Bernstein: Season's Storylines To Converge Sunday
Prominent aspects of this year's Bears discussion are winding together for Sunday afternoon's game against the Patriots at Soldier Field.
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Prominent aspects of this year's Bears discussion are winding together for Sunday afternoon's game against the Patriots at Soldier Field.
Jay Cutler has been improving week to week, and by the numbers has been playing some of the football of his career. But his offensive coordinator, Mike Martz, still sees room for improvement.
Consider it a week off for Lovie Smith's lucky horseshoe as the Bears welcome the New England Patriots to Soldier Field this coming Sunday.
The perception of the Chicago Bears changes week to week. One week their destined for the playoffs, the next they're doomed to get passed, by the Green Bay Packers. For the team, their only focus is on the next game.
Back in training camp it looked as if Major Wright had all the tools to become a starter on the Bears' defense this season. So for that hasn't happened, but he's been getting his chances. Could this week be the week he makes the jump?
For most of the season the Bears' defense has started games strong and limited the opponents' offense for the entire game. That wasn't the story against the Lions, but the Bears' defense was able to finish the game strong.
Ned Flanders had finally had enough. His house destroyed, his business in ruins, his bad fortune making a mockery of his boundless faith and optimism, he exploded on Springfield townsfolk after his last bit of self-control wore away.
Jay Cutler threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Brandon Manumaleuna one play after a questionable call midway through the fourth quarter, lifting the Chicago Bears to a 24-20 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday. LISTEN: GAME HIGHLIGHTS, LOVIE SMITH
The Detroit Lions have two wins this season. One of their many losses came against the Bears in week one. Despite that and a much more improved Bears team, Lion's receiver Nate Burleson has guaranteed a win.
There has been a change in the way that people are viewing the Bears after their four straight wins in the month of November. However, the Bears don't seem themselves any differently.
Remember all the worries about Urlacher's health during training camp? Just two weeks ago he broke Mike Singletary's career franchise record for tackles. Brian Urlacher is healthy and helping the Bears make their push for the playoffs. LISTEN: TOM THAYER AND JOSH LISS
The Bears are finally giving Jay Cutler some protection after changing up the rotation several times due to player performance and injuries. They finally have the right mix.
Obviously the Bears are better than most thought they would be entering the 2010 season but are they good enough to win the Super Bowl?
How deeply twisted do you have to be to continue to root against the Bears, in your hopes that the Lovie Smith regime is ushered out?
Coming out of the bye week, the Bears' focus was on improving each week. In the four games since they have done just that, and picked up a win each week.
It's amazing what a few wins will do for a coach in the NFL. Before the season started there were some people who were counting down the days until Lovie was fired. Now, however, he might be making an argument for NFL Coach of the Year.
We are not even through two seasons since Jay Cutler became a Bear, and it already feels like a long story: spectacular touchdowns undermined by inexcusable interceptions, petulant shoulder shrugs interpreted for greater meaning, and club-hopping with quasi-famous TV arm-candy.
Bears take down the Philadelphia Eagles thanks to a swarming defense and an explosive offense. LISTEN: HIGHLIGHTS - LOVIE SMITH
There are still some people who doubt whether or not the Bears are a legitimate playoff team. A win against the Philadelphia Eagles could turn those people into believers.
The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint. And according to head coach Lovie Smith, the Bears are starting to get in stride, but still haven't peaked.
Not too long ago, Lovie Smith seemed primed to be forced out of Chicago. Now, that doesn't seem as likely.
Michael Vick's athletic ability might give some defensive coordinators and opposing head coaches nightmares. But Lovie Smith feels that his defense is set up to stop players like Vick.
Earlier in the week Lovie Smith said that he wouldn't change his defense to account for Michael Vick. Bears analyst Tom Thayer believes that Smith won't, and knows how the Bears can shut Vick down.
The Bears' wins this season haven't necessarily come against the best competition that the league has to offer. However, a win against the Eagles would grab the attention form the rest of the NFL.
