Despite age creeping up on some of the older players, they still played at a high level last season. Brian Urlacher continues his Hall of Fame Career and Julius Peppers is a beast. Lance Briggs continues to be one of the the most underrated players in football. Devin Hester returned to his scary form as a returner. Matt Forte became one of the best running backs in football. While the offensive line wasn’t amazing, it got much better towards the end of the season. J’Marcus Webb and Chris Williams developed into solid NFL linemen. Mike Tice is one of the top offensive line coaches in football, and he has a year under his belt to better understand his talent.

Jay Cutler will enjoy having the same offensive coordinator for two years. Instead of learning a new system the last three years, he has the same coach. Mike Martz does know offense, and I think this will benefit Cutler and company. Rod Marinelli is a great coordinator as well and had his unit playing strong.

While the Chicago Bears will not creep up on anyone this season, there is talent on this roster.

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Brian Urlacher is a freak of nature. There’s no weakness in his game. He’s an amazing cover linebacker and makes plays all over the field against the run. Sports Illustrated had the balls to call him the most overrated player in football, and they’re effing insane.

Lance Briggs would be the featured linebacker on most teams. He’s an excellent player in his own right. While he’s not Urlacher, he’s not too far behind.

Pisa Tinoisamoa is a good NFL linebacker. He’s fast and makes most tackles. The knock on Tinoisamoa is that he just can’t stay healthy. While the coaches seem to like Nick Roach, I’m not on his bandwagon as much.

Brian Iwuh and Rod Wilson are more special teams players, but Iwuh filled in well for Briggs when asked to do so.

This unit dominated in 2010. Urlacher was as good as he’s ever been. Briggs continues his amazing play. Tinoisamoa is underrated and the others fill in and contribute.

For the Packers fans out there, if Urlacher or Briggs were able to rush the passer like Clay Matthews III, you’d see what a real linebacker that actually supports the run can do. Additionally, the sack totals would be there too. Unfortunately, the Bears linebackers don’t get to “Madden” things up. If you want proof, watch the first week when Briggs shot the gap, sacked Shawn Hill while stripping the football. That’s proof kids…

I give this group an A+. As I said earlier, the best in football.

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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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Riley:  How much does it really matter that the Seahawks beat Chicago?  Does it have any impact or influence on the upcoming matchup?

Jonathan: Hell yes. The game against the Seahawks was the beginning of Mike Martz changing. He kept wanting this team to be “The Greatest Show on Turf” but instead the only thing on turf was Jay Cutler. The line was playing for crap and the Chicago Bears stopped running the damn ball.

Now, the Chicago Bears are a running team that sprinkles in passes when the situation calls for it. The offensive line is playing better. Plus, the defense is going to better than what you saw. Lance Briggs is healthy and the defensive line has gone through some personnel changes. Trust me, the Chicago Bears considered the Seattle loss as unforgivable. The opportunity to feel better about it comes possibly comes Sunday.

Riley:  Being a 12th Man, I have to ask:  How much of an impact does the crowd at Soldier Field have on the outcome of the game?

Jonathan: They do this BS in Chicago called “The 4th Phase”. We’re supposed to be wild and crazy. Honestly, and I know you’re not going to like what I’m going to say, I don’t buy into this crowd business. Look, great teams win because their great. The Seahawks beat the Saints because the Saints became one dimensional and forgot how to tackle (I picked you guys by the way…I thought the Saints were way to caught up in how bad Seattle was, and they weren’t prepared for that game at all). The way you get the crowd out of any game is running the damn football. I’m expecting the Seahawks to do that Sunday.

Riley:  The Bears finished the season winning 7 of their last 9 games.  They seemed to really gain momentum towards the end of the season.  How much does the loss in week 17 and a bye in the first round take away from that momentum?  Or does it only rest them up and make them better?

Jonathan: I have to give Lovie Smith a lot of praise for going with his starters against the Packers. Instead of being stubborn, he learned from his past mistakes that resting players doesn’t work. Look at what happened last week in your game. The Saints came in and looked sloppy because the previous week was used as a resting period. The Bears are healthy. They just got healthier and the coaches got were able to change some things.

The Green Bay loss was used as a testing ground. I went up to that game and I’ll tell you that in the first half, the Bears were the better team. The second half the Bears changed some things around and they really got away from what worked. Had the game mattered, I think they would have continued doing the things that were working.

This team was better after the regular season bye, so I’m thinking that they should adjust accordingly this time around.

Riley:  Which player will have the biggest impact on the outcome of the upcoming game?

Jonathan: The obvious answer is Devin Hester. The right answer is Matt Forte. Lofa Tatupu’s status is still unknown. If he’s out, Forte may have an even bigger game. I’ll also throw Earl Bennett in there as well.

Riley:  Which Chicago television icon is Chicago most proud of:  Oprah or Bozo?

Jonathan: Bozo. I’m 36. My mother had to write in for tickets before I was born so I could go to a show when I was like 6. It was a thrill meeting him.

Oprah annoys the shit out of me. And you can print that…

Riley: Prediction…

Jonathan: Well, now the big question…all this other stuff was talk. I’m liking but not loving the Chicago Bears. I’ll say

Bears 17 Seahawks 10

Good stuff as always…a warm thank you to Riley again. Follow his crew on Twitter at 12thmanrising.

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Jonathan:  The Seattle Seahawks came to Solider Field in early October and defeated the Chicago Bears. Is this the same team that beat the Bears at Solider Field or can we as Bears fans expect something else?

Riley: It depends on which Seahawks team shows up.  If it’s the one that got crushed 41-7 by the Giants, then they’re worse.  If it’s the team that just beat the New Orleans Saints, then they’re better.  I guess my answer would have to be, YES, and I hope it’s the team that played last week.

Jonathan: Sometimes the luck of the draw has a team making the playoffs and a team with a better record staying home. Does it get old to hear teams like the Giants and Buccaneers complain about the Seahawks making it to the playoffs with a sub-500 record? Did the win over the Saints help establish the Seahawks belong or did the Saints look past this game (for the record, I picked you guys to win)?

Riley: It does get old.  And it’s not just the teams complaining, it’s everyone.  Especially in the National Media.  I understand that it is frustrating for teams with a better record, but what I don’t get is why they take it out on the
Seahawks.  They didn’t make the rules.  It’s not their fault those other teams didn’t get in.  If fans want to be frustrated, I understand.  Just take it out on the people who made the rules not the team that is following them.

Jonathan: The Chicago Bears are a different football team than the Seahawks saw in October. This is not meant to be an excuse, but Lance Briggs and Roberto Garza, two key Bears, missed that game and the Chicago Bears didn’t commit to running the football. Now the Bears are healthy. What have you seen from the Bears that’s different from the first time these two teams met?

Riley: Jay Cutler is playing better, and it seems as though Mike Martz and his offense are starting to get on the same page.  Hawks fans are quite familiar with Mike Martz and his aggressive style.  To be a quarterback in his system is a daunting task that takes more than an off-season to comprehend, and every game Cutler plays under this system, he will improve provided that he remains coachable. Lance Briggs is a very good football player.  He will absolutely force the Hawks to adjust their offense in order to keep track of him at all times.

Jonathan: Who are some players we should be afraid of as Bears fans? What about you? Who scares you on the Chicago Bears?

Riley:  Matt Hasselbeck is coming off the game of his life last week.  If he picks up where he left off, this could turn into another explosive game. Rahim Brock has really come out of nowhere to collect 9 sacks for Seattle this season and had a great game against the Saints.  Martz has a tendency to leave his qb in the pocket for a little to long.  If that is the case this weekend, The Hawks’ pass rush could be the difference.

Fro the Chicago Bears…The Entire Defense.  This run defense will truly test Lynch.  He ran as hard as I have ever seen him run last week, so I hope he left a little in the tank for Chicago.

Jonathan: Is there any reason why Grey’s Anatomy is still on the air? Doesn’t it make your city look bad?

Riley: Wow!  That was a real low blow.  Not every city gets the Blues Brothers.

Jonathan: Prediction…

Riley: Gotta go with the Seahawks:  24-17

Good stuff as always…a warm thank you to Riley again. Follow his crew on Twitter at 12thmanrising.

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

John: The Bears surprised some people this season with their winning the NFC North. What was the biggest reason they were able to be so successful?

Jonathan: Coaching. Let’s be honest, the Chicago Bears have solid coaches. The three coordinators are regarded as some of the best in the business and Mike Tice is a really good coach as well. He’s turned a horrible offensive line into a good one. I was pointing out to my father how fans want a “Ditka” like coach to scream and yell, but Lovie Smith always seems in control. His team reflects that attitude. Plus, let’s not discount the two possibly three Hall-of-Famers on defense. Finally, they’re running the damn football. Good things always happen when a team commits to the run.

John: The Bears defense returned to dominance this season. Who led the charge? Marinelli as D Coordinator? Acquisition of Peppers? A healthy Urlacher?

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Jonathan: All of the above. Plus don’t forget Lance Briggs and the emergence of some good defensive lineman.

John Devin Hester has regained, at least in my eyes, the title of most dangerous returner in the NFL after a few years of quiet. What’s different this season than the past two?

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Jonathan: It’s eighth wonder of the world why Hester struggled. If you asked me to guess, the team tried to have him too much and he finally has his role with this team. Plus, I think they’ve brought in some good special team’s players to help set things up.

John: Has Lovie Smith earned another contract extension?

Jonathan: Yes. He’s done an amazing job. Peppers said he came here because of Smith, and this team responds to his style. There are idiotic Bears fans that want Mike Singletary, and they’re on crack. I will admit I wanted him gone after last season, but he’s surrounded himself with a great staff and the team loves him.

John: Is there anything better than Packers/Bears with playoff implications in the final week of the regular season?

[picappgallerysingle id="10039509"]Jonathan: Nope. The networks are on the coasts, and they’ve lost track of how great this rivalry really is and always will be. You’re a good guy, but I hate your football team and want you to always hate the Bears. One idiot tried to sell me on the Redskins and Cowboys being a bigger one, and I’m still in shock. George Halas and Vince Lombardi are the Jedi Knights in heaven looking down and smiling. This is the NFL. It’s the way it should be. As I leave the game on Sunday, I hope to see a lot of disappointed Packers fans. Sorry folks.

Packers week is always fun. I really appreciate the help from John and the boys at Ol’ Bag of Donuts.

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Adam: Lovie Smith has said he plans on playing his starters the full game Sunday. Unless Carolina beats Atlanta for probably the upset of the year earlier in the day, is this such a good idea against a team that needs to win at all costs?

Adam: Peppers, Urlacher and Briggs are all Pro-Bowlers to no one’s surprise, but who is this the MVP of the defense this year for the Bears?

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Jonathan: Wow, great question. I’ll say Peppers because he’s the obvious answer. However, Urlacher is the leader of the defense. Despite the numbers put up by Clay Matthews, I really think these two are more valuable.

Adam: Cutler has cut his turnovers in roughly half from last season, what do you think has been the biggest reasons for this?

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This was a lot of fun. I really appreciate having a working relationship with the enemy.

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While I am happy for these guys, I am wondering why Corey Graham was left off the roster. He’s bad a sensational year on special teams. If he played for the Steelers, there would be a parade for him. I’m just saying…

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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.

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While the Bills haven’t found a way to win quite yet, they have been very competitive against some of the top teams in the AFC including an overtime loss to the upstart Kansas City Chiefs. It has been quite an interesting season for the Bills. They released their starting quarterback (Trent Edwards) and trading running back Marshawn Lynch to Seattle. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been the starting quarterback since the release of Edwards, and the Bills’ offense has shown some signs of life.

[picappgallerysingle id="10052099"]So are the Bills a good or bad 0-7 team? Well it’s hard to say, but they certainly have been in a position to win in the last few weeks. But…they have found ways to lose.

So where does that leave the Chicago Bears? The Chicago Bears entered last week’s bye with two horrible losses at home to Seattle and Washington. Despite that, they are still 4-3 and in a position to remain competitive with the Green Bay Packers that had an impressive win at the New York Jets.

For the first time all season, the Chicago Bears enter this game relatively healthy. It will mark the return of Major (Mike Brown) Wright and Roberto Garza to action. Plus, Lance Briggs is supposedly healthy. So this is a good thing. What is not so good is the play of the offense. The line and skill positions leave a lot to be desired. Matt Forte and Greg Olsen, as I like to point out to anyone that will listen, should receive the all-suck award for their play collectively. Besides the fact that Olsen doesn’t seem to catch passes or block, Forte doesn’t block and cannot hold onto the darn ball.

[picappgallerysingle id="10054263"]Jay Cutler doesn’t like passing to the guys in his own uniform, but that is in part to him not having any time to throw. OK, maybe it’s time that people stop making excuses for Cutler, but it is a product of a crappy offense. However, the comparisons to Jeff George are starting to be fair.

The defense and special teams have been bright spots. These two units are the reason why this team is 4-3. If the offense can get it’s sorry act together, this season still has some promise. But, time is running out.

So, what is my prediction you might ask? I think the Chicago Bears are going to play like gangbusters this Sunday. Coming off of a bye week and with the Buffalo Bills being pretty bad (according to the record), I think the Bears win by a score of 28-10.

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