Slim Tim Breaks down Film

Slim Tim Breaks down Film on Mark Anderson against Detroit Lions on 12/24/3006. Acutally, it is just some highlight clips of his best plays...

Bears Stuff

So, before the regular season comes to an end, I would like to offer some thoughts...

Mark Anderson has to find a way on the starting roster (update: I hear he might get some starting time)
John St. Clair might not be all that reliable of a backup
John Tait might be the most indispensable member of the playoff-bound Bears
Devin Hester is one fast exciting dude
Rex Grossman in the SuperBowl quarterback
Can the Bears choose to play in their Orange jerseys throughout the playoffs including the SuperBowl?
Is Philadelphia or New Orleans good enough to beat the Bears?
Isn't it great to not be talking about draft picks in December?
I would really like to see the Bears draft some offensive line talent (now that I have started thinking about the draft)
The best part about these Bears is that most of them have been drafted by the Bears and are "our own guys"
Lance Briggs and the two cornerbacks should be signed to long term deals.
I would like to see Cedric Benson get 30 carries in one game.
I was glad to hear that the Bears are giving Tank Johnson another chance, he appears to realize finally that he needs to change and only because of the "family" type of team that the Bears are do I feel like they are helping him out...

- Not so Slim Tim (Ate too much during the holidays)

Change of Schedule

So, the Bears are the "victim" of the NFL flexible schedule. I just wonder if it is because this may be Brett Favre's last game, or if it is because the Bears are America's team again?

Devin Hester - Rookie of the Year!!!

I just needed to share with you the coolest FAN SIGN that I have seen all year...

Devin Hester's record-breaking return for touchdown.

Bob Nelson's Football College Allstars

This is for my bro. I am just seeing if he is following the 'blog... For those of you familiar with this, this is the clip with Billy Bob Rubrick, Peppe Loueppe ("I kick the ball"), Appie Appiman (Cleveland University)...

Follow the Bears through the rankings...

To follow the Bears as they ascend the rankings:

ESPN's NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 4: The bad news is Rex Grossman's QB rating against the Vikings was 1.3. The good news is that was up from his 0.0 rating at the end of the third quarter

CBS Sportsline NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 1: The quarterback play is awful, which has to be a concern heading to the playoffs. At some point, Rex Grossman has to make plays.

Fox Sports NFL Power Bears at Number 6: Chicago -- Sunday's 23-13 victory over Minnesota wasn't pretty--but a win is a win, and Lovie Smith will take them any way they come. Rex Grossman had a passer rating of 1.3--0.0 after the first quarter--in the win, going a putrid 6-19 for 34 yards. The former Heisman Trophy candidate struggled again, tossing 3 interceptions. FOXSports.com's homepage headline on Monday afternoon said it all: "Just Gross, Man". Luckily for the Bears, there's no such thing as "style points" in the NFL. That said, the Bears defensive unit played a beautiful game. Despite giving up 307 yards of offense on Sunday, Chicago forced five turnovers, including four Brad Johnson interceptions. Coach Smith responded sternly to questions over a potential quarterback controversy, telling reporters after the game: "There's a difference between perception and reality. The reality is we're 10-2 right now. We just won the division with Rex at quarterback, so that's what I go on."

Dr. Z's Power Ranking: Bears are at number 4More dysfunction. With boos still ringing through Soldier Field after their QB stunk it up against the Vikings, Lovie Smith faced a hostile press and gave his "perception vs. reality" speech ... you know how it goes, "the reality is that we're 10-2," and the rest of the accompanying nonsense. But in another area, offensive coordinator Ron Turner was calmly and professionally addressing the major problem on this team, Rex Grossman. "He's thinking too much," Turner said. "but seeing things that aren't there. You just have to react, and that's what I talked to him about. React. Go back to what you were doing early in the year; you were just playing football." What worries me about this scenario is an upcoming announcement from the head coach that from now on all assistants will be off limits to the press.

- Slim Tim

Stick with Rex.

As having previously written, I am firmly on the Rex side of the fence. I wanted Rex back last year because of what he can do and not what Kyle could not do. Rex is the better quarterback as he has shown the first few games this year. He has had a few bad games and in those games, he has looked bad. I like Rex's upside, I think he can work out his problems on the field and the special teams and defense can hold him up while he does just that. What other teams in the league can afford to let their quarterbacks struggle while learning and still win games? The Bears will be better in the long run for letting him work out his problems on the field, and he gives them the best chance to win in the playoffs and beyond this year.

- Slim Tim

Rex is the Superbowl Quarterback.

Rex is our superbowl quarterback. Rex is the best quarterback that the Bears have had on their team for quite some time. Not since Erik Kramer has a quarterback shown the skills that Rex has this year. As he is still growing as a QB, he needs to get better at making decisions. In my mind the way that he gets better is by playing through adversity. He is still the same QB that was lights out the first half of this season and he will get back to form. We now have four remaining games for him to work out the kinks to get ready for the playoffs.

I invite all comments.

Go Bears and Go REX!! - Slim Tim

Walter Payton - World's Greatest Video.

I especially love the run against Dallas where he start left, cuts around left, is almost tackled and then turns and continues all the way around to the left again.

- Slim Tim

(Non-Bears) Speaking of awesome returns...

This video was from the West Virginia vs. Pitt game 11/16/06. Pittsburgh Panthers PR Darrelle Revis returns a punt in spectacular fashion against West Virginia during the 2006 Backyard Brawl.

Watch for the following:

The fake throw across the field
The absolute de-cleating of two guys by one guy
The 360 degree move at the end of the run

Follow the Bears through the rankings...

To follow the Bears as they ascend the rankings:

After Week 10 beating of the Gints:

ESPN's NFL Power Ranking: Bears strengthen hold at Number 2: Weird, didn't hear Plaxico Burress talking too much after the game. Now it seems pretty safe to say that the NFC's road to Super Bowl XLI will end up going through Chicago.

CBS Sportsline NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 2: They answered some of their critics from the Miami loss by beating the Giants in impressive fashion. Be careful with the Jets this week.

Fox Sports NFL Power Bears at Number 4?: The Bears beat up the Giants in the rain Sunday night, knocking around New York in typical Chicago fashion. Defense and special teams led the way, as the offense did just enough to ensure a Bears win. The 2006 Bears are beginning to look more and more like the 2000 Ravens as the weeks go by — Brian Urlacher playing the Ray Lewis role; Rex Grossman as Trent Dilfer; Robbie Gould as Matt Stover; and "run-back guy" (Al Michaels' term, not mine) Devin Hester wearing the Jermaine Lewis hat. Can Desmond Clark play the Shannon Sharpe role? Well, I haven't seen Desmond Clark's work as a studio show analyst yet. If he can laugh uncontrollably at things that aren't that funny, well, then yes, yes he can.


Dr. Z's Power Ranking: Bears are still listed at number 2 No, I wasn't all fluttery in my praise, mouthing such phrases as, "The road to the Super Bowl runs through Chicago," etc., after the crippled Giants stuck it to 'em in the early going Sunday night. They had the Bears on the run in every phase, but the lack of manpower killed 'em. It's like saying the Texans had the better of the early going at the Alamo. (They did, didn't they?)

- Slim Tim

Hester 108 yard return video

Vasher 108 yard return video

2006 First Half Season Highlight Video...

Searching for...2005 Chicago Bears Tribute Video...

I was asked to re-post this...but it is no longer available on video.google.com. If you or anyone you know has access to this, let me know and I will repost. For those who did not see this... it was an awesome compilation set to the song "Fix You" by Coldplay.

Here was my original post.

Awesome Video combination of song/picture collage. The lyrics to this song as set to Chicago Bears pictures is incredible. Go BEARS!

[From video.google.com]
2005 Chicago Bears Tribute Slideshow/Vid
JW
4 min 53 sec - Dec 23, 2005
www.villesports.com

Follow the Bears through the rankings

To follow the Bears as they ascend the rankings:

After Week 9 loss to the lowly Dolphins:

ESPN's NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 3:
No doubt it's painful, but come on, it's a sprained big toe. Who knew you could even sprain your big toe? No way that keeps Brian Urlacher from playing this week.

CBS Sportsline NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 2: We'll call what happened a mulligan. The word is they got a little too full of themselves. That's how you lose games in this league.

Fox Sports NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 4: Did you hear that massive clunk shake the world at roughly 4 p.m. on Sunday? Yeah, that was the entire country -- including me -- jumping off the Bears bandwagon. The Dolphins ruined yet another flawless Bears season Sunday afternoon, winning at Soldier Field in convincing fashion. Suddenly, the Bears' accomplishments thus far look a bit less glamorous than they did a week ago. Their opponents this year? Green Bay, Detroit, Minnesota, Seattle, Buffalo, Arizona, and Miami. There may not be a playoff squad amongst that seven. Aside from Seattle, none of those teams are even above .500. Things don't get any easier for Chicago, either. The Giants, Jets and Patriots are up ahead.


Dr. Z's Power Ranking: Bears are still listed at number 3!!! Damn double-crossers. I was going to call up Gary Fencik, the all-pro safetyman on the '85 Bears and do a player by player comparison, those against these. Then I was going to back it up even farther and compare the current team to the 1940 Monsters of the Midway. Still back ... the Sneakers Game, Nagurski and Grange and Beattie Feathers ... way, way back, the Decatur Staleys and Halas and the great battles with the Nesser Brothers. It was going to be an all-time orgy of comparing, one of the great memory lane pieces this Web site has ever seen. The Dolphins ruined all that.

- Slim Tim

Random Thoughts....

Rex Grossman is the unquestioned starter - regardless of what my brother says - Devin Hester is the one who should have been benched. I like the Bears who don't get any respect, the ones who play hungry, the Bears who play with a chip on their shoulder, the way the Bears are going to play this week as an underdog against the Gints. I feel that there will probably be more walking wounded on the Gints side of the field after this game. One last thought..... don't you wish the Bears could wear their Orange home jerseys for every darn game?




Speaking of jerseys, Slim Tim has some jersey number trivia for you from wikipedia:

NFL
A system of assignment of jersey numbers was initiated in American football's NFL in 1952[2]; it was updated and made more rigid in 1973[3]. Numbers are always worn on the front and back of a player's jersey, and so-called "TV numbers" are worn on the sleeve or shoulder. Many uniforms also feature numbers either on the front, back, or sides of the helmet (in pro football, these were most famously worn on the San Diego Chargers "powder-blue" uniforms). Players have often asked the NFL for an exception to the rule. In 2006, New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush who wanted to keep the number 5 he wore in college. His request was declined, and he was assigned number 25 by the team. [4]

Below is the numbering system established by the NFL, and in place since 1973[5]:

Numbers 1 to 19 are worn by quarterbacks, kickers, and punters.
Since 2004[6], Wide receivers are also allowed to wear numbers between 10 and 19 if they so choose, even if there's an 80-89 number available.
Numbers 20 to 49 are worn by running backs, tight ends (when an 80-89 number is unavailable), cornerbacks and safeties.
Numbers 50 to 59 are worn by linebackers and offensive linemen.
Numbers 60 to 79 are worn by members of both the offensive line (the tackles, guards and centers) and defensive line (the defensive ends, defensive tackles and nose guard).
Numbers 80 to 89 are worn by wide receivers and tight ends.
Numbers 90 to 99 are worn by linebackers and defensive linemen.
Numbers 0 and 00 are no longer used, though they were issued in the NFL before the number standardization in 1973. George Plimpton famously wore 0 during a brief stint at quarterback for the Detroit Lions. Jim Otto wore number "00" ("aught-oh") during most of his career with the Oakland Raiders.
It should be noted that this NFL numbering system is based on a player's primary position. Any player wearing any number may play at any position on the field at any time (though players wearing numbers 50-79 must let the referee know that they are playing out of position by reporting as an "ineligible number in an eligible position"). It is not uncommon for running backs to line up at wide receiver on certain plays, or to have a large lineman play at fullback or tight end in short yardage situations. Also, in preseason games, when teams have expanded rosters, players may wear numbers that are outside of the above rules. When the final 53-player roster is established, they are reissued numbers within the above guidelines.

This numbering system originated in football's past; under the original somewhat informal system, the backs were numbered 1-4, and the line 5-8. Quarterbacks (1-back) was given 10's, halfbacks (2-backs or 3-backs) in the 20's & 30's, fullbacks (4-backs) in the 40's, centers in the 50's, guards in the 60's, tackles in the 70's, and ends in the 80's.

Required reading:
NFL retired numbers
NFL Rules
Chicago Bears Team History

- Slim Tim - OUT!

Post - Miami Dolphins Loss...

Anyone who has said that they should have taken Rex out the game is crazy. You keep the best players out on the field. The ones that give you the best chance to win. That player is Rex Grossman. Ron Turner should have been pulled at halftime, he did not have the correct protections called to keep the defenders off of Rex. There should have been help over on the left side of the line because Jason Taylor was in the backfield with his hand on Rex way too many times. More rollouts, get him out of the pocket, more two back sets just for pass protection, sheesh - this game as much as the Carolina playoff game, has to go on Ron Turner's head and no one else. Except for Devin Hester and the moron who did not sit him after he muffed a punt return inside the 5 yard line.

And... the defense sure does not play the same without Mike Brown. The Dolphins knew this and they had an extra week with their bye week to plan for it.

- Slim Tim

Bears sign Kreutz to extension...

Nice going, Bears... signing Olin Kreutz to an extension. It shows commitment to the men who deserve it. I have been critical of Mr. Kreutz in the past, but he is a great player to have on our team!

- Slim Tim

Follow the Bears through the rankings (after beating 49ers)

To follow the Bears as they ascend the rankings:

After Week 8 drubbing of the SF 49ers:

ESPN's NFL Power Ranking: Bears strengthen hold at Number 1!: Trick: Illusion that they were what the Cardinals thought they were.

Treat: That they're 7-0 and the rest of their opponents have a combined record of 30-34.

CBS Sportsline NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 1: The schedule is soft, but they don't leave any doubts. They crush their soft opposition. They don't get a real test until two weeks from now against the Giants.

Fox Sports NFL Power Bears at Number 1: If you were out for the first half of the 1 o'clock games on Sunday and just got to a TV in time for the halftime highlight shows on CBS and FOX — you saw some pretty standard stuff on the tickers scrolling below: New York beating Tampa Bay, the Bengals neck and neck with the Falcons, and the Ravens up on the Saints. And then you saw this: Chicago : 41, San Francisco : 0. Yes, 41-0. At the half. Chicago ’s officially ROLLING. Their quarterback situation is settled, their defense is looking like the Bears squad of ’85, and their special teams are arguably the best in the league. The only question lingering is over which current Bear will play the Richard Dent role in the “Super Bowl Shuffle” remix…which absolutely MUST be made.


Dr. Z's Power Ranking: Bears are still listed at number 1!!!: Here's an interesting phenomenon. The keynote games played by the Colts and the Patriots have turned a spotlight on Chicago and its powder-puff schedule (they've faced no team that has fewer than three losses). But having watched the other good teams take their turn in the arena, the Bears' turn is coming. They're at the Giants on Nov. 12 and New England two weeks after that. Then we'll see, boy, we'll see. We'll see what? We'll see, just wait, we'll see. See what? WHAT! (Geez, talk about idiots.)

- Slim Tim

Is Slim Tim Wrong?

So, with the emergence of TE Desmond Clark for the second year in a row... Slim Tim is rethinking his demand for a drafted TE. Yes, Des Clark is having a fantastic year and Rex Grossman is finding him weekly. Sooooo, 8 weeks into the season, Slim Tim is wrong.

So, with the emergence of WR Bernard Berrien and Rashied Davis (and even Moose Muhammad), Slim Tim is also rethinking his demand to pick up a legitimate second WR off of the waiver wire. Yes, I claimed here that we should have picked up Charles Rogers - Detroit, Peter Warrick - Seattle, Jabar Gaffney - Houston, Rod Gardner - Green Bay, Tyrone Calico - Tennessee.

It's just so difficult to think that management finally got it right by saying that they like the guys that they have... because we have been told that in the past about offensive players and those players have not come through.

So, after 8 weeks of undefeated ball, Slim Tim will admit being wrong. There you have it... happy?

- Slim Tim

Follow the Bears through the rankings (after week 7 bye)

To follow the Bears as they ascend the rankings:

After Week 7 bye:

ESPN's NFL Power Ranking: Bears strengthen hold at Number 1!: Think the Bears will miss S Mike Brown? Last time he was out -- the four games before their playoff loss last year -- the Bears' defense allowed 50 more yards rushing per game.

CBS Sportsline NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 1: Maybe the week off got them back refocused after that horrible showing in Arizona. The schedule is still favorable for a few weeks.

Fox Sports NFL Power Bears at Number 1: America’s still talking about the Bears' 20-point fourth quarter comeback win two weeks ago in Arizona. Some stats that are still lingering in football circles: Brian Urlacher — 19 tackles. Edgerrin James — 36 carries, 54 yards. The Bears — six turnovers in a win. Unbelievable stuff. How good is Chicago this year? The Bears are favored by more than 15 points against the 49ers this weekend. And no one’s blinking an eye. Now it's time for the real question — when are we getting a Super Bowl Shuffle remix? Will Rex Grossman don some shades and a headband? Does Lance Briggs play the Refrigerator Perry role? The nation needs this.



Dr. Z's Power Ranking: Bears are still listed at number 1!!! "Nickelback Ricky Manning Jr. pleaded no contest to charges stemming from an altercation last spring, and I'm not really sure what that word means -- punching? yelling? spitting? cursing? And the Bears are hoping the league won't add a suspension to the court's earlier sentence of three years' probation and anger management classes. The Redhead says she has a perfect candidate for anger management, an overweight individual she happens to be staring at right now. "On second thought," she says, "it wouldn't work. You'd be bored, disruptive, disrespectful, disdainful."
- Slim Tim

Follow the Bears through rankings

To follow the Bears as they ascend the rankings:

After Week 5:

ESPN's NFL Power Ranking: Bears strengthen hold at Number 1!: Think Don Shula and the '72 Dolphins are getting a little nervous? The Bears have yet to show any real flaws so far this season.

CBS Sportsline NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 1: The Bears are the best team in the NFL right now. They have to move into the top spot. So even though the Colts are 5-0, it's the 5-0 Bears who ascend to No. 1 this week. How can they not be there? The Bears have outscored their opponents 156-36. They have four victories of more than 25 points.
That's domination.

Fox Sports NFL Power Bears at Number 1: The No. 3 rated defense in the league, the No. 4 rated offense in the league, and a kicker who's currently 17 for 17 on field goals. Is it too early for Rex Grossman to break out a headband and sunglasses for a Super Bowl Shuffle re-mix?


Dr. Z's Power Ranking: Bears are listed at number 1!!! The 36 points allowed in the first five games is the lowest team mark since the 1937 club's 31 points. Ah, how well I remember that team. I was just launching my career as a sportswriter at that time, and the names of those defensive stars of the Monsters of the Midway were on everyone's tongue -- Danny Fortmann and Jumbo Joe Stydahar and 270-pound George Musso, and the Bronk ... yes, Nagurski played a lot of defense in those days. Do you think that 69 years from now people will be saying, "Remember that great '06 team, with Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher, Alex Brown and Tommie Harris?"

- Slim Tim

Follow the Bears - after week 4.

To follow the Bears as they ascend the rankings:

After Week 4:

ESPN's NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 1!: Only the most cynical of fans would complain about Chicago's pantsing of Seattle in front of the nation. There's no denying that the Bears are the best team in the NFC right now and probably in the NFL.

CBS Sportsline NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 2: They are the only unbeaten team in the NFC. With a soft schedule the rest of the way, they look like the team to beat for the No. 1 seed. Is that offense for real? It looks like it.

Fox Sports NFL Power Bears at Number 2: Rex Grossman-to-Bernard Berrian may be the most electrifying QB-WR combo in the league. All those two do is convert 60-yard touchdowns. Watching Grossman and Berrian connect is reminiscent of those old Jeff Blake-Darnay Scott bomb plays in the early '90s. Yes, that was just a Darnay Scott reference in 2006. Chicago’s D is unbreakable, and four weeks into the season, the Bears are far and away the class of the NFC.


Dr. Z's Power Ranking: Bears are listed at number 1!!! Shocking as Dr. Z does not drink Blue and Orange Kool-Aid: Is there anything about this team that I don't like, after watching the way they took the Seahawks apart? Not sure about their offensive line, but there are very few of them in the NFL that I do like. Can Rex Grossman bring his team back on the road with a minute and a half and no timeouts left? Not really sure. He came back OK against the Vikings. I'll say one thing for him: He can throw the deep ball with touch and accuracy, and not many other guys can do this. No, actually there are not many things I don't like.

- Slim Tim

Follow the Bears in the Rankings - Week 3...

To follow the Bears as they ascend the rankings:

Week 3:

ESPN's NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 6

CBS Sportsline NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 8

Fox Sports NFL Power Bears at Number 5

Dr. Z's Power Ranking: Bears are listed at number 6

- Slim Tim

Week 2 - Post Game thoughts...

Devin Hester is one fast exciting dude.... But sometime as a punt returner, you need to catch the ball and run forward to gain 10 yards. Teams will start noticing that you want to take it to the house everytime and will shut you down. As a Bears punt returner, field the ball cleanly and gain positive yardage. So far, Devin Hester has fielded every single ball that has come his way. And that is quite a few punts so far!!!

Rex Grossman is the man.

The Bears skill position players have topped the most added fantasy football players on Yahoo! Fantasy Football. Topping the list of most added fantasy players is Desmond Clark followed closely by Rex Grossman and John Gilmore.

Is Bernard Berrian finally the #2 Wide Receiver we have been hoping for? I don't see any reason to believe otherwise.

Can this offense continue to do the things we have been doing in December and January? I say yes... as in, Run the ball, throw a few deep balls, and let Rex utilize the newfound vertical passing game to the tight ends and wide receivers.

I hear that Daniel Manning will be starting alongside Mike Brown against the Vikings. Good for him and good for the powers that be who drafted him, I hope he continues doing well.

Kudos to the Offensive Line for keeping all defenders away from Rex Grossman. It seems as if they gave him all the time in the world to throw the ball. NICE WORK!

- Slim Tim

Thoughts after week 1.

Congrats to Moose M. he finally showed his stuff. Nice routes, nice catches, NICE GAME!

Ron Turner found out that he has a good pass catching TE in D. Clark and Rex got the ball to him.

Rex Grossman is 3-0 vs. Pack... He just has their number.

Speaking of Rex, what an excellent game! He just looked very confident out there.

Devin Hester is one fast, exciting dude.

It was nice to see two healthy starting RBs out there. T.J. looked very strong, no signs of injury.

Shutting out the Packers has a very nice feel to it, doesn't it? 233 games without getting shut out until today.

I know the Packers are a real bad team, but nontheless, we whooped them good!

- Slim Tim

The Bears should sign a veteran WR.

Now that the 53 man rosters have been established, here is the list of WR currently on the Bears roster:

Berrian, Bernard
Bradley, Mark
Currie, Airese
Davis, Rashied
Gage, Justin
Muhammad, Muhsin

Of the casualties due to the roster cuts, here is a short list of available receivers that I would give a chance to:

Charles Rogers - Detroit
Peter Warrick - Seattle
Jabar Gaffney - Houston
Rod Gardner - Green Bay
Tyrone Calico - Tennessee

And some others that might "bear" considering:

Quincy Morgan - Pittsburgh
Darious Watts - Denver
Kelly Campbell - Miami

- Slim Tim.

More random preseason thoughts...

This is Rex Grossman's team period.

Mark Anderson (75) should be retained. He looks to have real good instincts.

Ron Turner knows how to call the game properly, i.e. run the ball, run the ball, run the ball, run the ball and then throw to the TE. But when he elects to throw to the WR, they had better catch it.... he just needs to stick to his plan.

The defense is not as bad as they looked at Arizona.

Devin Hester is proving why he was picked and when he was picked.

The Bears still do not have a #2 Wide Receiver.

Sure is good to get Ian Scott back... #95 is very underapreciated.

- Slim Tim

Random thoughts after the first two preseason games

Howdy y'all...

* In the first game, of the first 16 plays, 12 were Rex Grossman pass attempts (is this supposed to be a running team?) and doesn't it seem like Ron Turner likes to pass, pass, pass to start every single darn game???





* Patrick Mannelly is one of the Bears 4 team captains that appear on the field during the coin toss. I am a person very divided on the use of Patrick Mannelly. On one hand, I don't remember a time when there was a bad snap... I mean the guy is a true master of his craft. On the other hand, the problem I have is the use of a roster position for a specialist that other teams do not slot a position for. That position could be used on the 53 person roster for an extra offensive lineman that doubles as a long snapper, or a kicker that just booms kickoffs through the uprights, or just use that roster slot for Devin Hester. In summation - Slim Tim is torn on this one...

* Devin Hester is one fast, exciting dude.

* The camera loves Dusty Dvoracek.

* We need to get healthy. Specifically we need Ian Scott, Tank Johnson and Mike Brown back to full health on defense.

* C. Benson is a little immature and he shows it on occasion. The story of him leaving early bores me. Ho-friggin-hum. The offensive line will block just as well for him as they block for T. Jones. I am glad that B. Urlacher and M. Brown did not take it easy on him in practice, Lord knows other defenses will not take it easy on him. Get healthy, practice hard, win games...

* The SD Chargers 11 penalties made the Bears game fairly easy to win.

* Olin Kreutz has not been called for one single snap infraction yet this preseason, but there are still two games...

* Rashied Davis wants the WR job.

* Devin Hester can hit opposing running backs pretty well.

* The Bears should sign Lance Briggs to a long term contract.

More to come, Go Bears!!! - Slim Tim

One team, believed to be the Chicago Bears, has offered a fourth- round draft pick in exchange for Lelie

Rocky Mountain News: Broncos & NFL: "One team, believed to be the Chicago Bears, has offered a fourth- round draft pick in exchange for Lelie. " Wow, exciting news... This would be an immediate upgrade at WR. Go Jerry, trade away your First round pick!!! YOU CAN'T PICK IN THE FIRST ROUND ANYWAY!!!!

- Slim Tim

All Time Least Favorite/Worst Chicago Bears.

Here's my list, where do these fit in your top ten least favorite/worst Chicago Bears?

Qasim Mitchell

Rashan Salaam

Curtis Enis

David Terrell

Michael Timpson

Cade McNown

Rick Mirer

Stan Thomas

Alonzo Spellman

Alonzo Mayes

Kaseem Sinceno


- Slim Tim.

Bears release OT Mitchell - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

Bears release OT Mitchell - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

I think this could be the best move the Bears have made in four years.

I quote from this very blog from 9/08/2005 "I feel that Qasim Mitchell is not good enough to wear an NFL uniform..."

- Slim Tim

Interesting Signings by the Bears.

So, what message are the Bears sending to Thomas Jones and Lance Briggs (or their collective agent Drew Rosenhaus) by signing their backups to long term contract extensions??? The Bears signed Adrian Peterson to a 3 year deal and Hunter Hillenmeyer to a 5 year deal.

I'm just saying...

- Slim Tim

Rashied Davis - WR?

In an interview, Rex Grossman is quoted as saying that Rashied Davis is the most improved of all players. Improved as Wide Receiver, though... Yes, he was drafted as a CB. So, now you are asking yourself why Jerry Azumah was never given the opportunity on offense. I know I asked the same question....

- Slim Tim

Pete Prisco, you are a moron.

The Bears are better than 20th in the league:

I have to say I was surprised when I was looking down the list of teams to not see the Bears in the top 10. But when I did not see the Bears until 20th, I could not believe it. The Bears are better than last year in two areas: QB and RB. The QB position improvement will take the Bears farther than they went last year. There is a healthy Rex Grossman, a very viable backup in Brian Griese and best of all their third string QB is Kyle Orton who won quite a few games for the Bear last year. Their RB position will be improved with a healthy Cedric Benson as well. When you factor in the Bears defense, and the fact that you just cannot score against them, you would have to conclude that they are a much better team than would be rated in the bottom half of the NFL. All that being said, I will say the same thing I told Dr. Z when he came out with his infamous preseason prediction (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/
nfl/specials/preview/2005/scout.report/) of the Bears at number 32 in the league last year. You are a moron. Go Bears.

Monday's Transactions (Day after Draft)

CHICAGO BEARS-- Agreed to terms with TE Tim Day, TE Cooper Wallace, G Nate Bunce, CB Dion Byrum, K Josh Huston, G Travis Leffew, OT Mark LeVoir, S Donnie McCleskey, G Tyler McMeans, WR Mark Philmore, RB P.J. Pope, S Dwayne Slay and P Joel Stelly.

WOO HOO!!! We finally got our Tight End!!!! Just like Jerry said we would!!!!

- Slim Tim

Bears Draft - Phoooey...

As the Draft is coming to a close... I am wondering if the bears had such a good offense (ranking in the top 5 in most offensive categories), then why did they decide to draft exclusively on the offensive side of the ball. They have a pro bowl Tight end in Desmond Clark, so why did they pick up Marcedes Lewis in the first round? It seems that with the wealth of talent in the Wide Receiver position, that they did not need to draft Derek Hagan with their second round pick.... I thought for sure that with their defense being as horrendous as it was last year, they should have concentrated exclusively on defensive draft picks... And then I woke up.

It seems to me that the draft should have played out something like this:

Round 1: Offense
Round 2: Offense
Round 4: Offense
Round 5: Offense
Round 6: Offense
Round 7: Offense

But that is not what we got, now is it... Man what a frustrating weekend. Every single pick was on defense. EVERY STINKING ONE SO FAR. And with only two remaining picks in rounds 6 and 7, I have no reason to think otherwise. Share your thoughts if you care...

- Slim Tim

Where are the Honey Bears?

This is just soooo wrong...

Where are the Honey Bears? The Bears are not the only team w/o cheerleaders...



NFL teams and cheerleaders

January 31, 2006

NFL teams that have cheerleaders or dance teams:

Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins.

NFL teams that don't have cheerleaders or dance teams:

Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers.

'If the Bears win the NFC North, I'll eat my laptop...

Charles Robinson vows to eat his laptop if the Bears win the NFC North, watch as he makes good (?) on his promise.

Doesn't seem right, seems he should have had his laptop ground up and mixed in a latte or something...

- Slim Tim

Chicago Bears Draft Needs.

We love our own guys. Guys that we draft, who sign before camp opens and who work hard once they get here. Let that be a lesson to new draftees: that is the formula for success. If you do those 3 basic things, you will always be beloved by Chicago Bears fans forever. I mean it, forever. Lately these type of guys have only been defensive players (save for O. Kreutz and R. Grossman). I would like that to change in this draft.

Examples of current Bears:
B. Urlacher
L. Briggs
M. Brown
P. Tillman (he's not as bad as he looked)
N. Vasher
T. Johnson
T. Harris
A. Brown
Basically the whole defense. Yes, Angelo knows how to draft defensive talent, we get it already. Now if he could only assess offensive talent just as well, let's put together our wish list...

In the 2006 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select:
1. Leonard Pope, TE out of Georgia (Or any other big pass catching TE)
2. True Wide Receiver - Small, speedy with good hands (A. Randle El, S. Smith, E. Kennison type)
3. Big Run-Stuffing Safety (backup to M. Brown)
4. HammerHead of a fullback (L. Neal clone from San Diego)
5. Backup Offensive Guard. (No more Terrance Metcalf)

- Slim Tim

Miami shaping up coaching staff nicely...

Report: Dolphins to name Capers defensive coordinator - NFL - Yahoo! Sports: "Report: Dolphins to name Capers defensive coordinator"

So, I don't normally care about other coaching staffs but... With the signing of Dom Capers as Miami's defensive coordinator and Mike Mularkey as offensive coordinator, they are building one heck of a coaching staff. I'm just saying with the season that they had under new coach Nick Saban, look out for Miami next year. Not to mention that Terrell Owens was reported as heading to Miami's offense next year... I'm just saying... Look out.

- Slim Tim

Rex Grossman vs. Kyle Orton Part IV (Postseason Edition)

If Kyle Orton would have started the playoff game against Carolina, the Bears would have won.

Here is my support, it is very simple, if Kyle Orton would have started, then the Bears would have actually ran the ball, like they are set up to do. When the Bears run the ball, they control the clock, have a better offense, and would have kept the defense off of the field. Instead, they started Rex Grossman and passed the ball much more than they should have. That of course got them involved in a shootout, which the Bears are not setup to win - clearly. So, if Kyle would have started, they would have won.

There will be more postseason thoughts coming soon...

- Slim Tim

2005 Chicago Bears Tribute Slideshow/Vid

Awesome Video combination of song/picture collage. The lyrics to this song as set to Chicago Bears pictures is incredible. Go BEARS!

[From video.google.com]
2005 Chicago Bears Tribute Slideshow/Vid
JW
4 min 53 sec - Dec 23, 2005
www.villesports.com

Super Bowl Shuffle Video

Anyone need that Super Bowl Suffle Fix?

Who will Win, Bears or Panthers?

I would formally like to declare my guess for the upcoming Bears/Panthers playoff game outcome.

Slim Tim officially declares that he picks: Bears - 27, Panthers -14.

Feel free to publish your own guesses for this weekend's game here.

- Slim Tim.

If the Bears win the NFC North, I'll eat my laptop

Read and React: Last call - NFL - Yahoo! Sports: "If the Bears win the NFC North, I'll eat my laptop"

I love the predictions against the Bears that come true, since the Bears actually won the NFC North, the reporter goes on to answer lots of email regarding the very subject of eating his laptop.

- Slim Tim