Oct 23, 2011; London, ENGLAND; General view of Wembley Stadium during the opening kickoff of the NFL International Series game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Chicago Bears. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

News on the wire is that the NFL Competition Committee is starting to propose the annual rule changes to make the game of football “better”. The theme of this year seems to be player safety, and honestly it is not a bad thing when they want to protect the players.

March 18, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a press conference at the annual NFL meetings at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Back in December 2012, the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was interviewed by Time Magazine.

One idea that Goodell predicts will get more consideration: eliminating kickoffs. Fans may object to this rule change, since kickoffs produce thrilling returns. TIME sat in on meeting between Goodell and Rich McKay, head of the NFL’s powerful competition committee. Goodell brought up a proposal promoted by Greg Schiano, coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: after a touchdown or field goal, instead of kicking off, a team would get the ball on its own 30-yard line, where it’s fourth and 15. The options are either to go for it and try to retain possession, or punt. If you go for it and fall short, the opposing team would take over with good field position. In essence, punts would replace kickoffs, and punts are less susceptible to violent collisions than kickoffs. “The fact is,” Goodell says. “It’s a much different end of the play…It’s an off-the-wall idea. It’s different and makes you think differently. It did me.”

Now getting rid of the kickoff is one of the stupidest ideas I have ever heard. The kickoff is an important part of the game of football. It gives both teams the chance to battle for where possession of the ball will be. Just giving possession at the 30-yard line would change the dynamic of the game, especially late in games when teams are down by a field goal or a touchdown. It changes the strategy and honestly makes the game boring.

That being said, it doesn’t seem like the NFL is going that route yet. Here are the proposed rule changes that the Competition Committee will be voting on courtesy of nflevolution.com:

PROPOSED RULE: A ban on a ball carrier initiating contact with the crown of his helmet in the open field or by a defender while making a tackle.

What the proposal would change: A 15-yard penalty would be called if a runner or a tackler initiates forcible contact by delivering a blow with the top/crown of his helmet against an opponent when both players clearly are outside the tackle box (an area extending from tackle-to-tackle and from three yards beyond the line of scrimmage to the offensive team’s end line). Incidental contact by the helmet of a runner or a tackler against an opponent would not be deemed a foul.

We have already heard from Matt Forte via Twitter about his opinions about this rule. Here is my opinion. It is nice to see that the Competition Committee trying to protect the defensive players, but this is really not the way. I agree with Matt Forte on this one. Matt tweeted:

In order to lower ur shoulder u obviously have to lower ur head. It’s a way of protecting ur self from a tackler and a way to break tackles

Remember that the runner is the one being tackled. They do have to protect themselves. I think that this one is not about player safety as much as it is about the defensive players complaining that the offense can duck their head and they can’t.

PROPOSED RULE: A ban of “peel-back” blocks inside the tackle-box area.

What the proposal would change: A 15-yard penalty will be called on a player who is aligned in the tackle box when the ball is snapped, then moves to a position outside the box and initiates contact on the side and below the waist against an opponent if: (a) the blocker is moving toward his own end line; and (b) he approaches the opponent from behind or from the side.

Now this is a rule I can stand behind. This rule will immediately protect the defensive players. I never understood the “peel-back” blocks or “chop” blocks that occur. I think that any block below the waist should be banned, not only to prevent knee injuries, but to keep lineman and tight-ends honest. If you miss your block, take it like a man. Don’t dive for the guys legs because you couldn’t do your job. You already failed, don’t take the chance of hurting the other player or making yourself look even more stupid when you are lying on the ground after you missed the low block as well.

PROPOSED RULE: A ban on teams overloading one side of the defensive line on point-after and field-goal attempts.

What the proposal would change: “During a field-goal attempt or a Try Kick: (1) No more than six Team B players may be on the line of scrimmage on either side of the snapper at the snap; Penalty: For illegal formation by the defense, loss of 5 yards from the previous spot. (2) Team B players not on the line of scrimmage at the snap cannot push players on the line of scrimmage into the offensive formation. Penalty: For unnecessary roughness, loss of 15 yards from the previous spot.”

I don’t know about this rule. What is wrong with loading up one side or the other trying to block a kick? The NFL Committee is saying that after reviewing tape that there were lots of injuries. Okay, if they say there are a lot of injuries, I will believe them. I just think it is making kicking field goals and extra points too easy.

Out of these three rules, the one that makes the most sense to me has to be eliminating the chop blocks. If you are not allowed to dive at a quarterbacks legs, then you shouldn’t be able to dive at anybodies legs.

What do you think as an NFL fan? Do you like the proposed rule changes for players safety? What kind of rule changes would you like to see?

Nov 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith (22) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Owners are set to meet in Arizona this week.  Maybe they want to scout some late spring training?  At any rate, they always trickle out a few new rule changes that they plan to try to adopt in advance of the meeting.  One of the more controversial rules that’s been leaked out is a new rule barring ball carriers from lower their heads outside the tackle box.

In another sign that the days of punishing, physical running backs like Jim Brown and John Riggins are coming to an end, the NFL is considering a rules change that would penalize runners for lowering their heads and initiating contact with tacklers.

Members of the NFL’s Competition Committee revealed today that they want to see a new rule that would make it a personal foul for either a runner or a tackler to engage in head-first contact with the crown of the helmet when running into each other outside the tackle box.

It seems like a silly rule and kind of takes away from the very spirit of football itself.  One Chicago Bear took particular exception to this proposal and wasn’t bashful about expressing his point of view as Matt Forte took to the Twitterverse in his own protest:  (more…)

Brandon Marshall of the Bears (15) catches a touchdown pass against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night in San Francisco. Mandatory Credit: John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune

Let’s face it; apart from receiver Brandon Marshall, the Bears offense did not have much to offer this season. This is partly due to poor play calling and weak blocking. However, there were a few offensive players who had some good moments this year. Here are the top 3 candidates for Most Valuable Offensive Player, not including Brandon Marshall. (more…)

As we end 2012 and prepare to turn the calendars to 2013, it’s time to wind back the clock and take a look back at the year 2012 for the Chicago Bears.  It was an interesting and eventful year with changes in the front office, a huge trade that could change the face of the franchise for years to come, injuries, win streaks, losing streaks, ups and downs and ultimately the head coach of nine seasons finally getting fired.  You know, a typical season.

January 1, 2012 – Bears defeat the Vikings 17-13 to snap a 5 game losing streak and finish their 2011 campaign at 8-8.  Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher suffers a knee injury late in 4th quarter of the meaningless game.

January 3, 2012 – Jerry Angelo out as Bears GM.

January 6, 2012 – Mike Tice promoted to Bears Offensive Coordinator.  He shared his vision for the Bears offense.  Did it really turn out that way?

March 16, 2012; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery speaks at a press conference introducing new signings wide receiver Brandon Marshall (not pictured) and quarterback Jason Campbell (not pictured) at Halas Hall . Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

January 28, 2012 – Phil Emery is hired as the next General Manager of the Chicago Bears.

February 7, 2012 – Chicago Bears hire Jay Cutler’s buddy Jeremy Bates as QB coach.

March 2, 2012 – Bears put Franchise Tag on Matt Forte

March 16, 2012; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery (center) poses for a photo after a press conference introducing wide receiver Brandon Marshall (left) and quarterback Jason Campbell at Halas Hall . Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

March 13, 2012 – at the start of the NFL Free Agency period, new GM Phil Emery makes his first big move, sending a pair of third round draft picks to Miami for wide receiver and longtime Jay Cutler buddy Brandon Marshall.   Emery also brings back Tim Jennings, which proved to be brilliant as he developed into a Pro Bowl performer.  The Bears also signed Jason Campbell to back up Jay Cutler.

March 14, 2012 – more free agent signings including bringing back Kellen Davis (BAD!) and Josh McCown, and signing special teams guys Blake Costanzo and Eric Weems.

March 22, 2012 – Bears add free agent running back Michael Bush.  Matt Forte gets mad.

March 24, 2012 – Marion Barber retires from football.  About 9 months too late.

April 4, 2012 – Brian Urlacher proclaims he’ll ‘end his career as a Chicago Bear.’  Prescient?  We’ll see how this plays out in 2013.

April 11, 2012 – Lance Briggs agrees to a 1-year contract extension.

April 17, 2012 – with NFL schedule released, I predicted the outcome of all the Bears games.  I had them at 11-5.  What could possibly go wrong? Oops.

Lovie Smith and the Chicago Bears did their part in Detroit, holding on to win 26-24 over the Lions to get the win they needed.  They were left to watch and wait for the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings to duke it out to find out their playoff fate.  A win by the Vikings would knock the Bears out of playoff contention.  Even though I’m writing this post a little behind schedule and know how this all turned out, I’ll try to stick to the game and get to the aftermath in another post. (more…)

Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher returned to practice for the first time since he injured his hamstring on the second to last play against the Seahawks on December 2nd.  Urlacher tested the bum wheel in pregame warmups vs the Cardinals in Arizona last weekend, but hadn’t practiced this week until Friday.  Although the veteran linebacker is chomping at the bit to get into the game, it’s unlikely he’ll play on Sunday.

Here’s Lovie Smith on Urlacher’s progress:

“The normal progress we hoped he would make he has made,” Bears coach Lovie Smith said. “Brian doesn’t have to necessarily practice a full practice before we would play him, but we’re not to that point. We’re just going to look at how he moved around and see how he feels after today.

“It’s not like he went full speed. You just have to see if you think he’s ready to go when you’re coming off of a muscle injury. That’s how it goes. There’s no ideal time. But I wouldn’t take off too far on the Brian Urlacher talk. All we can tell you is that he had a limited practice today, which is progress for us, no more than that.”

According to Brad Biggs, Urlacher will be officially listed as doubtful on the final injury report of the week.

Dec. 23, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) leaves the game with an injury in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Bears defeated the Cardinals 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In better news, running back Matt Forte is expected to be a go on Sunday.  Forte injured his right ankle for the third time this season during Sunday’s 28-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Forte’s been doing a lot to prepare for this must-win game:

“I’ve done this stuff before, acupuncture, chiropractic stuff, soft-tissue work, hyperbaric chamber, same stuff,” Forte said. “It seems to work better. I think since I sprained it the first time, it’s gotten all the way healed so it’s not a lot more damaged than the first time.”

Forte will be a key vs the Lions on Sunday.  In nine career games vs the Lions, he’s got 7 touchdowns and averages over 100 all-purpose yards/game.  With Michael Bush on IR and third stringer Armando Allen missing practice this week with a knee injury, the Bears only have Forte and recently re-signed Kahlil Bell ready to go on Sunday.

The biggest injury concern I have is at the safety position.  Chris Conte suffered a hamstring injury vs the Cardinals and with veteran backup Craig Steltz already on IR, it looks like Anthony Walter or newly signed Troy Nolan could get the call at free safety.  The safety spot is critical vs a team like the Lions who are likely to throw it around a lot.  Remember last season during the Monday night game in Detroit where safety Chris Harris was repeatedly torched, leading to his release and a shakeup in the safety position bringing Conte up to the starting lineup, where he and Major Wright have held it down pretty well since.

Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL’s longest rivalry will continue when the Green Bay Packers (9-4, 3-3 road) meet the Chicago Bears (8-5, 5-2 home) for the 186^th time in their histories.  The Bears lead the series 92-87-6.  The Packers are on a roll, winning seven of their last eight games, while the Bears have dropped four of their last five.  Both teams are dealing with injuries, but the NFC North is on the line, so it should be another black-and-blue battle.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has always had his way with the Bears, racking up a career 101.0 passer rating.  However, that number drops to 88.7 at Soldier Field, where he has thrown only six touchdowns and five interceptions in five games.  And while Rodgers isn’t putting up astronomical numbers this season, the running game has stepped up recently, averaging 135.8 rushing yards per game over the last five.  However, they only have five rushing touchdowns all season long.

This week, the Packers will be without WR Jordy Nelson (second on the team with 46 catches and 658 receiving yards), RB James Starks (second on the team with 71 carries and 255 rushing yards), and CB Charles Woodson, who has missed the last six games with a collarbone injury.  J’Marcus Webb’s worst nightmare, LB Clay Matthews, will be returning to the field, looking to repeat his 3.5 sack performance the last time he faced the Bears.

Bears QB Jay Cutler is battling injuries to his neck and knee, so it doesn’t bode well that he has struggled in the past against the Packers (1-6 record, 1-3 at Soldier Field).  WR Brandon Marshall was held to only two catches for 24 yards against the Packers in Week 2 and has sworn revenge this week.   WR Earl Bennett (third on the team with 23 catches and 250 receiving yards) will be out with a lingering concussion, further weakening the 28^th ranked Bears offense.

If rookie WR Alshon Jeffery (third on the team with three touchdowns) can stay healthy, he should be a huge asset for both Cutler and Marshall.  RB Matt Forte is 166 yards shy of his third career 1,000-yard rushing season and will need to play a big role this week if the Bears want to win.

Here are some more numbers to keep your eye on:

3:  First quarter points by the Bears against the Packers at Soldier Field in their last eight meetings.

7-14:  Packers record when Rodgers throws 39 or more passes in a game.

9-22:  Cutler’s career record when he throws 36 or more passes in a game.

1:  Number of rushing touchdowns Forte has scored against the Packers in eight career games.

15-3:  Bears record when Hester has 40 or more punt return yards in a game at Soldier Field.

2007:  The last time the Bears scored more than 21 points against the Packers.

3-13: Packers record since 2008 when they score 20 or fewer points in a game. Three of those games were against the Bears; Packers won one and lost two.

2:  Number of rushing yards on nine attempts by Forte the last time the Bears played the Packers at Soldier Field.

40:  Number of consecutive regular season games since the Packers have had an individual 100-yard rusher.

17-7:  Bears record when Forte rushes the ball more than 20 times in a game.

19-2:  Bears record when Forte scores a rushing touchdown in a game.

1:  Number of teams who have thrown more than two touchdowns against the Bears defense in their last 26 games (Packers and Aaron Rodgers in Week 15 of 2011).

36:  Number of first downs gained due to opponents’ penalties by the Packers this season, the most in the NFL.

38:  Number of yards for the longest kickoff return allowed by the Bears and Packers this season (second best in the NFL).  Also, the longest kickoff return by the Bears special teams this season (second worst in the NFL).

20, 17:  Number of yards for the longest punt return allowed by the Packers and Bears, respectively, this season.

5:  As a Bear, number of touchdowns, as well as interceptions thrown, by Cutler in three regular season games against the Packers at Soldier Field.

7.6:  Average Richter scale measurement when female Packers fans jump up and down to cheer.

7:  Average number of teeth in a Packer fan’s mouth.

18:  Average number of days between showers for regular Packer fans.

19:  Average number of years between showers for die-hard Packer fans.

3,400,000: According to a USDA study, the number of cows in the state of Wisconsin.

100%:  The likelihood, if you throw a Packers jersey on any one of those cows, that you would mistake one for a Packer fan.

There’s nothing left to be said.  Bears-Packers week is coming to a climax.  Are you ready for the Brandon Marshall show to begin?