Stu is out doing what he does, so you guys are stuck with me again for the next five days. Getcha popcorn (and pitchforks!) ready.
You'll have to excuse me if I don't think Saturday's offense explosion by the Bears is the best thing I've seen in the post-MJ days of Chicago sports. Because it seems like lots of people feel that way. For me, it's nearly impossible to put even an ounce of stock in the preseason. Remember how bad Jay Cutler was in the first game? Now think about how great he was on Saturday. I'm not sure if either performance really taught us anything. We know Cutler has enormous talent, and we know he'll probably throw a fair amount of interceptions. That's about it. I think last year's Lions - who finished the fake season 4-0 and the real season 0-16 - gave the world a stern warning: Do not trust the preseason. It tends to lie.
With that being said....
HOLY HELL WAS THAT AWESOME.
Remember the old Chicago Rush (R.I.P.) commercial that showed a scoring montage while the announcer said "touchdown, touchdown, touchdown....Chicago Rush"? I'm pretty sure the Bears will be able to steal that marketing campaign in 2010. Because the offense this season is going to be very good. I'm setting the bar at "the best Bears offense I've ever seen" (I was born in 1987), and I do not think I'll be disappointed.
The offensive line is good. The tight ends are good. The running back is insane. The receivers won't be as bad as you think. And the quarterback...
I can go on all day about Jay Cutler's arm strength, accuracy, and mobility. His physical gifts are unlike any quarterback the Bears have ever given us. He is fully capable of making any throw on a football field. He can lead this team to fourth quarter comeback victories. He can win MVPs. He can win Super Bowls. With an 's' at the end. Multiple.
On his final drive, Cutler rolled out inside the team's 10-yard line, flicked his wrist, and launched the ball down the field to a wide open Devin Hester. While that ball was sailing through the air, I was thinking about Craig Krenzel. And Jonathan Quinn. And Kordell Stewart. None of them could have made that throw. No Bears quarterback I've ever seen could have made that throw. Henry Burris probably would have tried to do it with his eyes shut. Shane Matthews would have underthrown it by 20 yards. Rex Grossman probably would have just tripped on his untied shoe lace and accidentally given himself a bloody nose.
Hester screwed up and the pass fell incomplete, but it was still a sight to see. Jay Cutler is for real, people. Treasure him.
If that exact play happens Week 1 against the Packers, I'm probably throwing my remote through the TV. I love Hester, but in the real season, he can not blow that. That was six. But while Hester still has a ways to go, I believe he's going to be rather solid this season.
Take a look at his stats from last year: 51 catches, 665 yards. Consider it was the first time he ever played the position. Consider all the times Orton overthrew or underthrew him by 10 yards. Consider who's throwing him the rock now. Devin Hester is far from perfect, but I would be shocked if he doesn't finish this year with close to 1,000 yards receiving.
It's not like he's Cutler's only option either. Greg Olsen has a chance to be one of the best tight ends in the league. Des Clark is still as solid as ever. Earl Bennett will keep those chains moving. He'll remind you of Bobby Engram. And, oh yeah, Forte isn't a bad receiver, either.
Saturday's preseason game didn't teach us these things, it only reinforced them. This offense has the highest ceiling we've ever seen. Its potential is tremendous.
I feel like this city's sports identity has always been tied to defense. The way you people talk about the '85 Bears, I'm pretty sure King Kong and Paul Bunyan were starters on that team. Hell, defense was even the trademark of the Jordan-led Bulls.
But here's a little secret: defense....it's really not that cool. Important, sure. But not as much fun. I like lots and lots of scoring. Touchdowns. Touchdown dances. Offense is just so much more aesthetically pleasing.
Get used to it Chicago: in 2009, the Bears should actually have one.
Ricky O'Donnell is the designated pinch-hitter at FCP. Contact him at richardpodonnell@gmail.com.
Ricky, that was a great article and I loved that you started it with the intelligent guarded ideas about preseason. Nice job.
I agree wholeheartedly. I watched the football channel's re-broadcast as I don't get to see many live Bears' preseason games in the Seattle area. This performance does support those "tingling" feelings (thanks Culzie) that I had when I first saw the trade come through ESPN on a big screen in a ritzy casino bar having coffee while my wife and I were on what was supposed to be a "romantic" day trip on the Pacific Coast. Ah, I'm afraid romance took a backseat for about an hour as I sat absolutely with my bottom lip nearly touching the floor. I knew from the core of my being that the Bears had just acquired a talent we had never seen at the position. My lovely wife didn't get the reaction, but well...
The offense looked 'pretty good' but why is it such a huge deal? People already forget that, while he had some (really) bad games, Rex Grossman had some great games, especially the year they went to the SB. That offense the first half of the season was one of the best in football. Similarly Kyle Orton had some good games last year,at least before he hurt his ankle, certainly good enough games to give us a chance to win (the defense was another story).
The offense will most likely be more consistent then before but may or may not be stellar. The defense, and the defensive line in particular is what should be watched closely.
I keep seeing Chris O'Donnell in "Robin's suit"! And Ricky saying "Gee Willikers Batman"! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good Article Ricky. I agree with Gig's assessment. But I cannot get that geeked up until I see it happen on the field. ESPECIALLY since our receivers are unproven and its a new system, and Lovie is so conservative.
Anybody heard from Roman?!!! AKA BATMAN???
Great article. Since Chicago has not had a super offense in a while, we have learned to appreciate defense. The 85 Bears taught us that. They scored as much as the offense. Fast forward to present - If we have a legit offense now, our defense can be well rested and better perform. Can't wait to play the Pack and the Vikes!
Buenos Nachos Senor Ricardo; I dropped my Bear comment last night in the Purple Pain section of the blog. Was wondering if you could drag it over to this side of the fence, seeing as I watched the game twice (live and slo-mo) and have a different outlook on this, so-called, irrelavent preseason game.
Hester needs glasses, but probably is afraid to admit it.
It's funny how 1 meaningless preseason game can change the perception in plenty of fans. First of all, keep in mind that the Giants weren't exactly playing ALL their top defensive personnel and kept some key starters out for health precautionary reasons. Fact is, it's good to see the some rhythm and chemistry clicking in the offense for once, but what Cutler showed last Saturday, this is what he was doing in Denver with the arm strength, the accuracy, the mobility, the pocket presence and the ability to throw the football on a rollout. This is not surprising, it's what I expected. I know, it's just good seeing all this finally from a QB in a Bears uniform and that's fine, it's ok to get excited. I just don't want to see another quick shift in doubting Cutler next week again if he doesn't perform as well in the 3rd preseason game or if his comments in a press conference get misconstrued again by a writer/s clearly taking advantage of an athlete's inferior or uncoached communication skills. Believe me, I treasure the gift we received from Denver in Cutler since day 1 when we acquired him, not just from last Saturday. This is Cutler's offense now. If he wants to call out a receiver for not catching a ball or whatever, you know what, let him. If he wants to test out a receiver on the field and see if the guy will actually make an effort to get up and catch a poorly thrown pass, let him. Let Cutler try to light a fire within his receiving corps. We don't have a playmaker among the receivers to say sh*t back anyway, and that includes Hester who looked terrible misjudging that long pass last Saturday night. If anything, I'd like see a little more swagger from the wide receivers who know that he is a star. I think Olsen is getting there, but I'd like to see that more from the WR's. Overall, I agree with Ricky here except for the last couple of comments. Defense still wins championsips, while offense wins the regular season games and fills up the seats. I know Ricky, you're the fantasy football guru so I expect you to prefer the offensive side of the ball, but sorry dude, when it gets into the heart of the home playoff games in the cold and possible snow or ice storms, the Bears better get that defense straightened out and that, my friend, has nothing to do with me mentioning about the '85 Bears relic team which I rarely do.
Welcome back Ricky!
You pretty much covered what I thought about the offense.
I'm pretty sure Hester had an Orton flashback and immediately slowed down to catch the under-thrown ball. I doubt he'll have that issue again. Once he's comfortable with Cutler, I guarantee you next time Hester will not turn off the jets on deep plays.
Among Cutler's many talents, it's his ability to throw on the run, ala a young Brett Favre, which will definitely be utilized over and over in boot leg passing plays.
Bennett and Cutler are starting to bring back the Old Vandi' days.
Forte is a flat out beast. You can not simply arm tackle him and his ability to go from cut/stop back to full speed is awesome!
You have to love both Bear tight ends. Where as Olsen get run any route, including some deep routes, Clark is very serviceable and can definitely be utilized in the passing game. Often times defenses fall asleep on Clark, leaving for wide open 10-15 yard gains.
On to the defense...
Alex Brown has clearly established himself as the Bears best pass rusher.
Tommie Harris is starting to make plays again. His strength is stopping the run.
Urlacher is looking quick, but had one ugly play where Brandon Jacobs 'trucked' him to the turf.
As far as Db's, Vasher is giving way too much cushion to his cover. His best days look to be in the past.
Payne looked decent reading coverages and made one terrific deflection.
Overall a huge improvement from game 1 for the starters.
Ricky, what about Rex's arm strength,accuracy, and mo- oh wait,never mind.......GOOOOOOOOOO REXXXXXXXXXXX...Texas isn't far enough...keep on GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOING.
These are still the same people who give up on routes, tip passes to defenders and can't block. The one of a hundred times they can run straight down the field and get open is not enough to gain any hope
about this offense.
The thing that puzzles me the most is why these people feel they
have to weigh in about your article structure,and thoughts every time
you drop one on us. Are you 12? Are you gonna take your article home
and put it on your fridge because Gig gave you a star? Let's talk
about the subject and not who wrote it. Geez, you been doing this for
how long now? Do they really feel they need to give their approval
before you can post again??
...if only the Giants had the other half of their defense playing
"nothing to see here.....move along"
the D line showed a pulse
I'm kinda getting tired of everybody looking for excuses to bash Grossman. It's not only irrelevant, but also shows a real lack of maturity as a writer.
Keith Lifetime Southsider:
Roman is at ESPN - Chicago now (http://espn.go.com/chicago/)....doing some writing and copy editing......a huge loss for the Suntimes IMHO......
Stuck,
Whatever the line of work, I don't think there's anything wrong with complimenting the job that someone does for a living whether it's a plumber, electrician, accountant, doctor, dentist, athlete, journalist, you name it. I don't find it patronizing as you seem to suggest.
stuckinwisconsin...get a life
5aucy...we like to bash Rex because its fun. You've never made fun of someone...or were you the guy getting made fun of?
I was happy to see Cutler have a good game. Hester? Forget about him. We should never design our offense to run thru him. He is a receiver of limited skills and right now a 2nd or 3rd best receiving option on most plays.
For Cutler to have what will be considered a successful year, this team HAS to make the playoffs -- and go pretty deep into them. The Bears would have made the playoffs last year except for Lovie (think Atlanta game).
Anything short of the playoffs and this year will be another failed year.
That's a lot of pressure on Cutler's shoulders.
I understand that the giants were missing a lot of starters on defense, but the bears offense did what they were supposed to do against back ups. They scored on all their possessions. Something that I'm confident would not have happened with our previous qb's.
Sorry man I like your enthusiasm and I believe some things you say. But this was the second preseason game. Who knows if Aramshadu will be here in a month. Who knows if Hester ever does learn. This is probabaly the best offense you have seen since you were born. Doesn't really say very much. Besides the offense in 06 was probabaly better but that didn't stop you from making some stupid token Rex joke.
Rex is already out with a bad hamstring...no lie...but how?
chasing a fumbled snap?
learning how to punt?
ahh...I got it
punting a fumbled snap
Corrections:
1.)JohnF-Keith knows where Roman is. If you boldly give your opinion
in public to lots of people, than you are not humble. IMHO
becomes redundant(see Bculz).
2.) Hitman- you told us to move along, yet you hung around and showed
a tad of excitement with your brief synopsis of the Dline.
3.) AMN- should I heed your advice and get a life because you are
1 D short of being an administrator? If only you would
have stayed in school to get that last D, you could probably ban me from here right now.
4.)5aucy- we will always be heart broken over Rex's gaffes. What
could have been? You always hurt the one you love the most
>>>>>
It's tough enough, at my age, to remember what I had for breakfast yesterday, but to remember most of what I wrote 2 days ago will be a stretch; but it never made it into the 'Purple Pain' section, so I'll give it another shot!
All thoughts have been on the Giants missing some quality defensive players Saturday, but there was no denying that our offensive line did a stellar job on a, still very solid, Giants Super Bowl M.V.P. defensive line. Couple that with the fact Cutler sees the blocking lanes better than anyone since Dan Marino, with three times the mobility, and you have a very positive scenario.
'defense...it's really not that cool'. Sounds like my 20 year old preaching to me about the need NOT to put emphasis on parallel parking, months before he sides a parked car, while parallel parking of course.
Defense is VERY important; more so than any other aspect. More so than a sterling QB; more so than genius coaching; more so than a return specialist 'Rocket' who can't adjust to a football in the air; more so than the H2O in the cups.
What this newfound offensive coupe does give us, though, is a profound lift to the strategy of our defensive coaching staff. They may be able to gamble a little more, without worry of falling behind with a feeble offense. Add to that, the strong possibilty of teams being down early because of an offensive explosion to start games, and finally taking advantage of fine field position, and you have a recipe for success with a rested, and 'open gates' defense.
With all emphasis, rightfully so, on the defensive line, it may be our stout offensive line that becomes the difference. With time to throw, Jay looks very capable of finding an open reciever, or adlibing with the best of them. With the field spread because of a 'Howitzer Arm', even Kruetz and Davis will be of use this year. That speaks volumes of what #6 brings to the table.
The 'O' line that started Saturday was a shield, at it's best. The next preseason game, which is usually THE preseason game, will give me a better sense of security, but that blanket looked pretty good against an impressive front four.
What a warm feeling.
Thanks John F! I agree. But Roman had to get him money on. I was looking for his name on their site and didnt see anything.
stuck, come on man...excitement?...me?...I don't have a problem giving credit where credit is due...
I already said the D Line has to carry the D backfield....still not a recipe for winning, tho
and if the paperclips and bubble gum hold up on Pace and Williams....It will be a first
I still can't get over Rex blowing a hammy...didn't know he used 'em
stuckinwisconsin...get out of your mom's basement and stop making out with your sister and find some friends and maybe, just maybe if you are able to accomplish all of that you might be able to do something with your life
I played Golf with two Bronco Die Hards yesterday. CLASSIC. They were so pissed about the trade, and they want to trade back.
We all had a good laugh about Orton's left handed jump pass that coulda been picked off by 3 different guys. Although, I sensed my laughter was more of a Warrior King who just burned done the village, and theirs was more of a Whimpering laugh of a guy who was facing the firing squad and found it a bit ironic that they were given a last cigarette to enjoy.
Eitherway....you have to laugh at the trade of the centur..er...scratch that...Trade of the EON!
BEst part about the Bears game was when Cutler watched Eli, call an audible from the line in his first possession and then didnt get the first down...and Jay...then on his first possession countered with an audible of his own, and kept the drive alive.
What a stud!
Oh...and Ricky....this was so well written, I am re-tweeting and posting it on my facebook.
Good Article.
Ricky responds: Appreciate the kind words. You guys are all being so nice to me now, I'm so confused....
culzie...tell us about that same conversation at the end of the year
not after your favorite ...what?...7 completions?
Denver's offense will be ranked well above Chicago's...I'll bet ya after you honor the first bet you lost to me
Honestly...I dont think one person backed either of us as winner of that bet. Those two RB's had almost identical stats that year and some areas Benson was better and in some areas Thomas "the human muscle" Jones was better. Also the bet was for just not blogging for a week straight, and I think we both have honored that bet a few times, shucks, you disappeard for almost 9Months or the equivalent of a Commuted Burglary sentence..and I have been so busy helping Obama run for re-election, I rarely blog at all any more.
The bottom line is, if you arent willing to bet on this new bet, its just because you be SKERED!
well...father hood has done you a world of good...
you get style points for that last entry..
bets on... bragging rights the prize...mahybe stu will give us an "I told so you..and why" thread for a prize..
I'm only afraid of Sharks btw and ... bats flying two feet above my head in my effing bedroom
anyway, the pit boss is Ricky...so doubt if we can cover that bet at this time
OK...good...lets just make sure we have the terms right.
The Bet is, and correct me if I have it wrong...
Hitman: Bears Will not do better than 6-10 and Kyle Orton will have a better year than Cutler? *(I know you threw out Kyle would be going to the Pro-Bowl, but Ill let you off the hook with that one).
Culzie: Bears Will do better than 10-6 and Cutler will do better than Orton in Yards, TDs and Wins!
IS that Fair?
Bonus Bets....
If Orton goes to Pro Bowl = Culzie will Grow out his Neckbeard and be photog'd in stretch limo with Purdue Coeds and Giant Champagne Bottles...
If Orton is supplanted by game 4 by his backup....then Hitman will send in picture of him in a Jerry Angelo Jersey!
Do you accept these terms?
I still think Orton can make the Pro Bowl...
but the terms of this bet are fair and I accept it
now, this Jerry Angelo jersey?....did he have a jersey at Syracuse?...I thought he handed out towels and jock straps
It'll make the year more fun....I mean, the bet...not handling banana hammocks
Another HeavyWeight Bet Inked out on Rickys Watch. Gotta Love it.
Its a Bet!
* To answer your question, you would probably have to spend some of your Workers Comp cash on mocking up your own version of an Angelo Jersey...I cant help you there...but you have all year to figure it out.
where did you find out about my workers comp?..imdb?
LOL
Hey...so, dont worry about Brandon Marshall's suspension. Orton will just make his no name replacement receiver great.
Jabar Gaffney knows the offense like the back of his hand...Brandon Stokley...Eddie Royal...Tony Scheffler....Daniel Graham...
lmao...even Brandon Lloyd is an upgrade from Chicago's list of Wannabe Recievers
and let's not forget...
Knowshon Mo freaking reno
Orton has a much better offense to work with...a freaking lot better
It's laughable
not to mention......... a real O Line
I like the bet...
I borrowed a sharpie and a wife beater in case hell freezes over, tho
...& Orton has "Lefty Jump Passes" with all of their Names on them!
Man...that Hi-Powered Offense is exactly why he wont last 4 games. He cant hand off to no-shawn all the time, at some point he will be called on to make the big 3rd down play...and he will zip it right at Gaffneys ankles..
Sorry Hitman, but you'd better have a good recipe for crow handy. Culzie is going to feed you a plateful of it.
This from ESPN can serve as an appitizer: "From Oct. 4 to Nov. 26, they face Dallas, New England, San Diego, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Washington, San Diego and the Giants. They could lose all eight."
Kyle will be lucky to survive that stretch intact, let alone with a winning record.
Can I get a piece of that bet?
Mark...your words have never been more prophetic..
looks like Orton may not survive the rest of the pre-season.
I almost feel bad for Orton...but I feel worse for Hitman.
Even I wouldnt have bet on Kyle!