Are Bears making the right move with Rivera?

I don't know:two years in a row and our Defense let us down both times. In the Superbowl it was a team effort but there has to be a reason that we didn't adjust in both games. We don't know if it's just the McCaskeys trying to be cheap. It has to be a distraction to have a guy jet out and go to every head coach opening. I'm not one to believe in easy distractions but he didn't seem to want to be here very much. It's no secret that Lovie lets his coordinators do their job without putting in his two cents. In my opinion it's a double edged sword to go for so many jobs and not get them. It makes you wonder if,maybe, he's not that highly thought of and why do we think so much about him when no one else does. It's like having a wife throw herself at a bunch of dudes and all of them are turning her down. Maybe you have a person that only you and their mother would love. Maybe they think that Rivera is a product of great players and he has an inability to get the most out of them. They fired the D line Coach,Don Johnson, because he failed to get those guys fired up. The main reason Marty got fired in San Diego is he wanted his brother as a coordinator and didn't want to work with who his G.M. wanted. Plenty of Coaches accepted being fired instead of ridding themselves of a coordinator or a position coach. Sometimes there are things that we don't know about that lead to many situations.

It was a team effort that loss the SuperBowl, not just the offense or Defense or "The Quarterback". I can really call if the Bears made a mistake or not, but I do know that two years in a row (in the Playoff last year, and in the Superbowl this year) the Defense could not get off the field. people blamed the offense inability to get first downs in the first half contributed to the Defense getting worn down. However if you watch the game, the Colts moved the ball with ease and controlled the clock the entire game, without hardly any adjustments being made. That could be said for the offensive side also. Anyway, back to Rivera: One thing I've noticed that he has interviewed for 8 head coaching jobs, and couldn't land one. So maybe the guy is a little overrated. Personally, I think the Bears should've kept him, but got rid of Wade Wilson and get someone who can coach Rex Grossman instead of trying to be his buddy.

I was wondering if Lovie and Angelo would had the guts and the answer is yes they have guts to spare. Rivera just wasn't the right person same as the offensive coordinator (Terry Shea) they let go a year ago. I expect the team to be much stronger, hungrier and win the superbowl next year.

By the way, have everyone in Chi stopped doubting Angelo yet?

Ron Rivera was Lovie Smith's assistant defensive coordinator and wasn't totally in charge like Ron Turner is on offense. And, he went to the well too often in trying to be a head coach and now he's out of job altogether. Plus, his 'bend-but-don't break' defensive philosophy didn't work too well with a defense which should have been attacking more frequently.

Both the offense and defense during the SB were too conservative. The SB is winner take all leave everything you have out on the field. The Bears failed to do that. On the defensive side that blame lays squarely on Rivera's shoulders. The D didn't look anything like it did in the NFC championship game. With the rain falling and poor field conditions Manning should have been getting pressured like Brees had gotten two weeks earlier. Apparently Rivera hasn't got the b***s to lay it all out on the field. So long Ron.

My opinion of Hardaway is this, for a man that is in the public 'eye and ears" and who has made millions from the public and fans that he represents should be a bit more intelligent than to voice his opinion so emphatically. If that is his opinion and truly how he feels then that is his right, however, don't cry or whine about exclusivity when it comes to endorsements or being banished from what you made a living at (basketball) when he wished that gays be banished not only from the USA but from the earth. What a mouthful from a black man that was given the opportunity to be an analyst even though he "SSSTTTUTTTTERRRSSS" like a buzzsaw. Like they say "opinions are like noses" everybody has one. This was one assist he failed to make. I am a strong BLACK MAN and I do not share in Hardaway's opinion and in how he let that interview take him out the game. He must be campaigning to be the next O.J. He had to know that he F___ up, or he never would have apologized, (so quickly, or at all)

Wade Wilson should have been let go and Rivera kept. Anyone who says defense wins games needs to keep in mind that offense, special teams, as well as the defense can and need to score points. Although the Bears defense gave up some big plays (Bush's 88yd TD, Wayne's 53yd TD in the Super Bowl for example), the offense failing to score points puts heavy pressure on the defense. And that pressure just caused the Bears to collapse as they did in the Super Bowl. I am sure many or all of the members of the defense would agree.

If I was a coordinator, I would be an offensive coordinator. There is nothing for me like scoring points and solving the defenses. Moreover, there is nothing like seeing the defense on my team playing with fire and rejuventation after we score a touchdown. More so when we are routing the other team. If there is any doubt about this, remember how the Bears dealt with Seattle. The offense scored points thus taking pressure off the defense. Even though Seattle didn't have Alexander at the time, the rout was on.

The Bears let the wrong coordinator go and let the wrong coordinator stay.

You know Roman, I have been a Rex Grossman fan. I was impressed and I had hoped they had drafted him. Once in the league, he was too hurt to play until last year. I personally backed him all season and the playoffs, even the Big Game. Until recently, I had his back, then I put it all in perspective. Brady was a rookie in the playoffs, and he led them to the Win. Rothleisberger was a 2nd year player, and led them to the Win. Kurt Warner did not have a lot of NFL experience, and led them to the Win. Grossman needed to make plays and he didn't. Which leads me to the point.

The defense did not play well, 2+ drives of over 7 minutes, the defense held, but could not get off the field. That I blame Rivera, and him not putting his players in position to succeed. I don't blame the loss on him, but he had his share.

I don't think it was a his fault, but I am not upset they let him go.

While it certainly isn't a tragedy to see Rivera make an exit, Ron Turner is the one who should definitely be heading out of town. That Super Bowl game plan and play calling stunk. Maybe we'll get lucky and he'll join his brother in San Diego.

It was the right move. I like Chico but he spent the last month of the season looking for another job instead of getting the defense ready for the Super Bowl. Just a couple of days after he did not get the Dallas job he claimed that he really wanted to stay with the Bears. Then he turns around and tries to go to San Diego.
The D looked like they were not at all prepared against the Colts and they were giving up a lot of points and yards in the 2nd half of the season. It is Lovie's defense and he delegates responsibility to his coordinators. Rivera did not get it done and he was way to busy looking out for Ron Rivera.
Sign Briggs, give Lovie his money and play less of the cover-2 and they will be just fine.

I think Ron got booted out because of few reasons, he did not seem to be very focused before the superbowl if you read his interviews, he indicated he could not wait to get the superbowl behinde him so he could get on with the interviews, he also mentioned he did not think it was fair that he had to wait so long. Secondly, the defense did not make any adjustments during the game to stop Manning and his offense and seemed content to let them drive the length of the field and score. I think a better DC would have done a much better job with all the talents the Bears have on the defense.

i am not going to bears games if rex grossman is our quarterback he is irresponsible

Not a whole lot wrong with Rivera's defense. Young guys D. Manning, M. Anderson, Tommie Harris, Tank Johnson seemed to step up big. You don't beat Seattle 38-7 without doing a lot of things right. Lovie Smith seems to be spinning his wheels with Grossman and going in reverse with this Rivera thing. If anything needs a serious recalibrating, it is the offensive game planning.

"It's like having a wife throw herself at a bunch of dudes and all of them are turning her down."

Heehee! Always love your perspective, Mr. D. And I agree: Mr. Rivera was supposed to get another offer. He didn't. Having him continue with the Bears after so many interviews would be a considerable distraction to the team. Jermaine is right, too-- I thought the D would've handled Peyton Manning much better than it did, and neither our offense nor defense made appropriate adjustments during the Super Bowl. Rex Grossman shouldn't take all the blame, though I'm starting to believe that a new QB coach would help. I think Rex could benefit from a fresh perspective--he seems locked into some pretty bad habits. BTW, my friend, who's much more knowledgable about football than I am, thought that the touchdown interception Rex threw in the 4th quarter was a play that should not have been called. He said that the play would only work if the defense went man-to-man, and it didn't. With double coverage, the throw would've had to be absolutely perfect, and, alas, it wasn't. Perhaps Rex didn't recognize the defense in time to abort the throw. My friend thought it was a low percentage call and not a good idea in that situation. What do you think?

The Bears made a huge mistake. In my opinion, Rivera was a better head coaching candidate and Smith knew it so he eliminated the competition. Rivera provided the Bears a bargaining chip in case Lovie asked for too much. The saddest part is the Bears and Lovie showed no class in waiting to this point to let him go. And personally, I've never been a big fan of Lovie's defense or his intelligence. He never did much with St. Louis. He is 0-2 in Super Bowls. Lovie, not Rivera, refused to Shadow Steve Smith with Vasher because the Cover-2 didn't allow for it. Yet this season, the Cover-2 DOES allow for it. Then Lovie wouldn't let Ron be more aggressive against Peyton (I have inside info confirming this). Lovie lacks the intelligence to make in-game adjustments and this trait showed up in St. Louis and now Chicago. As they say, it's not what you know but who. Was Lovie really the best candidate when he was hired? No. But he was cheap and followed the Angelo Tampa Bay tree. Asked today if the Bears are better now, Lovie refused to answer. Well, that speaks volumes. If he isn't confident enough to say yes, then maybe it's time for Lovie to go.

No one really knows the answer to this question because no one really knows how Rivera's defensive philosophy differed from Smith's. Did he blitz more than Lovie would have liked? did he stray away from Lovie's Cover 2 more than Lovie would have liked?

these are the questions that need answers and I hope some reporter enlightens us.

The Bears D is a completely different D with Tommy Harris and Mike Brown in there.

What is clear is that Lovie in effect "fired" Rivera. I'd love to know exactly "why" and specifically what "philosophies/team direction" things they differed with.

My question is that the newspapers in this town each have several guys covering the Bears EVERY DAY...how did they not see this coming? A national web site broke the story yesterday!

If it was a personal conflict of some sort that got Rivera dismissed, so be it. People get let go from jobs more often because of personal issues than they do for lack of performance.
As far as his performance as defensive coach goes, he retains a very impressive calling card and after a year or two at San Diego, a better opportunity will present itself and he'll look at being let go by the Bears as a good thing, if he doesn't realize that already.
As far as what's next for Lovie and whether this move makes the Bears a better team, no one can say, yet. My personal opinion is that Rivera's departure will hurt the feelings of a portion of the fan base more than the defensive team performance.

I'm so depressed! I cannot believe the Bears let Ron Rivera go. I can't imagine why - the defense wasn't good enough this year? Not consistent enough? Didn't win enough games for us? I still feel like Rex kicked me in the gut, like he owes me a personal apology for screwing up the Super Bowl, and now I've got to deal with this? And to think they kept the offensive coordinator...and the QB coach....and the QB!!!!!! It's going to be a long off season. Maybe I'll feel better if they hire Mike Singletary.

This firing isn't as big of a deal as people are making it out to be. This is "Lovie's D" not Rivera's. They take away the potential of having to shell out money for both Lovie and Rivera. Babych is very familiar with Lovie, whom he has worked with for 20 some-odd years. I also think, since it was Lovie's call, that they were tired of Rivera looking, and looking, and looking for work elsewhere. It's a distraction. Plus, if Rivera is such a great coach, why has he been turned down by 8 different teams? Just some food for thought.

Remember the main reason they gave for firing Jaroun is he wasn't going to fire Shoop. How many people accepted that that was the reason and moved on. In Dallas they say that Parcells was saying "We" when it came to the upcoming season up until the day he quit. We will never know the real reasons why people are fired or let go. Tiki Barber was on the NFL network just before the pro-bowl game and he was actually talking like he was coming back and then strongly denied he would. He kept saying "we,we, we". How can you say someone was fired when they didn't have a contract? Ditka didn't get fired with any time left on a contract. They just told him his services were no longer needed. It's not so bad losing a coordinator if his philosophy isn't much different to a head coach. They'll just move on. Lovie didn't fire his competition. Next year if the head coach position is open Rivera will have ample time to do what he did with the Bolts that he did with the BEARS. If he can make the Chargers LBs look better he'll get everything he has coming to him. IF Chico is "the Man" someone will hire him as their head coach. I'm sure he will TRY to find out the NEXT time a job opens up.

Does anyone know if Steve Mariucchi is willing to leave the NFL network and come and tutor Rex like he tutored Brett to the Superbowl? He can come here and start off small and work his way up to whatever. If he can get through to Rex he would deserve to be anything here ,including Mayor. You know once Rex get it right something else with the BEARS will be wrong. When we last had a great Offense our Defense sucked. Something is always missing when it comes to the BEARS.

At first I was disappointed about the departure of Rivera, but after reading up on the topic and thinking about it logically I feel that it will work out for the best. And I don't think it was Lovie Smith's fault as some of you implied. Lovie Smith doesn't sign the checks or negoititate contracts.The Bears management is very tight with its money. Rivera does deserve a raise, and I'm sure San Diego gave him one, His replacement will likely be this guy Babich, who is the current assistant coach/linebackers coach, has been around Lovie Smith for a while and is a good coach himself. He coaches two of the best linebackers in the NFL today.Like Roman said the current Cover 2 defense is Lovie's brain child anyway. If anything maybe Babich will implement a more aggressive defense with more blitz packages. Sometimes a new look and new ideas are just what a team needs to go from Good to Excellent. While it is a disappointment to see such a class act like Rivera go, he has to look out for his future. And while his departure might affect the feelings of players and fans, the Bears defense will still be as good, if not better next year.

I dunno, after last years loss in the playoffs to Carolina, I wanted Rivera's head, because of the D's inability to adjust, and let one man beat them. This year the whole team failed to show up for the big one. I don't feel it was Rivera's fault any more than Lovies, or Turners. They all share in the loss with the players. It's said that Lovie turns the game over completely to his coordinators, and doesn't interfere once the game starts. I don't get that. What's the point of being a head coach if your not going to override your subordinates when you see the game plan not working out????

Do you think Rivera would have been fired even if the Bears had won the Super Bowl? It seems likely based on everything I've read today.

Roman responds: It would have been an even tougher PR hit than it is now, but apparently it would have happened.

Now we KNOW who the BEARS thought LOST the Super Bowl, don't we? How is Rivera more cupable than the other coaches? Yes, defense win Super Bowls, but it would be nice if the offense would have done ANYTHING POSITIVE with the ball and put points on the board, regardless of how few chances they got.

I have to presume it was Rivera's and the Defense fault for being on the field almost twice as long as the opposing teams defense? OOPS, that is right, the damn offense kept turning the ball back over to the other team, though the defense would get a turnover of make a stop.

Lets save the golden boy which Smith stands behind, but won't give a high price second stringer a look-see when (How GROSS can you get MAN) is screwing up. I have an opinion and if this is Ron's treatment for getting to the Super Bowl, and calling a defense the Head Coach loves (or is that lovie?), why in the hell is Ron Turner still with a job? Oh that's right, every DAMN body in the viewing audience saw the inept offense and wouldn't dare hire this idiot!!

I guess the defense didn't help win its share of games during the season when a knuckleheaded quarterback has ratings of 0.0, 1.3, 10.2 and oh who wants to be tortured again?...*sheesh*...I presume the defense never played competitive ball consistently throughout the year, despite injuries to Tommie Harris and Mike Brown, huh?

Oh HELL NAW, despite Hex numbers, the Bears still won two out three of those games! And the defensive coordinator gets fired!!

Lovie, if you can stand up for the players, there is no way Ron Riveria should not still have his job with the Bears.

Lovie, you don't know what it means to be a TRUE BEARS FAN! Understand Lovie, this ain't Texas and that little hometown you are from. This is big city Chicago and we don't get angry when out coaches carry a chip on their shoulders. Matter of fact we relish in it. Maybe it might have been your nice guy persona that lost the Super Bowl.

Ron Riveria, you are always welcome in Chicago. You are a real Home Boy!!...

Good luck Ron in San Diego or where ever you go.....*Peace*

Why? Suddenly now we are hearing that Rivera and Lovie Smith didn't llike working together? The Bears sure kept that well under wraps all season, if it's true.

We get rid of Rivera (who held a team that put up 38 points against the Patriots) to 22 points late in the fourth quarter of the Superbowl, and we keep Grossman, the guy who threw away a chance at winning the Superbowl when the offense was moving the ball. Can someone please explain this logic?

Smith loses big games, Patriots vs Rams (as DC), Bears vs Panthers and Bears vs Colts. At least Rivera has a ring, where's Smith's?

This firing is jealousy of Rivera and his 1985 connections, pure and simple. He knows he was the second choice as head coach and he is trying to insulate and surround himself with "yes men" (eg. Babich) and is afraid of winners (eg Leslie Frazier).

Oh, by the way, get used to hearing "Rex is our quarterback" for the next 10 months.

I don't get it:who among us can go and apply for 8 job openings in two years and still have the boss think we are geeked to work there? I think it is absolutely silly to say that Lovie had a bone to pick with Rivera because he is an 85 alumni. Where did Rivera prove that he wanted to be here? This guy was off to every job opening but 1 in 2 years. If you apply for so many jobs and the people who work under you fail to do their jobs you do you get a better job? If Ron Rivera was hot "stank" he would've been more than an assistant coach somewhere. Same with Singletary. If everyone thought that the 85 guys were any good as head coaches it would have happened. Rivera helps to achieve the minority look-see that is required nowadays. They don't even have to bring in a black guy anymore because Chico helps them with that requirement and then they go and hire whoever they wanted in the first place. You have a team paying a college coach Superbowl-winning coach money to take over for them instead of hiring a guy with a big league pedigree who might've came for less. Name one college coach who has taken a pro team to even the playoffs in years? If Rivera was the man he would've shown it to guys who have a little more to gain than just a simple coach. Face it: he wasn't the guy they wanted and you can't blame the ones who tolerated him while he was going out looking to become something that a lot of guys want to be. He didn't want to be here and there were guys here who were more than happy to have the job he seemed to be running from. He made it easy for them to move on. I don't see 8 other teams along with 30 others who miss his services so where does that leave the BEARS? He was the one who made himself look like warmed over dog pee. I wonder if Sumarai Mike is digging his own grave in San Fran by getting rejected by every other team. How much longer will his team let him be like we let Rivera be for us? Do we still need to have our coaches with chips on their shoulders? When will you guys let go of that old adage about coaches being billy-bad-@$$. Mike Tomzach has a ring along with Andy Fredricks and what did they do to get it. A lot of great guys don't have rings and the last guy on the Steelers and Colts roster ain't hot crap compared to them just because they have one. Rhodes is still drinking the bubbly after his win and he forgot to park his car while he was doing it. Does that mean he is still a hero? Give that Lovie hating a rest. The man had the cojones to get rid of Shea after only one year. He can get a break about Rivera? If he didn't like Rivera I'm glad he was man enough to keep it in house. A coach with a chip on his shoulder probably would have blown it out of proportion. Another thing: why did he fire D-line coach Don Johnson? Was it because Miami Vice was big back in 85 and he didn't need that reminder? Am I silly enough for the conspiracy theorist?

re the bend don't break philosophy and how it entailed Rivera, Mr. Roscoe, I think the general consensus is that Rivera's philosophy was actually more aggressive and blitz oriented than Lovie's- just consider his background playing in the old Bears 46 scheme and then under Johny Johnson's blitz packages in Philly.

The bend don't break philosophy is ALL Lovie, ALL Tampa 2. I have deep suspicions about this defense but Lovie has earned the right to do it his way. (and every head coach should have that right to start with)

as to Rex, everyone forgets this was his defacto rookie year, and yes, he's not Tom Brady, and will probably never be, but he took some entirely underserved potshots from the media last year. I wasn't entirely impressed by Ron Turner, after teams figured out they like to throw the fly pattern to Bernard Berrian.

if everyone were honest with themselves they'd admit that the Bears weren't really a Super Bowl team this year, they were merely a good team in a very weak division, the NFC. They were super fortunate to get by Seattle. the best four teams in the NFL this year were all AFC teams.

Griese would have probably been a better choice for just last year, but they're taking the long term view. Next year with everyone back and hopefully healthy, there will be very few excuses. (which also applies to Rex)

So first everyone bashes Grossman, then people want to bash Lovie. Wait WHAT? But I thought we were talking about Rivera? And I thought we talking about a team who just made it to the Superbowl. The way some of you talk it feels like the Bears are a team in the gutter or something. So now some people want to let Lovie go? Thats what I read in one of these posts. Seriously what is wrong with people? Yes, it sucks that Rivera is gone, but that doesn't change the fact that we still have an outstanding group of young players. I can't believe all of the pessimism I read and hear about. Lets look forward to a good offseason and a hungrier, healthier team next year.
Roman, quick question for you, do you have any news or rumors, about the contract negotiations with Lovie? Last time I heard they were still nowhere close?

I get the feeling that some jughead fans will continue to be upset until Singletary is the defensive coordinator, Jim McMahon the O coordinator and Da Coach as the COACH!!!
People...listen to me...it was 21 years ago...GET OVER IT...BREATHE!!!!

Roman responds: Just as being on the '85 team doesn't qualify a candidate to be a coach, it shouldn't preclude him, either. Why wouldn't Singletary be a good head coach, let alone a coordinator. If Norv Turner and Wade Phillips can get head coaching jobs after failing in previous tries, why not Singletary?

The bears don't make many mistakes, they just make the same ones over and over again.

This is lovie's firing, angelo said it wasn't his call. I thought lovie sounded arrogant with his "we're 15 and 4 and rex is our quarterback" chant but his "trust me as head coach to make the team better" is plain hubris.

Rivera handled things with class, lovie looks disloyal and jealous of the attention rivera was getting. Lovie's lack of experience as a head coach for a major market team is obvious in how badly he handled this staff change. He has demonstrated his lack of experience and ability before with poor game clock management, bad game planning and inability to make adjustments. Lovie just gets repeatedly outcoached. He hasn't handled the media or player personnel decisions well, and now he has embarrassed the team nationally by firing the coordinator of the bears highly ranked defense, after touting him all season as a worthy head coaching candidate.

How much does lovies word look to be worth now? How much loyalty can players and other staff expect from lovie in the future? How much credibility with the media and with the other general managers in the league will lovie have after pumping and dumping rivera so abruptly?

Lovie is the one that looks bad and if briggs decides to sit next season, the bears won't be able to say a word about loyalty, and if thomas jones doesn't play and asks for a trade, who could blame him? How secure do you think tank johnson feels now that his two primary coaches got axed? How do you think the other players on defense feel about being part of the loyal bears family now?

Rivera is lucky he is out from under lovie, now he won't have to stomach the soft hitting, strip the ball, prevent defense lovie likes. Lovie has overplayed his hand and if the bears fall short again next year, he'll be the one on his way out of town, or "going in a different direction with the same philosophy" as he describes it. Angelo has cleverly distanced himself so he won't get swept out too.

If Grossman was still making high school type mistakes late into the season -- i.e. footwork, wrong reads, bad decisions -- What, exactly, was the purpose of the quarterback coach??

There was a moment in the super bowl when Urlacher gestured to the sidelines out of apparent frustration after Indy hit a man coming out of the backfield for the third time in three plays for a 10+ gain. There also were numerous times when I thought the Bears were in a perfect position to put pressure on Manning given the situation and they just laid back and got burned, leaving the defense on the field for another set. I saw no adjustments after the half, and no changes or surprises throughout the playoffs. I never got on Rivera at the end of the season because I figured he knew his team was in the drivers seat going into the playoffs, and staying vanilla would give no film study. I was wrong! And so were the Bears. Whoever was responsible for the lack of aggressiveness and situational play calling of the "D" is the real culprit, be it Rivera or Smith... P.S. Turner didn't do much to help the cause either, that's for sure!

Roman responds: Just as being on the '85 team doesn't qualify a candidate to be a coach, it shouldn't preclude him, either. Why wouldn't Singletary be a good head coach, let alone a coordinator. If Norv Turner and Wade Phillips can get head coaching jobs after failing in previous tries, why not Singletary?

Romo - my point was that people won't let the '85 team go - you know this. I hope Rivera furthers his career somewhere else. Singletary - I guess a linebackers coach deserves as much of a chance as a few of the clowns who got head coaching jobs over the past month or so. If this was Joe Blow instead of Rivera, it would not be such a big deal. Rivera was in a no-win position. He was forced to run a D he didn't like however, that D's results got him these interviews, however, this D got hammered in their final game the past 2 years. That has to be hard to explain in an interview.
Look at some of these posts Romo - people actually think Smith is jealous of the '85 team. Ughhhhh!

Roman responds: I wouldn't automatically discount the possibility Smith wasn't crazy about having his possible successor on his staff. And I think Smith did probably get irritated about all of the talk of the '85 team. Jealous? We all are envious at times.

WIlliam Donald writes, "the last time the Bears had a great Offense, the Defense sucked." When was the last time the Bears had a great offense?? What team have you been watching?

The last time the Bears had a great offense was 1956, the last time they led the league in offense. 1963, 1985 .. those offenses wouldn't have won anything without the defense. You're not putting that two month abberation in 1996 with Eric Kramer and Curtis Conway in the "great" catagory, are you?

While, I'm at it, we say good-bye to Rivera like we say good-bye to visiting relatives. Your defense was very talented and pretty sad throughout the second half of the year. Ron, didn't you see it getting kicked all over the field by some of the worst offenses in the league? Or were you too busy writing resumes while the game was going on?

No adjustments at all ... the short, out pass was open on every play since the Cardinal game. Shame on you. Buddy Ryan had to be shaking his head in unbelief.

Lovie and Turner are horns on the same goat, however. We're now stuck in Chicago with a passive "Billy Reay" team. Despite having talent to spare, Reay couldn't win a Stanley Cup because he thought a "tie on the road is OK." The talent finally got old and the window has remained closed since.

The Bears are in the same boat. Loaded with passive coaches who play not to lose. Now Lovie's going to get five more years.If Lovie didn't play aggressively with his contract on the line, why should he change with everything all buttoned up? And the window is sliding down, not going up.

Poor Bears fans. We're looking at five more years of Lovie-ball, uninspired, passive, OK if we tie, football ... being "satisfied with where we are." A very talented team that strikes fear in no one. Here in Chicago! How embarrassing.

We need a coach named "Bronco" or Killer". Please.

Two words. Packer Trash. Anyone who leaves the Bears for the Packers-even if the Bears are through with you, has serious integrity issues. Why no-one mentions that he played for packers-after the Bears, is beyond me. Rivera was way too conservative, which undoubtedly is a typical behavior of a traitor engulfed in their own ego,looking out for only themselves. Thank-you for your vision Mr. Smith. Tell him to please take Mc Michael with him.They can both go back to being bottom feeders during the collapse(although I think it was just smoke and mirrors anyway.)of the Chargers.

They made a mistake firing Rivera. The difference between Rivera and Lovie is that Rivera will always be a Chicago Bear, just as Mike Ditka will always be a Chicago Bear, and George Halas will always be a Chicago Bear. Rivera played and coached with the Bears three seperate times, each time being let go. Yet he always chooses to come back when the Bears offer another opportunity.

What is amazing is that Rivera doesn't hold a grudge. I believe his sincerity when he says the Bears were the only one to give him a shot and his heart will always be with the Bears. It's a mistake to let someone like that go. Remember Michael Jordan and when he went to play with Washington? I think everyone wanted to see Mike succeed outside Chicago, it was like we owed it to him. The same with Rivera, I want to see him succeed outside Chicago for all he has given the team and this city.

I for one think that Singletary will be an awesome coach since when he was playing he was very astute. Remember he took a while to get in the coaching ranks when everyone wanted him to. He was reluctant for whatever reason and when he finally decided he wanted it he started out thinking big. He applied for a Defensive coordinator position without being anything else prior. Not many guys can start off at the top. No one is being allowed to. If Singletary isn't getting many offers it can be because he wanted to skip the small stuff and didn't feel he needed to earn it like a lot of guys did. He had a lot of years between his last game played and him coming out and saying he wanted to be a coach. Some guys go the college route for several years and some start out being a quality control guy. Basically a GOFER with a better name attached. Look at how many head coaches bring a guy with him who were together in the college lower ranks and had no names.Jimmy Johnson did it and look at how many of those guys became head coaches in the NFL. Not every guy is going to be given things because of what they did as a player. How many great players turn around and be great coaches? How many below average or never-was guys become great coaches? If you went with that formula Rivera would be a head guy because he was never that good. He played a little better than Hillenmeyer. I'm not saying that Rivera and Singletary are bad coaching candidates. I'm just asking what is it that they aren't showing in their enterviews that lead teams to go in another direction. Maybe if they had been vagabonds as coaches they would be thought of as quality candidates who earned it the hard way. Singletary as a player knew how to coach his fellow players and had them in position to make plays. That's why when we were debating who we would take from 85/06 I picked him over Urlacher. He was just a great student of the game. He was a brilliant player who utilized his head moreso than his physical talents to achieve greatness. If he can turn an average player into a great player with what he knows then by all means give it to him. If I can see that why can't the CEOs of the NFL? You'll have to ask them.

I've read comments on how the 85 Bears are overshadowing the current Bears team and most are not a subject the current edition wishes to address. Just recently Mr. Urlacher stated in disgust, "Those guys own the town!" Well everyone loves the 85 Bears. And it would behove the current bunch to embrace they're fraternal brethen instead of cursing them. This current team, as talented as it is, appears to me to be soft mentally and physically. Forget about the coaches. Coaches come and go. If you don't have the mental makeup to be a winner talent will take you only so far. And judging the make up of this team leads me to believe the ride is over. Unless this team grows some B***s!!!! I for one would like this team to show some pride and quit worrying about what the 85 Bears accomplished and how they're not the 85 Bears! We know this...MAAANNNNN!!!! Or else there would be another NFL Football Champion in Chicago.

Last seasons punch and judy schedule provided a great assist in this team getting to the playoffs. The upcoming season will not be so easy. The fact is this team has no bite and the offense doesn't scare anyone!!! If I have one critique of Lovie Smith, I'd have to say after week seven his team played soft from week to week. I'm a Fan of both the Bears and the Ravens and I'd hoped to see both in the Super Bowl earlier this month. But just like Lovie, Brian Billick lacks the mental capacity to adjust his game plan during the game. Brian Billick took a Super Bowl bound Team and destroyed the season by playing conservative. Didn't make any game adjustments on offense even after the Raven's defense held Peyton Manning and the Colts without a touch down the entire game. But he chose to shut the offense down and depend on a washed up running back (Jamal Lewis), who selfishly hid an injury so he could play and hurt his teams chances of advancing beyond the Divional round of the playoffs.
So I took a double hit this year. And it still stings because I've yet to hear anything positive on the upcoming season for both of these franchises. While I think Billick should be fired because his stubbornness has killed the B-more franchises chances every year since they won it all in 2000. I see Lovie doing the exact samething to my beloved Bears if he fails to learn to make adjustments during the game. It seems Lovie never fails to jump in a Defensive players face when they make an error. So why doesn't he jump on Rex's a** when he bungles a snap, throws an inexcusable interception, or better yet, fails to prepare for a game. Why is he still starting for your team? It's obvious he doesn't feel threatened. In December of 2005 Rex looked like a different person when he relieved Kyle Orton. He was hungry and self assured. Brian Billick attempted to sell the B-more faithful on Kyle Boller for three years before he scrapped the Boller experiement. When everyone else already knew after the first and second season as a starter, Boller was not NFL Starter material. Lovie is making the same mistake with Rex and I'm a fan of Rex. But the fact is he's lost mentally and Lovie needs to take the reins and hand them over to Kyle Orton. I bet that will get Rex's competitive juices flowing again.

Above all in 2007-08, I'd like this team to show it knows how to beat up and strike fear in an opponent the way that Legendary team which once ruled the NFL back in 85 did! That way the current edition will nolonger fill like an also ran but an equal to it's fraternal brethen in the city of Big shoulders!

NoT-A-Cub Fan Since 1989....

In addition to keeping the memory of a 21-year old under-achieving team alive, I would also recommend that we continually talk about the 1961 Blackhawks...after all, that was only 46 years ago that this legendary team won a championship!

Excuse me, but I wasn't born until 1964 and I don't know of anyone who harken back to the great old days of 1956. The rest of BEARS fans were living off of something that happened 21 years ago and there was actually someone living off 50 years ago. Being the number one offense in the league is the barometer to being great? How many #1 offense won championships? Who can remember who was #1 out of all the teams that played since 56. Rain man? Being the number one D should mean that you can call them great? Weren't the BEARS D great in 1986 when they were knocked out of the playoff ? When were the BEARS team great then? I won't even pretend I'm that stat happy. Next time I'll use good because people fly off the handle at the mention of the word great. If you tally stats like 1,000 yards rushing and receptions over the same number of games played between 56 and 96 where would they stack up? Would a guy with the size and speed of Raymont Harris excel in 56 better than a guy from 56 trying to play with that size and speed in 96? I don't like to compare eras ,especially, when some players were excluded before a certain time. I don't live in the past and I definitely won't live in a time before I was born. 50 years?? Will wonders cease?

When you guys speak about schedules being harder you must really think that the teams that went to the playoffs will be better teams. sometimes that just isn't the case. The Panthers made the playoffs and were on someone's schedule as a tough team to play. When were they tough last year? The BEARS will have to play against teams that were near them in the standings. Who is to say that those teams will be better? Which teams do you pick to be better? Last year who did you pick to be better? Did your predictions come true? Tougher schedules don't always equate to tougher teams. Who thought that the Saints would be so much better? Did they play a schedule that made it easier to achieve their record? Were they just better coached? No one can say what will happen. Every year players change teams. Some of those guys don't fit with their new team. We wanted Archuleta at safety and he went to Washington and was a king-sized bust with them. He got his money and didn't earn it ,did he? Was Washington better to have him? Did they need help elsewhere and skipped over it because they were shoring up one other problem. In essense,you can say they still ended up with the two problems. Why spend all that money on 3 players and they don't get you over the hump? What looks good on paper isn't always the case. I still find it funny that some people want to dog Lovie about his demeanor. I don't see any tough get-in-your-face coaches in the NFL anywhere. Who is a get in your face coach? Cowher was kissing guys on the cheek after great plays,Oh I'm sorry, good plays. Marty? Did he look tough with the pop-bottled bi-focals? Oh yeah, you do have Billichek snatching photographers by the camera and showing them who's boss. Chuckie in Tampa looking very ordinary with a bunch of average players. Dapper Dan(Dungy) won the Superbowl because we cussed his players out and pulled Manning every time he played bad in the playoffs. Wait,that didn't happen because he was above that. I'm racking my brain but I can't think of any head coach in the NFL who acts like Ditka. Even he stood next to a guy wearing a dress because he still got in a players face. To do what; ask who his maid of honor was gonna be. Ditka would only get mad now because some guy stole his commercial. Kill that tough guy routine. John Wayne,Parcells and Ditka have left the building.

Packer trash? How many left here and turned up there? McMahon,Flanagan,McMichael. I can't remember too many but I'm sure there are more. They go where the money and the love of the game takes them. Can anyone else name a few more?

The flexible, bend but don't break defense that Smith prefers will be his undoing. On the opposite side of the field, other teams will be more than happy to make Rex the deer in their headlights after seeing how easily he rattles.

For the same reason I never thought much of Dusty Baker, in spite of his team coming within a few outs of a trip to the World Series, I also don't buy into the idea that Lovie Smith is anything special, and that's because neither one of them are very good "In Game" coaches.

While Lovie refuses to turn Urlacher and Briggs loose in the backfield, opposing teams will be teeing off on Grossman as though the word "Titleist" were tattooed across his forehead.

So be prepared for a sophmore slump of epic proportions because Grossman lacks the physical capabilities needed to compensate for his glaring mental inadequacies. By the time Smith figures out that Greise is the better quarterback there'll be so much rust on him that he'll squeek as they pry him off the bench.

Previewing your Comment
In this world of political correctness Tim Hard way’s rant was rather refreshing, it seems that we have become too vigilant about not hurting someone’s or some groups feelings that we rarely just speak our minds. The constitution of this nation grants us the right of free speech, not just nice speech. I feel all people should have the right to say whets' on their mind and if some one gets offended so what. Now Tim's rant will cost him in endorsements ect. but that’s part of the responsibility we must take when we speak out. I live and work in a very diverse society and I am biased toward some people because of who the are not what they are. My philosophy is reel simple if you don't like someone or some group stay away from them,if you are against abortion don't have one,if you are against gay marriage don’t get in to one. Let’s all get back to speaking our minds and stop being so freaking nice.

Let's face it, the Bears were heading down from mid-season on, losing to non-contenders. The final regular game against the Green Bay Packers, was the same way they were outplayed in the Super Bowl. The Colts simply studied the film and found the gaps in the Bears that New Orleans missed.

I doubt next year will be as good for the Bears. They had their shot and blew it. Will they hibernate for another 20 years?

Don't have a lot of time, so here's how it is--

1) I don't think getting rid of Rivera was a good idea, but it's obvious he didn't want to be Lovie Smith's defensive coordinator. What are ya gonna do?

2) Lay off the defense for the Super Bowl--you try being on the field for most of the game. The offense's ineptitude lost that game, pure and simple. Bad playcalling, bad execution. The D could have hit a little harder, but they were trying to keep from getting torched by a big play offense--that was the smart gameplan, and if they'd gotten any help from Grossman and company, it would have worked.

3) If you're against homosexuality, you're an idiot. All sex is sceptic and dirty, regardless of who's doing it. If homosexuality is a choice, than anyone could be gay, so there's no reason to hate anyone for it. If you look at the mountain of scientific evidence proving that homosexuality is, in fact, a naturally-occurring thing, what makes that so abominable? How is that not "God"'s way of keeping the population down while still allowing us its two greatest inventions--love and the orgasm? If you're so concerned about "family values," maybe same-sex couples would promote them if they were ALLOWED TO HAVE FAMILIES. (For that matter, which is more detrimental to family values--same-sex partnerships or that divorce rate among hetero couples?) Regardless, who a person desires sexually generally falls under the category of "no one's business save for that of the people involved." I'd like to think the world, or at least the gender-political landscape of this country, would be a much better place if everyone just wore condoms, actually put their money where their mouth (and genitalia) is regarding monogamy, and shut the hell up.

4) Re: Tim Hardaway--There's a difference between "being politically incorrect" and "being an ignorant b@stard." It's a shame people try to justify hatred by lashing out at "political correctness." I'll try to make it as simple as possible: saying you do not subscribe to a lifestyle is politically incorrect. Saying you don't agree with how someone lives is politically incorrect. Saying you aren't homosexual, feel homosexuality is a sin, or consider homosexuality to be "immoral" is being politically incorrect. All politically incorrect means is that expressing those feelings could be detrimental to how people perceive you. Saying you hate someone, or that someone doesn't have a place in your country--that's not being "politically incorrect;" that's just being an ignorant b@stard, because all you're doing is showing that you can't accept anything unless it's easy for you to understand.

5) Also re: Tim Hardaway--I'm only distressed by what he said because I'm a heterosexual Black male, and anytime some high-profile Black man does something stupid, the whole race gets shamed.

6) So are we supposed to let Angelo slide this year because Lovie Smith, Ron Rivera, and Brian Urlacher managed to win a ton of games? I think not.

(sorry for replying to previous posts here, Roman--and sorry for being somewhat inflammatory.)

Id been more impressed if Grossman was released! Rivera had done a good job as defense coach. If Bears had a QB who can stand up to pressure bears would be holding Lombardi trophy & in Rivera's case would of been hard then show him door. Lovi's made some dumb moves mainly sticking with Grossman after Rex proved several times he can't handle pressure.Hopefully not keeping Rivera won't be another less than smart move?

DA DEEE LET US DOWN REMBER THE TAMPA BAY GAME.-CHANGE IS GOOD.

Good bye Ron. It's interesting to see you could only get a linebackers coach job after running LOVIE'S DEFENSE.

What is with these people who feel that if you voice your opinion about the Bears that you must blindly support every player, move or action that they do or you are not a real fan?
A real fan makes the effort to learn the game and knows the difference between support and blind faith. After investing 40 years of my life being a loyal Bears fan I have every right to criticize them when ever I see fit and so do the rest of you.
If you want to pretend that every thing is sunshine and rainbows and hide your head in the sand when it comes to your team then take it over to Wrigley Field where they are counting on that sort of sheep like behavior.

Sorry to see rivera go, seemed like a decent and talented coach. Guess lovie just liked babich better.

Have to wonder now if the reason Chico kept interviewing and not getting the job, was because lovie kept sandbagging chico when the hiring gm's called and asked lovie for a reference.

Sorta like gm asks, "so lovie what do you really think of ron rivera as a possible head coach?" lovie says "What did you hear? you hear he's taking my job, what you hear?"

Or lovie just keeps repeating "we're 15 and 4 and ron is our defensive coordinator" Or maybe lovie says "you go ahead and hire him or i'm firing his sorry a@@ as soon as i can"

Then there is the classic lovie recommendation "i think you have to trust me as head coach of the chicago bears to have the best coaches on my staff". No wonder rivera couldn't get a gig with lovie helping him out. Rivera may prove to be the lucky one to be gone, the rest of the bears team and fans are going to have another year of lovie to put up with.

People tend to forget that a large part of the reason the 85 bears have been so popular is that Chicago was starved for a winner until that team won. People loved Walter, and he was great before then, but he was mostly great on alot of really bad bears teams before 85.

When the 85 team won, it had been something like 22 years since the last chicago team won anything, hawks and maybe loyola if i'm not mistaken. Try going that long without winning anything and see how you feel. I recall one sign at a bears game in the early 80's, it was a homemade sign on a sheet hanging over the wall near the end zone at soldier field, that said "Chicago has more dog teams than the yukon." And no one took it down the whole game.

The 85 Bears were the first championship team that we all had in a generation. And you don't ever forget your first do you??? No matter how many come later you remember that one separately somehow. So if the old 85 bears that are still around get a bit more attention than you'd expect, its because for many of us we were waiting a long time for a winner, and they won it in a way worth remembering.

So if the current players and coaches are sick of hearing about it, and fans that don't go back that far and grew up with all the jordan championships can't understand, well, maybe they should all just try forgetting about something that they've waited to get for over 20 years, and that turned out to be better than anyone could imagine.

I just read that Lovie and the Bears aren't even close to a contract extention. Wow! I can't say I'm surprized given the Bears track record of being cheap. You know what? It'll be a shame if the Bears can't get a deal done with this guy. It'll be a shame for the Organization and a shame for the City. Say what you want to say about Lovie, but the bottom line he brought results with him to the Bears. After about 15 years of losing to fake winners (2001) the Bears are finally winners again. In 3 years under his watch, Lovie went 5-11, 11-5, and 13-3. Each season and improvement over the previous (offense, defense, and special teams). Then everyone swore up and down that the Bears were going to be 1 and done. We ended up getting to the Superbowl, routing media darlings New Orleans in the process. Yeah we lost in the SB, But we got there! That's gotta mean something! The last 5 Superbowl Losing active coaches are making more than $5 million a year. Look it up, its a fact. Lovie is making $1.3 million. It's also a shame to the city too. You can't tell me Chicago has yet to fully embrace the coach, dispite his record. I mean read the blogs (BBB and others constant ripping), Go to the sports bars, read the papers. That "yeah but" syndrome hovers over him in this city. He has won in every level of coaching (linebackers coach in Tampa, DC in St. Louis, head coach for the Bears). It will be a shame if we lose him.

Jermaine and others just want to promote Smith for their own personal reasons. From a football/business standpoint Smith is no better than average at best. If you want to bow down and worship him go ahead. Just stop your crying because everyone else isn't doing it too. Go back and read Jermaine's posts. All he does is love on Smith and insult others (primarily me) that aren't slobbering all over him.

I can't say I'm surprised that not only did San Diego not hire Ron Rivera but that Lovie Smith let him go. If I were the general manager of a team and an assistant took the time away from SB preparation to schedule an interview with me for a head coaching job that fact alone would disqualify him because I would question his ability to set priorities. On the other hand if he were to tell me he is interested but could not in good concience divert his attention from the task at hand, that would move that individual up a notch and I would keep things open until his season was over if I was truely interested in hiring him. Now as far as Lovie letting him go....hey he was more concerned about interviews then SB prep why should next year be any different?

Well, sounds like lovie is firinng wade wilson next, guess grossmans job is safe for another year. And i'm sure all bears fans will be thrilled to hear lovie is planning on bringing in hardy nickerson to coach urlacher, briggs, and hillenmyer. This is really getting comical. Wonder if he can get warren sapp here to take tanks' job.

On the bright side, there are only 3 more years of the lovie learning experience, if he gets an extension. And maybe, if the bears and bear fans are lucky, just one year more of lovie, if the bears management wakes up and does the smart thing for a change and lets him play out his current deal. With next years schedule and all lovies missteps the bears will be lucky to be 8 and 8. It will be hard in the nfc north not to make the playoffs, but the bears might just do it with this current coaching staff.

I don't begrudge love for wanting his money and wanting to get paid, i just wish he would get it somewhere else. Good luck to wade wilson and to all the players who basically have their careers on hold while lovie figures out how to be a nfl head coach.

Darryl you don't have to apologize for being imflammatory. If I remember you said you lived in Washington State. If you lived here in the Chicagoland area you would have to step up with your feelings or guys will run over you with their words. We have a city of neanderthals who only want to get their words across. They will make the same point that someone else already made just to show their bluster. And you can't get them to change their mind about anything once they get it in their heads that they're right. They can be behind someone and then change their mind after a simple loss. They live in the past and wish that somehow we still had guys from previous teams in the coaching and managerial positions. Not because they are qualified simply because they're from their past. How many guys wanted JUST someone from our past as the manager of the CUBS when they had an opening? And I'm not talking about the Girardi backers,because I was one of them. Not because he was a CUB but because he won with a team that no one probably could have won with. If Rodman ran for public office he's get 30% of the votes. When he was here,he had a billboard up on the highway and it became the place where they had the most car accidents. It was very common to see cars parked,3 and 4 at a time,with people who were taking pictures. I',m a man and it isn't nice to comment on another man's appearance: but did anyone notice that handsome escaped Rodman in the womb? That didn't stop my fellow Chicagoans from creating a ruckus over that guy,EVERYDAY. Before he got here they hated him. I understand that Chicagoans love the lunch pail guys but that was still Dennis Rodman who kicked our player's butts when he was in Detroit. He can be an Icon for coming along for our final 3 rides but we did it 3 other times without him. But Lovie comes along and we won a lot of games in the last 2 years and went to a Superbowl and he get a middlefinger salute for it. That is Chicagoans. They'll side with a crook just because he talks tough. Why are Chicagoans so dizzy? We have a Mayor who get in bed with crooks and we find out and will vote him to another term. Why ? Because he's a Chicagoan,he's ours. Homegrown Icon. You can vote for a crook but dump on a guy who got you somewhere you haven't ventured in 21 years. Then you wonder why it's not in your place to be champions. Sports are not politics and they come and go with the seasons but you guys live with the politics everyday. You accept political losers so readily, why can't you attract any winners in your sports? I remember how you guys wanted Ditka to run against Obama for Senator. He turned you down because he would've had a ceiling on what he could make and he couldn't be a spokesman for Viagra or Cialis or whatever ad he was spokesman for. He'd rather not bother with you unless he was making money off you. Winners in Chicago,I know when I see one. And I don't see many. If the shoe fit... If it don't apply don't reply.

Don't forget me,too,BBB. I'll slobber over anyone that can get me to stop watching a team that fails to even be competitive in their own division. I was tired of losing to the Bays,Vikes and Lions every game. Getting Tampa out of our division wasn't enough. Getting someone who actually did what they said they would do in their first press conference did the trick for me. Didn't someone once say that all the pieces were in place? I must've been in a coma that year because I missed that season being anything special. If we have the same type of year next year I'll be licking Lovie's boots then too. Winning the Super bowl doesn't complete me. Going through a long 20 plus game season and winning more times than losing is pretty impressive to me. The Super bowl is over like "that", but you need to have a great season to get you to that point. No Super bowl is promised to anyone not even BEARs fans. Unlike,what some of you think. Sir,please, may I have another.

Maybe Wade Wilson want to escape the dark cloud that Chicago fans cast over him. How many said he should be fired because Rex miss up every now and then? How do you read that Lovie is firing him in all that. Some of you guys give him way more credit than he deserve. All and all the final decisions rest with Angelo. Didn't Lovie have to take Rivera in the first place because Angelo wanted him. Didn't Angelo fire Jauron because he wouldn't part with Shoop? Lovie just does the fine job he was given by taking what Angelo always GIVES him. O.K what else can I say to defend Lovie? Anyone,anyone. No takers?

There's another reason the 85 Bears own this town - they not only won the SuperBowl but they were a DOMINANT team, one of the best of all time. In fact, they spoiled us and have made it very difficult for anyone else in the future. They didn't just beat the other teams, they DESTROYED them, you just can't get fun like that these days.

Even this year's Colts, a deserved winner, will never be considered a "dominant" team, and as for the Bears, let's face it and admit it, they were very lucky to be there and lucky that the NFC was as weak as it was.

I believe a history lesson is in order here. I remember when Ditka's contract was up for renewable that idiot Michael McCaskey really screwed up the situation and the team just as he appears to be attempting to do now. I believe there is reason to be concerned if MMC gets his way at this time. What happened during Ditka's renewal is very pertinent to what is going on now. I remember the pundits saying then that MMC has to pay Ditka the going rate because thats the way things are done in the NFL. MMC held firm and said Ditka can make up the difference in his salary from the going rate because he has so many commercial opportunites by being the HC of the Bears. What happened is that Ditka got less than the going rate and went absolutely bonkers with the amount of commercials he did. In retrospect there is no doubt in my mind that by doing so many commercials it took Mike's focus enough off the team just enough that he wasnt as good an HC as he was before that contract. MMC being the spoiled rotten punk that he is took this victory to mean he can low ball every other Bear HC because its such an honor and privilege to coach the Bears that maybe the HC should pay the Bears. This MMC victory very likely led to the McGinnis fiasco and now the potential Lovie fiasco. Unless Virginia steps in again and shuts down MMC's unprofessional egotistic insanity he will very likely once again disgrace our team and his family by losing Lovie. It could happen and I figure its about a 50/50 chance it will. MMC was and is an almost total waste of humanity because he so blatantly is willing to screw around with the emotions of millions of Bear fans, the reputation of his family as well as jerk around the entire Bear organization so he can show the world he is not some impotent rich kid but someone who can make a difference. Only in his case to stand out he has to screw things up. As opposed to rubber stamping paying Lovie the going rate whereby he wont get any credit for that. Every Bear fan in the back of his mind fears MMC screwing up a good thing apparently that moment is facing us once again.

Posted by: darryl m | February 21, 2007 06:09 PM // a little off football, but still onpoint!

5) Also re: Tim Hardaway--I'm only distressed by what he said because I'm a heterosexual Black male, and anytime some high-profile Black man does something stupid, the whole race gets shamed.

No sir, Darryl M, the whole race does not get shamed. Tim Hardaway has Freedom of Speech, NO MATTER HOW POLITICALLY INCORRECT IT MAY BE. He apologize just as others have, which was the correct thing to do. Mr Hardaway spoke for himself, not the entire African American population. This is a problem we have when JESSE, AL, MEEKS and others jump up and claim to speak for the entire Black Race. NO they do NOT!

Quit giving so much power to ONE MAN, only GOD(regardless of the one you believe in) has ALL the power!!

I was happy for Lovie Smith as a MAN of African descent who coached a team to the Super Bowl! No more no less. The same goes for Tony Dungy! Do you see Black people jumping up and down, and getting besides themselves because a Black men coached teams to the Super Bowl? NO! The game is over!

It is not a concern do I like or dislike Mr. Hardaway's comments, he stated his opinion. When people give an opinion there are bound to be others who are going to buttress that opinion. It is a historical fact. THINK ABOUT? John Ameche gave his opinion of his lifestyle, and some of the people he worked for and with while playing in the NBA.

PLEASE, DO NOT LUMP THE AFRICAN RACE INTO ONE PILE BECAUSE OF ONE MAN'S OPINION!

Sorry Roman, this needed to be said, it gets annoying when LUMPED into one pile as though I have no other life choices.

I still think Ron Rivera should not have been let go, but the head guy always get to blame the failures on an underling. Plain and simple.

Hey,bogey. Another reason they were dominating is because they horded talent without free-agency. A lot of teams repeatedly made the playoffs because they kept their talent under-foot. Now you can draft a guy and develope him for 4 years and he goes to New England like Colvin. How many #1 picks of the BEARS is playing for someone else? Just about every guy who played in 85 was drafted by Finks who was the real architech of the team that won. It was also losing his vision that brought the team back down to earth. People say that drafting players late in the first round also helped. I don't totally agree. We had so many guys that were late round picks who were very good and started and starred in the Super bowl,in 85 ,so that that can't really be the case. Jim Finks should get a whole lot more credit than he does. But free-agency was the main culprit for this team and teams like San Fran and Washington's demise. Paying Marshall to leave Chicago threw the skins payroll so out of whack. Losing their first round picks for Marshall didn't help them either. Nowadays it's the main reason that teams end up so close in the standings. Teams that lose all the time have a problem drafting and developing their own talent. Look at Millen in Detroit. In way over his head. New England is the closest we've had to a dominating team in years. But look at how they lose their talent to free-agency all the time. With the way that the league is looking at Bellichek and with Brady appearing to lose focus( I'd lose my focus if I had some of the "problems" he has/Who wouldn't want his women) they will be also-rans very soon.

Lets see,Lovie says REX IS ARE QUATERBACK,We're 13-3 with REX AS ARE QUATERBACK,He helped get us here? yet he turns around and FIRES Ron Rivera? Thats how you reward the people that helped get the team to the superbowl? TJones wants to be traded? I think they did a good job this year to keep the players tight lipped about what they really think about the golden child REX I'll bet that doesn"t happen next year!!The players know that there's only a small window left and there not about to sit and take the heat for REX anymore!You better be careful Lovie, or it will emplode from within BIGTIME!I say we should FIRE REX! Its one thing to be a loyal Bear fan and its another thing to be a loyal YES fan!But I guess thats what Lovie wants?

The more I read comments on these Bears the more I realize there are quite a few out there who don't realize the importance coaching and play calling has on the game. The 85' Bears had the HORSES, but they also pushed the right buttons at almost all the right times. Only Marino and his staff were smart enough to pull the trigger before the supermen could pull theres. The 07' "D" had there hands tied WAY TOO MUCH; Rex would have been 300% more effective out of the shotgun on "must situations", and anyone who knows anything about this sport need only to have seen this years past USC/MICHIGAN game to observe a masterful coaching job by the USC staff. They made most NFL staffs look very UNPROFESSIONAL! The Bears played well under the circumstances given them by the coaches, Rex needs to step up in the pocket just a little more than he does, and the McCaskey's need to oil that squeek they seen to have inherited from the Wirtz', and we'll be fine. Lance we need you! Mr. Rivera, you still have a ways to go. Mr. Turner, when are you ever goona learn! Lovie--- stay cool...

If this team is falling apart it usually falls to the man who sign the paychecks. Be honest if it came down to you and an underling staying employed who would you choose? If Rivera was staying in Chicago it would come down to handsome compensation. You have a head coach still waiting for his own contract. I'm not saying that I believe that Rivera was let go because Lovie was mad. With Lovie's contract hanging in the balance how certain was it that Rivera was going to wait until it got settled. Would he sign for one year? How can a guy with one year left on his contract offer anyone else any security. We did sign the Special Teams coach to a 3 year contract, but who was the one who did that? Wade Wilson said that Lovie's uncertain future was the main reason he wanted to go back to Dallas. Plus he had kids still living there. Smart family man. Was he fired in some people eyes because he still had a year left or did they respect him enough to let him out of his contract? If Jones wants to be traded and it was Lovie's fault he is the biggest fake in the world because the Bear-hug he gave Lovie to end the Saints game seemed like genuine admiration and respect. I think he was being real. How can you guys spin that it's because Lovie is the coach that Jones wants to leave? Or that it's the reason the Wade left? Briggs not getting a contract? Looks to me like the organization as a whole falls into the trap of not securing continuity on it's own.

Rex Grossman is an unknown commodity,even now. No one on the BEARS will make it known that Rex DOES NOT want the shotgun. Coaching can help you so much but it's what's in your head that defines where you can go as a player. Rex is a mental guy. The kind that over reacts to too much coaching or under achieves when they lay off him. You can't blame them if they are taking their time getting him together. His upside is much better than anyone we've had in quite a while. Maybe Ron Turner didn't do much at Illinois because his players need to mature into his play calling. College kids really don't have the time to learn a whole lot of facets to a complicated offense. Also,who went to Illinois that was a highly sought out high schooler? Talent can pick and choose where it wants to play. Which player went to Illinois that you expected to be an awesome player? Any guy that wants to shine will not go to Illinois. If he has talent he'll go to an elite team like Miami or Florida. Ron Turner is a very good coach. Don't blame him for reining in Rex because he didn't want the guy to do too much. None of these guys who were with the BEARS had any experience going deep in the playoffs. The Colts did. Now the BEARs know that if you make it to the Super Bowl you have to go for broke. Can't blame inexperience on that. This was all new territory for the BEARS. Some of you guys expect that teams already know what to do when they make it to the S.B.. Just because we went 21 years ago is no excuse to fault this team for doing what teams after 86 even failed to do. They didn't even get past the NFC championship and they actually had experience of making it to the S.B.. Why keep giving a team a pass and getting on these guys for doing something their way. Give them some time. Who jumped ship after Buddy Ryan left? It was their choice to leave this team. Either by applying for a bunch of jobs or getting the position like Buddy did. Do you honestly think that Ditka wanted Buddy back? They co-existed until they didn't have to exist together any longer. It is a sign of a good organization that it wasn't aired all year that these guys didn't get along. They didn't allow distractions that weren't beyond their control. And anyone who think that Lovie has blind loyalty for Rex doesn't understand that that loyalty extended to Angelo and keeping his pet project under center regardless of what happened. Repeating That Rex is OUR QB is only backing up the whole organization. It's easy for you guys to think he should just yell at Rex and he's gonna do better. It's easer for you guys to think that he should replace Rex and thereby alienate his boss by doing that. If he's gonna be the company man all the time in this day and age who can blame him. Girardi won Manager of the year in Baseball in 2006. Why isn't he a manager right now? He has an image of not working with his owner. You guys respect that I'm sure.I can't blame him for doing things his way,but what has it got him,lately? Last year was Rex's first complete year playing under Turner. It took a lot of guys a while to pick up this Offense. If you look at Rex in the preseason in 2005 he looked very good. Then he got hurt and now I think he's got that in the back of his mind. Once he shake out those doubts he'll be a much better player. Don't be mad because he was learning all year and didn't have a great showing in the S.B. Who in Miami was mad it Marino for not winning a S.B.? He was allowed to continue his career. Why do we not allow Rex that opportunity?

As I see more about coaching changes with the Bears I see Don Johnson was fired because he relied on the veterans over the younger players. Wade Wilson wanted to leave because someone in the organization complained about the way he handled the Rex situation. Who agree that with those scenarios that change was not warranted. Don Johnson was a class guy. The day AFTER he was fired he stayed around and vouched for Tank Johnson at a court hearing. Canceled his vacation to do that. Every now and then there will be a change made that we don't understand. This is a business.Big Business! And these people are aware of who they are working with. We're just peering in thinking we already know the answers.

I agree, changing the coaching staff is big business. Just like the Lovie Smith contract situation is business.

RE: Can I Not...

"No sir, Darryl M, the whole race does not get shamed."

Actually, yeah, it does. Aaron McGruder said it best in his animated Boondocks show: "a private 'N!&&A moment' shames you. a public 'N!&&a moment' shames the whole race." You must be profoundly naive (pretend the umlauts are there) to think the dominant paradigm's perception of marginalized social groups is progressive enough to look at the group as a whole instead of significant individuals. I guaran-damn-tee you more white people know who O.J. Simpson is rather than Fredrick Douglass, Olaudah Equiano, Marcus Garvey, or even Warrick Dunn. Perhaps I should be clearer; I wasn't saying that Tim Hardaway's comments and opinions have been pasted onto every person with a black face. I was simply pointing out the importance of something Muhammad Ali once said whilst arguing with Sly Stone on the Mike Douglas Show: "Let's not be n*****s and fools in front of white people." Believe me, I don't want to be lumped into one category, either, but idiots like Hardaway run the risk of setting back that kind of progressive treatment for Black Americans for years and years. Freedom of speech is all fine and dandy; I'm not saying he doesn't have the right to say what he feels. But, as a Black public figure, he should have known better; white people are lucky enough to not have the burden of constantly being an ambassador of their race, a privilege not shared by those of darker skin tone, no matter how rich they are. As equal as we may think we are, we still have a looooooooong way to go before the dominant social group sees us as such. One need only look at how long it took for a Black head coach to lead his team to a Super Bowl to understand that progress, while being made, is nonetheless a very slow process.

And, for the last time--if being homosexual is a lifestyle, then so is being heterosexual, thus completely removing anyone's right to hate or disdain it without looking like an ignorant B@stard. Amaechi didn't give his opinion of a lifestyle--he simply talked about having to disguise or obscure an aspect of himself (as in the core of his being) in order to fit in with the culture of the NBA.

let's talk about these factory-worker mentality claims that Rivera can not get a head coaching job and should've been let go for looking. In any high profile Job....if someone is interested in you...you go for an interview...it's called networking..and if you ever want to be a head coach in the 'good ol' boy league, you do not hurt your chances by refusing the interview...so no it's is not like throwing your wife in front of a group of guys, and all of them turning her down. That is both untangible to the matter and barbaric.
Lastly, as long as we are talking about stupid moves (like hiring Mariucci to coach Grossman), I would like to add mine. There would be nothing better than seeing the Jones' boys togehter in the backfield.....sweet heartfelt story for these two hard working positive role models. At least for one season...they can both block and run...kind of....Maybe Lovie can influence it. Afterall he will be the headcoach of the Cowboys in 2008. Yep, you heard it here first. Lovie Smith will coach the Cowboys in 2008.

In my honest opinion you guys are mad because you lost another piece of the 85 pie. When have you guys been so angry about a coordinator leaving or getting fired? I have a feeling that if Jim Morrissey showed up tomorrow you'd think he was a valid option. Where he has been would not even matter,he's a tether to your happy past. If some of you guys got counseling it would not even come down to how your mother treated you but what happened to the BEARS of 85. You live so far in the past that you totally discount the present. Can some of you guys even remember what life was like before the 85 season? It was like 85 was when you were validated as champions or a somebody. Nothing amounts to much in your lives but comparisons to 85. I don't know what to say. Some of you guys should start living for today by putting that fire for 85 in the past.

Like I said:Rivera helps the NFL meet the criteria of looking at a minority before signing a head coach. If you think I'm wrong how many black dudes did these other teams look at before they decided on someone other than Rivera? He was the minority that you bring to the interviews the last two years. What other minority interviewed for the Miami or Atlanta job? They chased guys to the Burmuda triangle, damn near,but didn't give it to Rivera after he showed more than a passing desire. Why did the Steelers pick a guy that led the Vikes defense for only one year? They actually had more candidates who went elsewhere who they had right under their noses and decided outside their organization. Why wasn't guys who you had as coordinators not even considered for your head coaching job? I think they have a little more inside knowledge of what they have. Saying to bring in the Gooch wasn't a stupid idea. Who gets credit for getting Favre over the hump more than anyone? The Gooch. Why is that even considered stupid? Or was it an attempt to call me out? Considering that mine were the only comments you jumped on I think I know. But really,I can care less.

IT's Like Your Wife Throwing HERSELF at a bunch of guys and THEY are turning her down. I never said YOU throw your wife at a bunch of guys. I know where else you're STUCK at.

I had a friend who was a secretary in a down town building. She applied for another job in the same building(that she didn't get) and when her boss found out he fired her. Not one person that she or I knew thought her boss was wrong for firing her. You can't go to any boss anywhere and even ask for the day off to go and apply for another job. What job would keep you around? Try it: go to work tomorrow and ask your boss can you have the day off so you can apply for another job. Then come back on this blog and tell us what he/she said. No coordinator in the history of the NFL ever applied for 8 openings in 2 years. Never. None of the guys who ever became a head coach ever had that many interviews for head coaching jobs at any time in their coaching careers. Rivera made history and it wasn't in a good way. He just wasn't attractive to anyone and that was a fact. I'm not saying he was to blame for whatever happened to the BEARS or that he isn't a good coordinator. Facts are facts. He was fleeing long before he was pushed. I'm sure the BEARS wish he had got another job. It would've gone over better to the fans who are so mad. But he didn't and why aren't those teams that saw what he would bring to the table not questioned? What did ESPN say about it?

Lovie is afraid. He knows in his heart he has no clue and then everyone starts praising Rivera. He's just getting rid of the threat. Good for him, bad for the rest of us.

Don't worry,Rivera will go to plenty of interviews next year once someone leaves or get fired. Why wouldn't he keep applying for jobs. If Rivera was a better fit for the BEARS they would've fired Lovie and kept him. It doesn't matter how Lovie feels. Why didn't the BEARS block Rivera from leaving? When Ditka came to the BEARS Halas made sure that he kept Buddy around. When Buddy wanted a head coach job they could've made the decision to get rid of Ditka and elevate Buddy instead. Why didn't Angleo and the rest of the BEARS braintrust keep a better commodity and get rid of a LUCKY coach? You can't teach an old dog a new trick and you can't keep beating a dead horse. I just want one person to take the time and explain why it came down to the BEARS letting Lovie do something that was so against common sense. Why let the BETTER guy go?

so, if the Bears have success without Rivera next year, would that mean that Rivera had less to do with the Bears' prowess as Smith? Or would that simply signify the success of the system being implemented by the Bears independent of Lovie Smith's influence? Or perhaps, would it cement Jerry Angelo's genius as General Manager? Or could we just be barking up the wrong tree, because the NFC is so horrible that the Bears have ascended to the top through sheer mediocrity?

For easily dispensable hourly and low-end salary laborers such as yourself, I wouldn't reccomend telling your boss you are applying for a new job somewhere else(then again they might offer to help you with your 'application')....however high profile jobs require networking extensively...it's not really about ability at all(for instance..................THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES)....How do you know it wasn't Rivera who refused a job offer..they don't make all job offers public you know. It's no secret...I believe Ron Rivera to be forever tainted,unreversible Packer trash..so I am not in support of him. However, I do know this....Lovie Smith will be the head coach of the Cowboys in 08 and he will take Lance Briggs with him. It would be wise to get the 'other' jones now...cause if we don't the Cowboys will take Thomas...and steal the spotlight in 08 when Lovie Smith becomes the Head coach there.

You know what:you can save the personal attacks. I for one am hardly impressed that you called me out. I must be doing something right if I'm a target from anyone. If I wasn't worth it you wouldn't have responded to what I said about someone who wasn't even you. If you're copping an attitude because I repeated your phrase Packer Trash,you'd be enlightened to know that I thought it was funny and a little fitting as I really am not a Packer backer in the least.All I did was acknowledge that. If you stem your attack on me from that you are taking that whole thing the wrong way. It's been a stone gas and in parting I wish you love,peace and ....

And no way did Rivera turn down any head coaching job. Jiminy crickits the man went to San Diego as a linebacker coach. I'm not starting anything with that assessment. I think it is valid. I can't see him turning down any head coaching job. You don't think McGinnis wish he had took this job? Yeah,he got all the slaps on the back for integrity but he missed out on his dream job. Even a guy collecting unemployment like myself knows that. Reality is reality.

Hi Darryl m, how's it going? I can answer your questions for you...

so, if the Bears have success without Rivera next year, would that mean that Rivera had less to do with the Bears' prowess as Smith?

Definitely not.

Or would that simply signify the success of the system being implemented by the Bears independent of Lovie Smith's influence?

Highly doubtful.

Or perhaps, would it cement Jerry Angelo's genius as General Manager?

Definitely not.

Or could we just be barking up the wrong tree,

yes you are.

because the NFC is so horrible that the Bears have ascended to the top through sheer mediocrity?

2006: yes. 2007: could happen again, if Lovie's luck hold's out.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have. I'm happy to help you.

"2006: yes. 2007: could happen again, if Lovie's luck hold's out."

Oh. Okay, I get it. You're right--Lovie Smith DOES deserve to be the lowest-paid head coach in the league.

Gotcha.

How'd that Defensive coordinator application go, by the way?

I am not calling anybody out. I am calling out the mentality of some of these posts. Also that comment about 'throwing wives' lacked dignity. Plus I am mad that they cut out my mariotti bashing comments(I thought they were right on). It is not personal towards any one person. From the outside looking in now, I do find the loyalty to Ron Rivera disappointing. Is it really because he was a Bear? His ego is outrageous. If he really was a meaningful part...then don't you think they would have stopped calling his defense 'Tampa 2'. Is it because he did not garner the respect of his peers? No. He did not. He did not bring anything but the bullying reputation of being part of the 85 Bears. He wasn't a meanigful part then either.

Let me clarify: if a person throws themself at so many suitors like Rivera did it smacks of desperation. I was trying for levity when I said a woman throwing herself at other guys. Some people found it funny. It just wouldn't have had the same "UMPH" if you said a man was throwing himself at a bunch of women. Being turned down by a bunch of women happens too often to be funny. I apologize if I offended you. I apologize if I offend anyone with any of my posts,but I have to be the man I like to be.

Hey Darryl! How about we just discuss things and not insult each other from now on? Will you go for that?

I liked Rivera as a player. When I saw him enter a game I was pleased because I knew he was a hard working, tough, good player that did his job the way the coaches wanted. He wasn't out to pad his numbers or steal glory from another player. If I was the coach and a guy like that was available I would sign him and cut a selfish, lazy player even if he was faster or stronger.

I've watched a lot of games over the past 30 years and I can remember only one guy who was those things and that was John Roper. Just about all the LBs the BEARS had couldn't crack the line up or were OK players. I think the BEARS went into a funk because they drafted a bunch of cookie cutter players and didn't take any chances by trading up in the draft and getting a wildly talented player. They went for the boy scouts and the easier to sign players. Look at some of the guys we drafted in the first round since 86: Wendell Davis,Brad Muster,Stan Thomas,Curtis Conway,John Thierry,Cade McNown,Walt Harris, Salaam and Enis, we even traded a #1 pick for Rick Mirer. Name a real star in all that. Bland and ordinary. Mark Carrier started out great. Harbaugh got better once he left. And Neal Anderson was good for a while. So was Donnell Woolford . I'm not saying to draft felons but the main thing you want your players to do is play great ball. There are a lot of players in hall who weren't exactly boyscouts. In this day and age no one gets away with what players got away with in the past. When Ditka was a player he got injured in a car accident with one of the other BEARS who was driving drunk. No one knew about it. But if it happened now it would be plastered all over the news. Bad behavior is nothing new,it's just that the media isn't friends with the players like before. It sells more papers. Now players padding their stats, you have to blame the owners for that. When guys go for an extention the owners tell them that their stats are this and that. Look at Briggs:with his stats he's up there with Urlacher. But come on,you see how many times Brian's stats get padded on Mondays after the games. You think he had 10 tackles and by Monday night it turn into 16. Getting true tackle total change from team to team too. If past BEARS got credit like this team gives their overall stats would've been better. The only thing the BEARS don't change that much is sacks. But I have seen them give a guy a 1/2 credit and took a whole sack away from another guy. That being close to the ball stuff is kind of weird.But,hey,Brian is the star of the team, but Briggs isn't very far behind him. When owners had guys getting bigger bucks they gave them carte blache to be stat happy. Free agency is the main culprit to why the game is so tainted. Everyone should be able to go where they want to but overzealous owners overpaid one guy and that led to another guy being over paid. Look at the 85 BEARS. The salary disparity wasn't anything like it is now. Stars were close to equal but now they overpay for one guy and can't bother to pay many others. We need help on the O line. We can't go out and get a big name because we paid Kruetz a little under market and we have guys getting 2nd tier money all along the line. We either have to hope something fall in our laps or go fishing for middle of the road talent. But EVERYONE knows we need O line help. How on earth will we do that? When Walter Jones was available a couple season ago we couldn't even try for him. We ended up signing a guy without an ACL in one knee. Now, that turned out good but he had a not so great Super Bowl along with all those other 2nd tier guys. Maybe we're drafting one and he won't end up on injured reserve for 2 years and playing for the Cowboys once we release him like Columbo did. Isn't it just great when we can talk about just football? BYGONES...