....where we're cautiously excited to be at the game on Sunday.

ChicagoBears.com

Israel Idonije was chosen as the Bears' winner of the Ed Block Courage Award.

The Bears' D is preparing for Brett Favre.

The Vikings present a problem. Ya think?

Chicago Sun-Times

The Vikings-Bears injury report.

Roberto Garza returned to practice yesterday.

Dan McNeil: Lovie, some time off will be good for you.

Chicago Tribune

The D wants to show Bernard Berrian wrong.

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WCG'ers,

I wanted to pen a quick thank-you for your effort, thought, and camaraderie over the past year and a half. This site has blossomed since I joined, and much of that is due to you.

Am I completely leaving WCG? No. I could never do that. I’ll be hanging around on the game threads, and I’ll continue at WCG as a contributing writer. Think of me as WCG’s version of Rick Morrissey :). For those of you who were around during the spring/early summer, I’ll be re-starting my weekly column. And, if y’all would rather talk off the blog, my email is on my profile.

Quick thank-you’s go out to:

- Adam: Thanks for letting me blog for the site – it’s been a great experience and I’ve loved my time on here. You’ve been fun as hell to work with….see ya on Gtalk.

- Wiltfongjr: Your knowledge of the game is superb, and I’m looking forward to following your columns to continue learning about the game.

- SackMan: Writer of the best damn game previews on SB Nation. Thanks for all of the intelligent conversations throughout.

- To the members: I know I was an insufferable SOB at times, but y’all really are great. Allie, chad, GallopingGhost, Ditka, smudgers, and propheteer are just a few off the top of my head, and I know I’m forgetting many, many more. Thanks for making this fun.

Thanks for everything, and Bear Down.

ChiFan13

This is something that's been on my mind for a while.

Usually, I collect Den articles throughout the day. This morning, I was checking my usual sources when I ran across this article from Rick Telander in the Chicago Sun-Times. The title? "Word of caution for Cutler: Don't make media your enemy." Essentially, Telander rips Cutler for him, Lovie, and Angelo not talking to NBC prior to their Sunday night game. Instead of finding out first-hand why they aren't talking to the media giant, Telander places all the blame on Cutler.

I don't blame Cutler for not talking to NBC. Not in the damn least. If you read Cutler's comments from yesterday, he innocuously said that he'd like to see more of Devin Aromashodu. There was nothing in his tone that made it sound like he was angry with anyone that DA hasn't been on the field. Then, the Chicago Tribune posted a story (it's in today's Den). The title? "Cutler makes a big pitch for Aromashodu." No, he didn't. He said he'd like to see more of him; he didn't make some big pitch.

Continue reading this post »

....where we damn near choked on our dinner when we heard Lovie say that the Bears are still a running team.

Jerry Angelo's weekly Q&A. 

Cutler is working to reduce interceptions in the red zone.

Chicago Sun-Times

Neil Hayes: We deserve better than this. 

Mike Mulligan: Hey Bears, running is passe.

Dan Cahill: Is there one positive thing to say about these Bears?

The Bears turned to Omiyale at a key point in the SF game.

Simms and Fencik weigh in on Cutler's struggles.

Andy Reid believes that Dave Toub is cut out to be a head coach.

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....where we can't see at night and we move too much during press conferences.

The Bears Network won four Emmy Awards. Huzzah!

Tommie Harris wants to help the Bears win for Lovie Smith. 

Chicago Sun-Times

Tommie Harris: The Bears have no room for error. 

Ten thoughts on the Bears.

A Steelers fan claims a Bears fan drugged his drank and now he's blind because of it.

Chicago Tribune

Devin Hester is focusing on getting back in the groove. 

Steve Rosenbloom: Grossman's dad was right.

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Usually, the NightLink is a pretty serious topic among us writers; we want to make sure that we have good Bears information up here. Never fear, WCG'ers, I'm here to break up the monotony.

1st order of business: New changes to WCG

As of around 4 PM today, Dane nominated me as the Official WCG Body Language Coach. If anyone has any qualms with any Bears players, coaches, or front-office managers, please let me know and I'll give 'em a call and coach em up. With fire and passion.

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....where the Chicago MSM are really starting to make my ass weary.

The Bears are still confident despite their recent losses. They shouldn't be, Larry. 

ChicagoNow

Adewale Ogunleye blogeth! He breaks down the loss last Thursday.

Chicago Sun-Times

Offensive penalties are killing the Bears.

Cutler's nightmarish game isn't as bad as it looked - take a look at this article. 

Mark Potash: The Bears' problems are bigger than Cutler.

Brian Westbrook's status for Sunday's game is uncertain.

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....where we're still laughing about the Broncos losing to the Redskins.

The offense is focused on eliminating errors. Thanks, Larry.

The Bears are beginning to prepare for the Eagles. Thanks, Larry. 

Chicago Sun-Times

The Vikings can clinch the North in two weeks. 

Brad Biggs: Lovie needs to lose patience with the offense.

Chicago Tribune

David Haugh: Jay Cutler needs to show restraint and be less cocky. Meatball Fever is running rampant. 

Dan Pompei: Cutler is jittery, and it's easy to see why.

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....where our cleverness, like the Bears playoffs hopes, have gone far, far away

670 The Score

Jay Cutler was reckless in an ugly defeat. 

ChicagoBears.com

Interceptions mount for Cutler.

Cutler's five picks doomed the Bears. 

Chicago Sun Times

Bears can't figure out what's wrong.

Penalties starting to haunt Bears.  

Mike Mulligan: The Bears need a pyschiatrist.

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Here are my quick thoughts on the game:

1) I know Cutler threw five picks and I'm not making excuses for him. Realistically, a few of them aren't his fault.

2) The University of Northern Iowa (where I currently go) has a better OL than the Chicago Bears. Good God, I'm sick of them.

3) Tommie, kudos for showing up yesterday. Keep that effort up.

4) Our defense also showed up. Against a crappy QB. So congrats, D.

5) Only positive thing about this game: We had five turnovers and still held them to 10 points. Again, see point #4.

6) I'm really glad that I'm going to be out and about in Chicago and not on WCG today listening to everyone call for someone's head.

7) I'm also going to the Bulls game tomorrow. I'm hoping I'll be lucky enough to watch one Chicago team have a good game.

Anyways, let's go.

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....where we're hoping all pants stay on during tonight's game.

ChicagoBears.com

Vernon Davis ripped the Bears' D. Day late and a dollar short, Larry.

Jerry Angelo's weekly Q&A with PR spinmaster Larry Mayer. 

Chicago Now

Adewale Ogunleye wants us all to play a game of Jeopardy. Don't miss this article.

Chicago Sun-Times

The 49ers could have had Lance Briggs. 

Chicago Tribune

Mike Singletary brings a lot of intensity to the 49ers.

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....where Thursday night could get ugly.

Could a different mindset help the defense?

The Bears are confident they can still save the season.

Mike Singletary is set to face the Bears for the first time as HC.

Chicago Sun-Times

Mark Potash: How about Ron Rivera for HC of the Bears? Shut up, Mark, and stop being a meatball.

Lovie is accepting blame.

Vernon Davis is talkin smack about the defense. And he's absolutely right - I'm starting him on my fantasy team over Olsen.

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....WHERE WE NEED LARRY JOHNSON OMG!

670 The Score

The post-game writeup from Laurence Holmes.

The saga of Tommie Harris. 

ChicagoBears.com

The post-game writeup from Larry. 

The lopsided loss spoiled Olsen's career game.

Alex Brown only blames the players for the loss.

Tommie Harris is sorry for throwing a punch.

Jump....

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I'm heading into Chicago on Thursday afternoon for a conference. I'm staying at the Silversmith Hotel, but who wants to watch the game in a hotel room?

Help me out and direct me to your favorite place to watch the game. I figured I may as well go out and watch it with fellow Bears fans.

We have some injury news for y'all:

- Garrett Wolfe is hospitalized with a lacerated kidney. He'll be fine, but unfortunately, he's out two to four weeks. 

- Al Afalava re-injured the shoulder he injured during training camp. He's getting an MRI today.

- Charles Tillman also re-injured the shoulder that he's had two surgeries on in four years. However, he has been cleared for the 49ers game.

We'll continue updating this throughout the day. Make sure to let us know of any updates!

UPDATE:  In his press conference today, Lovie Smith said that Tillman would be good to go this week, but was pretty vague about Kevin Payne (back) and Al Afalava (shoulder).  With Lovie not saying much now, it is likely that we won't know anything until Wednesday or Thursday.

UPDATE:  Al Afalava's injury is not as serious as first reported, and we'll find out if he'll play tomorrow.

I returned from northern Minnesota today after an unsuccessful deer opener, and I got to my girlfriend's house around 12.30. I was checking on the game through my iPhone and texts from friends. I went inside and realized that the Bears weren't playing on any of the Minneapolis Fox affiliates. In all honesty, I think that was good. I talked with my mom and my dad to see what had happened. They both said was that Olsen and Hester were ok, Cutler did pretty well, but the OL and DL were awful. Judging from what's going on here, I'd have to say that their assessment was pretty solid.

First, I'm going to talk about Tommie Harris, a thought on Lovie Smith, and finish up with the quotes. Follow me inside.

Continue reading this post »

....where we just got back from a wedding and need to get up early tomorrow AM for MN deer season opener - therefore, we're going to bed and you can come up with your own damn one-liner. 

ChicagoBears.com

Lovie Smith is still friends with Kurt Warner. Thanks, Larry!

The official injury report for the Bears and Cardinals.

Chicago Sun-Times

The Bears are forced to play solitaire. Or football. 

Olin Kreutz's rallying cry versus the Cardinals in 2006 still resonate with the current Bears.

Mark Potash details the Bears - Cardinals winner plus his best bet.

Chicago Tribune

Garrett Wolfe on the Bears' running game: "You just have to stick with it." 

Continue reading this post »

....where we saw him reach for his groin and hold it, and, uh, whatever you do with a groin....rub it, that's what we think we witnessed.

Cardinals have been red-hot on the road this season.

The Bears are gearing up to face a potent offense. 

Chicago Sun-Times

Dah Mah Nah: An ugly victory and a homely future for the Bears.

Neil Hayes: Ron Turner's job is on the line if the Bears can't figure it out. 

Brad Biggs: Pare down isn't the Bears' fight song. Ha, ha.

Chicago Tribune

For a running team, the Bears sure are passing a lot.

Jay Cutler discusses his diabetes in webisode form.

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....where we're not going to simplify our stories.

Jerry Angelo has his weekly Q&A with Larry Mayer. 

Cutler is pleased with the performance of his WR's.

The Bears aren't going to scale back their offense.

Chicago Sun-Times

Four Down Territory: Will Anquan Boldin play? 

Mike Mulligan: Will the real Bears' D stand up?

Brad Biggs dips into his mailbag: Where's D.A.?

Devin Hester vows to play on Sunday.

More after the jump.....

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....where Carol Slezak needs to be blasted from this planet ASAP.

The Beas excelled with the switch at linebacker. 

Greg Olsen is excited to host his charity country music show.

ChicagoNow

Adewale Ogunleye blogeth! Don't miss this one - pretty entertaining.

Chicago Sun-Times

The Bears dread the red zone. 

Mark Potash: Bears fans and media have lost faith in Lovie Smith.

Carol Slezak waxes stupid on the Bears.

Jump with me....

Continue reading this post »

Dan Pompei does an excellent job breaking down the Bears' offense. There is absolutely no reason not to read this article - it's the best breakdown I've seen in a while.

Follow me inside for more....

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....where we only have a few stories.

670 The Score

The Bears won on Sunday, and that's all we should take from it. 

ChicagoBears.com

The defense led the Bears to victory. Thanks, Larry! 

The Bears will able to contain Joshua Cribbs in the return game.

Tillman and Manning did an excellent job on Sunday.

Chicago Sun-Times

10 thoughts and then some from the game.

Neil Hayes: It really wasn't a telling win for the Bears.

JUMP!

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I really don't know what to make of this game....there were some positive things and some lingering questions that we can take from this game.

I'll run through the 5 things I know:

1) Matt Forte is still not right

I'm going to stress this early: It's not all of his fault. Our OL is abysmal.

At the same time, some of it is his fault. I don't know why but he's developed "Ceddy feet" - Benson used to always shuffle, hesitate, and hit the hole. Unfortunately, Forte has found that habit to be quite delightful. He needs to change that ASAP.

2) Jay Cutler will still have to lead this team

Whether we go 13-3 or 4-12, this is Jay's team. He didn't have the best performance today, but it was good enough. I was impressed with him throwing a few balls away - that's something I haven't seen him do in quite a while.

Also, he's a tough SOB. Having a 350 lbs angry man land on you can't feel good, but he hopped up and was ready to roll.

And I do like his moxie. I like having our QB yelling at the other team's DC. Go ahead and think about past Bears QB's who would have done the same AND have his play back it up. I'm coming up with a grand total of none.

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Since we all know trolling is a no-no, here's the spot to keep chatting about today's late games. Whether that topic is Denver losing (ha ha ha) or the Vikings - Packers, that's your call!

....where we're bringing back the Weekend Den!

670 The Score

Laurence Holmes previews the Bears - Browns game and gives a prediction. 

ChicagoBears.com

Here's the official injury report for both teams. 

Chicago Sun-Times

Mark Potash details the Vikings - Packers game. Why? I have no idea. 

Chicago Tribune

Adewale Ogunleye is confident the D will get back on track versus the Browns. 

Teams are actively scheming against Greg Olsen. Never woulda thought...

Jump around....

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No major news reported about the Bears, the Chicago mainstream media reports. 

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....WHERE WE'RE NOT GOING TO TALK ABOUT F****** ANYTHING PERSONNEL-WISE!

ChicagoBears.com

Jerry Angelo offers his take on the Cincy game and Tommie Harris. 

Jay Cutler and the Bears are looking to rebound.

Israel Idonije's pro career began in Cleveland.

Chicago Breaking Sports

Per a league source, Hunter Hillenmeyer will start at MLB this week.

Chicago Now

Bears as Simpsons characters. Humorous if nothing else.

Chicago Sun-Times

Jerry Angelo hints at possible change, while Lovie is just exasperated.

Bears won't say if a change will occur on the OL.

Tommie Harris is practicing and Adewale Ogunleye sidelined. 

Jump forth, young ones....

Continue reading this post »

....where we just got paid, so consider this our last Bears Den.

ChicagoBears.com

Nathan Vasher contributed at free safety for the Cincy game. Thanks, Larry.

The Bears players are giving back to the community.

Bears players are also getting ready to host charitable functions.

Chicago Sun-Times

Tommie Harris needs to practice. End o' article. 

10 Thoughts: Is Lovie on the hot seat? And more...

The NFL opened Pro Bowl voting.

Chicago Tribune

The Bears are going to hold a halftime tribute to Walter Payton on Sunday.

Jumperoo....

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....where we don't know why we didn't blog on Saturday. Ask WCG.

670 The Score

The Bears lost in incredible fashion; Laurence Holmes breaks it down. 

ChicagoBears.com

Ced Ben had a career game versus the Bears. Thanks, Larry.

The Bears are searching for answers. Thanks, Larry.

Charles Tillman is on his way to Washington, DC.

The Bears sucked from start to finish. Thanks, Larry. 

Continue reading this post »

This installation of the Quotables is a little different from the standard. I'm tossing in a few quotes at the end, but I'm going to use the majority of this space to go on a few rants.

#1: Ron Turner deserves some blame

Key word here is some. Ron's play calling has been good at times, bad at others. We all know this. However, I don't want to continually read this week that "Ron Turner deserves to be fired because he sucks." Blanket statements such as that don't prove anything.

Does he deserve blame for continually trying to run the ball when it's obvious that either Forte is still nursing an injury and/or our OL sucks? Yeah, somewhat. But he's also dialed up some good plays. Take the good with the bad.

And, just for good measure, think about 2008. We had a crappy offense all the way around, and yet we still were close to making the playoffs. Ron Turner was fantastic last year.

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