Bleacher Report - NFC North

Chicago Bears-St. Louis Rams: Should Bear Fans Be Hoping For a Loss?

Max Kienzler — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:45:09 -0500

The Chicago Bears welcome the St. Louis Rams to Solider Field this Sunday in what promises to be an impressive display of mediocrity.

The Bears are in the midst of a free fall, dropping five of their past six games while the Rams haven’t gotten up high enough to be in consideration for a free fall this season. Their sole victory came against the Detroit Lions. So it would appear that despite recent struggles, the Bears should come out of this game on top.

That all said, my brother posed a question to me after last week's embarrassment at the hands of the Vikings:

Do I, as a Bears fan, want the Chicago Bears to actually win this week?

It is an age-old question that is always brought up when a team is out of the playoffs and the fans start wondering about their team’s draft spot. Now in the Bears situation, they have a total of zero draft picks the first day of the draft (thanks Jerry) but they do have something else to “lose” for.

If the Bears finish the season at, say, 6-10, with the two wins being over the Rams and in the season finale versus the Lions and the three losses to the Packers, Ravens and Vikings, Lovie Smith will use Ron Turner as the scapegoat and fire him. If that happens, Lovie will keep his job for at least one more year and, predictably, the Bears will have another subpar season in 2010.

For the record, I think Turner should be fired, I just do not think he should be the only one.

But let us just say the Bears lose out, finish the season at 4-12 and ride a NINE-game losing streak into the offseason. Wouldn’t that force GM Jerry Angelo to make a change at head coach? The simple fact of losing 11 out of the last 12 games, with the only victory coming against the Browns, would have to force a major move by Bears management. Would it, dare I say, even force team president Ted Phillips to make a change at the general manager position?

Now let me be clear on this, I am rooting for the Bears to destroy the Rams this weekend. As I told my brother, I can never bring myself to root against the Bears in any situation. But his argument will be made by many others because, let's face it, by losing now, the Bears might actually be doing what is best for the future.

Look at what would happen if we beat the Rams…

1. The offense gets in a good rhythm. Maybe Jay Cutler throws more touchdowns than interceptions (a feat he has accomplished only four times this season). Matt Forte could be geared up for a big game, facing one of the league's worst rushing defense.

Sidenote: Did you know that the Bears currently “boast” the league's worst rushing offense? I mean, I knew we were bad, but I didn’t realize we are DEAD LAST in the NFL! That is depressing.

2. It should solidify Chris Williams at the left tackle position. The Rams do not have the most fearsome front four, so it should give Williams a chance to reacclimatize himself with the position he held before the Bears coaching staff moved him at the start the year.

3. The Bears defense should be able to keep Kyle Boller in check while focusing on shutting down a still-dangerous Steven Jackson.

4. A win will make the Bears 5-7 and keep alive an outside shot at a winning record, which I am sure will make for a very mild-mannered and monotonous postgame speech from Lovie.

Now, if the Bears lose to the Rams…

1. They will be embarrassed on local television and have to face the shame in handing the Rams their second win of the season.

2. The Bears’ fan base will be calling for heads to roll right then and there, to heck with the end of the year.

3. It means that either the Bears defense just simply quit or it means Jay and our awful rushing attack turned the ball over.

4. A loss will guarantee nothing better than a .500 season, which I am sure will make for a very mild-mannered and monotonous postgame speech from Lovie.

It might also make the upper management, and hopefully the McCaskey family, take notice of just how far this team has fallen in the three seasons since their Super Bowl appearance.

But with all that said, I will still rock my Bears jersey (maybe Idonije, maybe Big Cat) come Sunday morning and find a bar that will play this game (there has to be one, right?) and hope the Bears blow them out.

Meanwhile, halfway across the world, my brother will be rooting for a Bears loss at the hands of arguably one of the worst three teams in football.

And yet, despite me hoping for a win and him hoping for a loss, we both have the same goal in mind: Chicago Bear success. Kind of ironic, isn’t it?

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Packers Vs. Ravens: Inside Scoop with Ravens Writer and Author John Eisenberg

Jersey Al Bracco — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 06:34:52 -0500

As the Green Bay Packers prepare to meet the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night, I felt the need to get the inside scoop on the Ravens from someone in the know.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to interview John Eisenberg, a long-time Baltimore sportswriter and author of seven sports books. John is currently employed by the Ravens organization, writing a regular column for the official team web site.

Also of great interest to Packers fans is John's latest book, "That First Season ," about the 1959 Green Bay Packers. Based on new interviews with people who were there, the book recounts how Vince Lombardi came to Green Bay and transformed a downtrodden organization into one of the NFL's greatest dynasties.

More about the book later, but first let's get to my question and answer session with John Eisenberg.

Al: Thinking about this Packers-Ravens match-up, I have this uneasy feeling that the Ravens are a team ready to break out with a big game. Looking at the Ravens' record, one thing stands out. The Ravens' five losses have come to teams with a combined record of 44-10. The average margin of loss in those games was 4.6 points. Are the Ravens a very good team ready to explode on the unsuspecting Packers?

John: The Ravens are indeed a dangerous team. I don't think anyone relishes playing them. They hit hard and play close games. A couple of late-game gaffes, including a missed field goal by a kicker no longer with them, have kept them from being 8-3 or even better. Having said that, they're also one of the most penalized teams in the league, they've been prone to make key mistakes, and most importantly, their defense, long one of the game's best, is not playing at the same level this year—still solid but more yielding against both the run and pass. I don't think they will explode on the Packers. And I don't think the Packers are unsuspecting—they have seen the films of all these brutal games the Ravens play in their division with Pittsburgh and Cincy. I would expect a close, hard-nosed game.

Al: Joe Flacco can expect to see plenty of blitzing from the Packers defense. How would you say he has handled teams that try to rattle him in that way?

John: The Vikings had a lot of luck early in their game with the Ravens by blitzing Flacco. And Pittsburgh had some success last week. Flacco is just in his second year and is still learning about reading defenses and coverages—sometimes his youth shows. But he is a big guy and not afraid to take a hit. A warning, he gets up and comes back at you. The Vikings had him on the ropes, and he directed a huge rally in the fourth quarter and had the game won until Steve Hauschka missed the 44-yard kick—in a dome, unforgivable. Flacco's biggest problem right now is a sore ankle that is hampering his mobility and also his throwing mechanics.

Al: The Ravens brought in kicker Billy Cundiff two weeks ago. He has made an immediate impact, making 5-6 field goals against Indianapolis and then kicked a game winner in OT against the Steelers. How much were the Ravens affected by missed field goals in their five losses?

John: Cundiff has provided stability, which the Ravens needed. They took a big gamble and failed by not bringing back Matt Stover, a superb kicker who was getting old but still had it. They thought Hauschka could step in with a huge leg, but he was a kid (24) and he crumbled under the pressure. The miss in Minnesota was devastating, and he missed a couple of other key kicks before the Ravens cut him. It is not impossible that Cundiff could eventually struggle, too, but he looks good so far.

Al: Ravens fans have been very critical of head coach John Harbaugh, much like Packer fans were of Mike McCarthy earlier this season. Do you feel he's being out coached during games and is the criticism warranted?

John: The fans are rightfully upset with all the penalties, which indicate a lack of discipline that falls on the shoulders of the head coach. And he has had problems with time management, timeouts and challenges. But he isn't really taking that much heat. Cam Cameron runs the offense and Greg Mattison runs the defense. Mattison is taking more heat than Harbaugh because the defense has had some problems. Mattison was a longtime college coordinator and some fans don't like his more conservative approach. They long for the days of Rex Ryan, the mad scientist, who brought all kinds of blitzes.

Al: Having followed Ray Rice at Rutgers, I was very high on him coming into the NFL draft. The Ravens grabbed Rice in the second round, one pick before the Packers made their ill-fated selection of Brian Brohm. I have often wondered if the Packers would have taken Rice if the Ravens didn't. I consider Rice a future Pro Bowler. Do you agree, and what problems do you think he presents for the Packer defense?

John: The Ravens drafted Rice, but like every team, had no idea he would be this good, especially so soon. They thought they were set at running back with Willis McGahee but Rice has made Willis expendable. He can run and catch and makes a ton of yards after the first hit. He has been a huge playmaker. I wouldn't be surprised if he makes the Pro Bowl this year—he deserves it. He will present the Packers the same problem he has presented every opponent—with his strength and low center of gravity, he is elusive in traffic, has a knack for getting through scrums.

Al: How did the Ravens come out of the Pittsburgh game injury-wise? Will any starters be out for the Packers game? Is Terrell Suggs expected back?

John: The Ravens are banged up. I realize that is true for every team this time of year, but the Ravens have issues. Flacco is playing on a sore ankle that is having an impact. Their best defense defensive player, Haloti Ngata, is also playing on a sore ankle that has made him less effective. Suggs is questionable, and if he plays, won't be 100 percent. Starting cornerback Fabian Washington is out for the season, but the rookie who replaced him, Lardarius Webb, had a great game against the Steelers. Webb is a classic Raven, a third-round pick from a little school who plays tough.

Al: In your opinion, what are the three main things the Packers will have to do to beat the Ravens?

John:

1. Run the ball. It can be done against the Ravens this year, as opposed to years past, and it throws the defense off.

2. Pass the ball down field. The Ravens are susceptible to big plays in the secondary.

3. Don't make mistakes. The Ravens tend to make their share penalties and turnovers. If you don't give the game away, you're halfway there.

That concluded my interview with John Eisenberg. I find it interesting that the three things John mentioned as keys for beating the Ravens are all things the Packers have had issues with. Running the ball successfully has been a problem until just recently. Being able to throw down field, of course, depends on the offensive line's ability to protect Aaron Rodgers. Excessive penalties have been a recurring problem for the last three seasons.

Personally, I think the performance of the offensive line will be the key for this game. Can they open some holes for Ryan Grant to keep the Ravens defense honest? Can Rodgers be given enough time to pick apart the Raven's struggling secondary or will he spend the evening fearing for his life? The answers to those questions will most likely determine the outcome.

Getting back to John's book , the full title is "That First Season: How Vince Lombardi Took the Worst Team in the NFL and Set It on the Path to Glory." It is interesting to note that John grew up in Dallas and was a Cowboys fan during the 50’s. He jokingly says that the Green Bay Packers “ruined his childhood.” But you would never know that from reading his book.

I am about halfway through the book and have found it both entertaining and informative. I rate it a “must-read” for anyone interested in the Green Bay Packers or NFL history, in general.

Thank you, John, for the interview and enjoy the game!

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You can find more of Jersey Al Bracco’s articles on several sports web sites: Jersey Al’s Blog , Packer Chatters , Packers Lounge , NFL Touchdown , and, of course, Bleacher Report . Jersey Al is the Green Bay Packers Draft Correspondent for Drafttek.com.

You can also follow Jersey Al on facebook and twitter .

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Charles Woodson for Defensive MVP: Why the Packers Cornerback Is the NFL's Best

Mark Strotman — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:01:50 -0500

When Charles Woodson arrived in Green Bay, there were mixed emotions on whether or not the soon-to-be 30-year-old was worth the seven-year, $52 million deal Ted Thompson awarded him.

The former Heisman Trophy winner had recorded 17 interceptions during his eight years in Oakland but played just six games the season before after breaking his leg.

Currently in his fourth year with the Packers, Woodson has been worth every single penny that has been pushed his way.

During his tenure in Green Bay, he has surpassed his Oakland numbers in interceptions, sacks, and touchdowns and has become a consistent name in the discussion for top cornerback in the league.

As well as Woodson played in his first three seasons in Green Bay, he is on pace to surpass those numbers this season and is a candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Through the first three months of the season, Woodson has been named the Defensive Player of the Month twice, both in September and November. He has also had the honor of being named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week on two occasions, both in week 10 against the Cowboys and last week against the Lions.

So what kind of a shot does Woodson have at winning the Defensive MVP at the end of the season?

Well, history sure isn't on his side, as just four cornerbacks have won the award since 1971, the first year the award was handed out. Those four corners include Hall of Famers Mel Blount (1975) and Rod Woodson (1993), arguably two of the best to ever play the game. Deion Sanders also won the award in 1994.

When offenses game-plan against a defense, the one position on the field that can be completely taken out of a game is the cornerback position, making it harder for cornerbacks to be noticed. Great coverage that takes a receiver out of a game does not show up in the box score.

Also, new pass interference and illegal contact penalties have made it near impossible for corners to make legal plays when the ball is thrown their way.

However, the reasons that make it harder for a cornerback to be recognized are the same reasons why Woodson deserves to win the award this season.

Every game, Woodson is matched up on the opposing team's best receiver, whether that be a wide receiver in Chad Ochocinco or a tight end in Jason Witten. While teams could choose not to throw to their No. 1 targets and take Woodson out of the game, he dares them to look his way and usually wins.

If Woodson fails to win the award, likely candidates to take home the trophy are Minnesota's Jared Allen and Denver's Elvis Dumervil. Darren Sharper and London Fletcher are dark horses as they are amongst the league leaders in interceptions and tackles, respectively.

Dumervil leads the league with 14 sacks and has three forced fumbles for the Broncos, while Allen has racked up 12.5 sacks to go with an interception, three forced fumbles, and a touchdown.

Woodson has 54 tackles, seven interceptions, three sacks, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and two touchdowns. He has been better all-around than either of the two leading candidates and has done so at a tougher position.

Being in Green Bay will not help Woodson's cause with the national media rarely giving praise to the team up North, but if there ever was a time to make an exception, now would be it.

To date, Woodson has to be considered the front-runner due to his two Defensive Player of the Month Awards and the fact that he is the best player on the top ranked defense in the league.

There are still five games to be played, and a lot could happen between now and then, but if Woodson keeps up his historic pace and leads the Packers to the playoffs, it will be hard not to vote him the league's Defensive Player of the Year.

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Police Catch Adrian Peterson Going 109 MPH

Joe Willett — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:44:49 -0500

*This is going to be the first of a series of articles that I will publish every Thursday that takes a real story and adds a humorous side to it. Hope you enjoy.

Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson was pulled over late Saturday night as police clocked him going at 109 mph.

However, that is not what made headlines, because there was something that the police have never seen before, as Peterson was not actually driving when he was pulled over.

Peterson was on foot, running, when he was clocked at 109 mph. Said Peterson of the incident, "I'm usually able to keep right around the speed limit, but I was running late so I had to hit triple digits, it's no big deal really. I even slowed down when I saw the cop car before they clocked me."

But police, on the other hand, were stunned by seeing a man run 109 miles per hour. "I've never seen a man run so fast in my life, there was a blur behind him, I swear I saw it," said Officer Daniels, who gave Peterson the ticket.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has said that he is going to meet with Peterson to discuss the incident and try to insure that it doesn't happen again.

"We realize that Peterson is a special talent, but he shouldn't be throwing it in everybody else's face like that, he should be more respectful and we will look into what discipline we can use for his actions, expect seeing a multiple game suspension," said Goodell.

But although Officer Daniels had never seen this event before, his partner, Officer Jameson, has seen these things happen multiple times before.

"Back in the day I would see Barry Sanders all the time, but he was always right at the speed limit. Hell, just two nights ago we clocked Chris Johnson going 180, but we knew even in our squad cars we couldn't catch him," said Officer Jameson.

Although Peterson said that the event didn't phase him, he ran for just 85-yards and fumbled the ball twice the next night against the Bears.

"I'm pretty sure it had nothing to do with the incident, but it might be, I mean they're starting corners at linebacker now I'm pretty sure," said Peterson of the game.

Peterson was actually pulled over going 109 in his BMW, here is the link to the actual article .

I'm Joe W.

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Warren Sapp Tells Brian Urlacher to “Shut Up”

Jake Perper — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:02:35 -0500

Retired defensive tackle Warren Sapp, who is currently on NFL Network and Inside the NFL, appeared on the Mully and Hanley Show on WSCR-670 AM in Chicago yesterday. He was very critical of Brian Urlacher’s comments.

Here’s what he had to say:

“Shut up, he’s not helping. Why don’t he go and help those linebackers watch tape and teach them how to call a defense and line them up. That way they aren’t all off flank all game long against Cincinnati and Cedric Benson is running for 189 yards.”

My Thoughts

I think Brian Urlacher is right on the money with what he has said, but those things shouldn’t be said publicly, especially when you haven’t been playing up to your expectations over the last couple of seasons.

I agree with what he has said, and I really believe he would have had a huge season this year if he had stayed healthy.

The reason for the defense being so bad at stopping offenses on third downs is because of Urlacher’s absence. Without Urlacher’s help in the middle of the field, quarterbacks and running backs can pick apart this defense. Hunter Hillenmeyer is an average player at best; he is nothing like Brian Urlacher.

I think next season if Urlacher comes back healthy and can stay healthy, this defense will be much improved. A trio of Lance Briggs, Urlacher, and Cato June doesn’t sound bad to me.

All quotes from nationalfootballpost.com.

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com.

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Why Not the Packers? Oh, Wait...

Jeff Robbins — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:58:59 -0500

I should have written this column earlier.

I was all set to explore the reasons why—despite being beaten and overshadowed by disgruntled former employee Brett Favre and the rival Minnesota Vikings, despite horrid offensive line play, and despite an embarrassing loss just four games ago to the Tampa Bay Crappaneers—the Green Bay Packers remained a solid choice to represent the NFC in Super Bowl 44.

Then I watched the New Orleans Saints completely dismantle the New England Patriots Monday night.

Long before Bill Belichick—who throughout the game had a look of utter confusion and bewilderment that rivaled my two-year-old daughter’s expression when she accidentally puts on her coat upside down—trotted out Brian Hoyer to mercifully run out the game clock, I realized that my argument was in jeopardy.

But like Tiger Woods stubbornly trying to control the maelstrom of gossip that now surrounds him (he should have followed David Letterman’s example: get out in front of the story and admit everything), I will stubbornly try to forge ahead with my vision of the Packers playing at Land Shark/Joe Robbie/Pro Player Stadium in February even as the vision of Drew Brees’s five touchdowns is upsettingly fresh in my mind.

First of all, the Packers are playing for a Wild Card spot.

Yes, the Vikings have tough games ahead of them against Arizona and Cincinnati and the oft-mentioned Monday night game at Chicago that could be Favre’s only game in bad weather. But they also have games against Carolina, the reeling New York Giants, and, no matter what the weather is (the Bears would have to play in it too), Chicago is extraordinarily beatable.

So, no NFC North championship for Green Bay in 2009. But at 7-4, the Packers are tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for a Wild Card playoff spot, and that’s a position that they should be able to hold on to.

Or can they?

Well, some mediocre team is going to win the NFC East and there could very well be an equally mediocre Wild Card team representative from that division. But can the East send three teams as they did two seasons ago? Absolutely not.

Save an easy Thanksgiving game against the hapless Raiders, the Cowboys offense has been stagnant of late, and Tony Romo’s struggles late in the season (5-8 career record in December) have been well documented. Now at 8-3, the Cowboys could easily finish 8-8 and miss the playoffs entirely.

But should both the Cowboys and Packers survive to meet again in the postseason, Packer fans only have to look back to their Nov. 15 17-7 victory against Dallas to like that rematch.

Though currently in second place, the Eagles should finish ahead of the Cowboys thanks to the solid play and clutch game experience of Donovan McNabb. But nagging injuries to some of their best playmakers (Brian Westbrook, DeSean Jackson), and a struggling defense (who gives up 24 points to Washington?) should make the Eagles a fairly easy out in the postseason.

And what of the Giants?

With three divisional games looming, New York controls their destiny, but by losing five of six and by looking awful in the process, they also look like they won’t be a factor in the postseason simply because they won’t be there.

In the NFC South and West divisions, the only real threats to the Packers’ hold on a Wild Card spot are the Atlanta Falcons (6-5) and the San Francisco 49ers (5-6).

Of the two, the 49ers—especially with a remaining schedule that includes Seattle, Detroit, and St. Louis, and not to mention Atlanta’s injury problems—are the bigger threat, but simple mathematics indicate the Packers have little to worry about here.

Since Green bay beat San Francisco 30-24 just two weeks ago, the 49ers would have to win out while the Packers would have to lose three of their last five games for San Francisco to pass the Packers in the Wild Card standings.

No matter how motivating 49ers head coach Mike Singletary is—and I could listen to that guy talk all day—he’s not going to be able to get that group of players from 3-5 to 10-6.

Moving closer to home, surely every Packer fan remembers the 2004 season. It was a remarkable roller-coaster that saw the Packers start 1-4, only to finish 10-6 including two wins over division rival Minnesota.

The fun ended, though, when the Packers not only had to suffer the indignity of losing to the Vikings at Lambeau Field 31-17 in a Wild Card game, but also had to sit through Randy Moss’s “moonwalk” (which infamously sent FOX announcer Joe Buck into a conniption) in the process.

But perhaps Packers fans could find solace in how that season ended. Could history repeat itself, only this time in a bizarro fashion with the Packers getting the last laugh on the Vikings in the postseason?

Why not?

While the Vikings have won three straight since beating the Packers at Lambeau, the victories have come against bottom-feeders Detroit, Seattle, and Chicago, with all of the games in the friendly confines of the Metrodome. Excuse me, Mall of America Field.

And while the Vikings’ offense hasn’t been slowed lately, the team has shown an increased lack of discipline (probably stemming from overconfidence) with 28 penalties over the last three weeks.

If that doesn’t seem alarming, consider Adrian Peterson’s four fumbles over the past three games: Given that no one expects Favre’s nearly error-free 2009 streak (just three INTs so far to 24 TDs this season) to continue—FOX’s Troy Aikman suggested on Sunday that head coach Brad Childress must be nervous knowing that his 40-year-old quarterback is bound to start throwing some picks—the Vikings could be in danger of imploding against a good team with a chip on their shoulder.

The Packers certainly fit that bill.

And with the Packers’ offensive line stabilizing a bit lately—granted, that’s like pundits saying the economy is stabilizing while unemployment continues to go up and consumer confidence continues to go down—Rodgers could potentially have more time to pick apart the Vikings secondary (clearly the team’s biggest weakness) in any potential rematch.

So, while Packers fans have to like their team’s chances against many of the opponents they may meet in the postseason, should any doubt be placed on their chances of simply getting there?

Nope.

While they have some potentially tough games on the horizon, it’s clear that neither Baltimore nor Pittsburgh (despite Mike Tomlin’s laughable horror-movie threat to “unleash hell” for the rest of the season) are the powerhouses they once were, and the Packers’ finale against Arizona could be a cakewalk if the Cardinals choose to rest players (particularly Kurt Warner), if they have the NFC East won by then, which is a real possibility.

Which brings us back to the New Orleans Saints.

Even though I hate this phrase almost as much as I hate the use of the phrase “Tonight on The Jay Leno Show …” I’m going to use it: If the playoffs started today, the Packers would face the Saints in a potential divisional round matchup at the Superdome.

Based on what we saw Monday night, that is not a game that would end well for not just Green Bay, but any team.

But given that the Saints have only won two playoffs games in their history, given that the Packers lead the league in allowing an average of just 281.5 yards a game, given that Aaron Rodgers is running neck-and-neck statistically with Drew Brees, you’d have to like the Packers chances in a showdown with the Saints, wouldn’t you?

Like I said, I would have a few days ago.

After watching Monday Night Football this week, not so much.

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10-1: How You Like Him Now?

ExJx Brooks — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:08:07 -0500

With the Vikings two wins away, or one win and one Packer loss away from clinching the NFC north, what can you say about Brett Favre now?

He's a traitor? Okay, maybe he is.

He's selfish? Yeah, but what player isn't selfish in someway?

They all want the same thing: to win. Most of them would sell their soul to the devil to win.

If he's selfish because he wants to win, I'll take selfish all day.

He's indecisive? As far as I see it, he's been very decisive the 24 times this season he has thrown TD passes.

Say what you will, but bottom line is that he is, at worst, an indecisive, selfish traitor whose team is 10-1 and has all but wrapped up the NFC north.

As I've said before, what he has done in the off-season does not matter. The 2,874 yards, 24 TDs, only three INTs, 69.2 passing percentage, a league leading 112.12 QB Rating, and the 10-1 record is all that matters.

I think if he hasn't earned the respect he deserves yet, then he never will. He is doing what most 40 year-olds can only dream of, ex-NFL players included. Not only is he the starting QB of the second-best team in the NFC at 40 years of age, he's doing it very successfully.

The man has obviously earned his stripes back.

I know, I know. He's a jerk, a traitor, and selfish, but lets be real: Wouldn't you rather be a selfish, traitorous jerk at the helm of a 10-1 team having one of the best, if not the best, seasons of your career instead of being the overlooked hero/fan favorite sitting on the bench for a team fighting for its playoff hopes; or sitting at home knowing you still have "it"?

Call me crazy, but if it were me I'd say paint me purple and call me a Viking.

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Detroit Lions' Future May Rest with a "Magic" Grand Rapids Family

Michael Schottey — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:15:40 -0500

William Clay Ford has done enough.

Is so many ways, Ford has done enough for Detroit Lions fans. Since he became sole owner of the Lions in 1964, the franchise has only had four seasons with 10 or more wins.

Since 1964, the Detroit Lions have not won a championship, either. The Lions have only made the playoffs in nine of the 45 years (20 percent) of Ford's ownership.

The Lions have seen the careers of Barry Sanders, Billy Sims, Johnny Morton, Herman Moore, Lem Barney, Charlie Sanders, Robert Porcher, "Bubba" Baker, and so many others.

Put another way, for a 27-year-old man who read the news that Ford bought the Detroit Lions in 1964, the life expectancy is up. During that lifetime, that 27-year-old grew up in the Lions heyday and had bubblegum cards of Bobby Layne stuffed in his pocket.

That same man was born two years after the Detroit Lions' first championship. The Lions would go on to win three more championships while he was in high school and college.

For that man, representative of many Lions fans, William Clay Ford has done enough.

Recently, Richard DeVos put to rest "rumors" that he might pursue the Detroit Lions franchise.

Rumors? What rumors?

Apparently, the only people who knew about this were DeVos and his children—who want to buy the team.

DeVos is already in the pro sports world. His Orlando Magic are on the up and up. The DeVos family have even more sports connections. Richard's son, Dan DeVos, has a history of buying failed sports teams—he bought the Massachusetts Marauders (formerly the Detroit Drive) and brought them back to Michigan as the Grand Rapids Rampage.

The Rampage won a title in 2001, three years after moving to the Van Andel arena—named after Richard's longtime business partner.

Dan also owns the Grand Rapids Griffins, a minor league hockey team, and the Wichita Stealth, a football team playing in the Arena Football League 2.

The DeVos family name is also connected to a sports management program at the University of Central Florida.

Whether you blame Ford for the Detroit Lions' failures or not is inconsequential. More and more, a time is coming when the Ford Motor Company will be unable to support the Detroit Lions.

Ford was the world's 363rd richest man in the world in 2001. In 2006, he ranked 698th. Now, in 2009...Ford is unranked.

The Detroit Lions aren't exactly making the Ford family a bunch of money, either. The Lions are worth an estimated $917 million and lose $3 million a year. For Ford, that is a burden becoming increasingly hard to bear.

For Richard DeVos, the 119th richest man in the world (61st in the United State), $3 million is a pittance. His company, Alticore, is the 31st most valuable company in the world and makes over $8 billion a year.

If the NFL scraps the salary cap, the Detroit Lions are going to have a hard time luring free agents to a city with such a long rap sheet. Money will have to be spent—money Ford doesn't have.

A partnership could be the perfect option. The DeVos family could buy a majority share of the Detroit Lions, leaving the Ford name on the brand and Bill Ford Jr. as a vice chairman. Dan DeVos can step in as chairman and provide a fresh point of view for many of the personnel and front office decisions that have occurred under the Fords' unsuccessful eyes.

Under that partnership, capital shouldn't be a problem for the Lions.

Even if it were, a franchise owned by partners is usually far more conducive to bringing on more partners than a single family-owned business. If George Argyros, Michael Ilitch, or Manuel Moroun wanted to buy a small percentage of the Lions in a revenue-sharing (or advertising) deal, it is easier to negotiate with partners than a single family.

If the Detroit Lions are going to survive, the reign of a Detroit family, the Fords, needs to be over. A Grand Rapids family—Richard DeVos and his sons, Dan and Doug—is a perfect option.

Michael Schottey is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and the producer and host of The Average Joe Sports Show on 860AM KNUJ (New Ulm, MN). He is also an NFL Analyst and Senior Writer for DraftTek.com. Follow Him on Twitter.

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Week 13 Power Rankings, Bears Edition

Jake Perper — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:23:53 -0500

Here are the Week 13 Bears power rankings from various sites around the web:

ESPN: No. 23 (Last week: 23)

Analysis: “Jay Cutler’s 20 interceptions are bad enough; the league’s worst rushing offense isn’t helping matters, either.”

Yahoo Sports: No. 23 (Last week: 21)

Analysis: “Whatever happens to Lovie Smith after this season, there’s no way Ron Turner returns as offensive coordinator, is there?”

Pro Football Weekly: No. 22 (Last week: 22)

Analysis: “So many needs, so few draft picks left to use.”

CBS Sports: No. 25 (Last week: 22)

Analysis: “Paging Bill Cowher. Paging Bill Cowher. Is there any doubt they will make a coaching change now?”

Fox Sports: No. 23 (Last week: 23)

Analysis: “How tough is this season to watch for Brian Urlacher? It must be maddening to watch the Bears get annihilated by the Vikings and not be able to do one bleeping thing about it. It’s probably tougher to watch for coach Lovie Smith, however, especially as online bidding wars are likely underway for www.FireLovie.com naming rights.”

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com.

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Can Hakeem Nicks Win Rookie of the Year?

Craig Santucci — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:34:28 -0500

Sevens months ago, the New York Giants drove 15 minutes into New York City and arrived at Radio City Music Hall for the 2009 NFL draft. That day the Giants brass left with nine unknown players who would hopefully make an impact for the New York Giants.

With their first pick in the 2009 draft, the New York Giants invested in North Carolina’s star wide receiver Hakeem Nicks.

It was a heavy wide receiver draft, so how did the Giants know they got the right guy? They didn’t! Reports circulated around the sports community that the Giants wanted wide receiver Jeremy Maclin from Missouri; however, the Eagles jumped up and took him, leaving Mr. Nicks the next best choice on the board for Big Blue.

Throughout the summer, the complaints were loud regarding to whom Eli was going to throw the ball. The team was now without Shockey, Burress, and Toomer. New blood Mario Manningham was an unproven player, Sinorice Moss looked like a bust, and Domenik Hixon, who is a fantastic special team player, was not a No. 1 or 2 wide receiver.

The Giants receivers did not command the respect as Amani Toomer once did, and they certainly did not strike fear into defensive backs as Plaxico Burress once did. So it looked like a long, rough road for the Giants passing game.

In steps rookie Hakeem Nicks!

Now, more than halfway through the 2009 season, this first-round pick looks like a top candidate to compete for “Rookie of the Year.”

Hicks is a playmaker with great hands. His lack of speed has not hurt him at all. In fact, at North Carolina, Nicks had the highest average per catch (18.0) of the top seven receivers drafted, including Maclin, Harvin, and Heyward-Bey.

While the NFL grind starts to catch up to most rookies, Hakeem Nicks and a handful of truly gifted players destined to become great have separated themselves from the pack. These players will become the future faces of their franchise and this great league.

Do all Rookie of the Year signs point to Percy Harvin? Not if Hakeem Nicks has anything to say about it!

Harvin is good....real good. And so is Maclin and if Mohamed wasn't in a quarterback soap opera I'm sure this guy would be ripping it up. In regards to Harvin, is it possible Harvin will see less opportunity because Adrian Peterson needs to get his touches? Yes, it’s possible, however Percy does have a distict lead with his intricate involvement in the Vikings offense.

Some maybe concerned about his health because of his special teams play but currently he is making it happen with Farve.

Knowshon Moreno and Michael Crabtree have a similar situation. When you have a great running back and a great receiver, the ball will get spread around to keep defenses off balance. This could cut production or enhance opportunity because they are winning.

Nicks has his work cut out for him but, has a good enough chance as any to grab the hardware if he continues with his production. Nicks will need a few break out games to give him the national spot light.

Since 1967, The Associated Press has given two annual Rookie of the Year Awards: one for an offensive player and one for a defensive player. But the NFL does recognize other awards from SI, The Sporting News, Pro Football Weekly, and Diet Pepsi.

Average: The Giants have abandoned smash-mouth football for more of a passing offense, giving Hakeem ample opportunities to make an impact. He is currently averaging 17 yards a catch, which is only second to Mohamed Massaquoi (19 yards a catch) from Cleveland.

Long: The North Carolina star has shown his big play ability, racking up a 62-yard touchdown, which is currently the longest touchdown of the season amongst his first-year year draft peers.

Competition: Outside of Massaquoi at Cleveland, the most difficult schedule goes to Nicks and Maclin facing Dallas, Philadelphia, San Diego, Atlanta, Arizona, New Orleans, Minnesota, and Denver. As much as Percy Harvin is a special talent, he is facing less competition with Cleveland, Detroit, San Fran, Seattle, Carolina, Chicago, and St. Louis.

Attitude: With the Giants' all-but-disappearing running game, Hicks should be seeing the ball coming his way more often. If Mario Manningham draws a double-team because his recent success with Eli, Nicks will become the “hot” route.

The Giants have the worst NFL red zone offense, and, it pains me to say this, but Jacobs has foolishly disappeared from the Giants' plans. The O-line has lost its swagger, so I suspect the ball will be put in Eli’s hands, where he can make a difference.

Harvin: 42 receptions, 602 yards, 5 TDs

Maclin: 42 receptions, 540 yards, 4 TDs

Nicks: 32 receptions, 538 yards, 4 TDs

Massaquoi: 26 receptions, 485 yards, 1 TD

Collie: 43 receptions, 483 yards, 1 TD

Crabtree: 26 receptions, 346 yards, 1 TD

Don’t get me wrong...Beanie Wells, Knowshon Moreno, Matt Stafford, and Mark Sanchez may have something to say about where that trophy goes, too. And let's not forget local boy...Kenny Britt!

Hakeem Nicks will be expected to make some plays if the Giants are to salvage this season, and, just maybe, it will win Mr. Hicks Rookie of the Year honors.

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Detroit Lions: Sizing Up Their Biggest Need

Michael Schottey — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:15:18 -0500

If five different Detroit Lions fans were asked what Detroit's biggest need was, almost certainly, five different answers would be given.

One fan would definitely mention the offensive line—long an impediment to Detroit's rebuilding plan.

Another fan would mention the defensive line. In fact, this week the lack of a four man pass rush is the problem de jour for the Lions' fan base.

A third fan wants defensive backfield help for the Detroit Lions' worst unit.

The fourth fan would ask for weapons for Detroit's young quarterback—a running back to replace Kevin Smith or a receiver to put across from Calvin Johnson.

The fifth fan? Probably a plea to fire Millen—obviously didn't get the memo.

While this is the time of year (especially at 2-9) that Detroit Lions fans love to talk about this sort of thing, take a moment to realize that the Detroit Lions have a gigantic need that supersedes any positional grouping of label.

That enormous need?

To get bigger.

Step one of that plan was the transition last offseason to a power lifting workout plan.

Head Coach Jim Schwartz wanted his team to get bigger and stronger, even if it sacrificed some of the speed and agility that Rod Marinelli preached under the old scheme.

Whereas Marinelli wanted smaller, quicker lineman and linebackers for his Tampa Two scheme, Jim Schwartz has made it clear that he wants big hosses up front and downhill thumpers behind them.

Step two was the addition of some of those bigger players. Grady Jackson was a gamble at 36 but his 345lbs frame was needed to plug up the middle. Larry Foote is an inch shorter but five pounds heavier than last year's starter, Paris Lenon. Julian Peterson is 20lbs heavier than Ryan Nece.

Defensive tackle, Sammie Lee Hill was a hulking gamble out of Stillman College. But the 329lb force has already shown plenty of promise. Brandon Pettigrew and Dan Gronkowski also added whopping size and strength to the tight end position.

Continuing on this path is a humongous need for the Detroit Lions. More steps need to be taken to increase the size and strength of this Lions team.

What are the Lions' next moves? Looking forward to the next off season, these steps would be tremendously helpful.

Defensive Line

Looking forward to the NFL draft, if Detroit is looking for size, look no further than Terrence Cody (DT-Alabama). Although Detroit's likely top five pick would be high for the behemoth, Detroit could easily trade down or up for the big man. At over 365lbs, Cody also has athleticism—as seen by his propensity for blocking kicks.

Talent could be more important than size if Gerald McCoy (DT-Oklahoma) or Ndamukong Suh (DT-Nebraska) fall to Mayhew and company. The two sit right around 300lbs but both (especially McCoy) look like they could get bigger.

If those three aren't the pick, other names include Dan Williams (DT-Tennessee) at 327lbs, or Marvin Austin (DT-North Carolina) at a very athletic 305lbs.

With so many needs, the Lions might pass on defensive linemen in the draft altogether.

In free agency, Vince Wilfork (DT-New England) is the cream of the crop and one of the league's best young nose tackles, although the New England Patriots are almost surely going to keep the 330-pound force.

Other free agents include Gabe Watson (DT-Arizona) at 330lbs, Domata Peko (DT-Cincinnati) at 320lbs and an older Casey Hampton at 325lbs.

The defensive end position can always get bigger as well.

DraftTek.com has often had Everson Griffen (DE-USC) as a target for the Lions—a pick I agree with. The 280-pound junior would be the Detroit Lions' biggest defensive end the day he was signed.

Other bigger defensive ends include the 290-pound Carlos Dunlap (DE-Florida) and Corey Wootton (DE-Northwestern) at 280lbs.

Will Smith (DE-New Orleans) and Jarvis Green (DE-New England) are both over 280lbs and could help the Detroit Lions' pass rush.

Linebackers

Replacing Ernie Sims with DeAndre Levy may result in better production and less missed tackles, but not a great increase in size. Levy is 235lbs, about 10 more than Ernie Sims. Levy has a chance to get bigger, so that position is well stocked.

Even so, if the Lions are going to commit to the rebuilding plan, eventually steps need to be taken to back up and provide depth to the aging Larry Foote and Julian Peterson.

In the draft, a first round linebacker would be a luxury. Later on, the Detroit Lions could take a look at the 260-pound Micah Johnson (ILB-Kentucky) or O'Brien Schofield (OLB-Wisconsin) who is almost 250lbs.

Speaking of 250-pounders, DeMeco Ryans (OLB-Houston) is the class of the free agency crop and would be an immediate upgrade to either OLB positions. Pierre Woods is 255lbs and could enjoy coming closer to his Cleveland home. Shawne Merriman (OLB-San Diego) is 265lbs, but probably wouldn't be able to play in a 4-3 OLB spot.

For backups, Scott Fujita (OLB-New Orleans) is a aging prospect who could be great in a rotation if he is replaced in 'Nawlins.

Offensive Line

Dominic Raiola and Jeff Backus have never been described as "large."

Largely disappointing? Maybe.

To help the running game, the Detroit Lions need to get bigger. If the running game improves, teams will stop teeing off on Matt Stafford.

Backus, at 305 isn't nearly as large as likely second rounder Jason Fox (OT-Miami), who is 315lbs. Juniors Anthony Davis (OT-Rutgers) and Cabe Carimi (OT-Wisconsin) are even bigger at 325lbs.

Stephen Peterman is probably a lock at one of the guard positions next year. At the other guard spot, the Lions could look at Mike Iupati (OG-Idaho) who is 330lbs or the 350-pound John Jerry (OG-Ole Miss).

In free agency, David Baas (OG-San Francisco) is 330lbs and Chris Snee (OG-New York Giants) is a very talented 320lbs. Jared Gaither (OT-Baltimore) is one of the biggest men in the league at 6'9", 340lbs.

2009 is year one of a long rebuilding plan for the Detroit Lions. The ditch Matt Millen dug for this franchise is long, wide and deep. Digging out of it is going to take a jumbo-sized effort.

Some bigger bodies will make the immense work a little lighter.

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NFC Wild Card Update: Packers Get Little Help from Bottom Teams

Mark Strotman — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:25:36 -0500

After the Green Bay Packers disposed of the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day in a 34-12 rout, they were able to sit back and enjoy Sunday’s slate of NFL games.

At 7-4, the Packers find themselves in good position to nab one of the two NFC wild card spots at the end of the season. They sport a decent conference record at 6-3, better than any wild card contender other than the Eagles (6-2).

Still, the Packers were looking for a little extra help this weekend from some of the bottom teams in the NFC. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned.

Here’s a look at the Packers’ situation and reviews of how each wild card contender did this past weekend.

Green Bay Packers: currently 7-4

The Packers play the Ravens and Steelers over the course of three weekends, and while it looked more difficult at the beginning of the season, both games will be difficult. Both teams sit at 6-5 and are very beatable, especially the Ravens at home, and the Packers will most likely need to take one of them to keep their playoff hopes alive.

If they lose one of those games, the good news is it will not count against their conference record, the first tiebreaker in determining the wild card spots. They also play two games in which they should be favored against the Seahawks and Bears.

To close the season out, they go to Arizona to play the Cardinals. The caveat there is that the Cardinals, who hold a two-game lead on the division, could very well have wrapped up the NFC West by then and will be resting their starters, making for a much easier game.

1. Dallas Cowboys: 7-3 entering Week 12

The Cowboys were sure thankful for whoever scheduled them to play the Raiders on Thanksgiving Day. America’s Team pummeled the Raiders 24-7 and now find themselves in the driver’s seat to win the NFC East at 8-3.

Someone has to win the NFC East by rule, but Packers fans were hoping that it would be the Cowboys vying for a wild card spot due to the head-to-head advantage they hold against them from the Week 10 victory in Lambeau Field.

The Eagles sit at 7-4 and are still very much alive in the NFC East hunt, but instead of worrying about tiebreakers and conference records and such, it would be best if the Cowboys won the rest of their games, including matchups against the New York Giants and Eagles.

Their schedule the rest of the way is tougher than their NFC East counterparts, but they should win the East if they win their division games.

2. Philadelphia Eagles: 6-4 entering Week 12

If it weren’t for some fourth quarter heroics from Donovan McNabb, the Eagles would have been looking at a 6-5 record and a two-game difference in the NFC East. They trailed the Redskins by eight points in the fourth quarter but ended up winning the game in the last two minutes, 27-24.

It would have been a huge gain for the Packers if the Eagles had tripped up, but alas, they pulled it out.

The Eagles have a better conference record than the Packers because they have played one fewer game and do not play the Packers head-to-head. They will face Atlanta next weekend, which is also fighting for its playoff life, as well as the Giants and Cowboys, so chances are the Eagles will either knock out one of the NFC East opponents or be knocked out by one of them.

3. New York Giants: 6-4 entering Week 12

After beginning the year 5-0, the wheels are starting to come off for Eli Manning and the Giants. They missed a golden opportunity to stay tied with Philadelphia and within a game of the Cowboys when they dropped their Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Broncos, 26-6.

They face the Cowboys next week, who they already beat in Dallas, meaning they could have taken possession of first place had they won last week. However, a win in Dallas would not only keep their playoff hopes alive, but their division hopes alive as well.

The next week they play the Eagles, meaning that the next 14 days will all but determine the playoff hopes for the Giants. If they win both, they will be in very good shape to win the division. Lose both, and they will probably be on their couches for the second season.

4. Atlanta Falcons: 6-4 entering Week 12

The Falcons were about 30 seconds and one down away from seeing their 2009 playoff chances fade away, but a Roddy White touchdown catch to beat the Bucs 20-17 kept them alive in the hunt. They now sit at 6-5 and are still on the outside looking in, but they face the Eagles next week in a matchup that, if won, would let them leapfrog the Eagles in the standings.

After the Eagles, the Falcons play the Saints at home and then do not face a team with a record over .500 the rest of the year. Sounds good for them if they can beat the Eagles, right? Not so fast.

Quarterback Matt Ryan and running back Michael Turner both left Sunday’s game with injuries, and the offense will go nowhere fast, regardless of who they play, if the two of them cannot go. They could sneak into the playoffs with a win over the Eagles, but keep a very close eye on those injuries.

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A Flag For the Chicago Bears, Jerry Angelo, and Lovie Smith

Adam Simpson — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:19:45 -0500

Although I tout the “fire Lovie” ideals, I believe changing our GM and all of our coaches is the way to go for this team. If the Bears cannot get rid of Angelo or won’t, then they simply need to rid themselves of this coaching staff and hire someone who can stand up to or go against Angelo when it needs to happen.

Angelo has proven two things—he is a poor talent evaluator (draft, free agents, own talent) and can be a competent GM. The problem is how and when they spend money; they have no problem rewarding their own players that spent years playing rookie contracts for under $1 million a year when it comes time for their contracts to expire, but won’t pay the big bucks to a free agent or a draft pick (I know we gave Cutler more money and gave Cedric Benson all that money but as a whole).

I’m all for rewarding good play but when they give the big money to players like Nathan Vasher, who wouldn’t have been a starting player for a lot of the teams, it becomes a problem.

Furthermore, I can sum Lovie up in one fancy word: Nepotism. He constantly gives jobs to his Tampa buddies and to people that he likes, regardless of talent.

Look at Ron Rivera. Can anyone say he wasn’t run out of town by Lovie and his Cover 2 defense?

The Bears had a top three defense the year before the Super Bowl, top five the Super Bowl year and then they let Rivera go. why? Some say it’s because he has aspirations of being a head coach, which I won’t disagree with.

However, does a Wal-Mart employee quit their job when they have an interview with Kmart? I don’t think so, and I don’t think Rivera "left" because he wanted something better.

In reality, he left for two reasons. First of all, Lovie didn’t want him getting the credit when Lovie is the defensive guy. He had Babbich coaching the LBs and knew that Babbich would be his perfect coordinator. Lovie’s defense is Bob’s defense and someone like Babbich isn’t going to stand up to Lovie because he knows his years as DC was the pinnacle of his coaching career.

The second reason is pretty simple; Rivera became a top DC in the league and Angelo/Philips/McCaskey didn’t want to pay top dollar for a coordinator or even a coach for that matter (Lovie was the least paid coach the year of the Super Bowl). End of story.

Being stoic in the NFL can be a good thing, especially for a head coach. However, when "your" way isn’t working or you simply don’t have the personnel to do things "your" way then adjustments need to be made, plain and simple.

Those changes, however, never happen. What happens is that Bears fans get to watch sloppy, poor play on Sunday and wait for Lovie’s press conference that will sound like this...

“We went out, we played our game plan and we came up a little short. We’re going to go back to practice and keep working on what we do and get our system back on track ... Rex is our quarterback.”

In the current staff’s mind every team the Bears play has the best day in the history of their franchise and there was nothing they could do about the loss as the other team was that good that day.

Maybe it’s time to change some things up and make the defense and offense less predictable. On defense, they could try something other than playing about 10 yards off the line of scrimmage in coverage.

On offense, maybe they could stop chucking it up to Olsen 24/7 and try running the ball a bit more, and by run I mean not up the middle every time. Forte can run for 30 yards on a screen off to the side or a toss but we keep plugging this guy up the middle and it’s just not working.

Also, Jay will be the quarterback for the next half decade, at least. However, if he feels the need to throw three or more interceptions, maybe he could spend the fourth quarter on the bench (NOT permanently but just for the game); immediate reaction might be “you can’t bench a franchise QB!” but, didn’t Philly bench McNabb last year after a poor start?

Didn’t the Eagles take A LOT of flak for this move? Didn’t McNabb start the next week, have a great game and ended up making the playoffs? Isn’t McNabb currently in one of his best stretches since that benching?

Trust me, if they benched Cutler for a quarter all that would happen is one of the biggest frowns Cutler’s ever had in his career; they would not be risking losing Cutler.

The Bears constantly appear inept because they are spineless from McCaskey on down. Phillips job is to protect the bank, Angelo’s job is to build a team and Lovie’s job is to coach that team.

Not one of those guys has any penchant for rocking the boat or doing something not “Bearsish” (outside of the Cutler deal, and I know I made up a word).

Since they haven’t won in over two decades, it might be time for someone inside of Halas Hall to realize that "business as usual" isn’t working and isn’t going to work, period.

They need change. Unfortunately, for the fans and the NFL as a whole (they would benefit if the Bears were good) the people they have in place are PERFECT Bears people; but I assure you, being a Bears person isn’t a good thing in football.

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Detroit Lions Need To Copy the Minnesota Vikings

Seattle Lion Fan — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 03:38:53 -0500

As I watched the Minnesota Vikings tear up the Chicago Bears, my wife leaned over to me and asked why the Vikings defense was so good.

I summed it up by telling her that because the Viking offense is so methodical and time-consuming, the defense is able to play at a high level for the whole game. By having such a clock-killing offense, it keeps the opposing offense off of the field.

The Bears defense, once considered the marquee defense in the NFL, was worn down to the tune of a 36-10 defeat.

The Vikings also have a front four that is the envy of most teams. Still, even with a talent level that high, if they had to be out on the field for as long as the Lions defense needed to be, they wouldn't be as effective.

As good as Calvin Johnson is (and the scary part is we don't know how good he's going to be), he still needs a partner in crime to take some of the coverage away from him. Dennis Northcut and Bryant Johnson have not stepped up to the plate, with too many dropped passes and bad route-running.

The Lions might want to take a look at the free-agent market, with perhaps Antonio Bryant or Steve Breaston. If Miles Austin isn't re-signed by the Cowboys, the Lions should make a strong run at him.

One more playmaker is what the Lions need to give Stafford.

Consider Calvin Johnson and Miles Austin on the wings, Brandon Pettigrew as TE, with Kevin Smith and Aaron Brown coming out of the backfield. All would be great options to throw to.

The best friend to a defense is a time-killing offense. If there is anything I want to see the Lions improve on it's to cut down on the number of three-and-outs that occur.

With that being said, the Lions do need to beef up the defense. I feel like the lone voice suggesting to get an elite left tackle, since so many people think that Jeff Backus is serviceable.

It wouldn't break my heart if the Lions got a huge defensive tackle with their first pick.

They will draft somewhere between four and eight for the 2010 draft so we can forget about Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska. The 6'4" 305 lb. tackle will be snapped up by Tampa Bay.

The best that the Lions can hope for is either Gerald McCoy (if he declares) from Oklahoma or Terence Cody from Alabama.

That is, if they don't go for an elite left tackle with the first pick.

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Chicago Quits in Loss To Minnesota, Throws in Season's Towel As Well

Max Kienzler — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:33:41 -0500

I am writing this article in the fourth quarter with eight minutes left. I do not need to see the rest of the game. Everything I need to know the Bears showed me in the first three quarters. And that is quite obvious.

The Chicago Bears have quit.

They have quit on this game.

They have quit on this season.

They have quit on Lovie Smith.

And they have quit on their fans.

Not every player and not on every play. But the Bears have stopped caring if they win or not.

There is no fire. No passion. At this moment, the Bears defense has allowed 518 yards in three and a half quarters. Favre is 10 yards short of his career high.

On both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, the Chicago Bears have cashed out on the 2009 season.

Lovie Smith should be gone at the end of this season and quite frankly, I do not care who replaces him. Bill Cowher, Mike Shanahan, Leslie Frazier, or my girlfriend's roommate. Anyone else (other than Ron Turner).

If I were to have written this article at halftime, it would have been a tirade of profanity and anger.

But now, that anger has melted into depression.

Next week, I will still put on my bears Jersey. I will still find a place in Hawaii that has the Bears vs Rams game on. I will still cheer and believe the Bears can win every game. But it is fruitless.

Even as I type this the Bears, down by 26, run the ball for 1 yard on first and ten with six minutes left...How is anyone to succeed with such a blatant lack of leadership on the sideline?

The Bears cannot succeed with this coaching staff, or lack there of.

It hurts.

You know what hurts even more? Having to watch the Bears get destroyed while listening to Joe Buck and Troy Aikman verbally falaish Brett Favre for the entire game.

I have spoken with several bear fans and perused blogs online during the second half and all I seem to hear is loyal, dedicated fans turning the game off early because they are disgusted beyond belief at the lack of effort this team has put forth.

While I continue to watch, I cannot tell you why. My brother has officially joined the bandwagon that hopes the Bears lose out in hopes it will force G.M. Jerry Angelo or Team President Ted Phillips to make changes to this coaching staff and brain trust.

And when you do not record a first down for the ENTIRE SECOND HALF, you shouldn't have a job as a head coach or offensive coordinator in the National Football League.

Two minute warning has arrived...but the game, and season, ended much much earlier.

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