[CBFF] A fun-filled day with some observations

[Michael Halatek]

My wife is no football fan, but, bless her heart, she tries!!! We left Appleton, WI shortly 
  after 8:00 AM for the ride to Chicago.  Leaving the car at the Cumberland Ave. 
  parking garage, we took the "L" down to the Loop and hit the city right at the Daly Center, 
  at about Noon, and walked East to Milennium Park.
   
  After a lot of picture taking, we continued our trek Southward, hitting Buckingham 
  Fountain, before walking along the lakefront to Soldier Field.  
   
  The game started well.  Berrian's fumble was a "takeaway" just like our defense is 
  famous for.  The ball popped free a fraction ahead of his elbow/shoulder hitting the 
  ground.  I actually feel the ref missed the elbow hitting the ground just prior to the ball
  coming free.....
   
  The defense early was simply outstanding.
   
  The Bears on offense seemed to be more interested in establishing the running game 
  and played well if not great.  At 17 - 0, all seemed well.  A few good plays on offense, 
  a string of 3 and outs by the defense, a PR TD by Hester.
   
  Where HH played extremely well last week it seemed like the first play during KC's TD 
  drive was a blown coverage that was his responsibilty.  He also let an INT go right 
  through his hands on the same drive.
   
  Shocking to some, I am not as down on Grossman as much as many on this board.  The INT on the sreen pass should not have been thrown there.  Rex tried to loft it over the DL that had been given a free path to the QB and they ALL sensed screen.  I have to see the play again, but he should have just rolled back to his right and unloaded the ball.  The linemen all seemed to stop their pursuit, which would have given him the opportunity to roll right and chuck the ball OB...
  The second pick.  Great read by the defender and a lot of blame to R. Davis.  He was waiting for the ball rather than going to get it, allowing the pick.  Also note the play prior was the brutal adjustment to a ball and subsequent drop by Moose.
  Sadly, the entire right side of the OL was getting collapsed with regularity, causing fits for Rex most of the game.  Several drops hurt as well.  I thought, as well as several other fans there, that Rex was doing a good job of picking up the correct "hot read."  There were a few completions and at least two drops off quick "hot" reads.
  Several times CB was hit behind the line, yet still produced his 100 yard game.  I think he played well.
  Personally, I think the OL is missing reads and blocking adjustments, causing undue pressure on Rex.  
  That said, Rex has to get better, but Brian Griese would NOT be an answer if our OL continues to play this way.  BG would get killed...
  Overall,  I am still concerned with the lack of playing time of one Mark Bradley and Garrett Wolfe.  Olsen probably could have played if this was playoff time and getting him in the lineup for Dallas is not coming one minute too soon!!!
  With a young Packer and Lion squad getting confidence after winning their first two games, the division crown that most had going to the Bears in a virtual walk-over is suddenly going to be fun to watch (if you're not a Chicago fan).  It could suddenly be one of the best races in the NFC.  
  Importantly, the game this week is critical on several fronts:
  First NFC game and a potential tie-breaker for home field come December.
  Gets Chicago to 2-1 and some momentum going into 3 straight division games, of which two will be played away from home.
  With Detroit playing Philadelphia, Green Bay playing the Chargers and Minnesota the Chiefs, there is a very like scenario that puts all three NFC North teams at 2-1.  Week 4 offers up Chicago/Detroit and Green Bay/Minnesota matchups, providing a potential game in Green Bay in week five giving the winning team a one game lead in the division.
  Isn't that interesting?  A week five matchup pitting a 3-1 Bears team with the 3-1 Packers.  It could happen. 
  Chicago needs to find a way to block better for the QB.  They haven't run much play action because the run wasn't working.  When face with sure passing downs, the right side of the line has been parted like the Red Sea all too often.
  Sunday is going to be here all too soon, and we will know a lot about this team, good or bad at about 10:30 CDT.

       
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