7 1/2 hours. But I need to shower, shop, drive and all, so I could use a little more time. I don't know if I'll actually watch much of the game, but at least my buds will be there and I'll get paid for my fantasy season. (though 3rd place won't leave me in gloating position)

Might as well enjoy this, because for months only March Madness and 24 will be something to look forward to.

The bleakness of baseball season. Oh, the pain...

Thanks.

Just why I like the bears. That and my guys.

Only four hours to go. The hype is almost enough to get me to believe the beer commercials and go get a 6-pack. This better be a good game.

The TV is off.

Have Eddie Money playing.

Pregame in another hour. I guess it's time to think about a workout and lunch. Good luck.

Hester scores on the kickoff!!


Lots of fumbles. I hate this kind of game.

Pity it's so wet down in Miami.

Ah geez, sorry Bears fans.

...there's still time, I think.

Hey bee,

Better tell davis he and grossman better stay away from sharp objects.........

It was a hell of a season. Our D was great. But they very tired by the end of the game. Grossman had a couple of opportunities to make something happen but the ball was very short. But even Manning wasn't throwing long passes. Wet and slippery. Grossman needs another year or two to get experience.

But I'm not too bummed. It was a great year.

they did have a great year, I dont think Grossman is the guy. I think if they had a better quarterback and a big receiver they can be the cream of the crop of the NFC.

Grossman is too volatile I dont think he will last.

Da Bears are da bomb of the NFC, that's something, for sure.

Bad game plan for the weather. If they had kept going up the middle they could have kept on the offensive and worn down the Colts D.

Grossman is young, give him time. The average qb takes 5 years to mature, and he was hurt for a couple. Manning didn't even get to a Super Bowl that young. Choked in the playoffs. (or so they say)






The first time I've went for an NFC team since the Vikings. The AFC is clearly dominant. SB or Pro Bowl.

I dunno AV.

I think Rex Grossman out to be on the lookout for a dozen red roses delivered to his door from Peyton Manning with a note reading - "Thanks for all the help, couldn't have done it witout you."

He kept trying to make something out of nothing and threw way too many up-for-grabs. Ball's wet and all that, but I think he kept flashing back to to his TD pass (into triple coverage) and figured he could keep that up. Can't explain it by fumbles - both sides lost the handle repeatedly.

Not a good game on his part, and he just kept playing it that way. Offensive coordinator should have adapted and re-directed his thinking (maybe he tried but Grossman wasn't up to it, dunno), but his play on the field just said to me he was locked in on - "It's just gotta work this time!"

I really, really wanted the Bears to win - just don't like Baltimore. Good on 'em for getting into the show. Bad on 'em they never adapted to the operational conditions.

And to make matters worse - even the commercials sucked this year - best I saw was the Blockbuster "Mouse" commercial - and it wasn't new.

Indianapolis Colts.


Grossman fell apart. But he is young. Inexperienced.

Grossman for forced into the position of throwing by the gameplan. No QB calls his own plays anymore, and most better have a good reason for calling an audible. Granted, he threw into coverage, but that's because it was the play called and pretty much all that was available outside of throwing the ball away, which he didn't have much time to do from a straight dropback.

Manning on the other hand threw mostly when he wanted too. The running game was working and the defense couldn't play pass alone.

In the rain a good run up the middle will bust one as well as anything, and the Bears never got that going, despite having two great RBs. Grossman is way too young to be expected to win the game with the pass alone. Why they called the plays they did is beyond me. Even with good footing and ball handling running sweeps and throwing fly patterns is tricky. In the rain the RBs can't make the cut upfield, and the WRs weren't getting any sort of fake. Seemed like they were just running straight upfield.

I'm sure Rex learned a lot from the pressure. Manning sure got his chances before this year. I think it would be a shame to shake up a team that got that far by putting the loss all on the QB.

The loss of Benson was key too. He and Thomas had a great one two punch that was hard to contain.

Grossman didn't have a lot of time to throw and Manning did. He's faster too. The sheer number of plays that Manning had ... if you put the ball in his hands enough times he's going to score. Most quarterbacks in that position would.

Like you say, Rex needs a couple of years. Hopefully our D will be as good then.

Our D was exhausted. It was a looooong day. 3 and out. 3 and out. 3 and out. Up to the interception for the touchdown Colts got no points from turnovers. It was a miracle they didn't score 60 points total.

They didn't lose Benson until later. They should have been one two punching with those RBs from the start. It would have quickened the clock, tired the Colts D, gotten momentum, and they STARTED with a 7 point lead.

They practically gave it back by allowing the game to go so long with so many passing plays.

I wonder if anyone went to work today? I feel hungover and didn't even drink anything.

Check's in the mail.

Grossman sucked. A triple threat, stumble, fumble and fall. The ball was slippery and wet for Manning and his recievers too.

yep.

Not much left for this thread.





Brees leaves Pro Bowl with elbow injury


HONOLULU (Feb. 10, 2007) -- New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees dislocated his left elbow in the first quarter of the Pro Bowl.

Brees, who throws right-handed, didn't break any bones.

Brees made the All-Pro team while leading the resurgent Saints to the NFC championship game, but was injured while throwing a fourth-down incompletion on the NFC's second drive at the NFL all-star game. The NFC starter went 2-of-7 for 23 yards in the scoreless first quarter.

Brees, who passed for 4,418 yards and 26 touchdowns this season to earn his second trip to the Pro Bowl, didn't return to the game -- but coach Sean Payton wasn't likely to play his New Orleans star much beyond the opening quarter, anyway.

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/NO/9988709

AFC wins the SB and pro bowl yet again.

I don't even watch the pro bowl. It's pretty meaningless to me.

the only people that care are the ones that get a free trip.

At their pay level? I guess. The risk of injury in a meaningless game is too much.

Families, kickers, punters, linemen probably like the deal. RBs, QBs probably hate it.

I hope we don't lose this guy. But stepping into the head coach job with the Chargers would be a hell of an opportunity.


Rivera to interview for Chargers' head-coaching job
By Larry Mayer



LAKE FOREST, Ill. – When the Cowboys filled the NFL’s final head-coaching vacancy by hiring Wade Phillips last Thursday, it appeared that Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera would have to wait at least one more year to vie for a top job.


Ron Rivera has already interviewed for five NFL head-coaching jobs since the end of the regular season.

But another opportunity has suddenly emerged.

The San Diego Chargers, who unexpectedly fired Marty Schottenheimer Monday night after a 14-2 season, have requested and received permission from the Bears to interview Rivera.

The Chargers will be the sixth NFL team to speak with Rivera about a head-coaching position since the end of the regular season. He interviewed with the Cowboys last week after previously meeting with the Cardinals, Dolphins, Falcons and Steelers during the week leading up to the wildcard round of the playoffs.

Rivera was prohibited from speaking to any teams from Jan. 6 until the Bears completed the playoffs, which hurt his chances to land a top job.

In three seasons on Lovie Smith’s staff, Rivera has guided one of the NFL’s top defenses. The unit scored a franchise-record and NFC-high six TDs in 2004, led the NFL in points allowed and ranked second in total yards in 2005 and topped the league with 44 takeaways in 2006.

A Bears linebacker for nine seasons from 1984-92, Rivera returned to the team in 2004 after spending the previous five years as linebackers coach under Andy Reid with the Eagles. Rivera began his coaching career as a defensive quality control assistant with the Bears under Dave Wannstedt in 1997-98.

Rivera’s contract with the Bears expires later this month.


http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=3062

Some chump on CBS Sportsline was all over me for saying Marty lost their playoff game with bad clock management and playcalling at the end. Just happened to be the day they fired him.

I did a little gloating that day.

Rivera's a stud. A friend of mine tore up his knee and I used to to play a really accurate Sports Illustrated NFL game with him to pass the time. Used the Bears and a two tight end set with Rivera clogging the middle on D. Never lost a game.

They were much like they are now back then. Cept they had McMahon.

Chargers hiring Norv Turner

P

A

T

H

E

T

I

C

As a Raider fan I highly approve.

Marty did screw up your playoffs though.

I suppose that means we get Rivera for another year.

Your SB playcalling is suspect too. Still, at least you got there. Marty didn't make it past the playoffs.

The miserable performance had nothing to do with our D. No one can expect a defense to stay on the field for most of the game and still produce.


However, our offensive plays sure did leave something to be desired. Especially after Benson was taken out. Our 1-2 punch turned into a 1.

A 1 they didn't use much. Jones is supposedly the better runner.

I miss the old days when the fullback was a viable option. Quick hitters, move the pile, tire the D.

back when defensive linemen didn't hit 400 lbs.

O linemen aren't exactly petite neither. Today's linebackers could have played line a couple decades ago. Watched an old SB the other day and the guys looked downright skinny.

Smaller linemen should take aikido, it appears.

Rivera rejected, then Lovie dumps him
After head coaching flirtations fizzle, defensive coordinator told not to return

February 20, 2007
BY BRAD BIGGS Staff Reporter

Ron Rivera didn't know if he was going to get the San Diego Chargers' head coaching job.

He hoped there was a chance he would have a job to go back to if he didn't.

)

That proved not to be the case as the Chargers chose Norv Turner on Monday and the Bears told Rivera his services as defensive coordinator no longer were desired. No matter how you dress it up, it was a firing, and in an ironic twist, Rivera -- the popular former Bears linebacker who interviewed for six head coaching positions in the last two months -- went unemployed for only a couple of hours, signing a contract Monday night to join Turner's staff in San Diego.

The Bears will promote linebackers coach Bob Babich to defensive coordinator in Rivera's place.

''Emotionally, I'm disappointed in not getting the opportunity to come back,'' Rivera said. ''How many people can say they have been cut by the same team three times? I was drafted, I started my coaching here and now I'm a coordinator, and all three times I've been let go. It's just time to move on again, so I will move on and I will prosper.''

As general manager Jerry Angelo told the Sun-Times on Friday, the decision rested solely with coach Lovie Smith, and he opted for a change two weeks after the Bears lost Super Bowl XLI. The Bears' defense ranked third in points allowed and fifth in yardage this past season. In 2005, they were first and second, respectively.

''It's just a fit that we have and right now the direction I would like to go and the direction that Ron would like to go,'' Smith said. ''We're going in two different directions.''

Smith and Babich have a relationship that goes back more than two decades to their days as assistant coaches at Tulsa, where they both played. Babich was Smith's first hire when he got the Bears job in 2004, and some believed his promotion was only a matter of time.

Rivera was not Smith's first choice as defensive coordinator, either. Smith wanted to hire then-Tampa Bay line coach Rod Marinelli, but the Buccaneers blocked the move.

Players reached Monday chose not to comment publicly on the decision because they like both Rivera and Babich.

Smith was asked point blank how this move makes the Bears' coaching staff better in 2007.

''You should trust me as the head football coach to put us in the best position to win games,'' he replied. ''It's as simple as that. I feel comfortable that we'll have an outstanding staff next year and put ourselves in a good position to win.''

It's a staff that will look different, though. The Bears still must hire a replacement for defensive line coach Don Johnson -- the interview process has begun -- and then there is the matter of replacing Babich.

In the sense that so few jobs were available, the timing was bad for Rivera. Just after the Super Bowl, Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress was seeking a defensive coordinator, and he worked with Rivera in Philadelphia. However, word that Rivera would not be coming back to the Bears could have affected his candidacy for the Chargers' and Dallas Cowboys' head coaching jobs.

It's not like delaying the process hurt the Bears, with Babich being promoted from within.

''No matter what,'' Rivera said, ''you can't take away the fact that this has been a great ride for me. Please, let's don't make more than it really has been. I do know that it has been tremendous.''

While the move to San Diego as linebackers coach could set back Rivera's bid to become a head coach at first, in the long run it might enhance his resume. It will give him experience with a 3-4 defense, and he could get a title that includes assistant head coach.

Money was not a factor in the Bears' decision; Rivera was never welcome back at any price. But it remains the only obstacle to the Bears finalizing an extension for Smith that president Ted Phillips said was coming two months ago. The sides are believed to remain far apart, and unless hasty negotiations commence, it's a topic that will dominate the scouting combine later this week.

''I have made it known I would like to be the head coach for the Chicago Bears forever,'' Smith said. ''And I know we'll get that done.''

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/be...-bear20.article

I guess the defense wasn't quite good enough.

Bears cut Tank Johnson amid new trouble
'We are upset and embarrassed by Tank’s actions last week,' team says



Updated: 1 hour, 7 minutes ago

LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Tank Johnson was released Monday by the Chicago Bears, who are “embarrassed” by the defensive tackle’s legal troubles and say he “compromised the credibility” of the team.

Johnson was waived three days after he was pulled over by police in Arizona. He already had been suspended for the first eight games of the 2007 season for violating probation on a gun charge. He spent two months in jail and was released in May.

“We are upset and embarrassed by Tank’s actions last week,” general manager Jerry Angelo said in a statement. “He compromised the credibility of our organization. We made it clear to him that he had no room for error. Our goal was to help someone through a difficult period in his life, but the effort needs to come from both sides. It didn’t, and we have decided to move on.”


Police in the Phoenix suburb of Gilbert said Johnson was stopped for driving 40 mph in a 25 mph zone at 3:30 a.m. Friday and the officer made observations that led him to believe Johnson was impaired.

Sgt. Andrew Duncan, a police spokesman, said Johnson was arrested for “DUI Impaired to the Slightest Degree” but was released without being booked or charged.

Duncan said Johnson was taken to the Gilbert police station, where officials drew blood for a blood-alcohol content test before his release. He described Johnson as “very cooperative.”

Test results aren’t expected for up to two weeks, and they would be sent to Gilbert town prosecutors for consideration of any charges.

Johnson had called his suspension an “opportunity for me to move forward.” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell had said the suspension could be reduced to six games if Johnson had no further involvement with law enforcement and underwent counseling.

“A lot of people within our organization gave extra time and energy to support Tank: players, coaches and our front office,” Bears coach Lovie Smith said in a statement. “We did our best to establish an environment for him to move forward. Ultimately, Tank needed to live up to his side of the deal.”

Last December, police raided the 300-pound defensive tackle’s suburban Chicago home and found six unregistered firearms — a violation of his probation on an earlier gun charge.

That charge stemmed from Johnson’s 2005 arrest after a Chicago nightclub valet reported seeing Johnson with a handgun in his SUV. He subsequently pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge.



Two days after last December’s raid, Willie B. Posey, Johnson’s bodyguard, was shot and killed in an early morning fight while he and Johnson were at a Chicago nightclub.

Johnson was suspended by the Bears for one game for being at the club. He played in the Super Bowl as the Bears lost to Indianapolis.

In March, Johnson began his two-month jail stint and during his time he was visited by numerous teammates and members of the Bears staff.

Last month, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor weapons charge stemming from the December raid as part of a deal with prosecutors that kept him from serving more time in jail. He was ordered to serve 45 days, which he served concurrently with the sentence for violating his probation.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19418720/












Dolphins' Evans arrested on Miami Beach


Posted: June 23, 2007

Associated Press

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Fred Evans was arrested early Saturday after he refused to leave a taxi on South Beach and then fought with officers, police said.

Police twice used a Taser gun on Evans, according to the arrest report, in attempts to subdue the 6-foot-4, 305-pound player who appeared in one game as a rookie last season with the Dolphins. Officers said they asked Evans to leave the taxi and, after he refused, they attempted to put him in handcuffs. He allegedly resisted, leading to the scuffle.

Evans was charged with multiple counts of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting with violence, along with single counts of disorderly intoxication and trespassing. One officer was allegedly bitten on the wrist and a female officer sustained scrapes on her left knee, police said.

Dolphins coach Cam Cameron, in a brief statement, said the team was aware of Evans' arrest.

"We will not condone this type of behavior," Cameron said. "I assure everyone it will be dealt with seriously."

Evans' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, didn't immediately return a call seeking comment.


http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=226787

The new commish is likely to make him yet another example. You think these guys would learn from Pacman and Vick. There's a new sheriff in town, and a hanging judge too.

NO doubt all these guys are republicans............

I bet a lot of players are too, after they get a few big tax bills.

Damn it AV is it football season yet? Im ready for more Raider butt whoopins by the chargers!

Not soon enough. I was discussing the NFL elsewhere earlier. We were hoping the new Commish might mean fair refs and schedules, but the Raiders have already been penalized a week of practice and have the second hardest schedule in the NFL, despite last years record. The fix is still in, but that's why I've been a Raiders fan. Five SB appearances and three wins even with the NFL on their ass. I can only imagine where they'd be in a fair league.

This is Steven Jackson's year to overtake Tomlinson. I can't wait for opening day. Rams play the Chargers in August. Raiders the next week. We'll all have our chances to brag or whine.

You ever read those old books by madden? Talking about Al Davis? I read one by the old charger owner. How in the 60's al davis would get in fights with other owners in the hotel bathrooms at the league meetings.

Funniy stuff.

Al Davis is a crack up! Seen Fred Biletnikoff or Kenny stabler lately? Saw them on some ESPN show couldnt believe how old they looked.

Drinking and smoking will do that to ya. Kenny looked old when he was still playing.

thats for sure
You a rams fan SRX?