All of you should know by now where I stand on Olsen. He should have been on my overrated list, but you have to be actually rated before you can be overrated. Most fans are onto how much this guy is a soft blocker, pass dropper and generally crappy football player. In order to be an elite tight end, you have to be able to at least do something. Doing nothing makes you a disgrace to the Chicago Bears.

I am sure by now the other NFL teams know what brutal football player Olsen is by now as well. This does not mean that a team may not take a shot at him, but his value has plummeted. Too bad the New England Patriots pulled the second-round draft pick off the table last season. That would have been larceny.

Follow me on Twitter at BearsHQ.

I decided to do some investigative journalism and see exactly where the problem exactly lies. After reviewing my notes and watching game films, I’ve decided the fault here spreads through the offense.

While Johnny Knox had a fine season statistically, I found at least three occasions where Knox didn’t work for the football. On more than one occasion, he let a defensive back out-muscle him for the football. On another occasion, if you recall the Redskins game and DeAngelo Hall’s monster game. On one of his interceptions he returned for a touchdown, Knox just gave up on his route and didn’t react. This is something that Knox improved upon, but something that he’ll need to address. But, I’m a Knox fan and I love the way he commits to block. He just needs some more time to get better.

Devin Hester had an all-pro year as a returner and improved as a receiver. But, Hester ran several routes incorrectly and still at times lacks the instincts to be a top receiver. Most of his catches come on simple routes. While Hester doesn’t get muscled as often as Knox, he still doesn’t react as quickly as needed.

Don’t even get me started on Greg Olsen. Besides being a crappy blocker, he fails to get open. And when he does, its anyone’s guess what will happen next if he gets a pass. I’ve been on the Olsen being overrated bandwagon for a long time. The other tight ends are blockers.

The best fundamental receiver on the Chicago Bears is Earl Bennett. He doesn’t have Hester or Knox’s speed, but he’s a tough SOB and runs great routes. Notice that Cutler got better when Bennett established himself in the passing game. It’s not exactly a coincidence. They were college teammates and it has translated to the NFL. Watching Bennett work for the football as well as laying guys out on blocks is fun. I wonder if the Seattle punter will look around on Sunday?

Devin Aromashodu and Rasheed Davis round out the receiving core. Aromashodu just doesn’t quite click and Davis is a veteran who’s value is obvious on special teams and as an occasional receiver. Aromashodu has been in the dog house a long time since dropping passes including a touchdown against the Lions on opening day. Davis played more than normal the last few games and did a solid job.

Matt Forte is a great receiver out of the backfield. Chester Taylor will catch the ball as well. This helps Cutler as well.

So here’s my conclusion. The Chicago Bears need to run the damn football. That is the first place that cuts down on interceptions. For obvious reasons, its not a throw. But it pulls safeties out of coverage and helps his receivers to get more open. When Cutler establishes Bennett and Forte in the short-to-intermediate passing game, it opens up the deeper throws. If Olsen would man-up and actually catch the ball, that helps as well.

Follow me on Twitter at BearsHq and BlueDemonsLair. For the latest DePaul Blue Demons news and more, check out www.bluedemonslair.com. Please show me the love for the Big East’s Biggest Fan at www.mybigeastvolvo.com.

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.

Follow me on Twitter at BearsHq and BlueDemonsLair. For the latest DePaul Blue Demons new s and more, check out www.bluedemonslair.com. Please show me the love for the Big East’s Biggest Fan at www.mybigeastvolvo.com.

This Sunday becomes a must-win game for the Chicago Bears. With losses against other NFC East squads including Washington (which should have been a win) and New York, the Bears can ill-afford a fourth loss against an NFC squad. While losing doesn’t signal the end, it puts even more pressure on the Chicago Bears. With Green Bay also having a difficult test against the Atlanta Falcons (which is a noon kick0ff, so the Chicago Bears will know how the enemy has done before starting its contest), this is a crucial week for the the whole conference.

[picappgallerysingle id="10209619"]

The Chicago Bears have proven to be an excellent defensive team. They also are strong on special teams. Devin Hester continues to strike fear in opposing teams. This will give the Chicago Bears an edge down the stretch. If the offense continues to run the damn football, the Chicago Bears become that much more dangerous. By using the run to set up the pass, teams will be forced to leave guys like Greg Olsen open in the 10-15 yard range. As crappy of a blocker as Olsen is, he can kill teams in the intermediate passing area.

One thing is for sure, this is the way we all want it. Nothing is more pure than having the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers fighting it out in the NFC North.

Follow me on Twitter at bearshq and BlueDemonsLair. For the latest DePaul Blue Demons new s and more, check out www.bluedemonslair.com. Please show me the love for the Big East’s Biggest Fan at www.mybigeastvolvo.com.

This is an excellent point. For example, Julius Peppers has made the Chicago Bears defense better. However, until last Thursday, he wasn’t getting sacks.Because it wasn’t showing up on paper, Peppers has been considered to be an under-achiever to those that don’t watch this team every week.

[picappgallerysingle id="9704749"]The same can be said about Lance Briggs. He’s one of the best linebackers in football, but because he doesn’t get the “sexy” stats like sacks and interceptions, he doesn’t always get full credit. If you asked the casual fan to pick between Clay Matthews and Lance Briggs, the answer probably would be obvious. Taking nothing away from Matthew’s performance this season, but Briggs is as good if not better. Want proof…remember Briggs shooting the gap on opening day against the Lions on the goal line. Matthews is helped by the system.

Offensively, Jay Cutler’s statistics are down. But the Chicago Bears are winning. So the assumption becomes that because of this, the Chicago Bears are taking the game away from him. They’re not allowing Cutler to throw as often. This is certainly correct. I’m sure owners of Cutler in fantasy leagues would like Aaron Rodgers like numbers, but that’s not how this team is going to make the playoffs. Rodgers has a better offensive line and receivers, but the Chicago Bears have a better running attack.

To the casual fan, Cutler has lost it and Mike Martz isn’t using him properly. It’s quite the opposite. Cutler manages the game quite well and teams still have to respect his throwing ability. So instead of forcing things, he can set up the passing attack with the run. This isn’t “Madden”, but it’s the reason why the Chicago Bears are playing better since the bye week.

[picappgallerysingle id="10210096"]One Chicago Bear that does get some headlines for being a great player is Greg Olsen. For those of you that know me, you know that I think he’s overrated. Why do people think he’s so good? Because he does have good statistical games. And yes, he does make plays. However, Olsen cannot block to save his life and if he’s bodied-up, will not get open. Let’s go back to my original point above. Martz recognized this and is now using the run to force linebackers off of Olsen. This will allow him to release and become open.

The Chicago Bears host Mr. Fantasy this weekend. Michael Vick will always be the king of statistics. He’s having an amazing year, but keep in mind that Andy Reid had doubts earlier in the year. Individual statistics don’t always equal wins. Just look at the Cincinnati Bengals. On paper, they would probably scare a team more than the Chicago Bears.

Follow me on Twitter at bearshq and BlueDemonsLair. For the latest DePaul Blue Demons new s and more, check out www.bluedemonslair.com. Please show me the love for the Big East’s Biggest Fan at www.mybigeastvolvo.com.

[picappgallerysingle id="10138862"]For those of you that know me and have read my work in the past, I am not a fan of current Chicago Bear Matt Forte. I think he’s a lot of sizzle and very little steak. Taylor, on the other hand, is a tough north and south runner that can fight his way for the tough yards. I do not see the same from Forte, who also doesn’t enjoy blocking or holding onto the football.

The Chicago Bears coaches need to use Taylor more in this offense. Mike Martz was understands Taylor’s value and plans on using him more as the season moves along. Lovie Smith also expressed how valuable Taylor is to this team with his style of play.

Even Brett Favre had good things to say about Taylor. Despite only playing with him for one season in Minnesota, he felt that Taylor was an all-around back that was under-utlilized last season. Perhaps there is some truth to this, or perhaps this is another shot at coach Brad Childress. Either way, Taylor was a valuable member of the Vikings. Taylor is still close with some of his old teammates and has some extra incentive to play for this Sunday at Soldier Field.

With all of this being said, why does Taylor not play more often? While Forte does have more speed, he isn’t a great runner between the tackles. Taylor can do that…so here’s a concept…play both? With Greg Olsen not  blocking anyone as an H-Back, why not let Taylor take on that roll? Plus, Taylor might be enough of an inside running threat to open up the outside for Forte. With the offensive line being a weak link, doesn’t it seem logical to have better blocking from the skill positions?  While Brandon Manumaleuna has finally began to learn the art of blocking again, perhaps Taylor can help as well.

Follow me on Twitter at BearsHQ and BlueDemonsLair. For the latest DePaul news, check out my blog at www.bluedemonslair.com. Please vote for me as the Big East Biggest Fan at www.mybigeastvolvo.com.

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?

On paper, both look like they should be top players. Both have speed, size and have shown play-making abilities. However, the fumbles, missed blocks and moments of being non-factors overshadow any strengths these two may bring to the table.

As much as people want to blame the offensive line, and they deserve blame, it doesn’t help when they’re isn’t anyone picking up a blitzer. Plus, considering these two don’t block, shouldn’t they be open more often?

While Jay Cutler is struggling, he isn’t getting much help. It would be nice of it was from two of his top offensive players?

I’m involved with a a contest for the Big East to prove I’m the biggest fan. Please check www.mybigeastvolvo.com and vote for me. My DePaul blog is www.bluedemonslair.com.

I’m twitter friendly at bearshq for the latest Bears news and BlueDemonsLair for DePaul tidbits.

I’ve played this game several times out in my head. Obviously being a Chicago Bears fan, I tried to identify how the Chicago Bears can win this game. What are Green Bay’s weaknesses and the Chicago Bears’ strengths? After doing this review in my head, I came to the realization that there is no reason why Chicago shouldn’t win this game.

 What Plays in the Chicago Bears Favor…

Here are the things that should help the Chicago Bears…

• It will be quite a whipped up crowd at home. I am not one of theses home-field advantage guys, but this rivalry will add some fuel to the fire.
• Green Bay has no running game.
• Over his last four games (going back to last season), Jay Cutler is beginning to show why he is a franchise quarterback.
• Matt Forte is getting his burst back from his rookie season.
• Johnny Knox and Devin Hester are getting better each week with Greg Olsen making important catches as well.
• Teams with strong running games through two weeks have not been able to run the football on the Chicago Bears defense.
• There are very few missed tackles.
• The linebackers are playing great.
• The secondary is creating turnovers.
• The kickers are playing up to their high standards.
• Mike Martz and Mike Tice really have shown an ability to adjust when needed.

Here is what plays in the Green Bay Packers Favor…

• Aaron Rodgers is an elite quarterback with a strong group of receivers.
• The defense has been dominant at times.
• Green Bay’s coaching is strong.
• The Chicago Bears are suspect on the offensive line and secondary.
• The betting-line on this game has moved to Green Bay’s favor (getting three points).

The Verdict…

I spent my afternoon watching other games from around the NFL. I saw some things that amazed me. For example, New Orleans losing in overtime because their kicker Garrett Hartley couldn’t hit a 29-yard field goal (missed really badly). Or the number of poor passes and play calling in the red zone by teams like the San Diego Chargers. The Washington Redskins lost to the St. Louis Rams. The New York football Giants getting their rear ends kicked at home against Tennessee. So, with all of this, I began to realize that perhaps the Chicago Bears may be a very good team. While it has only been two weeks, some of the mistakes that plagued other teams just don’t happen with the Chicago Bears (minus a certain Calvin Johnson play…GULP). For example, Robbie Gould is an elite kicker. Can you see him missing a 29-yard field goal?

After much consideration, the final score of this game will be…

Chicago 27 Green Bay 24

Follow me on twitter at bearshq.

[picappgallerysingle id="9469343"]Speaking of Gates, the Chicago Bears signed his former teammate Brandon Manumaleuna as one of the big three with Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor. Manumaleuna is supposed to be a devastating blocker and will occasionally catch a pass when he’s open. Well this preseason, he hasn’t caught a pass or blocked very well. Now in his defense, he was hurt. For a guy that is considered by many to be such a great blocker, I ain’t seeing it. He was a key player for the Mike Martz offense in St. Louis, so let’s hope this is just him getting his legs back after an injury. But like with Marv Cook, the Chicago Bears haven’t had the best track record of bringing in tight ends from free agency.

[picappgallerysingle id="3196792"]Desmond Clark has been one of the more underrated Chicago Bears during his career. This season, he has made the transition to h-back as well as playing some tight end. H-back is a combination between the two positions, but one of the primary jobs of an h-back is to block for both the quarterback and running game. Clark has struggled with both of these tasks. In his defense, it is a new season and he is learning a new position. However, it better improve really quickly or this could be a disaster.

[picappgallerysingle id="9580886"]Kellen Davis isn’t a lock on this roster. He is used primarily as a special teams player and catches occasional short passes. Quite honestly, he has looked the best of the four this preseason (although I have to say that Olsen is a far superior pass catcher, but I think blocking is as big of a part of the tight end position as catching passes…unless you’re Jay Novecek). He seems to get a pad on someone and helped with the running game. That does not mean I think he is more talented than the other three (well more than Olsen in the blocking department, my two-year old son can block better), I just am giving him credit for being the best of the tight ends this preseason.

Closing Preseason Thoughts…

I think one of the dangers of the preseason is the ability of us fans to gripe about something. When teams play four games, fans want to see what his or her team can do. In the case of the Chicago Bears, we saw very little from this squad. If this team finishes 13-3, people will forget the preseason fairly quickly.

I have no issue with Lovie Smith holding out some of his star players. That being said, it would seem that learning a complicated offense like Martz’s one require a lot of practice. The lack of blocking really did not allow this group to find a rhythm. Maybe this is getting done at Halas Hall, but based on the results (and I am sure most of you would agree), we do not have much to feel good about at this point. This can all change a week from Sunday against the Detroit Lions.