superdad

Out of the playoffs and on to 2009. The Chicago Bears came up short in Houston with a lack luster performance. That was the season in a nutshell for this year’s Bears team.

All seasons long we played well but there were just a few games early on that the Bears should have won but did not. Games against Atlanta, Carolina, and even in the Houston game we did not finish and those games ended in losses.

So who’s to blame? It’s hard to blame a offense that actually played well despite early season criticism. We had a feeling Rex Grossman was not the answer and we found that out Kyle Orton is a good enough number two quarterback although the jury is still out whether or not this guy is a future star. The biggest surprise the rookie arrival of Matt Forte who accounted for more than half of the season stats on offense. Greg Olsen was the most consistent catching the ball, while Devon Hester was up and down all year long as the go to receiver.

My biggest disappointment was the defense. Lovie Smith is a defensive coach and indeed he has improved the defense’s ability to create turnovers, but that was clearly not enough this year. The Bears run defense was descent, but always seemed to let that big run get by them when the time counted for a big stop. While the third down defense seemed to let drives keep going all year long. The big money was spent on the defense during last year’s off season and a refund should be what the Bears fans are asking today. We once again became a victim of Mike Brown, the best guy in coverage and big play guy to late season ending injury, which his absence was exposed greatly against the Houston Texans. This guy has plagued the Bears all the way back to the Super Bowl season and every off season Jerry Angelo the general manager, has not fixed the problem. Adam Archuleta and Chris Harris have been the lone answers and they are not even with the team. Sure Daniel Manning had a great last few games but that was because he was playing his best position as a nickel defender, he is not a good corner or safety for that matter.

Yes, the Bears broke the bank with Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs and they should be pointed out as some of the problem. Moreover Brian Urlacher is showing in his older age, especially in pass coverage, and that he could have been replaced. Lance Briggs is the best linebacker and is the heart of the Chicago Bears defense while Mike Brown and Brian Urlacher are showing they’re consistently inconsistent whether because of injury or just not showing up when needed. I did not see Brain Uralcher go off once on his defense this year and isn’t he the captain. In the Houston game for example, Uralcher was always shown just standing there, doing nothing! While Ray Lewis of the Ravens is getting his defense ready for the next series and chewing out anyone who is not giving it his all. I know Urlacher is not one for words, but his play by example has not been very convincing to me either this past year especially after signing that new big contract. Attitude is reflected upon leadership in my mind and if you look at the 2008 Bears defense it kind of goes parallel with the attitude of Brian Urlacher meaning, he could care less.

The solution to the 2009 season is not just one player one coach or one scheme. Jerry Angelo and Lovie Smith needs to reexamine their roster and see who is the future while weaving out some of the old reoccurring problems for the Bears. Let Grossman go, bring back Orton but, I would still consider a upgrade at quarterback, get a safety, Craig Steltz as the future safety may be promising but I’d rather see someone more established perhaps a free agent with more experience and durability. Perhaps a linebacker in the draft or another defensive tackle, then a receiver, and get some new big men up front for the offensive line to seem more fresh. That line is another year older and many thought this year would be worse than what played out. The jury is still out for the new offensive tackle out of Vanderbilt, Chris Williams, last year’s number one pick, he was plagued by a back injury for half of the season.

In summary, how much better can we be, a whole lot better, and a maybe the Chicago Bears may have a better offense than the defense next year. Build around Forte he is worth it, and try to get fresher on defense. I now there are some imovable parts but we have to work with what we got and let’s hope that these past few years of developing talent under Lovie Smith will pay off in 2009. We still could use some help Mr Angelo if you are listening?

Right about now many of those who went to the Bears game last night are finally thawing out from one of the coldest games ever at Soldier Field. The aches and pains are well worth it, as the Bears have survived again and are one game closer to a possible Division Title or with help, a Wild Card spot.

No matter what happens this next week, which will be one of the most memorable all over the NFL, the Bears have overcome a lot of bad criticism. This Bear’s team was not picked by many experts out there to finish even close to a 9 and 6 season, with one game left, in the beginning of the season. Many even thought the Packers or even the Lions were predicted to end with a better record.

Once again, the Bears are in the playoff hunt and a lot has to happen for a playoff result. Our chances look good against a good Houston Texans team which is playing for nothing. The Minnesota Vikings may get a little help with perhaps no Brandon Jacobs this weekend for the New York Giants. However, I still believe the Tampa Bay Buccaneers look flat and may lose to the Oakland Raiders who are playing better, and the drama queens of the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys will get physically man handled in Philly. This may be the last game for Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid so I expect a lot out of the Eagles this weekend. Dallas will fall and the Buc’s will fall and the Bears and the Vikings may be both in the playoffs when all is said and done.

That would be nice, although I still am pulling for the New York Giants to maybe have a little fight in them and finish the season with a win in the Metrodome in Minneapolis. Minnesota is a known with a past of dropping big games in December. They have never won the NFC North since the division was set to four teams.

In summary this Chicago Bears’ team has over achieved and has overcame a lot this year. Lovie Smith deserves a lot of credit for keeping this team together. Lovie Smith started this season with a quarterback that never finished a full season of pro football a rookie running back that had to carry the whole load of the running game and most of the passing game. Lastly not one pro bowl reciever and a aging defense that was not as dominant in year’s past. Sure they get those turnovers but statistically the Bears were not a top five defense. Lovie Smith once again has proved that he can coach despite not having the best assets to play with on a week to week basis.

Go Bears, and Mike Ditka for Governor!

When I say alive, I say on life support but with a choice to live or die in tonight’s game against the Green Bay Packers. It was just about a month ago when the Packers pasted the Bears up at Lambeau 37 to 3. Now the Bears can either fight back and rub some dirt in the wound of the Packers, since they are now eliminated from the playoffs, or the Bears can lay another egg.

Optimists say yes, the Bears should take care of business considering Lovie Smith still has a favorable record against the Pack. However, Soldier Field will resemble a ice rink resembling of the one being built on the North side for the New Years Day Hockey game at Wrigley Field. Weather will be a tremendous factor in this game and at end could be one of the coldest regular season games ever to be played.

Matt Forte once again will have to be the work load as the Bears will have to run the ball. Although do not be surprised if the Bears use some play action early to get the Pack out of an eight man front. The tight ends, Greg Olsen and Dez Clark, could be a X factor for the Bears early and often.

The biggest test for the Bears today will be if they can provide consistent pressure on defense and making Aaron Rodgers beat us. We know there will be a high dose of Ryan Grant and the Packer running game but Rodgers will either lead the Pack to upset or another December loss. In the last meeting Grant ate up the defense for the Bears and if that trend continues tonight the Bears will begin to go into hibernation instead of going to the playoffs.

Lastly even if the Bears do win, which I believe they will, we still need to a lot of help to get into the playoffs. With the Giants securing home field advantage and the Vikings playing for their playoff lives next weekend, will that game even be competitive if couch Coughlin of the Giants pulls his starters early. Not to forget that the Bears still have to beat a pretty descent Houston Texans team. I will end with this, the Bears will be praying for a mini Christmas miracle for them to get into the playoffs. I am an optimist and will say they win these next two games but it still might not be enough to overcome those early blown opportunities in the beginning of the year.

Yesterday there was some closure for John Walsh. Today we must feel proud of what this man has done for helping others find missing people and solving the most unsolvable crimes across America.

John Walsh found out that a serial killer was responsible for his 6 year old whom was stolen from the Walshs’ 27 years ago. Since then Walsh has help founded the latest ways we now find missing children.

Before John Walsh there was no kids on milk cartons very little police help for finding missing children and plus really no country wide system for finding missing children.

As a father of two, I could not fathom the thought of one of my boys being taken away from my family and I. Amber Alert which was actually not the result of John Walsh but you got to think that Walsh paved a way for people to speak out and increase the ability to actually find children once lost.

John Walsh is most famous for his show America’ Most Wanted which was a result of his family’s horific loss and without John’s tireless work on this show many criminals of vicious crimes still may be on the run still. We all need to take a second and thank the help of Walsh and his crew to use every way possible to help America fight back against the country’s most hated criminals.

Justice has finally been served as another unsolved missing child case is closed. It had to be difficult for John Walsh and his family all of these years to not know what happened to their child and yesterday we found the truth. These last 24 hours should be dedicated to John Walsh and his fight against those who think they can steal a child and not get caught. Superdad solutes you John Walsh and your diligence for all of us to feel a little safer in this already turbulent world.

Starting on Thursday the Bears win 27 to 24 against the Saints behind two late drives, one to tie and one in overtime to keep the playoffs alive in Chicago. Drew Brees strikes out again in Chicago.

The Minnesota Vikings run over the Arizona Cardinals 35 to 14 to stay ahead in the NFC North. Too much Tavaris Jackson and Adrian Petersen in the desert in Glendale for the NFC West Champs.

The Green Bay Packers will not return to the playoffs as the Jacksonville Jaguars ended the Packers hopes in a 20 to 16 defeat. A disappointing end, but a very happy Brett Favre.

The winless Detroit Lions fight hard again but lose to the Indianapolis Colts 31 to 21. The Colts win their 7th straight while the Lions are heading to 0 and 16.

The New York Jets get a lucky play and win in the Meadowlands against the Bills in a 31 to 27 victory. The Jets can thank the Bills for an early Christmas gift.

The New England Patriots behind a high spirited Matt Cassel defeated the Oakland Raiders 49 to 26. Tom Brady eat your heart out! “Bill might not be to anxious for your return after all.”

The Dallas Cowboys are reborn again for another week after they defeated the emotionless New York Giants 20 to 8. Everyone in New York is asking “Plaxico is that important.” I guess so as the Giants loose their second straight without the disgruntal gun slinger.

The Miami Dolphins are back and not 1 and 15 this year. As the Dolphins keep the good times rolling after a 14 to 9 victory over Samurai Mike’s San Francisco 49ners.

Speaking of come backs the Atlanta Falcons are dancing in the clubs as they continue their rebirth as a formidable franchise defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in overtime 13 to 10.

What happened to the Washington Redskins as they lose to the Cincinnati Bengals 20 to 13. The Redskins have fallen faster than shoe thrown at George Bush this weekend.

The real Tennessee Titans forgot to get on the bus to Houston. The Houston fighting Texans defeat the Titans 13 to 12. The bigger story maybe the injury of Albert Haynesworth.

The beat down in Baltimore ended in some controversy as the Steelers rally late to beat the Ravens 13 to 9. Although when the Steelers drove the ball about ninety yards you are probably going to score anyway whether or not the touchdown counted.

The Panthers beat the Broncos 30 to 10. Can we just leave the whole AFC West conference out of the playoffs please? The whole division needs to sink into the Pacific Ocean.

Seattle gallantly wins 23 to 20 with time running out against the baddest team on turf the St Louis Rams.

San Diego defeats the Kansas City Chiefs 22 to 21. Does anyone care? San Diego is a major disappointment ever since Norv Turner took over and the Chiefs always seem to have a team that resembles a college roster compared to a pro football team.

As far as tonight’s game with Philadelphia and Cleveland I foresee Cleveland’s win streak on Monday Night Football ending this year as Ken Dorsey is not playing for the Miami Hurricanes anymore. Look for Brian Westbrook to continue to eat up yards against the Cleveland defense.

There is your NFL Week 15 recap, check in again for more in the future.

Poor Rod Blagojevich is in some big trouble. As a blogger and someone from Chicago, I just had to make a comment.

With President elect Barack Obama leaving his Senate seat in Illinois the Governor from Chicago thought it was a good idea to put a price tag on the Senate seat. Oh wait, you were already under investigation for the Tony Rezco case which he claimed he had nothing to do with, but now who do we trust now!

I am a firm believer in not judging someone before their day in court and hearing all of the facts. Although, it does not look good for the next ex governor of Illinois, which President elect Obama is asking him to step down in retrospect of what has happened to Blagojevich.

In the end, now Chicago politics is in the national media and many are asking Barack Obama if he was aware of any of these allegations. Yesterday he calmly stated “no”, but I am sure many un- aware of Chicago and its sometimes corrupt ways are doubting those very words.

All I can say is that, I believe Barack Obama had nothing to do with this and Rod Blagojevich just buried his own political career. Those two do not have a lot in connections as far as I know, besides working for Illinois voters. For now, Rod can get ready to be a possible cell mate with former Governor George Ryan. They should make good cell mates, don’t you think?

Why is it that College Football ends in early December and finishes in the beginning of January? This is a big pet peeve of mine along with no playoffs in Division I College Football.

It makes no sense that teams may wait 50 plus days before playing a Bowl game. Especially if you are one of the lucky ones to make it to the BCS. Teams like Ohio State have been in the BCS Bowls including the National Championship the last couple of years and they have a relatively poor record compared to the dominance they show in the regular season. Coaching can only do so much in this much time off between games.

Another example of why this college system does not work is that teams that are from non power conferences have no shot. At least in College Basketball the Davidsons, the George Masons at least get a shot at major conference schools, however in football good luck. It was unfortunate last year that Hawaii was given a shot and they did loose. However, a team like Boise St did win against big power Oklahoma a year prior to that, in the Orange Bowl. Decisions made to put teams in the BCS seem to favor bigger schools mostly because there are more alumni from those schools and more of those people that buy tickets to these Bowl games.

You would think with all of the brilliant minds that cover our college campuses that there would be a better way to determine a champion in College Football. However, millions and millions of dollars help keep many of these brilliant minds quiet because of that same fear, the fear of loosing money.

So, here is a solution to this mess. I know most people want a 8 team playoff or a plus one game included in the BCS championship series. However, that still will cause just as much debate than what we already have. My plan would be have a playoff where each conference winner of each conference including the WAC and MAC get an outamatic bid to the playoffs. Kind of like what College Basketball does when determining the 64 teams for the March Madness. However, instead of 64 you will have less that 20 teams entering the playoffs. Then if you wish use the current BCS polling to determine the seedings. Teams like Notre Dame and Navy whom are independent would also have an outamadic bid for best record and in case of a tie head to head play would come into affect. There still will be plenty of money to throw around with that many teams. I mean right now there are something like 20 to 30 bowl games anyways so why not format that into a better playoff system. You can still use the Orange Bowl, the Sugar Bowl and whatever but make it more like a playoff. There may be some scheduling conflict although this plan will make for a better College Football experience and determine a true National Champion.

In summary I am tired of figuring out which one loss team is better than the rest. Which undefeated team got screwed because of a lack of a strong schedule. Plus having a shared champion is just not what sports is about, the time is now for change. The game has changed the players have changed but we still want to hang on to the past. You can still use past tradition within a new playoff system. Just please I hope that the system changes in someway so that we stop all the debating and know who really is the best in College Football.

Yes, the Chicago Bears won on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars but that was expected. What about the New Orleans Saints, coming into town who are coming off a big win against the Atlanta Falcons. This game is a repeat of the 2006 NFC championship game where the Bears beat the Saints going on there way to the Super Bowl, only to falter against the Indianapolis Colts.

You got to believe the Saints will be coming in with a bad taste in their mouth on Thursday Night Football on the NFL Network. Many of the players still remain from that championship game and many are ready to give a little payback. However, if weather is a factor in Chicago this maybe another grounding performance for the Saint’s where Drew Brees has not played well at Soldier Field or in cold weather.

Either way, win or lose, for each team this game has big playoff contentions. The Saints are trying to catch fire for the last Wild Card spot in the NFC while, the Bears hope to keep up with the first place Minnesota Vikings who are playing the NFC West leading Arizona Cardinals this weekend.

It will be hard to pick a winner for this one, as both teams have been very inconsistent this year and each are fighting for their playoff lives. The “X” factor will be if the Bears defense can slow down Drew Brees and Reggie Bush. Remember, Bush had that big pass play against the Bears in the Championship game and he needs to be checked at all times. If the Bears can keep the score down I like the Bears, although if this game starts to become a shoot out then that favors the Saints who are not afraid to put up a lot of points in a hurry. Home field advantage may be what gives the Bears a slight edge, I just hope it is really cold, snowing and windy to help the Bears defense.

Lastly the Bears have failed each time this year to win the big game. They lost at Green Bay, lost at Minnesota, and have let many other games slip away late. The Bears should have another win or two if they were able to hold the other team. This could be the last big game as Green Bay comes in after New Orleans whom have been struggling and are out of the playoff picture and Houston is still finding their identity as a very up and down team. This New Orleans game will determine the playoff hopes for the Bears.

A big thank you to the Atlanta Braves and the White Sox and four other teams for the possible departure of Javier Vasquez and Boone Logan. In return the White Sox will get four prospects from the Braves. This is an early Christmas gift for the Southsiders.

Javier Vasquez has been his own biggest enemy the last few years playing for the White Sox. I was shocked they were able to move the pitcher but I guess because Atlanta is desperate for pitching they are willing to deal with the sporadic Javier Vasquez and lefty reliever Boone Logan.

With a career record just under five hundred Vasquez has just not lifted off like the White Sox thought he would. Momments came and went when Javier was able to strike any one out he faced. However his biggest downfall was losing leads in late innings. Vasquez would normlly start dominant but by the sixth inning the other team would make adjustments and that was the end of it. A prime example was in the playoffs when the Sox took an early lead in game one against the Tampa Bay Rays and just like Javie does, he gave the lead up when Evan Longeria took him deep for the second time in the game and the Rays cruised to a 3 to 1 division series win. Javier will be known on the Southside as the guy who just could not finish games.

Who know’s what we are getting in return but the Sox need more depth in the farm system and the last two trades which have included Nick Swisher we have gotten back top rated prospects from the Braves and Yankees all of which are know for having top ranked farm systems. Prospects are prospects until they are proven but at least we are upgrading the talent which may make an impact as early as next year.

For now the trade makes sense, however the White Sox could use another starting pitcher. If the Sox can make another move to get a quality stater then, Kenny Williams has done another fine job in the off season and has made the AL Central Champions contenders again. The big question as always is pitching and there are still names out there that can fill the void that Vasquez has now left.

Hey! You thought I was gone but “no.” There is much too talk about and the Obamas’ and the Clintons’ are taking over Washington again.

For starters, what is wrong with the Chicago Bears. They just cannot win the big game this year. Giving up a 99 yard pass play just is not the way you play and expect to win. This December may not be too nice to the Bears. If they lose to Jacksonville then the Bears better get ready for hibernation.

The Blackhawks are worth mentioning because they are doing the best out of all of the winter sports team here in Chicago. It seems as thou they have been on the road forever as for the Bulls, darn circus is in town, and the Bull are just trying to survive a rough opening schedule.

Have you seen Superdad2. When you are finished reading this one try my other blog it’s pretty cool. I get to talk more about television and that is fun for me.

Facebook rocks! If you are stuck in the Myspace universe and are a little bored with your myspace page come check out Facebook. Once you start you are hooked. I have started talking to people that I have not seen for more than ten years. It also is a great way to network and keep up to date with those hard to reach, especially people that are over seas.

“No.” Superdad is not a bold stereotype stating that I am the best dad ever. However, when your kids are your icon then you better be super at something. I am a good dad just like other good dads out there. It’s just that the bad dads give the rest of us a bad rap. I am far from perfect but I know one thing my kids will always be able to count on me when times are rough.

The whole BCS college football year is ending again in controversy. It is a shame that good teams consistently never get a piece of history or even get a shot at it. I understand College football has that playoff mentality every wee,k but in today’s sports parody is the common trait among all sports. The time of the emerging dynasty in college football is over as long as you keep the system the way it is. Small teams like Ball State just like Hawaii last year should always get a shot. If they lose then so be it, but if they win programs like Boise State take off. Did you know in Japan that football coaches there are training their kids the same plays that Boise State became famous for in their upset win over Oklahoma.

Think you can write, then give it a shot. Either blog or submit online articles to many who are in high demand of content. I write just about anything. I am probably doomed if I never commit to one style or type of writing but that is just the way I am. I would not have fun just writing about the same thing every day, that is when writing becomes boring when you are constantly writing the same thing. If you think I suck then you write better, and let me know how it turns out?

Lastly, you Black Friday shoppers are little crazy when every year your dash for savings becomes a mob that cares for no one but yourself. When innocent workers are getting trampled on during your idiotic behavior that is not the spirit of Christmas at all. Times are tough right now and understand these deals are great but when lives are at stake and fights break out over “Tickle Me Elmo” then priorities need to be addressed. Christmas is about giving but when you feel stressed to get everything that you made a false promise for then you need to re address your Christmas practices.

Agree or disagree with me, thanks for reading and look for more from the world of superdad.