Systems of Football: The All-Purpose Bears Game Thread

[SKO]

Who have McCown's Bears beaten that's worth a shit?

You can only beat the team that's in front of you, son.

Except for the times you can't.

That's when you establish the run to set up play action.

Then you're more than 60% of the way to being on first down already.

This is absolutely staggering.

Sports for the Layperson: Complex Sports Concepts Boiled Down to Their Essence (Not Literally Boiled Down, That's a Metaphor (a Concept I Also Explain in the Book)) by Gil Gunderson.

I LOL'd.

As did I.

That is a very funny way to start my day.  Nicely done.

Which you started 60% of the way home.

Pretty sure the joke is supposed to be "which you started 60% of the way to work."

Since you start at home and then go on to work (or first base.) 

I hate myself.

The only problem with RV's title is that Gil would have to then call himself out for using "literally" instead of "figuratively"

[Internet Apex]

Who have McCown's Bears beaten that's worth a shit?

You can only beat the team that's in front of you, son.

Except for the times you can't.

That's when you establish the run to set up play action.

Then you're more than 60% of the way to being on first down already.

This is absolutely staggering.

Sports for the Layperson: Complex Sports Concepts Boiled Down to Their Essence (Not Literally Boiled Down, That's a Metaphor (a Concept I Also Explain in the Book)) by Gil Gunderson.

I LOL'd.

As did I.

That is a very funny way to start my day.  Nicely done.

Which you started 60% of the way home.

Pretty sure the joke is supposed to be "which you started 60% of the way to work."

Since you start at home and then go on to work (or first base.) 

I hate myself.

The only problem with RV's title is that Gil would have to then call himself out for using "literally" instead of "figuratively"

No, he clarifies that he doesn't mean literally.

Lance Briggs was on the practice field today according to Zaidman. Don't know if he literally practiced football or not. That part wasn't clear.

Sounds like Cutler is a go for Sunday. I haven't been this nervous for a professional football game in several weeks.

[Tony]

If Jay throws an interception on Sunday it's going to be a meatball apocalypse.

Or maybe when he throws his first interception.

[PenFoe]

If Jay throws an interception on Sunday it's going to be a meatball apocalypse.

Or maybe when he throws his first interception.

There's probably going to be FAR too much weight put on these next few games, regarding Cutler's future.

Granted, that's what happens when you've played 5 uneven years, but still the opportunity for overreaction is off the charts.

[SKO]

If Jay throws an interception on Sunday it's going to be a meatball apocalypse.

Or maybe when he throws his first interception.

There's probably going to be FAR too much weight put on these next few games, regarding Cutler's future.

Granted, that's what happens when you've played 5 uneven years, but still the opportunity for overreaction is off the charts.

It doesn't help that McCown's last start came against the #32 ranked defense in the NFL, and Cutler will be going against the #7 Browns. Even if he throws for a 240 yards and 2 TDs with a 95 rating or whatever that will still look bad in comparison to the THREE STRAIGHT 300 YARD GAMES FOR THE FIRST TIME EVAR (against the Rams, Vikings, and Cowboys. Hey did we mention he lost two of those games?) JOSH MCCOWEN.

[Internet Apex]

If Jay throws an interception on Sunday it's going to be a meatball apocalypse.

Or maybe when he throws his first interception.

There's probably going to be FAR too much weight put on these next few games, regarding Cutler's future.

Granted, that's what happens when you've played 5 uneven years, but still the opportunity for overreaction is off the charts.

It doesn't help that McCown's last start came against the #32 ranked defense in the NFL, and Cutler will be going against the #7 Browns. Even if he throws for a 240 yards and 2 TDs with a 95 rating or whatever that will still look bad in comparison to the THREE STRAIGHT 300 YARD GAMES FOR THE FIRST TIME EVAR (against the Rams, Vikings, and Cowboys. Hey did we mention he lost two of those games?) JOSH MCCOWEN.

I'm not putting MCCOWEN in the same category as Brian Griese because of the Vikings loss, which was as much his fault as Trestman, Robbie or the defense but I'm using them in the same sentence out of spite.

[Slaky]

If Jay throws an interception on Sunday it's going to be a meatball apocalypse.

Or maybe when he throws his first interception.

There's probably going to be FAR too much weight put on these next few games, regarding Cutler's future.

Granted, that's what happens when you've played 5 uneven years, but still the opportunity for overreaction is off the charts.

It doesn't help that McCown's last start came against the #32 ranked defense in the NFL, and Cutler will be going against the #7 Browns. Even if he throws for a 240 yards and 2 TDs with a 95 rating or whatever that will still look bad in comparison to the THREE STRAIGHT 300 YARD GAMES FOR THE FIRST TIME EVAR (against the Rams, Vikings, and Cowboys. Hey did we mention he lost two of those games?) JOSH MCCOWEN.

As much as I want to go with the "McCown lost a few games" argument only the Vikings game was really maybe his fault. The defense has been horrible so to pin a loss strictly on him would be a bit unfair.

That said, he's just simply not as good as Cutler full stop. I'm looking forward to Jay taking what he learned from watching the offense and applying it to his hosecock of an arm.

Also, I really enjoy how angry this makes people like my brother.

[Internet Apex]

If Jay throws an interception on Sunday it's going to be a meatball apocalypse.

Or maybe when he throws his first interception.

There's probably going to be FAR too much weight put on these next few games, regarding Cutler's future.

Granted, that's what happens when you've played 5 uneven years, but still the opportunity for overreaction is off the charts.

It doesn't help that McCown's last start came against the #32 ranked defense in the NFL, and Cutler will be going against the #7 Browns. Even if he throws for a 240 yards and 2 TDs with a 95 rating or whatever that will still look bad in comparison to the THREE STRAIGHT 300 YARD GAMES FOR THE FIRST TIME EVAR (against the Rams, Vikings, and Cowboys. Hey did we mention he lost two of those games?) JOSH MCCOWEN.

As much as I want to go with the "McCown lost a few games" argument only the Vikings game was really maybe his fault. The defense has been horrible so to pin a loss strictly on him would be a bit unfair.

That said, he's just simply not as good as Cutler full stop. I'm looking forward to Jay taking what he learned from watching the offense and applying it to his hosecock of an arm.

Also, I really enjoy how angry this makes people like my brother.

What is your brother's take?

[CT III]

If Jay throws an interception on Sunday it's going to be a meatball apocalypse.

Or maybe when he throws his first interception.

There's probably going to be FAR too much weight put on these next few games, regarding Cutler's future.

Granted, that's what happens when you've played 5 uneven years, but still the opportunity for overreaction is off the charts.

It doesn't help that McCown's last start came against the #32 ranked defense in the NFL, and Cutler will be going against the #7 Browns. Even if he throws for a 240 yards and 2 TDs with a 95 rating or whatever that will still look bad in comparison to the THREE STRAIGHT 300 YARD GAMES FOR THE FIRST TIME EVAR (against the Rams, Vikings, and Cowboys. Hey did we mention he lost two of those games?) JOSH MCCOWEN.

Good idea to lay the groundwork for your Cutler excuses now, rather than waiting until right after the game he's going to blow.

[Slaky]

If Jay throws an interception on Sunday it's going to be a meatball apocalypse.

Or maybe when he throws his first interception.

There's probably going to be FAR too much weight put on these next few games, regarding Cutler's future.

Granted, that's what happens when you've played 5 uneven years, but still the opportunity for overreaction is off the charts.

It doesn't help that McCown's last start came against the #32 ranked defense in the NFL, and Cutler will be going against the #7 Browns. Even if he throws for a 240 yards and 2 TDs with a 95 rating or whatever that will still look bad in comparison to the THREE STRAIGHT 300 YARD GAMES FOR THE FIRST TIME EVAR (against the Rams, Vikings, and Cowboys. Hey did we mention he lost two of those games?) JOSH MCCOWEN.

As much as I want to go with the "McCown lost a few games" argument only the Vikings game was really maybe his fault. The defense has been horrible so to pin a loss strictly on him would be a bit unfair.

That said, he's just simply not as good as Cutler full stop. I'm looking forward to Jay taking what he learned from watching the offense and applying it to his hosecock of an arm.

Also, I really enjoy how angry this makes people like my brother.

What is your brother's take?

He just hates Cutler. He thinks he's the worst. I think it's based on him as a person. Not sure if he knows someone who's given him some insight or whatever but he got really heated when I told him he's a dope for thinking that McCown should start full time.

The big question I'd ask tje "McCown for full time starter" crowd would be: where are you expecting this team to go? If they even make the playoffs, what happens then? They get stomped because their defense can't stop anyone. Is that going to make you happy? Or do they just want McCown to be named the starter until he dies so that Cutler is exiled and Emery can get to work on building the defense back up? If that's the case this isn't about the playoffs at all.

[Eli]

If Jay throws an interception on Sunday it's going to be a meatball apocalypse.

Or maybe when he throws his first interception.

There's probably going to be FAR too much weight put on these next few games, regarding Cutler's future.

Granted, that's what happens when you've played 5 uneven years, but still the opportunity for overreaction is off the charts.

It doesn't help that McCown's last start came against the #32 ranked defense in the NFL, and Cutler will be going against the #7 Browns. Even if he throws for a 240 yards and 2 TDs with a 95 rating or whatever that will still look bad in comparison to the THREE STRAIGHT 300 YARD GAMES FOR THE FIRST TIME EVAR (against the Rams, Vikings, and Cowboys. Hey did we mention he lost two of those games?) JOSH MCCOWEN.

Good idea to lay the groundwork for your Cutler excuses now, rather than waiting until right after the game he's going to blow.

SKO knows that the best apologists give excuses from ALL sides of a story.

[Chuck to Chuck]

He just hates Cutler. He thinks he's the worst. I think it's based on him as a person.

I'd believe that. If Cutler were as nice and media friendly as Mark Grace, he'd be beloved in a way this town has never seen. 

[PenFoe]

He just hates Cutler. He thinks he's the worst. I think it's based on him as a person.

I'd believe that. If Cutler were as nice and media friendly as Mark Grace, he'd be beloved in a way this town has never seen.  

What?

No, Chuck.

He'd still have 1 playoff win in 5 years with 71 picks in 64 games.

He might not be feeling the wrath of Slak's brother, but he sure as shit wouldn't be any of these guys.









Plus I assume a couple hockey guys.

[Yeti]

If Jay throws an interception on Sunday it's going to be a meatball apocalypse.

Or maybe when he throws his first interception.

There's probably going to be FAR too much weight put on these next few games, regarding Cutler's future.

Granted, that's what happens when you've played 5 uneven years, but still the opportunity for overreaction is off the charts.

It doesn't help that McCown's last start came against the #32 ranked defense in the NFL, and Cutler will be going against the #7 Browns. Even if he throws for a 240 yards and 2 TDs with a 95 rating or whatever that will still look bad in comparison to the THREE STRAIGHT 300 YARD GAMES FOR THE FIRST TIME EVAR (against the Rams, Vikings, and Cowboys. Hey did we mention he lost two of those games?) JOSH MCCOWEN.

As much as I want to go with the "McCown lost a few games" argument only the Vikings game was really maybe his fault. The defense has been horrible so to pin a loss strictly on him would be a bit unfair.

That said, he's just simply not as good as Cutler full stop. I'm looking forward to Jay taking what he learned from watching the offense and applying it to his hosecock of an arm.

Also, I really enjoy how angry this makes people like my brother.

What is your brother's take?

He just hates Cutler. He thinks he's the worst. I think it's based on him as a person. Not sure if he knows someone who's given him some insight or whatever but he got really heated when I told him he's a dope for thinking that McCown should start full time.

The big question I'd ask tje "McCown for full time starter" crowd would be: where are you expecting this team to go? If they even make the playoffs, what happens then? They get stomped because their defense can't stop anyone. Is that going to make you happy? Or do they just want McCown to be named the starter until he dies so that Cutler is exiled and Emery can get to work on building the defense back up? If that's the case this isn't about the playoffs at all.

So, would he want to catch balls from Josh, then? Is that what he thinks, too?

[SKO]

I feel like the idea that Cutler getting paid will keep them from re-building the defense is misleading. For one, it sounds like the cap is going up to $127 mildo next year, which'll help, but also where are these great defensive free agents that are going to take up that much cap room going to come from?

I'm willing to bet I've spent more time staring breathlessly at lists of 2014 NFL free agents than anyone here and I don't think the Cutler contract is going to keep Phil from landing the non-existent great players who will immediately fix all of our problems. Can you think of many mega-deal defensive free agents in the last few years who've been worth the money more than QBs who got extended? The Peppers deal is the closest I can think of, and even that has it's major drawbacks, as we are seeing.

Considering the defensive money coming Off of the books, there should be more than enough to re-sign Cutler, keep the offense intact, and just accept that the defense is a multi-year project that will require draft picks and more moderate free agent signings (more like DJ Williams and whatnot) to fix, and thus won't require the massive cap space people think.