Showing posts with label Chicago Bears. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chicago Bears. Show all posts

Monday, December 12, 2011

Keep the Faith! Tebow Strikes Again!

Check it out - "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

Believe in your faith. Tim Tebow's religious beliefs guide his life on and off of football fields. He's been criticized heavily for public displays of deep devotion. Tebow's detractors openly and often criticize his throwing ability as much as Tebowing. Guess what? Denver Broncos starting quarterback Tim Tebow is now 7-1. The 7th victory was another thrilling late game come from behind victory - 4th in a row.

Yesterday's game caught most by surprise - again. Denver's offense wasn't clicking at all before the final three minutes in regulation during Sunday's overtime 13-10 victory against Chicago. The Bears defense shadowed Tebow all game long. Denver receivers dropped passes at key moments throughout. Eight consecutive Broncos drives ended in 5 plays or less until the hurry up offense went into effect.

Trailing 10-0, with just over 4 minutes remaining, Tebow went to work guiding Denver 7 plays for 63 yards culminated by a 10 yard strike to Demaryius Thomas with 2:08 to go. Denver nearly recovered a perfect onside kick almost (2 players collided, Chicago recovered). All the Bears had to do was run the ball and keep the clock moving to secure victory. This would have left approximately 13-15 seconds in regulation. Denver used up all of their timeouts leaving no way to stop the game clock. Trailing 10-7, Denver's 5 game win streak was coming to an end.
"If you believe," Tebow said, "then unbelievable things can sometimes be possible."
On Chicago's first play (2nd down) after the 2:00 minute warning Bears running back Marion Barber bounced a left tackle run to the outside - way outside - and was inexplicably knocked out of bounds stopping the clock at 1:55. All Barber had to do was fall down in bounds. Forty precious seconds would have ticked off the clock. Instead the clock froze at 1:55 with 3rd down on the way.

Television viewers, Broncos fans and anyone within ear shot knew this game was about to change. Change it did. After Chicago punted Tebow had 53 seconds left from his own 20 yard line in regulation to perform another football miracle. One quick strike after another set up a long shot field goal attempt for the tie. Broncos kicker Matt Prater blasted a Denver record 59 yard field goal in front of 76,487 delirious home town fans. Most of America was stunned at the sudden turn of events. 10-10 and headed to overtime.

Chicago won the coin toss and quickly drove down the field. A new sense of determination coming from Chicago coaches who were overly cautious during the 4th quarter. Chicago neared field goal position. On 3rd and 7 from the Denver 38 Barber ran towards a gaping hole. At first quick glance it seemed as though if Barber exploded through the hole he was going for a massive gain - or perhaps and touchdown. Barber hit the hole hard as did Broncos LB Wesley Woodyard. Barber was gone if he was able to avoid the ball jarring hit - FUMBLE! Broncos recover... Tebow time!

Watching events in this game at the end of regulation and overtime was surreal (in football sense). Tebow got the ball back. Seconds earlier most thought Chicago was about to line up for a game winning overtime field goal attempt. This is minutes after most thought Chicago was going to win in regulation. I'd like to read a stat of how many fans switched channels with the score 10-7 at the 2:00 minute warning. Bears fans had to return in stunned disbelief... while Denver fans returned to stunned exuberance.

Now here we are in overtime. Regulation goat Marion Barber became game goat Marion Barber after a devastating overtime fumble. Tebow and the Broncos went to work from his own 34. 8 plays later Denver was set up for a 51 yard field goal attempt... there was never any doubt. Prater nailed a 51 yard game winning kick at the 8:34 mark.

Tebow's antics, game play, come from behind victories, and now division leader (Denver 8-5) has probably been the most discussed in 2011 NFL action. Fans love him for many reasons. Reason #1 is winning. What I'll never understand is players & media attacking his faith. Why? Tebow is a devout faith believer. Good for him. It's his choice and should be respected. Tebow lives his life by a code - faith in his religion. Tebow is of strong moral character. A 5 tool competitor who plays football with belief in his ability, determination, guts, strength and heart. Results: 7-1 propelling Denver (8-5) into first place. Yet, relentless attacks by players and media for courage to show and discuss faith.

Question: how many times does a baseball player make the cross sign before stepping into the batters box? Kiss a cross after a crossing home plate with a winning run? On a home run? How about football players celebrating after touchdowns? Wins? How about when faith and thanks to faith are the first spoken words? Not a peep of discontent - and there shouldn't be - so why Tebow?

I will never understand the clear and present danger of accelerating disrespect displayed towards religion in the United States of America. From educators in schools to elected government officials to influential media outlets. Somehow the Ten Commandments have been eradicated from select public buildings. The Pledge of Allegiance banned. In God We Trust under attack. Public displays of Christmas or Channukah ornaments being outlawed. And now, sports figures public displays of faith scrutinized. Does this mean our national anthem will soon be outlawed? Or, 7th inning stretch God Bless America? Let's hope not.

Standing ovation for Tim Tebow's 7-1 record. He's done it all with people mocking his every move. Keep the faith!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

2011 NFL Preview: NFC North

Check out "All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

Green Bay Packers enter 2011 as reigning champions. Repeating is always a difficult task in the NFL. Green Bay has what it takes. Or do they? Time will tell. Here's how the NFC North shakes out in 2011.

1 - Green Bay Packers
Offense: All systems go. Aaron Rodgers has plenty of targets. Offensive line solid. Play calling excellent. All key ingredients. Only question mark is keeping running backs healthy.
Defense: 2010 was a bounce back season for Green Bay's defense. They're a solid bunch who figure capitalize immensely thanks in large part to new kickoff rules. Good luck attempting 80 yard drives on every possession vs these guys.
Prediction: North winners - 12 wins.


2 - Chicago Bears
Offense: Offensive line hasn't improved much for the Bears who ranked near the bottom in 2010 (30th). Jay Cutler will be on the run again in '11. Chicago managed to win the North last year in spite of many shortcomings. Cutler needs to stop throwing drive ending interceptions. Sometimes tossing the ball out of bounds is a better ball possession formula.
Defense: 2010 bend but don't break style saved the day and directly led to Chicago winning the division. Bears strength is point of attack setting the stage for linebackers & secondary to make big plays. They'll have to do it again or it will be a long season.
Prediction: 9 wins is within reach. If offensive line surprises - then Bears will challenge Green Bay. It's a longshot.


3 - Detroit Lions
Offense: Lions remain inconsistent. Big plays or big busts. Either way, this franchise is moving in the right direction - finally! Key to success is offensive line and decision making by QB Stafford. Lack of cohesiveness has been a theme for many years in Motor City. Will 2011 be the year these guys make it happen?
Defense: Front four is solid. Linebackers good vs run. Secondary - not good. They allowed opposing QB's to complete at a rate of 64$ in 2010. It's hard to stay in games without disrupting passing attacks. Expect improvement in all areas.
Prediction: 6 wins is a no brainer. Anything more is a sign Detroit is truly on the rise.


4 - Minnesota Vikings
Offense: Guess who isn't um-retiring? The Favre experiment has finally ended. One great season, one pathetic season. Adrian Pederson is the offense. Fumbling has always been an issue as highlighted in 2009 NFC Championship Game. He's great when no one touches him - keeps coaching staff wincing when surrounded by tacklers. Speedy receivers and talented TE. Problem for 2011 - QB.
Defense: Once thought one step from becoming elite unit of NFL. They're showing signs of cracking. Still solid, but slowing vs run & pass rush. These guys will be on the field for long stretches if offense fails to chew up clock again. Expect a burnt out unit when 4th quarter rolls around.
Prediction: It could be ugly. 6 wins might be a stretch.

Next up NFC South.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

NFL 2010 Preseason Predictions - NFC North

"All World All Sports"

-Digger's Daily-

NFC North

Let's for now speculate Brett Favre is back for another title run in '10... Green Bay piles on points... Chicago finally lives up to potential... and, Detroit fulfills dreams of winning at least one game.

1) Minnesota Vikings 6 NFC Championship fumbles, including two lost inside the red zone at key moments cost the Vikings a Super Bowl trip when they had every opportunity to blow out the eventual champion Saints. Favre will be back. So will a maturing and gelling team of gamers. Peterson must protect the football his number is called. As a safety precaution, Minnesota went after another RB in this years' draft. Stanford's powerful Toby Gerhart. Offense has it all. Defense must tamper their over aggressive play to eliminate long td's. Coaching staff is one of NFL's best groups. Vikings will be in the thick of things all year long. 12+ wins can be had again (health permitting).

2) Green Bay Packers Green Bay's stunning opening round overtime 51-45 loss stung. The Pack's defense entered the game on a roll. Until Kurt Warner completely dissected them completing 29 of 33 passes and 5 touchdowns. Needless to say opposing offenses will be testing this squads secondary early and often in 2010. No help came by way of draft so it appears Packers brass are comfortable with current talents turning it up a notch this year. Pack defensive lapses of letting teams march downfield in closing minutes is clearly what separates them from elite status.

3) Chicago Bears Jay Cutler was never able to live up to the savior status bestowed by local Chicago media groups. Lack of positive play making by wide receivers and an ineffective ground game severely hindered Bears chances of advancing up field. Bad field position and poor time of possession kept Bear defenders on the field for way too long. 2010 can go either way. Coach Lovie Smith is on the hot seat.

4) Detroit Lions Detroit pulled off another good paper draft. Problem is this organization's recent history seems to make rookies go bust. There's no upside in Motor City. Repeating two wins in 2010 might be a long shot. Lions combined 2008 & 2009 record? 2-30.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

NFL Training Camps Open

All World All Sports Blog

-Digger's Daily-

Players are reporting to NFL training camps around the country. 2008 was exciting from beginning to the final seconds of Super Bowl XLIII. It's time to start taking notice as teams begin conditioning for what promises to be another action packed season. Here are a few things to watch in the coming weeks before regular season action begins on Thursday, September 10.

Brett Favre officially retired again. He will not be suiting up for Minnesota. Vikings had hoped Favre would return for his 17th season. With all the off-season will he or won't he drama now over, Vikes now have a QB competition brewing in camp between 9th year backup journeyman Sage Rosenfelds and scrambling mistake prone Tavaris Jackson. Just days after Favre announced he was done for good, Jackson sprained his knee. Not good news for a team desperately needing an offensive leader.

Michael Vick is free to negotiate with NFL teams after serving jail time for illegal dog fighting related charges. No takers yet. Controversy has been swirling about whether or not any team should sign him based on the gruesome details leading to his incarceration. Vick was once one of the NFL's most exciting players. Now, thousands of fans have lined up against his reinstatement. Rumors suggested New England wanted him as an insurance policy to back up Brady. No luck. Vick is a public relations nightmare. I doubt any NFL team will sign him for fear of fan backlash. Maybe the new starless UFL might take a chance on this fallen star.

Dallas Cowboys circus continues. No more Terrell Owens. No more Jessica-Gate as Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson have split up. Cowboys soon to unveil their new state of the art $1 billion stadium. Owner Jerry Jones is having withdrawals as Dallas hasn't won a playoff game since 1996. September failures have created many controversies and infighting among players/coaches in recent years. They'll be tough. But, will September demons return in '09. Yep!

New York Giants Super Bowl chances were lost due to Plaxico Burress' self inflicted gunshot wound. Giants were going strong sporting an 11-1 record before dummy Plaxico shot himself in a New York City nightclub. He was suspended then released and now faces certain jail time. Giants finished 12-4 and were dumped by rival Philadelphia in the playoffs. Maturing Eli Manning has no standout wide receivers as targets heading into camp. Someone needs to step up and become the go to guy during pre-season. Otherwise, this will quickly become a mediocre team. I'm stunned and upset their front office failed to sign or trade for an experienced big name wideout.

Defending Champion Pittsburgh Steelers aren't without controversy of their own. Star QB Ben Roethlisberger has been implicated in a rape charge. Not sure how this one will play out. Steelers are one of NFL's best and nobody should be surprised if they're repeat champs.

Chicago Bears finally have a legit QB to lead their offense. Jay Cutler is the man and will need a solid offensive line to give him chances to hit open targets. Defense will be tougher if offense can control the clock. Otherwise, it will be a long cold winter in the Windy City. I'm expecting da Bears to win NFC North.

Tom Brady is back leading the way in New England. He was knocked out for year in game one last season after leading the Patriots to a perfect 16-0 in '07. Fantasy owners will be lining up trying to sign Brady, Moss & Welker. A healthy Brady will lead AFC's most potent attack.

I'll be typing often as NFL pre-season progresses. Stay tuned for official division by division predictions after roster competitions are decided and teams break camp for their regular season openers.

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