Why I'm a Bears fan, and what they need to do the rest of the way...

The bye week gives every team, and for that matter, every fan, time to stop for a moment and reflect.  After a disappointing loss to the Redskins on Sunday, I thought it was a good time to remind myself why I am (and always will be) a fan of the Chicago Bears.  Hopefully some of these will ring true and prompt you to come up with your own reasons as we prepare for the rest of this exciting NFL season:

• I started reading the Chicago Tribune sports page when I was about 4, and immediately gravitated to Bears news (Bob Verdi, Bernie Lincicome, and Don Pierson were some of my favorites)
• My dad (aka Jim McMahon) used to throw me (aka Willie Gault) touchdown passes in the driveway and/or backyard
• I received a Bears football with all of the 1990 division-winning Bears signatures on it shortly after learning I had type-1 Diabetes (a gift from my parents)
• Listening to former Bears guard Jay Leewenburg (who also had type-1 Diabetes) speak at Evanston Hospital and tell me how I could accomplish anything I wanted, even play pro football someday
• Scouting the Bears (as a fan) at Bourbonnais--feeling that NFL fever start to well-up in the heat of August
• Nothing on television equals the experience of watching your team play.  I was literally SCREAMING at the television on Sunday for Lovie to throw his challenge flag on the Cutler fumble at the goalline.  What else on tv can cause such a visceral reaction?
• Talking to my brother (who lives 3 hours from me) at least 3 times every Sunday on the phone to dissect the Bears game
• The fact that it led me to fantasy football, which is just an awesome time when you are a competitive person
• The fact that my wife watches every game with me and gets into it almost as much as I do--we even have our own "Bear Down" touchdown dance.  She also was able to wrangle me a personalized Brian Urlacher autographed picture--sweet.
• The fact that this is such a "holiday" sport--nothing compliments Thanksgiving like football (and I like my Bears Christmas ornaments too).
• Moments like the one earlier this year at the Seahawks game at Soldier Field, in which a member of the armed forces finally got his due with a standing ovation.  I could see the tears in his eyes from the 400-level.  
• Jet fly-overs at the stadium
• The playoff games in 2006--after Robbie Gould hit his 48 yarder in overtime I was a part of a 60,000-strong group hug.  And the Saints game was pure magic and catharsis--it even snowed at the end as Urlacher held the George Halas trophy aloft.
• Mainly, I'm a fan for the thrill of the chase for the championship.  I realize that every year the Bears won't win it all--but what I ask for is that they are competitive to the end, so that I can get full enjoyment out of the 16 regular season games and beyond.  Here is how I'm hopeful that the Bears can get there this year:
• Remaining games (9): 
• @Buffalo (W)--Plain and simple, a must win.  Won't be as easy as it looked a few weeks ago though as the Bills offense is clicking with Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm.
• Minnesota (W)--Need to take care of business at home against the Vikings, who have been underwhelming this year and have an aching Favre who may not even play (injury or may possible suspension)
• @Miami (L)--Tough game on the road against a rising Miami team.  Bears could come out with the win if they make a big play or two on special teams (see Miami vs. New England game from earlier this year)
• Philadelphia (W)--Bears have always matched up well against Vick.  This will be the game they have to win to make up for the loss to the Redskins.
• @Detroit (W)--Need to have it as the last 4 games are rough.  Cutler has played pretty well against the Lions in his time with the Bears thus far.
• New England (L)--Tom Brady and Bill Belichek are too much to handle--even at home.  This team is just too smart and knows how to win.  The Bears have not been able to cash in on their opportunities thus far.  This is winnable (being at home helps) but I can't call it a win at this point 
• @Minnesota (W)--A game the Bears will have to have--and I think the Vikings may be out of it by this point the way they are going.  Won't be easy but the Bears will pull out their first sweep of the Vikings in quite some time with a few big defensive plays and just enough from the offense. 
• New York Jets (W)--Call me crazy, but there is always one AFC team a year that the Bears aren't supposed to beat but end up beating (especially at home).  The Jets may have clinched by now as well.  The Bears will have to grind one out but I think they can--and I wouldn't rule out a few picks from the Sanchize. 
• @Green Bay (L)--This could be for the division, and I think the Packers will be ready at home for some payback.  If all goes as indicated above the Bears would probably have a spot clinched and might not have as much to play for as the Pack do.

This is what the Bears will have to do to make the tournament (10-6 will GUARANTEE a playoff spot in the weak NFC this year).  The Hopeful Bears Fan thinks it can be done, and I hope you do too.  If you don't at least agree that there is a chance, then I hope you are at least getting something out of being a fan and watching the games this year (maybe you have your own list and it doesn't include "the thrill of the chase for the championship").  To each their own. 

I'll be back early next week with an update on the playoff chase and a more in depth preview of Bears vs. Bills.  Enjoy your time off my Bears brethren and come back refreshed and ready to go on November 7th!

I also contribute to http://www.bitterborderbattle.com, check it out!

Bears' Inactives/Injury Update for today's game...

From Larry Mayer of Chicagobears.com:
"After missing last Sunday's loss to the Seahawks, weakside linebacker Lance Briggs will return to the starting lineup today. Guard Roberto Garza (knee), cornerback Zackary Bowman (foot) and safety Major Wright (hamstring) will miss the game with injuries, however. Other inactives for the Bears are running back Kahlil Bell, tight end Desmond Clark, defensive end Corey Wootton and defensive tackle Marcus Harrison."

Interesting to see Clark inactive again.  Look for Greg Olsen to play a bigger role in the passing game today as he has been invisible the last two weeks.

Not that anyone cares, but I'm putting my money where my mouth is and starting Johnny Knox on my fantasy team today and sitting Ryan Torain---GO BEARS!!!!

Bears vs. Redskins, a Preview...

I've heard enough negativity about the Bears offensive line and coaching staff this week (and all season) to last a lifetime here in Chicago.  I'm starting to think that the reason for all the negativity is it doesn't require analysis or thought--it is very easy and intellectually lazy to say "The Bears suck" or "The Bears Offensive Line sucks" but not as easy to say "The Bears will win/lose against the Redskins and here is why" or "The Bears are the best/worst team in their division and here is why".  So here is why the Hopeful Bears Fan sees that negativity as misguided, and how the Bears will begin to win back their fans this week (by the way, this is the first time in my life I've heard of a first place team having to "win back their fans" but so it goes in the Windy City):

1. The Chicago Bears offensive education of Mike Martz is now complete.  Martz has proven that he can adjust based on the strengths and weaknesses of both his team and the opponent (see Carolina game).  Last week, his gameplan revolved around the pass because that was the weakness of his opponent (Seattle was ranked near the bottom of the league against the pass going into week 6).  Where he faltered was in two areas: hubris and aggressiveness.  Hubris in that he gave too much credit to his offensive line (coming off of their decent performance against Carolina) and aggressiveness in that his gameplan was to get an early lead and pile on from there.  This week, he will scale back the passing game (though not too much because the Redskins are also near the bottom of the league against the pass) and create more balance.  This will keep the Redskins pass rush in check and Cutler on his feet.  It will also increase the offensive line's confidence and lead to their best performance of the year.
2. The Bears defense was FLAT last week, for the first time all year.  Part of that may have been due to the loss of one of their leaders, Lance Briggs, but it was mainly due to good old-fashioned overconfidence.  The Bears defense will have their sense of urgency renewed this week, and the Redskins offense will pay the price.
3. I am NOT impressed by Ryan Torain, RB of the Redskins.  Sure, he thrived last week against the Colts, and he is operating in a Mike Shanahan offense that has been very kind to running backs in the past.  But he was picked up off the scrap heap, and to me he looks slow and doesn't do anything particularly well.  The Bears defense gave up a couple of touchdowns to Seahawks running backs last week, but they still have been one of the best against the run.  Look for a bounce back game against this running game.  The Redskins passing game is nothing to write home about either, especially with Chris Cooley coming off a concussion last week.
4. Julius Peppers was shut down last week.  If you've watched Peppers this year, you know he has been a force in every other game.  I'll take the odds on Peppers being a force again this week, especially against a quarterback like McNabb who historically likes to hold onto the ball long to make something happen.  He is quick and athletic, but Peppers is better and younger and will take away that part of McNabb's game.
5. The relative balance (look for a 65-35 or 60-40 pass/run split this week) will benefit Greg Olsen and Johnny Knox.  Look for both to get in the endzone this week.

Updated prediction: Bears 27 Redskins 17  

If the NFC Playoffs Started Today, Through Week 6. 11 weeks to go...

NFC Seed	Team	Overall Record	Division	Conference	Next 3
1 (NFC East Champion)	NY Giants	4--2	0--0	3--0	DAL, BYE, SEA
2 (NFC South Champion)	Atlanta Falcons	4--2	1--0	3--1	CIN, BYE, TB
3 (NFC North Champion)	Chicago Bears	4--2	2--0	4--2	WSH, BYE, BUF
4 (NFC West Champion)	Arizona Cardinals	3--2	1--0	2--1	SEA, TB, MIN
5 (1st Wild Card)	Philadelphia Eagles	4--2	0--1	3--2	TEN, BYE, IND
6 (2nd Wild Card)	Seattle Seahawks	3--2	1--1	2--1	ARI, OAK, NYG
7	New Orleans Saints	3--2	1--1	3--2	CLE, PIT, CAR
8	Green Bay Packers	3--2	1--1	2--2	MIN, NYJ, DAL
9	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	3--2	1--1	1--1	STL, ARI, ATL
10	Washington Redskins	3--3	2--0	3--1	CHI, DET, BYE
11	St. Louis Rams	3--3	1--1	2--2	TB, CAR, BYE
12	Minnesota Vikings	2--3	1--0	2--1	GB, NE, ARI
13	Dallas Cowboys	1--4	0--1	0--3	NYG, JAX, GB
14	Detroit Lions	1--5	0--3	1--5	WSH, NYJ, BUF
15	San Francisco 49ers	1--5	0--1	0--4	CAR, DEN, BYE
16	Carolina Panthers	0--5	0--2	0--4	SF, STL, NO

Still hopeful!

I was at the game yesterday with my future brother-in-law, who had an extra ticket and was kind enough to bring me along.  Beautiful Chicago fall day, excellent seats (400 section--right on the 50 yard line) that offered a perfect perspective on the proceedings.  So I had the weather, seats and great company--now the Bears just had to do their part, right?  Well, the game started out promisingly, as the Bears went 80 yards in 4 plays to take the early 7-0 lead.  Things spiraled in the opposite direction pretty quickly, however, as the Seahawks took their next possession down the field to respond for a quick score of their own.  Again, there are plenty of places you can go online or elsewhere for a summary of the game and/or to read about how the sky is falling and the Bears won't win another game for the rest of the season.  But if you are interested in the opposite (and more positive/rational) perspective, read on my frents:

• The Bears are 4-2, and in first place in the NFC North all by themselves.  If the season ended today, the Bears would be in the tournament.  Period. (Also, the Packers kind of gave us a bit of a "Get out of jail free card" by losing at home to Miami--which we are happy to cash in).
• The Bears have two winnable games (Home against Washington, at Buffalo) sandwiching a bye week.  These are coming at the perfect time, as I'm hopeful that today's game completed an education that the Bears coaching staff, and particularly Mike Martz, needed to attain.  This education started with the Giants loss, and continued last week with the win at Carolina.  What Martz should have learned from these three games is as follows: :
• Running the ball is not optional.  Running the ball, as the Bears did with such success last week at Carolina, is critical in keeping the defense honest, slowing down the pass rush, improving the confidence and productivity of the offensive line and keeping Cutler in one piece.  The Bears have the horses in their running game to succeed, they just have to commit to it and strive for more balance in their offense.  
• Minimize "pass only" situations to keep opposing defenses honest.  It has been evident they don't yet have the experience in this offense to master the art of the "hot read" and when I can predict that the Bears are going to pass most of the time sitting in the 400 section, defenses are definitely "licking their chops" as the Seahawks Lawyer Milloy put it yesterday after the game.
• Keep a running back in the backfield.  This will give Cutler a dump-off to help limit sacks and/or an extra blocker.
• Utilize the shotgun.  I know this is a cliche for Bears fans over the years, but with the inexperience in this offense the shotgun would allow Cutler to get a better view of potential blitzers and distribute accordingly.
• Don't lose the creativity.  The Bears ran a sweet play in the first quarter, and it provided evidence of the potential that this offense has.  Hester shifted to the backfield pre-snap, and ran out into the right flat.  Cutler faked a wide receiver screen to his side and then threw back to his left to Chester Taylor for a screen to the other side.  Taylor, if not for an outstanding open field tackle by one of the Seahawks cornerbacks, would have gone all the way. 
• Pride goeth before the fall. It is now evident that the best way to win is to support the defense and special teams with the offense.  This means staying on the field and playing the field position game.  Mike Martz will need to swallow his ego, much like he did last week in Carolina, and grind out some wins.  Later in the season, this should open up the passing game again, but what is required now are old fashioned grind-em-outs, as the Offensive Line, QB, and receivers are not on the same page enough to pass the ball 80% of the time and expect come out with wins.
• Passion is crucial.  The most disappointing aspect of yesterday's game is that the Bears were flat (Brian Urlacher admitted as much after the game).  I expect a good week of practice and a sharp team next week, as they have given themselves a sense of urgency for the Redskins game that might not have been there had they won yesterday.  Getting Lance Briggs back won't hurt matters either.
• One more note on yesterday at Soldier.  There was a moving standing ovation for one of our fine serviceman and his wife (in an Urlacher jersey) before the kickoff.  Another display of how sports can bring us together.  We'll get em next week, don't worry my Bears brethren!!

Early Bears vs. Redskins Prediction: Bears 24 Redskins 16

Tomorrow, live from Soldier....

I'll be at Soldier Field tomorrow for Bears vs. Seahawks!  Check back tomorrow night for my reaction and inside information that can come only from the "live" experience.  Hoping to be close enough to hear Matt Hasselbeck's bones crunch after one of Julius Peppers' many quarterback hits.

I'm also a contributor on www.bitterborderbattle.com--check it out for more Bears and NFC North information.

Bears vs. Seahawks, a Preview...

First of all, let me say that I REALLY feel good about this game.  Let's say 35-14 good.  I feel there is a confluence of events that will make Bears fans very happy come about 3:00 CST on Sunday, and here they are, in no particular order:

• Call me crazy, but I like the offensive line as currently constituted.  By running the ball with a good amount of success last week, they proved to themselves and their coaching staff that they can be a balanced offensive squad.  With the exception of Edwin Williams at Right Guard (who, I must admit, I know nothing about other than he is a big physical presence and a castoff from the Redskins), the Bears have some young talent that should be able to build on last week's performance. Running the ball with effectiveness should also assist in their pass blocking, as teams will have to account for both now that the Bears have put some successful runs on film for the rest of the NFL to see.  The Seahawks front 4 is NOT the Giants front 4--look for the Bears to continue to make strides in this area.
• The Bears seem to have finally found a role for Chester Taylor.  One of the Bears biggest shortcomings this year has been converting on 3rd and 1, and Taylor has proven that he has the savvy to get that yard more often than Matt Forte, who is a bit more of a finesse runner.  Having this 1-2 punch in place will allow the Bears to sustain drives and keep the strength of their team (defense) off the field and fresh.
• Jay Cutler and Johnny Knox are due for a breakout game.  Knox, who has not scored this season, is due for a big game this week as the Seahawks have not been stout against the pass.  I have an inkling that Cutler (who did not like sitting out last week at all) will be looking for the big play early and often this week to reestablish himself as the MVP candidate he was through the first 3 weeks of the season.  He will look to his most trusted deep threat to make this happen.  (Fantasy football tip: Start Knox this week).
• The Seahawks have substandard receivers.  The one area that seems to have hurt the Bears somewhat this year on the defensive side of the ball are when big-play receivers (Calvin Johnson, Miles Austin and Greg Jennings to name a few) are allowed to be matched up 1-1 with the smaller and less talented Bears cornerbacks.  However, when the Bears have the ability to go man-to-man on outside receivers and bring Chris Harris (in essence a 4th linebacker) into the box they have been allowing nothing on the ground and forcing teams to be one-dimensional.  This leads to....  
• Julius Peppers continuing his dominance.  Look for Peppers to break through and get to Matt Hasselbeck.  He has been very close in recent weeks and Hasselbeck has a tendency to hang on to the ball too long.
• Playmakers.  Winning in the NFL comes down to playmakers.  The Bears were able to pull out a victory last year in Seattle due in large part to the fact that Cutler was the best player on the field.  This year, the following Bears are light years ahead of their Seahawk counterparts in this area: Cutler, Peppers, Forte, Devin Hester (punt returns), Urlacher, Briggs, Greg Olsen, Knox and Pisa Tinoisamoa.  The Seahawsks have an aging Hasselbeck, Golden Tate, a second round rookie from Notre Dame, and Marshawn Lynch, a castoff from Buffalo.  I'll take my chances in this category with the home team.

Bears fans are looking for a dominant win in order to really start believing in this team and get off the flawed argument that their 4-1 start has been in large part due to luck.  They'll get it on Sunday.  Enjoy, my Bears brethren.  

For more Bears news/opinion and NFC North information, check out www.bitterborderbattle.com, where I am also a contributor.

If the NFC Playoffs Started Today, Through Week 5. 12 weeks to go...

NFC Seed	Team	Overall Record	Division Record	Conference Record
1 (NFC South Champion)	Atlanta Falcons	4--1	1--0	3--0
2 (NFC North Champion)	Chicago Bears	4--1	2--0	4--1
3 (NFC East Champion)	Washington Redskins	3--2	2--0	3--1
4 (NFC West Champion)	Arizona Cardinals	3--2	1--0	2--1
5 (1st Wild Card)	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	3--1	1--0	1--0
6 (2nd Wild Card)	NY Giants	3--2	0--0	2--0
7	New Orleans Saints	3--2	1--1	3--2
8	Green Bay Packers	3--2	1--1	2--2
9	Philadelphia Eagles	3--2	0--1	2--2
10	Seattle Seahawks	2--2	1--1	1--1
11	St. Louis Rams	2--3	1--1	2--2
12	Minnesota Vikings	1--3	1--0	1--1
13	Dallas Cowboys	1--3	0--1	0--2
14	Detroit Lions	1--4	0--3	1--4
15	San Francisco 49ers	0--5	0--1	0--4
16	Carolina Panthers	0--5	0--2	0--4

How sweet it is...

God, is it SWEET to see Favre throw a pick-six for the loss!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bears Injury Update 10/11, including latest on Jay Cutler

Lovie Smith announced today that more would be known on Wednesday regarding Jay Cutler's status for this Sunday's game against the Seahawks.  He added that Cutler had suffered "no setbacks" and he continues to be optimistic that Cutler will be able to go.  The only other injury note was that Lance Briggs twisted an ankle, but Smith was hopeful that Briggs would be able to practice in 48 hours.  If I were a betting man, and I have been known to make a wager from time to time, I would put a crisp $20 on the following: Cutler and Briggs will start against the Seahawks, Chris Williams and Major Wright will be back next week against the Redskins. Keep your fingers crossed for continued injury luck for our Bears.

Bears 4-1 Start, what does it mean?

The Bears beat the Carolina Panthers 23-6 today to move to 4-1.  Some Bears fans are calling this team "lucky", and others are going so far as to say this is the "worst 4-1 football team" of all time.  Here are the Hopeful Bears Fan's thoughts 5 games into this season:

1. "4-1" is "4-1". Period. Ask the Saints, Packers, Cowboys, 49ers, or a host of other teams and their fanbases if they would rather be 4-1 or be highly regarded.  
2. Winning ugly is still winning.  Last time I checked, this isn't figure skating.  You win by scoring more points than the other team, and the object of the exercise is winning.  The 6 NFC Playoff teams will not be determined by a panel of judges at the end of the year, but by which teams have the most wins.  The Bears are not only 4-1, they have a 4-1 NFC Conference record, which could be HUGE come tiebreaker time at the end of the year.
3. The Bears, with a roster full of veterans and a coaching staff led by Lovie Smith and a host of former NFL head coaches, have been around the block.  And, in their time in this league, they seem to have learned the basics of winning football.  First, emphasize your strengths and second adjust to take advantage of the weaknesses of your opponents.  Many "experts" have said that Mike Martz would not be willing to stop utilizing 7-step drops, but against the Cowboys he moved to many 3-step drops.  And then again this week, many "experts" proclaimed that Mike Martz would not be willing to check his ego and run the ball.  The Bears ran the ball 42 times today and, despite 4 interceptions, were never in danger of losing the game because they played to the weaknesses of their opponents (lack of offensive and defensive playmakers) and allowed their strengths (Defense, special teams) to take over.
4. The injury bug has (knock on wood) stayed away from the Bears for the most point.  The Packers saw many of their stars (Rodgers, Matthews Jr., Finley) go down today.  With Jay Cutler and Chris Williams back soon, and Wright hopeful to follow shortly after, the Bears are in a good position in an area that is vastly undervalued in it's importance.
5. The Bears upcoming schedule is VERY favorable.  The Seahawks and Redskins at home, followed by a bye and then the Bills shapes up for a 7-1 or 6-2 first half of the season.  Looking ahead, that would mean the Bears would only have to go 3-5 or 4-4 in the second half of the season to go 10-6 and make the tournament.  Games in the second half of the season that appeared difficult (Miami, Philly, New England) look eminently more winnable at this point.
6. You need playmakers to win (especially in the playoffs), and the Bears have two in Jay Cutler and Julius Peppers.  These two players have shown the ability to take over games by themselves.  Peppers requires no further comment, but I'm sure there are some who disagree on Cutler. In Jay's case, so far one game he took over for the bad, one for the good, and two were middling.  When I hear the Orton vs. Cutler argument, I laugh because Orton is a caretaker, nothing more.  Caretaker quarterbacks don't win championships (Trent Dilfer is the exception that proves the rule).  Cutler has the guts, arm, and intelligence to take the Bears where they haven't been since the days of the Punky QB.

Bottom line: The offensive line has been the weakness of the team this year, but if the coaching staff can continue to coach around it, you would have to assume that it can't get any worse as they are allowed to play together and learn eachother's tendencies.  No one predicted a 4-1 start with the Bears schedule as it stood at the beginning of the season, and while I haven't seen enough to credibly call the Bears Super Bowl contenders, I have seen enough to say they have an excellent chance to make the tournament.  And in the tournament, anything can happen...

The Bears can win this game, even without Jay Cutler. Here's how...

• Run the ball
• For the Bears to pull this one out with a substandard quarterback, they will need to be patient with the running game.  It will be important to run the ball early in the game, even if there is limited success, as the Panthers defensive lineman cannot be allowed to pin their ears back and rush the passer with abandon, especially at the start of the game when the home crowd will be a factor.  Running the ball is also important for the second key to this game...
• Win the field position battle
• The Bears will need to win the old-fashioned way--namely, the team that makes the fewest mistakes wins.  Also, the Bears defense and special teams will be counted on to give the offense opportunities to score by providing them with with excellent field position.  Punting the ball on Sunday should not be looked at as a negative, as it will...
• Allow the Bears attacking and opportunistic defense to take advantage of a rookie quarterback (Jimmy Claussen) and backup receivers (Steve Smith is out with an ankle injury and Dwayne Jarrett was released after receiving a second DUI this week).  
• The Bears are due for a defensive score, and they'll get one this week.  Look for one of the former Panthers (Julius Peppers and/or Chris Harris) to be involved in a bit of poetic justice.
• Stack 8 or 9 in the box
• The Bears defense should show NO respect for Carolina's passing game.  Putting 8 or 9 defenders in the box will help eliminate the one area of advantage for Carolina (their running game) and will force the Panthers to beat them with the pass.  This will put a lot of pressure on the Bears secondary, but the lack of quality Panthers receivers will ease this burden.
• No mistakes
• The Bears can't afford careless penalties, as every yard of field position will be critical.  The turnover differential will also be of the utmost importance, which is another reason why the Bears should not be afraid to do more running and punting than they are normally accustomed to.
• Hit on a deep ball or two
• Devin Aromashadu should be activated and play in this game.  Todd Collins will need to throw a few deep balls of the "go up and get it" variety to help loosen up the Panthers defense, which Aromashadu is the most adept at of the Bears receivers.  A good day to get out of the doghouse.
• Play with focus and passion
• The Bears were embarrassed last week, plain and simple.  This week, they are not only  playing to stay in first place in their division, they are vying to keep jobs and keep the season from possibly spiraling out of control.  Every player needs to focus on their assignment and win their one-on-one battles, particularly on Defense and Special Teams as this is where the Bears should really be able to distinguish themselves in this game. 

Prediction: Bears 17 Panthers 13

If the NFC Playoffs Started Today, Through Week 4. 12 weeks to go...

NFC Seed	Team	Overall Record	Division Record	Conference Record
1 (NFC South Champion)	Atlanta Falcons	3--1	1--0	3--0
2 (NFC North Champion)	Chicago Bears	3--1	2--0	3--1
3 (NFC West Champion)	St. Louis Rams	2--2	1--1	2--1
4 (NFC East Champion)	Washington Redskins	2--2	2--0	2--1
5 (1st Wild Card)	New Orleans Saints	3--1	1--1	3--1
6 (2nd Wild Card)	Green Bay Packers	3--1	1--1	2--1
7	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	2--1	1--0	1--0
8	NY Giants	2--2	0--0	2--0
9	Arizona Cardinals	2--2	1--0	1--1
10	Seattle Seahawks	2--2	1--1	1--1
11	Philadelphia Eagles	2--2	0--1	1--2
12	Minnesota Vikings	1--2	1--0	1--1
13	Dallas Cowboys	1--2	0--1	0--2
14	Detroit Lions	0--4	0--3	0--4
15	San Francisco 49ers	0--4	0--1	0--3
16	Carolina Panthers	0--4	0--2	0--3

Inspiration to stay positive and hopeful in all that you do...

Check out this man's story: http://www.livestrong.com/blog/blog/scotts-success-story/?utm_source=octobernewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=101005 Key message: "Your life has no room in it for negative people."

Jay Cutler's status for Sunday @ Carolina

Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune is reporting that Cutler suffered a "mild" concussion against the Giants on Sunday Night and is expected to start Sunday @ Carolina.  Look for a big bounce-back game from the Bears, as Carolina will be without WR Steve Smith (high ankle sprain).  Julius Peppers will also be motivated to make a big impression on the team that let him get away...UPDATE: Cutler has been ruled out for Sunday's game and Todd Collins will be starting in his place.  Matt Forte and Chester Taylor, time to make the doughnuts....

Immediate Reaction for Bears @ Giants

Well.  Hard to be a Hopeful Bears fan tonight, but here are some silver linings from tonight's game:

• Defense.  
• Peppers again played like a man possessed.  His sack/fumble was brilliant, and he had a few other quarterback hits and pressures.  Chris Collinsworth described him best, and maybe gave him a new nickname, when he called him a "blur".
• Urlacher and Tinoisamoa were all over the field.  
• Bowman made a nice hustle play to (temporarily) keep the Bears alive on Bradshaw's run in the 4th quarter.
• Special Teams
• Corey Graham made several nice tackles as the gunner, though he did have one missed opportunity on a muffed punt.
• Robbie Gould nailed a 40-yard field goal.

Unfortanately, that is about all I can come up with for silver linings.  I'm not going to go down the laundry list of negatives, as there will be plenty of places for you to go if that is what you are looking for this week.  My summary of this game is that it was like the first few possessions of the Dallas game, except in this game adjustments either weren't made by the coaching staff or the Giants reacted better to the Bears adjustments than the Cowboys did.  I'm hopeful that Cutler and Chris Williams can come back next week.  I really don't want to see anymore of Todd Collins, who reminds me way too much of Jonathan Quinn.  

More to come this week--the Hopeful Bears fan is hoping that this was just a rough week and the Bears will come out next week at Carolina looking more like the team that won their first 3 games.  There were games in 2006 where the offense didn't show up (Arizona Cardinals game comes to mind) and the Bears still went to the Super Bowl that year.  Keep the faith.

Inactives tonight for Bears @ Giants

Desmond Clark only surprise inactive for tonight's game--a few surprise "actives" though--Tommie Harris and Devin Aromashadu.  Look for Bears to air it out tonight with Giants Defensive Ends hurting...

Sunday Sidebar...

The Packers barely beat the Lions today, 28-26.  According to "experts", beating the Lions in a close game that could have gone either way does not count as a victory, so the Packers record now stands at 2-2.

In case you haven't seen this...

Check this video out--ESPN Images of the Decade. "Anything is possible."  "I knew he'd make it."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK-l0dEvfWg

Injury Updates/Implications for Sunday Night's Bears Giants game...

Giants: Defensive End Mathias Kiwanuka has been ruled out of Sunday's game.  It appears that their other Defensive End, Osi Umenyiora, may also be out.  This will mean that the Giants won't be able to get to Cutler with their front 4, and may need to bring the blitz.  If Jay Cutler can replicate what he did against the Cowboys two weeks ago, blitzing may play right into Mike Martz's offense, and might provide a big key for the Bears.  Center Shaun O'Hara may also be out--bounce back week for a certain Bears DT in the offing (it is being reported that Tommie Harris is likely to be active for the Bears)?  LB Keith Bullock may also sit.  On the positive side for the Giants, it appears that Mario Manningham did not have a concussion, just a headache, after last week's game and should be able to play.  Is it just me, or can you usually tell the difference between the two??

Bears: Making the Giants injured Defensive Ends even more impactful is the fact that OL Chris Williams will be out again on Sunday.  Don't expect to see Major Wright either.  Other than that (knock on wood) the Bears are relatively healthy.  Devin Aromashadu will likely be out with a case of "doesn't fit Mike Martz's offense" and a slightly bothersome chronic "bad work ethic".