Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Question of the day

Posted in:

Illinois

It’s the end of a crazy, divisive, mean week. Let’s lighten things up.

Can this Bears team make it all the way to the Super Bowl? Explain.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 8:14 am

Comments

The Bears are clearly the class of their division, and with a weak schedule, should have the best record in the conference. The best team in the west is almost definitely Seattle, and we’ve seen how they match up with the Bears. New Orleans will fade in the south and Atlanta will win the division, but the Falcons aren’t good enough to win at Soldier Field in January. The top competitor to the Bears will be the Eagles; the Eagles would need to play a heck of a game to beat the Bears, but they may have it in them.

If Rex Grossman had ever played a full healthy season, it’d be easier to pick the Bears, but even without that, right now they definitely look like the class of the conference. Barring massive injury problems their chances are as good as anyone’s.

Comment by Gus Frerotte's Clipboard Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 8:25 am
Yes…and I give this question 10 responses before it turns nasty/partisan and ugly. People won’t be able to help themselves.

Comment by Papa Bear Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 8:26 am
In a recent SurveyUSA poll, a random sample of 400 people we asked the question ‘Can the Bears make it to the Superbowl?’

51% said No
41% said Yes
4% Undecided

So No. Polls are seldom wrong.

Comment by Petey Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 8:30 am
bears definitely have what it takes to go to the super bowl. they may end up with home field advantage throughout the playoffs, which should help. they are the best team in the nfc right now, although things can change with injuries. i’m definitely a believer in adage that the teams that get to the superbowl are those who don’t suffer significant injuries during the season.

the real question is, if they get to the superbowl, can they win it?

Comment by bored now Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 8:34 am
Yes they can make it. The NFL system is set up so any team can make it w/in a few years. This year is their best shot out of the recent past. If Rex can stay healthy, running game is anywhere near what it was alst year, the defense is a given, plus they have a proven pro quarterback as a backup in Griese.

Yes, the Bears have as good a shot as any, since they have a GREAT defense and a good (to date) offense.

Comment by Wumpus Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 8:51 am
Yes for three reasons; Defense, defense and defense. During the late season when the beer does not need refrigeration to be served cold, the Bears defense will prevail. The only downside is that when Soldier Field was renovated, a removeable dome was not added which prevents the Superbowl from ever being hosted by Chicago.

Comment by Eagle I Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 8:53 am
I have loved the Bears since 1941. This team is a team of hard Chicago workers. Many of the other contenda’s are bankrolled with non-football money. This one is owned by a football family.

We have a great defense, a stronger than ever offense and finally a quarterback who does not have the deer in the headlights look in his eyes.

Injuries could make a difference. All teams have the talent. The Bears have the heart and the drive to do it.

Comment by Truthful James Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 8:56 am
Not a bears fan, but I would love to see them go. It would be great for the City. Two big winning teams in two years. (I am a Sox fan:)

Comment by leigh Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 8:56 am
Yes, if Grossman can stay healthy. Best defense in the league and a suddenly explosive offense.

I’m already working on my “Super Bowl Shuffle” dance moves.

Comment by The Ghost Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 8:58 am
SUPER BEARS SUPER BOWL
I’ve already reserved the rooms on South Beach. 19 and 0 Sounds pretty good to me.
Go Bears!

Comment by Mike Noonan Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 9:00 am
Heck yeah they are going to make and win the superbowl…they will easily win against Peyton “Big Game Choker” Manning and the colts…

Comment by Mike "I almost ran for the Senate" Ditka Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 9:05 am
Rich - Way to jinx them. If they don’t go to the Superbowl, we’ll know who to hold responsible.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 9:10 am
I hope so, but then again being a south sider i effectively managed all of my expectations for the White Soxs last year. As long as you enjoy every down of Bears football like it is the last, you’ll be alright.

Comment by big al Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 9:11 am
Only if they keep their heads on straight, don’t get into the media hype and keep their eye on the prize.

Comment by Guy Fawkes Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 9:16 am
Could be the perfect year…a Superbowl and the Packers finish in last! What could be better!!?

Comment by HANKSTER Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 9:27 am
[Superfan voice] If they still had Ditka, this wouldn’t even be a question, my friend. [/Superfan voice]

But seriously, now they have what looks like an actual NFL offense, if they can all stay healthy and the ball continues to bounce their way, why not?

Comment by Anon from BB Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 9:31 am
Who cares about the Packers. Hank, worry about the Bears. The constant obsessing over the packers make ALL Bears fans look like morons. The only time you need to worry about them is twice per year, when they are the opponent.

Comment by Wumpus Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 9:54 am
The reason they finally have a chance is offense. As a downstater I have had the ‘priveledge’ of watching Bears games every year with no blackouts or anything like that. And in the previous years everyone talked about how great the defense was, but the offense came out and threw 3 yard screen passes and ran straight up the middle for 2 yards. That was their whole offense. It was pathetic. But this year they at least have the option to go downfield. I don’t even think it depends on Grossman being a ‘good’ quarterback, merely him throwing the ball over 10 yards like he does. Even if they turn the ball over more this way, the defense can usually hold the opponents. Its the fact that if they need 20 points to win a game, they finally have a realistic shot at getting there without 2 defensive and 1 special teams touchdown.

Comment by Robbie Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 10:19 am
yes, my momma says that they are the best in fooozball. they will need lots of cool refreshing h20 in Miami

Comment by Bobby Bouchet Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 10:28 am
I only request someone start taping the games for me–I get the ‘privilege’ of watching a pansy butt team play in a dome in a city that doesn’t even get that cold.

Comment by ArchPundit Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 10:36 am
Magic 8 Ball says:

“My reply is no”

http://www.degraeve.com/magiceightball/

Comment by CUB FAN GB FAN - TOTAL LOSER Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 10:45 am
Grossman gets injured and the Bears put Orton in and he loses the remainder of the season…

Comment by SouthernILRepub Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 10:56 am
If the playoffs started this weekend, the Bears would be a lock for the Super Bowl, but a lot of things can go wrong in a long NFL season. That said, if they stay healthy, they can definitely make the Super Bowl.

They have the best schedule of all the “good” teams in the NFC which could secure home field throughout the playoffs. They will probably be favored in every game this year except possibly at New York and at New England. I think they can have a legitimate shot at a 14-2 record this year (althought 13-3 might be more realistic).

Their offense is much improved, but they still need to get their running game going. They have two quality backs, but their O line is a bit iffy with the run blocking. They get the running game rolling, and they will be tough to beat. Grossman is playing well, but even if he faulters or is injured, for the first time since the early 90’s they actually have a quality back-up.

Finally their defense is stifling, and will pose serious problems for any offense in the NFL.

They have to be the odds on favorite (right now) in the NFC to make the Super Bowl.

Comment by Jaded Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 11:03 am
I’m going to take a wait and see attitude. I never like to make predictions. Especially if they never come true anyway. I will look forward to watching them in the playoffs however. Hopefully da Bears will get it done.

Comment by Levois Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 11:35 am
The only weak part of the Bears so far is the mediocre running game. Even the very real threat of Air Rex hasn’t opened up running lanes. Maybe put Sulker Cedric in there more?

They’re just so much fun to watch. Last year, it was all grind-it-out, no offense, snoozefests. The improvement on offense has been remarkable, and if the china doll gets broken again, Greazey is a good sub. My favorite moment this year thus far was WR Davis jumping up and twisting around like he was in a video game catching the winning TD against Minney.

They’re the class of the NFC, will secure home field advantage and make it to the Super Bowl. Eagles won’t make the playoffs (sked too tough and that division ain’t ez). Seattle would make a rematch closer but their QB doesn’t have it this year (so far).

As for winning the Super Bowl, well, we will sell no wine before its time. Depends on the opponent and team’s health…

Bear down, Chicago Bears, la la la la la la…to victory!!!

Comment by Jacques Strappe Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 12:38 pm
While the Bears are likely to win big this week, as a son of Buffalo I must say two words:

GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by Pete Giangreco Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 12:59 pm
The Bears will choke just like every other Chicago team. We have a better chance of seeing Rich Whitney elected as Governor.

Comment by dk Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 1:12 pm
Yes. Defense wins NFL championships. And these Bears have also shown a very potent offense.

Comment by Left Leaner Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 1:19 pm
If the Cardinals can’t go to the Superbowl then why not the Bears?
I agree with YYD, Rich by raising the issue you do put the big hex on them.
And by asking all the haters and handwringers to comment dooms them even more.
And now the ever creative media will begin asking the pols who uses campaign $ for their tickets…blah blah blah
Go Bears
p.s. Good Way to divert attention from Hastert and Shimkus continuing exit interviews.

Comment by Reddbyrd Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 1:32 pm
Trying to remember when the Bulls and White Sox choked…can’t seem to remember any DK.

So Reddbyrd, it’s okay for you to talk about the St. Louis Cardinals? Moron.

Comment by TonyT Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 1:48 pm
I don’t know if anyone caught this hilarious article by Pat Forde but he created positive and negative ads for every college football power conference. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=2603017
Here’s an example:

The Big Ten attack ad: (Open with slow-motion video of an Illinois quarterback — pick one — throwing an interception.) “The Big Ten likes to talk about its best teams, but it doesn’t like to talk about anyone else in the league. What is the Big Ten trying to hide?” (Roll slow-motion tape of an Indiana running back — pick one — being hammered for a 3-yard loss.) “Could it be that the Big Ten really doesn’t care about its middle class and working poor? Could it be that the bottom of this league is as bad as it’s ever been?” (Roll slow-motion tape of a Northwestern defensive player — pick one — missing a tackle against New Hampshire.) “Seven of the league’s 11 teams are lacking a quality nonconference win, defined as a team ranked in the top 50 of the Sagarin Ratings. And seven teams have played schedules ranked 61st or worse to date by Sagarin. When the Big Ten talks, remember the story it isn’t telling you.”

Even if you don’t like college football, these are laugh out loud funny, but if you love college football you’ll be rolling on the ground.

Comment by Tweed Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 2:15 pm
The Bears could very well make it and then they’ll face my Ravens in the Superbowl where the Ravens will eek out a 13-10 win on the legs of one reliable Matt Stover!

Talk about a great defensive struggle in the making! Looking forward to it!

Comment by Baltimoron Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 2:25 pm
Nope. If you watch and listen to the players, you can tell they are starting to think they are invincible. Big heads lead to big let downs.

Remember Carolina last year?

Comment by Buck Flagojevich Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 2:34 pm
IF( and it is a big IF) the main components stay healthy the Bears have a great chance to go to the Super Bowl. Just think if they are undefeated entering the Super Bowl (held in Miami) and all those goofs from the ‘72 undefeated Dolphins team are there trying to jinx the Bears. I would love to see it happen and a huge Bears win would be awesome.

Comment by Fouts Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 2:36 pm
Hey Giangreco, there’s only room for one poliical blowhard on the Bills Bandwagon, and that is not you.

Comment by Tim Russert Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 3:24 pm
Bears. Miami. Superbowl. Win.

Just like Nextel: Done.

Comment by The Picolo Player is a... Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 3:24 pm
SoIlRepub,
The last time Grossman got hurt and they put Orton in they won 9 straight games.
MIAMI ‘07!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by Bill Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 3:39 pm
Hello, my son Brian is the backup, not Capt. Neckbeard.

Comment by Bob Griese Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 4:07 pm
And they ran a Jr. High offense with orton. Much props to him, but they won in spite of him.. Griese is a proven winner and pro qb. That is the second biggest difference, Grossman being numero uno.

The Carolina game was a function of poor coaching. Who’da thunk you should double cover Steve Smith?

Comment by Wumpus Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 4:34 pm
Rich, how come you haven’t mentioned anything about the significance and/or meaning of delValle’s appointment to City Clerk?

Comment by Me Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 5:18 pm
No, they will mess it up as usual.

Comment by Bridget Dooley Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 5:46 pm
Oh, this is so funny.

I just transferred into Northwestern and the only solace I can conjure up after watching New Hampshire crush our Wildcats is to remember that brainy schools just aren’t known for their jocks as much as their academics. I mean, at least we have a good reason!

And Pat Fitzgerald is cute, too. Otherwise, I can’t bear to watch. (sob)

Comment by Angie Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 6:15 pm
I meant that the Big Ten post by “Tweed” was funny, by the way. The original thread topic was about The Bears.

Comment by Angie post-script Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 6:16 pm
Me
It is basically the Hispanics turn. Also, he splits the Gutierrez or any other hispanic that may run. Like Dot Brown splits a portion of the black vote.

Comment by Wumpus Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 7:13 pm
The answer is “No” - because the NY Giants are going to win the NFC Championship as an underdog to the Chicago Bears.

Comment by Tom DeLay's Mom Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 7:19 pm
The Bears are legit. Book it.

Comment by Fries is Extra Friday, Oct 6, 06 @ 10:18 pm
After 4 games last year, the consensus Super Bowl winners-to-be were the Indianaposis Colts. No team supposedly could stop their offense and their defense was upper tier. Instead, they got beat in the playoffs by a wildcard team.

The Bears have beaten one playoff caliber team, Seattle, at home, without their MVP. I guess I need a little more convincing.

Comment by Budget Watcher Saturday, Oct 7, 06 @ 7:24 am
YES ALL THE WAY, MARK MY WORDS… DITKA IS BEHIND THE SEENS WITH BUDDY LOVIE.., GOOD LUCK ALL, THE MONSTERS OF THE MIDWAY ARE BACK!

Comment by BEARFAN Saturday, Oct 7, 06 @ 9:51 am
I’m guaranteeing a minimum eightpeat, my friend.

Comment by Bob Swirsky Saturday, Oct 7, 06 @ 2:56 pm
Hey, “Me,” the del Valle stuff was in Friday’s Capitol Fax.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Oct 9, 06 @ 9:42 am
Hey Rich:

What happened to all of the baseball talk?

From your question back in March. Which team will make it to the World Series?

Certainly not the Cubs.

White Sox. Another 80 years

Who’s left?

Oh yes, those boys from the STL.

CARDS WIN!! CARDS WIN!!

Comment by BIG R.PH Monday, Oct 9, 06 @ 4:13 pm