Nfl

The preseason is finally over! With the final game in the books (a 13-10 loss to the Browns, if you even care), the Bears have decisions to make before Saturday's 5:00 PM deadline to cut the roster to 53 players. Here's what I saw during this fairly lackluster contest.

Continue reading "Collins impresses in Bears' final preseason game"

 

Since I'm in a crunch for writing time tonight, this will be a speedy preview of the Bears' fourth and final preseason outing! If you actually like watching scrubs fight for jobs (purest form of competition if you ask me), be sure to tune in tonight and cheer for players you'll never see again! Here's what else to watch for tonight before the roster cuts on Saturday:

Continue reading "Joe's Preseason Preview: Bears at Browns"

Well, if this third preseason game was any indication of how the regular season will look, Bears fans are in for a bumpy ride. The Bears' offensive woes continued against the Cardinals as the first-team unit failed to score any points. Here are my notes from Saturday night's 14-9 loss to the Cardinals.

Continue reading "Bears' offense can't finish against the Cardinals"

 

If you only managed to catch the first quarter or so of Saturday night's preseason game, you saw some pretty fugly football from Lovie Smith's Bears.  The offense was mediocre, the defense was bad and the special teams were awful. It's still a preseason game and therefore meaningless, but here's what I took from the Bears' 32-17 loss to the Oakland Raiders.

Continue reading "Bears hit early snags against Raiders"

 

Forgive the extremely abbreviated posting, but I'm in the midst of a crazy nerd-filled weekend at Chicago Comic-Con and simply don't have the requisite time to fully flesh out a preseason game with the Raiders. Never fear though, I will be live-tweeting the game and posting a recap for all of you. Now let's get to a few of the things I'm looking for during Saturday night's contest.

Continue reading "Joe's Preseason Preview: Raiders at Bears"

We're another weekend closer to the NFL kicking off for real! After my last look at the AFC South, this time around I'll be examining the teams in the NFC West, a division that is always up for grabs. (Unless you're the Rams.)

Continue reading "Joe's NFL 2010 Season Preview: NFC West"

It's been too long since I've gotten to talk about live Chicago Bears football! On Saturday the Bears will be in San Diego to take on the Charges in their first exhibition game this year. While I'll go in-depth at each position in later blogs, I'll let you know what to look for if you're in the mood to watch some scrubs fight for jobs.

Continue reading "Joe's Preseason Preview: Bears at Chargers"

With the Hall of Fame game being played this past weekend, the 2010-2011 NFL season is on the horizon. With teams in training camp and rosters being formed, I'll take you around the league in the coming weeks to preview each division. This week we start with the AFC South, a division dominated by the Indianapolis Colts. Will their run continue this year or will someone else take the division title? We'll go in order from worst to first from last year's season standings. Let's get it on!

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Season Preview: AFC South"

In what seems to be a never-ending off-season for the Chicago Bears, Jerry Angelo brought a familiar face back to the Bears' secondary and gutted the Panther defense for another starter by trading for veteran strong safety Chris Harris. Harris was the odd man out three years ago in a crowded Chicago secondary and was dealt to the Carolina Panthers for a fifth round pick. Harris broke the news on his twitter account, saying goodbye to Carolina but later back-pedaled when he learned the trade wasn't "official" yet. It has since been finalized by the NFL. The Deal Chicago sent 5th year linebacker Jamar Williams to Carolina for sixth year safety Chris Harris, with whom the Bears immediately re-worked his existing contract. 

Continue reading "Bears reacquire safety Chris Harris ..."

With only one pick in the first two days of the NFL Draft, Jerry Angelo and the Chicago Bears made the most of their picks on day three... or did they?

Round 4, Pick 109: Corey Wootton, DE Northwestern

Continue reading "Bears Draft Recap: Rounds 4-7"

Following 74 picks, the Chicago Bears finally made their 2010 Draft debut by taking Florida Safety Major Wright in the third round Friday night. 

At 6'0 and 206 lbs, Wright ran a 4.44 40-time at the NFL combine but figures to be in play at the strong safety position. He racked 165 tackles and eight interceptions in his 41 games at Florida. He had been a target of Angelo's throughout the draft process and was the top safety left on the board. ESPN's Mel Kiper had Wright projected as a second-round talent.

Continue reading "Bears take Florida safety Major Wright ..."

What will Jerry do? 

After their relaxing day off during round one of the draft, the Chicago Bears are expected to make their first pick later tonight at pick number 11 in the third round (75 overall).

Continue reading "Bears set to pick at 75, will they move up?"

After all the waiting and anticipation, the start of the 2010 NFL Draft went according to plan. Quarterback Sam Bradford went to the Rams, Ndamukong Suh to the Lions and Gerald McCoy to the Bucs. After the known occurred, there was plenty to discuss. Here's what caught my eye from day one.

Continue reading "Joe's Draft Recap: Day One"

 

It's finally here. The 2010 NFL Draft is upon us and I couldn't be more excited to hunker down for two nights and another day of coverage. With the new format, tonight will only cover the first round, bringing the drama of the top picks to primetime television. 

Continue reading "2010 NFL Draft: What to Watch for on Day One"

With this Chicago Bears offseason full of activity, there's been plenty to debate. This week is no different with news about the NFL overtime and two defensive mainstays being shown the door.

-If you haven't heard, the NFL overtime rules have changed. I won't annoy you with a giant rant on the subject, but I didn't think it needed to be changed. Others did, so it has been altered. I'll direct you here to all the pertinent information on the subject. 

Continue reading "Chicago Bears Weekly Wrap-up"

As I tweeted during the opening hour of NFL free agency: "I'm not sure who's in the Bears front office right now, but I like him." A day and a half later, I stand by that statement. My Chicago Bears ended up going "hog wild" in free agency after all, signing defensive end Julius Peppers, running back Chester Taylor and tight end Brandon Manumaleuna on Friday.

Continue reading "Bears open their wallets to sign ..."

Not even an hour into NFL free agency, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that big fish defensive end Julius Peppers and highly touted running back Chester Taylor will both visit the Chicago Bears on Friday. Brad Biggs is also reporting that tight end Brandon Manumaleuna will also pay a visit.

Continue reading "Peppers, Taylor and Manumaleuna visiting ..."

 

With NFL free agency kicking off at midnight on Thursday, the Chicago Bears need to make a huge splash. They have no first or second-round draft picks to spend money on and a salary cap-less year on the horizon, priming them to be major players in free agency for the first time I can remember. I'll take a look at a few positions and players the Bears should be targeting in free agency.

Continue reading "Free Agency Preview: Chicago Bears"

If you're reading this, it means you're not among the thralls of New Orleans Saints fans in Louisiana or with the team in Miami that are just beginning what is sure to be a month-long party because their team just won their first ever Super Bowl. On a night thought by many to be Peyton Manning's coronation, Drew Brees ended up at the post-game podium as the MVP of the night after a 31-17 victory. Sunday's championship contest didn't get off to the most exciting of starts, but it sure finished with one.

Continue reading "Saints take advantage of Manning's ..."

Can't bet against the point spread? Feel too much pressure when deciding between your heart and your head? Vegas has you covered with these completely ridiculous prop bets, covered by Esquire. Here's a few choice selections and my useless advice.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Super Bowl 44 Prop Bets"

The wait is over. Super Bowl 44 is nigh. Manning versus Brees starts in mere hours. After prepping you for the game yesterday with separate previews of the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, it's time to bring the two together for my Super Bowl predictions. 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Super Bowl 44"

As we grow closer to the Super Bowl, all eyes are on Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts as they chase down a legacy. After starting the season 14-0, the organization turned off the gas for the final two games as they rested their starters for the post-season. After shutting down the Ravens and putting a 30-spot on the Jets, we will finally see if shunning history will pay off for Indianapolis.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive of Super Bowl ..."

We are now a little more than a day away from the culmination of the 2009 NFL season. As we all have that inevitable Super Bowl party where no one else knows about football, I'm here to help you impress your friends with your gridiron knowledge. In this special edition of the Opening Drive I take a look at the NFC representative in SB XLIV, the New Orleans Saints.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive of Super Bowl ..."

Completing the circle of "Lovie's guys," Bears defensive line coach Rod Marinelli was promoted to assistant head coach and defensive coordinator on Friday. The move was among many staff decisions made by Smith and GM Jerry Angelo. Shane Day, quality control coach with the San Francisco 49ers, was hired to become the new quarterbacks coach and Eric Washington was promoted to defensive line coach. Seattle's Mike DeBord was signed on Tuesday, assuming the tight end coaching vacancy. 

Continue reading "Bears stun no one with promotion ..."

 

After a 27-day germination, the Chicago Bears' offensive coordinator search finally bore fruit. Oddly enough, the man chosen for the job was rumored to be a front-runner as soon as Ron Turner was released. The polarizing Mike Martz will step into what boils down to be the offensive head coaching job.

Continue reading "Bears finally hire Mike Martz for ..."

Are you ready for two weeks of hype for a Brett Favre versus Peyton Manning Super Bowl?

Well TOO FREAKING BAD! The Saints were having none of it today. And what a coincidence that in a year marred by missed field goals, it was on the leg of lesser-known Saints kicker Garrett Hartley that the Saints earned a spot in their first ever Super Bowl with a 31-28 win over the Vikings.

Continue reading "Saints in the Super Bowl after 31-28 ..."

Don't mess with Peyton Manning. That's what the number one ranked Jets defense learned Sunday afternoon, as they saw their 11-point second quarter lead evaporate under the intense heat of the Colt offense on the way to a 30-17 loss.

Continue reading "Manning crushes Jets' Super Bowl ..."

Here it is: the last weekend of real football. Conference Championship Sunday is here and isn't lacking for drama. From Brett Favre and Peyton Manning's legacy to the Jets' dominating defense or the surge in New Orleans, every team is a great story. Who do I think will make it to the Super Bowl in Miami? Read on in this edition of the Opening Drive!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Conference Championship ..."

It was an ugliest of games for the team in the prettiest of cities. After winning 11 straight games to finish the regular season, the San Diego Chargers came out with a resounding thud at home against the Jets on Sunday. Penalties, missed field goals and turnovers formed a perfect storm of suck for the Chargers and kept the Jets in the game until the final quarter where they took and held onto the lead to advance to the AFC championship game with a 17-14 victory.

Continue reading "Jets stun Chargers 17-14 in San Diego"

Count me among the "fooled" pundits who thought the Dallas Cowboys would have the upper hand over the Minnesota Vikings in their divisional round match-up. How wrong we were. Tony Romo turned the ball over three times en route to an embarrassing 34-3 loss to Brett Favre and the Vikings. 

Continue reading "Cowboys make quiet exit from playoffs ..."

 

Even if yesterday's were drama-less (story of the playoffs so far), I couldn't miss a second. That won't change today as the most hyped game of the weekend starts Divisional round Sunday. New York's Cinderella story (is Rex Ryan the fairy godmother?) closes out the night with a west coast appearance. The Opening Drive of Divisional Sunday in the NFL starts now!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Divisional Sunday"

I guess the Ravens used up all their karma. After everything went Baltimore's way last week against New England, they fell completely flat in Indianapolis Saturday night, missing every opportunity imaginable. Against a lesser foe, they could have mounted a comeback. Against Peyton Manning and the Colts, they had no chance.

Continue reading "Manning's Colts prove too much for ..."

After Tim Hightower took the opening hand-off 70 yards for a touchdown, all I could think of was how awful the Saints fans would feel if their team lost in their playoff opener. Luckily for them Reggie Bush showed up with his bird-killing cleats on, leading the Saints to a 45-14 thrashing of the Arizona Cardinals to kick-off the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

Continue reading "Reggie Bush goes off as Saints crush ..."

In case you haven't heard, we're knee-deep in the NFL playoffs. Today kicks-off the best weekend of football all year. Eight teams remain in the Super Bowl hunt, with the top seeds in each conference joining in on the action. Let's not waste any time, here's the Opening Drive for Divisional Saturday in the NFL!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Divisional Saturday"

It's fitting that in a game with over 1000 yards of offense, a defensive play decides the outcome. On the first drive of overtime, an Aaron Rodgers fumble was recovered by Cardinal Karlos Dansby and taken back 17 yards for the game-winning touchdown, eliminating the Packers from post-season play with a final of 51-45.

Continue reading "Cardinals eliminate Packers in an ..."

Well that happened. 

From the very first play from scrimmage, it was obvious: These aren't your dad's Patriots. (If you dad was a Pats fan two years ago.) Ray Rice took the opening hand-off 83 yards to the endzone to put the Ravens up 7-0 en route to embarrassing Bill Belichick's Patriots 33-14.

Continue reading "WTF of Wild-Card Weekend: Ravens ..."

 

After the Cowboys and the Jets dominated their opponents to move onto the divisional round, we've got some great action on tap today with a physical match-up in New England and a (hopefully) high-flying contest in the Arizona desert. Here's the Opening Drive of Wild-Card Sunday!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Wild-Card Sunday"

Proving that their shut-out win last week was no fluke, the Dallas Cowboys picked up right where they left off with a 34-14 blowout win over the Philadelphia Eagles Saturday night. In a flag-filled contest (actually setting a playoff record for most penalty yards), only Dallas overcame their mistakes. Philly never stood a chance. 

Continue reading "Cowboys send Eagles home with a 34-14 ..."

It wasn't exactly how he'd like it to happen, but Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan will sure take it. The New York Jets suppressed the home team Cincinnati Bengals Saturday in a 24-14 victory, despite giving up 171 yards on the ground.

Continue reading "Jets open NFL Playoffs with a 24-14 ..."

Playoffs? Yep, they're here! After another 17 week regular season, the Wild-Card round begins this afternoon with the rematch between NY Jets and Cincinnati Bengals, followed by what could be the game of the weekend. Philadelphia travels to Dallas for the third meeting this season between these NFC East rivals. Time for analysis and predictions! It's the Opening Drive of Wild-Card Saturday!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Wild-Card Saturday"

Though it means nothing, I am required by football law to point out I was 7-0 in my Opening Drive predictions for week 17. Woot. Multiple teams lost because they did not keep their starters in while one NFC East leader got railed on. Now, onto the last week of the regular season with this edition of the Final Drive! 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 17"

 With both teams out of the playoffs and nursing plenty of injuries, today's NFC North meeting between the Bears and Lions won't be aesthetically pleasing. Regardless, I'll tell you what to watch

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Chicago Bears ..."

Happy New Year everyone! The NFC is all about seeding this Sunday, with all of the players at the table. In the AFC, the two wildcard spots will be hotly contested with the Ravens and Jets owning the inside track. Let's not waste time, here's the Opening Drive of week 17 in the NFL! *sniffle* It goes by so fast!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 17"

I know the game was meaningless for the Bears. There's not a huge difference between 5-9 and 6-9. Lovie Smith's job status could have been decided already. Jay Cutler was going to have a poor season either way, right? That being said...

Continue reading "What I learned from the Bears' 36-30 ..."

Holy idiotic decision Jim Caldwell! This week in the Final Drive features a barrel-full of storylines. The playoff contestants in the NFC were locked in while the AFC remains a dog-fight for the final two playoff spots. Let's wrap up week 16!

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 16"

Happy Holidays everyone! After watching the San Diego Chargers take hold of the number two seed in the AFC by knocking off the Titans Christmas evening, I'm ready for a great Sunday in the NFL. Even though the NFC playoff picture is pretty clear, the AFC is still wide open. Let's get to the Opening Drive of week 16! 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 16"

By the end of the first quarter Bears QB Jay Cutler had already tossed two interceptions. The Baltimore Ravens had already exchanged those gifts for fourteen points. After six total turnovers and nary an offensive score to be found, the lesson was obvious. I already knew my Bears sucked. Now I know they suck, have given up on their coach and may not win another game this season.

Continue reading "What I learned from the Bears' 31-7 ..."

After much delay and a postponed game time thanks to an intense eastern snowstorm, the Chicago Bears finally landed in Baltimore last night. Now they have to deal with the snow AND the frothing Ravens, who are still fighting for their post-season lives. While a winnable affair, today's contest with the aggressive birds will surely leave the Bears battered and bruised. 

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Chicago Bears ..."

After another dramatic Colts win, the still-undefeated Saints try their luck against the Cowboys on Saturday night while the second seed in the AFC is on the line on Sunday. Let's start the Opening Drive of week 15 in the NFL!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 15"

It was a crazy week 14 in the NFL, book-ended by division upsets on Thursday and Monday night. While the playoff picture is coming into focus, we still have loads of drama in the NFC East and two undefeated teams with their eyes set on the Lombardi Trophy. The Final Drive starts now!

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 14"

I feel teased. I feel like a perfect 10 didn't bother giving me the time of day when I walked past her at the bar. No big whoop. I wasn't going to think twice about it. But then she starts coyly smiling at me an hour later while drinking a cocktail through a straw. A half hour later SHE comes over to me and asks if I'm single, causing me to wonder whether or not I cleaned my bedroom and stashed my Spider-man pillow in case of a female presence. All of a sudden, when I feel like she's giving me the all-clear, she walks away to chat up douche number six and leaves me high and dry. That's how the Bears' 21-14 loss to the Packers made me feel.

Continue reading "What I learned from the Bears' 21-14 ..."

Why is it that recent late-season meetings between the Bears and Packers hold little to no significance? Oh wait, I remember now. Because one of these teams decides to be out of it by week ten. This year its the Bears' turn. Each squad has gone through their own specific roller-coaster rides, but while the Bears have been on the The Whizzer and are in the midst of projectile vomiting, the Green Bay Packers have ridden Batman: The Ride six times and are ready for more. How's that for an analogy? Sunday's divisional match-up at Soldier Field will feature two teams going in opposite directions.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Packers at Bears"

Continue reading "Bears are demolished by Vikings 36-10"

Continue reading "Bears are demolished by Vikings 36-10"

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Bears at Vikings"

With three utterly craptacular contests on Thanksgiving, I’m looking forward to a little competitive football this Sunday. However, it’s not until Monday that the real showdown of week 12 takes place. Let’s get some Opening Drive in your diet!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: week 12"

Well, it wasn't a barrage of Jay Cutler interceptions that led to Chicago's loss to Philadelphia at Soldier Field Sunday night. Instead of tossing red zone picks, Cutler played smart and checked down to his receivers, setting up four Robbie Gould field goals. Thing about field goals is, a touchdown's better than two of them. That simple math led to the demise of Lovie Smith's team and the deflation of their playoff hopes as they fall to 4-6.

Continue reading "Different story, same result in Bears' ..."

The Chicago Bears are losers of four of their last five contests. Their three primetime games this season have all resulted in losses, two of which were especially rich in turnovers. So why am I not convinced the Bears will lay an egg when they play the Eagles this Sunday night? Easy: they're playing at home.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Eagles at Bears"

After three quarters of a boring contest, we finally got some action late in Thursday's Miami v. Carolina game. To anyone who had Ricky Williams on their fantasy team, good job. Now, we look to the weekend in the week 11 edition of the Oepning Drive!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 11"

With all of the surprise upsets, there’s no way I can take the time to properly address them all. I’ll hit the best and worst of week 10 in this edition of the Final Drive! 

(3-6) Tennessee Titans 41

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 10"

There were a few games I couldn’t even pretend to drum up a story for. Monday night’s Baltimore v. Cleveland match-up is beyond ugly. Still, there's plenty of drama for the week 10 edition of the Opening Drive! 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 10"

The last two undefeated teams carried on their winning ways, the last winless team won, the Giants gave one away by kicking a field goal and the Broncos could not hang with the Super Bowl Champs. Let’s wrap up week nine with the Final Drive!

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 9"

The last two undefeated teams carried on their winning ways, the last winless team won, the Giants gave one away by kicking a field goal and the Broncos could not hang with the Super Bowl Champs. Let’s wrap up week nine with the Final Drive!

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 9"

 So that almost happened. Despite being out-played, out-coached, and out-classed in the first half, the Chicago Bears mounted a valiant comeback before falling to the Arizona Cardinals 41-21.   

Continue reading "Bears can't catch up to Cardinals, lose 41-21"

 

A slew of division match-ups are highlighted in this week’s NFL schedule. First place is up for grabs in the NFC East and one team hopes to avoid falling further behind the Colts in the AFC South. What games should you be watching? Find out in the Opening Drive of week nine!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 9"

The Titans and Rams each found their first wins, another team fell from the undefeated ranks and both New York squads lost key division games. By the way, Drew Brees and Peyton Manning are pretty good. *cough*Favre won*cough* Let’s wrap the week eight in the NFL with the Final Drive!

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 8"

It wasn’t pretty, but I’ll take it. The Bears put down the Cleveland Browns by a final score of 30-6 Sunday at Soldier Field. While a 24-point win against a number of other teams would have been memorable, that margin wasn’t enough for Bears fans who wanted to see domination like they saw in Cincinnati. Instead, they saw Lovie Smith’s squad do little more than take advantage of Cleveland’s never-ending mistakes.

Continue reading "Cutler gets "Jay-Roughed" in Bears' ..."

In the 2009 NFL, there are more teams at the bottom of the scrap heap than I can ever remember. Three (Tampa, Tennessee, St. Louis) are still winless, and another three (Detroit, Cleveland, Kansas City) have only managed one victory. It’s not just that these teams are bad; they’ve been downright awful this season. That’s why the Bears should (note I said should) have an easy day this Sunday when they welcome in the Cleveland Browns.  

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Browns at Bears"

 

This weekend Denver faces yet another stiff challenge, and four division match-ups make the Opening Drive! Oh yeah, and some guy named Favre returns to the second team he played for. No big whoop. Let’s analyze! 

Continue reading "Joe’s NFL Opening Drive: Week 8"

Wow, it was blowout city this weekend. 11 of the 13 NFL games in week 7 were decided by ten points or more. That’s just ridiculous. Maybe it was good I was moving furniture on Sunday… wait, no it still wasn’t. To the Final Drive of week 7! 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 7"

At 3-2, my Chicago Bears are in better shape than I would have predicted going into the season. That being said, I’ll still be upset if they lose in Cincinnati Sunday afternoon. Despite holding a lead in the AFC North, the Bengals are a beatable team. Let’s get right down to it in my Gameday Preview! 

Continue reading "Joe’s Gameday Preview: Bears at Bengals"

Um… I struggled to find six games with real significant drama. Bob Sanders will return to the Colts, but it’s against the lowly Rams! The Packers face the bumbling Browns, New England faces winless Tampa Bay in London, and Buffalo takes on Carolina. *shudder* Here’s the best of week seven in my Opening Drive! 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 7"

In a crazy week six in the NFL, we saw both New York teams fall, one squad completely give up, and three teams continue their undefeated ways. The Final Drive of week six starts right now! 

(3-3) Houston Texans 28

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 6"

So that happened. After threatening on several occasions in the red zone and leading a possible game-tying drive to the five-yard line, the Chicago Bears rightfully lost a game they had no business winning.

Continue reading "Missed Opportunities Lead to Bears' ..."

After a well-needed bye week, the Chicago Bears are back in action tonight, heading to the Georgia Dome to take on Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons. Coming off a 45-10 beatdown of the San Francisco 49ers, the Falcons could not be flying higher. After a heart-breaking loss in Atlanta last season, the Bears are ready for some payback. 

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Bears at Falcons"

With a busier schedule than normal, the Opening Drive was relegated to Sunday morning! Here’s my quick takes on some of the weekend’s NFL match-ups. 

(3-2) Baltimore Ravens at (5-0) Minnesota Vikings In one of the better match-ups of the weekend, Brett Favre and the undefeated Vikes get their toughest challenge to date when the surely fuming Ravens come to town. I don’t know if I can imagine that team after losing three straight. I’d be scared. Still, Minnesota has a stout defense of its own. Favre and Joe Flacco need to protect the ball because each offense excels at cashing in on turnovers. Man I hope the Ravens win. 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 6"

Still love me some NFL. Josh McDaniels kicked Bill Belichick’s Patriots right out of Denver while Matt Ryan picked apart a supposedly stout San Francisco defense. Oh, and Peyton Manning is still awesome. I wrap up week five in the NFL in the Final Drive! 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 5"

 

With some downright horrendous match-ups this weekend, this edition of the Opening Drive is shorter than usual. Just writing about Cleveland versus Buffalo would put me to sleep. Let’s get things going with the most anticipated games of week four! 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 5"

It was unimpressive statistically, but Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears dominated the Detroit Lions in the second half en route to a 48-24 win on Sunday. 

Even though Detroit’s offense ran 76 plays compared to Chicago’s 50 and racked up nearly 400 yards, it wasn’t enough to overcome losing the field position battle. All of the Lions’ 13 drives started from within their own 30-yard line. Out of the Bears 13 drives, only three started behind the 30. With that kind of field position, Jay Cutler didn’t have to throw for 300 yards to get the victory.  

Continue reading "Bears Demolish Lions in Second Half of Blowout Win"

Someone finally looked like a rookie quarterback; things are going south in Tennessee, and some guy named Brett Favre made headlines. I wrap up week four in the NFL with the Final Drive! 

(3-1) New England Patriots 27

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 4"

 

One thing is for sure going into this Sunday’s match-up at Solider Field: these aren’t the 2008 Lions. Know how I know that? The 2009 Lions have won a game. It happened just last weekend against the Redskins. Detroit head coach Jim Schwartz is hoping to turn it into a streak, with the Chicago Bears playing their second victim.  

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Lions at Bears"

In week four of the NFL season, at least one more undefeated team will fall. AFC forces meet in Boston, and one of the best rivalries in the league takes it to a whole ‘nother level thanks to a certain unretiring quarterback. Week four Opening Drive commence! 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 4"

Plenty of drama in a weekend that saw one team break a 19-game losing streak and another keep their undefeated streak going. Let’s start the Final Drive of week 3! 

(1-2) Detroit Lions 19 (1-2) Washington Redskins 14 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 3"

It was tougher than it should have been, but the Chicago Bears left Seattle with a 25-19 victory over the Seahawks. Despite a Jay Cutler interception and fumble, the Bears found a way to win. After three heart attacks and defibrillator attention, I found a way to write this story. 

Continue reading "Cutler leads Bears to 25-19 win in Seattle"

After winning a game no one expected them to win, the Bears are now widely expected to travel to Seattle and defeat the injury-battling Seahawks. Which Seahawk is injured you ask? Someone pretty important…

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Bears at Seahawks"

 

In week three, two early unbeatens face off at the Metrodome while numerous 0-2 teams try to avoid the near-insurmountable playoff climb out of the 0-3 hole. Let’s get started with this week’s Opening Drive!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 3"

Week two had its fair share of upsets and surprises. (Not the least of which were my Bears!) Let’s take a look at the week that was in my Week 2 edition of the Final Drive!

(2-0) Atlanta Falcons       28

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 2"

 

With 16 games in the regular season, losing your first two isn’t a cause for panic, but it is a cause for concern. In the Week 2 edition of the Opening Drive, here are some teams who need to avoid an 0-2 start.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 2"

Week one of the 2009 NFL season is in the books. Filled with injuries, blowouts and a dramatic ending out in Cincinnati, let’s take a look around the league in this first edition of the Final Drive!

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 1"

Well that was a hot mess. I’m just glad to have that one behind me now. I’m writing this article as fast as possible just to get the taste out of my mouth.

A positively putrid performance was put on by the Chicago Bears offense in what ended up being a defensive battle. Like it goes in the NFL, the quarterback is going to get most of the blame. Jay Cutler threw four interceptions in Chicago’s 21-15 loss to the rival Green Bay Packers Sunday night.

Continue reading "Cutler tosses 4 INT's as Bears fall to Packers"

Maybe you didn’t hear the NFL kicked off its season last night. Maybe you didn’t know the Chicago Bears are headed to Lambeau Field to play the Packers on NBC’s Sunday Night Football. What I’m pretty sure you heard is that Jay Cutler is a Chicago Bear. 

Continue reading "Joe’s Gameday Preview: Chicago ..."

Do you smell that? It smells like football! No more preseason, no more scrubs fighting for jobs. It's time for the return of the Opening Drive!

Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers

In the Thursday night season opener, we get what should have been last season’s AFC Championship match-up. The eventual Super Bowl winner Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to make another deep postseason run, and they’re talented enough to do it. Running back Rashard Mendenhall is back after spending most of last year on IR with a shoulder injury. During this campaign he’ll begin to see more carries each week as an eventual successor to Willie Parker. Ben Roethlisberger may still have a lot on his mind, but beating the Titans on national TV may cure what ails him. (For now anyway.)

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 1"

Can all the naysayers please sit down?

After a sub-par performance in his first preseason game as a Bear, Jay Cutler had to listen to a week of Chicago fans moan and groan about the offense’s slow progress. That certainly won’t be the case this week.

Continue reading "Cutler and Bears Dominate Giants"

Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer is reporting that he expects the recently “retired” Brett Favre to join the Vikings sometime in the next few weeks. 

Glazer quotes a few anonymous Vikings about Favre’s signing, with one saying “I’m telling you it’s already done.” Yet another Viking told him “I don’t know if it’s done, but I think he’ll be in by the third preseason game.”

Continue reading "Is Favre STILL Not Retired?"

Well, that could have gone better. Not that you should be too concerned with the outcome, but the Chicago Bears lost in their first preseason outing last night to the Buffalo Bills in a score of 27 – 20. It was an inconsistent performance at best from the Bears, who were without key pieces on both sides of the ball.

Continue reading "Cutler Doesn't Meet Hype Against the Bills"

I can’t remember a busier or more significant Chicago Bears offseason. After the miraculous acquisition of Jay Cutler (which I still can’t believe happened), and then the signing of Orlando Pace, Jerry Angelo could have sat out the rest of free agency and skipped the draft and Bears fans would have been content. Not one to rest on his new QB’s laurels, Angelo refuses to let up.

Continue reading "Bears ink draft class early; Are ..."

With nine picks in the final six rounds, the Chicago Bears addressed their most pressing areas of need. Wide receiver, the defensive line, and safety were all points of focus for the Bears, who used six of their nine selections in those areas. It was a solid draft if nothing else, getting value late in the draft.

Continue reading "Chicago Bears Draft Day Two: Angelo ..."

So there is barely any news on the Chicago front. After waiting over five hours to make their only pick of the day at number 17 in the second round (49th overall), the Chicago Bears made a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. The Bears sent their 2nd round selection to Seattle and received the Seahawks’ 3rd round (68th overall) and 4th round (105th) choices, both of which will be on Sunday.

Continue reading "NFL Draft Day One: Bears Trade Down ..."

Mmm… draft weekend. I live for it. Call me crazy, call me an NFL freak, but I simply can’t get enough Mel Kiper or Todd McShay spouting off intangibles of some cornerback out of Florida State in the fifth round. I will be pasted to my couch this weekend, analyzing every Bears selection and dutifully following the ticker at the bottom of the screen.

Continue reading "Chicago Bears 2009 NFL Draft Preview"

Jay Cutler is a Chicago Bear. I said it. I can’t believe it. This was a pipedream. All I wanted to hear was that the Bears expressed their interest and were on the phones trying to make an offer. I did not even fathom the idea that they could actually land a franchise quarterback. General Manager Jerry Angelo not only called the Broncos, but pulled the trigger on a massive blockbuster trade, acquiring the Pro Bowl QB from Denver.

Continue reading "Chicago Bears Trade for Cutler, Sign Pace"