' defense is also key. If they can create some turnovers (which they can) and give the offense a short field, I think the Bears will win. But if they fall behind, I have my doubts that they can come back.

The Bears' defense is better than the Giants'. But the Giants' defense is pretty good too. This is another big test for Grossman - playing a good team, with a good defense, on the road.

I will say this, if we have a hard-fought game that the Bears end up winning, they will be my pick for NFC champs. Right now, my pick is for the Giants - both this week and to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Agree with most of your post.  Like I said, we will find out alot about the Bears/Grossman this Sunday.  I do not think the outcome of the game will determine who goes on to be NFC Champs.  There are still too many games left in the season and so much can happen.  Remember last year, the AFC Champs and eventual SB Champs did not surface until about week 11 or 12.  Patience, patience, patience.

By the way, I think GB is going to get crushed this week at Minny.  Chester Taylor is going to run wild.  Vikings have played so poorly the last two weeks, this will be a "get well" game for them.  I also predict MM is going to be questioned big time by the media when this one is over.  Just a hunch.

GB will get smoked this week. Might be different if Morency had'nt gotten hurt, but without him and a hobbled Jenings the offense will sputter and the D will be exposed by Johnson. Morency is a great compliment for Green and his explosiveness can create problems for a defense. BTW- IHTB, when do you think the Pack will cut Bubba? I've been after them to cut him and Fergy for 3 yrs and only recently has it become obvious that he's a wasted 1st round pick. This is especialy true with his play(if you could call it that) lately and the emergence of Martin as Favre's preferred TE. 

I agree that Minny offense is not very good but they will be up for this one.  They had a chacne to gain some ground last week and they did what they usually do... choke.  Regardless, it would be typical Viking fashion to win big this Sunday against a rival to get the fan base optimistic again. 

Regarding MM, not sure if he has a free pass so to speak.  I have yet to really hear anybody inside the organization call this season for what it really is, the beginning of a rebuilding period.  Some expectations are there.  In fact, there was some talk prior to last weeks game that if they could win they actually would be back in the race at .500.  Coming off a game where MM made some questionable decisions sets him up for some difficult questions regarding the rest of this year if Minny beats them badly. 

They can call it whatever they want to - or not call it. Everyone knows they're rebuilding. Expectations were so low coming into this season, that anything positive is a bonus. Which questionable calls are you referring to?

Answer to Steven - Regarding Bubba Franks...what happened to him this season? I'm truly at a loss. I don't believe he was a wasted pick at all. He's a three-time Pro Bowl player who had a knack for finding the end zone when the Packers got near the goal line. Plus he's turned himself into a great blocker.

But this year, he's been invisible. It makes you wonder just what's going on there. Franks is signed through 2011. How much of that money is guaranteed? I don't know. He'll be back in 2007. But if 2007 looks like 2006, he won't see 2008 in a Packer uniform.

---

ROLL ON THUNDER
SHINE ON LIGHTNING
THE DAYS ARE LONG
AND THE NIGHTS ARE FRIGHTENING
NOTHING MATTERS ANYWAY
AND THAT'S THE HELL OF IT

I was at the grocery store buying eight apples, and the clerk asked me if I would like a bag. And I said, "No, man, I juggle! But I can only juggle eight. If I'm ever here buying nine apples, bag 'em up!"

IHATETHEBEARS:

They can call it whatever they want to - or not call it. Everyone knows they're rebuilding. Expectations were so low coming into this season, that anything positive is a bonus. Which questionable calls are you referring to?

Answer to Steven - Regarding Bubba Franks...what happened to him this season? I'm truly at a loss. I don't believe he was a wasted pick at all. He's a three-time Pro Bowl player who had a knack for finding the end zone when the Packers got near the goal line. Plus he's turned himself into a great blocker.

But this year, he's been invisible. It makes you wonder just what's going on there. Franks is signed through 2011. How much of that money is guaranteed? I don't know. He'll be back in 2007. But if 2007 looks like 2006, he won't see 2008 in a Packer uniform.

It's physically impossible for him to break a tackle on the off chance that A) he's thrown to B) he catches it. 3 time pro-bowler is a bit misleading. His average catch per TD was probably 2 yrds. I'll admit I don't watch him block that much, but isn't Martin more than capable? Franks was at best a 3rd rounder IMO. But when teammates see guys like him and Fergy sticking around I believe it sends a message that mediocrity and giving less than 100% will be tolerated. Thank God they got rid of Davenport. He ran with all the intensity of a butterfly. I find it poetic that Najeh went to the defending Champions and now has a worse record than the Pack. Look for Fergy to disappear from the roster though, there are too many rookie recievers that show potential to be a very good #3 reciever.