16-0? Is that realistic?

If Lovie learned that you can't sit your starters no matter what the playoff hold,we just might.We're winning games with starters not suiting up because of injuries,so far, and really aren't missing a beat.We have to keep the momentum going,more than anything.It's never safe to say what will be.But I think if anyone will do it it's this team.Gaining a confidence and keeping a level head won't hurt.The bandwagon is almost full.That said,GO BEARS!!

I say its gonna be very hard but a possiblity.That trip to the east coast for three straight is a pretty tough stretch for even the bears.Just take one game ata time like the old cliche says and i think we have a shot at it barring any major injuries.One last thing, i know benson screwed up a little today but he didi run fast and tough and i thought did a lot better then he has been .(2 td's aside)

Thanks again for the blogvine, Roman.
A 16 and 0 season would mostly depend on luck for the this specific Bear team - luck in the following area - no injuries to several impact players.
That means Rex Grossman must start every game in order for a 16-0 run. I would put Tommie Harris, Brian Urlacher, Mike Brown and any one of the offensive down lineman in that group. Losing any one of those five players for a single game disrupts the consistency and could cause a loss, even though more than adequate backups exist. I feel like everyone else does - the Bears are the best TEAM in football on 10/8/2006.
They're are undefeated and are getting a habit of whipping their opponents, not just defeating them. Savor it. The Bears aren't sneaking up on any team in 2006, but every week expect a win, one game at a time.

It's gonna be tough, but possible. I mean who knows? This team is whipping every team they face! No one expected this. They just have to play it a game at a time, like everyone is saying.

Hey MG

How'd Grossman and Thomas do? Good enough yet?

And Lovie, obviously a mediocre coach, right?

They are playing well enough to do it. So far every time they've had a perfect regular season they have not won the championship that season. I'd rather be 14-2 and win the SB.

Well, Mark, I don't believe that Grossman would have to healthy all season for the Bears to win. Griese is a proven back-up. I agree with the fact that they can't have any major injuries(i.e., Tommie Harris,Urlacher, anyone on the offensive line). They WILL NOT go undefeated. It is just too grueling of a season, and at some point there has to be a let down. They are dominating at the moment, but I look at that east coast stretch, and I see it being very difficult for them to come out of that unscathed. But I just hope they keep whipping opponents in the you know where, cause it's fun to watch. GO BEARS!!!!!

The victory against the Bills felt GREAT. The Bears are operating on ALL cyclinders; offensively, defensively, special teams, kicking, and coaching, etc. Let's enjoy the moment like it's 1985-86.

The thing that impresses me the most is the amount of substituting that is done with NO impact on the team play. But, a loss in the Offensive line could hurt the scoring alot. But, with our D who cares?

16-0 sure it could happen but if you keep your belly full all the time you forget what its like to be hungry

one game at a time please but as of now best team in NFL DA BEARS/

Chew on this Chicago! Da Bears, if they're going to go 16-0 it REALLY has to be this year. The playoffs are a different season. If Da Bears get a bye they have to go 3-0 to win it all. These Bears can also win the Superbowl in 2008 & 2009, but let me tell you first... they will not sneak up on the NFL the next couple of years. Look at the 2006 White Sox, everybody gave them their best game. If Da Bears are undefeated at the end of the season Detroit and Green Bay ARE going to try and ruin the perfect season... their records don't matter at that point!

Thoughts being a Bears fan of going 16-0 is fun, but... When I think of the '85 team that lost to a red hot Marino Miami team-('85 Bears still may be better than this one, only time will tell) and The Colts team that won its first 14 and then blew up, I think the much bigger goal is the Playoffs and the Super Bowl. to go 16-0 and then sweep the playoffs and win the Super Bowl may be too much to ask. a loss say by the 9th or 10th week might be a good thing for this team. but of course I'd love to see them equel/pass the '72 Dolphins Team. Go Bears!

This is sweet and I'm enjoying the ride.I've been doing a lot of talking about the bears here in Atlanta going 14-2 15-1 just to keep myself mindful of the possiblity of a 16-0 season. Now that would be FANtastic!!! Go BEARS!!! Yes I've been a bears fan since 1977...
Now what about the CUBS???

undefeated isn't the goal, winning the Super Bowl is all that matters. Undefeated is icing on the cake. 18-1 is useless if that loss is in the Super Bowl.

16-0 sounds good to me and why not. there is no better team in the nfl then my beloved chicago bears. it;s been 20years sense the last superbowl.they are a team on the move.i will be 40 years old soon, i might not get another chance to witness this again... go bears..

Anything to shut those annoying '72 Dolphins.

I think the game that most matters is New England. I think the Giants and Jets are beatable. New England will be tough but still doable. Rex has to be perfect and not give the Pats interceptions.

First off, thanx for another great blog, roman. Secondly, where did all of those rex/bears haters that were all over these blogs the last time i was here two months ago go. Who cares. Anyhow, as much as i think an undefeated bear team would make my life alot happier, i'll settle for a superbowl. But if we go undefeated in the process, then so be it. At this point i'm just hoping for playoffs with homefield advantage. Right now i don't foresee anyone in the nfc who can touch us at our casa(our defense seems to shine when we play there). So far i'm enjoying this season to the fullest just like the rest of you. Through thick and thin(but hopefully thick)-BEAR DOWN!!!!

16 and oh means nothing without the superbowl.The head coach Lovie?? better yet Da coach Lovie said it right we are far from perfect. Keep trying for perfection, play one game at a time and they will roll over the nfl and go 19 and 0. The dreaded east coast swing will be no big deal if they keep playing like they have been.
Being in Tampa I have seen the cover 2 played at its finest until I watch these Bears play it. They are perfect!!!!

DA BOWL will be Da Goal.
DA FINS will be Da record.
DA Matter is Da da da da....da da da...da bears.

DA question is DUH...

I really don't care what their record is as long as they get the #1 seed and bring the playoffs to the home fans. A loss during the regular season can be a very positive thing by causing them to rededicate themselves to the ultimate goal. This season I hope they can avenge prior playoff losses. We owe several teams an early exit from the SB chase.

Bears To Win The Super Bowl.... For The Whole
World To Behold!

We're the Chicago Bears of Twenty Oh Six
and we make the other quarterbacks throw a lot of picks.
And we put opposing runners out flat on their backs
and turn attempted passes into quarterback sacks!

The team of Eighty Five is our motivation
because we love their drive and determination
but Chicago is due for another Super Bowl
one that is new and not twenty years old.

The Honey Bears are gone but the defense is back
along with a strong offensive attack
and quarterback Rex is throwing the ball
like he wants his name in that famous hall.

Muhsin Muhammad has steel fingered hands
he goes in each game with big yardage plans
and Bernard Berrian is a deep ball threat
two TD's a game is a pretty safe bet.

But Brian Urlacher nearly has it all
a middle linebacker with signals to call
he loves to stop the run and the short route pass
while hitting like a ton without running out of gas.

Olin Kreutz is a center first class
giving quarterback Rex the time he needs to pass.
But the defensive line needs no new name
they simply put a stop to opponents passing game.

While our troops in Iraq are doing noble deeds
the Bears will bring back what the city also needs
A Super Bowl trophy for all the World to see
as Iraq thanks our troops for setting them free.

16 and 0 will not be possible. For sure that last game will sit all the starters. And for all of miami bravado that season. They did not play Dallas that year whom they lost to in the super bowl in january.

I dont care what anybody sats the bears will go 19 and 0. Nobody nevers gives the bears the credit they deserve. They have good depth at every postion and they have proven back-ups (#14). So ifeel that no matter what the bears will go 19 and 0. Whos to say thepatriots wont lose a star player(#12). When they play them!

Everything, and I mean Everything will have to go right for them to go 16-0. To be honest I think 1 or 2 losses would be good for this team. Everyone is already on the bandwagon saying they have a great chance at running the table. If they do, then comes the pressure for them to win it. With that said, I am extremely happy so far with the teams performance, and they are making it all look easy, like the 49ers did back in the day. I know it's gonna be hard to beat them in any game. People are saying that The Giants and Patriots have a shot to beat them. I don't know. It will be tough for them too, Because even if Rex has a tough game (it's gonna happen), The Defense will keep the score close for the offense to win at the end. But be weary of Arizona people. This team is dangerous because they're struggling. The Bears just have to play there best even if its against a lesser opponent.

Everytime a Chicago team has a winning streak, their is always talk about going undefeat or winnibg a championship. Have we not learn from the Cubs, not to talk about championship, going 16-0, etc. IT IS TOO EARLY!!! The Bears are doing right now. The season is 12 more weeks and the stretch of the three games in Nov. against the Giants, Jets and Patriots isn't going to be easy. No Sports Illustrated mag covers....a jinx. Just relax and enjoy for right now.

I'd like to see the Bears go 19-0 as much as anyone but I want a SB win! To me every game is a chance to gain home field advantage and prepare for a glorious championship run. I'm afraid at some point we're going to find out the running game still isn't good enough, the secondary still doesn't cover well enough, the D-line can't provide enough pressure, the O-line can't provide enough protection, the WRs still can't catch well enough. I hope this season isn't a cake walk all the way and then we hit a brick wall in the SB and lose it. That's what I keep talking about. These Bears aren't any smarter than anyone else. They will make mistakes and if they think they are sooooo good, another good team will spank them and we all will feel it. The Bears still have not played a top team that played well. Seattle is the only top team we've played so far and they did not play well. Winning a butt load of reg season games and not winning the SB is going to feel like a complete failure. Any AFC team that reaches the SB can beat the Bears. We still have to get much better. Yes, we're good enough to beat bad teams and good team that don't play well. We're so wonderful, we have good stats! Hooray! Where is our trophy? When is the parade?

Having watched the Superbowl winning '85 team which, in my book, was the closest chance any team in the modern 16 season had of going undefeated, I have to say there is the very distinct possiblity of this team going undefeated.

There are striking similarities. McMahon was an accident waiting to happen with his love for the Defense. His wobbly passes something that would embarrass any sandlot QB's.

Grossman has been a accident that happened. Both were marked by injuries, and a McMahon injury led to the only Bears loss of 1985, to the Dolphins.

The '85 team had a world class sprinter for a WR, in Willie Gault, the '06 Bears have grass burner Bernard Berrian.

'85 had two capable backs in Payton Suhey. '06 has Jones/Benson.

'85 had Emery Moorehead as the leading catches reciver (Not including Payton. Dez Clark is filling that role for the 06's Bears.

And of course the two middle linebackers are very comparable, Singletary and Urlacher.

Other similarities aside (dominant D's for example) there are major differences. Grossman CAN hit a speedy reciver for big yardage. He already has half of the total yards McMahon had in his 13 games in '85. Berrian has more than half the total yards Gault had in 16 games, and already 3 more TD's. Dez has half the yeardage of Moorehead and more TD's. Moose has more than half the yards of McKinnon. Benson and Jones have almost half the TD's of the Payton/Suhey combination, and Gould already has more than half the FG's of Butler.

So the Offense in '06 is the major difference between the two teams. Now we ask can the CB's keep pace with the '85 team?

I doubt anyone will step up to Dent's 17 sacks in '85. Our sacks are coming from the inside, not the DE's.

The '85 Bears had 34 interceptions. The '06 Bears will have 22 at their current pace.

The '85 team had 64 sacks.The '06 team is on pace for 56. The'06 tesm is on pace for 1700 yards rushing, Payton and Suhey had over 2000 themselves.

In '85 opposing QB's were actually scared of the Bears D. Physically and psychologically scared. Tony Eason showed the clearly in the Superbowl game when he missed all 6 of his passes to wide open receivers. His fear stemmed from the real physical beating he received in the week 2 game.

So can this team go 16-0 and end up super bowl champs finally taking down the Dolphins?

Yes, but the running game must work every day. The quick scores from post patterns are beautiful to see, but they don't touch the clock. And the clock is what really wins the games ultimately.

Jones and Benson need to start becoming offensive weapons in the passing game as well.

No way the Bears go undefeated - they will lose to Giants, Patriots, Rams and Minnesota, at least - 12 and 4 max. Philly will be 13 and 3 and would knock out Bears in the first or second round (same for Panthers, Seahawks with Alexander, or Cowboys). The Bears under Lovie don't have the toughness they need to play a championship level team like the Eagles or Panthers. They are playing WAY over their heads right now and a few injuries will bring them back to earth. Bear will never win the SuperBowl until the McCaskey's sell the team.

Great rhyme, MathLetePro. You should send it to the Bears. I'd stick to football and keep the politics out of it, though. A lot of people don't share your view on Iraq, and you could easily alienate half your audience. Just my two cents, FWIW.

Come playoff time, Bears will fold. I can see Seattle coming back to Chicago and laying it on the Bears. Besides seriously NFC EAST TEAMS come playoff time vs. Bears. I believe if their's a weakness for the Bears other than lack of quality opponents this yr outside of conference and conference, it will be shown by the NFC EAST TEAMS and those Patriots in New England

Go bears I say they go at least 14-2. they cant do any worse then that. They will lose to the pats and the jets only because we got in over are head.

Miami here we come baby

I have to agree with reality.
Yes the '85 Bears feasted on the then woeful Packers and even more terrible Tampa teams. But that was before parity and the system that we have in place now where the quality of opponent -much like college- allows you to run it up, only to run into a REAL team and not know how to overcome(See Notre Dame) The Bears would be hard pressed to beat any of the top AFC teams, so lets not get too cocky too quick.

*Sigh*

Just like at other message boards, people come from different cities to endorse their teams as if they have all the facts.

The coem in stating moronic opposing team combined records and say it's an easy schedule.

The Bears opponents to have a combined 9-14 record. They have a 9-10 record if you remove the losses to the Bears.

New England barely beat the same Buffalo team at home, 19-17. They Barely beat Miami in Miami. They lost AT HOME to Denver.

Look at your own wins before lauding your team.

If the bears remember the lesson they learned last year(spanking carolina in the regular season,then woops lost in the playoffs) we will be fine. The goal is the super bowl not perfection in the regular season.As for the comment on Seattle with alexander beating us, not happening.I beg to differ that any afc team going to the super bowl can beat us,who? Cincy with their lest than average running game,Indy with their horrible run defense,Denver with irratic plummer at qb,Baltimore with their version of the 05 bears,San diego with inexperience at qb,New England without any playmakers on d and a suspect passing attack. Come on dude know the facts before you run up space on these blogs.The only team that has a chance to beat us in the post season is philly as of right now.We all know what injuries can do to a team so all this is based upon all things being equal with injuries and such. BEAR DOWN CHICAGO BEARS!!!!!!!

Sal,

Don't insult me, you just make yourself sound like an idiot. Here's a fact for you... the AFC team that reaches the SB will be a good team and they won't be afraid of Lovie and his cover-2. They will most likely have a good D and be able to shut down our weak running game and make us one dimensional which usually spells defeat. They should have a good O-line which will keep our overrated pass rush from pressuring their QB. If they have a good passer, he will have time to rip our average secondary a new Sal. If they have a strong running game they will wear our D down and they will crumble like last season. Our only hope would be Rex playing his best game ever.

I have to disagree. The teams the Bears have beaten are inferior yes, and we gave them the Beatdown. As for the AFC teams? Do you really think they can Beat the Bears right now? Any of them. The patriots with their aging defense and dink and dunk passing attack? The Chargers with their young QB? The Broncos? I mean If the Bears bring their A game they will beat any of these teams. And Our pass rush is not over rated? You calling the 2nd rank 'd in sacks overated? Are you saying a team that pressure the qb with 4 down linemen, so they don't have to blitz overated? I don't know about that. I do know this, as a fan its been a joy watching the Bears so far this year. You guys can nit pick, and speculate all you want. I believe that "if" the Bears continue to play like this, they will be extremely hard to beat.I'm not saying they will go undefeated. But I believe we will win the superbowl this year. Remember, in the NFL after week 5, you are what you are.

Carl: Ok guys; let's say that somewhere up at Hallas Hall, buried
deep in a secret room in the basement, the McCaskey's have their own
time machine.

Todd: This is impossible my friend, because as we all know, if they had one they'd have already brought back Walter Payton.

Bob: Yeah! They would have turned back the clock to Super Bowl XX. Ditka would call a few goal line plays so Walter could score a touchdown..

Carl: But what I want to know here is; if Da Bears could go back in time to the fifth century and do battle with Attila the Hun and his army, who would win?

Loli: Is Ditka the General?

Carl: Of course.

Bob: Does he get to drive around in a golf cart?

Carl: No. But he is allowed to use a 5 iron on the enemy, which is how he eventually gets the nickname, "Iron Mike".

Mark: Can they loot, sack, and pillage?

Bob: Does Fridge get to eat everyone he kills?

Carl: For argument's sake, let's say yes.

Mark: Then I'll go with Da Bears.

Bob: Me too.

Todd: Da Bears.

Neil: What would the spread be?

Todd: Who is this idiot?

Bob:Get him out of here!

Carl: There wouldn't be any spread. They'd have to invoke the Slaughter Rule before the first quarter was over.

Mark: Indeed. When Coach got finished with them, he'd make 'em all
wear skirts and cheer his army on from the sidelines.
They would be like "Attila And The Hun-ey Bears".

Bob: Would he throw his gum at Attila?

Mark: No. He'd make Neil wear it on his nose.

Name the team that is going to beat us out of the afc.You make all these comments but where are the facts.Obviously a team that reaches the sb will have a good D. That ain't saying anything that a 5 year old doesn't know. For the first 3 games we where one dimensional but our running game isn't "weak" anymore and just getting stonger.Average secondary,huh only 2 pro bowlers from last year reside in our average seecondary with manning being a early pro bowl candidate. Name another team that can boast that not to mention two more LB pro bowlers to help. What pipe you smoking to think that our d-line can get worn down with the rotation we have. Mcgahee was the leading rusher in the nfl remember and look what we did to him so your points are and will be null and void . Now sit,lay down, good little bear.hah

Sal & Jermain,

You guys miss the point. You keep talking about the Bears now vs. the AFC teams now while I'm talking about the playoffs and SB. Sal, you must have low self-esteem, you attack someone because they don't share your view, quite pathetic. It's fine to disagree. Keep your insults to yourself, you just show what a loser you are. My main valid point out of all of my valid points is that the Bears need to improve in several areas to have a good shot at getting to and winning the SB. Too many people like you are saying they are practically unbeatable. That is very incorrect especially in the post season. Another thing Sal, stats indicate past results and not future performance. So spewing stats does not prove your bogus points or disprove another's valid points. You got that?

16-0, more like 19-0

I thought we were going to only gang up and insult the opposing teams' fan once they ventured to our blogs.What happened to our truce?There goes the Bear's #1 fan name-calling and ripping our team apart,again.Where did the Love go?The BEARS haven't shown their fans any reason to rip them.Why can't fans get excited about this team and speak highly of them.We're back on the top tier like we've wanted for so long.Who's going to drag us down.On paper we are the team to beat.We have superior depth in all our positions.If injuries occur to us they probably will occur to the other teams too.No team gets out of the season unscathed.We really believe.I said after game 1 that I was going to enjoy this season from the beginning to end.This team is so much better than I expected.I haven't posted on these blogs this week because it's easier to be optimistic when so many were pessimistic.Everyone was so up that I didn't need to put my two cents in.I've been steering the bandwagon since day one and I asked so many people to hop aboard.I was insulted and was asked why I was such a LOVIE-backer.Sometimes you just have a feeling.Now,the people who never liked my opinion is still at it.Ripping our team apart.When it's so unnecessary.Watch,he'll resond with the namecalling and the suggestion that he is some superior deity on sports.Sal's insult will stand.No apology.Watch.Thank you,Sal for being a fan.Thank you,too, Jermaine.You guys have been UP for this team all year.Even when we were 1-0.Thanks to anyone that truly believes.Thank you,MG for shutting up when you know you were wrong.We haven't heard from you in a while.Thank G*D.We are a GREAT football team and no one should take it away.Stop hating because you're still in love with 85.To anyone new who has the time,go back and read our blogs since before the season started and you'll see who's been behind this team and who hasn't.That said,GO BEARS!!!!

If any team deserves to go undefeated it's the Bears, possibly, (if I'm not mistaken the oldest and most storied franchise in the league- you can add GB, The Giants and Browns in there if u like).. and the ingredients are there to do it! this year. Yes , we are all aware of the East coast stretch and how difficult it is going to be to pull 3 straight road wins against that caliber of competition, but 1 of Lovie's strengths is getting this team prepared and focused each and every week. I don't think there will be a let down as far as the bears focus and determination - but it is what it is - a very strenous stretch of games. But these Bears are a young, energetic and extremely hungry, and besides I don't think we've yet to see the full force of this defense unleashed - Rivera's holding back something for the latter part of the season.

Another thing if u guys recall in the 1st loss against the Dolphins in '85'. There were at least 3 deciding factors that contributed to that loss (my opinion). The quickest release of a QB to ever play the game in Marino (the only way you could beat the "46" D.) McMahon being hurt - not playing the 1st half, ( came in to throw 2TD's in 2nd half ...and, sorry , I can't recall the 3rd - oh yeah - it was Monday night .. ( kidding - just an excuse guys).

I know one thing just thinking about the Colts having a chance to run the table after 13 games last season - just didn't seem right ... I mean The COLTS !!

the football Gods and galloping ghosts of the past just couldn't sit for that ... :-))

Sorry BigBadBear, if I had had just read your post before posting mine . I could have save my little attempt at recalling the 85 DOlphins game ... You Da Man !

Listen...I love this Bears team but...the Bears have a very tough 5 game stretch that includes road games at the Giants, Jets, Pats and Rams with a tough home game against the Vikings. Don't count on 16-0 but we'll certainly contend for a Super Bowl!

19-0 is more realistic with one danger area: Too much rest. If the coaching staff rests Da Bears overlong again, as they did the end of last season, Da Bears will lose their edge. Looking back over the last several seasons, the Bears have sucked after Bye weeks and we all saw what Carolina did to them with 2 weeks of rest.
Not to mention the loss of the #1 D rating at the Minniescrotum game.

On the other hand, Da '85 Bearsss and last years' Steelers were teams that didn't let up, worry about injuries, and they kept their competitive edge throughout the playoffs and in The S-Bowl. Both were victorious. Football should be played aggressive, not sitting players so thet there are no injuries. Urlacher and crew were fuming on the sidelines during the Vikes game last year. How did that help them prepare for Carolina? Tillman and our other backs were beat because they lost their cohesiveness as D-Unit. Time off equals rust. To stay sharp, damn the injuries that can occur, Da Bears need to stay on the field.

BBB,

I just don't see the point in ripping the team when we are clearly the best in the league. The Best! This isn't your Daddy's Bears of old. This Bears Team Rank #1 in Scoring offense and Defense. I know it's still early, but I watched some of the games yesterday, and I just can't see anyone Beating us this year unless the Bears play a horrible game. Maybe the chargers would matchup well, but any other team is inferior in my view. I enjoy posting in this blog because I am a true Bears fan. Have been since I can remember. And I am not even originally from Chicago. I moved here 4 years ago after College, one of the reasons was for the Bears. I don't know about you, but I stuck with them through all of the Green Bay beatdowns, the bad offenses, the Cade Mcnown era, the Dave Wanny era, ... And so it is refreshing for me to finally see a good Bears team. I mean, to me, last year wasn't good, because the offense sucked until Grossman came back. Now the defense and defense are making plays, as well as special teams. So why rip the team when we are winning?

I'm not sure who William was hammering on but he's had such a stiffie for me all along I'd say he's probably talking about me. As usual he has things bass akwards. He's defending poor Sal whom I insulted. Well William, Sal ripped me first so back off. I challenge you to find any post I made where I insulted a Bears fan without provocation. If someone wants to insult me they'd better be ready to take some in return. The best way to avoid it is to not initiate it. William, I'd like to know who appointed you bandwaggon leader. You must be joking.

Anon; Actually, the oldest team in the NFL is the Cardinals. They were once the Chicago Cardinals when Da Bears were the Staleys.

Now, for anyone who believes in a little destiny. What are the odds that a second team out of Chicago is this good and capable of making a run at the 72 Dolphins inferior record (14 regular season games vice the 16 now plyed) AND the capper would come in Miami where the Super Bowl will be played this year?
It is destiny. I like how Lovie and the whole team stay focused each week. As they continue to stay focused, the chances of a "trap" game are diminished. One game at a time. 19-0 is possible and Da Bears have backed me up on that so far this year.
All Hail Ditka/Lovie!

Right on William R. Donald!

Jermaine,

I'm glad you're sticking with the team over the long haul like I am (40+ years). I'm not trying to spoil anyone's enjoyment of the season so far. I'm just trying to keep things in perspective by reminding folks that being the best in week 5 doesn't mean we're going to win the SB. And that in order to advance to and win the SB the Bears need to get better in a few areas so they don't blow it again. If people would stop jumping all over me I wouldn't need to set then straight with my direct yet charming way.

Super Bowl XLI
'Aints: 3
Da Bears: 143

BigBadBear,

In re: "Remember, in the NFL after week 5, you are what you are," have you forgotten that after week 5 of the 2005 season, the Bears were 1-3? (They had their bye week during week 4.) And what did the 2005 Bears end up doing?

This past weekend's games -- with three 0-5 teams finding a way to their first victory of the season -- underline the fact that any team can win (or lose) on any given Sunday (with the exception of the Oakland Raiders, perhaps). Injuries, karma, weather, a great player having an unbelievable night (to wit, Dan Marino, 1985) -- there are too many variables which can prevent a team from having a perfect season, which is why it's such a rare achievement.

Personally, I'd love it if the Bears went 19-0, and they're the only team left this season with a realistic chance of doing it (because the Colts won't). However, I think we'll probably end up at 14-2 at the end of the regular season, and we'll win the Super Bowl to finish 17-2 overall.

Lastly, while it's fashionable to bash the surviving members of the 1972 Dolphins for their ritual of celebrating the fall of the last of the unbeatens every season, they EARNED it. While they weren't as dominating defensively as the 1985 Bears or as offensively brilliant as Bill Walsh & Joe Montana's 49er teams, they beat every opponent that season -- something the Bears and 49ers failed to do. Plus, the undefeated 1972 Dolphins had to go on the road to play the AFC Title game at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh -- back then, the locations of playoff games was determined by the NFL, not by home-field advantage. I'm not yet convinced that the 2006 Bears could win the NFC title game on the road, given their struggles in Game 2 against a not-so-great Vikings team.

In any case, if any team wants to put an end to the 1972 Dolphins gloating, all they have to do is go undefeated. 'Til that happens, those 'Fins are entitled to celebrate their unique place in modern NFL history however they choose. [But I'll be rooting for the 2006 Bears to be the ones to do it, even if it means them crowing about it for 34+ years afterwards...]

Dante,

You made a mistake. The "week 5" comment was not made by me.

Dang BBB! You're that old!? Just kidding! Anyway I was the one who said after 5 games, you are what you are. Although I know thats not statisticly true, it's something that I believe because after five games (with the exception of a few), you start to see an idenity from teams. Whether they're gonna be weak against the run, tough against the pass, run the ball well,.etc. It really doesn't matter what the record is after 5 games, you just start to see what that team will be about after 5 games. I am a little nervous about tonight's game, but I believe the Bears are the best Team this year. But, again thats just from my humble point of view.

BBB,I only see how you tried to imply that Sal was an idiot for making an assessment about the team he Loves.You insulted him first.I can see why he responded with the quip that he made.
Anyway, NICE come from behind win for the BEARS.Man,I'm drained from watching this team come together for the cause.We have destiny.That said,GO BEARS!!!!

When the Cards went back up by 20 I told my son not to worry, the Bears will win by 1 point. I thought it would be Rex leading the comeback with 3 TD passes. Ok, so it was the D and special teams. That's fine with me. This game was just another W we needed collect. Now we can prepare for the stretch run to the playoffs. One good thing from the game is having our many weaknesses exposed for all to see so maybe we can finally fix the problems. All we need is better coaching; it all can be fixed with adjustments to the scheme. We had a bad game, got lucky and won. Over the years Dallas, SF, Raiders and some others won tons of games on pure luck. Big games in the playoffs and SB too. So I don't feel bad about taking this win at all. This game is another wake up call for Lovie. I hope he doesn't just hit the snooze again. If we pull this crap in the post season the kick will split the uprights and we'll be headed home.

Anything is possible, but let's just worry about 7 and 0. One game at a time.

Big Bad Bear,

Mea culpa! I thought the "Posted by" credit preceded the blog entries, not followed it. My comments in the earlier post re: Week 5 should've been directed toward Jermaine. I stand by everything else I wrote, however. :-)

I personally don't care if the team ends 16-0 or 13-3. As long as we end the regular season with home-field advantage, and end as the last team standing, the details are irrelevant. Remembering the last Superbowl season, that one loss may have been a better contributor to their championship than half of the wins. I'm just hoping Rex Grossman can stay healthy and we can get Benson more carries. Benson's the future of the ground attack in Chicago: it's becoming clear that we'd benefit from making that happen sooner than later. Thomas Jones should be our #2 back: he's not a premier runner by any stretch. Benson can be.