Click-a-Bull (Boozer; Rose; Noah; Melo) + Bears (Cutler) + WhiteSox (Manny)

Big batch of links from yesterday: Click-a-Bull (Team USA; Center Rankings; Rose on Boozer & Noah; Melo; Trophies; Trade Deng?; Noah Improving)

And don't miss D-Rose highlights from Monday morning against Brazil: USA v. Brazil: Derrick Rose Highlights (Reverse Layups!)


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One on One with Carlos Boozer

Why the Chicago Bulls? What made you choose them over other teams?

CB:

They had everything in place and have championship DNA. They got a lot of young players like Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Luol Deng and, for me, it was the perfect fit. I was contemplating other teams and also thought of staying in Utah, but I was overwhelmed by Chicago’s professionalism and how bad they wanted to win again, and not just one championship but multiple championships. They want to get back to that, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.

Fast Breaks: USA-Slovenia

A star is born. A Derrick Rose-shaped star. Watching international opponents chase Rose in the open floor is like watching a Volvo try to keep pace with a Ferrari. With the U.S. defending the three-point line well (Slovenia connected on 20.8 percent of their threes) Rose was a monster in transition, scoring seven points and dishing out five assists, several of which went towards the U.S.' 20 fast break points. In the halfcourt Rose and Russell Westbrook assaulted the rim almost at will; their speed and power with the ball completely overwhelmed Slovenia's guards and their strength enabled them to overpower the big men at the rim.

Bright future keeps Rose cruising along in career

Derrick Rose hasn't hit many speed bumps in a professional career that began as 2008's No. 1 pick. And this summer has been even better.

Chicago's front office flanked Rose with their best team since that statue outside the United Center roamed the United Center. He's finishing up the offseason as a starter for the U.S. team at the FIBA World Championships.

Rose is living right, right now.

The waters were somewhat murkier a year ago.

Sanctions had devastated the University of Memphis, Rose's one-and-done college of choice. And though he was never publicly named in the NCAA findings last August that stripped the Tigers of their magical (at the time) run to the 2008 title game, Rose's reputation and image didn't go unscathed.

He was the focal point of an eligibility mess that dated back to his days as a Chicago high school phenom. Rose didn't address the matter much at the time or since, other than maintain his innocence. University officials at Memphis, including the athletic director, backed Rose.

The NCAA's investigation had dogged Rose for most of his first season, but not enough to derail a Rookie of the Year campaign. Another minor headache arose last June when a photo surfaced from Rose's time at Memphis of him apparently flashing gang signs. Rose quickly apologized, hammering home his "anti-gang, anti-drug, and anti-violence" stance.

Rose navigated through the negative headlines with the same poise and assuredness that splits a backcourt trap. He remained focused on his job, giving critics little else to chew on and foes plenty to worry about. By not completely acknowledging what happened at Memphis, it could be argued that Rose ducked responsibility and essentially got off scot-free.

For Rose, it was about moving forward. The Bulls were his priority, and he took on last season determined to stay on course. An ankle injury that wiped out his preseason didn't derail Rose for long. He took command of the team, earning his first All-Star nod and took his game to a higher plane in the playoffs.

Yahoo: Joakim Noah is cool with just about everything

 


Bulls discussing Melo with Nuggets [as are a variety of others]

Per Jon Rothstein (MSG) twitter:

#Nets look like favorites now but are fighting including lopez...Harris, Favors, and picks are package

#Nuggets would prob. want Kaman and Eric Gordon from #Clippers 4 Melo....that deal would make LAC much worse

#Nuggets discussions w Chicago involves a package of Luol Deng and Taj Gibson

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Jay Cutler & Kristin Cavallari Dating?

There's a rumor going around today that Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is dating Thigh of the Week alum, Kristin Cavallari. Even if they're not officially "dating", they were reportedly seen making out like crazy at a club in Chicago last night:

Manny unlikely to be the solution

Adding Ramirez is a low-risk move, but the Sox have too many other problems




I wish I could be in Cleveland to see Manny Ramirez's debut in a White Sox uniform and watch his new team struggle to handle his old team, the lowly Indians.

But I watched Monday's game in my basement, where I plan to catch Ramirez's planned debut as well. It really does emulate the "When do the Buckeyes play?" crowd at Progressive Field, seeing as I'm here by myself.

I filed a more optimistic column as the Sox headed into the bottom of the ninth before Bobby Jenks gave up three runs to send the game into extras Monday.

But there's no reason to think this team is just one hitter away from catching the Twins and making noise in October.

Week 2: Cutler's S.O.S.

It was just the 2nd preseason game. I have to keep reminding myself this. Hopefully, the bears can improve mightly in the 3 weeks before the opener. Here are what I took as the positives (not many) and the causes for concern out of saturday night's game:

Pros

1. The bears 1st teamers outscored the raiders first team 14-13 for one half of football. And this was basically without a kicking game because there didnt have a long snapper. The raiders may not be a great team this year but they will be solid and beating them at half is a positive sign for the bears 1st teamers.

2. Brandon Manumaluena can block and is a huge man. Mike Martz wasnt kidding when he described this guy as a 3rd OT at TE. He cleared the way for the bears running game with some punishing pancake type blocks. Matt Forte also showed us the burst that we all remember from his rookie season. Positive things happen in the running game.

VOTE: How many games will the
BEARS win this season? ---->

3. Julius Peppers is as good as advertised. He didnt tally a sack but he did cause havoc in the backfield on a lot of plays and flashed the ability that the bears are paying 13.5 million for.

Definite concerns

1. Is Orlando Pace still available? For that matter, can someone call John Tait and Rueben Brown back from retirement? Chris Williams, Frank Omiyale and Lance Louis got consistently beat in pass blocking. Williams was the worst offender. He made Cameron Wimbley and his speed rush look like oldschool Lawrence Taylor. But, Omiyale got pushed around on pass blocking as well. The 1st team O-line gave up 5 sacks and had Jay scrambling for his life. Now, some of it was Jay's fault as he failed to step up in the pocket and avoid atleast 2 of the sacks. But still, I'm not sure what the answer is to this O-line problems because i dont think a better option exists on the roster. It seems we must cross our fingers and hope for someone improvement from this young line.

2. Chris Harris can't play free safety. Harris can be a valuable player up in the box and near the line of scrimmage but the bears might be better off with me playing the deep safety. There has to be a better option on the bears roster at free safety than Harris even if Major Wright is hurt. Harris was late getting over and he just doesnt have the range to cover the necessary ground. After the game, he said that the safety spots were interchangeable in this defense but clearly they arent when every pass downfield had him getting there late from his deep coverage. The bears traded him 2 years ago because they knew he didnt have the range for free safety, why do they think he can play it now?

3. Someone has to step up on the defense. The Jason Campbell had too much time in the pocket on most plays, receivers were running down the stems open and raiders RBs were making people miss. Peppers looked good, Urlacher, Tillman and Briggs looked solid. But these are guys we know are going to perform. What will make this a good defense is if someone unknown can step up and make an impact. Tommie Harris had some flashes this game. But, I have pretty much given up on Mark Anderson to anything besides celebrate when his teammates do something good or for Danieal Manning to be anything but a confused athlete. Let's hope Irsael Idonije (who showed some flashes this game), Major Wright or Matt Toeaia (who i think can be a DT ala Chris Zorich) or anther defensive player can step up and become an impact player. Because without that, this defense is just middle of the pack.

Stay tuned for some updates on position battles and who to watch in next week's 3rd preseason game.

Don't Call It A Comeback: BullBearSock Is Back In Action (And Improved!)

Anyone who reads this blog knows that there have been very few posts this summer, and for good reason. I was studying for the bar, and twenty-two days ago my building was evacuated because of flooding. We were finally able to move back in yesterday, but it was an absolutely crazy 3 weeks. Here's what went down since during that time:

- Took (and hopefully passed) the Bar Exam, which was only 3 days after the flood/evacuation. Not the best timing.

- Went on an relaxing vacation in Florida. Thanks to my great BBS-GF, who planned and executed an awesome trip!

- Went to an incredible funeral ceremony, which was a proper send-off for the Chicago Bears' biggest fan, a Chicago Firefighter/Paramedic, and a true hero. Miss you and love you Chris - proud to call you my cousin, lucky to call you my friend.


__________________________________________



But don't worry, I have stayed current on everything Bulls, and will get back to posting regularly going forward. Look for regular posts on Tuesday and Friday, and some other random posts when time permits. Follow me on twitter (@bullbearsock) for updates and all of my random thoughts, and become a fan on facebook for updates whenever there is a new BBS post.

Beyond that, we've also added a couple of new writers to the BBS team. My friend Pete will be taking over as the resident Bears Expert, so expect those posts to start showing up pretty regularly. And my friend PK plans on writing here about the White Sox. That covers BBS, but those two will also be writing about the BlackHawks at times, so we are expanding our coverage slightly.

I'm really happy about expanding, because it makes my life that much easier. Above all else I am a Bulls fan, and I don't feel confident or knowledgeable writing about the Bears or White Sox ... so I am excited to have those teams covered by two knowledge and funny people. BBS is now fully loaded with four great writers, and me. Enjoy!

Pete and PK, welcome to BBS! And welcome back readers - check back later today for a quick Scottie Pippen Hall of Fame post.

Click-a-Bull (Trades, Rose's Wrist, Dwight's Advice, Frustration/Losing, Rose, Bench) + Bears/ Willie Gault

Check out Box #5 in Marc Stein's Weekend Dime

5. Eastern Conference


The Bulls were determined to land no less than a first-round pick when they parted with Tyrus Thomas before last month's trade deadline. Yet you have to wonder if Chicago is already wishing it could have a do-over on the Thomas deal it struck with Charlotte.

Chicago, remember, could have sent Thomas to the Knicks for Al Harrington and a second-round pick. That deal would have given them a decent future trade asset -- since second-rounders have some value, too -- as well as the productive Harrington, who would undoubtedly be helping the Bulls cope better with the injury absences of Joakim Noah and Luol Deng.

But the Bulls, after advanced talks with the Knicks on a Harrington deal, instead elected to send Thomas to Charlotte for Flip Murray, Acie Law and a lottery-protected 2012 first-rounder. Which I suspect they'll come to regret unless the pick they're getting from Charlotte helps them sweeten a subsequent trade.

Although losing Noah and Deng has mostly crushed the Bulls defensively, they've also been a bottom-five team in offensive efficiency all season and could certainly use Harrington's scoring ability in the race to snag a playoff spot before this summer's free-agent bonanza.

And that was Chicago's goal. The Bulls have maintained all along that -- while creating maximum salary-cap space for the summer was their primary 2009-10 focus -- their aim is making a second successive trip to the playoffs. If that's indeed the target, Harrington would have been an ideal midseason pickup, given that he's playing on an expiring contract himself at just over $10 million. He could have helped address Chicago's scoring issues without infringing on its offseason intentions.

Harrington ranks third in the league this season with 17 games off the bench with 20 points or more, second only to Atlanta's Jamal Crawford (26) and Sacramento's Carl Landry (18).

MRI confirms Rose has sprained wrist, no serious damage

Bulls point guard Derrick Rose will miss tonight's game verses the Miami Heat with a sprained wrist, but an MRI today confirmed no fracture or ligament damage, the team announced today.

He is listed as day-to-day, meaning he could play Tuesday when Chicago visits Memphis.

Rose injured his left wrist on Thursday in the first quarter of Chicago's game at Orlando after a collision with the Magic's Dwight Howard.

Rose leads the Bulls with averages of 20.4 points and 5.7 assists this season.

Rose should ignore Howard's advice

Looking at Dwight Howard’s second injury-inducing foul in 29 days against Derrick Rose, I don’t think there is any chance the Orlando big man will be fined or suspended.

But both of those fouls are essentially the same. Howard never tried to block Rose’s shot on either play, though in the Feb. 10 game, Howard did take a swipe in a failed effort to keep Rose from getting a shot off after the collision.

The two plays in question were definitely, “I’m going to knock you on your butt to show I’m a bad man” fouls. Both times, Howard claimed he had no intention of injuring Rose, which may be true. But he had every intention of drilling Rose in mid-air.

Following both games, Howard bragged about his success as a road block.

“I think if you hit something that doesn't move, you usually end up falling,” he chuckled after Thursday’s game.

Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy joined the chorus.

“He (Rose) is going full speed, and he's hitting basically an immovable object,” Van Gundy said.

Hinrich blows top, Bulls blow game 108-95

The Bulls lost another game -- their seventh straight -- and Kirk Hinrich lost his cool with 4 minutes, 43 seconds remaining in a 108-95 loss to the Heat on Friday night.

After the Heat's Dwyane Wade appeared to travel underneath the basket before Brad Miller fouled him, the Bulls were assessed a flagrant foul. Hinrich argued vehemently and was assessed a technical. Miller also got a technical. When Hinrich continued to argue and charge the officials, he was ejected. Hinrich appeared to make contact with referee Bennie Adams, which could be cause for a suspension.

"It was because the referee stopped. That's the only reason he bumped him," coach Vinny Del Negro said. "Kirk was walking toward him, and then the referee turned and they bumped. Kirk wasn't going there to bump him. … There was some contact, but it was because the referee had stopped right in front of him like that. That's all it was."

Miller expressed his frustration with the officiating Friday night.

Feeling sorry for Vinny. OK. Enough. Now what about Derrick?

It’s not as if Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro had any chance to come back next season even if they slipped into the playoffs this season.

But when you combine Del Negro’s coaching shortcomings with a run of injuries to four of the five starters, then you’ve got a death spiral that almost makes you feel sorry for Del Negro.

Not sorry enough to argue for bringing him back to continue this two-year mistake, mind you, but sorry enough that he won’t even have a chance to delude himself into believing he has a case.

Heading into Thursday night’s game in Orlando, Joakim Noah and Luol Deng were hurt and out. They’re not superstars, but then the Bulls aren’t good, so, while Noah and Deng barely would be third or fourth options on top teams, they’re Kareem and Worthy here.

Then Derrick Rose, the Bulls’ Magic, got hurt in the first quarter and had to leave the game, again because of Dwight Howard, and I’m thinking, maybe the Bulls could rent Adam Burish for certain games.

Anyway, at one point in the second quarter, the Bulls had Acie Law, Jannero Pargo, Brad Miller, Hakim Warrick and Taj Gibson on the court, and Gibson is dogged by plantar fasciitis, by the way. That’s not a lineup, that’s a rec league entry.

So, it was ugly early. It was hopeless early. It was painful early. But because I’m Li’l Stevie Sunshine, let me point out that the bright side of the Bulls’ being bad and dead was it allowed for guilt-free viewing of “The Office’’ and “30 Rock.’’

Noah will remain out for a while. Deng, too, perhaps. But the big question is Rose. Or maybe I should say the big decision is Rose, and here’s why:

Every playoff minute that Rose gets will be valuable in his growth, but not so valuable that I’d risk his health by rushing him back to a cruddy roster in some lame attempt to beat Miami, Charlotte, Toronto or Milwaukee for a playoff spot.

Bulls should try using more of the bench

The lesson to be learned from Friday’s loss to Miami wasn’t about anger management.

The Bulls were probably overdue to let off a little steam, so the 4 technical fouls collected in their seventh straight loss won’t be a big deal –- as long as Kirk Hinrich isn’t suspended for mistreating an official. That probably won’t happen, but it’s possible.

What the Bulls need to do during these difficult, shorthanded times is get to know the bench. Sure, Brad Miller and Taj Gibson give the Bulls the best chance to win right now. But running those two big men into the ground won’t help the long-term cause at all.

Looking just at the line score, Miller doesn’t seem overworked against Miami. He was credited for 34 minutes and played well, finishing with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

But consider that Miller, 33, played 16 minutes straight to open the second half. He finally checked out at the 7:39 mark of the fourth quarter, then was back in a minute later.

Derrick Rose will probably be back in the lineup on Tuesday in Memphis, but Luol Deng could be out a few more games and Joakim Noah is probably two weeks from having a chance at playing.

What better time than now to take a look at more reserves? Hakim Warrick logged just 10 minutes against Miami. Joe Alexander and Acie Law played garbage time. Maybe those second two guys aren’t quite ready to help right now, but with a little experience, who’s to say they won’t help win some games in April?

Nearly 50 years old, could Willie Gault still play in the NFL?

The most intriguing free agent in pro football has 333 career receptions for 6,635 yards (19.9 yards per catch) and 44 touchdowns. He is one of the elite kick returners to ever play the game, and boasts the sort of athleticism that evokes names like Bo and Herschel and Thorpe (and makes Terrell Owens look like Kurt Sohn). Most important, he is as smooth as a chocolate swirl, and word has it he dances a little funky.

Yet despite all the accomplishments and accolades, the man has yet to receive a single contract offer from an NFL franchise in 17 years.

Paging Al Davis

Mr. Al Davis, please report to the nearest telephone

"Can I make a comeback?" asks Willie Gault. "Absolutely. Will I? If someone calls, I'd be very open to the idea."

According to Gault, Gault's family, Gault's friends, old media guides, the Pro Football Reference Web site, Nexis/Lexis and official hospital records, Gault was born Sept. 5, 1960, which means he turns 50 in six months.

Yet according to reality, visual analysis and all possible rules of physicality, Gault is 25. Thirty, tops. His face appears virtually unchanged from his mid-1980s heyday with the Chicago Bears, when he was a key part of the Super Bowl XX champions. His skin is natural and unwrinkled, his hair thick and well groomed, his teeth straight and white as fresh whipped cream. There is no gut or double chin; no love handles or cankle cheese.

The Supreme Court: American Needle v. NFL

I realize that this seems to have little to do with the Bulls, but this case will have a significant impact on the NFL, and all other professional sports leagues. As a fan of the NBA, NFL and MLB, you should read about this case and understand the implications. Here are two great reads, each presenting the legal info and ramifications in a very user-friendly way:

Saints' quarterback Drew Brees weighs in on NFL's Supreme Court case

As the starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, I am used to competing on the football field, not in a courtroom, and I rarely offer a public opinion on complex legal debates. But in a few days, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in American Needle v. NFL, a case that could have a profound impact not only on my sport but on all of American professional athletics. So even as the playoffs are beginning, I feel compelled to venture beyond the gridiron to share my thoughts on what is at stake.

The case involves a multimillion-dollar deal struck in 2000 between the National Football League and Reebok that grants Reebok the exclusive rights to make hats, sweatshirts and other gear with NFL team logos. What does that deal have to do with the ability of my teammates and me to perform our jobs and entertain football fans around the country? Potentially, quite a bit: The gains we fought for and won as players over the years could be lost, while the competition that runs through all aspects of the sport could be undermined.

American Needle is a small manufacturer of hats located in Buffalo Grove, Ill. As a result of the NFL's deal with Reebok, American Needle was excluded from the NFL-branded hat market, so it sued the league and Reebok. American Needle argued that the licensing deal violated antitrust laws because it restricted competition between businesses. The nation's antitrust laws constitute a fundamental part of our economic system and have protected consumers for more than 100 years, providing us with lower prices and fostering innovation.

The NFL originally won the case because the lower courts decided that, when it comes to marketing hats and gear, the 32 teams in the league act like one big company, a "single entity," and such an entity can't illegally conspire with itself to restrain trade. The NFL-Reebok deal is worth a lot of money, and fans pay for it: If you want to show support for your team by buying an official hat, it now costs $10 more than before the exclusive arrangement.

Why American Needle-NFL is most important case in sports history

On Wednesday, the United States Supreme Court will hear arguably the most important sports law case in U.S. history and one that could dramatically reshape how the NFL and other leagues conduct their business.

The facts of American Needle v. NFL are simple. From the late 1970s to 2000, apparel maker American Needle enjoyed a licensing contract with NFL Properties, a business which controls the NFL's licensing contracts (such as for the use of NFL logos on clothing and in video games). NFL Properties is equally owned by the 32 NFL teams, which share its revenue. Other apparel companies had similar licensing contracts with NFL Properties.

In 2002, NFL Properties signed an exclusive 10-year contract with Reebok for licensed NFL apparel. The contract meant that only Reebok could make NFL-licensed apparel. American Needle argues this contract is illegal under federal antitrust law.

You may be thinking something along the lines of, "Why would this be illegal? So what if NFL Properties decided to go with Reebok and only Reebok? Isn't NFL Properties a private company that can make whatever business decisions it wants to?"

In most cases, private companies enjoy tremendous freedom in their business choices. But NFL Properties -- and the NFL in general -- is not a typical company. It is so unique, in fact, that it often poses problems for courts.

Bears Week 15 Preview (Game Delayed)

Bears-Ravens game delayed due to East Coast storm

Sporting events from NFL games to harness races were rescheduled Saturday as a winter storm swept across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, dumping more than a foot of snow in some areas.

The Bears' flight was already delayed -- they hoped to leave Friday night, but never got off the ground. They finally arrived in Baltimore late Saturday night. The Bears left for Baltimore on Friday, a day earlier than normal, because of the impending inclement weather.

Kickoff for the Ravens game against the Bears was moved to 3:15 p.m.

The game was scheduled to begin at noon Chicago time. But forecasters are predicting 10-to-20 inches of snow for the Baltimore area.

From the BBS Season Preview:

-15- Dec. 20 at Baltimore, noon, Fox-32

2j – Doesn’t the Ravens D have to get old at some point?! JC might help with that process by throwing laser-rockets around and thru the secondary. Bears 13, Ravens 7

Kmart – Ray Lewis threatens to stab jay cutler if he doesn’t stop throwing TD’s. He listens. Ravens 21, Bears 20

DC – At Baltimore. Rough one. Their defense seems to be ageless and always a huge problem. Their lack of talent on offense it what gives you hope. Can’t win em all. Ravens 17, Bears 13

Interesting Poll Results

We recently posted an identical poll for both the Bears and the Bulls. The question: Would you rather the team

(a) win a bunch of games, get into the playoffs and make an early exit?

or

(b) lose a bunch of games, miss the playoffs, get the coach(es) fired, and start over next year?

We got the same number of votes in each poll, but completely opposite results.





______________________

Vote in the new poll --------------->
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On the Bulls side, 65% of voters wanted the Bulls to make the playoffs, while only 35% wanted the Bulls to lose and get VDN fired. Compare that to the Bears side, where 65% of voters wanted the Bears to lose and get the coaches fired, while only 35% wanted the Bears to turn it around and make the playoffs.

So why the difference? I would guess that more people want to the Bulls to win and make the playoffs because it was earlier in the season and hopes were still high, plus there was excitement carrying over from the playoffs last year. People wanted the Bears to lose because expectations started high but they had been a huge disappointment, so people were giving up.

So am I right, or were there other reasons for the 2 different views? Let us know in the comments!

Re-post: Poll Comment Thread

I felt like there should be a thread to have a discussion about the most recent polls. So I started this new post. Feel free to discuss both new "Would you rather..." polls in the comments section below.
















First vote ------------------------->

then comment at the original Poll Comment Thread!

Devin Hester's Full Moon

What the fans want, the fans get ...
Received this from a BBS reader, so I had to post it. Enjoy.


"The full moon from Devin Hester of your Chicago Bears would even make Dick Butkus blush":

Bears Week 11 Preview

From the BBS Bears Season Preview

-11- Nov. 22 PHILADELPHIA, 7:20 p.m., Ch. 5

2j – Actually a really tough game, D has to prepare for Wildcat/Vick rather than a standard offense. This will be a great test to see where the Bears are really at compared to a tough team from the NFC East. Bears 17, Eagles 13

Kmart – We never play well against McNabb This reminds me of the time me and Jantz got smashed for the 2001 playoff game and McNabb was running all over the field on us while I passed out in sub-zero temperatures. Eagles 30, Bears 27

DC –This will be one of the defining games of the season for the Bears. If the Bears come in with a record as good as I predict with a solid Eagles team coming into town for a night game in November, this one could be a classic. The Bears will have a big advantage coming off a long layoff after the Thursday night game in San Fran. I see the crowd being absolutely vicious and spurring the Bears to a huge victory. Bears 27, Eagles 10

Bears' defense needs to make a stand

Jay Cutler seems to have found a way to keep his bad games from following one another, and while he has struggled in prime time, none of his stinkers have come at Soldier Field.

It stands to reason that the quarterback will bounce back from his rocky five-interception effort last week at San Francisco that pushed this season to the brink as eight NFC teams have more victories than the 4-5 Bears. There is little room for error remaining, and they simply cannot afford to lose another conference game that could come back to haunt them in a tiebreaker.

Chicago Bears suffer from personalities disorder

Because Jay Cutler is being protected from blame in Chicago better than he is from pass rushers, we apparently need to consider other culprits for the Bears' lousy 4-5 start. So let's start with Gaines Adams.

Adams has two assists and a batted pass in limited action since the Bears traded a second-round draft pick to the Bucs for him Oct. 17. But the defensive end's poor production isn't the point. There's no doubt the deal for the fourth overall pick of the 2007 NFL draft will help the Bears in the future.

Just as certain, the trade hurt their present.

Madden Forecast: Eagles secure win on Cutler turnover

The good news: Jay Cutler only throws one interception for the Bears. The bad news: That interception is flipped into the game-winning points for Philadelphia as they beat Chicago 17-10.

Donovan McNabb threw for 374 yards for an Eagles team that consistently moved the ball against the Chicago D, but Philly had trouble scoring touchdowns until the final drive of the game. That's when McNabb hit Jeremy Maclin for a ten-yard TD with a little under two minutes left on the clock, giving the Eagles their sixth win of the season.

For the Bears, the loss drops them to a disappointing 4-6. Talk about a team that is failing to live up to expectations.

Key matchups, predictions: Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Cutler's struggles at night have been well-documented, with 11 interceptions in three evening contests. His problems have contributed to the Bears' ineptitude in the red zone as they rank 26th in the NFL in that category. Samuel remains among the top corners in the league and is tied for third in the league with five interceptions. The seven-year veteran has had a pick-6 in each of his first six seasons.

LT Orlando Pace vs. DE Trent Cole

Pace said he is fine after suffering a mild concussion against the 49ers, and he'll need to be at his best against the Eagles. The 6-foot-7, 325-pounder laughs at any suggestion that he has problems bending to slow down shorter, quicker defensive ends. Cole (6-3, 270) classifies as such an end, and his 11 multi-sack games are tied for fourth-best in team history. Cole is tied for third in the NFC and tied for eighth in the NFL with 7 1/2 sacks.

Week 10 Grade: Jay Cutler

Giving the Bears' grades is usually DC's area, but I have to make a preemptive strike. I did not even see the first half because of a softball game, but I still know what grade Jay Cutler deserves ...

Bears collective grade for yesterday's performance (except for Cutler)

One Obvious, Glaring Issue with the Bears finally addressed

The three of you who read this blog may have noticed that I'm not the biggest Frank Omiyale backer. Ever since before the season started I've been saying he didnt deserve his starting position and was only playing because of his inflated pricetag (the Bears make personnel decisions based on $$$ and not performance...if you don't believe me, look at how Thomas Jones v. Cedric "I Haven't Reached My Career Saving Season Yet" Benson played out a few years back). His contribution to the Bears 45-10 drubbing last week was one of the key reasons why I couldn't even bring myself to write a Bears weekly grades post this past week. It would not have been fun reading.

Only known photographic evidence of a Frank Omiyale block.

Anyone with even a little bit of sports knowledge was able to see that Omiyale was contributing nothing to the success, or lack thereof, of the Bears offensive line and running game. It seemed like he got beat to the punch on every play against the Bengals. Well our nightmare is over, reports are that Josh Beekman is going to replace Omiyale this week. I've been saying all along he is the better option, so prove me right Josh. Beekman played alot last year and I have confidence that he can perform at a much higher level than Omiyale. But honestly, I'm so glad this move was finally made Beekman could give up 10 sacks and I would still say it's a step forward.

Source: Beekman to start for Bears - ESPNChicago.com

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Chicago Bears will start Josh Beekman at left guard in place of Frank Omiyale Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, according to a source familiar with the situation...

The article mentioned Pace is keeping his job and I think as a future HOFer he's earned the leeway. His pass blocking has been good. But run blocking? Not so much. Perhaps having a competent lineman on his right will help the situation.

Bears Key Match-ups

Already posed a Week 7 Preview, but here is on more link on key match-ups. In my opinion, the key match-up is our secondary v. Ochocinco. The secondary has had trouble at times this season, and Ochocinco has been rejuvenated. If we can contain him (and Cincy's other receivers) we should cruise to an easy W.



Key matchups, predictions: Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals

When the Bengals have the ball
G Frank Omiyale vs. DT Tank Johnson or Pat Sims

Omiyale, who had a miserable time against Atlanta's Jonathan Babineaux last week, simply has to play better. Omiyale promised the problems he has had run-blocking are easy to fix. If they aren't, he might find himself on the sidelines watching new starter Josh Beekman. Ex-Bear Johnson likely has some anger to let loose after being booted out of Chicago. A foot injury might limit his time, and Sims has started the last three games in Johnson's place. The Bengals need someone to step up on the line with sack-master Antwan Odom (Achilles') done for the season.

RB Matt Forte vs. LB Dhani Jones, Rey Maualuga and Keith Rivers

A push from the offensive line would help, but Forte is sure to be motivated, regardless, coming off his 23-yard, two-fumble outing in Atlanta. His 3.4 yards-per-carry average is more than a yard short of Jay Cutler's (4.7). If Forte can get to the second level, he's sure to see his share of the sensational rookie Maualuga, Rivers and reality TV star Jones, the Bengals' leading tackler. As a team, the Bengals are solid against the run, holding the Ravens and Texans to fewer than 90 yards in consecutive games.

When the Bengals have the ball
RB Cedric Benson vs. LB Nick Roach or Hunter Hillenmeyer

Benson says he isn't running to prove anything, but you can count on him being a little more jacked up than he ever was in his Chicago career. The Bears also will have to watch him closely on passing downs, as the Bengals are using him effectively as a receiving outlet. Roach has been playing the run wonderfully and likely will continue to start at the position, but there is a chance coach Lovie Smith will decide to move Roach to the strong side and reinsert Hillenmeyer at middle linebacker.

WR Laveranues Coles vs. CB Zack Bowman

Assuming Charles Tillman follows Chad Ochocinco and they play to a draw, the matchup between Coles and Bowman could be very influential in determining the score. Coles was a free agent in the offseason and the Bears decided to pass on him. The former Pro Bowler has not had more than 40 yards in a game but is crafty enough to light up an inexperienced cover man. Bowman started to play with more confidence against the Falcons and says he is going for the ball more.

The picks
David Haugh, Bears 27, Bengals 24: The Bears reacted to the Falcons' loss the way you would want from a veteran team, publicly and privately acknowledged the self-inflicted errors in the Atlanta game. Don't expect a similarly lax performance against a beatable Bengals team.

Vaughn McClure, Bears 21, Bengals 17: Matt Forte should rebound, and the much-maligned offensive line should play with a sense of urgency. But this could come down to how the Bears' defense fares. There is no way the Bears will allow ex-teammate Cedric Benson to run loose.

Fred Mitchell, Bears 24, Bengals 20: Jay Cutler has new paper, Cedric Benson has a new team and Chad Ochocinco has a new book. Should make for an entertaining afternoon at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bears will emerge victorious if they don't beat themselves again.

Rick Morrissey, Bears 24, Bengals 17: This pick is more about skepticism of the Bengals than it is a strong belief in the Bears. The historically woefully Bengals 4-2? This can't be.

Dan Pompei, Bears 31, Bengals 24: This could be the day Jay Cutler breaks out. The Bengals have the 28th-ranked passing defense. The key is the Bears will have to load up the box to slow down an inspired running back named Cedric Benson.

Bears Week 7 Preview

From the BBS Bears Season Preview -

-7- Oct. 25 at Cincinnati, noon, Fox-32

2j – The Bengals could be decent, depends a lot on how Carson Palmer performs. Decent isn’t enough to play with the Bears. Bears 31, Bengals 7

Kmart – Child Please. The Bengal’s defense isn’t there yet. Jay goes off. Bears 42, Bengals 28

DC – Bears will make the Bengals “Kiss the baby” en route to a victory. Bears 24, Bengals 14

How will the Bears deploy new defensive end Gaines Adams?

The plan is for Gaines Adams to make his debut for the Bears on Sunday at Cincinnati, but exactly how that will be executed remains to be seen.

The first question is whose place on the 45-man gameday roster will he take? Adams was one of three linemen inactive last Sunday at Atlanta, joining tackle Matt Toeaina and rookie swing man Jarron Gilbert. it would seem unlikely the team will sit down any of the linemen who played vs. the Falcons--tackles Tommie Harris, Anthony Adams, Marcus Harrison and israel Idonije, and ends Alex Brown, Adewale Ogunleye and Mark Anderson. Of course, if Harris' left knee remains an issue--he's missed practice the last two days--it could be him.

Don't panic about Bears' running game

Stats show Forte, Bears' ground game doing about what they did last season


With the Bears playing the Cincinnati Bengals and Cedric Benson on Sunday, it's a perfect time for one of those ''Where Are They Now?'' features about former Bears running backs.

Benson has resuscitated his career and ranks third in the NFL in rushing this season. Super Bowl hero Thomas Jones turned into a Pro Bowl player after being traded to the New York Jets and ranks fifth in the league in rushing.

Concerns about the Bears' running game, which were alleviated somewhat in the victory against the Detroit Lions before the bye week, are once again front and center after the loss Sunday to the Atlanta Falcons. That loss was fueled by turnovers in the red zone, but Forte's struggles, the success of former Bears running backs and the game against Benson has elevated the terror-alert level.

What's wrong with Forte? What's wrong with the offensive line? What's wrong with the running game?

''I don't know how much of a chance we gave it,'' offensive coordinator Ron Turner said. ''We were trying to mix and do all that stuff. We will be able to run the ball. We just have to keep with it.''

Lance Briggs: No-huddle, Pisa's injury, Ochocinco, Cedric Benson

Atlanta week was exciting, especially when you’re playing against a team of that caliber. You want to come in and make a statement about who you are as a team.

Once a team starts to go no-huddle, you have a different type of procedure where we have wristbands on and we’re looking to get the calls out much faster. It’s just being more efficient. In order to be more efficient, we might do numbers or have the whole team look to the sideline to get the call instead of having to echo it all around … just a way of combating it.

You never know when a team is going to go no-huddle. It’s different for Lovie (Smith) because he’s making the calls. He’s got to get the calls in a lot faster. For us, we just have to wait for the call and play.

Top5Friday (Sports Movies)

Every Friday all 3 of the BBS writers pick their Top 5 of something. Last week's Top5Friday was Fall TV Shows. This week it is Sports Movies ...


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2J's Sports Movie Picks -

5. Field of Dreams
4. Jerry Maguire
3. Major League II
2. Remember the Titans
1. Blue Chips

Honorable mentions: The SandLot, White Men Can't Jump, Rocky I and IV, For the Love of the Game, Rudy, Hoosiers



Kmart's Sports Movie Picks -

5. CaddyShack
4. Raging Bull
3. Hoosiers
2. Finding Forrester
1. Rudy (Only here because of this week. GO IRISH! BEAT TROJANS!)

Honorable mentions: 61*, Bull Durham, Brian's Song, A League of Their Own, Tin Cup




DC's Sports Movie Picks -

I bucked the system because I watch a lot of movies (evidenced by my Netflix queue constantly hovering above 100), I could probably put together a top 25 easily. But as Coach Norman Dale stated in my #1 pick "I apologize for nothing".

10. Dogtown and the Z-Boys
9. Friday Night Lights
8. Field of Dreams
7. Rounders (only this low b/c poker is a stretch, but it's on ESPN so suck it)
6. The Natural
5. Kingpin
4. Bang the Drum Slowly
3. Caddyshack
2. Hoop Dreams
1. Hoosiers

Honorable mention: Varsity Blues, Blue Chips, Miracle, Once in a Lifetime, Remember the Titans, Eight Men Out, Rudy, Murderball

Bears Week 6 Preview

From BBS Bears Season Preview -

-6- Oct. 18 at Atlanta, 7:20 p.m., Ch. 5

2j – Hoping Michael Turner is feeling the effects of 370 carries last year. Seems like the Falcons should be in for a letdown this season, everything went too well for them last year. The Bears will put them in their place. Bears 35, Falcons 17

Kmart – We beat the Falcons last year (if you blacked out Lovie Smith’s last minute brain-fart squib-kick). These teams are pretty evenly matched, but when you look at the quarterback comparisons Jay Cutler is much better than Michael Vick. Bears 30, Falcons 27

DC – As 2J rightly points out…Turner is carrying the “Curse of 370” this season so he’ll probably have suffered a double rupture of both ACLs by the time this game rolls around. Assuming that is true the Bears will win this game. If Turner is somehow still able to walk/run for this game, Atlanta is a scary team to play…especially at home. Atlanta will either prove they are a team on the rise or last season was a fluke. I don’t expect Matt Ryan to make any leaps this year…and Bears owe him a loss for the flukey win they stole from the Bears last season. Bears steal a close one. Bears 28, Falcons 27

Get after Matt Ryan -

There has been no shortage of pressure in 2009. Entering Sunday night's game in Atlanta, the Chicago Bears' defense has accumulated 14 sacks with eight coming from defensive ends Adewale Ogunleye, Alex Brown and Mark Anderson. Harassing Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is a central key this weekend, but their offensive line has surrendered just two sacks. That is an impressive figure, when you consider Ryan has attempted 123 passes, just six fewer than Jay Cutler.

Hillenmeyer, Peterson still out -

Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (cracked rib) and running back Adrian Peterson (knee) sat out Thursday's practice as the Bears continued preparation for Atlanta.

Defensive tackle Israel Idonije returned to practice, as expected, for the first time since getting his left knee scoped. He was limited

Nose tackle Anthony Adams (toe) also returned to practice after sitting out Wednesday. He was limited as well.

How does Cutler stack up? -

A closer look at Cutler's numbers compared with those of Orton and Ryan

So how did the Bears make out in the big quarterback trade? Not terribly.

ESPN Stats & Information analyzed the Bears' QB trade with the Denver Broncos entering this weekend's games. We examined Jay Cutler versus Kyle Orton in a variety of categories. Keep in mind, the Broncos also got first-round picks in 2009 (18th overall; DE Robert Ayers) and 2010, along with a third-round pick (84th overall) in 2009.

Record: Cutler is a healthy 3-1. Orton is 5-0. It's all about wins.

The luck: If you count a miracle 87-yard TD pass to Brandon Stokley, Orton doesn't need a four-leaf clover.

The defense: Orton hasn't had to win games by himself because he has had the NFL's No. 2 defense. The Bears rank 13th and are without Brian Urlacher.

Best NFL Uniforms -

2,000 readers ranked each NFL team's home uniform on a scale of 0 to 5. Numbers were crunched, pie charts and bar graphs were rendered, pizzas were ordered and consumed. And when the dust settled, the best and worst NFL uniforms, as selected by Uni Watch Blog readers, looked like this, with the Bears on top and the Bills bringing up the rear.

Bulls and Bears Links

D-Rose still wants to play in 2016 -

Bulls point guard Derrick Rose was disappointed that Chicago wasn't awarded the 2016 Olympics Games, but still wants to represent the United States.

"It hurts," he told the Chicago Sun-Times of his hometown losing the Olympic bid to Rio de Janeiro, "but I'm still a candidate for the team and, hopefully, the coaches decide to put me on that team."

30 Best Go-To Players -

#17: DERRICK ROSE, Chicago Bulls

“Now I know this is gonna come as a huge surprise to everyone, but … I’M the artist. That’s right, people. I know — amazing, ain’t it? So young … so young.”
-Riley Freeman

The most tempting carrot in the race to rate Derrick Rose is to overrate him based on his prodigious potential. With a stellar rookie season (16.8 ppg, 6.3 apg) as the only work experience on his NBA resume, Rose — who just turned 21 years old yesterday — operates under the assumption that what we’ve seen from him so far is the worst that we’ll see; that each season he will raise his game notch after notch until, inevitably, he takes his rightful place beside Stockton and Isiah and Archibald on the point guard pedestal.

The most common evaluation of Rose: “When he gets a jumper, it’s WRAP.” I’ve said it myself, and still believe it.

Check out this video, it will be the weirdest 3 minutes of your day ...
JoaNoah Dances -

As he proved at the University of Florida, Joakim Noah might be the NBA’s most awkward dancer next to Mark Madsen. In this video to promote the Chicago Dance Marathon, Noah once again shows off his dance moves as well as his crib. He also attempts to act by playing Joakim Noah’s assistant, while a cute little white kid plays well, Joakim Noah. It’s weird and confusing, but check it out anyway.

Hollinger PER projections for the Bulls.


Will the Bulls build on the playoffs? -

Chicago Bulls.

Key Question: Will Chicago build on last year’s playoff against the Boston Celtics or fall-off in 2010?

The Quick Answer: For years, Ben Gordon polarized fans.

Some saw him as a dynamic scorer, capable of dropping big numbers and even bigger shots. Others felt his size was a liability -on offence, he could never be a legit first-option and, on defense, opponents would take to him to the block to create mismatches.

Chicago management was also split on Gordon. At times, they tried to lock him up long-term by offering multi-year contracts worth big money. At other points, management seemed to be pushing the former ‘Sixth Man of the Year’ out the door.

The Gordon saga finally ended when, as a free agent, he signed a five-year, $55 million contract with the Detroit Pistons in July. Here’s the question: what happens next in Chicago?

A successful 2010 hinges on the youngsters learning from last year’s playoff duel with the Celtics. This process begins and ends with super-sophomore Derrick Rose continuing to be Chicago’s best player since you-know-who retired and then un-retired to join those Washington Wizards.

Box score from Bulls/Jazz in London.


Quick recap of the game -

James Johnson sank a fade-away jump shot from the baseline at the buzzer Tuesday to give the Chicago Bulls a 102-101 win over the Utah Jazz in an NBA preseason game.

Johnson, who finished with 18 points, got the rebound after teammate Derrick Byars missed a shot from the top of the key.

Luol Deng, who was raised in London after his family fled war-torn Sudan, impressed early and also finished with 18 points at sold-out O2 Arena. He left the game in the third quarter and did not return.

Jannero Pargo scored 16 points for the Bulls. Paul Milsap led the Jazz with 18 points while Deron Williams and Wesley Matthews had 16 each.

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DC already posted a great summary of the Bears win over the Lions in "Week 4 Grades"


Cutler puts on a happy face -

When quarterbacks say it's not about the stats and all they care about is winning, they're telling the truth. They believe it, and they want you to believe it, too.

It's also true that quarterbacks can recite their passer ratings down to the sixth digit after the decimal point.

That's what makes me wonder how long Jay Cutler will put on a smiley face after throwing for 141 yards in a game. A quarterback who threw for more than 4,500 yards and 25 touchdowns last season may not always be satisfied engineering an offense that Sunday gained fewer yards than the special-teams return units. It may not be as pressing of a concern as the continued improvement of the offensive line or depth at linebacker, but this being the bye week makes for an ideal time to overanalyze.

Tommie Harris stole a line from Doug Rader when he said that because of injuries to key players -- most notably middle linebacker Brian Urlacher -- the Bears are going to have to ''win ugly'' this season. He's right. This team hasn't shown the firepower on either side of the ball that the Saints, Giants, Colts and Vikings have.

Then the question becomes, how long will ''winning ugly'' satisfy the franchise's new franchise quarterback?

Another version of 'Grading the Bears' -

One day later, the eye in the sky says that while the Bears lost some of their battles on the perimeter of the field against the Lions, they won the battles in the trenches.

And when a football team dominates with both of its lines, it has a chance to win no matter how its skill position players perform.

For the first time this year Sunday, the Bears took it to an opponent up front, both offensively and defensively.

Quarterback Grade: 6

Bears injuries -

Lovie Smith would prefer to have an off week halfway through the season, but having one after four games is perfect timing based on the Bears' injury situation.

Smith said Monday that wide receivers Devin Hester and Johnny Knox should be fine coming off shoulder-area and shin injuries, respectively.

In a Twitter post Monday, Hester wrote: "Hey fans n friends I'm ok, will be ready for atl game."

Smith was pressed about Hester's availability for the Bears' next game Oct. 18 at Atlanta.

"Right now, two weeks away, am I expecting Devin (to play)? Yeah," Smith said. "I'm expecting all of the guys to play right now. We haven't ruled anybody out. I'm pretty excited about having all our guys ready to go the next time we play."

That might not be reality.

Running back Adrian Peterson is expected to be sidelined two to three weeks after an MRI revealed he strained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee, according to an NFL source.

Bears v. Lions - Week 4 Preview

The Bears are laying 10 or 10.5 points today, and I'm taking them. The Lions are no longer 0-19, but it would take a lot more than 10.5 to get me to bet on the Lions.

BBS Pre-season predictions -

-4- Oct. 4 DETROIT, noon, Fox-32

2j – I hope the Lions are starting a rookie QB at this point. Bears win this one BIG. Also, I would like to take this chance to tell all Detroit fans to have fun convincing yourselves that you actually like watching the most selfish, me-first basketball player on earth – Ben Gordon. Bears 45, Lions 6

Kmart – I love Ben Gordon. Bears 67, Lions 0

DC – The Detroit Shock have a better chance of beating the Bears this year. Bears 35, Lions 3

Desmond Clark might help the running game -

Desmond Clark never envisioned remaining sidelined long despite suffering a crack rib in the season opener.

After missing two games, the Bears tight end is set to return to the lineup Sunday against Detroit.

``You always push to try to get back as soon as possible,'' Clark said. ``Over the years, you learn not to take any of this for granted. Every game, every snap is important. So if I can get back out there sooner rather than later, that's what I'm trying to do.''

Clark's return could add a boost to the Bears' stagnant running game, ranked 28th in the league at 71.7 yards per game. Of the team's top three tight ends -- Greg Olsen, Clark and Kellen Davis -- Clark is the best blocker.

Good thing we are deep at the LB spot -

Lance Briggs celebrated being named NFC defensive player of the week by taking the day off.

Not by choice, of course.

The Bears linebacker and co-captain sat out Wednesday's practice and had a protective boot on his left foot. The injury, however, appears to be nothing more than soreness, although Briggs might not return to practice until Friday.

"I'll be ready Sunday," Briggs said. "I'll tell you right now, I'll be there Sunday. There's no doubt about it. I'm fine."

Briggs last missed a game during the 2007 season as a hip injury sidelined him for the Bears' 35-7 thumping of the Packers.

The Bears need Briggs in the lineup based on how banged up they are at linebacker.

Middle linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer's status coming off a rib injury is unclear as he sat out Wednesday's practice, although there is a chance Hillenmeyer could play. Strong-side linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa, who has been out since Week 1 with a knee sprain, said he won't play Sunday against Detroit. Brian Urlacher was placed on injured reserve after he had wrist surgery.

Hillenmeyer out Sunday -

While Lance Briggs returned to practice Thursday with a sore left foot, fellow linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer is expected to miss Sunday's game with a rib injury.

Briggs was limited after missing practice Wednesday. He poked fun at his injury during his weekly trip to the podium.

"It started off as a hairline fracture then it increased yesterday to a major break," Briggs joked.

"So they put me in boot because ... miracle. Overnight healing. Never seen anything like it."

Hillenmeyer missed his second consecutive day but is expected to be recovered after the club's off week.

Blitzing the Lions' rookie QB -

Conventional wisdom says the Bears will work to pressure Lions rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford, who'll be making his fourth career start Sunday at Soldier Field.

But it might be difficult for the defense to dial up more heat than it already has been applying. According to ESPN.com, the Bears are second in the league in blitzing after three games, bringing an extra pass rusher on 47.46 percent of the downs. It's a subjective number arrived at after film review, but the margin for error isn't too wide. It's not a surprise. Coach Lovie Smith has taken over the play-calling, but he always has been adamant that the cover-2 is only part of his defensive strategy.

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And of course a quick reaction to the Bulls pre-season opener ...
Loved the starting line-up: Rose, Salmons, Deng, TT and JoaNoah. Taj played great for a rookie in his first game, and it looks like we have a lot of depth of front: Taj, JJ, Brad Miller. We even have some backcourt depth with Salmons at the 2 spot. Leaves Kirk, Pargo and Hunter. If our second unit is Kirk, Pargo, JJ, Taj and Brad, we should have an advantage somewhere on a lot of teams. Enough rambling, it was only 1 pre-season game.

Taj impresses, TT concusses -

Rookie Taj Gibson had 19 points and nine rebounds to help the Chicago Bulls beat the Indiana Pacers 104-95 on Friday night in the second preseason game for the NBA's replacement officials.

It was an uneventful night for officials Kevin Scott, Karl Lane and William Mensah, though Pacers fans briefly booed them for reviewing whether the Bulls had committed a shot-clock violation with 3.7 seconds left and the game already decided. The Bulls were called for the violation.

The league has hired replacements during its lockout with the referees union, and so far, there hasn't been much trouble. Indiana was called for 28 fouls to Chicago's 21. The only technical foul was a 3-second call against the Pacers. The game was run smoothly and lasted just 2 hours, 20 minutes.

The officials didn't draw attention from Gibson's performance. Chicago coach Vinny Del Negro liked what he saw from the first-round pick out of Southern California.

"Taj is like the Energizer Bunny, just keeps on coming at ya," Del Negro said. "He shoots it better than you think, he's picking and popping, he's long. Just a great effort for a first game for a rookie. It's a good sign for him."

Gibson, the Pac-10 defensive player of the year last season, said he wants to prove that he's a solid all-around player with a team mentality.

"I'm just an athletic, extremely high-energy guy," Gibson said. "If I have to go out and get a couple rebounds, take a charge, I'm willing to do anything to help the team win. That's my whole mind-frame right now."

Rose added 17 points, and Luol Deng and John Salmons had 15 each for the Bulls. Chicago's Tyrus Thomas left the game in the third quarter because of a concussion.

Bears Grind Out Win Over Seahawks

Last week DC wondered "Does the QB make the WRs or vice versa?" and the question continues as the WRs make Cutler look good -

If Jerry Angelo is writing that thesis on his belief that the quarterback makes the wide receiver in the NFL, a theory Angelo brought Jay Cutler to Chicago to prove, then some minor edits are recommended.

Everybody expected Cutler to make the Bears' wide receivers better. But a week after Johnny Knox provided the fourth-quarter heroics, a second straight victory resulted from a Bears wide receiver making Cutler look pretty good.

Next thing you know, the TV show "MythBusters" will start staffing Bears games.

This time it was Devin Hester leaping high to catch a quick slant from Cutler and running away from two Seahawks defensive backs for a 36-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter that clinched the Bears' 25-19 win at Qwest Field.

It wasn't the best of throws from Cutler. But Hester never has made a catch any better, though his three other receptions Sunday weren't exactly routine.

"It's a team thing, and if Jay does his part, we're going to come out successful," Hester said.

Postgame analysis -

Lovie Smith put it best: "Every win that I've ever been a part of is pretty."

Smith's assessment is spot-on. Nobody would call the 25-19 win over the Seahawks a masterpiece, but it does show that even when they're not playing their best football, the Bears are still capable of winning games.

"This says a lot about our team," Smith said. "When you're down and things are going against you, they kept fighting. That's what good teams do."

"It's tough; Seattle is a good team," Devin Hester said. "We just showed today that we're capable of playing all four quarters. Coming out of Pittsburgh, and going to play in this tough environment and coming out with a win, that was pretty big for us today."

Many people still refuse to label Hester a true No. 1 wide receiver, but he definitely looked like one late in the fourth quarter, hauling in what proved to be a game-winning 36-yard touchdown pass.

"It was basically a slant call," Hester said. "We knew that we could get them on a quick slant, so we took advantage of it. Jay [Cutler] threw a great ball, the offensive line held up and we got it into the end zone."

Hillenmeyer injured -

The dominoes behind star linebacker Brian Urlacher kept falling. Yet fill-in Nick Roach and the Bears' defense stood tall when they had to.

Chicago finished Sunday's 25-19 victory over the Seattle Seahawks down to its third middle linebacker. Hunter Hillenmeyer got hurt two weeks after the Bears lost Urlacher, their six-time Pro Bowl selection and defensive leader, to a season-ending wrist injury.

Hillenmeyer, a seventh-year veteran, left in the third quarter with what Bears coach Lovie Smith said was a rib injury. That left Roach, a third-year veteran from Northwestern who replaced injured outside linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa earlier this month, to move inside to the middle spot in Chicago's defense.

Roach earned rave reviews from teammates and coaches after he chased Seattle's Seneca Wallace across the end zone and forced a wild, off-balance throw that Lance Briggs intercepted in the third quarter to set up a field goal.

2 straight dramatic wins -

Call it living dangerously if you must, but for the second straight week the Bears managed to win a game in the same dramatic fashion that they lost close contests a year ago.

That's life in the NFL, where victories usually come down to a few plays here and there. Thinned out even more by injuries, but not nearly as depleted as the Seahawks, the Bears prevailed 25-19 Sunday at raucous Qwest Field.

With Seattle minus nine projected starters, the Bears took a bigger punch than they probably expected, falling behind 13-0 early in the second quarter. But as has been the case under Lovie Smith, it's hard to put this group away.

The Bears didn't play particularly well, even as they climbed back into the game. But just as they rebounded against the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers a week ago, they rallied to take control of the game in the second half and win on a Jay Cutler-led drive.

''I pride myself in that,'' Cutler said after the Bears' first victory in Seattle in 33 seasons. ''I want the ball in those situations, and I think the offense is starting to get a feel for it. The fourth quarter is where we've got to play our best, and I think we are right now.''