a couple of weeks makes. Prior to the matchup with the Falcons, most Bears fans had visions of January success and possible Miami plans, much like 2006. But after choking away chance after chance to win against Atlanta and then being overwhelmed by a good-but-not-great Cincinnati Bengals team, it is hard to figure that the 2009 Chicago Bears team can or will be anything but a middling bunch of underachievers. Kelly and I watched (what we could of) the game at a popular wings chain in Round Rock - a town close to our Austin home. This place offered a dedicated section for Bears fans to watch on large-screen TVs, complete with sound. They even played "Bear Down Chicago Bears" as the game started! A very nice touch. There were 20 or so of us ready to cheer our heroes on... we're still waiting. Kelly and I left with about 8 minutes left in the 3rd quarter, thoroughly disgusted.
Thoughts on what's wrong? Sure, why not? It seems to me that the offensive line has not lived up to expectations. I'll admit I readily bought into the vision of what could have been - Orlando Pace reviving his career and pancaking pass rusher after pass rusher, Frank Omiyale proving himself as worthy of his free-agent contract, etc. It hasn't happened. In addition, it seems to me that the Cover 2 defense is played out. Carson Palmer absolutely picked it apart with ease this past Sunday. I'm not sure what worked in 2002 works so well anymore. The NFL is a league of ebb and flow... one side of the ball constantly adjusting when the other seems to have the upper hand. When an offense dismantles a scheme as easily as the Bengals did, I think some changes should at least be thought about. Well, it's the hapless(?) Browns this Sunday... the Bears should have a decent shot. In addition, Sunday will mark 10 years since the passing of the greatest Bear ever, Walter Payton. I'm looking forward to the halftime tribute but wish the Park District would have figured out a place to put the statue. That's it for now - everyone have a safe Halloween and BEAR DOWN!!!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
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