With McKie questionable, Bears promote former Illini FB Jason Davis to the roster

Starting fullback Jason McKie is battling a quad injury, so the Bears promoted practice squad fullback Jason Davis.

McKie is unlikely to play against the Vikings this Sunday night.

Jason Davis, a former Illini, recently re-joined the practice squad after being released by the Oakland Raiders.

McKie was injured during Friday's practice.

He has started eight of 11 games this season, with two rushing touchdowns and one touchdown reception.

Vasher done for the year

The Bears placed Nathan Vasher on injured reserve Saturday with a broken right hand, ending the defensive back’s season.

He recorded only 29 tackles with one interception and three pass breakups.

He has 18 career interceptions, but only two in the last two seasons.

Nathan Vasher had surgery on his wrist earlier this season but re-aggravated the injury after sustaining the break against the Rams.

This is the second consecutive season Vasher has been placed on IR.

A partially torn groin muscle ended his 2007 season.

Corey Graham will take over Vasher's role in the starting lineup.

Trumaine McBride and Danieal Manning will be the other active corners looking for some playing time.

A look ahead at Sunday Night

Series leader: Vikings, 50-42-2.

Streaks: The Vikings have won two of the last three against the Bears.

Dome Field Advantage: The Vikings have enjoyed a 4-1 record this season at home.

Keys for the Bears: Kyle Orton is 18-10 as a starter, and in the last meeting with the Vikings, he threw for 283 yards and two touchdowns for a 114.5 passer rating.

Bears RB Matt Forte leads NFL rookies with 1,245 yards from scrimmage and 59 first downs.

Keys for the Vikings: Vikings RB Adrian Peterson has enjoyed great success against the Bears, rushing for 423 yards, averaging 6.8 yards per carry and scoring seven touchdowns in three career games against the Bears.

Week 13: Chicago Tribune staff picks 'em

TERRY BANNON: Vikings 23, Bears 17

TEDDY GREENSTEIN (wild card): Vikings 23, Bears 14

DAVID HAUGH: Vikings 24, Bears 21

MELISSA ISAACSON: Vikings 24, Bears 21

VAUGHN McCLURE: Vikings 24, Bears 21

FRED MITCHELL: Bears 27, Vikings 24

RICK MORRISSEY: Vikings 21, Bears 20

JOHN MULLIN: Vikings 21, Bears 20

DAN POMPEI: Vikings 20, Bears 17

What I Just Discovered!

I found out today that if you search the words "chicago bears blog" on Yahoo.com that my blog shows up fifth on the first page of results.

Wow, that is amazing, I can't believe it.

Now I have to keep on writing about are beloved Bears.

Also, through Blogburst.com, 14 of my articles have appeared on the Chicago Sun-Times website.

An article of mine that appears on the Sun-Times can be found here: http://www.suntimes.com/sports/blogentries/index.html?bbPostId=Cz4uIeQj43igSB3JSegnMAc93BC5DYR5J8VawBAmc5twaeKHQ

Did you Know? 11-28-08

The Chicago Bears record in domes since 2006, is 7-3 and so far this season they are 3-1 playing in domes.

Clark, Booker questionable vs. Vikings

TE Desmond Clark and receiver Marty Booker are expected to be questionable for Sunday night's game against the Vikings. Both are coming off knee injuries.

Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee), safety Mike Brown (calf), and linebacker Jamar Williams (groin) are all probable coming off their injuries.

Madden 09' Picks Sunday Night's NFC North Showdown

According to ESPNVideoGames.com, this will be the final score of this Sunday Night's NFC North showdown in the Metrodome.

Vikings lead NFC North with win over Bears

"In the battle for first place in the NFC North, it's former Bear Bernard Berrian who comes up big against his old team, catching a key third quarter touchdown pass that gave the Vikings their first lead in the game, and it's a lead they never gave up, as they beat the Bears 21-19.

Berrian finished the game with nine catches for 103 yards and one touchdown through the air while Adrian Peterson ran through the Bears defense on the ground, rushing for 117 yards and two scores as the Vikings claim sole possession of first place.

Rookie Matt Forte was the lone bright spot for Chicago, rushing for 93 yards and two touchdowns as Kyle Orton threw two late interceptions that helped seal the game for the Vikes."

This game has been simulated through the EA SPORTS Madden NFL 09 game engine in a CPU versus CPU format.

Chicago Bears
		PASSING				RUSHING			RECEIVING
SLOT	PLAYER	C/ATT	YDS	TD	INT	CAR	YDS	TD	REC	YDS	TD
QB	Kyle Orton	19/26	163	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0
RB	Matt Forte	0/0	0	0	0	18	93	2	0	0	0
WR	Devin Hester	0/0	0	0	0	0	0	0	7	68	0
WR	Rashied Davis	0/0	0	0	0	0	0	0	6	54	0
TE	Desmond Clark	0/0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	21	0
TE	Greg Olsen	0/0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	20	0
	Team	19/26	163	0	2	18	93	2	19	163	0
		KICKING
SLOT	PLAYER	MADE		MISSED		FG		XP		PTS
PK	Robbie Gould	42, 37				2/2		1/2		7

Minnesota Vikings
		PASSING				RUSHING			RECEIVING
SLOT	PLAYER	C/ATT	YDS	TD	INT	CAR	YDS	TD	REC	YDS	TD
QB	Gus Frerotte	22/32	195	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
RB	Adrian Peterson	0/0	0	0	0	20	117	2	0	0	0
WR	Bernard Berrian	0/0	0	0	0	0	0	0	9	103	1
WR	Robert Ferguson	0/0	0	0	0	0	0	0	6	56	0
WR	Sidney Rice	0/0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	21	0
TE	Visanthe Shiancoe	0/0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	15	0
	Team	22/32	195	1	1	20	117	2	22	195	1
		KICKING
SLOT	PLAYER	MADE		MISSED		FG		XP		PTS
PK	Ryan Longwell	1/1				0/0		3/3		3

Congrats Robbie!

With his 35-yard field goal last Sunday against the Packers, Robbie Gould officially entered the NFL record book as the fourth most accurate kicker in league history.

The NFL career field goal accuracy is based on 100 field goals made, and Gould’s kick in Green Bay was his 100th field goal (out of 118 attempts). His 84.7 percentage trails only Mike Vanderjagt (86.5), Nate Kaeding (85.8) and Shayne Graham (85.5).

Way to go Robbie! Your good as Gould!

No Marty?

According to the Chicago Tribune, WR Marty Booker (knee), tackle Fred Miller (shoulder), Darrell McClover (hamstring) will miss Sunday's game in St. Louis with knee injury.

Chicago Tribune Writers pick Sunday's game

TERRY BANNON: Bears 17, Rams 13

DAVID HAUGH: Bears 28, Rams 17

MELISSA ISAACSON: Bears 27, Rams14

VAUGHN McCLURE: Bears 35, Rams 17

FRED MITCHELL: Bears 24, Rams 13

RICK MORRISSEY: Bears 21, Rams 6

JOHN MULLIN: Bears 20, Rams 6

DAN POMPEI: Bears 33, Rams 17

PAUL SULLIVAN (Wild card): Bears 24, Rams 20

Why So Much Love for Ron Rivera?

I know last year the Bears ranked in the bottom of the NFL defensively and this year is about the seem, but people are really jumping on Lovie's guy Bob Babich.

Many have said Rivera was way better than the current defensive coordinator Bob Babich.

They are also saying that the players aren't playing for Bob Babich like they did for Ron Rivera because Rivera was a former player, so he set an example to his players.

Here is why I disagree.

Ron Rivera had basically the same defensive scheme and almost the same group of players.

Bob Babich hasn't been great thus far, but the defense could easily turn it around.


An Example of turning it around:

Lovie Smith was linebackers coach of a Buccaneers team in 1999 that lost to the Raiders 45-0 and ended up playing in the NFC Championship Game five weeks later.

“After going over what happened with the Packers game, you have to move on, and that’s what we’ve done,” Smith said. “We have a six-game season starting up right now.

What if?

But if Babich doesn't turn things around, I am pretty sure it's time for him to get out of town.

I understand we were statistically better with Rivera, but the guy hands down lost us the Super Bowl.

You can say Rex Grossman lost us the game, but the Bears D was supposed to control the Colts offense and they got thumped.


Do you remember Super Bowl 41?

If you do, you'll remember that the Bears D let the Colts run all over them.

They played conservative defense the whole game, where they let the Colts gain 15 yards here and there.

The bend but don't break mentality, which Rivera used in this game against Peyton Manning is a prescription for losing.

The Colts offensive play, looked the Bears usual game plan.

That is the stupidest way to play with such a great defense.

That is why the Bears management made Bob Babich the new defensive coordinator.

The Bears wanted to pound the ball and control the time of possession.

Even in the 4th quarter when the Bears were losing 22-17, I never felt they had a chance to actually win the game.

They just didn't look the like the Bears team, that I was used to for that season.

The reason they were so good was because they had so much talent on the defense and pretty much every player was in the prime of their career.

Babich Haters:

Maybe the Bears defensive players aren't as good as they were two years ago, because it seems like they have lost a step.

I'm not saying Babich is a good defensive coordinator, but I'm just thinking maybe there is another reason for all the bad defensive performances this season and last.

Where's Ron?

Ron Rivera later left for San Diego where he was hired as the inside linebackers coach.

The Chargers made him their defensive coordinator about three weeks ago, when the fired Ted Cottrell.

We can all boo Babich now, but we should always boo Ron Rivera.

We can all glamor about the Bears' Super Bowl season, but when you look back there is something very important missing and that is a championship.

So for all you Ron Rivera lovers out there, you should get your facts straight before praising him.

A Super Bowl loss, will sting way longer than a disappointing year as a defense unit.

Sunday wasn't that bad

Believe it or not Sunday's 37-3 loss to the Packers was not there worse loss ever at Lambeau Field.

The worst loss to the Green Bay Packers was a 49-0 defeat on Sept. 30, 1962 at Lambeau Field.

That ranks as the second worse loss by the Bears ever.

Your Week 11 Bears Power Rankings

Yahoo Sports Week 11 Ranking:

17. Chicago Bears: Did Brian Urlacher bait Aaron Rodgers into throwing that interception while covering Donald Driver deep, and is there another over-30 middle linebacker who could possibly get away with that?

-7 from last week

ESPN Week 11 Ranking:

19 (14)

Bears

5-5-0

Are the Bears really 34 points worse than the Packers? Nope. But Sunday's loss could have reverberating effects. (KS) -5 from last week

Lovie Smith on loss to the Packers

Did you Know 11/17/08

For the third time this season the Bears failed to register a sack.

They have five in the last five games.

Bears Defense Sounds off on loss to Green Bay

Lance Briggs:

"Nothing was effective, we didn't do what we wanted to do, and they did. And that's why they beat our heads in the way they did."

"We didn't do anything right, it doesn't matter what adjustments you make because we didn't get it done in every facet of the game. It was a poor display of football. That's not the way we prepared. That's not Bear football. We have to get ourselves to who we are."

Corey Graham on giving up a TD to Greg Jennings:

"I was actually anticipating it to come inside a little bit," Graham said. "Maybe next time I'll be a little more inside."


Adewale Ogunleye:

"The thing I can't wait to do is watch the film and see, even after the game was a little bit out of hand, who gave up, we've got to get that straightened out. We've got to have guys on the field that are going to fight all the way to the end. And hopefully we'll see that we had all 22 guys fighting."


Brian Urlacher:

"I'm frustrated, but I don't think anyone gave up, if we gave up, I think I would be embarrassed, but I don't think anyone quit or didn't play hard. We just got beat, that's what it comes down to."


Alex Brown:

"I think we have a good defense, I think we have a good scheme and I believe Alex needs to put in some more work to get better, "That's what I believe." ...


Nathan Vasher:

"Our scheme is good, we just have to execute and make plays. Everybody in this locker room is staying tight. We just have to circle the wagons and believe in each other."


Mike Brown:

‘‘All I can tell you is obviously, our defense isn’t what it used to be, once everyone accepts that, and understands it, he said, everyone will be better off.

Embarrassing: Bears lose to the Packers 37-3

The Bears looked like a high school team on Sunday.

They let the Packers do whatever they wanted to do to them.

The defense let Ryan Grant run for 100 yards in the first half and score 30 points.

Kyle Orton wasn't much better than the defense, he was 13-26, for 133 yards and a fumble which was recovered for a touchdown.

Rex Grossman came in the game in the 4th quarter and and completed four of seven passes for 26 yards.

From the second play, I thought Kyle Orton should have been taken out of the game.

He was limping, when he got back up from the game.

He was inaccurate throughout the whole game and it seemed like the ankle was really bothering him.

If you had Grossman in the game at least he could have taken shots down field.

Grossman at least should have put in at halftime, when they were trailing 17-3.

The whole game was so pathetic.

Only two players on defense actually put there hearts in the game on Sunday.

Those players were Brian Urlacher, who came up with a touchdown stopping interception late in the second quarter and Mike Brown, who was all over the field.

Only one player played to there best in the game, that was Matt Forte, who they went away from in the second half of the game.

The Bears better make some huge strides for there big match up in Minnesota two weeks from now.

If they lose to St. Louis there season will be over, they better get the victory.

There schedule from here on out isn't that tough.


Extra points:

Rookie first-round pick Chris Williams finished the game at left tackle… Reserve linebacker Darrell McClover, a regular on special teams, said he tweaked his left hamstring while running. He left in the first half and didn't return. … A surprise among the in actives was running back Kevin Jones, who said he was a little shocked by the move.

Orton Update

Kyle Orton was on the practice field for the second consecutive day as his right ankle continues to heal.

The ankle was wrapped, and the Bears' starting quarterback didn't run during warm-ups.

Orton's role in practice was expected to be limited, and no announcement was expected regarding his availability for Sunday's game at Green Bay.

Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (thumb) and cornerback Charles Tillman (shoulder) were limited as well.

Backup tackle Fred Miller sat out nursing a sore shoulder.

Safety Mike Brown, defensive tackle Tommie Harris and center Olin Kreutz were back at practice after a day of rest.

Running back Kevin Jones was back as well after missing Wednesday for personal reasons.

Hey Brandon Lloyd How u Doin?

Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd was not listed on the injury report Wednesday for the first time since he hurt his knee Sept. 28 in a win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field.

The sixth-year pro hopes to return to action Sunday in Green Bay after missing the last six games.

At the time of his injury, Lloyd led Bears wide receivers with 15 catches and 249 yards.

“I’ve been chomping at the bit to get out there and all the training has kind of paid off,” Lloyd said after practicing without restrictions Wednesday. “I wake up and I feel really good in the morning and feel really good at practice. I’m just excited to get back out there.”

“The last time Brandon played for us he was really playing good football, so anytime you can get another offensive weapon like that it has to help,” said coach Lovie Smith. “We can’t wait to get Brandon back out there. Brandon is making a lot of progress. He was close last week, so hopefully he’ll be ready to go this week.”

“This is the one that’s going to matter as far as how the division is shaping up,” Lloyd said. “You don’t want to put too much pressure on it, but it’s hard not to put pressure on a game of this magnitude.”

Orton Update

Quarterback Kyle Orton was back at practice with the Bears on Wednesday, but he wouldn't speculate on his status for Sunday's game against the Packers as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.

"[It's early] in the week, obviously, but I'm preparing like I am [starting],'' Orton said. "Day in and day out.''

Orton suffered a high right ankle sprain against Detroit on Nov. 2, an injury originally expected to sideline him three to four weeks. He missed last Sunday's 21-14 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

Orton said the ankle is getting better every day. Asked how close he was to playing against the Titans, Orton said, "I didn't play, so I don't know. Wasn't that close, obviously."

If Orton plays Sunday, it would be his first game at Green Bay's Lambeau Field. The Bears (5-4) share the NFC North lead with the Minnesota Vikings, one game ahead of the Packers (4-5).

"Everybody on the team knows how important this game is, how important this rivalry is and looks forward to it all year," Orton said.

Orton jogged around the field during warm-ups. His participation in practice was expected to be limited.

Safety Mike Brown, defensive tackle Tommie Harris and center Olin Kreutz rested. Receiver Brandon Lloyd (knee) and linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (thumb) practiced despite injuries.

Orton Update

Kyle Orton is reportedly walking without a limp and wearing a small brace.

He'll have the opportunity to practice on the ankle Wednesday, at which point we'll know more.

He says he has a real good chance to play this sunday.

Bears release Terrence Holt

The Chicago Bears terminated safety Terrence Holt’s contract and elevated rookie defensive end Ervin Baldwin from the practice squad on Tuesday.

Holt signed with the Bears on Oct. 22 and was inactive for games against Detroit and Tennessee. He started all 16 games for Arizona last year after spending his first four seasons with the Lions.

Baldwin, a seventh-round draft pick out of Michigan State, had 93 tackles and 12 1/2 sacks in two seasons with the Spartans after spending two years at Reedley College in California.

Bears Power Rankings for week 10

Here are Your Week 10 Power Rankings

Yahoo Sports Ranking:

10. Chicago Bears: In a normal (non-Ryan) year, would Matt Forte be a strong NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate?

-1 from last week.

ESPN Ranking:

14. Even Rex Grossman would fare well against the Bears' pass defense. (KS)
-5 from last week

The Dolphins and Cowboys are right behind them on the ESPN ranking and the Eagles are one spot ahead.

Will Brandon Lloyd ever play?

Brandon Lloyd was listed as probable on friday's injury report, but said his knee sprain still need some time to heal.

Lloyd seemed confused that he didn't play.


He was happier on Monday:

"I don't think it was some sort of punishment or anything like that," when it comes to doing the things I need to do as a receiver, I'm just not there. It's as simple as that."

Brandon Lloyd hasn't played since getting injured against Eagles on Sept. 28, missing five games.

They really need Lloyd, because without veteran Marty Booker gets more playing time and Booker doesn't look very good lately.

I'm starting to wish we still had Mark Bradley, who looks great with the Chiefs.


Lovie on decision to let Lloyd rest:

"He was close this past week, [he] probably could have [played]. I ... decided to wait one more week."

Lloyd previously stated he wouldn't return for a game until 100 percent.

"I'd say he was just probably saying when he was ready to go and he could go out there and not hurt his football team, it's nothing more than that."

They Are Who We Thought They Were

The Bears have many questions to ask themselves after a 21-14 loss against the undefeated Tennessee Titans.

How do you lose a game where you shut down supposedly the best running back tandem in the NFL?

How does your pass rush, who is loaded with players like Tommie Harris, Mark Anderson, Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye have no success getting to Kerry Collins?

How does your pass defense, who has everyone back from injury, struggle against Kerry Collins, who hasn't had over 200 yards passing all year?

The Bears need to remedy these crucial mistakes and fast.

We know they can shut down running backs, but how do you make an ordinary QB look like a pro bowler?

It has happened with Brian Griese, Gus Frerotte and even Dan Orlovsky this season.

On the bright side, the first eight games the Titans averaged 149.1 rushing yards per game and yesterday only produced 20 yards. At half they had -5 yards on the ground.
Chris Johnson who averaged 89.4 ypg rushing had only eight total yards on the ground.

The Bears offense was another story, they came out strong with a six minute drive and Grossman threw a touchdown to Matt Forte, who ran all over the Titans D in the first half.

The next eight drives ended in punts.

The Bears had their share of opportunities as they stopped the Titans on 4th and goal late in the first quarter.

Between Marty Booker, Rashied Davis, and Devin Hester, five passes were caught for a total of 69 yards.

Booker looked like a bad Muhsin Muhammad and Rashied Davis just ran the wrong routes.

Hester had two big returns that I thought could have been returned for touchdowns.

Also, Grossman overthrew Hester on a sure touchdown, which would have gave the Bears much needed momentum.

Grossman shouldn't get all the blame, but he did struggle to get the ball to his receivers.

He looked in sync at intervals in the game, but just couldn't keep it going.

His interception reminded me of the one he threw in Super Bowl 41, which Kelvin Hayden returned for a touchdown.

If Grossman played like he did on the first drive of the game and one of the drives at the end of the game, we would have scored a lot of points.

But, the team just looked out of sync and they abandoned the running game in the second half; Forte ran for a total of seven yards.

They need some help and they need it fast because they have a huge game in Green Bay next Sunday and the Packers just came off a tough loss.

If Orton can't go this week, there is absolutely no way they would put in Caleb Hanie at QB, for all the Hanie fans out there.

You have to give the Titans offensive coordinator some credit for realizing the running game wasn't working, but the Bears should have figured out a way to get to Kerry Collins

The Bears have at total of five sacks in there last five games.

That really hurts your pass defense.


Quote of the Day:

Rashied Davis said this after a tough loss to the now 9-0 Titans, "Maybe they have some kind of angel around them or something, I don't know."


Three Stars of the Game:

1) The run defense

2) Corey Graham- he recovered a big fumble early in the first quarter.

3) Matt Forte- had a big day running and looked great receiving as well.


Just a Thought...


You can blame Rex Grossman for this loss all you want, but the Bears were backed up in the own 10 yard line for most of the game.

Who knows if Orton could have one this game, but it doesn't matter anymore.

Where was Brandon Lloyd, I thought he was supposed to play yesterday.

He definitely would have helped, anything but Marty Booker.

They must change gears to the Packers, for they don't want to lose a divisional game, against my most hated team.

Hopefully they can figure this out before this week's game.

Tribune Writer's Picks

TERRY BANNON: Titans 24, Bears 16

MIKE DOWNEY: Titans 14, Bears 6

DAVID HAUGH: Titans 23, Bears 21

MELISSA ISAACSON: Titans 24, Bears 17

VAUGHN McCLURE: Titans 21, Bears 17

FRED MITCHELL: Bears 16, Titans 13

RICK MORRISSEY: Titans 21, Bears 14

JOHN MULLIN: Bears 13, Titans 10

DAN POMPEI: Titans 23, Bears 20

Quotes of the Week

Marty Booker on the change of QB's due to injury:

''It got to that point where you're like, 'Man, you get a guy in here who is playing tremendous, everybody is riding high, the stakes are high,' and then to see the quarterback go down like that, it's frightening,."

''But Rex stepped in and got that win for us. The funny thing about it is, in most situations, the backup has always been the most popular guy here.''

Grossman on opportunity:

''They haven't been [behind me], but I love the fans."

''They definitely cheer when good things happen, so I'm going to try to make good things happen.''

'Every time you step out there, people watch it and make judgments about it."

"So this is important because if I get a chance to play, this might be one of the only chances I get to play. So maybe that has a little added effect to it.''

Jeff Fisher on Grossman and how Orton was doing so far this season:

''Our team knows."

''They have followed seasons, they've followed Super Bowls, they know Rex led them to it. It doesn't change.

''Watching Kyle, what a tremendous start he's had. Just great throws and doing a great job with the offense. Rex has been there, done that, and he finished up the game nicely and gave them a chance to win. Our approach does not change.''

Kyle Orton only Bear to be held out of practice

Kyle Orton is not on the practice field for the second consecutive day, not a surprise considering the quarterback is expected to be out for Sunday's game against the Titans with a high ankle sprain.

Publicly, Orton has remained optimistic.

Safety Mike Brown is back at practice off his calf injury.

He looked fine in warmups but backpedaling is how he injured the calf in the first place.

He has a wrap on his leg.

Orton is the only player being held out.

Devin Hester thinks Kyle Orton could give it a go this week

The word on Kyle Orton is that he's out for about a month with one of those tricky high ankle sprains.

Sarah Spain of MouthpieceSports.com, however, talked to to Devin Hester about it, and Hester says Orton could give it a go this week:



Hester isn't a doctor and I don't think he ever will be, but he is probably just trying to motivate Orton to play.

But, I still think there is no way Orton will play.

He would risk his season.

The Titans pass rush will go right after his sprained ankle.

Grossman should be fine Sunday.

Did you Know? 11-6-08

This will be the first appearance by the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field.

The two teams last met in Chicago on Oct. 22, 1995 when the Titans were known as the Houston Oilers.

That makes it the longest drought away from the city of Chicago for any NFL team.

The Bears have played the Titans twice in Tennessee, winning 23-20 in 1998 and 19-17 in 2004.

Mike Brown, Kyle Orton sit out Wednesday's practice

Safety Mike Brown (calf) joined quarterback Kyle Orton (ankle) on the sideline Wednesday, sitting out practice.

Also out were receiver Marty Booker, cornerback Charles Tillman and defensive lineman Tommie Harris.

I don't think Charles Tillman was healthy enough to play last week, but we really need him this week.

Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (thumb) was limited.

Luckily, Receiver Brandon Lloyd (knee) and nickel back Danieal Manning (hamstring) had full participation.

Kyle Orton Wants to Play Sunday

Relieved that his right ankle is just sprained and not broken, Kyle Orton hopes to play this Sunday against the Titans.

Orton on when he will be back and if he'll play this Sunday:

Quotes from the Chicago Tribune

"I'm certainly not ruling out anything, I don't know exactly what the timetable's going to be, but I just feel if I keep on making improvement, I certainly can't rule out this week."

"It's been a good couple days," said Orton, wearing a protective sleeve on his foot.

"I feel like I got lucky."

"I'm hoping I don't miss any time."

Will He Seriously Play this Sunday?:

There is no way the Bears will let there best player risk his season, unless it improves drastically by tomorrow or Friday.

Look for Rex to be the guy.

Orton didn't even practice today.

If I was him, I wouldn't risk your season, let Rex do it.

Orton was supposedly to be out for almost a month, I just think Orton has a big urge to play in such a big game.

And I don't blame him, but don't put your season on the line.

Rex Grossman, who replaced Orton on Sunday, said Wednesday he is preparing to be the starter.

Quotes from the Chicago Tribune

"I'm excited," he said. "I'm not sure what exactly going to happen but I'm preparing like I'm playing. ... It's good. Anytime you get a chance to get reps ... it only helps."

Did you Know? 11/5/08

The Bears haven’t played an opponent with a better record since Dec. 8, 1929 when the Green Bay Packers improved to 12-0-1 with a 25-0 win at Wrigley Field.

In their last three games, the Bears pass defense has allowed the Falcons’ Matt Ryan (301 yards), the Vikings’ Gus Frerotte (298 yards) and Orlovsky (292) to post season-highs in yards.

The Bears know they better step it up, if they want to have a chance to get the W.

Lovie Smith on defense on Sunday:

“What I’m going to choose to remember [from Sunday] is how the defense finished. There was nothing inconsistent about the way we finished that second half. There was consistent good football, and I’m hoping that’s what will carry through the second half of the season.”

Happy 26th Birthday to Devin Hester

Happy birthday Devin Hester!

I hope you return a kick or score on offense to make up for a costly fumble next week.

That should be your wish.

Forte nominated for NFL Rookie of Week

Running back Matt Forte ran for over 100 second half yards on Sunday, and helped carry the Bears to a win over the Detroit Lions.

That effort has earned him a nomination for NFL Rookie of the Week.

Forte is up against Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, Cardinals running back Tim Hightower, Titans running back Chris Johnson, and Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.

Fans can vote for Forte on NFL.com/rookies from now until Friday at 11:00 a.m. central.

The NFL Rookie of the Week will be announced Friday afternoon on NFL.com/rookies.

Urlacher Angry at fans for booing Grossman

Urlacher wiggled his fingers in the air as he departed the field at halftime, a gesture interpreted as mocking toward the jeering fans.

His actions fueled criticism on talk-radio shows Monday morning, particularly from those displeased with the way the six-time Pro Bowler has played this season.

Urlacher is angry?:

"I was just putting my hands in the air," on third down, when the fans are cheering and we throw our arms up for them to scream louder, what's the difference? If I choose to do it when they're booing, there's something wrong with it?"People can think what they want and they will, so that's fine with me."

Lovie Smith on Booing of Grossman:

"The fans are a big part of what we're doing," Smith said. "When you go through adversity, I see everyone rallying together [and] using positive reinforcement. Negative reinforcement has never really worked for me. ... I would just hope that most of the time we'll hear positive reinforcement to help us get through some of those times. That's what a team does."

More Brian Urlacher talk:

"We've got a quarterback who comes in off the bench and leads us to a victory, and they boo him right out of the gate, poor guy. Lucky for him he's resilient and he came back and led us to two scoring drives. But man, it's tough."

"I don't feel like I'm playing terrible, I don't know what the big deal is. People just expect more of me, which is fine."

Bears Power Rankings for Week 9

Yahoo Sports Week 9 rankings for the Bears:

Chicago Bears: Are y’all ready for Sexy Rexy: The Sequel?

(9) +1 from last week

ESPN Week 9 rankings for the Bears:

The Bears face a huge question: Can Rex Grossman keep them in first place until Kyle Orton returns? (KS)

(9) +3 from last week

Thought for Week 10:

Replacement QB Rex Grossman could make his return to the starting lineup a memorable one if he can hand the Titans their first loss.

Orton Update

An MRI confirmed quarterback Kyle Orton has a high right ankle sprain, and Orton was told Monday the injury would sideline him three to four weeks, according to a source.

The MRI exam revealed no ligament tear, the source said.

Lovie Smith said this about Orton's injury:

"I'm not playing doctor; you shouldn't either, you should let us come and tell you once we know for sure exactly what the injury is. We're hopeful, I'll just say that."

According to Stephania Bell, ESPN's injury analyst, it is common to conduct extensive testing on a high ankle sprain to make sure there is no fracture. But even without a fracture, a high ankle sprain could be a concern.

Dez Clark on Orton's injury:

"Hopefully he misses a minimum amount of time," he was playing at an elite level."

Bell had this to say about this injury:

"The problem with the high ankle sprain is that every time we take a step, there is stress placed across the ligaments (that join the two lower leg bones) that form the roof of the ankle joint, stress that would tend to stretch or widen the roof, if the roof continues to widen, then you get instability ... and ultimately lead to an arthritic condition."One of the things they look at with high ankle sprains is how 'wide' that roof has become. If it's not that bad, then it's treated conservatively with a boot. If too wide, it becomes a surgical situation."

Just a Thought:

It could be worse, Kyle Orton could have been out for the season.

Fun Fact:

Going into the Detroit Lions game, Orton was tied for fourth in touchdown passes since Week 3 with 10, trailing only Philip Rivers, Brett Favre and Drew Brees.

How's Mike Brown?:

As for Mike Brown, his calf injury was initially thought to be a cramp.

He left Soldier Field with a protective boot in hand, but he told teammates the injury wasn't serious.

If Brown can't go this week. look for Steltz to get the start at FS and either Danieal Manning (if healthy) or recently signed Terrence Holt to back him up.

Israel Idonije had this to say about Mike Brown:

"No one can fill Mike's shoes, Mike's a playmaker for us. But at the end of the day, if he can't go, someone has to step up."

Three Stars from Sunday's Game

My three stars from Sunday's game are as follows:

1) Matt Forte- everyone said he wasn't an effective runner anymore, but he went wild in the second half with a game high 126 yards on the ground and looked unstoppable.

2) Craig Steltz- he was clutch, filling in for the injured Mike Brown and made the most of his opportunities with a huge interception.

3) Rex Grossman- he came in for the injured Kyle Orton was 9-19 and threw a touchdown in the red zone to Rashied Davis and ran for a clutch touchdown in the 4th quarter.

Steltz on his first career NFL interception:

"I think [Orlovsky] kind of pump-faked to my right, and I don't know how much I took the pump fake, he tried to come back to hit Johnson in the seam. Just happened to make a good break on it and make a play."

Mike Brown said this about his injury:

"Everything is good, man, you'll see me back out there shortly."

Grossman on Forte's play:

"Beyond his physical ability, he's extremely smart, one of the smartest guys on the team, he knows the offense like the back of his hand, and he's a rookie. … He just has a demeanor about him that reassures everybody, 'Hey, I got this.' "

Forte on the game and the QB Situation:

"We just have to hope he'll be back, we have to look forward and get Rex ready." "Rex knows the game plan too, they both go over it. That didn't slow us down a bit." "We were beating ourselves in the first half, so we had to come out in the second half and start eliminating the mistakes."
"Running the ball is going to be huge, especially when the weather changes, I mean, we won't always have ample opportunity to throw the ball when the weather changes.

To be noted:

Kyle Orton wasn't the only QB to suffer an injury in Sunday's game.

Lions QB Dan Orlovsky, who really looked decent, hurt his thumb and will be out a few weeks.

"Sexy Rexy":

Can he get it done against Tennessee?

Will just have to wait and see.

Garrett Wolfe Talking About the Bears Win

Guess whose back? Back again. Rex is back. Tell a friend.

Rex had this to say back in August:

“I’ll never fully get over it and I don’t think anyone would expect me to, my motivation is to be a great player in this league and a starter again, but for right now I’ve got to be the best quarterback ready at a moment’s notice. That’s my goal and that’s my job.”

Rex had this to say after the big win:

“The last couple months have been tough, but when you have a role and your number is called to fulfill that role, I was happy to come in and help us win the game.

“It was tough, I didn’t have any reps in practice. I was [Lions quarterback] Dan Orlovsky all week. I just had to memorize the game plan and go through it, pay attention, all those types of things. It’s not easy to just sit there for an hour or hour and a half not thinking you’re going to play at all and then, boom, be brought into the mix.”

Orton was being reevaluated Monday after exiting the game with :26 remaining in the second quarter when his ankle bent awkwardly while being tackled by defensive end Dewayne White.

“You always want to play, but never under those circumstances, I had the whole half[time] to think to myself about my game plan; how I was going to go out there and get ready. So that was nice. After that first series I started feeling pretty good about just being out there. I got my feet wet and calmed down and everything was fine.”

“As frustrating as it was to not be the guy to start off [the season], you have a different role, and in that role, I came in and did the job.”

Lovie Smith had this to say about Rex:

“When you’re the backup quarterback and you haven’t gotten a lot of reps and you’re asked to step up and make plays like that, it was important for Rex to come in and then do some of the things that he was able to do.”

Olin Kreutz on Rex's Play:

“We believe in Rex, Rex has been our starter for a long time. Like he showed, he’s ready to play. If a guy runs the no-huddle, he’s studying his plays.

“He’s being a professional as what’s expected of him as a backup quarterback. All along he has taken his demotion well and he’s studied hard, and he showed that [Sunday].”

WR Rashied Davis on Rex's Play:

"Grossman hasn't been in there for a while, so we tried to pick him up until he could get comfortable, everyone knows what he is capable of doing."

DE Alex Brown on Rex:

"It's not like it's his first time, he has been there before. If we can just cut out some of the boos when a bad play happens, we'll be fine, Orton's our quarterback, but right now I guess Rex is, "We have two good quarterbacks."

Now backup QB Caleb Hanie talks about the possibility of playing and how Rex played:

"Rex came in and did a good job. He did what he's supposed to do."
"It was a wake-up call to both of us that you're one play away, so you have to prepare. We'll see what Kyle's injury entails. It's looking decent, so hopefully he won't be out for the year. He has earned the right to be in there. But luckily we have Rex. He's also an NFL quarterback and he's a talented guy."

Down the Road:

If Kyle Orton aka K.O. is out for a month, Rex will have to face Tennessee at home next week, and then Green Bay, St. Louis and Minnesota all on the road.

Next week will be a huge game, but also the two NFC North games will be huge.

My inside source told me that Kyle Orton drove home last night after the game and Rex Grossman has been told by Pep Hamilton (the Bears QB coach) to not be a gunslinger.

Rather be more like Kyle Orton, who was so far the Bears' best player.

If Orton finished out the season and kept playing well he would have been a sure pick for the Pro Bowl and a fantasy football stud.

Prediction:

The Bears won't be awful without Orton, but there offense must step it up for Rex and I think with this week of practice as the #1 QB will be huge for him and the team.

Tennessee will be a huge test for Rex and the Bears.

The Packers almost beat them and we are ahead of the Packers, so will see.

Did you Know? 11-3-08

Yesterday, both Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman both scored rushing touchdowns.

The last time two Chicago Bears quarterbacks ran for to touchdowns was back in 1986, when Mike Tomczak and Doug Flutie scored.

Also, that was Orton's first career NFL rushing touchdown and Rex's first since 2004.

A look back at Week 9

Bears beat Lions to keep lead in NFC North

Playing alongside Matt Forte in a game situation only verified what Rex Grossman thought about the rookie running back all along.

Bironas gets second chance, kicks winner in OT as Titans beat Green Bay 19-16

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans remained perfect — even if they needed a little extra time to stay that way.

Streak stopper: Vikings force 3 turnovers, Frerotte throws 3 TDs in 28-21 victory over Texans

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Andre Johnson was silenced until the very end, and Houston's winning streak ended with a harsh welcome by Minnesota's defense.

Eli Manning throws for 3 TDs, Giants pick off Tony Romo-less Cowboys 3 times in 35-14 rout

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — With injured quarterback Tony Romo watching from the sidelines, the New York Giants had no problem burying the Dallas Cowboys in more ways than one.

Peyton Manning TD pass to Anthony Gonzalez gives Colts 18-15 win over Pats into halftime

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Peyton Manning's 12-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Gonzalez gave the Indianapolis Colts a 18-15 win over the New England Patriots at the end of two quarters of their Sunday night game.

McNabb recovers from rocky start, Eagles roll past inept Seahawks 26-7
SEATTLE (AP) — Backup tight ends. Tackle-eligibles. Doesn't matter who Donovan McNabb is throwing to these days. He's connecting with them all.

Bengals survive late Jaguars' threat, hold on for first win of season, 21-19

CINCINNATI (AP) — No one can call these Bengals the worst ever. Cedric Benson ran for over 120 yards.

Dolphins pick off Jay Cutler 3 times, ride defense to 26-17 win over befuddled Broncos

DENVER (AP) — The Miami Dolphins bottled up Denver's ground game and intercepted Jay Cutler three times in a 26-17 win over the befuddled Broncos on Sunday.

Turnovers, big plays fuel Cardinals' 24-point second quarter against Rams

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Kurt Warner and the Cardinals used a 24-point second quarter to win another one in their former home city.

Bryant's 34-yard field goal in overtime leads Tampa Bay past Kansas City 30-27

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tampa Bay had four turnovers and a raft of injured starters. No matter, they were in Kansas City — and caught an incredibly lucky break.

Flacco throws for 2 TDs, Stover kicks 3 field goals as Ravens rally for 37-27 win over Browns

CLEVELAND (AP) — Baltimore's rookies came through and the Ravens' old man kicked it in, too.

Elam TD INT return secures Jets' 26-17 win over bumbling Bills in key AFC East matchup

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Abram Elam and the New York Jets' defense made Brett Favre's job easy, negating the need for any late-game comebacks. And suddenly, the AFC East race is a whole lot tighter.

Ryan throws for 2 TDs, Falcons hold Raiders to negative yards in first half of 24-0 victory

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Even in the depths of the Michael Vick- and Bobby Petrino-inspired despair last year in Atlanta, the Falcons never sank as low as they sent the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.

Source: Orton likely out for a month with high ankle sprain

Bears quarterback Kyle Orton could be out a month with a high right ankle sprain, a source told the Chicago Tribune.

He is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday.

He suffered the injury at the end of the first half of Sunday's 27-23 win over the Detroit Lions.

While trying to run for a first down, Orton was tackled by Cory Redding then appeared to get his ankle banged by end Dewayne White, who cleaned up on the play. Orton attempted to stand up but fell back to the ground.

He was carted off the field with 26 seconds left before halftime.

Being out a month could keep Orton from facing some good teams including Tennessee, Green Bay, St. Louis and Minnesota.

Rex Grossman replaced Orton against the Lions and scored the game-winning, 1-yard touchdown.


Orton had started the first eight games and was one of the hottest quarterbacks in the league before the injury.

He won the starting job in training camp over Grossman.

Grossman Postgame

Breaking News: Orton's ankle is not broken

Kyle Orton's ankle is not broken, hopefully he will be okay for next week, if not we got Rex Grossman, who wasn't awful today.

Also, Mike Brown walk off the field under his own power and is fine as long as I know.

Craig Steltz replaced him and had a huge interception late in the 4th quarter.

Do we need a Backup Long Snapper?

Backups Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark work on long-snapping every day in practice throughout training camp, but they don’t do it that much during the regular season.

Bears special teams coordinator Dave Toub was asked about the incident in the Steelers game, and he joked that every team in the NFL was probably working with their backup snappers on Monday.