Studs & Duds in Chicago

[Pokerbrat2000]

I'm thinking that in addition to the traditional Turkey leg that Madden and FOX have given out to the MVP(s) of the T-Day game, they cook some of these bad boys up and give them out to the worst players of the game!

Tastes just like chicken!

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[OldSchool101]

I'm thinking that in addition to the traditional Turkey leg that Madden and FOX have given out to the MVP(s) of the T-Day game, they cook some of these bad boys up and give them out to the worst players of the game!

Tastes just like chicken!

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Holy Gobbling Go nads Batman!

 

[DoURant]

I'm thinking that in addition to the traditional Turkey leg that Madden and FOX have given out to the MVP(s) of the T-Day game, they cook some of these bad boys up and give them out to the worst players of the game!

Tastes just like chicken!

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[swhitset]

LOL....

Show us the NFL rule about pushing, not leverage...pushing.

While you are at it, show us where Van Ness said he lifted Brooks.

BTW....Eberflus is upset about the contact with the LS, from what I have read, he said nothing about LVN's contact with Brooks.

I think it’s time to stop engaging with this guy lol…

 

[Thirteen Below]

Anyway, this season I've gone from being concerned about Love (I feel better now that he's healthy) to being concerned that our defense has taken a huge step backwards.

I, too, had higher expectations of Hafley's D. But the fact is, in most areas we're statistically better than we were last year - and in some areas, much better. Here are some breakdowns...

Total Defense (yards per game)

2023 - #17 (335.1)

2024 - #12 (327.1)


Passing Defense

2023 - #9 (206.8)

2024 - #13 (207.5)


Rushing Defense

2023 - #28 (128.3)

2024 - #14 (119.6)


Scoring Defense

2023 - #10 (20.6)

2024 - #10 (21.3)


Third Down Defense

2023 - #25 (41.1)

2024 - #13 (36.1)



And here's a key one... says a lot about who shows up when it matters.

4th Quarter Points Allowed

2023 - #16 (6.1 points allowed)

2024 - #1 (3.2 points allowed)

On that last stat... by comparison, the Detroit defense that everyone is so scared of is #4 at 4.8, and the Bears are #7 with 4.8.

Source: Fox Sports

I'll admit, I had higher hopes for our D this year, and there are certainly some games where they don't seem to pass the eye test. But 11 games into the season, I think it's safe to say this defense has definitely improved in a number of key areas, and should continue to make gains as the players adjust to the new system. Year Two is when we should be better able to evaluate where we are at.

We've slipped in pass defense, but then again our secondary is possibly the weakest link in our chain this season. We're getting pretty good safety play, but the main line of pass defense (cornerbacks) is a significant vulnerability. It may prove to be our deathblow in the postseason, as we start to face the true premium quarterbacks.

And as far as the "eye test" is concerned... how many times this season have we sat helplessly in our living rooms watching the other team march steadily down the field at the end of the 4th quarter (lopping off 12 yards per play while our DBs played 15 yards off the line), until they eventually punched in the winning touchdown? Have we forgotten how that felt seemingly every week?

 

[Heyjoe4]

I'm thinking that in addition to the traditional Turkey leg that Madden and FOX have given out to the MVP(s) of the T-Day game, they cook some of these bad boys up and give them out to the worst players of the game!

Tastes just like chicken!

You must be logged in to see this image or video!

How did I live this long and not know that this was/is/could possibly be a real product? OK maybe only in China. Damn those Trump China tariffs are really gonna hurt.......

Love the idea of giving them to the losing team on Thanksgiving. Something tells me Madden would approve.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I, too, had higher expectations of Hafley's D. But the fact is, in most areas we're statistically better than we were last year - and in some areas, much better. Here are some breakdowns...

Total Defense (yards per game)

2023 - #17 (335.1)

2024 - #12 (327.1)


Passing Defense

2023 - #9 (206.8)

2024 - #13 (207.5)


Rushing Defense

2023 - #28 (128.3)

2024 - #14 (119.6)


Scoring Defense

2023 - #10 (20.6)

2024 - #10 (21.3)


Third Down Defense

2023 - #25 (41.1)

2024 - #13 (36.1)



And here's a key one... says a lot about who shows up when it matters.

4th Quarter Points Allowed

2023 - #16 (6.1 points allowed)

2024 - #1 (3.2 points allowed)

On that last stat... by comparison, the Detroit defense that everyone is so scared of is #4 at 4.8, and the Bears are #7 with 4.8.

Source: Fox Sports

I'll admit, I had higher hopes for our D this year, and there are certainly some games where they don't seem to pass the eye test. But 11 games into the season, I think it's safe to say this defense has definitely improved in a number of key areas, and should continue to make gains as the players adjust to the new system. Year Two is when we should be better able to evaluate where we are at.

We've slipped in pass defense, but then again our secondary is possibly the weakest link in our chain this season. We're getting pretty good safety play, but the main line of pass defense (cornerbacks) is a significant vulnerability. It may prove to be our deathblow in the postseason, as we start to face the true premium quarterbacks.

And as far as the "eye test" is concerned... how many times this season have we sat helplessly in our living rooms watching the other team march steadily down the field at the end of the 4th quarter (lopping off 12 yards per play while our DBs played 15 yards off the line), until they eventually punched in the winning touchdown? Have we forgotten how that felt seemingly every week?

This is interesting stuff 13, thanks. And I think the CB group is due for an offseason overhaul much like what Gluten did with the S group before this season.

It might also explain why the front four isn't getting enough pressure on the QB. If the opposing QB can get the ball out in around 2.5 seconds because guys are open, well there aren't going to be many pressures or sacks. Although the rushing defense has dramatically improved based on these stats.

Anyway, and especially after such a poor performance against the Bears, this is a good, semi-quantitative look at the D under Hafley so far. And it's fair to say they should only improve next year.

 

[Heyjoe4]

What the Bears need to do is get the "family" out of Halas Hall. The culture is totally messed up. I'm a White Sox fan, and I know how messed up their culture is, and unlikely to change, and it's no different with the Bears. Just because you're blood kin to Halas, or married into the family, doesn't make you in the slightest bit knowledgeable of football.

Then, there's listening to the fans, and throwing coaching personnel under the bus because of fan reaction. Simply idiotic. We went through this in GB during the 70s and 80s, running one coach after another out there with the same culture, and the same internal problems in the organization, and we were the laughing stock of football. Now, for Bears fans. Suck it up. You're now the doormat because of the inept culture that never changes. Halas would be rolling over in his grave.

Good point. The culture in GB didn't change until Bob Harlan arrived and said "Enough!" - then he hired Ron Wolf. And we've been on a roll since. 30 years and counting.

I never put a lot of faith in genetics when it comes to following in Dad's or Mom's footsteps. There are exceptions, but the Halas family would be better off hiring a guy like Bob Harlan with the mandate of building a competitive team without any family interference.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I wouldn't be shocked to hear Poles say the same thing.

What good is it to hire a guy like Poles if he isn't allowed to do his job? I don't know if Poles is any good but I like the personnel moves. Now get the president out of the kitchen and maybe things can change.

A losing culture just hangs in the air like old cigarette smoke and stale beer at closing time. OK it's 2024 so maybe just the stale beer.

 

[rmontro]

I, too, had higher expectations of Hafley's D. But the fact is, in most areas we're statistically better than we were last year - and in some areas, much better. Here are some breakdowns...

I don't doubt we are better off than last year statistically. It was just that the way they looked against Chicago - and especially that 3rd and 19 - brought back unpleasant memories of past bad defenses.

Interesting that our secondary is such a weak spot also, considering that Hafley is a secondary specialist.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I, too, had higher expectations of Hafley's D. But the fact is, in most areas we're statistically better than we were last year - and in some areas, much better. Here are some breakdowns...

Total Defense (yards per game)

2023 - #17 (335.1)

2024 - #12 (327.1)


Passing Defense

2023 - #9 (206.8)

2024 - #13 (207.5)


Rushing Defense

2023 - #28 (128.3)

2024 - #14 (119.6)


Scoring Defense

2023 - #10 (20.6)

2024 - #10 (21.3)


Third Down Defense

2023 - #25 (41.1)

2024 - #13 (36.1)



And here's a key one... says a lot about who shows up when it matters.

4th Quarter Points Allowed

2023 - #16 (6.1 points allowed)

2024 - #1 (3.2 points allowed)

On that last stat... by comparison, the Detroit defense that everyone is so scared of is #4 at 4.8, and the Bears are #7 with 4.8.

Source: Fox Sports

I'll admit, I had higher hopes for our D this year, and there are certainly some games where they don't seem to pass the eye test. But 11 games into the season, I think it's safe to say this defense has definitely improved in a number of key areas, and should continue to make gains as the players adjust to the new system. Year Two is when we should be better able to evaluate where we are at.

We've slipped in pass defense, but then again our secondary is possibly the weakest link in our chain this season. We're getting pretty good safety play, but the main line of pass defense (cornerbacks) is a significant vulnerability. It may prove to be our deathblow in the postseason, as we start to face the true premium quarterbacks.

And as far as the "eye test" is concerned... how many times this season have we sat helplessly in our living rooms watching the other team march steadily down the field at the end of the 4th quarter (lopping off 12 yards per play while our DBs played 15 yards off the line), until they eventually punched in the winning touchdown? Have we forgotten how that felt seemingly every week?

Good post.

I too think our defense is improved. However, I think there is still plenty of room for improvement. Most of that improvement will come from personnel. The DL needs at least 1 if not 2 more solid starters. LB's are the same and CB, same.

With those new pieces, whether developed, acquired through a trade, Free agency or the draft, they should allow Hafley to have more success with this defense.

I know I have been critical of not putting enough pressure on the QB via blitzes and more stunts. However, if you don't have the right personnel to do that consistently, its probably asking to much of your coach to create a gourmet meal, with less then high quality ingredients to cook with.

 

[gopkrs]

I know I have been critical of not putting enough pressure on the QB via blitzes and more stunts. However, if you don't have the right personnel to do that consistently, its probably asking to much of your coach to create a gourmet meal, with less then high quality ingredients to cook with.

Yes, but he can get creative imho. Every time Q blitzes, everyone in the stadium knows he's coming. And it is always just to the side of the center. Much of the time that whole area just gets clogged up. It most likely causes the QB to think about getting the ball out fast and with tight coverage; can work to a point. But I think a bit of a delayed blitz from a few yards off the line would be more effective. Or have him back up at the snap and send someone else. Probably one of the other linebackers running in from off the line. Try and confuse the blocking scheme.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I think it’s time to stop engaging with this guy lol…

I can only speak for myself, but I have usually enjoyed when fans from other teams come into the Packer forum and have worthwhile conversations about their team. Maybe even how they perceive "our team". Lots of good conversation and respect from both sides with those fans and they usually come back.

However, if you are going to show up in another teams locker room/forum and start with the smack talk, I only have one thing to say to you.

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[Pokerbrat2000]

I'll just leave this right here, because I think all of us, but 1, are on the same page.

3 more Packers-Bears referee blunders Matt Eberflus should send to league office

Matt Eberflus said he wants to send the Packers' winning field goal block to the league office for review. He should send these plays, too.

lombardiave.com

 

[Voyageur]

I'll just leave this right here, because I think all of us, but 1, are on the same page.

3 more Packers-Bears referee blunders Matt Eberflus should send to league office

Matt Eberflus said he wants to send the Packers' winning field goal block to the league office for review. He should send these plays, too.

lombardiave.com

A Bears fan's response to these missed calls?

"Don't confuse me with facts! My mind is already made up!"

 

[Magooch]

Well, Karl Brooks was just named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, so I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that the league hasn't found anything illegal to take issue with on the blocked kick.

 

[OldSchool101]

Interesting that our secondary is such a weak spot also, considering that Hafley is a secondary specialist.

This is all pretty accurate. My best guess is much of our secondary woes have to do with our CB1 missing substantial amount of time. Couple that with players learning new roles that 1st half season. I’m surprised we’re still #10 rated on D it feels like we’re #20 rated some days.

Still I would imagine if you went around the NFL and pulled their CB1 the bulk of teams would drop in rankings. JA is 10 snaps last week shy of playing in 6 of 10 contests. I’m also not sure he’s been healthy in those 6. I’d argue not all of them.

So yes our CB room is not deep. But couple it with we’re dealt with injuries also and I’m surprised we’re not worse. Stokes hasn’t helped in 5 of 10 games he has 1 Tackle or 0 tackles, he has
0 FF
0 TFL
O INT
O PD
O QB hits
0 Sacks

He’s so invisible.. I can’t even get him to draw a holding or PI call!


How is that even possible? Eric had 14 Pass Defensed in his Rookie season. In the 22 games since he has…
1 TFL
0 INT
0 Sacks
0 FF/FR
0 QB hits
O PD

It’s like he’s not on the field statistically. It’s almost dumbfounding how he’s disappeared

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Well, Karl Brooks was just named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, so I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that the league hasn't found anything illegal to take issue with on the blocked kick.

Nahhh.....the League is in cahoots with the Packers, they always have been and always will be, ask any Bears, Lions or Vikings fan.

 

[Thirteen Below]

Oh no a top 5 pick AND Ben Johnson. Cool

So in 6 months, you've gone from "We've got an outstanding GM, our coaching staff is superb, and Caleb Williams may be the first player to win Rookie of the year, MVP, and Super Bowl MVP all in the same season!" to bragging that you're going to get another Top 5 pick and replace your coach again.

Well, I guess you sure showed us, didn't you?

Life must really suck when you're a Bear's fan - when the high point of your season is not wondering how far you'll go in the playoffs, but how badly you can tank and how close you can get to the #1 pick again this year.

I'm so glad I never had to go through life with that rancid curse hanging over my head like a cloud of ****-flies.

 

[Heyjoe4]

So in 6 months, you've gone from "We've got an outstanding GM, our coaching staff is superb, and Caleb Williams may be the first player to win Rookie of the year, MVP, and Super Bowl MVP all in the same season!" to bragging that you're going to get another Top 5 pick and replace your coach again.

Well, I guess you sure showed us, didn't you?

Life must really suck when you're a Bear's fan - when the high point of your season is not wondering how far you'll go in the playoffs, but how badly you can tank and how close you can get to the #1 pick again this year.

I'm so glad I never had to go through life with that rancid curse hanging over my head like a cloud of ****-flies.

I think he missed the part of sales training where it is taught to underpromise and overdeliver.

 

[Calebs Revenge]

So in 6 months, you've gone from "We've got an outstanding GM, our coaching staff is superb, and Caleb Williams may be the first player to win Rookie of the year, MVP, and Super Bowl MVP all in the same season!" to bragging that you're going to get another Top 5 pick and replace your coach again.

Well, I guess you sure showed us, didn't you?

Life must really suck when you're a Bear's fan - when the high point of your season is not wondering how far you'll go in the playoffs, but how badly you can tank and how close you can get to the #1 pick again this year.

I'm so glad I never had to go through life with that rancid curse hanging over my head like a cloud of ****-flies.

If you think the quality of my life boils down to the Packers beating the Bears, y'all eat a sad existence

 

[Calebs Revenge]

If you think the quality of my life boils down to the Packers beating the Bears, y'all eat a sad existence

And I'll be back saying the same things next year
Except I never said our coaching was superb. I think polls has done a good job, but is too enamored and too close of a friend with Eberflus to have a rational look at the scenario.

 

[Calebs Revenge]

And honestly, if the Hail Mary doesn't happen, we might be seven and three right now, but that would also mean Eberflus would be back next year so I'll take this scenario even though missing the field goal sucked really bad. It's only gonna hurt till I watch San Francisco wipe you guys out.

 

[Calebs Revenge]

I might have the best young quarterback in football and you've got the second highest paid meh....

 

[Magooch]

I can't be too confident that Ben Johnson to Chicago is going to be a sure thing, either. Seemed like in the past he was actually open to the Chicago job and they didn't want to pay what he was asking for. I don't think he's going to be any cheaper this offseason. Will they pay now?

I'd say it's also almost a 99% certainty that Dallas will be looking for a head coach next year. No, he won't get to coach CW and they don't have quite the same weapons, but would he pick Chicago over the biggest brand in football? Jerry is a handful, but it's not like the Bears are known for having great ownership, either...

I'd say there's also a decent chance that Cincy would have an option. Who wouldn't want to see Ben Johnson coaching Burrow and Chase? Jaguars will almost certainly have an opening. Raiders, probably. Saints have an interim currently. Wouldn't be too surprised if the Browns decided to give Stefanski the boot. Jets, of course. Giants? Philly might well sack Sirianni if they fall apart again like last year. As crazy as it sounds, there's even been whispers recently that the 49ers and Shanahan could perhaps part ways...

All that to say, when you consider all the teams that will possibly have a coaching vacancy next year...can we be that confident that Johnson would choose Chicago over all the other options? Yeah, you get to coach a great QB talent and have some interesting weapons on offense, but Chicago historically hasn't paid coaches that well, and don't have the most attractive ownership/management structure above the coach... I just wouldn't be too terribly sure of that happening just yet.