The Chicago Bears Shufflin' Crew

How Soon They Forget

2007-09-08T15:30:00.000-05:00

Norv Turner coaching the Chargers.

Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha.

I love how the media is saying that the Chargers are going to be better since somebody new is coaching them. Granted if Marty doesn't make bone headed decisions in the playoffs, he's still coaching the team (actually it was that moron cornerback that fumbled the ball instead of going down that cost them that game.) But Norv Fucking Turner, give me a break. Has he done anything as a head coach that makes you feel good about the hire? The answer is, of course, never. Between the mismanaged game clock and the general cluelessness, he is a terrible head coach. Good luck Charger fans.

P.S. - I'm back baby. After the game that cannot be mentioned, it took a while for me to get me enthuasiam back.

Going to Miami

2007-02-02T23:03:00.000-06:00

In a few short hours, I will be in Miami rooting on the Bears.

South Beach Baby!!!

Hottest Thing Covering Media Day

2007-01-30T13:01:00.000-06:00

All I can is wow. In the first picture, she is interviewing Jason McKie, Rod Wilson and Airese Currie. In the second picture, she is interviewing Tyler Everett (who?). Anyway her name is Inés Sainz and she works for TV Azteca, a Mexican television station. Here is a gallery of her pictures.

We're Going to the Super Bowl!!

2007-01-22T16:54:00.000-06:00

Where are the Bears going?

To the Super Bowl!!

Fuck Yes!!

The Best Story That Should Not Have Been Told

2007-01-18T12:25:00.000-06:00

I heard former NFL QB, Bobby Herbert say, that by rooting for the Saints, it was an act of patriotism. A true American should cheer for the Saints because of all the suffering, redemption and perseverance that these citizens have demonstrated.

Here's my issue. The amount of damage to the city of New Orleans could have been prevented. Hurricane Katrina was a powerful force, yet scientists were predicting a strike like this for years. As late as four years ago, I remember a report on NPR discussing the great risk that New Orleans was exposed to if a hurricane ever struck. The army corp of engineers recommended strengthening the levees. Scientist warned that by developing surrounding marsh lands that you will eliminate/reduce a natural buffer against the storm. Needless to say, these precautions were never acted upon. Because it was a level four storm, damage would likely occur, but the amount could have been reduced.

This thinking, and consequent acts of "patriotism" demonstrated by rooting for the Saints, is equivalent to a high school student abusing LSD for years and frying his brain, and then having his parents celebrate that he barely passed his courses and graduated high school. Feel happy for the kid, but be upset by his parents for allowing him to be in that perilous condition.

I do not care if you root for the Bears or the Saints this Sunday, but, if you root for the Saints, please be for the reasons such as:

The entire organization has done a great job in rebuilding this team from a 3-13 to a Super Bowl contender
Drew Brees' comeback and all-pro performance
Reggie Bush and Duece McCallister are the new dynamic duo
Or even, I love their uniforms; I think Mike McKenzie is hot; or I like when the old, white man does his dance on the sidelines

The Saints are a positive for the city, bringing entertainment and a distraction for those who survived the hurricane, but the Saints cannot rebuild it. This "Cinderella/American Comeback" story should never have been written. Let that be a lesson for New Orleans' parental guardians, Mayor Ray Nagin and Kathleen Blanco.

Bear Down.

Another Douche Bag

2007-01-15T16:34:00.000-06:00

Here was a quote take Gene Wojciechowski's ESPN.com article:

But Sunday at an unfilled Soldier Field (an embarrassing 6,659 no-shows on a surprisingly tame 32-degree January day on the lakefront), Grossman kept his screwups to a workable number.

Gene, I was at yesterday's game and there was no way that there were that many no-shows. Soldier Field's seating capacity is 61,500 so your numbers would make 10.8% of the stadium empty. It looks like Gene doesn't let the facts get in the way of a (not so) good story.

This Guy is a Douche Bag

2007-01-15T16:08:00.000-06:00

What you didn't see is the reverse of the sign that read "Bad Rex." First thing, it's the playoffs support your team. The Bears aren't the Lions and it's a little too late for Brian Griese. Second, don't assault me and take my hat. Finally, tell your bitch of wife of yours to shut up and not keep my brother in the pokie for something he didn't do.

My Finest (Blogging) Day

2007-01-11T11:21:00.001-06:00

It happened today. A moment all young sports bloggers dream about. What is the monumental thing of which I speak? My blog was mentioned today by The Big Lead. When I started this wacky little blog a few months back, I had no idea it would garner such national attention. I am flabbergasted, really I am. With this new readership, I vow to post more often. Aw crap more work for me.

No Mea Culpa from Peter King

2007-01-08T11:24:00.000-06:00

Usually I don't blog about national sportswriters (or much for that matter), but when I saw this article from Peter King this morning it made me angry. In this article, he slams Nick Saban, albeit indirectly as not to sully himself in case he needs a quote or favor from Saban later. Let's take a look in the way back machine to this article less than two months ago. Let's take a quote from it:

My feeling is this: I liked Saban a lot coming into this job, and his year and a half in Miami has only very slightly dimmed his luster in my eyes. He's 12-13 in trying to revive a sinking ship. Give him time, and I think at the end of Year Three you'll see a very good NFL team. Saban's too bright a football mind to fail.

Obviously, Peter, we cannot give him three years because he bolted after only two. If you want to do the easy and obvious thing and bash Saban, go right ahead. At least admit that you were wrong about this pompous jerk in the first place. Remember Saban was Jerry Angelo's first choice to replace Dick Jauron three years ago, but the Bears got Lovie Smith instead. Sometimes the decisions that you don't make are the best ones.

I'm Surprised That He Didn't Crash His "Love Boat"

2006-12-27T14:00:00.000-06:00

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Fred Smoot will miss the last game of the regular season because of a jaw that's broken in five places as a result of a recent car accident.

I Apologize Rex

2006-12-21T15:07:00.000-06:00

Congratulations Rex on winning both the NFC Offensive Player of the Week and the FedEx Air Player of the Week. Just destroy the Lions and Packers and we'll call it even.

Devin Hester Rules!!

2006-12-12T14:41:00.000-06:00

This doesn't even include yesterday's two touchdowns.

Devin Hester: 2006 Rookie of the Year.

Congratulations Chicago Bears!!

2006-12-04T14:24:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to the 2006 NFC North Division Champions, the Chicago Bears.

P.S. Rex Grossman sucks.

Bears Breakdown 10/16 Vs. Cardinals

2006-10-16T13:22:00.000-05:00

Bears Running Offense Vs. Cardinals Running Defense

Bears: 15th in NFL 109.6 ypg
Cardinals: 23rd in NFL 123.4 ypg

Thomas Jones finally cracked the 100 yard mark and Cedric Benson had 2 TD last week against the Bills. The Cardinals do not put up much resistance against the run and the Bears should muscle past the weak Cardinals defensive line.

Edge: Bears

Bears Passing Offense Vs. Cardinals Passing Defense

Bears: 5th in NFL 246.8 ypg
Cardinals: 26th in NFL 237.4 ypg

Rex Grossman is the second highest rated passer in the NFL with a 100.9 rating. Rex likes to throw deep often, usually to Bernard Berrian. The Cardinals have only 3 INT and 10 sacks on the year. They do not generate a ton of pressure on the quarterback so Rex should have plenty of time to go to the long ball if he wants.

Edge: Bears

Bears Rushing Defense Vs. Cardinals Rushing Offense

Bears: 6th in NFL 76.2 ypg
Cardinals: 31st in NFL 70.4 ypg

The Cardinals paid huge money to Edgerrin James in the offseason and have very little to show for it. Their offensive line is terrible and they create almost no holes for their backs. The Bears defensive line is very quick and athletic and should have no problems getting penetration in the backfield.

Edge: Bears

Bears Passing Defense Vs. Cardinals Passing Offense

Bears: 3rd in NFL 158.4 ypg
Cardinals: 10th in NFL 220.6 ypg

Once again, the Cardinals offensive line rears its ugly head. They have given up 17 sacks and the quarter backs have thrown 7 INT. To make matters worse, their best offensive player, Larry Fitzgerald, is out with a hamstring injury. Matt Leinart gets his second start of his young career and should be in for a real trial by fire. The Bears should get to him early and often.

Edge: Bears

Special Teams

The Bears have excellent return, coverage and kicking teams. Robbie Gould is still perfect on field goals this year and Brad Meynard is keeping teams pinned back.

Edge: Bears

Coaching

Dennis Green has had a miserable time in the desert going 12-25 in his first three years and his team has not lived up to its lofty preseason expectations. Lovie Smith has gone 21-16 in the same time period and has Chicago thinking Super Bowl.

Edge: Bears

Intangibles

Even though the Cardinals are the home team, expect a lot of Bears fans to be there cheering at the new University of Phoenix Stadium.

Edge: Even

Prediction

Bears 33
Cardinals 7

I Think Wilbur Marshall Might Have Killed Him

2006-10-12T16:52:00.000-05:00

Breakdown Revisited

2006-10-09T21:25:00.000-05:00

Bears Running Offense Vs. Bills Running Defense

Bears: 11th in NFL 98.0 ypg
Bills: 17th in NFL 103.0 ypg

Last week the Bears finally had success running the ball with Thomas Jones running for 98 yards and Cedric Benson running for 37 yards. Last week the Bills held the Vikings for only 63 yards on the ground. With the Bills worried about the now prolific Bears passing attack, expect the Bears to get some good chunks of yardage on the ground.

Advantage: Bears

The Bears rushed for a season high 155 yards and two TD's. Thomas Jones cracked the 100 yard mark for the first this season and Cedric Benson had two scores. The offensive line is looking better run blocking and this is only holds bright things for the Bears future.

Winner: Bears

Bears Passing Offense Vs. Bills Passing Defense

Bears: 5th in NFL 259.8 ypg
Bills: 11th in NFL 193.8 ypg

For the second time in four weeks, Rex Grossman was named the FedEx Air player of the week. He threw for 232 with 2 TD and 0 INT. Bernard Berrian is the home run threat the Bears have lacked for decades and Moose is a very solid possession receiver. The Bills have been solid against the pass all year, but have not seen an explosive offense like the Bears yet.

Edge: Bears

The Bears "only" had 196 yards passing this game. However, this was more of a function of good field position and a good running attack rather than a bad throwing the football. Rex Grossman had another good game going 15/27 (55.6%), 182 yards and 2TD. Bernard Berrian had another long bomb completed to him (62 yards.)

Winner: Bears

Bills Rushing Offense Vs. Bears Rushing Defense

Bears: 7th in NFL 80.8 ypg
Biils: 9th in NFL 117.0 ypg

Willis McGahee leads the NFL with 389 yards of rushing, but only 1 TD. He is by far the best running back the Bears have seen all year. The Bears will need their front four to take away the cutback lanes to be successful against him.

Edge: Even

The Bears totally stiffled the Bills running game (58 yards on 18 carries.) The Bills had to abandon the running game early when the Bears jumped to a huge lead. Going into the game, Willis McGahee was leading the league in rushing, but he was shut down for the most part with a long run of only 11 yards.

Winner: Bears

Bills Passsing Offense Vs. Bears Passing Defense

Bears: 7th in NFL 176.3 ypg
Bills: 25th in NFL 178.5 ypg

J.P. Losman is a "Game Manager." Dick Jauron does not want him to make mistakes and work within his limits. He is not going to win you games, but he probably doesn't lose a lot either. Last week the Bears bruised and confused Matt Hasselbeck with 5 sacks and 2 INT. They are a very opportunistic defense and their front four create a lot of pressure. The Bills must get solid protection or it will be a long afternoon for Losman.

Edge: Bears

With the exception of that last minute garbage touchdown, the Bears completely controled J.P. Losman. He threw three interceptions, got sacked three times and never got into any sort of rythem. This is what the Bears do to bad and mediocre quarterbacks.

Winner: Bears

Special Teams

The Bears kicking team leads the league with 50 points. Robbie Gould is a perfect 13 of 13 on field goals. The Bears coverage units swarm to the ball and allow very few yards returning. Devin Hester must take better care of the football or it could lead to momentum shifting turnovers.

Edge: Bears

Ho hum. Robbie Gould was again perfect kicking the ball with another four field goals. The Bears had of couple of nice returns and Devin Hester had no trouble holding onto the football. The Bills returners had nowhere to go.

Winner: Bears

Coaching

Lovie Smith is the first Bears coach to lead his team to 4-0 start in 15 years. Dick Jauron is the coach that thought Leon Johnson would make a good kick returner.

Edge: Bears

Good job Dick. That fake punt you called on your first possesion worked out well for you.

Winner: Bears

Intangibles

While not the fans' most hated ex-coach, Dick Jauron should not expect a particularly warm homecoming Sunday. He will get booed and booed often. Remember it's not his team, but he's on the team.

Edge: Bears

The Bears fans were loud and Soldier Field had an electric atmosphere. With the cold weather upon us, it is only going to get worse for opposing teams.

Winner: Bears

Extolling the Virtues of the Bears

2006-10-09T14:52:00.000-05:00

Links talking about the greatness of the Bears.

Sun-Times

Tribune

SI

ESPN

Sportsline

Bears Win, Again!!!

2006-10-09T09:13:00.000-05:00

Another dominating performance by the Bears.

Bears 40
Bills 7

It's Game Day!!!

2006-10-08T06:47:00.000-05:00

Destroy the Bills!!!

Breakdown 10/8 Vs. Bills

2006-10-07T14:58:00.000-05:00

Bears Running Offense Vs. Bills Running Defense

Bears: 11th in NFL 98.0 ypg
Bills: 17th in NFL 103.0 ypg

Last week the Bears finally had success running the ball with Thomas Jones running for 98 yards and Cedric Benson running for 37 yards. Last week the Bills held the Vikings for only 63 yards on the ground. With the Bills worried about the now prolific Bears passing attack, expect the Bears to get some good chunks of yardage on the ground.

Advantage: Bears

Bears Passing Offense Vs. Bills Passing Defense

Bears: 5th in NFL 259.8 ypg
Bills: 11th in NFL 193.8 ypg

For the second time in four weeks, Rex Grossman was named the FedEx Air player of the week. He threw for 232 with 2 TD and 0 INT. Bernard Berrian is the home run threat the Bears have lacked for decades and Moose is a very solid possession receiver. The Bills have been solid against the pass all year, but have not seen an explosive offense like the Bears yet.

Edge: Bears

Bills Rushing Offense Vs. Bears Rushing Defense

Bears: 7th in NFL 80.8 ypg
Biils: 9th in NFL 117.0 ypg

Willis McGahee leads the NFL with 389 yards of rushing, but only 1 TD. He is by far the best running back the Bears have seen all year. The Bears will need their front four to take away the cutback lanes to be successful against him.

Edge: Even

Bills Passsing Offense Vs. Bears Passing Defense

Bears: 7th in NFL 176.3 ypg
Bills: 25th in NFL 178.5 ypg

J.P. Losman is a "Game Manager." Dick Jauron does not want him to make mistakes and work within his limits. He is not going to win you games, but he probably doesn't lose a lot either. Last week the Bears bruised and confused Matt Hasselbeck with 5 sacks and 2 INT. They are a very opportunistic defense and their front four create a lot of pressure. The Bills must get solid protection or it will be a long afternoon for Losman.

Edge: Bears

Special Teams

The Bears kicking team leads the league with 50 points. Robbie Gould is a perfect 13 of 13 on field goals. The Bears coverage units swarm to the ball and allow very few yards returning. Devin Hester must take better care of the football or it could lead to momentum shifting turnovers.

Edge: Bears

Coaching

Lovie Smith is the first Bears coach to lead his team to 4-0 start in 15 years. Dick Jauron is the coach that thought Leon Johnson would make a good kick returner.

Edge: Bears

Intangibles

While not the fans' most hated ex-coach, Dick Jauron should not expect a particularly warm homecoming Sunday. He will get booed and booed often. Remember it's not his team, but he's on the team.

Edge: Bears

Ring Tones!!

2006-10-05T22:15:00.000-05:00

Hello all.

I just put up a whole bunch of Chicago Bears ring tones on the left hand side. Just right click to save them, store them on your computer and transfer them to your phone. They are all in the MP3 format. I'm still looking for a copy of Bear Down in MIDI format. So if you have one, please e-mail it to at the address to the left.

Later

Super Bowl XX Highlights

2006-10-05T14:14:00.000-05:00

Dick Jauron Quotes

2006-10-05T11:09:00.000-05:00

With Dick Jauron making his comeback to Soldier Field this week, it's time to go the way back machine and revisit some of his brain droppings:

"And it's not my show.......but I'm on that show....."

"When you lose....well thats bad news. And by the same token, when you win.....well thats good news."

"We really like Autry Denson"

“He's rare. He runs athletically.”

Thanks to www.firejerryangelo.com and www.thinkexist.com

85 Highlight Reel

2006-10-02T21:45:00.000-05:00

Pictures from Seahawks Game

2006-10-02T21:18:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures I took at the game.

Here is the link:

new.photos.yahoo.com/jimmyu72/albums

Breakdown Revisted

2006-10-02T16:06:00.000-05:00

Bears Running Offense Vs. Seahawks Running Defense

Bears: 23rd in NFL @ 83.0 ypg
Seahawks: 2nd in NFL @ 58.7 ypg

While it looks like a slam dunk for the Seahawks, the Bears have not really committed to the run all year. I see the Bears trying to set up the run early and being a little more successful than the previous three weeks.

Edge: Seahawks

The Bears were proficient in the rushing game going for 143 yards and 2TD. Thomas Jones is starting to round into his '05 form and Cedric Benson had a few nice carries as well.

Winner: Bears

Bears Passing Offense Vs. Seahawks Passing Defense

Bears: 5th in NFL @ 273.3 ypg
Seahawks: 22nd in NFL @ 222.7 ypg

The Bears passing offense is light years ahead of what it has been from the past couple of years. Rex Grossman needs to stop making mistakes when pressured like the ones in Minnesota last week. Expect another 250 yards+ this week.

Edge: Bears

Rex Grossman had a ton of time in the pocket and had a very nice game again (17/31 232 yards 2TD 0 Int.) Another long TD bomb to Berrian and Moose is catching just about everything thrown to him.

Winner: Bears

Seahawks Rushing Offense Vs. Bears Rushing Defense

Bears: 7th in NFL @ 82.0 ypg
Seahawks: 14th in NFL @ 114.3 ypg

Seattle is missing first string RB and last year's MVP Shaun Alexander for the game due to a broken foot. He is replaced by 5th year RB Maurice Morris, who is said to be slightly faster than Alexander. Both Guards Sean Locklear and Chris Gray are banged up for Seattle, so this could spell trouble for an already fragile Seahawks running game.

Edge: Bears

While rushing for a respectable 4.1 yards per carry average, the Seahawks just could not get the ground game going. Shaun Alexander's replacement, Maurice Morris, rushed for only 35 yards on 11 carries. Nineteen of Seattle's 77 yards came on a quarterback scramble.

Winner: Bears

Seahawks Passing Offense Vs. Bears Passing Defense

Bears: 11th in NFL @ 184.0 ypg
Seahawks: 17th in NFL @ 198.3 ypg

Last week against the Giants, the Seahawks threw for 227 yards, 5TD and 3Int. The Bears must not confused on the four wide receiver set that Seattle will most likely throw at them. If the Bears can get to Matt Hasselbeck, it should generate a lot of turnover opportunities.

Edge: Even

Seattle passed for 202 yards with 0TD and 2INT. Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck was beaten and chased around all day. The Bears had 5 sacks and pressured him countless other times. Tommie Harris had a monster of a game with 2 sacks and proved why he is one of the best DT's in the league.

Winner: Bears

Special Teams

Right now, all of the phases of the Bears' special teams are clicking right now. Devin Hester is a real threat to take punts all the way and their coverage teams are getting to the ball carrier quickly.

Edge: Bears

The Bears had a couple of scary moments this game when Devin Hester muffed two punts, but the Bears recovered both of them. However, he did have a nice 26 yard return. Robbie Gould had another outstanding game going 3/3 in field goals.

Winner: Bears

Coaching

Mike Holmgren is 14-2 lifetime against the Bears. This is mostly due to his success in Green Bay (12-2). Lovie Smith was last year's Coach of the Year. Holmgren is going to have to come up with a game plan to establish the run without Alexander. Smith must also figure out a way to help his anemic running attack.

Edge: Even

Ron Turner had an excellent game plan mixing short passes with long bombs. Ron Rivera had his defense fired up and ready to play. Seattle's coaches could not stop the Bears on either side of the ball.

Winner: Bears

Intangibles

With this being a Sunday night game with plenty of time for the Bears faithful to tailgate, expect a very boisterous stadium on the lakefront.

Edge: Bears

Soldier Field was the loudest I have ever heard it with Bear fans getting rowdy during every one of Seattle's third downs. The fans were ready for the prime time and it showed.

Winner: Bears

PREDICTION:

BEARS 24
SEAHAWKS 13

With a final score of 37-6, the Bears dominated all phases of the game on Sunday night. This game was truly a coming out party for the Bears and it showed they are a top 3 team in the NFL.

Links

2006-10-02T10:14:00.000-05:00

Here are some links that extol the greatness of the Bears.

Sun Times

Tribune

ESPN

Peter King SI

With the Bears creaming the 'Hawks and McPhail and Baker leaving the Cubs, it's a great day for Chicago sports fans.

Bears Win!!

2006-10-02T09:44:00.001-05:00

Bears 37
Seahawks 6

It's Game Day!!!!

2006-10-01T09:22:00.003-05:00

Go Bears!!!!

Knock the remaining hair off of Hasselbeck's head!!

Super Bowl Shuffle

2006-10-01T09:14:00.000-05:00

Breakdown 10/1 Vs. Seahawks

2006-09-29T15:01:00.000-05:00

Bears Running Offense Vs. Seahawks Running Defense

Bears: 23rd in NFL @ 83.0 ypg
Seahawks: 2nd in NFL @ 58.7 ypg

While it looks like a slam dunk for the Seahawks, the Bears have not really committed to the run all year. I see the Bears trying to set up the run early and being a little more successful than the previous three weeks.

Edge: Seahawks

Bears Passing Offense Vs. Seahawks Passing Defense

Bears: 5th in NFL @ 273.3 ypg
Seahawks: 22nd in NFL @ 222.7 ypg

The Bears passing offense is light years ahead of what it has been from the past couple of years. Rex Grossman needs to stop making mistakes when pressured like the ones in Minnesota last week. Expect another 250 yards+ this week.

Edge: Bears

Seahawks Rushing Offense Vs. Bears Rushing Defense

Bears: 7th in NFL @ 82.0 ypg
Seahawks: 14th in NFL @ 114.3 ypg

Seattle is missing first string RB and last year's MVP Shaun Alexander for the game due to a broken foot. He is replaced by 5th year RB Maurice Morris, who is said to be slightly faster than Alexander. Both Guards Sean Locklear and Chris Gray are banged up for Seattle, so this could spell trouble for an already fragile Seahawks running game.

Edge: Bears

Seahawks Passing Offense Vs. Bears Passing Defense

Bears: 11th in NFL @ 184.0 ypg
Seahawks: 17th in NFL @ 198.3 ypg

Last week against the Giants, the Seahawks threw for 227 yards, 5TD and 3Int. The Bears must not confused on the four wide receiver set that Seattle will most likely throw at them. If the Bears can get to Matt Hasselbeck, it should generate a lot of turnover opportunities.

Edge: Even

Special Teams

Right now, all of the phases of the Bears' special teams are clicking right now. Devin Hester is a real threat to take punts all the way and their coverage teams are getting to the ball carrier quickly.

Edge: Bears

Coaching

Mike Holmgren is 14-2 lifetime against the Bears. This is mostly due to his success in Green Bay (12-2). Lovie Smith was last year's Coach of the Year. Holmgren is going to have to come up with a game plan to establish the run without Alexander. Smith must also figure out a way to help his anemic running attack.

Edge: Even

Intangibles

With this being a Sunday night game with plenty of time for the Bears faithful to tailgate, expect a very boisterous stadium on the lakefront.

Edge: Bears

PREDICTION:

BEARS 24
SEAHAWKS 13

Photos from Lions Game

2006-09-29T13:42:00.000-05:00

These photos were taken at the 9-17 Lions game by Kurt Mammor (guy sitting next to us at the game.) There are some cool pics in there.

Here is the link:

new.photos.yahoo.com/jimmyu72/albums

Predection for Sunday Oct. 1st

2006-09-29T13:09:00.000-05:00

Bears 24
Seahawks 13

Full breakdown later