Bears get a big win over Saints

That wasn't the prettiest win in Bears history, but it certainly was a huge win. Trailing the Vikings by a game and knowing the tiebreaker is in Minnesota's favor, the Bears pretty much had to win Thursday night. Here are some thoughts on the game:

Danieal Manning took care of any doubters as to his kick returning ability about five seconds into the game when he was already past the Saints coverage team. The blocking was also great on that return. That's right Devin, great blocking on the kick return.

What is it with the Bears when the ball is inside the two yard-line recently? If they could just play the game on 96 yards of the field, that would be best. Something strange happens when the ball gets inside the two. Last night it was a fumbled snap leading to the Saints first touchdown.
Hester is not a refined receiver, but his value is unmistakable. He accounted for a lot of penalty yards last night, including a pass interference call setting up the game winning kick. That's what his speed can do, and the more he gets accustomed to playing wide receiver the more dangerous he becomes. Muahahaha. Plus, if he returned a punt for a few yards, I'm sure Bears fans wouldn't mind that either.

Some more play-calling issues for both teams last night. I know Forte was a little dinged up and somehow the Bears running game was struggling against the Saints, yeah the New Orleans Saints, but when they got the fourth down stop, up four with around five minutes to play, it wasn't time to air it out. First a throw to Davis, who seemed to be thrown to every time they replaced the football with a bar of wet soap, which he predictably dropped. Then, the interception. I get it, the run game isn't working and you want to get a drive going, but even if that ball falls incomplete, you have to pass on third down. Now you've milked about 15 seconds off the clock and you're possibly punting. It actually looked like Orton checked in to that pass play on the pick, so maybe it wasn't that awful, but Orton should be docked his weekly Jack Daniels allowance if that was the case.

And Holy Ditka, what the hell was going on at the end of regulation? You run a play with seven seconds left when you need a field goal to tie? And it's the same play you just ran six seconds ago? Looked like the Saints were a little prepared for the pump and go to Olsen. Then Orton takes the sack?! That would have capped a very duechey night for the Neckbeard. Hey, duechey didn't show up on the spell check!

With the Vikings remaining schedule, a division championship actually looks possible. The Bears have the Pack at home and the Texans away to finish the year, while the Vikes are at Arizona, then get Atlanta and the Giants at home. Three very losable games there. Still, the Bears will need to play much better if they want to win their last two.

Bottom line, the Bears got the job done Thursday night and still have a shot at the postseason.

Bears Receivers aren't Good. What's New?

Earlier this season Mushin Muhammad said that Chicago was where receivers went to die. Now I would expect that most actually go to Florida, Southern California, or Arizona like all other people, but no receivers come to the Windy City and find success. That is for sure.

Might as well give him a look.

While Lloyd, Davis, Hester, and Booker seemed like they could get the job done early in the year, things are looking a whole lot different now. Lloyd went down with an injury and the fact that no one has noticed that he is back tells you how effective he has been. Davis might as well be running his routes in the stands, and Booker just isn't that good. Hester has made some big plays recently and is clearly the best of the bunch right now, but there are still moments like Sunday night where the ball hit him in the chest while he wasn't looking. He's still a punt returner that plays wide receiver.

Honestly, the situation with the wide receivers should shock no one. They aren't good players and Orton is not the type of quarterback who can make mediocre players look great. Plus, when have the Bears ever had a great receiver?

Willie Gault was pretty sweet, at least from what I could gather playing Tecmo Bowl. Booker was a good receiver when he was here the first time and Tom Waddle was a fan favorite, but Booker was the only one of those to make the Pro Bowl, and he did it once. There are some older names like Johnny Morris, Harlan Hill, and other guys who played shortly after the forward pass was invented, but what the hell happened?

There were busts, like David Terrell, and guys who seem to have some success elsewhere such as Bernard Berrian, Justin Gage, and Bobby Engram. Plus, some guys like Hester, Earl Bennett, and even Davis still have a chance to raise their game and become viable NFL receivers. Also, to be fair, the Lions have poached just about every wide receiver prospect coming out of college recently.

Even with all of those points though, where are the receivers? Name me one other team that has gone through a drought similar to what the Bears have now at wide receiver. Someone will probably think of something, but I cannot. Oakland has been bad there for a while, but they had Tim Brown, the Bucs had Keyshawn, the Titans used to be the Oilers and they were sweet at wide receiver.

If the defense is not going to be dominant force for the Bears, they will need a passing attack to have a chance. Olsen could be on his way to becoming a good tight end, but either through free agency, or the draft the Bears are going to need to get themselves a good wideout.

Today's Links

• The Blackhawks aren't having any trouble with their circus trip. They beat the Stars last night on the strength of a red-hot offense.
• It's the weekly Dick Joke Jamboroo from Big Daddy Drew. Enjoy.
  
• Danieal Manning will be returning kicks instead of Hester this week. How much money did we pay Hester again?
  
• Did you see that Bulls-Blazers game the other night? Don't worry, it didn't count.
  
• McCamey goes off as the Illini win. College basketball is so sweet.
• Larry Hughes bitches about playing time. Fans bitch about Larry Hughes.

Today's Links

• 7 Ballsiest sports cheats ever. A lot of retards pretending to be normal and men pretending to be women.
• Eddie Vedder writes a crappy song about the Cubs. Really really crappy.
• I would definitely buy this sweet Bears shirt.
• Cubs win in dramatic fashion. Geovanny Soto is freaking sweet. Magic Number: 2
• Yankees pound White Sox. The division lead is down to 1.5.
  
• Reinsdorf seems to think Ben is hanging around. He may be in a Bulls uniform, but its not going to be pretty.
• These Michael Beasley character issues are starting to add up. I'm glad we took Rose for a number of reasons, and so far he's had his head on straight.
• Quentin is going to test his wrist, but they say they won't rush him back.
  
• Cubs are getting nervous with all the premature playoff talk. I'm nervous too. Everyone shut up, including me.
• McGowan out for the season. That's annoying.
• Hester is hurt too. But how hurt is he? The questions persist.
• I'm just going to copy the headline. You can read it if you want: Topless Midget Wrestling Controversy Rocks Sleepy Illinois Community.
• Thursday Dick Joke Jamboroo. Always a good read.
• I guess they offered that 104 year old Cubs fan tickets. Just let the man throw out the first pitch already. He doesn't have much left.
  

Today's Links

• Kosuke has been relegated to defensive replacement. He wasn't even in the lefty heavy lineup on Monday.
• Top ten Chicago baseball surprises. This is a great top ten list. Also top ten Chicago no-hitters. That one is a little obscure for most of the list, but still interesting.
  
• Cubs win. Magic number is down to 4. "We are on the cusp of history every single night". A little dramatic, but it is an exciting time to be a Cubs fan. Oh, and C.C. Sabathia takes his first loss in the NL. Boo-hoo.
  
• So how badly is Hester injured? Will he play next week? In two weeks? Ever? We'll find out at the press conference today.
• Do some Cubs want to have a new ballpark? It was a good time at Miller, that's for sure.
• Konerko's return was a huge boost for the White Sox. This guy is great. White Sox won by the way.
• More Bears post-game notes. Kevin Payne had a great game.
  
• Pinella and Hendry in line for extensions? They definitely look like they've earned it right now.
• As Ron Santo always says in those Cubs commercials: "This is the year!!". Could it be the year for him to get into the Hall of Fame? Statistically he is better than half of the third basemen that are already in. We'll see.
  

Today's Links--Injuries Edition

• Jamal Crawford explains why he's not a loser. He sucks and so do the Knicks, but it makes for interesting reading.
• Without Z, it ain't gonna happen. According to Mike Downey at least.
• Off day for North Siders and South Siders. They both need it. Especially with Quentin and Zambrano being dinged up.
• A look at Vinny Del Negro from SI.com. Mostly bland but he does say he wants Gordon back.
• My favorite words from an opposing coach: "We're going to kick to Hester". Thanks Tony Dungy.

Today's Links

Hester looks downfield, hits Booker right between the numbers! Touchdown!!! Apparently the Bear have been practicing plays with Hester as QB. Interesting.

Ex-Chicago Bears wide receivers insulting the offense? Your turn Justin Gage. Because I really give a shit what you think. You suck.

Cubs win early game, Harden pitches gem in late game to win two. Huge.

Anybody notice the Brewers are winning a lot since they got swept?

Should Soriano be punished for not trying? (not running out of the batters box). Some angry fans at Bleed Cubbie Blue think he should. I agree.

Deadspin randomly insults Pete Myers. Why pick on Pete? Though in a way comparing him to Kobe is sort of a compliment, right?

Favre's arm is tired. Really? He's been throwing rockets for 30 years, imagine that.

Quick summary of why Lance Broadway sucks from a Sox fan.

Samardzija may start Sunday. This guy is working out really well. (Update: Marshall is starting over Samardzija, but he's still doing well. Thanks Flossmoron)

Sox win to stay in first. The starters are turning it on here.