Grading the Chicago Bears…Special Teams
The Chicago Bears were one of the top Special Teams units in football. Devin Hester was the league’s most frightening return man and Corey Graham covered the field like a blanket. This unit was probably the primary reason why the Chicago Bears made the NFC Championship Game.
While these two don’t quite have the numbers of Hester, Danieal Manning and Johnny Knox were two of the best return men in football on kickoffs. However, Hester is one of those guys you drop everything you’re doing to see with the football in his hands.
Robbie Gould has been one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL. While he didn’t have his best season, he’s been a stabalizing force in that position for the Chicago Bears. For us Bears fans, we’ve lived through some horrific kickers and Gould really is one of the best. Brad Maynard is a solid punter who’s specialty is kicking it within the 20-yard line. However, it looks as if Maynard’s days with the Chicago Bears are coming to an end.
Patrick Mannelly deserves a shout-out as well. He’s been one of the league’s best long-snappers for many years now.
I give this unit an A. It would have been an A+ except there were times where they gave up returns and failed to create open holes.
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Chicago Bears Veteran Leadership
There have been many things written about tomorrow’s game between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. One angle that hasn’t been discussed is leadership. I think the Chicago Bears have an edge in this category.
Let’s start of offense. While Jay Cutler and Matt Forte are two newer guys, Olin Kruetz has been the leader of the offensive line for a long time. While Mike Tice has done a wonderful job molding this unit, teammates will tell you that Kruetz is the one who gets in your face if he feels you’re not giving a full effort. He’s an effort guy and demands the same from his teammates.
I’ll never forget in his rookie season the Bears were playing against Washington. One of the Redskins taunted a Bear and Kruetz took a shot at the guy and was penalized. It was right then his reputation was beginning to be established. He’s a tough SOB and demands respect. We even saw that against Seattle last week. Toward the end of the game, he defended a teammate that was on the ground.
On special teams, Patrick Mannelly has been the long-snapper for a long time. He’s one of the best in football. He also covers kicks and sets the tone for this group. While he’s not as well known outside of Chicago, he’s one of the most respected Bears.
I’ve met Mannelly and seen the type of work he puts in off the field. I actually was rehabbing a broken ankle at the same gym where Mannelly trains. Holy crap! According to others in the facilities, he is always an extremely intense worker. If you don’t think that a guy who’s asked to do something maybe five times a game working his tail off doesn’t earn him respect, then you’ve got another thing coming. He wears a “C” for that reason.
On the defensive side of the ball, the list includes Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman and Julius Peppers. These guys play at a high level and can all make game-changing plays. There’s a reason why this unit is strong and it is large part to talent and leadership.
In the defensive huddle, there are seven guys that played in the 2006 Super Bowl for the Chicago Bears and one that got there with the Carolina Panthers (Peppers). In other words, eight of the 11 starters won an NFC title. Think that doesn’t motivate you a little more to get back?
I haven’t even mentioned guys like Israel Idonije, Roberto Garza, Brad Maynard and Rasheed Davis. These are veteran role players that certainly make an impact as well. All of these guys have made a huge impact at a point of the season.
While I’m not discounting the leadership on the Packers, I feel its an edge for the Chicago Bears.
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Chicago Bears Monday Morning Quarterback
The Chicago Bears won yesterday 24-20 over a Detroit Lions team that I felt they should have dominated.
So does this mean it’s a bad win? Not at all…but I wouldn’t be fair if I said it was impressive.
In the first half, the Chicago Bears forgot how to tackle. Lions players were gaining way too many yards after contact. At the end of the first half, the Chicago Bears gave up two long plays leading to a touchdown. The scoring play was an exploited mismatch with DJ Moore covering Calvin Johnson.
While Moore has been solid this year, he isn’t the defensive player I want on Johnson. For those that don’t think Lovie Smith doesn’t show emotions on the sideline, he looked as if he wanted to kill somebody. Moore, to his credit, made some huge plays in the game including a sack of Drew Stanton, a pass break-up on fourth down and several key tackles.
Football is a game of adjustments, and credit needs to go to the coaches. The defense shored things up in the second half. When Jay Cutler fumbled on his own nine yard line on the second play of the half, the defense held the Lions to a field goal. This was the turning point for the defense. From that point forward, they held the Lions scoreless.
Offensively, the line had issues once again. While they were able to move the ball, Cutler took way too many hits. The play selection was consistently even between running and pass, so the commitment to the run didn’t waiver even when playing from behind. I’m a fan of running the damn football.
Earl Bennett is becoming a player. Not only is he catching passes, his blocking is as good as any receiver in the league. Kudos also go to my target Greg Olsen. His blocking was much better yesterday. Once again, Jay Cutler did a solid job of taking what the defense gave him. He made some good throws and was a solid field general. Brandon Manumaleuna finally is showing his value as a blocker. In a new twist he’s becoming a reliable short-yardage guy.
On special teams, kudos to the Lions for containing kickoffs. However, they decided to punt to Devin Hester. He almost broke it. While he just missed setting the all-time punt return for touchdown mark, he gave the Bears good enough field position for Robbie Gould to nail a 54-yard field goal. It was a thing of beauty.
Brad Maynard continued his strong season and consistently put the Lions deep in their own territory. The Chicago Bears had some lapses in tackling on returns, but shored things up as the game moved along.
With the Green Bay Packers winning, the Chicago Bears maintain a one-game lead in the division. The Detroit Lions proved to everyone they’re hoping to play spoiler. With the New England Patriots coming to town this week and the Packers heading to Detroit, this is the week the Packers are hoping to make their move. The Patriots have an emotional game tonight with the Jets, so we’ll know more about the boys from the Boston area tomorrow.
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Game Day Preview…Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Today’s Chicago Bears games represents one of the biggest regular season match-ups for the Chicago Bears in quite a long time. The Philadelphia Eagles represent a difficult challenge for Lovie Smith’s Chicago Bears. As of the print of this article, the Chicago Bears enter this contest as 3.5 underdogs.
The biggest story line for the Eagles is play of dog killer Michael Vick. He has been a scoring machine and has not turned the ball over this year. He has played under control and really has orchestrated the Eagles offense. Wide Receiver DeSean Jackson is one of the NFL’s most explosive players capable of making big plays at any time. LeSean McCoy is a solid NFL running back.
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While the Eagles have some weapons on offense, the Chicago Bears defense is playing as well as any group in football. Julius Peppers recorded three sacks last week against the Dolphins, and while it was against a depleted group for the Fins, he has been causing problems for opposing backfields. His pressure and pursuit have been something special this season. Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs continue to play at a high level as well. The secondary for the Chicago Bears has been playing much better as of late.
Defensively, the biggest news for the Eagles is the loss of cornerback Asante Samuel for this game. He didn’t make the trip with the team, and this depletes an already suspect secondary. Trent Cole is the Eagles best lineman and can get after the quarterback. He will have Jay Cutler in his sites.
The Chicago Bears need to run the damn football against this team. It’s pure and simple. They’ve been doing it the last few weeks and have seen results. Last week’s game against the Miami Dolphins proved to be a textbook game plan for the Chicago Bears to be successful. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz has this offense complementing the defense by controlling the clock and not turning the football over as often.
In my estimation, this game will come down to special teams and the Chicago Bears are superior in this department. Devin Hester is striking fear in the opposition again. Brad Maynard has been punting brilliantly this year and Robbie Gould found his form again last week.
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With all of the above being said, I believe the Chicago Bears will win this game due to the superiority on special teams and by running the damn football. While the Eagles can move the ball on offense, the Chicago Bears will create turnovers. I am looking for Vick to have a few of those today.
My final score prediction is Chicago Bears 21 Eagles 17.
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Grading the Chicago Bears
At 4-3, the Chicago Bears find themselves in a tie with Green Bay atop the NFC North. While on paper this looks pretty good, the Chicago Bears have managed to look pretty bad in losing three of four games. Two of those losses came to teams they should have beaten. Without any further buildup, here are my grades for the 2010 Chicago Bears…
Quarterbacks (C-)
Jay Cutler has made some good throws and some bad ones. Todd Collins made no good throws and Caleb Hanie hasn’t done much of anything. While the line hasn’t been good, the quarterbacks haven’t been either.
Running Backs (C)
Matt Forte isn’t very good at blocking of holding onto the football. Chester Taylor is the consummate professional. While Forte has had some spectacular plays and a good game against Carolina, he allows his quarterback to get killed. Taylor is consistently above-average. This needs to improve.
Offensive Line (D)
They’ve been bad, but the running backs and tight ends haven’t helped. Does Olin Kruetz actually block anyone? So a “D” is given out of my frustration to other people not helping a weak unit.
Tight Ends (F)
This has been the most disappointing group. Greg Olsen may make a play once in a while, but his lack of blocking and inconsistent play make him a bad player. Brandon Manumaleuna for a guy that supposedly can block…hasn’t. Desmond Clark and Kellen Davis ain’t worth hot either.
Wide Receivers (C+)
Johnny Knox is coming into his own. Earl Bennett has been solid and Devin Hester has made some plays. Devin Aromashodu is a non-factor.
Defensive Line (B)
Julius Peppers is a dominant football player. Israel Idonije has played well since being slotted as a starter. Tommie Harris isn’t any good and the others are just there.
Linebackers (A)
The best unit on this team and maybe in football. Enough said.
Secondary (B)
Receivers haven’t been going crazy and they cause turnovers. I wish they had a shut-down corner, but this unit has been solid.
Special Teams (B+)
Devin Hester is back. Robbie Gould is awesome and Brad Maynard is solid. Good coverage and Early Bennett’s block on the Seattle punter was one of the best I’ve ever seen.
Coaching (C)
Lovie Smith not challenging Jay Cutler’s TD last week along with Mike Martz’s inability to stop a blitzing corner are bad. Rod Marinelli has done a good job with the defense. At 4-3 this team is still in it, but things have to change next week or we will be in for a crappy final nine games.
Overall (B-)
As of this morning, the Chicago Bears are a first place team. Doesn’t mean there a good one, but who in the NFC really is that good?
