Bears' DB coach Wilks Fired

The Bears have made their first coaching move, releasing defensive backs coach Steven Wilks. Wilks joined the Bears prior to the 2006 season.

Chicago's defensive backs combined for 42 interceptions and 19 forced fumbles under Wilks, but the pass coverage was spotty this season as the Bears went 9-7. A once-dominant defense ranked 21st overall and 30th against the pass, and was particularly vulnerable to slants.

Nickel back Danieal Manning was surprised to hear the news about Wilks.

``Wow, that's a shock,'' Manning said. ``That's the only DBs coach I ever knew, the guy I came into the league with. We came in together. We got our bumps and bruises together.

``I learned a lot from Coach Wilks. I learned how to be a professional. That was his big thing: being professional on and off the field. And he always talked about tunnel vision, about staying focused on the team goals.''

Manning expected a chance to occur, just not in this form.

``Coach Lovie Smith told us after the last game that this wasn't going to be the same team,'' Manning said. ``You expect players to change, but nothing like this so soon. ... I'm quite sure that Coach Wilks is resilient and that he'll bounce back.''

Angelo Would love to have Marinelli on Bears Coaching Staff

Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said he thinks the world of fired Detroit head coach Rod Marinelli and would "love to have" Marinelli on the Bears staff.

"He’d be a great addition to any staff," Angelo said.

Angelo and Lovie Smith worked with Marinelli with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

But Angelo also said any talk about Marinelli is premature. Angelo has yet to speak in length about the coaching staff with Smith.

"We’ll get into that, in all likelihood, a little bit this week, talk more about it next week," Angelo said.

Practice Squad Players Signed

The Bears signed seven players to reserve/future contracts Monday. The players are the following; tackle Cody Balogh, receivers Rudy Burgess and John Broussard, end Joe Clermond, tight end Fontel Mines, guard Tyler Reed and linebacker Marcus Riley.

Bears Offseason needs

#1 WR

#2 O-line

#3 Safety Depth

#4 Coordiantors on both sides of the ball

#5 QB

#6 bringing back Mike Brown, John St. Clair, Brandon Lloyd and Brandon McGowan

If Terrell Owens Was a Bear

Written by Joe Willett of Bleacherreport.com.

Terrell Owens has officially been traded to the Chicago Bears after Jerry Jones decided that he needed to cave to the media and shake things up a little bit.

Although the trading deadline is long gone, Roger Goodell, in an attempt to keep Tony Romo and Jason Witten from joining forces to murder clubhouse cancer, allowed the trade to go through.

However, angered with the situation at hand, TO has begun his anti-teammate antics earlier than ever before.

It began when Bears receiver Rashied Davis refused to give up the number 81 to Owens, who has always had that number.

"This is just him looking at what I did to all my other teams and pre-judging me," said an angered Owens in another interview with ESPN writer Stephen A. Smith.

Davis also commented on the situation.

"I don't care if they give him the [Stephon] Marbury treatment, I don't want him on this team," said an also angered Davis.

Owens then turned his frustration to the quarterback and, in a tactic he has never used before, decided he didn't want to catch passes from anybody on the Bears depth chart at quarterback.

"First off, [Kyle] Orton is just plain ugly. Look at that neck beard, just nasty. At least I had Jeff Garcia (Playboy Playmate wife), Tony Romo (Jessica Simpson girlfriend) and Donovan McNabb (I guess he just thinks McNabb is hot). How am I supposed to catch passes from such an ugly person. And look at the guys they have lower on the depth chart are even worse. Grossman looks like a cardboard cutout and who the f*** is Caleb Hanie," said Owens.

To recap Owens' illustrius career, he has enjoyed good times. He has gone to six Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl. He has also caught more touchdown passes than any other wide receiver not named Jerry Rice and holds the NFL record for catches in a game with 20.

There have also been bad times. After his time in San Fransisco, he called his insinuated that his ex-quarterback was a homosexual. Then he went to Philadelphia where he played for just one season. In that one season, he went to the Super Bowl despite playing injured in the NFC Championship game.

While with the Eagles, he made statements against Donovan McNabb, saying that the team would be undefeated if they had Brett Favre as the quarterback because Favre is a warrior, even though McNabb was playing with a sports hernia among other injuries.

When he went to Dallas, arch-rival to the Eagles, he was generally nice to the team. However, in 2006, there was a police-report saying that Owens had overdosed on a pain medication intentionally to try to commit suicide.

Then, throughout the past few weeks, Owens has been reportedly creating a divide amongst the players in the Cowboys locker room as he had been upset with Tony Romo's frequent passing to tight end Jason Witten, although Romo had thrown to Owens about 20 more times than he had thrown to Witten. This event led to his most recent trade to Chicago.

Despite all of the antics he brings, he still always finds a way to help the team win. In his first game against the Packers he had 143 receiving yards and three touchdown catches as the Bears won the game 42-10.

Said Owens after the game, "they unleashed me."

I guess you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

This never really happened

Chicago Tribune Writers pick week 17 game: Bears @ Texans

TERRY BANNON: Bears 23, Texans 20

DAVID HAUGH: Bears 24, Texans 23

VAUGHN McCLURE: Bears 28, Texans 24

FRED MITCHELL: Bears 27, Texans 23

RICK MORRISSEY: Bears 21, Texans 20

JOHN MULLIN: Bears 17, Texans 16

MELISSA ISAACSON: Texans 21, Bears 17

DAN POMPEI: Texans 28, Bears 26

SHANNON RYAN (WILD CARD): Texans 26, Bears 20

A look back at the Week 16 victory over the Packers

Mike Brown: Done for the Year

I thought Mike Brown was going to play this Sunday.

I guess I thought wrong, because today it was announced that, Mike Brown will miss the rest of the season due to a calf injury.

Mike Brown played 15 game this season, which is a lot for a guy, who has been banged up for most of his career.

Many think this will be Brown's last season in Chicago, since he is a free agent this off-season.

But, I see this guy returning to the team, unless Craig Steltz plays out of this world on Sunday.

Mike Brown recorded 101 tackles, one sack and two interceptions this season.

Recently signed Cameron Worrell, will backup rookie Steltz this Sunday.

Steltz filled in for the injured Brown on Monday night against the Packers.


Lovie Smith had this to say about the loss of Mike Brown:

“Very disappointing for our football team and for Mike, too, injuries are a part of it, and Mike’s been in this situation before. He made it through this time about as long as he had in awhile.”

“Losing Mike Brown for the rest of the season is big.”

He has not played in all 16 games since 2003 and with an expiring contract, his future is in doubt.

For now, Lovie Smith said any conversations about that are “definitely premature.”

“Right now, he’s not going to play this week. That’s about all I can talk about,” Smith said, when asked if he would like to re-sign Brown.


Lovie on Craig Steltz's first career start:

“Craig’s a good player, he’s played well on special teams, and when we’ve given him an opportunity to play a regular down, he’s come through.”


Cameron Worrell on his chance to play:

“I’ve been through the system, I know what I’m doing. I picked it up fairly quickly when I came back. I’m just here to add some depth and do whatever they ask me to do.”

Cedric Benson says he never liked the Bears' RB coach

Cedric Benson talks about his new RB coach in Cincinnati and his old RB coach Tim Spencer (Bears):

"My position coach here (Jim Anderson) has been really helpful, much different from my position coach there in Chicago," Benson said. "(Anderson) told me how excited he was I'm here. He's helped me adjust as fast as possible to the playbook. He's been a support guy in the corner, which I didn't get much in Chicago."

Asked how Spencer was different, Benson said, "I don't think he was a fan of Cedric, not at all."

It should be no surprise that Cedric Benson talks to none of the Bears players or coaches.

Cameron Worrell: Welcome Back

Cameron Worrell flew in Wednesday night to Chicago, and spent Christmas at the Charles Tillman's house.

He will sign a one-year deal today, which ultimately means one game, unless they resign him this offseason.

Cameron Worrell, who spent four seasons with the Bears and made 28 special-teams tackles in 2006, was placed on injured reserve and waived by the New York Jets in the preseason after a shoulder injury that required surgery 13 weeks ago.

Worrell was spending his time rehabbing with his family in California.

In the picture on the left, he is celebrating Devin Hester's touchdown return in Super Bowl XLI.


Worrell had this to say about his return:

'It wasn't an easy decision, and I wasn't really pursuing anything. With the Bears, I'm familiar with the system, and I know what is expected. I've been through playoff games here, and I know what is at stake.''

Worrell also had this to say:

“I’ve been through the system, I know what I’m doing. I picked it up fairly quickly when I came back. I’m just here to add some depth and do whatever they ask me to do.”

Mike Brown expected to play

Mike Brown sat out yesterday's practice with a calf injury.

If you ask anybody, whose a Bears player or fan you know this guy is tough.

I expect him to play.

Mike Brown has been battered by injuries his whole career and he id still a great asset to this team, thus they definitely need him to play Sunday.

Coach Lovie Smith had this to say about Mike Brown:

"Mike Brown, he's been down, but in the end, it seems like he always plays.


All quotes from Chicagotribune.com

Week 16 Power Rankings

ESPN:

13th (+3 from last week)

This team is starting to seem blessed. (KS)


Yahoo Sports:

15th (+2 from last week)

After their Monday night win, they are still alive, and can still win the AFC North if they can pull out a win and get a Vikings loss. If several other teams lose while the Bears win, there is also still a chance at a wild card berth.


Fox Sports:

13th (same as last week)

Welcome to this year's NFL, where a blocked field goal and game-winning kick in Week 16 has kept the Bears alive for a division title with one week left in the season. Give the team credit for rallying from a 14-3 halftime deficit after Chicago had blown several games early in the season. COOL STAT: RB Matt Forte has accounted for an NFL-high 35% percent of his team's total yards from scrimmage this season.


CBS Sportsline:

14th (+2 from last week)

They're alive -- barely. They need to go to Houston and win and then get some help. Their chant for the week: Go Giants!


Sporting News:

14th (+3 from last week)

Alex Brown saved Christmas with his big block on Monday night, and now the gritty Bears would love to get a gift from the Giants—in the form of playing their regulars and playing hard to knock off the Vikings this week. Chicago’s struggling secondary, meanwhile, will need to keep Andre Johnson under wraps.

Did you Know? 10-23-08

The Bears have now won back-to-back games in overtime for just the second time since overtime was adopted in 1974.

The previous time came in 2001 when safety Mike Brown returned interceptions for touchdowns in overtime to beat the 49ers 37-31 and the Browns 27-21.

Good as Gould Again

My first Soldier Field experience turned out to be a success.

Not only was it the coldest (-2) Bears game in history at kickoff, but they also defeated their most hated rival the Green Bay Packers 20-17.

The Bears were trailing 14-3 at half to the 5-9 Packers and basically did nothing offensively.

They adjusted at half, just like me.

My hands were pretty much frozen, so I put multiple hand warmers in my gloves.

That saved me, and the Bears.


Three reasons how they won:

1. Special Teams- Robbie Gould, Danieal Manning and Alex Brown had huge plays.

2. Matt Forte- He came up big late in the game.

3. The fans- they play a huge role in this one.


If they lost, I would have wasted my time freezing my hands.

Thank goodness they won.

Now they play a 7-8 Houston Texans team in Houston, a must win game to even have a shot at the playoffs.

They need Minnesota to lose to the Giants in Minnesota and the Cowboys and Bucs both to lose.

If Minnesota loses and we win were NFC North champs, and if Dallas and Tampa Bay lose and we win we clinch a wild card spot.

What a great weekend for me.

Not only do the the Chicago Bulls win Saturday night, but all the teams the Bears needed to lose lost and they pick up a huge win.


Just a few notes:

S Mike Brown injured his calf late in the second quarter and did not return.

Brad Maynard’s third quarter punt hit Green Bay’s Jarrett Bush, who was blocking on the play, and the Bears’ Jason Davis recovered at the 27.

The 4th and one, when it was 17-10 was converted by only an inch.

Matt Forte played through an injured toe to keep the Bears playoffs hopes alive.

The coin toss in OT went off of Brian Urlacher's Helmet.


Alex Brown had this to say about his blocked field goal to save the day:

We got a great push from a lot of different people. I was just the one who got my hand on it, we were saying on the sidelines that we have to block it. I got through pretty good but I didn’t really think that was going to happen. You just go as hard as you can and see if you can get a hand up and hopefully you can get it.”

Orton had this to say after the game:

“Everything fell right, gave us a lot of momentum and energy coming into this game. We just had to carry it all the way through."

Lovie on team win:

"I don't know if I've ever been prouder of a team."

All quotes from Yahoosports.com

Ex- Bear Cedric Benson has career day against Browns

I was watching football yesterday here in the freezing tempatures of Chicago and i couldn't mind but notice that, Ex-Bear Cedric Benson rushed for 171 yards on 38 carries against the Cleveland Browns.

His carries and yards yesterday were career highs.

In 11 games for the Bengals, Benson has run 189 times for 636 yards and one touchdown.

He's averaging 3.4 ypc.

Those stats are about the same as his most recent season with the Bears.

Maybe he can be a number one back, who knows.

We could use him as a #2 back, instead of "the other" Adrian Peterson, behind Matt Forte.

Good for Cedric, maybe he isn't that horrible.

This is what he had to say after his performance:

“It feels awesome, that was some smash-mouth football right there. When you can run the ball like that, it’s a momentum builder. It says a lot for your guys. It’s a big statement. It also gets the defense wondering what’s going on. It wears them down.”

All quotes from yahoosports.com

Chicago Tribune Writers pick week 16 game: Packers @ Bears

TERRY BANNON: Bears 24, Packers 13

DAVID HAUGH: Bears 27, Packers 24

MELISSA ISAACSON: Bears 24, Packers 20

VAUGHN McCLURE: Bears 31, Packers 20

FRED MITCHELL: Bears 19, Packers 16

RICK MORRISSEY: Bears 13, Packers 10

JOHN MULLIN: Bears 16, Packers 13

DAN POMPEI: Bears 26, Packers 23

K.C. JOHNSON (wild card): Bears 23, Packers 14

Im so ready to freeze!

I'm flying into Chicago tomorrow afternoon.

The last time I was in snow was when I was six, so I think I might be in trouble.

I'm going to the Bulls-Jazz game that night.

Sunday I will spend the day with my family and getting clothes from my Uncle for the Bears game.

Then comes the cold Monday Night Football game, Packers @ Bears, I will be attending this cold, but important game for the Bears.

I have been checking the weather for days now, and it just keeps getting worse and worse.

The high projected for Monday is eight degrees and the low is 2, and the wind is at 15 degrees west.

Since, I'm a Floridian this game will be a cold, but fun experience for me. Hopefully!

My uncle goes to many Bears games and he is hooking me up with everything I need for the game.

Soldier Field will be field with one loud Floridian, I'll tell you that.

Go Bears!

Thanks
-Jake

Happy Holidays!

Forte is back on the practice field

According to chicagotribune.com, Bears running back Matt Forte returned to practice for the Bears Friday.

He missed the last two practices while nursing a sore big right toe.

Forte was expected to be limited in practice.

Marty Booker (ribs) was expected to be a limited as well, while Jason McKie (quad) was likely to miss practice again.

Danieal Manning Named NFC special teams player of the week

According to NFL.com, Bears safety Danieal Manning was named NFC special teams player of the week after returning five kickoffs for 179 yards, including the opening kickoff 83 yards for a touchdown last Thursday night against New Orleans.

Danieal Manning leads the NFL this season with 29.5 yards per kickoff return (26 returns, 766 yards).

The last time a Bear returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, was in Super Bowl XLI, by a guy named Devin Hester.

Good job Danieal Manning, we need you to return some long ones in the future.

Could the Bears be playing for nothing on Monday Night?

The NFL has confirmed the following scenario which would eliminate the Bears from playoff contention before Monday night’s game with the Packers:

If the Vikings, Cowboys, Buccaneers and Eagles win their games, the Bears are eliminated.

The Vikings play the Falcons, the Cowboys play host the Ravens, the Bucs host the Charges, and the Eagles travel to Washington.

The Vikings would clinch the NFC north with the win.

Bears Backer featured on the Windy Citizen

If you look closely, you can see the arrow and the orange box.

Inside that is my two most recent articles, the Week 15 Power Rankings and Lance Briggs' pro bowl article.

It's pretty cool what can happen, when you consistently get better at something.

Lance Briggs lone bear heading to Honolulu

Lance Briggs was selected to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl today

Lance Briggs leads the Bears in tackles with 122.

He also has three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble.


Briggs on Pro Bowl:

"Obviously, I'm ecstatic about it, I'm extremely excited. It's always nice to get voted to the Pro Bowl, and this is going four years in a row."


Urlacher on Briggs' Pro Bowl vote:

"He’s having a great year, man, after the first game of the year I told him, 'You should be defensive player of the year. There’s no doubt in my mind.' He just makes plays."

Brian Urlacher was named a third alternate at MLB.

Tommie Harris was named a first alternate at defensive tackle.

Center Olin Kreutz, punter Brad Maynard, and tight end Greg Olsen were named second alternate.

Also, Devin Hester was named a third alternate kick returner.

All quotes from Chicagotribune.com

Week 15 Power Rankings

ESPN:

16 (+3 previously 19)

This is an odd stretch for the Bears. They can be knocked from realistic playoff contention before they get back on the field. (KS)

Yahoo Sports:

17 (+0 previously 17)

By the time they take the field against the Packers on Monday night, will they still have something for which to play?

Fox Sports Rankings:

13 (+4 previously 17)

The Bears are returning to form with three wins in their last four games, though it may be too late. Da Bears have two winnable games remaining, but need some help to sneak into the postseason, which is a shame for all fans of Kyle Orton's hearty neck beard.

Sporting News Rankings:

17 (+1 previously 18)

The Bears have lived and died with the close games. Kyle Orton has played well overall, but he also makes head-scratching mistakes. Matt Forte is a consistent productive presence, but the offense as a whole is inconsistent. The defense usually stuffs the run, but sometimes the pass rush and coverage are nonexistent. Chicago has the classic ups and downs of a 8-6 team that's about to miss the playoffs.

Lovie believes Forte is fine

Lovie Smith on Matt Forte's injury:

"He has a sore toe, but he was able to finish the football game, we don't think he'll have any other trouble with it."

Forte suffered the injury to his right foot on his first carry against the Saints. X-rays were negative.

Quotes from Chicago Tribune

Hamstring injury ends Wolfe's season

The Bears placed running back Garrett Wolfe on injured reserve today with a hamstring injury.

To take Wolfe's place on the 53-man roster, the Bears signed linebacker Gilbert Gardner.

Wolfe led the team in special teams tackles and was a key contributor on four special teams units.

Your Not Going to Believe What Cedric Benson Said About His Former Team

Cedric Benson on Forte and the o-line:

"[Matt Forte] is having a great year, but when I see the highlights, I see holes. … I see them using him in the slot, something they didn't do with me. If I was there right now with the holes I see, I'd probably have 1,800 yards right now. I definitely would have 1,500 by now. I congratulate him on all of his success. He is taking advantage."

Quote from Fred Mitchell of the Chicago Tribune

Tillman named Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee

According to Chicagotribune.com, Cornerback Charles Tillman has been named the Bears nominee for the 2008 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award. The prestigious award is the only NFL award that recognizes a player’s off-the-field community service, support and activities as well as his playing excellence.

The award has been in existence since 1970 and honors NFL players who demonstrate outstanding balance in their lives between civic and professional responsibilities. In 1999, the league renamed the Man of the Year award after Walter Payton as a tribute to his greatness both on and off the field.

All 32 finalists, one from each NFL team, will receive a $1,000 contribution toward a charity of his choice, and the overall winner will receive $25,000 to donate to his selected charity.

The 2008 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year winner will be announced during Commissioner Roger Goodell’s press conference prior to Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa.

Tribune picks 'em: Bears vs. Saints

Chicago Tribune writers make their weekly Bear's picks:

TERRY BANNON: Bears 24, Saints 17

DAVID HAUGH: Bears 28, Saints 27

MELISSA ISAACSON: Saints 23, Bears 20

VAUGHN MCCLURE: Saints 24, Bears 20

FRED MITCHELL: Saints 23, Bears 16

RICK MORRISSEY: Saints 21, Bears 20

JOHN MULLIN: Saints 27, Bears 20

DAN POMPEI: Bears 33, Saints 30

CHRIS KUC (wild card): Saints 24, Bears 17

Booker doubtful for NFC matchup tommorow

Receiver Marty Booker is listed as doubtful for Thursday's game against the Saints with a cracked rib.

Fullback Jason McKie (quad) and running back Garrett Wolfe (hamstring) are listed as doubtful as well, but neither was expected to play.

Campbell’s Chunky soup “Click for Cans”

In an effort to take hunger head-on in NFL communities across the country, Campbell’s Chunky soup is once again inviting fans of all 32 NFL teams to click for their favorite team and help tackle hunger in their community with the Campbell’s Chunky soup “Click for Cans” online food drive. NFL fans are encouraged to feast on the gridiron glory of defeating their rivals on a weekly basis, while scoring bragging rights and souper donations of soups like Classic Chicken Noodle, made with lean meat protein, for their local communities.

Fans are encouraged to cast one vote per day, with weekly tallying beginning on Tuesdays at 12:00am ET and ending the following Monday at 11:59pm ET. At that time, wins and losses will be determined, with voting slates and click counts wiped clean to begin the next week’s match up. Wins and losses will be recorded for each team based on the total votes accumulated during each weekly match up and teams will be ranked by their records to show overall team standings.

At the end of the regular season, the top four AFC teams and the top four NFC teams will compete in the first-ever three-week “Click for Cans” playoffs, where they will have a chance to play for the “Click for Cans” Championship and the ultimate prize—thousands of cans of soup for their local Feeding America food bank. In addition to the donations made to the conference winners (12,000 cans each) and the “Click for Cans” overall champion (an additional 5,000 cans), Chunky soup will donate 1,000 cans of soup to each team’s Feeding America food bank affiliate on behalf of the Campbell’s Chunky/NFL Tackling Hunger® program.

For more information go to www.chunky.com

Thanks

-Jake

Bears sign WR

According to ESPN.com, the Bears signed wide receiver Devin Aromashodu off the Washington Redskins' practice squad.

Devin Aromashodu took the roster spot of Dusty Dvoraceck, who officially went on the injured reserve today.

Devin Aromashodu won a Super Bowl ring with the Indianapolis Colts.

Devin Aromashodu was originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 7th round of the 2006 draft out of Auburn.

He had 71 receptions, 1,333 yards receiving, and nine touchdowns with the Auburn Tigers. (2002-2005)

He is a 6'2" wide receiver, who weighs about 200 pounds.

Last year he saw his first action of his career, where he appeared in six games and caught seven passes for 96 yards for the Colts.

He has also been apart of the Houston Texans and Washington Redskins practice squads.

Maybe, this means the Bears are fed up with the production of Rashied Davis, Marty Booker and Brandon Lloyd.

Booker left last game with bruised ribs, and there was no update on his status for Thursday's nights' game.


Booker on possibility of playing Thursday night:

`This game here, I would say, will be a game-time decision, but we don't know. Definitely I'll probably only sit out one game.''

``I knew it [was cracked] as soon as I did it, Sunday night was unbelievable. I didn't get any sleep. I'm still having trouble sleeping. But I'm able to move around. Yesterday, I was like Frankenstein. But today, I'm able to move around a little bit better.''

Rashied Davis has dropped more balls, than he has caught in the last three games and Brandon Lloyd is flat out invisible.

They need to give Earl Bennett and Brandon Rideau a shot because besides Devin Hester they have no receivers.

I think Rideau will be active for this game, if Booker can't go.

Rideau is 6'3" and looked to be a weapon during the pre-season.

Why sign Devin Aromashodu?

Maybe, this Devin Aromashodu guy is pretty good.

Hopefully!

We need him to help Kyle Orton and the offense out.

Bears Week 14 Power Rankings

Yahoo Sports:

17. Chicago Bears: Given Minnesota’s remaining schedule, and Gus Frerotte’s back injury, shouldn’t winning the NFC North seem extremely plausible?

previously 17 (+0)

Teams in front of them:

• Atlanta Falcons
• NY Jets
  

ESPN:

19. The Bears will play in a quick turnaround game Thursday night, but it's against a New Orleans team that struggles away from the Superdome. (KS)

previously 19 (+0)

Teams in front of them:

• Washington Redskins
• New Orleans Saints
• Minnesota Vikings
• Denver Broncos

Fox Sports Rankings:

17. Kyle Orton and the Bears got back on track against a finished Jaguars team, but this week poses sort of an elimination game as the Saints come marching in to Soldier Field with both teams hoping to make a late postseason charge.

previously 18 (+1)


Sporting News Rankings:

18. The Soldier Bowl has a nice ring to it. The Bears keep marching on to stay in the NFC playoff hunt, but they need to drum out three more wins to have a real chance.

previously 19 (+1)

Teams in front of them:

• New Orleans Saints
• Philadelphia Eagles
  

Quotes of the Week

Brian Urlacher on Sunday's win:

"As long as we win and they win, they're going to get in, that's the picture. We've got to get some help.

"I wanted Detroit to help us out today, but they didn't. But the Vikings have three tough games: Arizona, Atlanta and the Giants. It's not easy for them or us."

Adewale Ogunleye on Sunday's win:

"We're still in a tough situation, it's not even just about this game. The whole season right now is kind of like a big drag. … I'm not even going to look at the [playoff] scenarios, because if we don't handle our business, what does it matter?"

Mike Brown on Sunday's game:

"We peeked up every now and then at the scoreboard, but we had to make sure we took care of our job. That's first and foremost. We've got to win. If we lose, then it really doesn't matter what Minnesota does."

Lovie Smith on win:

“We can finish up 10-6,” most teams that finish up 10-6 end up going to the playoffs. We’re just looking straight ahead.”

Alex Brown on win:

“You look at it, but you’ve got to take care of your part,” he said. “That’s it. Whatever happens in the Minnesota game is going to happen whether you look at it or not. It’s still going to happen. We’ve got to do our part and that’s winning.”

All quotes came from chicagotribune.com

Did you Know? 12/8/08

Matt Forte broke Gale Sayers record of most yards from scrimmage by a Chicago Bear rookie.

Lovie Smith on must win against Jaguars

Bears win 23-10 against struggling Jags

The Bears made sure they won this game, by coming out early and setting the tempo.

Kyle Orton looked solid with a 85.3 passer rating, 219 yards and two touchdown passes to Dez Clark and Greg Olsen.

His one mistake came when he under threw Devin Hester, who finished the game with five catches and 80 yards.

Danieal Manning, who moved to nickel back this season, picked off David Garrard on the Jag's first drive.

Manning returned it to the five where he fumbled out of bounds.

It was initially called a touch back, but Lovie Smith threw the challenge flag and the Bears scored on a Dez Clark catch.

They looked solid in the first half, but they were very conservative in the second half.

They knew they had it in the bag.

They allowed only 159 yards threw the air and the defensive line helped out with three sacks.

The defense had about 11 tipped passes in this game and it seemed like they were going to pick off Garrard more than just once.


The defensive stars:

Anthony Adams, Israel Idonije, and Daniel Manning led the defense for most of the day.

Adams, who is filling in for the injured Dusty Dvoraceck had eight tackles and really looked good.

Israel Idonije, had 1.5 sacks and a couple of deflected passes on some big plays.

Danieal Manning looked like a first round pick.

Manning not only had an interception, three tackles and two deflected passes, but he also had some decent kick returns.


The offensive stars:

Kyle Orton looked good with his 2 touchdowns and 85.3 passer rating.

Devin Hester had a big day receiving, but he also seems to know what he is doing returning punts now.

Hester was close to taking a punt to the house in the second half, this made the Jaguars punt out of bounds multiple times.

The tight ends looked really good, with Greg Olsen's 52 yards and a score and Dez Clark's touchdown catch.

Matt Forte, who is a rookie, but plays like a veteran, finished with 69 yards rushing and 37 yards receiving.


Notes from the game:

Garrett Wolfe left the game on the opening kickoff with a hamstring injury.

Mark Anderson recorded on his first sack of the season, when he beat tackle Tony Pashos with a spin move.

Adewale Ogunleye, who was on the injury report, helped Israel Idonije bring down David Garrard late in the game.

This victory gives the Bears 700 wins, an NFL record.

Adrian Peterson, finished the game with 19 yards on three carries, but he really looked like a solid backup running back.


Disappointments from the game:

Besides Devin Hester the wide receivers looked pathetic.

Marty Booker, Rashied Davis, and Brandon Lloyd combined for 5 catches.

Lloyd didn't catch a ball and looks almost invisible lately.

Booker was banged up late in the game and Rashied Davis just has no hands.

None of these guys should be starters in the NFL.

I don't understand why Earl Bennett and Brandon Rideau don't get any playing time.

Lance Briggs missed a tackle on the little, but powerful Maurice Jones-Drew four yard touchdown.


What's Next?

The Bears face the 7-6 New Orleans Saints on Thursday night.

Both teams need this win.

The Lions played the Vikings tough, but the Vikings came away with the victory to stay one game ahead of the Bears.

The Packers lost their eighth game of the season and are eliminated from the playoffs.

Tribune staff picks 'em: Bears-Jaguars

TERRY BANNON: Bears 20, Jaguars 10

DAVID HAUGH: Bears 24, Jaguars 13

MELISSA ISAACSON: Bears 24, Jaguars 14

VAUGHN McCLURE: Bears 28, Jaguars 14

FRED MITCHELL: Bears 27, Jaguars 17

RICK MORRISSEY: Bears 17, Jaguars 10

JOHN MULLIN: Bears 16, Jaguars 14

DAN POMPEI: Bears 27, Jaguars 17

MARK GONZALES (wild card): Bears 17, Jaguars 10

Just a Thought: Bears need Albert Haynesworth

I know they need a big time receiver for next season, but they might want to get themselves a big run stopper.

This would be a brilliant idea, because Adrian Peterson is having great success against the Bears.

In his first four games against the Bears, Adrian Peterson has averaged 6.2 yards per carry and 138 yards per game.

Wow, sounds like need someone in the middle to clog up the runs.

We, saw them stuff the Titans, but Tennessee found success through the air, because the Bears kept eight men in the box for most of the game.

Albert Haynesworth might be too expensive, but who knows maybe the Bears realize they need him to win the division.

They could easily lose every game to the Vikings, if Adrian Peterson keeps running wild.

The signing of a run stopper like Haynesworth will help everyone around him, including Tommie Harris, who will see less double teams and Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher.

The Browns look like geniuses with the signing of 350 pound run stopper Shaun Rogers and so do the NY Jets, who brought in Kris Jenkins.

So, the Bears most pressing needs this off season are wide receiver and a big run stopping nose tackle.

They could easily go after other positions, like safety, running back, offensive line and quarterback.

Injury Report for Sunday's Game

Defensive end Adewale Ogunleye's sprained right shoulder and nose tackle Anthony Adams' sore right toe didn't keep them from practicing Friday, and both are expected to play.

Hopefully Adams will play like he did last season, where he was pretty solid at nose tackle.

Also, Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (Achilles') is probable.

Once again, Jason Davis will fill in for the injured Jason McKie, who will likely miss Thursday's game against the Saints too.

Davis on the FB dive on Sunday night against the Vikings:

"Last Sunday's not the first time we've run a dive and gotten stopped," Davis said. "You're talking about running against arguably the two best defensive tackles in our conference [in Pat and Kevin Williams].

"Yes, too much was made about that play. It didn't come down to one play."

Bears last 4 games not in their favor

Bears 6-6, but could be 9-3.

9-10 Lovie Smith's record in December since taking over as head coach of the Bears in 2004.

71-17 How badly the Packers and Vikings outscored the Bears in NFC North showdowns in November.

32 The number of games the Bears have played since they last won their fourth game in a row, on Dec. 24, 2006.

23 Combined victories for the six teams the Bears have beaten. For comparison's sake, the four teams that have lost to Jacksonville have combined for 20 victories.

49.3 Kyle Orton's completion percentage (41 of 83 for 418 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions) in the three games since he returned from an ankle injury.

The odds are against them, but we'll have to what they can do.

It's up to the Bears, to decide if they win these four final games of the season.

Wednesday's injury update

Fullback Jason McKie (quad), nose tackle Anthony Adams (foot), linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (Achilles') and defensive end Adewale Ogunleye (shoulder) were held out of Wednesday's practice.

Defensive tackle Tommie Harris, safety Mike Brown, and center Olin Kreutz rested.

Bears plans for the rest of the season and next year is??

1. Win the next four games and you might have a real shot of making the playoffs.

You play Jacksonville this week, New Orleans, Green Bay and @ Houston in the four game stretch.

Don't worry about the other teams in your division, worry about yourself and winning the next four games.

2. Minnesota obviously beat you on Sunday, but they have a tough four game stretch to finish out the season. They play the win less Lions on the road, then Arizona on the road and Atlanta and NY "football" Giants in Minnesota.

The Vikings have lost both Pat Williams and Kevin Williams for the rest of the regular season, so that is huge for the Bears.

The Packers still have a real chance of winning the division, they play vs Houston, at Jacksonville, @ the Bears, and vs the Lions. They can easily finish 9-7.

3. Start thinking about what you need for this team to win in the future. They need a big time receiver, maybe T.J. Houshmandzadeh or Chad Johnson would come to Chicago. They could always draft someone in the first round.

Other areas of need:

backup RB, Forte needs a helper.

DE, a big time pass rusher, Adewale Ogunleye, Alex Brown, Mark Anderson and Israel Idonije are just not getting it done anymore.

S, Mike Brown is getting old and Kevin Payne just isn't very good.

Coach, I think it's time for Lovie to go, the guy doesn't show any character after a win, loss or a big play.

Offensive Coordinator Ron Turner is consistent with his horrible play calling, especially in the red zone. He consists on giving it the FB at the one yard line or just running the same play three times in a row.

4. For now, the Bears need Orton to get healthy, cause he hasn't looked himself since his injury and fans are starting to call for Rex to come in, but Orton will be just fine. Hopefully Hester, Davis and Lloyd are enough to help Orton and Forte just be yourself.

5. The tight ends have been almost invisible the last couple of games, Olsen looks like a bust and Dez Clark looks really old all of a sudden.

6. This team better get their act together if they want to win the NFC North, they have been so inconsistent this season. One week they barely beat the Lions, then they almost beat the Titans and they get crushed by the Packers and Vikings.

Coaches, players, if you want to be here next year, i'd tell you this, "step it up a notch.(Mark Rogers, friend)"

A Look at Lovie Smith

Here's a look at Lovie Smith's record as the head coach of the Chicago Bears.

I personally think his time in Chicago is coming to an end.

Team	Year	Regular Season					Post Season
		Won	Lost	Ties	Win %	Finish	Won	Lost	Win %	Result
CHI	2004	5	11	0	.312	4th in NFC North	-	-	-	-
CHI	2005	11	5	0	.688	1st in NFC North	0	1	.000	Lost to Carolina in Divisional Round
CHI	2006	13	3	0	.812	1st in NFC North	2	1	.666	Defeated Seattle in Divisional Playoff Defeated New Orleans in Conference Final Lost to Indianapolis in Super Bowl XLI
CHI	2007	7	9	0	.437	4th in NFC North	-	-	-	-
CHI	2008	6	6	0	.500	'Season in progress' '	-	-	-	-
Total		39	29	0	.576		2	2	.500
Overall Total		41	31	0	.571	NFL Championships (0)

Free Agents Bears Should Look at in 09'

• RB:
• Brandon Jacobs, UFA, New York Giants
• Ricky Williams, UFA, Miami Dolphins
• Darren Sproles, UFA, San Diego Chargers
• J.J. Arrington, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
• Correll Buckhalter, UFA, Philadelphia Eagles

• WR:
• Bobby Engram, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
• T.J. Houshmandzadeh, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
• Devery Henderson, UFA, New Orleans Saints
• Brandon Jones, UFA, Tennessee Titans
• Hank Baskett, RFA, Philadelphia Eagles
• Jabar Gaffney, UFA, New England Patriots

• DB:
• Jarrad Page, UFA, Kansas City Chiefs
• Phillip Buchanon, UFA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Jabari Greer, UFA, Buffalo Bills
• Justin Miller, UFA, New York Jets

Dusty's ruptured biceps forces him to end his season

Nose tackle Dusty Dvoracek will miss the final four games after rupturing his right biceps during
a loss at Minnesota on Sunday night, his third season-ending injury in his time in the NFL.

Dvoracek was injured on the opening drive and headed straight to the locker room.

"It's very hard for a guy like Dusty," coach Lovie Smith said Monday. "No one works harder than him. He's a tough guy. It's just unfortunate. If you look at how he injured his arm, it's a typical play that he's made plenty of times. It happens."

"It's disheartening knowing the adversity he's been through in the past," defensive tackle Tommie Harris said. "To keep continuing to go through this each year is very disheartening, especially having the season that he was having."

Defensive tackles Marcus Harrison and Anthony Adams will fill in for the injured Dvoracek

Bears Week 13 Power Rankings

Yahoo Sports- 17-If you can’t score on four plays from the 1-yard line with first place on the line, were you ever really a contender?

previously 15 (-2 from last week)

ESPN- (19) The Bears didn't look too smooth Sunday night, but they need to realize they're only one game out in the division. A lot can still happen. (KS)

previously 15 (-4 from last week)