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Chicago Bears 2012 Rewind: Bears somewhat rebound against Rams in Week 3

lije — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:42:02 +0000

Sep 23, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) catches a pass over St. Louis Rams cornerback Cortland Finnegan (31) during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. The Bears won 23-6. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

One of the most common lessons learned in life is that we must learn from our mistakes. The best way to go forward in life and football is to look back. We all learn from the past to build on the future. From now on, every week I will be giving you a retrospective look at every one of last season’s games until the start of the season.

Let’s face it; all fans look back on games and wish that things would have gone differently. I always look back at the 2010 NFC Championship game and think “Man, if Urlacher just would have made a better move on Rodgers…” That game is just one of the few. There is something to be learned from every game.

The Bears improved to 2-1 in Week 3, and we Bears fans gladly took the victory. The game was anything but pretty, but a win is a win. The last two times the Bears have played the Rams at Soldier Field, the game ended up a boring win. Here’s how it happened. (more…)

2013 Preview: Bears vs Steelers 5 Questions with Nice Pick, Cowher

Mike Praser — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:18:18 +0000

The year was 2009. The place was Soldier Field. Droves of Steelers fans came out to watch the Chicago Bears, with newly acquired quarterback Jay Cutler, take on their beloved Pittsburgh Steelers.

We don’t have all day here, so let’s just skip to the end. The field was bad, Reed missed a field goal, Cutler was who he was supposed to be. Bears won with a final score of 17 to 14.

This year the Bears face the Steelers in a week 3 Sunday night showdown in Pittsburgh. To preview the season match up we asked our usual 5 Questions to Steelers fan site Nice Pick, Cowher.

1. Did you feel the Steelers lost their most important piece of their receiving core when Mike Wallace left in free agency?

The loss of Wallace is definitely a blow to the Steelers “vertical” passing game. Wallace has some of the best, if not the best, deep speed in the league and he was the main field-stretcher for Pittsburgh over the last four years. The selection of Markus Wheaton in the 3rd round will definitely help offset the loss of Wallace, and it also does not hurt that the former Oregon State star runs solid routes and can stretch the field vertically and horizontally.

Unfortunately, Wallace had some issues with Todd Haley’s insistence on the controlled and shorter passing game. Moreover, his production dipped once he was no longer a focal point of the offense. The break-up between Wallace and the Steelers will likely be tough, but I know that many of us have confidence that Antonio Brown can continue to play well, Emmanuel Sanders will do a solid job during his upcoming contract year, Wheaton can make strides in his first year and either Plaxico Burress or Jerricho Cotchery can chip in when their numbers are called.

November 4, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

2. I am so glad that Brian Urlacher retired instead of signing with another team. Will it be weird seeing James Harrison wearing a Bengals uniform this year?

I won’t lie, I’ll do some double takes when “Deebo” is wearing Halloween colors this fall (he looks almost identical to “Deebo” from the “Friday” movies). Harrison is beloved by many in Pittsburgh because of his tenacity and how hard he worked to get where he is. A former UDFA in 2002, he was cut by the Steelers multiple times (and the Ravens as well) before he made the roster in 2004 after Clark Haggans sustained a finger injury. After three years on special teams, Harrison stepped into a starting role for the next six seasons and deserved the 2008 league MVP (he only won the DPOY that year) for his incredible performance that year.

I for one wish him nothing but the best, and I and many alike wish that some other linebackers on the roster who had more physical talent than him cough*LaMarr Woodley*cough) would “nut up” and play with 1/10th of the heart and anger “Deebo” did while he was here.

Dec 4, 2011; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) and defensive end Brett Keisel (99) combine to sack Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during the second half of the game at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the game, 35-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

3. What did you like and/or dislike about what the Steelers did in free agency and the draft?

As far as free agency goes, I’m not a huge fan of bringing back retreads like Matt Spaeth and William Gay. However, the team needed depth and experienced depth at the positions (especially with Heath Miller’s health in question) so I can understand it. I liked the pickup of Bruce Gradkowski and the re-signing of Ramon Foster though. Gradkowski is a local-guy and should be an adequate backup to Big Ben and mentor to rookie Landry Jones. Foster is projected to be the team’s starting left guard this year and has quietly emerged as the best offensive lineman on the team not named “Pouncey” over the last couple seasons.

In terms of the Draft, I really liked how the team went after defensive players who are hard-hitting and have noses for the football like Jarvis Jones, Shamarko Thomas and Vince Williams. In addition, I live out in Pac-12 country so I’ve seen what Wheaton can do and I believe he will add at least some of the speed they lost with Wallace. I’m still on the fence about the Le’Veon Bell and Landry Jones picks though. Bell is projected to be the #1 back this fall, and I question whether or not he will be fast enough to transition to the pro game. Jones looked skittish when the pocket broke down in college, and the Steelers’ offensive line has been less than stellar over the last half decade.

April 26, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II (right) presents linebacker Jarvis Jones a commemorative jersey at the UPMC Sports Complex after Jarvis was selected the Steelers number one pick in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

4. What is going on with the relationship between Big Ben and Todd Haley this year?

As of now it seems like Big Ben and “Boss Todd” are patching things up. Yet last year all did not go swimmingly. Roethlisberger was definitely displeased that the front office had dismissed his former offensive coordinator/friend Bruce Arians, and him and Haley did not necessarily see eye-to-eye over the play-calling last year. In fact, it seemed like every week Big Ben bitched and moaned over something to do with the play-calling.

If the hatchet is buried between the two, then both parties could definitely benefit. Roethlisberger has weapons at his disposal and he was on his way to a career year (statistically) last fall until he sustained his shoulder injury at mid-season. I just hope that both can act professional and do their best to put as many points on the board as humanly possibly while leaving their egos at the door.

December 23, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd haley (left) talks with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) on the sidelines against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Cincinnati Bengals won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

5. Soldier Field might as well have a bunch of loose sod on concrete as their playing surface, yet I hear that Heinz Field is deemed worst surface in the NFL. Do you find that gives the Steelers and advantage or disadvantage for home games?

When the weather is nice, the turf is fine at Heinz Field. But after any sort of precipitation, especially later in the year, it’s a bog which both teams must suffer through. I’m not sure why the Steelers don’t switch to field-turf when the Pitt Panthers play their home games there. Heck, even high school playoff games take place at “The Big Ketchup Bottle.” Having a sloppy home-field is not really an advantage though. To me it’s more of a detriment to both teams and is embarrassing to watch as a fan. If you want a first-hand look at what I’m talking about try to find footage of the Steelers’ Monday Night Football matchup against the Dolphins from 2007.

What gives the Steelers an advantage at home is not their garbage turf though. It is one of the best, if not the best and most vocal fanbase in the entire league. And when “Renegade” by Styx hits the loud-speakers for the defense, the place is a madhouse.

Bonus Question 1: Who would win in an arm wrestling match, Staley Da Bear or Steely McBeam?

I’d probably give it to Staley simply due to my absolute disdain (and the disdain of our entire fanbase) of “Steely McBeam.” Why the Steelers need a mascot who looks like a love-child spawned from Bert from Sesame Street and Joe Flacco and dresses like the Construction Worker from the “Village People” puzzled me back in 2007 and puzzles me and many in the fanbase today.

But seriously, I’d give it to Staley.

I want to thank Dominic Di Tolla for answering our questions about the match up. Please make sure to check out Nice Pick, Cowher for all of your Steelers news and info. You can follow Dominic on twitter at @DominicDiTolla.

Chicago Bears Mandatory Minicamp: Day 3 Notebook

Boomer — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:13:35 +0000

Jun 11, 2013; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) and quarterback Josh McCown (12) during minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears wrapped up the third and final day of their mandatory minicamp on Thursday, culminating the first offseason program under new head coach Marc Trestman. Let’s check the notebook and see the news of the day:

(more…)

Last Chance to Win a LG Electronics 42-Inch LED TV from FanSided and Bear Goggles On

FanSided — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:16:56 +0000

FanSided and Bear Goggles On have teamed up with Deals2Buy.com to give away a LG Electronics 42-Inch LED TV!!!

To enter, simply like us on Facebook and sign up for our daily email newsletter, FanSided Daily. It is completely free and customizable to your unique rooting interest. Then earn additional entries by sharing the contest with friends!

This LG Electronics 42-Inch LED TV is provided by Deals2Buy, a leading website for deals, discounts and close-out inventory offers. Focused on delivering best-of-web pricing, Deals2Buy is known among tech-savvy consumers as the one stop shop for deals on items like laptops, cameras, televisions and other technology products – as well as apparel, accessories, travel, and even credit card offers. Sign up for the Deals2Buy Hot Deal Alerts newsletter and follow them on Twitter and Facebook to stay in the know about the hottest deals every day!

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NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., 18 years and older, who are the owners of the property depicted in the photo. Begins: 9:00 a.m. C.T. on 5/15/13. Ends: 11:59 p.m. C.T. on 6/15/13. Subject to Official Rules at www.fansided.com. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: FanSided. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Last Chance to Win a LG Electronics 42-Inch LED TV from FanSided and Bear Goggles On

FanSided — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:16:56 +0000

FanSided and Bear Goggles On have teamed up with Deals2Buy.com to give away a LG Electronics 42-Inch LED TV!!!

STEP 1: Like us on Facebook:

STEP 2: Sign up for Daily Bears Updates

STEP 3: Follow @fansided to see if you won

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FINISH: Visit FanSided.com and Deals2Buy.com!

Jay Cutler Confirms Honeymoon Plans

DeCon — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:47:28 +0000

Jun 11, 2013; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) during minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

After secretly tying the knot with his new bride, many questioned the timing of the QB Jay Cutler’s nuptials given it was the weekend before the Chicago Bears would conduct its OTAs. After a wedding, it is customary for the new bride and groom to go off to an exotic destination for their honeymoon. Given the respective wealth of Cutler and his bride, Kristin Cavallari, they could have gone anywhere, if Cutler didn’t need to be in Lake Forest for OTAs the next week. Cutler has shown a penchant for doing some unthinkable things in the past, but he appears to have this all worked out.

“You know, Kristin and I talked about it and she knows how important this season is to me. She’s very supportive to not go somewhere like Hawaii or Mexico or somewhere cool like that. We’ve decided that we’re gonna just take our honeymoon in Bourbonnais during camp.”

Phil Emery added, “Jay has our support. You could say “full” support.”

Coach Marc Trestman was also supportive, “As I have said before, Jay and I have spent a weekend in a hotel room before, so I know he makes good company. So long as Kristin doesn’t mind me popping into his dorm room from time to time to talk ball, I don’t see any problem with it and I think they will have a great time.”

When asked about childcare for their 10-month old son, Camden, Cutler, again, had it all worked out.

“You know, it’s not a job I can hand off to a rookie,” quipped Cutler. “Lach or Carimi would have been easy choices if they were still here…Lach because of his experience with kids and Carimi, because I doubt he’d have much work on the field anyway. But, without them around, we’ll probably let BMarsh and Earl look after him…they have the best hands on the team, so I know they won’t drop him. I hope they can keep him clear of Martellus, because I don’t want Camden to think he’s a unicorn or anything like that,” Culter joked.

Asked what he and his wife planned to do during the honeymoon, Culter was a little coy.

“You know, that is something Kristin and I will mostly keep to ourselves, but we might try to get out to the Kankakee River State Park for an overnight camping trip and there’s a Red Lobster, so I think we’ll be all set. You know, the campus and dorm rooms are no joke either. We’ll just take it day by day”

Jay Cutler, ever the romantic…

The Cover Stew is a satirical look at the Chicago Bears, Football and Life in General.

Chicago Bears Mandatory Minicamp: Day 2 Notebook

Boomer — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:10:51 +0000

Jun 11, 2013; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs (55) during minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Happy Thursday! If you’re dragging a little bit today, it’s probably because you were up past your bedtime watching the Blackhawks HUGE triple OT 4-3 win in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Be sure to hit up our friends at Blackhawk Up for all your Hawks updates.

OK, on to the real reason you stopped by, the Beloved. The Bears continued their mandatory minicamp on Wednesday, so let’s do another notebook to catch the highlights from Wednesday’s practice. (more…)

ProFootball Talk Got it Wrong Selecting Chicago Bears Mt. Rushmore

Boomer — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:06:00 +0000

ProFootball Talk has been unveiling their Mt Rushmores for each NFL team and the Chicago Bears’ top four was named. Unlike a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars or Houston Texans, there is a TON of history with the Bears. The Bears, as we know, have more Hall of Famers than any other team, so it’s [...]

ProFootball Talk Got it Wrong Selecting Chicago Bears Mt. Rushmore - Bear Goggles On - Bear Goggles On - A Chicago Bears Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.