1. Kudos to the Chicago Bears offensive line last night. They gave Jay Cutler time and moving well on runs. In three short weeks without first round selection Gabe Carimi, coach Mike Tice has worked miracles with this group. There’s actually going to be a tough decision by the Chicago Bears when Carimi comes back. Lance Louis has stepped into his spot and shined. Louis showed some athleticism and toughness. Is it possible that this blogger was right when he called this group a potential strength.
2. Cutler was the better quarterback by a wide margin yesterday over Michael Vick. He reunited with his old chum Earl Bennett to make some throwing magic. Considering the dropped passes and poor routes, Cutler makes a lot out of a little. I’m so glad he’s the Chicago Bears quarterback for a long time to come.
3. Look, much has been made about paying Matt Forte. While he had some nice runs, he crucial errors on fumbles leading to 14 points for the Eagles. Perhaps he should go public a little less about his contract concerns and let things work out. Roberto Garza employed that strategy and was rewarded today with a nice contract extension. Garza talked about how proud he is to be a Chicago Bear. He’s a classy guy and Forte should take notes. Speaking of Forte, I found it interesting that when they showed other top running backs, every one of them had a “C” on their jerseys and Forte does not. Food for thought…
4. Lovie Smith has done a great job with this team. They were ready to play and he continues to say the right things in the media. After the game, he was direct in his lack of understanding on the Bears being huge underdogs to the Eagles. I’ve seen a more demonstrative Smith and a guy that is finally creating his own identify as a coach. Just like with the quarterbacks, Smith was clearly the better head coach last night.
5. Corey Graham and Robbie Gould. If these two aren’t the best in the league they’ve got to be in the top three of special teams players in the NFL. Devin Hester, Patrick Mannelly and Adam Podlesh ain’t chopped liver either. The Bears stress special teams and it shows with this units amazing production.
6. The Chicago Bears front-seven dominated last night. Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs were stellar as always. Briggs really stood out and his running down of Vick was one of the best plays I’ve ever seen. Julius Peppers showed toughness and leadership and Israel Idonije finally made his presence known. Great work by this group.
7. Trent Dilfer hates the Chicago Bears and Cutler. The least he could do is admit it.
8. I want Hester returning as many kicks as he can. The Eagles covered well last night but Hester wins games.
9. Major Wright and Chris Conte were below average last night. No one got behind either safety, but they missed tackles. This has to get better.
10. Tim Jennings and Charles Tillman are two of the most underrated cornerbacks in football.
That’s all for now. Follow me on Twitter at ChicagoBearJew.
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Trent Dilfer DOES hate Chicago! As well as Cutler! I cannot stand him!! I’m so pleased someone else noticed. When he goes on ESPN radio shows and TV appearances he always has such a bias against the Bears, especially Cutler. I don’t understand it at all. Could it be jealousy? Probably not because he speaks highly of Manning and Brady (not that either are yet comparable to Cutler). Additionally he seems to love Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco. Dilfer needs to get a clue..he has no reason to be such a jerk.
So I agree with the forte thing! He should worry less about his contract. Could it be that jerry angelo doesn’t want a repeat of Chris Johnson? He was given all that money and how much of an impact has he had this season? They just gave him his contract and there’s talk of releasing him by the end of the season. Forte should just play and he will get paid! He needs to take notes out of briggs and urlachers book! You’re right lovie was the better coach, he’s a great coach in my book! People think he isn’t because of the lack of emotion…two words, poker face! As for Trent dilfer never cared for the guy, he wishes he was half the qb cutler is. I don’t think Hester should return on every kick, yes his electric but he can’t bring the lightning every return…a rotation with Knox is a better fit. Charles tillman has always been underrated, but that’s what happens on a great defense that revolves around the front 7.