Risdon's Bears Comments
Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 2:36 pm
No comments on Jeff's pointed Bears opinions on the front page ???
Cutler had all of 36 attempts compared to 31 rushes so I don't think passing 53.7% of the time is unreasonable especially given the Bears were down most of the game and Forte was barely getting more than 2 yds a carry. If anything the Bears were guilty of not passing more - specifically to Forte.
Jeff's points on the coaching staff overall are well taken - BOTH challenges were ill-advised but we all know the punt mishap was on Mannelly. And, Jeff, if you're going to rip Lovie a new one, you should probably give him credit for the hiring of Marinelli given how the line showed up and how the defense in general played given he's calling the defensive plays for the first time this year.
I'd argue vehemently against the last two lines. Nobody lets go of a franchise QB without a good reason? How about nobody lets go of a franchise QB, period? I don't think it's a stretch to call Denver's management stupid, either. They try to trade for Cassell then can't simply assure Cutler he won't be dealt after the deal falls through? They got backed into a corner and blinked and now they basically have to crap away their 2009 season with Neckbeard behind center. It's an entire lost season! I'd call that plain stupidity. A poor first game isn't going to change my thinking that we're much improved at the most important position on the field.
And the Broncos are 1-0 thanks to Kyle Orton ??? I can't imagine what you'd be saying, Jeff, had that lucky tip not occurred. I guess if you just look at the box score, it was a crisp 87-yd bomb in stride to a speeding Brandon Stokley for the win. The Broncos struggled all day to score points against the lowly Bengals and Orton was directly responsible for getting them out of field goal range late in the game. To say the Broncos won BECAUSE of Orton is really pushing the limits. As a fan that had to endure Orton as his starting QB I well know that rarely does his team win because of Orton, they win because they accept his limitations and try to win via field position, defense, special teams, and running the ball. You hope Orton doesn't turn it over and try to stick with your opponent and win it in the waning minutes of the game. Even in the Bears Superbowl season is was obvious we were winning despite what Orton brought to the table. Fans certainly weren't up in arms when Grossman (!) come back healthy despite the record Orton had as a starter. It was just that obvious he had little to do with the record at the time. And, Jeff, I hope you're not going to further the point and say the Bears would be a better football team with Orton at the helm. You fell just short but if you connect the dots, you're right there on the edge of saying it. Please.....don't.....
Anyone still want to take umbrage with my assertion that Jay Cutler makes too many mistakes for the way the Bears like to play both offense and defense? Anyone still want to question my belief that Lovie Smith is just not a good NFL coach? Your QB is obviously struggling and over his head, getting little help from either his receivers or his line, you’ve got a fantastic, versatile RB in Matt Forte, and you keep throwing and throwing and throwing? When did Mike Martz become the Chicago offensive coordinator? That direct-snap punt snafu, and the ensuing challenge, are the stuff of fired coaches. Nobody in Chicago would digest even the slightest critique of their team all summer, and I have the emails to prove it after I picked them to go 9-7 and miss the playoffs because of a shaky defense (which looked good) and ignoring Cutler’s warts. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: nobody ever lets go of a franchise QB without good reason. The management in Denver might be in over their heads, but they’re not stupid--and they’re 1-0 thanks to Kyle Orton.
Cutler had all of 36 attempts compared to 31 rushes so I don't think passing 53.7% of the time is unreasonable especially given the Bears were down most of the game and Forte was barely getting more than 2 yds a carry. If anything the Bears were guilty of not passing more - specifically to Forte.
Jeff's points on the coaching staff overall are well taken - BOTH challenges were ill-advised but we all know the punt mishap was on Mannelly. And, Jeff, if you're going to rip Lovie a new one, you should probably give him credit for the hiring of Marinelli given how the line showed up and how the defense in general played given he's calling the defensive plays for the first time this year.
I'd argue vehemently against the last two lines. Nobody lets go of a franchise QB without a good reason? How about nobody lets go of a franchise QB, period? I don't think it's a stretch to call Denver's management stupid, either. They try to trade for Cassell then can't simply assure Cutler he won't be dealt after the deal falls through? They got backed into a corner and blinked and now they basically have to crap away their 2009 season with Neckbeard behind center. It's an entire lost season! I'd call that plain stupidity. A poor first game isn't going to change my thinking that we're much improved at the most important position on the field.
And the Broncos are 1-0 thanks to Kyle Orton ??? I can't imagine what you'd be saying, Jeff, had that lucky tip not occurred. I guess if you just look at the box score, it was a crisp 87-yd bomb in stride to a speeding Brandon Stokley for the win. The Broncos struggled all day to score points against the lowly Bengals and Orton was directly responsible for getting them out of field goal range late in the game. To say the Broncos won BECAUSE of Orton is really pushing the limits. As a fan that had to endure Orton as his starting QB I well know that rarely does his team win because of Orton, they win because they accept his limitations and try to win via field position, defense, special teams, and running the ball. You hope Orton doesn't turn it over and try to stick with your opponent and win it in the waning minutes of the game. Even in the Bears Superbowl season is was obvious we were winning despite what Orton brought to the table. Fans certainly weren't up in arms when Grossman (!) come back healthy despite the record Orton had as a starter. It was just that obvious he had little to do with the record at the time. And, Jeff, I hope you're not going to further the point and say the Bears would be a better football team with Orton at the helm. You fell just short but if you connect the dots, you're right there on the edge of saying it. Please.....don't.....
