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Bears Pulse
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Bears Clinch Division; Forte, Urlacher back |
Lake Forest, Ill – In a monster season so far the Bears have taken full advantage of the Vikings, Lions and Packers inability to register a win and clinched the NFC North for the second straight season and it's not even week 13. Defense and a league leading running game has helped them to a 10-1 record so far, but they have bigger aspirations than just a good record. "It's all about the ring!" said Darrelle Revis "we can play well and win games but that doesn't mean a thing if you get wiped out in the playoffs!" This is something that could easily happen with the Falcons looking strong and the Eagles looking even stronger than their super bowl team of a year ago.
Welcome Back
The team has been ravaged with injuries this season and none was felt more than last season’s rushing leader Matt Forte and inspirational middle linebacker Brian Urlacher. Fortunately for all Bears fans they are back on the field for the first time since week 3. This will be a huge boost to the team but you can't discount what their backups have done in their absence. Linebacker Gary Brackett was signed the same week Urlacher was hurt and currently leads the team in tackles and tackles for loss along with 3 interceptions. Kolby Smith (now injured) and Kevin Jones have rushed combined for over 1200 yards; it will never be known had Smith not gotten hurt whether he would have supplanted Forte from the starting spot permanently, he sure hasn't hurt his future prospects. Forte and Urlacher are both expeced to start this week against the Texans. |
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Forum Discussion
(by S_Hagan on 04/28/2010)
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Replies - 3 :: Views - 23 |
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Bears batter the Saints |
Lake Forest, Ill – After four straight road games to open the season the Bears returned home to take on the Saints and went right back to business running them over 44-0.
Missing running back Matt Forte the Bears were predicted to struggle on the ground, that couldn't be further from the truth, they didn't miss a beat. Right from the second play from scrimmage backup Kolby Smith burst through the line for a 44 yard run which set up the first points of the game and they didn't look back. Smith, in his first career start, knew he had big shoes to fill and he certainly didn't disappoint. With over 100 yards in the first half alone led to a 192 yard total on the day, this was complimented by Kevin Jones' 67 yards and two scores. The Saints were unable to stop the run game and it led to some nice play-action from Cutler who capitaised with 2 scoring passes of his own to tight end Greg Olsen and full back Jamal Lewis.
"We ran the ball very well, the gameplan was to keep the chains moving and keep them off the field, " coach Smith said "Kolby did a great job, i'm sure he raised a few eyebrows around the league today."
The defense also did their part as well and didn't let Drew Brees settle in the pocket once all day. Brees had passed for over 350 yards last week and was definately the main threat on the offensive side of the ball for the Saints. The Bears front four of Adams, Robbins, Harris and Umenyiora rushed the passer extremely well enabling the linebackers and defensive backs to drop into double coverage and Brees had no where to go. Registering 5 sacks (Harris 2, Umenyiora 2 and Adams 1) and an interception by Darrelle Revis was just part of the story. They stuffed the run allowing just 19 yards from running back Pierre Thomas, who the Bears tried to acquire before the trade deadline. All this led to the Saints being fainling to pass their own 40 yard line entire game.
"We're not over reacting to the 'W' or the way we went about it." said corner Charles Tillman "You have to remain grounded or you will get caught out like what happened against the Cowboys. They guys played great up front, it made it easy for us back there, we just had to react to a given situation which we did when needed. Long may it continue."
The Bears face division rival Detroit next week who have lost several key players in recent weeks, but they do face former quarterback Kyle Orton who has one of the highest quarterback ratings in the league. |
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Forum Discussion
(by S_Hagan on 04/05/2010)
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Replies - 5 :: Views - 43 |
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Bears hold off late comeback; Forte out |
MINNEAPOLIS – In a big division match-up the Bears took on the Vikings. Watching on the sideline was injured middle linebacker who no doubt left Soldier Field with a huge smile on his face after the Bears continued to employ the formula that has worked time and time again in a 16-9 victory, a strong run game and tough defense.
Defensively, the Bears generated four sacks and one takeaway, and permitted the Vikes to convert just 5-of-16 third-down opportunities. Adrian Peterson rushed for just 37 yards on 22 carries, and reached the red zone only once. “The guys held Adrian for the most part,” Smith said. “He is a great player. We didn't let him break out like he usually does, our guys answered the call. Third downs were big defensively.”
Offensively, the Bears relyed primarily on their running game, Cutler completed 11 of 21 passes for 137 yards with 1 touchdown, no interceptions and a 88.8 passer rating. The lack of production on passing made the Bears struggle and were limited themselves to 4-of-12 third-down opportunities. The leagues leading rusher Matt Forte started well, as always, and had 69 yards on just 13 carries before leaving the field with, what has now been determined, a dislocated elbow. Kolby Smith took the field and didn't disappoint, rushing for 65 yards on 12 carries.
“We wanted to come in and be able to try to run the ball a little bit, and we also felt we could get some play-action going,” said offensive coordinator Ron Turner. “Their safeties tend to get a little aggressive, so we wanted to get some play-action things and try to make some plays on them.” This payed off eventually, when early in the 4th quarter and a 9-0 lead, Culter unloaded on the biggest play of the game, a 74 yard catch and run by Vincent Jackson. “When he had the opportunity to do something, to make plays, he made them,” Turner said. “He didn’t have all that many opportunities, but when he did, I thought he saw the field well, made all the right reads, and got us out of some bad situations and into some good plays."
With 5 minutes to go Minnesota came to life and quarterback Jarrett Brown started showing what he is capable of and led them down the field for a 7 yards touchdown tun, the following 2 point conversion failed. Getting the ball back after a quick Bears 3 and out, Brown again led his team into field goal range and a late chance to tie the game. The defense finally stood firm again securing the win.
“It was good to get a ‘W' after last week’ Cutler said. “It's been a long week. It wasn’t the prettiest game, but we pulled it out. Defensively, I thought we did a great job. We didn’t really feel like the Vikes could stretch the entire field and drive 80 or 90 yards. We were able to run the ball and came out on top. Disappointed for Matt though, he was having a great season.”
Forte's injury is likely to keep him sidelined for most of the remainder of the season. Ironically, Kevin Jones, released last week, has since re-signed with the team and will back-up the now starter Kolby Smith. |
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Forum Discussion
(by S_Hagan on 03/30/2010)
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Replies - 5 :: Views - 37 |
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Immaculate Reception part II |
Irving, Tex. – The Bears are left licking their wounds after a heart breaking loss to the Cowboys. In a game that was full of defense, special teams and very little offense apart from the run game, and it seemed destined to end in a tie. The Cowboys then pulled one out of the bag.
With 2 seconds left in overtime young QB Colt Brennan, who had felt the pressure all day was hit as he threw and the ball popped up in the air. CB Charles Tillman, who has had 4 picks on the season already, looked in position to add to that total, the ball hit his hands and popped up again, he then had a second shot at it but palmed it to Cowboys receiver Kevin Ogletree who then motored 63 yards for the score and the win.
“What can I say” said Coach Smith shrugging his shoulders as he left the field “The immaculate reception part 2?”
A wounded animals always come out fighting and the Bears head to Minneapolis for a big divisional game against the Vikings who have just come off a big defensive performance of their own against the Packers. This will be their fourth straight road game and the Bears will not take them lightly.
On the injury from the Bears All-Pro middle linebacker Brian Urlacher left the game early after straining his knee. He has been ruled out for around 4 weeks. Akin Aydoele who substituted quite well in the game was left wanting at times and left the middle open for Cowboys running back Marion Barber to sail through on more than one occasion. This has led to the Bears signing former Indianapolis linebacker Gary Brackett, who featured heavily for the Colts playoff run last season. The casualty of the signing was running back Kevin Jones. Jones had a great year last season spelling for Forte but fell out of favour with the younger more agile Kolby Smith. |
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Forum Discussion
(by S_Hagan on 03/26/2010)
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Replies - 2 :: Views - 31 |
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Bears adding pieces to the puzzle |
Lake Forest, Ill – The Bears have gone about their business pretty quietly this offseason, with few draft picks to trade with or bring in new young talent they had to look the current roster and try to use that to upgrade and bring back the NFC North title and possibly more this coming season.
That said, Chicago has managed to make some key acquisitions along the way. Two of the biggest additions were DE Osi Umenyiora, who was brought in with a trade with the Giants, and more recently CB Derrelle Revis in a trade with the Jets. Both should have a huge impact on the current #1 ranked defense in the league. This gives the Bears two excellent pass rushers on both ends with Gaines Adams coming off a pro bowl year after registering 14 sacks, and two excellent corners with Charles Tillman, as well, coming off a pro bowl year and a league high 9 interceptions.
Other additions include QB Vince Young, who will compete for the backup roll with Caleb Hanie. Offensive linemen Kyle Cook and Jeremy Trueblood were brought in after holdouts Artis Hicks and Patrick Mannelly were released. Receiver David Clowney came over as part of the Revis trade.
The 2010 Draft was a quiet affair, with only one first day pick the Bears selected offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga. The 6'6", 314lb Hawkeye was originally projected as a top 15 selection but fell all the way to the mid second round. Bulaga will most likely learn behind future hall of fame tackle Orlando Pace. With the three later selections the Bears picked up safety T.J. Ward, guard Marshall Newhouse and receiver Taylor Price.
With training camp starting soon the Bears are still looking to add to their roster and rumours have surfaced that they are targeting some available veterans at defensive tackle and tight end, they are also looking to add a running back. |
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Forum Discussion
(by S_Hagan on 03/10/2010)
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Replies - 3 :: Views - 37 |
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At A Glance
| BEARS FRONT OFFICE |
| GM |
S_Hagan |
| Head Coach |
L.Smith |
| Offensive Coordinator |
R.Turner |
| Defensive Coordinator |
B.Babich |
| Special Teams |
D.Toub |
| Salary |
$117.35M |
| Cap Penalty |
$3.89M |
| Cap Room |
$9.61M |
| INJURY REPORT |
| PLAYER |
POS |
OVR |
LENGTH |
 Jay Cutler |
QB |
96 |
Probable |
| NFC North |
| RNK |
TEAM |
W-L-T |
PCT |
DIV |
| #1 |
Bears |
8-0-0 |
1.000 |
4-0 |
| #2 |
 Lions |
7-1-0 |
0.875 |
3-1 |
| #30 |
 Vikings |
1-7-0 |
0.125 |
1-3 |
| #31 |
 Packers |
1-7-0 |
0.125 |
0-4 |
| BEARS SCHEDULE |
| WK |
DATE |
OPPONENT |
TIME/RESULT |
| 1 |
Sun |
at  Falcons #24 |
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| 2 |
Sun |
at Vikings #30 |
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| 3 |
Sun |
at  Ravens #12 |
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| 4 |
Sun |
at Packers #31 |
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| 5 |
Sun |
vs  Cardinals #28 |
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| 6 |
Sun |
vs Lions #2 |
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| 7 |
Sun |
at  Rams #6 |
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| 8 |
Sun |
vs Vikings #30 |
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| 10 |
Sun |
vs  Steelers #19 |
1:00pm |
| 11 |
Sun |
vs  Seahawks #14 |
1:00pm |
| 12 |
Sun |
at  Bengals #17 |
1:00pm |
| 13 |
Mon |
at  49ers #5 |
9:00pm |
| 14 |
Sun |
at Lions #2 |
1:00pm |
| 15 |
Sun |
vs  Browns #29 |
1:00pm |
| 16 |
Sat |
vs Packers #31 |
1:00pm |
| 17 |
Sun |
vs  Eagles #9 |
1:00pm |
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