NFL 2011

[pdga#7648]

and why punt instead of trying the 47 yd FG to go up 7? Kundiff doesn't kick at that stadium alot but he nailed a 51 yarder. even if he misses, they still needed the touchdown to win.  not a smart call on Tomlins part.

[Dan Michler]

Impressive win by the Bears last night.  We just ran the ball down their throats.  We even gave them a free touchdown on that Forte fumble and still won by 6.  The Bears are in solid position to make the playoffs with 5 games left against severely struggling teams.  I'm not fully converted to a believer though.  If we can win at home against the Lions next Sunday, then I'll get excited.  Until then, we're just another midpack NFC team.

[Sr.]

I give the Bears lines the credit. Finally zero sacks. Cutler looks good with a little time. And a familiar receiver.

                                                                                http://youtu.be/2-2yd_EPqB8

[tacimala]

Honestly I thought Cutler looked like trash even with time. How many throws with no pressure is he going to throw behind players or low? Still a well played overall game by the Bears though, would be pretty sweet to have 3 teams out of the NFC North make the playoffs.

Doug - did you hear the rumor about the rule change that would take a wild card spot away from the AFC and given to the NFC this year if not enough teams beat Cincinnati?

[Tom McManus]

Honestly I thought Cutler looked like trash even with time. How many throws with no pressure is he going to throw behind players or low? Still a well played overall game by the Bears though, would be pretty sweet to have 3 teams out of the NFC North make the playoffs.

Doug - did you hear the rumor about the rule change that would take a wild card spot away from the AFC and given to the NFC this year if not enough teams beat Cincinnati?

Why don't you let sleeping dogs lie?

[Sr.]

Cutler had a 97 QB rating on the road against Philly with average receivers and line. Hardly trash in my opinion.

[pdga#7648]

Doug - did you hear the rumor about the rule change that would take a wild card spot away from the AFC and given to the NFC this year if not enough teams beat Cincinnati?

well no worries then, cause they get Balt and Pittsburgh 2 games each!
I'll bet you $20, the Bungles dont make the playoffs Taylor!

oh, and they still got Houston on their schedule as well!

[Dan Michler]

Bears are laying down 2 1/2 againt the Lions this week.  Are you putting down a big Lions bet on the moneyline Taylor?

[tacimala]

Sr - I guess I have much higher expectations of Cutler with his general demeanor and attitude, along with the aggressive expectations that were set forth when he came over that the media provided. You are right though and I agree that 97 is not a bad passer rating. It should have been much higher with the ball control and clock control that the Bears seemed to exhibit throughout the game.

Dan - Lions and Bears are always a good matchup it seems like regardless of when one team is doing a lot better or not. I'm actually glad that the Bears won so that it will be a better game this week, and potentially setting up an even better game on Thanksgiving. I will be taking the Lions straight up and with the points (obviously if I'm taking them straight up), but I don't do betting outside of the leagues I'm already in as it would make me go crazy. I haven't done that well with spread picks this year, but no one really has with all of the crazy upsets.

I will unfortunately be on a plane for the second half of the game on Sunday.

[Dan Michler]

Cutler made several big 3rd down throws that were key to the victory.  But I somewhat agree with Taylor, its not as if he put up a monster game. 

That being said, the WR play is still a major disappointment.  Hester was his usual terrible self.  We have no red zone target.  Bennett definitley provided a lift, but he doesn't have #1 WR speed or size.  Knox has pretty much disappreared off the face of the planet.  Sanzenbacher let a ball go through his hands and legs.  Roy Williams just looks awkward when he runs (not a good sign for a WR).  Give Cutler a couple of the Packer WR's and I think you'd see him stretch this offense vertically alot more often and put up some better statistical performances.

[pdga#7648]

I saw a stat Monday night that just amazed me. Why doesn't Mike Martz let Jay out of the pocket to pass?
As a Bronco he had 26 TD's while rolling out to right or left. as a Bear he has 4. Jay is not a pocket passer. Let him scramble more, and the offense puts up more points, therefore the defense wouldn't always have to be so dominant?!

[Dan Michler]

I saw a stat Monday night that just amazed me. Why doesn't Mike Martz let Jay out of the pocket to pass?
As a Bronco he had 26 TD's while rolling out to right or left. as a Bear he has 4. Jay is not a pocket passer. Let him scramble more, and the offense puts up more points, therefore the defense wouldn't always have to be so dominant?!

Because thats completely not a part of Martz's offense and he's a stubborn SOB.  This is his last year as offensive coord.  Perhaps our next laughably bad O.Coordinator will let Cutler run around more, especially in the red zone.  Until then, we're probably headed to a wild card berth and a 1st or 2nd round exit, which will inevitably prolong the career of Jerry Angelo to the detriment of the Chicago Bears.

[pdga#7648]

At the halfway point of the season, I would like to make a prediction...

If the Packers are still unbeaten after week 11, (and they should be) if the Lions don't beat them in week 12, (Turkeyday) they lose week 13 @ the Giants.

They may win it all, but the 1972 Dolphins will remain the one and only.

[Tom McManus]

Sr - I guess I have much higher expectations of Cutler with his general demeanor and attitude, along with the aggressive expectations that were set forth when he came over that the media provided. You are right though and I agree that 97 is not a bad passer rating. It should have been much higher with the ball control and clock control that the Bears seemed to exhibit throughout the game.

Dan - Lions and Bears are always a good matchup it seems like regardless of when one team is doing a lot better or not. I'm actually glad that the Bears won so that it will be a better game this week, and potentially setting up an even better game on Thanksgiving. I will be taking the Lions straight up and with the points (obviously if I'm taking them straight up), but I don't do betting outside of the leagues I'm already in as it would make me go crazy. I haven't done that well with spread picks this year, but no one really has with all of the crazy upsets.

I will unfortunately be on a plane for the second half of the game on Sunday.

Hopefully you were on a plane when Western Michigan gave up 804 yards and 66 points the other night.

[stpitner]

Don't care if the Packers go undefeated or not if they win the Super Bowl.  I would love to see back to back wins.  All of the phone calls and mockery after losing the 2nd trip back in the 90's really sucked.

[pdga#7648]

that should probably happen Scott. I am just tired of hearing all the people on ESPN talking perfect season at the halfway point. There is still at least 11 games to win, and everyone remembers New England  a few years back.

[Dan Michler]

Things have changed fast since the Lions destroyed the Bears on Monday night to go to 5-0.  Stafford appears to be regressing and the Lions have no running game.  They are no longer a lock to make the playoffs.  They still have GB, @NO, @Oak, @GB on the schedule.

The Bears, on the other hand, are back to winning with special teams, running the ball, and defense.  They are looking very probable for a wildcard spot at this point.

[tacimala]

Yes, very pleased that I was able to miss watching that game. Pretty brutal for sure. i would be excited to see the Bears and Lions pick up the two wild card spots, that would be pretty cool. Obviously defense and special teams are not an issue for the Bears, but I do wonder about games when the offense needs to play. On the Lions side, the running game is definitely a big concern, especially when you pick up Kevin Smith off his couch's waivers. Nice to see Suh get a flag for playing football against Cutler again looking at the recap.

[Dan Michler]

Semi-interesting sidenote from this week's action:  the Colts now have a full 2 game 'lead' for worst record.  If they hold that spot for 6 more games, the speculation about the Colts trading Peyton Manning and drafting Andrew Luck will overwhelm the sports media universe, Favre-style.  So be ready to be annoyed by that.  The only things that can stop it are the Colts somehow winning 3 of their final 6, or Manning announcing his retirement before the end of the season.

[pdga#7648]

I put the chances at 50% that the Steelers make the playoffs this year.  The rapist is going to get killed out there. Their offensive line is under siege.

still feel that way Tom? They are now 6-2 and just beat the best team in the AFC in mosts eyes! And after they beat a piss poor Baltimore team this week(lost to Jax and was down 24-3 to Arizona before coming back) they will probably just lose 1 more game to finish 13-3.  you just better hope Rodgers stays healthy!!

Yes I do Doug.

wow! and all these years I was under the impression that you were one of the smarter ones here?