No more Cedric Benson, now what?

I'd rather start Adrian Peterson over two step flop Benson any day of the week. Take your chances with Peterson for the remainder of the season, and if it doesn't work out, you can draft a RB, or better yet, grab a decent free agent RB. There are plenty of good ones out there ( Ex. - Chester Taylor, Julius Jones, Michael Turner, etc. ) .

It really doesn't matter because this incredibly lucky team has got to go on a long losing streak. And by long I mean into next year. This team is short on talent, short on brains among the coaches, and long on age. Get ready for two consecutive 5 or 6 win seasons.

Ok, I should have checked before opening my big mouth, but both Jones and Tayler are signed through next year, and I believe Turner will be a free agent. Doesn't mean you can't pull a trade for one of those guys - hint, hint Jerry Angelo!

You lost me at Adrian Peterson being worse than Benson....and no, do not draft a RB....bring in Julius Jones....AP and JJ....two 3 down backs who know how to block

In the first round...draft an Offensive Tackle....Jeff Otah maybe

breaking down the draft already you have me...yoda

Without an adequate o-line, there's little sense in pursuing a top-flight or near top-flight running back. Also, I don't think Julius Jones will come here after the way we treated his brother. Nonetheless, we will need more backs in camp next season. I'm hopeful that a better o-line means improved performance across the entire offensive squad. Of course, Turner needs to go. That would be a big boost to the offense right there.

Do what you have to do. There are a ton of bums out there who would love to be a Bear. And all of them could do what Benson has done. Didn't the Bears cut the guy that ran all over them on Sunday?

It's hard to judge Benson harshly when the O-Line has consistently underperformed all season. Before anyone accuses me of using the O-Line as an excuse for Benson, answer me this. What Running back in the NFL today would perform as well as they are now or better running behind the Bears O-Line? What I mean is this, would the Other) Adrian Peterson still have the same gaudy stats he has in Minnesota running behind the Bears O-Line with Ron Turner making the play calls? How about LT, or Brian Westbrook or Willie Parker? I'm not saying that they wouldn't perform better than Benson has. I'm only saying that the O-Line would most definitely hinder their performance. Look at what happened to Larry Johnson when the KC O-Line took a nose dive this year. Look at Edgerin James in Arizona, he hasn't resembled the guy who played in Indy. The O-Line matters, a lot.

That being said, Benson hasn't done nearly enough in the time he has had to make a reasonable person think he can be an impact player in the NFL. The flashes of brilliance he has shown this year in 11 games can be counted on one hand, so that isn't good. Even behind a terrible O-Line great running backs make something happen more often than Benson has. The reason that people might think "Benson was turning the corner" is that almost all of those flashes came in consecutive games right before he got hurt, giving the impression (illusion?) of something great beginning to emerge. I'm not entirely sure that wasn't the case. But that's the essence of the problem, I am not sure one way or the other. It's just another speculation. It could be that something great was brewing on the surface, or it could be that this is as good as it gets, and we happened to see the best of it the last couple of games. More questions, no answers with Benson so far.

In my opinion, that's not enough. Let (our) Adrian Peterson show what he can do running the ball for the rest of the season and then go out and grab a guy like Chester Taylor, or Michael Turner next year. Benson has one more year on his rookie contract that will be counted against the salary cap anyway, so keep him around for insurance next year and then cut the cord. AND UPGRADE THE O-LINE!!!

Although I always rooted for Benson and had his back (mostly because the jersey on his back), I have to say it was moderately to quite frustrating watching him run the football. First, I always thought he was going to fumble. Second, he ran too east-west. Third, and most importantly, he never kept his feet. This problem couldn't have been more evident than in the first half inside the ten when he just fell down expecting contact that wasn't there in a gaping hole at the point of attack. A fifth-overall pick should score on that play 9 times out of 10. Instead, Ced lost his feet and just fell down. Sadly, it may be safe to call Ceddy a bust. Let's see how he heals though. He has talent as a runner, just like Rex does as a thrower.

As for AP, the guy is more than adequate. No, he's not the other Adrian Peterson, but who is? I trust AP with a higher workload. I'm a fan his nose-to-the-grindstone attitude. And he kind of looks like TJ when he runs, as opposed to the out-of-control or stuck-in-neutral semi-truck that was Cedric Benson.

Roman, as for Garrett Wolfe, it doesn't matter how "tiny" he is so long as he's durable. On the contrary, being a small running back can be an asset because there's less of you to tackle so you can be more slippery and elusive. He didn't lead D-1 in rushing last year by being a bad running back. Didn't he go for over 100 against Ohio State AND Michigan?

I have no idea what we should do as far as the draft goes. And this is a really stupid question, but seeing as we're discussing injuries, is there any word on Mike Brown's future plans? Is he rehabbing? Has he had enough? Shucks, it'd be nice to have Chris Harris on the roster right now.

And what's up with Archuletta? That was the most passive attempt at a tackle in the red zone zone that I've ever seen. I thought this guy had linebacker instincts. He looked like he'd miss that tackle every time, playing on his heels. Sorry, off the subject.

Let's hope Vasher gets back healthy. That's step 1.

The Bears answered this question on Sunday with Wolfe's run in overtime. The Bears are going to have to slowly transition the playcalling to utilize the skills of the smaller players.

You nailed it Romo but just wait, by next summer, Benson will have been "on the brink of an all pro season" in some peoples eyes (and writers).
Not too uncommon though - absence makes athletes get better in some eyes. Based on some views here:

- Thomas Jones was an all-pro
- Eddy Curry was on the brink of greatness
- Aaron Rowand was the reason the WS won

I agree that when you are scrapping the barrel for a decent RB it's best to look towards FA to fill that need. You better off drafting for one when you have an accomplished back that is eyeing FA in a yr or two.

I don't understand why the Bears can't feature AP or DH in a two back formation (I or T) with a big bruising fullback as the lead blocker. Do the Bears even have a FB? The best FB's in the league feature quick first steps that get them out in front. The Bears need that more than a healthy Benson.

In terms of how the Bears make use of their best player (Hester) the Bears are the dumbest team in the NFL. The guy is so quick & so elusive that not only would I feature him in the backfield but I would also try direct shotgun snaps from center.

A shotgun snap would get the ball to him during his first step which makes the play much quicker than a return catch. A big guy like Grossman should be good for something. He should be able to at least get in the way of a defender while Hester does his thing.

I think I'm gonna jump on the Michael Turner bandwagon, too

Could you imagine the buzz in Bourbonnais if DaBears invited Jarret Payton to camp?

Juan knows his stuff.

Keep this in mind Bears fans.

It wasn't so long ago that anohter team gave up on a highly-drafted, oft-injured, poor attitude running back after three lackluster years.

This running back also had a poor YPC average and showed no ability to break long runs.

The team, responding to cries from fans and media blow-hards, eventually traded the 'bust' for a no-name Wide Reciever.

That receiever was eventually cut the next season, and is out of the league.

The back, however, recently rushed for more than 100-yards in a SB.

I'm not saying Benson will turn out to be you-know-who, but I think it is premature to say we should just get rid of him.

I'm not so sure he wouldn't be better off behind a better line.

Thomas Jones was certain he would do better behind one himself. The rest is history.

first off, benson reminds me of "ralom sushad". a very forgetable back that should have went into the resturant business, flipping not managing. why not start adrian peterson, with wolfe as a change of pace back. right now with the season at an extremly long shot, it might be a good idea to experiment with what you have. i like juans idea of hester in the back field. but,,,,, you have to use him for more then just a decoy. sure he is the most electrifying returner the game has ever seen, i dare you to deny it, but can he do anything else? use him on offense, use him on defence, make him a valuable asset to the team in more ways then one. try other things on offense as well. like , i dont know, a quarterback option. hey it worked on us for 6 points. and maybe that would be something grossman can do without screwing up. try reversing the full house, opposing defencive coordinators will take a second longer to think about "the wishbone?" with 5 games left and on the fence look alllll the way down at the rest of the teams what do we have to loose? our sanity? grossman and benson took care of that a long time ago. its time to reinvent the chicago bears. time to mix things up. time to let it all hang out and do something that other teams will stop and take a look at, and maybe laugh. maybe , just maybe more marquee players will WANT to play for the bears. lets not imagine another 20 or 30 years before the next super bowl run.

just a side note, not to get distracted for the problems at hand. even though i like the traditional uniform design. but as i said before maybe it is time for a change. i think you know where im going with this, say it with me. "NEW UNIFORM DESIGN".

Juan...the fullbacks name is Jason McKie
and a pretty good one at that.

No doubt the Bears need everything from a-z plain and simple.
OL,RB,QB,WR,try out a couple of kickers...maynard can`t reach the end zone,but he is reliable.

Defense will need db,de,t,lb. special team speed.
But please go see these people in action,I still don`t believe any
body actual saw Benson in action unless he was doing something to his body to slow him down.

A change in OC will help,but be careful what you ask for,
there are worst out there.

Maybe now Angelo will stop trying to cut a fat hog in the butt.
Come draft time if yu don`t have a clue ASK FOR HELP!!!!!!!

Now you move on from a wasted draft pick and find a real RB. It might be Peterson, it might be someone else but it will NEVER be Cedric Benson.
And please stop with this whole "Flashes of brilliance" crap when talking about Benson. He has shown no more than a handful of flashes of being no better than an average NFL back and those have been far and few between.
Lets not start building this failure up as someone who was on the verge of greatness because that Cedric Benson does not exist in the real world.

Now you move on from a wasted draft pick and find a real RB. It might be Peterson, it might be someone else but it will NEVER be Cedric Benson.
And please stop with this whole "Flashes of brilliance" crap when talking about Benson. He has shown no more than a handful of flashes of being no better than an average NFL back and those have been far and few between.
Lets not start building this failure up as someone who was on the verge of greatness because that Cedric Benson does not exist in the real world.

I've played football for most of my life. Benson needs to work on balance and vision, but of which are correctable if they had a REAL coach.

What, go w/o Ced? No way. His last 2 games he finally showed some amazing runs and I think he's picking it up now. It's too bad he got hurt in a freak accident(same for Mike B.) but he should be good to go next season. As for A.P. and Wolfe, we'll be fine with them. A.P. has always been reliable and I'm excited to see this guy be the #1 guy. And Wolfe, that guy is such a professional I've been wanting to see him get in there more since day one. Who cares if he's small (well, maybe Grossman looking for protection from 300 lb. linemen)? He runs quick and has been battling adversity all his life. Now, speaking of the draft, we need o-linemen. Fred Miller is just terrible. John Tait got destroyed in the last Lions game. That's my main concern...

Hated to see Benson get injured...run soft you get hit hard.The back should hit hard and keep those feet moving to protect yourself.
Use the shotgun with Wolfe and Peterson bsck there Wolfe can work his speed with a little more room.
Lock Angelo/Turner out of the WAR ROOM draft day.I believe Lovie
knows more than they give him credit for.
As for the current situation I don`t look for decent help from outside Halas Hall.
I can`t believe The Bears had this guy from Denver Sunday,but its a numbers game.
But we move on with what we have.

Benson was a great big bust. Can't blame the line for that. He didn't do all the little things to even add up to adequate. Blocking properly on blitzes(hell,blocking at all), making someone miss in the open field, following blockers, catching the ball out of the back-field. He sucked at all those things and didn't make the defense honest because we was a one-trick pony. I don't even know what the trick was but it's over now. If he was good enough to stay in on obvious passing downs and make something happen out of nothing he would've helped the offensive line who couldn't have gotten this bad over 1 year. Jones did everything "just good enough" and it's sad that the fans didn't appreciate that at the time. Guy was running for the most yards of any back since Walter and everyone said it was the Line. Now, he's not here and everyone is blaming the line. You guys don't know much about a match made in heaven do you? I think it's silly because some of us did defend Jones when others were clamoring for Benson. We were told a bunch of negative things about that assessment and now we look like Nastradomus or whatever his name is. Some of you guys don't really know what's going on in sports. You want RBs to be great right out the box and you hold up someone's college career as a barometer as to what he's going to be like. Heart has no indicator. And Benson had no heart. You guys don't accept adding things up and resulting in a win and being happy about that. Someone has to come in here and remind of someone you liked from the past and then they are considered "good enough". Hey, no one will be like Walter EVER again. And the guy with the closest results of him this side of the UNDERAPPRECIATED Neal Anderson is in New York trying to match up with a team that's worst than ours. And with Peterson, I'll take his "just enough" results and back that up with support much better than those guys who defend Benson on what he did in Texas 3 years ago. I think he'll do enough to get us back into contention. Screw the draft. We don't do enough with our #1 to even worry about which position to draft. Who cares. We do better in the lower rounds. I just hope that Wolfe can be 80% of A Warrick Dunne. If he is then I'm happy. He can't break many tackles so he better make them miss. See ya,Ced. GO BEARS!!!

This is the same offensive line that Thomas Jones ran just fine behind. Half of them were pro-bowlers, and NOW they all suck? Not buying it. We just didnt give TJ the credit he deserved. Man came to work every day - didn't disappoint and what did he get for it? Jones was just like Griese, good and efficient but not great. The catch is, good is all the Bears needed last year and this year to compliment their GREAT Defense and Special Teams.

Bears are looking for GREAT and rightfully so, but they seem to not know what GREAT is. Because Grossman and Benson are not even GOOD players. And Turner is not good. And Archuletta is so bad I saw a play happening ON TOP OF HIM last week! He was laying flat on his back while a bears player was tackling someone. I almost died laughing. Bears do need to look for GREATNESS, but the time was not this year. This year and the last few years, we have needed a veteran QB to compliment our D. That would have given us the BEST chance to win. You bring in the Bensons and Grossmans when the SEASON is over. That is why I was in favor of Grossman at QB NOW - because frankly I just didnt see us winning another game and that is when you trot out your hopefuls. You send in the clowns. But like the song goes..."there already here".

O-line is to blame for Benson's performance. More than half the snaps if you look closely (whatch the next game) our O-line gets pushed 2-3 yards behind the line of scrimage. Also there is no holes for the backs our O-line fills up any open gaps for the defense. So what can Benson or any other RB do other than dance and fall? Like I say watch Benson explode on any other team.... he wasn't considered top ten draft pick by the scouts for no reason.

Playcalling is horrible also.
(play calling prediction)
Peterson for a run (1-2 yards).
Pass to McKie (3 yards)
Grossman gets sacked - fumbles TD for the Giants.

I hope now we could get Garrett Wolfe in the open field a little more. Yeah, he's tiny, but in the open field it's like trying to catch a field mouse. Send the Bears some old 49er tapes that show how they got Roger Craig open in the middle and on the wings consistently. I guarantee you Roman, this kid can break em'.

As for the 'O' line, nothing we can do about them at this point. My hope for the last year and a half has been more shotgun and a little more spread on the 'O', but that's like pulling teeth when it comes to 'Stone Age Turner'. Doesn't this clown see how effective it was for fifteen or so minutes Sunday. What a mule?

Anyway, let's see how many tricks Devin has left in his bag, and if good fortune can follow us around a little longer, say at least five more weeks!

Sorry, Keith, I'm not buying your logic. One only has to look at Denver to see that they can put virtually any running back behind that line and he will do well. But you can't say the same about our line. Even Thomas Jones, as IDC pointed out, struggled behind this line for a few years. Benson struggled behind them and in the Denver game, AP struggled behind it. It's not the same line as last year -- it's one year older and one year in the NFL might equal 7 years in a normal person's life because of the pounding players take. This is not the same line as last year. The personnel may be the same, but the performance is not.

Keith, I have to disagree with you. This is NOT the same line Jones ran behind last year. First of all, everyone's a year older, and at their age a year can make a big difference. Second, Brown played hurt for most of the year and one bad link in the chain is crucial. Third, Kruetz and Miller are NOT HAVING GOOD YEARS. I don't know what their problems may be but they are in continuous retreat on pass blocking and have no push whatsoever on run blocking. Last year was a tad better. I think the main overall factor though is teams are loading the box and daring the Bears to throw. Griese hasn't the arm to consistently beat you down field and Rex hasn't the time or decision making abilities to do it either so the 'chance factor' is totally favoring the defense. Spread, quick slants, and usage of the tight ends and BACKS over the middle limits this strategy. Now all we need is Aesop to chisel it into Mr. Rons' stone tablet.

I lived in NY during the Joe Morris era. At first the experts all opined that he was too small to play. He silenced that criticism by using his size to his advantage. It was hard to hit him when the defense couldn't find him. I think Wolfe has a lot of Morris' attributes - great open field skills - speed and elusive moves.

With the talented pass rushers the Giants have, it could get ugly this week. I hope Rex has his head on a swivel because he could get hurt this week.

Well Well Well...are ya all ready to learn the words to "Without RexandCed" yet?...

Juan...ummm Grossman?... not a big guy...but I LOVE your idea of turning him into a lead blocker...LOVE IT, LMAO...on every play...you know not what you say...but you definitely want what's best for DaBears, lol..

Navarro....Wolfe and Roger Craig?....Roger Craig was 6' and 225lbs...that's a big a$$ field mouse..But..Same size as Jarrett Payton, though

Yep...my mind is made up

Michael Turner/Julius Jones..lol..(trade Benson for him)
Adrian Peterson
Jarrett Payton

3 "experienced" RB's who can run, block, and catch....from day one....just plug em in....anytime....and also.. Peterson and Payton...great problem to have on Special Teams

That's who I want to see in camp

1) I repeat, it is ironic that the same people clamoring for the return of Thomas Jones ignore the fact that Benson WAS Thomas Jones in Arizona. The stats are similar, the controversies are similar (Pittman v. Jones).

I'm not ready to call a back who has started all of a half season behind a creeky line and flanked by other underachievers a bust, simply because he got off to a slow start.

The whole offense stinks, not just Benson. And in case you haven't noticed, TJ isn't exactly lightiing it up in New Jersey, where he finds himself in the third controversy of his career with Leon Washington.

2) I like Adrian Peterson a lot. He is the type of back every team could use -- excellent on special teams, effective in spot duty and easy to manage.

The odds that he is an every-down back, however, are quite slim given his track record.

Remember that AP pre-dates TJ. He has had his own history of injury problems when given the chance to play (see Brock Forsey) and has never really carried the ball very much. I'm afraid we will soon see why he was the third guy for most of his career.

3) Garrett Wolfe is no Joe Morris. Morris was about 200 lbs during an era when most DT were 285 and most LBs were around 210.

Wolfe is listed at about 180, and I don't even think he is that big. In the open field, he could be deadly, but in every game he's played this season, he gets stopped as soon as anyone hits him.

I thought the pick was questionable to begin with, and I really think it was a mistake now.

3) The team should seriously consider signing Jarrett Payton.

He's in town. He's healthy. He did fairly well in Canada. He would give an emotional spark to the team.

Oh. . . he would also keep the team from going into their next game with Jason McKie as their third option behind the Flintstone kid.

I know he struggled before, but he could have improved. Besides. . . are there any better options?

ldc....Jarrett has a broken hand right now...

GARRETT WOLF could be the man in Chicago. He led the nation in rushing last year in college and he is fast, yes he is small but so is Sproles from San Diego. And he does a good job in the return game and as a 2nd or 3rd back there. I think you let him run and give it to Peterson on shorter yardage situations.

Oh . . . Thought that healed.

But given our situation, even Payton with a bum hand is better than the scum out there, especially if it is close to 100 percent.

Dillion ain't coming, and I have no desire to go on a Stephen Davis boat trip

You can't trade your way into the playoffs unless you're the New England Patriots. We're just going to have to improve on what we've got.

Thomas Jones is now on the Jets and is averaging 3.7, 69.4 YPG with a longest run of 36 and 0 TD's, pretty weak. I hope Adrian Peterson can get the ball enough to get into the flow of the game. at least the offense will not be so predictable with him on the field the majority of the time. most of the reasons for Benson's bad year have already been covered. bad blocking - how many times have I seen the opposing defense behind the line of scrimmage after the ball was snapped, predictable play calling - I don't even know half as much about offensive plays as most of the people on this board, but I could tell what the Bears are going to do almost every down, lack of commitment to the run - face it Ron Turner wants to be a head coach, offensive coordinators don't get credit for a great running game, the Bears seem to be better at shutting down their running back then they are shutting down the opponents - give Benson a couple of carries then take him out, give Benson a couple of carries then take him out,..... no wonder the guys a head case. lets face it the Bears are a terrible team for drafting and developing offensive talent. why draft a superstar college running back who needs the ball 25 times a game if you are not going to use him? players need the support of the team, the coaches and the fans along with the opportunity to succeed to do what they do best. is he a bust? on this team this year it's hard to say. so far all Benson has shown is that he is injury prone. I would give him an INC.

Keith I support your assessment 100%. Actually it's the same argument I made and you better cut that out before someone accuse us of being the same guy. I think what people don't understand is that we think that the o-line isn't as good as before mainly because Benson didn't help them out with his inability to be an all-around back. The announcers were counting 8 men on the line before the snap most of the time. Now I went to public school but with 5 O-linemen and even a TE and a FB that leaves a man free and there isn't a line in the world that can operate with one on one matchups on every play like this line has to. Just about every play a guy should be getting help or giving another guy help. This line is older sure, but it didn't help that Benson was under average. Plus he was soft in his center and no back should be pudgy unless he's a FB. Also, no one changed the gameplan after Benson was hurt. Why change it mid-game. So Peterson suffered because Ron Turner is stubborn to a fault.( No way will he ever be a head coach in the NFL) Peterson will be better prepared because he knows that he's the guy,right now. And someone needs to kill that argument about giving Benson more carries and he'll wear defenses down. They already showed how he actually averaged worse after so many attempts. Fact of the matter is that he was not hungry( unless you're talking about Old Country Buffet) and wasn't disciplined to get better. Silver-platter and nothing earned, it was just given. His mind was off somewhere else doing whatever most of the time. And anyone who thinks that a guy who didn't get better while he was healthy will make leaps and strides now that he has to play catch up again because he's hurt. Face it you want to keep up that Chicago attitude of thinking that a guy leaves here and get better ALL the time when really they don't. There have been way more guys who left and didn't even suit up for another team. Think of this: No #1 pick RB who failed with the BEARS ever played for another team. Especially no more than sparingly. Where has it happened? He's not Bruce Sutter, Dennis Eckersly, Jim Harbaugh or any guy that was good here and better somewhere else. He's Dave Kingman. 'Nuff Said, or is it 'Nuff Ced. GO BEARS!!

And You can not give a # 1 Pick RB and INC when he isn't near where he should be in his 3rd year. If he was a rookie, yeah, but he can't stay on the field or wreck havok when he is. He can't even be compared with someone like Mike Brown because Brown has a body of work you can hold up. With Benson it's what he did in college or the one guy who said that breaking Seau's arm was tantamount to him being some kind of beast. Hey don't you know that Seau is close to fourty and it's easier to break something at his age. Now if he broke some young guy's arm:sign me up to his fan-club.

I feel bad that Benson got hurt but it was fortunate for the Team because Lovie was too stupid to bench him or cut him. Sometimes it's destiny that an injury happens and benefits a team. Look at the Patriots, would they have 3 Superbowl rings if Bledsoe had not gotten hurt and Tom Brady got his chance? The Bears will be fine with AP and Wolfe. The reason Thomas Jones did well behind the O-Line was because he ran hard, something which Benson can't and won't do. AP will run hard on every down, is a good blocker, can catch the ball out of the backfield and can actually break tackles. Wolfe is quick, can catch the ball and is durable. He can contribute if he gets more than one carry a game. As far as the draft, the Bears need to draft a running back but it doesn't need to be a first rounder. It just needs to be someone who will run hard and do the basics well. Look at Marion Barber with the Cowboys. He's 6'(probably closer to 5'10") weighs 220, had average 40 times at the combine and was picked in the 4th round. He is averaging 4.9 yards a carry, it's documented that he breaks more tackles than anyone in the NFL, he cannot be brought down by one defensive player and is a touchdown machine near the goal line. So he's about the same size as Benson, slower, played at a non-footbal power(Minnesota) and was picked THREE rounds later and is a star. Is there any Bears fan or Team in the league who would take Benson over Marion Barber? Of course not!! The difference between the two is Barber is all heart and Benson is the Tin Man, he needs to find a heart! Besides the chances of the Bear's talent scouts finding the next great running back is almost nil. They don't know talent, they just get lucky sometimes. i.e (Urlacher, Hester, Briggs, etc.). Just have them focus on getting someone who runs hards. Besides the real problem with the Bear's running game starts at the top. Lovie is an idiot. He hires bad asst. coaches(Turner,Babich), the defense has been destroyed by Lovie and Angelo trading good players(Chris Harris), signing non-football players(Archuleta), bad drafting(Danieal Manning, Benson) and generally inept coaching. Example the Bears can't figure out how to get the ball in Hester's hands on offense. Think the Patriots, Packers, Cowboys, Chargers, Steelers, Colts or even the Browns would have trouble doing that? So the bottom line is the same as it always is: The Bears suck as an organization and in their long history have had only two good coaches, Halas and Ditka. Oh well, I'm still a fan........probably for the same reason I'm still a Cub's fan.

I undestand alot of people say bench grossman and benson because they are not performing. The defense is not what is was last year, they have given up thirty points or more five times this year. Urlacher was hurt with a bad back, Lance Briggs sat out all of the preseason, Archuletta is playing his first year under this new sheme, Dvoracek and Brown Mike were lost at the beginning of the season, Ruben Brown is on the injured reserve, Thomas Jones in now a Jet, Ian Scott is an Eagle and Tank Johnson is now a Cowboy. They have stopped teams several time in the last few week short of the end zone and made them settle for a field goal. The defense is starting to pull together (not all the time yet) and giving the offense a chance to win the game. This is a team that was struggling to find its identity and I think they may have found it.
How many of you so called Bear fans wake up every morning and drink your glass of haterade for Grossman. Brian Grises threw four interceptions against detroit (and he has been in the league for ten years) and we did not hear as many callings for him to be bench as when grossman threw six in his first three games. Did anyone see the drive grossman took the bears on to tie the game or to set up the field goal in ovetime? How about the touchdown he threw to Olsen in the end zone that was called back for holding. Did you see the fifety yard touchdown pass to Bernard Berrian against Oakland? Has anyone noticed that he has thrown for 601 yard in the last nine quarters he played in (two starts and the Oakland fourth courter) with two wins and one loss by seven points? Seattle is set to win their division and if the bears make the playoffs again like last year it will be again thanks to Rex Grossmans arm (not Grieses'), an average running game, a great returner in Devin Hester and a defense that was down on one need but beginning to stand up and make a fight.
If they make the playoffs, make sure to refill your haterade cup all of you so call die hard bear fans ;-)

ONE THING THAT WILL COME FROM THE ABSENCE OF BENSON, is a true test to see if this O-line is as bad, or as old as we think. I have my doubts! I fault Ced!

Half of RexCedrine went down and the Bears win. I believe that the Bears line is better than we think. And we shall see!!!

Anthony:

Saying you'd like to see Garrett Wolfe in the open is wishful thinking. We've been clamoring for that on this blog for weeks. But our great wannabe offensive coordinator genius can't seem to figure out how to get Wolfe or Hester in the open field. That's like hoping Wrecks doesn't fumble or throw any interceptions -- aint gonna happen.

Karl:

"lets face it the Bears are a terrible team for drafting and developing offensive talent. why draft a superstar college running back who needs the ball 25 times a game if you are not going to use him?"

I totally agree that jobbing for draft gold would be a bad move for the Bears. Why draft high when we just got through chewing out Cedric Benson, who was drafted fourth overall just out of college?

Numbers and statistics mean nothing. When Rex Grossman gets behind center, the whole team comes alive; Urlacher, Briggs, Hillenmeyer, Tillman, Kreutz; the whole atmosphere on the field becomes more intense. Now that I think about that overtime win against Seattle, I'm reminded of Griese's famous "Drive" in which his head piece mysteriously malfunctioned.

The difference between Grossman and Griese is that you won't see Grossman jump onto a table at a press conference after a game and start screaming, "That drive was all me! Who's the man? I'm the man! I am sooo hot right now!". The only QBs in this league who have the right to do that now are guys like, Romo, Hasslebeck, Mcnabb, Favre, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady(seriously, 10-0), and you'll never see them do that. Grossman is not emotional, not over-apologetic, but focused and dedicated.

Sunday...Cold, Rainy, and Windy

This shouldn't matter...lol....but it does

It used to be home field advantage...

Seedy Backslash:

O.K., I'm wishing. Damn right. What else can you do when you have to consistently watch Woody Hayes, I mean Ron Turner, run your offense like a plodding fullback on a muddy field. Really though, I hope he gets off his high aged horse and devises some NEW plays for his NEW back-up. I know that's reaching a bit, (OK, A LOT), but geez, we're still in it and now's not the time to wear blinders, old horse or not. Gotta go though. There's a wishing well at the zoo and I need to pick up a roll of quarters.

Im with Seedy and Guns on this one.

Benson was solid. Just a head case. No need to kick a dead horse. I think He shouldnt have ever held out, that was his BIGGEST MISTAKE. T2J had just as much to do with us getting to the superbowl as Rex did, but Angelo backed his Pick (bad call in retrospect, but I have to imagine that T2J had some culpability in the ClubHouse Friction too. Why couldnt they get along. This league is full of TWO BACK SYSTEMS. That was a mistake. No question. It doesnt have to be an either or situation. Although...Hitman...how do we settle the bet?? Now that Ced is out? do we take the stat lines up till now?

Who wins? 2 Week no bloggin?? can you handle??

Ced
2007 Year to Date 11 196att 674yds 61.3avg 3.4per 4TDs 3fmbls

T2J
2007 Year to Date 11 207rushing att 763yds 69.4avg 3.7per car 0TDs 1 fmble

I think Ced would get the Nod in Fantasy Points!!

Im surprised no Taylor discussion....

I know he is not a bear or a chicago guy, but, it is interesting considering some of our recent dialogues about the....ability for

Superstar Athletes who can and/or cant seperate themselves from rough pasts or unsavory acquaintances.

I guess the latest word is...(according to his child hood friend antrelle rolle) he had tried to disconnect from some of his old buddies who were into some bad stuff, and they got jealous and put a hit out on him.

my question is.....why on earth would you stay in your house a week after someone broke in and left a knife on your pillow? and how can the cops say its RANDOM??? Thats insane.

Also..rumors are swirling that it coulda been a jilted lover of his...just rumors....but..you know how i like to break a story!!!

and..let me add...its a super sad story at that...whatever the outcome is. He didnt deserve to go out like that. No one does.

It's amazing as to how many Monday morning quarterbacks out there no more than the Bear coaching staff. All year(weekly) we hear about how poorly Benson and Grossman have performed and how could the Bear management have pinned these guys as our future.Well guess what....the issue here is more about how fast this OL has aged and been completely out coached. Turner has got to be the easiest OC to scout. His game plan very much like his brother in SD are so predictable.Norv Turner,Ron Turner,Ike Turner it's all the same..Run left, run right, play action 3rd and long...As far as our OL...these guys came out of the same draft as Testeverde.Remember in camp this summer the buzz was about how Benson was running over people...OL nicknamed him Sonic for his relentless power drives in practice.These guys simply are too old to carry the load.Petterson doesn'y have a chance.
The problem here is much bigger than Benson and Grossman, and with a complete overhaul coming beginning with the OL..we are again 5 years away from being 5 years away

I knew the Bears were in trouble, when just shortly after they drafted Benson, he started to cry in an interveiw. The guy has no heart. In forty years of watching NFL games, I've never seen a back go down so easily on first contact.

Frank:

"Norv Turner, Ron Turner, Ike Turner it's all the same" ??? Are you kidding me? Ike had Tina Turner. I'd let her keep my big wheels a turning.

Re Norv and Ron, I don't think they know wheels can turn. In fact, they seem to try to recreate it each week.

lol culzie, TJ is better than Benson....Jets are 2-9 w/a rookie QB....this was Ced's last year in the league, man..ie..unless DaBears keep him around..just like it's Rex's last year on the field..ie..unless DaBears keep him around...how nice

honestly..Taylor's death wasn't a random thing..I feel for his family and friends...very surprised he didn't have a security system..dogs..fire arms...weird to me...very weird, actually

It's the ones who know ya that can @#$% ya...hope they catch em

speaking of fantasy football...AP is going for me this week...picked him up while Ced was on the cart, lol
**singing Without RexandCed**

Now I have to look at those stupid, sexist cheerleader pictures online too? You've got to be kidding me! I think it was Sweeney who asked the poignant question, "Who's in charge over there?" Really, the daily cheerleader pictures in the paper are bad enough. I mean, every day? How about once a week. Just my opinion, albeit a female opinion, but it just seems like cheerleader overload at this point. The Bears don't even have cheerleaders anymore. Hey, whatever happened to the Honey Bears?

Oh, and blah blah blah, Ced Benson.

I got an idea for the offensive coordinator who cant seem to get Hester in open space. Look at the Patriots film and watch the masters use a player like Welker. He doesn't have half the talent that Hester has and they are making him a pro bowl player this year.

You know what? I did feel kinda sorry for Benson as he was carted off the field. There was this weird reaction from the crowd, no acknowledgement,just a few claps from a few people. Sure Benson is having a bad season but the O line has not blocked well. But even when they did block okay, It seems Benson couldn't make that one guy miss to spring a big play. But I don't blame him or the Oline. I blame Coaches and management. People keep bringing up the O line's age but you forget, Offensive lineman usually play well into their 30s and sometimes 40s. So I don't buy that at all. What I do think that trading Thomas Jones did more damage to the Bears running game than people realize. I'm not saying that Jones is that much better than benson, because he really wasn't. But he could pick up the Blitz a lot better, and he ran a bit better in the open field. But most of all, the offensive line loved the guy. Chemistry is a crazy thing. It can make or break a team. Management outsmarted themselves this past offseason by making these "subtle" changes, and all they really did was destroy the team's chemistry. If Jones had 1 year left on his contract then they should've let him play it out (If they were just going to let him go anyway). Besides, Benson ran with a heck of a lot more fire when the job wasn't handed to him. On Defense trading Chris Harris was one of the worse mistakes the Bears could've made. For some reason, I knew they were trying to get rid of him too. Lovie just didn't seem to trust him that much. I'll tell you one thing, He having a heck of a season in Carolina. Much better than Archeleta (or however you spell his name!) To me, it might've been better if the Bears came into the season with the same squad it had last year. I know you make some changes in personel, and hindsight is 20x20, but it seems like the people they chose to let go were critical.

Jermaine:

Like you I believe the focus of a lot of the post-season head scratching will be about the personnel decisions made by the Bears, including:

The trade of Thomas Jones. Okay, so Angelo said Benson and Jones couldn't get along in the locker room. Big deal. I'm sure every team has those issues.

The trade of Chris Harris. Archuleta was a disaster. It appeared that the Bears got a "pet" of Lovie's to replace a hard hitting SS who it seemed everyone liked.

Promotion of Mark Anderson. This was a bad move on many levels. How do you replace Brown who was a Pro Bowl alternate with a "specialty" player. Incredibly short sighted no matter how many sacks Anderson had as a rookie.

No changes to the O-line. How do you on one hand demote a Pro Bowl alternate without any competition on the defensive line, but make no changes to an aging offensive line? Sure, the o-line played well in 2006, but that was last year. Look at the Patriots. They lost the AFC Championship game and immediately upgraded at key positions. We didn't do much upgrading -- if any at all.

Off Season Escapades of Briggs. Enough said.

A lot of the season the Bears seemed flat and unprepared. That tends to happen when a good team is scratching its collective head over trades/decisions that allegedly were made to improve the team, but in reality only weakened it. Players start to wonder why they are putting in the effort, when the coaches and management seem to be playing favorites.

Oh well, we'll have a long offseason to ponder this.

Btw, Julie B. if Roman gets the Sun-Times to run pictures of male cheerleaders, you know, one male cheerleader picture for every 50 female cheerleader pictures, will that suffice?

Great post Jermaine. I agree! LOL Jewels! Cant have those honey bears around Urlacher!

Jermaine, its funny, how your name is kind of also...how you talk...”its very GERMANE”.

You speak very Matter of Factly..and you make a lot of sense in a short amount of time.

Its almost like you are my intellect without the insane passion.

ger·mane (jər-mān')
adj. Being both pertinent and fitting.

See Synonyms at relevant.

Hitman..

Since debating which stat is most critical....Avg.Yards vs. Touchdowns...Total yards vs. Fumbles...Team Records vs. Rookie QB's....etc..etc..is FUTILE.

Lets use a measuring system we both feel comfortable with...

FANTASY POINTS?

So...using CBSsportsline scoring system....

TO DATE:(since we have to call the bet now, since Ced is out for rest of season).

T2J has = 83.0 pts (Is Currently 2th of ALL RBS's in the league)
CED has = 91.0 pts (Is currently 20th of ALL RB's in the League)

I win!

Talk to you in two weeks Buddy!!! IF you were to Man Up, you would take today to say your parting words, and then step aside!!!

Dont pull a Keith and try to sneek out of some loophole...

It's funny how Chris Harris' name is up there with Jones as missed players on this team. I could've sworn that last year guys were crucifying him almost as bad as Archuleta is getting it now. When we signed him a lot of guys said that it was a great signing. Typical. Kicking one guy after a few mistakes and praising another before he ever wear that "C" on his helmet. Now Harris is so missed. I wish I can say that I almost threw up in my mouth but I'd just be making fun of someone else's remarks. Some of you guys are classic blowhards and I truly think that karma is kicking us in the butt because of the snarky and priviledged attitude that a lot of these fans carry around with them. Those Saints fans last year were treated like doggie-doo and just about everyone who gave their two cents on the matter shamed us even more. We sat there at acted like getting to the big show didn't require hard work and that we were losers if we didn't win it all. We acted like it all was a given to be successful. Now we're fighting for the right to even make the playoffs and those same fans are dumping on their "beloved" BEARS. Rex was getting the crap long before he started to play in the manner that was crappy. He's worse at home because this crowd at home is too demanding. Hell, the whole team sucks at home because these fans refuse to support anyone unless their name is Urlacher or Hester. Maybe the reason that this team is failing all over the place is because no one supports you when they should. Maybe some guy playing right now will be missed next year and what he's doing will be something you should've supported all along. I'm not talking about the blog guys because I doubt there is anyone who plays or coaches any sports in this town who read these blogs. My statement is for the guy with the tickets who boo because he's just taking whatever life is dishing to him and shoveling it on someone who's in the limelight. Spectator sports are the only place in public where you can go and boo someone else. Movie theater? No. Opera? No. Blue Man Group? No.The play Wicked? No. CTA? Even when they run late you don't boo them when they show up. Traffic Court? Hell,No!! And who doesn't want to boo a judge for making them pay a $200 fine? See a pattern? Maybe you guys should be like Earl and make a list that you'll use to make amends to the people you've wronged. Maybe that'll help our karma. GO BEARS!!

Quoth Keylan:
"The difference between Grossman and Griese is that you won't see Grossman jump onto a table at a press conference after a game and start screaming, "That drive was all me! Who's the man? I'm the man! I am sooo hot right now!"."

Of course not. That would require Rex to have actually led a game-winning 97-yard drive.

I'm not a Griese fan, and Rex had a couple good moments in the Oakland game, but I see nothing to change my opinion of either. Griese gives you the better chance to win in that he gives you a decreased likelihood of losing.

Good lord. One longball actually goes into the hands of a Bear for a change (AGAINST OAKLAND?) and all of a sudden Sexy Rexy is back? Devin Hester singlehandedly defeats Denver and suddenly Rex's miraculously-newfound inability to blow it means he's BMOC again?

Okay, because it's the Bears, we're not getting an overhaul of the offense...say...EVER, but is it not fairly safe to assert that whole side of the field is in dire need of repair, and that it's going to take a lot of improvement from all parties to declare it repaired?

Hey BCOOLZ....lol, I'm sorry... that's funny ..bcoolz .....its fun to say...

But you lose the 'My TJ Your Robert freaking Guillaume' Challenge....simply...if you look this year at the games where TJ got 25-30 carries....Well over 4.0 ypc ..I win ..and no, Guillaume is not better than TJ in FF ..my boy from Big Stone Gap, VA is still on the field ...and about to light up the Dolphins this Sunday ...I win..

Can't believe you wanted me to stop blogging for 2 weeks if you won....I won ...I just want say, "ha freaking ha...4th pick..derdeederderder...I win;)~"

FF Update..my RB's..M. Lynch..K. Jones ..C. Taylor, "our" AP, TJ, and Ryan Grant...Rollin with Taylor and AP this week

This is a RB Thread...

Time to focus our attention on Adrian Peterson...of the Chicago Petersons....whose wife isn't missing..

I enjoyed the snow today..

And C I myself didn't want to get into any discussions about Taylor because with a lot of unknowns you basically fall into a guessing game. The saddest thing about the situation, aside from the fact that a young man lost his life,is the fact that some people did speculate about men who can't leave the hoodlife in the past. One writer asked "who keeps a machete" for protection"? Well a guy who had a past situation with waving a gun who wasn't allowed to have a gun for one. Plus someone who was burglarized a few days ago is wont to have anything for some type of protection. Not many writers actually came out and said it was probably a robbery gone bad. It's also a shame that when a guy actually does leave the hood in the rear-view he's victimized anyway. Then when they end up on television with their mother just days after they are robbed and held at gun-point some people actually come out and ask what kind of man shows up with his mother at a news conference and is he a man. I guess it was expected that he would show up with his "posse" and with some kind of spectacle challenge someone to try that again. Maybe his mother wanted the next hooligans to realize that these guys weren't hatched and that they are someone's son, husband, uncle or brother. When you put a human face to tragedy it makes it all the more sad. With guys like Taylor getting killed in their own home and then the media and fans wondering if he brought it on himself it's a freaking tragedy that sounds like it was written by Shakespeare or Donald Goines. With the evidence proving that it was a robbery committed by passing acquantices who thought that no one was home can we all now put to rest that his situation is no different than him being an innocent victim? Can he now rest in peace?

Nice try Seedy, but let's face it, no one wants to see male cheerleaders! The Sun-Times would fold on the spot for sure if they ever ran a picture of a male cheerleader. It's not the cheerleader pictures I object to per se, it's the frequency with which they are run. Literally every single day in the paper. And then out of the blue there's now cheerleader pictures online. Ever hear of OVERKILL??? Now a nice beefy picture of Tom Brady every once in a while might balance things out a little. I'm not the only chick who reads the sports page you know.

Anyone know if this freezing rain is supposed to stop before 3:15? Those plastic ponchos are so unflattering!!!!!

Darryl M.

You starting to sound like MG dawg. Leave it alone. Chances are Rex won't be back here anyway no matter how it ends. Besides I don't think anyone was actually talking about Rex being the "hero" of the last game anyway. His play in the game is a direct reflection of his career as a Bear. Up and down. Me, Im just happy his "up" was during the critical point of the game. Also its a bit of a stretch to say Devin won the game by himself, did you see that 2nd return. Not a sole laid a hand on him. He didn't have to make any cuts just a straight run and a little hop over the kicker. Thats it. Team effort.

I think Grossman will be back. He has no inflated ego and he may not get a contract that he likes somewhere else. Really, there is no harm in bringing him back unless they break the bank to do so. Who else would they sign and who else can they draft? Bringing back all three of them isn't exactly like bringing Jones back to help Benson. Unless Griese gets P.Oed about his chances there isn't any reason those three shouldn't duke it out next year. But they would have to win it outright. Fairly and squarely. Unless they trade up and get a true stud and show patience for his ups and downs they really need all those guys back. With the stabile contracts that Lovie and Angelo has that is really what they should do. GO BEARS!!

Cut Griese...let Orton and Rex should compete...Draft someone in the late rounds...that may be a diamond in the Brady Patch.....and maybe bring in a Derek Anderson or a Garcia or someone, but not Griese.....and...how come no one is talking about trading for Brady Quinn??

Did my Gutless Turd comment get deleted? its from Breakfast Club???

Well...anyways....

If you dont want to honor your bet....Hitless...

then...I will just skim/skip your posts for two Weeks....but then...what else is new!!

Isn't Brady Quinn tossing out SUBWAYs on Sunday?

Well....he may be tossing out Subways...(which is pretty funny actually)....but at least he is not underthrowing them!!

Now that the season is over, are all of those AP fans still around? Didn't he average the same yds per carry? Didn't Wolfe struggle? Weren't all the QBs terrible? How about the coaching...awful. Now if you think Benson is the problem, you don't know football. They MUST beef up the o-line and get a QB to take pressure off of the run game!! It's football 101. Their offense sucks!

Benson is cut and no one has picked him up. The Bears signed Jones from the Lions good for them. Angelo NO1 pick is hurt as always. Bears finish 3 -13