Bleacher Report - Articles by Eric Phillips

Chicago Bears: Where Do We Go From Here?

Eric Phillips — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:10:21 -0400

This year's Chicago Bears looked to be the most promising group in a very long time. The offseason held a lot of excitement for any fan. It looked like everything was headed in a good direction.

The first game of the season on National Television in Green Bay is definitely a tough way to start the NFL season. The Chicago Bears handled it poorly. Jay Cutler had to be under a lot of pressure. He surely looked like it, throwing four interceptions in his Chicago Bears debut. Despite all the errors and lack of offense that game, the Bears somehow only managed to lose by a few points.

The second game of the season was against a tough Pittsburgh Steelers team that just won the Super Bowl the previous season. Jay Cutler orchestrated two great drives at important times to upset the reigning Super Bowl champs. The Bears and fans were jubilant.

The Bears then traveled to Seattle to play an improved Seahawks team. They faced the second string quarterback, Seneca Wallace. He is a very good backup quarterback and proved this once again against the Chicago defense. The Bears ended up winning the game in dramatic fashion (again), but most overlooked the forewarning signs that were soon to do us in.

The Bears came back home to play an unstable Detroit Lions team. To not many peoples surprise, the Bears once again came out with a win. They had some exciting things happen that game. They got the running game going. They had the special teams burst on the scene. But yet again, warning signs got overlooked because of a giant win.

After a bye week at the most opportune time, the Bears were looking to get even with the team that strongly effected playoff chances last season. Another national televised game, the Bears showed everyone that night that they are not as good as their W-L record would have you believe. They were winning in key statistical areas, but they were losing the most important battle of them all, points.

They again displayed a putrid running attack. They again displayed ineptitude in containing on third downs. They proved that they cannot outsmart or overpower an established NFL team. They proved that they have absolutely no redzone offense. They were known for their relentlessness of running up the middle for short yardage situations.

Proving again that they are possibly the most predictable team in the entire NFL; they now thought of this creative idea instead of running it up the middle every time, were just going to throw to our tight ends every time. Well when that failed, so did the entire Bears team. The Bears ended up losing what most would call a heart-breaker, but I just call it rightfully losing a game we never deserved to win.

Then the icing on the cake. The eye opener. The Bears travel to Cincy for a clash with the biggest, most recent Bears drafting mistake: Cedric Benson. Many fans were unsure of who would pull out this one. To both teams this is an important game of the season. The Bears looking to stay within contention in their division.

The game ended before halftime. I have not seen this kind of domination in a long time. They literally got beat in every area of the game that quarter. Chad Ochocinco had a field day with our secondary. Cedric Benson morally, physically, and statistically destroyed our defense. The Bengals defense looked like the Ravens defense that sad Sunday afternoon. Needless to say, the Bears lost that football game. Their record went from a comfortable 3-1 to a sickening 3-3.

So this begs the question: where do the Chicago Bears go from here?

Can the Chicago Media and fans sit quietly while they continue to sweep every problematic area of the team under the rug?

Its only the eighth week and I am already dreading the rest of this season. They will continue to build up the team, sweep problems under the rug, and have the same turnabout they have always had when it matters, heartbreak.

This is not a Jay Cutler bashing. I am not saying I think the Bears made a mistake by acquiring him. I love my quarterback. I will continue to do so. But as one of the most loyal and obsessed Bears fans you would ever know, I am thoroughly disappointed with the Chicago Bears organization.

Chicago Bears: Second Preseason Game Proves Important

Eric Phillips — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 12:11:20 -0400

Today's preseason game between the Chicago Bears and New York Giants proves important in all phases. Last week, when the Bears played the Bills, it didn't exactly go as planned. Although from what I hear, there really was no plan. Playing basic formations and plays to get a feel for things. I understand that it was the first game and not everything is going to be spot on. There definitely is room for improvement. As we hope to see that today. There are several key phases of this team that needs to come together today. Time is running out, so things need to be corrected.

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NFC North: Giving Brett Favre a Giant Welcome Home

Eric Phillips — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:53:23 -0400

Just when you thought this offseason couldn't get any more exciting, Brett Favre returns, yet again.

Favre, doing what he does best, annoy the crap out of you.

Favre is one of the best all time quarterbacks to grace the NFL. He was my nightmare for many, many years as Chicago Bears fan.

He was a very dangerous man, he could do it all, how ever possible. He made the throws people wouldn't dare to dream about. He would pitch 30 yard plays while being sacked by multiple defenders. He would make your day a living hell.

After making it to the playoffs in 2007, and eventually losing to the Giants at home in the 2007 NFC Championship game in Green Bay; he decided that it was finally time to hang it up, or so we thought.

Months later, he had a revelation and wanted to return back to the NFL. He also wanted to return to the Green Bay Packers. As we all know that didn't happen. The Packers had been dumped and decided to move on. So sorry Brett, but you guys just weren't meant to be. So the only reasonable thing to do, demand a trade.

Then comes the circus that ensued. Favre, the all time leader in just about everything in Green Bay, was now a part of the New York Jets.

Jets fans were excited. They felt they were missing just a few pieces to the puzzle and a future Hall of Fame quarterback fell right into their lap.

He started the year off pretty well and eventually threw a whopping six touchdown passes against the inevitable Superbowl runner-up, in one game.

But, then came the Brett "shoulda hung it up, when I had the chance" Favre. He went from having his team in a playoff run, to throw nine interceptions in the last five games of the season.

The best passer rating he had in those last five games was a misaerable 61.4. Needless to say, this had a major contribution to the New York Jets missing the playoffs.

So now the Brett "shoulda hung it up, when I had the chance" Favre, had finally hung it up.

Once again, so we thought.

So after months of maybe, might, might not, to OK, I'm done. He comes back again. And where do you think he ended up? He ended up on his former teams foes and back in the glorious NFC North.

So what does this mean for the NFC North?

It means were going to get a Favre with a boulder-like chip on his shoulder, while at the same time a significant bicep tear, that is "healed".

Which in translation is an exciting thing to watch, but nothing to be impressed with. If history repeats itself, he will come back, and come back strong. He will have Minnesota in jubilation. He will throw maybe five touchdowns in one game. He may even beat the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay. (Wouldn't that be something that you would never hear the end of, huh?)

But what does this all mean?

Nothing, just more entertainment in a world that clutches entertainment oh so dearly.

He is going to do what he did in Green Bay in 2007, single-handedly ruin a team's season and Super Bowl hopes.

That is if history repeats itself.

Al Afalavadingdong and the Chicago Bears

Eric Phillips — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:13:20 -0400

What in the world is going on in the Chicago secondary?

I know that they have said good things about Al Afalava, but this is probably the biggest question on my mind right now: Why is our sixth round draft pick slated at the starting FS spot over Craig Steltz?

Steltz was being talked about as if he were strides ahead of last season. The Bears did not bring in an experienced veteran to take over the position, therefore I would have to think they are very comfortable with whom they have back there, but this just takes the cake.

Afalava didn't even practice as much as he should have; he was finishing classes at Oregon State University when the OTAs were taking place. He was turning heads in training camp, he was making plays, but I didn't realize it was to the extent it was.

I understand Daniel Manning was injured and maybe that had something to do with it, but that can't be all of it. Manning was supposed to be a reserve safety and the starting nickle back.

Steltz was supposed to be challenged by Corey Graham. I thought maybe Steltz had a minor injury they didn't want to mess with, but then comes the third quarter and our supposed No. 1 FS is playing with the second and third team.

Afalava, in my honest opinion, played great for his first NFL action. He made a big tackle on Marshawn Lynch, a great running back for the Bills. He also seemed to always be around the ball, having four total tackles on defense and one on special teams.

It was nice to see that the kid can play, but that still doesn't answer my question: When did Afalava leap over Steltz in the depth chart?!

Relax, Bears and Broncos Fans: It's Preseason

Eric Phillips — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:12:09 -0400

This weekend's preseason games involving the Bears and Broncos could be described as disappointing. It was clearly evident that the new arrival quarterbacks were not bringing their "A" game.

All this media hype about the Cutler vs. Orton trade saga has finally brought in video tape to back up the scrutiny. Unfortunately for both quarterbacks, the numbers do not help their cases.

Kyle Orton was a game manager while with the Chicago Bears. He was an ample quarterback in a system that would allow other players to make the plays. He did a good job for the most part, not allowing turnovers. He had a good record as a starter, and is a good leader and team player.

However, there are plenty of concerns surrounding him.

When it comes to being behind and having to score some points, this is where it turns ugly.

He has good poise at times, but loses it when the game is on the line or pressure is unleashed. He has a very, very weak arm for a starting NFL quarterback while making great throws at times, only to follow it up with a disgusting throw and/or decision. He is not very mobile, and doesn't have the best pocket awareness.

Compare that to Jay Cutler who is a prototypical gunslinger.

He is very accurate for the most part, and is very quick on his feet. These are all traits that make him deadly for opposing defenses. He possesses the skills to lead his team to victory.

I believe he bonds very well with his teammates, which is obviously important. He has excellent pocket awareness and a great long ball.

Jay Cutler does have his issues at times, and he gets a little carried away. He relies on his long ball a little too much, which gets him into trouble, especially when it comes to the Chicago Bears' WRs.

They do not have a big target like they did in Brandon Marshall, nor do they seem to have a guy that's going to fight for the ball, in mid-air nonetheless. He seems like the player that when things start to go wrong, his body language will show how he feels.

I do not believe he means to do this, but he is very competitive and has a little bit of growing up to do.

Preseason: Week One—Denver Broncos vs. San Francisco 49ers

Kyle Orton, by the numbers: 9 for 16, 86 yards, 0 Touchdowns, 3 Interceptions, and a 32.6 QB rating

Kyle started out decent, completing six of seven passes, but then followed that up by being Kyle Orton's usual self. The three interceptions that were thrown were awful, and just plain embarrassing to watch.

The first interception was to a player that was clearly being covered. When a player is covered and you want to get him the ball, you need to make sure you put it in a place that only your WR can get to it. This is not a quality that Kyle Orton possesses, which obviously was witnessed this past weekend.

The second interception reminded me of countless Kyle Orton interceptions. If you watch the play, I still cannot think of a reasonable explanation why he would throw the ball to a guy that was clearly covered.

Last, but surely not least, the Denver Bronco offensive line is a very good line. This was proven last weekend. On the third (and thank god final) interception, Orton had all day to scan the field, which he did.

The throw that was made was sickening. He had two defenders underneath, and what looked to be nobody covering his wide receiver over the top. Yet, he still manages to get picked off after throwing the ball 10 yards short.

In closing, it was clear that this was a poor game for Kyle Orton. I know it's only the first preseason game, but he really needs to improve to make that team better than it looked. It should be interesting to see how he looks in game No. 2.

Preseason: Week One—Chicago Bears vs. Buffalo Bills

Jay Cutler, by the numbers: 5 for 10, 64 yards, 0 Touchdowns, 1 Interception, and a 30.8 QB rating

Something obviously was amiss in last weekend's preseason loss versus the Bills.

The timing between Cutler and the WR's was definitely off. He would have a great throw, followed up with a poor throw.

The interception thrown to Hester obviously is not what they should be doing. Hester is a small guy, and honestly not much of a leaper.

When you throw a ball and let it hang up in the air down the sideline, the WR needs to be a big target and a go-getter. This is not Hester's forte. Seven times out of 10, that ball will be intercepted, unless you can utilize Hester's speed and throw ahead of him in stride.

Cutler is obviously strides ahead of Orton when it comes to accuracy and arm strength, but both lack concentration every now and then.

Cutler should have had two interceptions that game. He threw it directly at a defender's chest, five yards away from the line of scrimmage. This should never happen.

Once again, assumptions say it's due to poor communication, body language, and timing of plays. This needs to be corrected in order for this unit to succeed. It should be interesting to watch.

Now that both first preseason games are over and done with, what are your thoughts concerning both Kyle Orton and Jay Cutler's debut?

Chicago Bears: Things to Watch For

Eric Phillips — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:19:23 -0400

The Bears this season look to be the best team on paper in a long time. There are question marks of course. Things could go one way, or the other. If things go in the right way, the sky is the limit for this team. If they begin to falter, things could get ugly. I believe in so many different phases of this team, that I am the most excited for this up coming season, than I have ever been before. The moves that were made to make up this team we have today, were astounding. The Bears were no longer being the typical Bears. They actually went out, and went out hard, and signed 2 pro bowl players to the roster. They added depth in the offensive line and linebacking corps. The WRs that could potentially be extemely good players are finally coming ouf of hibernation. I am primed for this season, and so should you. But not having answers yet, creates questions. Here are somethings to look at before the season starts.

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A Chicago Bears' Rule of Thumb: Expect the Unexpected

Eric Phillips — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:45:39 -0400

Every season it's the same thing, and why should this year be any different.

(Beware, may give 31 other teams nightmares).

I'm going out on a limb here, and saying that the Bears' WRs shut everyone up this year.

We all know who the Bears have at WR. I think people in Indonesia do, at this point. It's just a matter of showing the world what damage this team is going to do with a elite quarterback in the NFL today.

As history has taught us, WRs emerge every year. This year will be no different. I truly believe that we will have atleast one after its all said and done.

People seem to forget the guy wearing the No. 23 jersey running all over the field and leaving players in his dust. Now that he doesn't have the ball in his hands at the start of the play, people seem to lose focus of that. This is the same man, I promise you. He will get you. You will notice him once again—this year more than ever.

Greg Olsen has shown that his receiving skills are among the best at his position. This year he will further prove that. He will get open, he will score, he will wear you down.

Matt Forte, he's hungry for more. He was the best WR on our team last year and he was listed at the runningback position. Excellent hands, vision, and elusiveness makes him scary, very, very scary for opposing defenses. As this will once again be evident.

Those are just the things I can PROMISE.

Now, as to the rest of the questionable WRs. This is what they need. To be questioned. They need to be brought out in the spot light. They need a chip on their shoulder. Thanks to everyone, they will have that.

Now as we sit here today, Pro Bowl Quarterback plus; inconsistent, no-threat QB minus. I have all the faith in the world that this team will be hard to contend with. I know my team better than you know my team. So say what you want.

Our defense is scary when they come to play. Everyone knows that. Our offense is scary, you will know that.

With an elite defense, and an elite offense, this is going to be a bad year for the rest of the NFL. I'm sorry I had to be the one to tell you.

Chicago Bears: How The Secondary Turned Primary

Eric Phillips — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 12:24:11 -0400

We should start calling the secondary, the primary.

Why, you ask?

Simple, its the primary target for every opponent we are going to face this season, as it should be.

The Bears have some questions, an understatement of course. But there is no questioning the porosity of our "secondary".

I really hope that a miracle took place over the off-season. Because the "secondary" was beat up all season long, last year. It seems pretty obvious nothing was done to change it either. Plugging in players here, swapping players there, is that the plan?

I cannot be upset with how this off-season has played out. It has been one of the best since I have been a fan. But if I had to be concerned about anything at this point, it would be our primary, I mean secondary.

People are pin-pointing our WR's as the main concern. Well with all the spot light on Jay Cutler, the next question is, where does he go with the ball? Good question. That remains to be seen. BUT, I am not as concerned with this group of "un-proven WR's" than I am of the, "proven secondary" players.

The wideouts are a concern, there is no doubt about that. But realistically, we have some decent players back there with limitless potential. But the positive on that matter is, if I had to choose five guys in the league to throw to these "un-proven" wides, on there would be my man, Jay Cutler.

But what still remains to this day, without a solidified solution, is our "secondary". I think of all the inside slants, toss up balls and over the middle looks from opposing quarterbacks. They all exposed us for the lousy overall defensive unit we were.

We stopped the run! Well of course we did, we had seven to eight guys in the box that couldn't get out of position, meaning, the backfield. So we were able to sit and wait for the runner to come to us, and just swallow him. Not too difficult, if you really look at the tape.

The reason we didn't end up in the playoffs, was due to the secondary. I don't mean the whole season played out the way it did because of the secondary; I just think the most important game of the season was lost due to simply being over-matched by a certain top flight WR, Andre Johnson.

As this was much of the problem against anyone last year with a mediocre passing attack. (Packers, Vikings, Falcons, Tampa Bay, Texans and Tennessee)

So this begs the question. What will become of this primary, sorry, secondary unit?

They have Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman. Great, I love them. I love them when they play football like Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman. Not Trumaine McBride and Marcus Hamilton.

Kevin Payne, love him. Mostly when he somehow intercepts a pass or lays a smackdown on opposing players. But with that, once again comes doubt, he is one of the worst tackling safetys in the league, consistently.

He rarely finds it resourceful to use his hands and arms to wrap up a player, versus trying to make an impact play all the time. The last guy in the defense always comes storming in there like he's trying to knock down a door, once again versus making the easy arm tackle.

Poor tackling all last season was a killer. The small runs turned big, the quick passes turned large. It was actually kind of hard to watch, knowing what was coming.

Will Craig Steltz be the man? I sure hope so. Because if he is as lost as I think he will be, we might as well have a bullpen for our FS position.

We have such a strong front four and top end linebackers. It's saddening to know that their insurance is in the hands of Kevin "please dont throw it near me" Payne and Craig "I love my hair" Steltz.

I have high hopes for this Bears team. I'm sure most of the navy blue and orange disciples do too.

But what if our "secondary" turns "primary", are we safe?

Chicago Bears Season Lies in the Defense's Hands

Eric Phillips — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:07:45 -0400

The fate of our team lies with our defensive line.

We all know the Chicago Bears. We all seem to get a surprise each and every season. Whether it comes from our RB play or our secondary, it will not translate into wins unless we get strong play from our defensive line.

I have concluded that without our top notch D-Line, the Bears will continue to struggle. It affects our offense, it affects our defense. In fact, it seems to affect our whole season.

The secondary has to cover the WR's for a lot longer than they should. Linebackers are caught out of position due to poor timing of plays. Plays seem to be taking way too long, which allows so many things to happen. This must be corrected, but will it?

I do have faith in Rod Marinelli, and why shouldn't I? He has great credentials. His resume speaks for itself. But is it enough? Will he turn the Bears back into the monsters of the midway?

Well, he better.

If you can remember years ago, when our defense was among the best, if not the best, it all came from generating pressure on the QB. The Giants Super Bowl run came from the defensive line play and pressure. It forced the great offenses into places they were not used to being in: under pressure.

When an offense is forced under pressure, it calls for a lot of quick decisions and adjustments. When you can force that time and time again, you will see the effect. It makes everyone else behind you look that much better.

Reflecting on last year, when we played the Colts in the first game, I thought we had something great. It seemed to be a new look, having all our linebackers on the line. Sometimes they would blitz; sometimes they would drop back into coverage.

I thought it was a great idea, especially against P. Manning. He is very intelligent and can read defenses with little effort, it seems.

So when you can use that same formation and create so many different looks once the ball is snapped, it seems to be a great idea.

But it wasn't.

They started doing it every time, and teams caught on. They also started to send the farm, and still couldn't get one person in the backfield.

So when you start sending everyone and STILL can't get to the QB, there is a major problem. As this was the major problem for the whole season.

Among pros and cons, there are so many pros to generating a pass rush...it's hard to name them all:

1. Forces the QB to throw the ball quicker, more likely into a place you don't necessarily want to.

2. Creates mis-reads, forcing interceptions.

3. Creates more three and outs by sacking the QB, stopping the run, or forcing inaccurate throws. This translates into keeping our defense fresh and healthy.

4. Gives the offense better field position. How much does field position help a team like the Bears? A lot.

5. Most important: Gives these guys the feeling that they cannot be touched, and I really believe it makes them better. It makes everyone better.

Tommie Harris: An elite lineman in the NFL? That's what they say when he's healthy.

But I have brought this up time and time again, and what does that do us when he is NEVER healthy?

He is such an important player for this line and he can never seem to play at 100 percent. I understand and respect guys who play through injuries or pain. But this is not doing the Bears any good.

We need an explosive lineman to push everyone else through their gaps. But they still let the guy with a crippled knee command and anchor the line.

This must stop. We need a consistent rusher who can be there every week. Not just a couple of weeks, but EVERY week.

So I really believe it all starts with our defensive line.

Great, we got our QB!! We have needed that for a long time. But he cannot do it by himself, and in order to be a elite team in the NFL, we need to be well-rounded.

Now that we have the tools on offense, we need to sharpen our tools on defense. It all starts and ends here. It would be a real shame to be in the same W-L category with a Pro Bowl QB at the helm. But that's what you're going to get if the cornerstone of our defense does not come to play.