Bears vs Cowboys - ESPN Cowherd HUGE Fishing Trip (1 Viewer)

[Kasparov]

As of today, Dallas is the 4 seed in the playoffs. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2668613

Let's see if they even make it to Chicago...

ETA: If they do, it could be in the divisional round.

CBS Sportsline has it in a bracket format which shows a Chicago/Dallas matchup being for the Conference Championship. MUCH football to be played until any of this happens though, which is the best part!

 

[Zigg]

Chicago's D and special teams are so good they can win games in spite of their QB. I don't think any other team in the NFL can say this. Especially not Dallas.

No, their D/ST are good enough to beat bad teams in spite of their QB. Grossman is a disaster playing from behind and relying on multiple non-offensive TDs isn't a sound plan. Most likely, the Bears will have to beat two of Dallas, Seattle and NO. All of which have good offenses who won't giftwrap points for the Bears. I can't see a Grossman led Bears team beating any of those teams unless they get a quick double digit lead.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

I think Dallas's dual-threat ability to run or throw will show Chicago something they haven't seen often this year. Seattle couldn't get it done early in the season. Other than that, I wouldn't say Chicago has seen a high-powered offense all season. Some would argue the Giants, but they hinder themselves with mistakes and poor chemistry.

New England's 3-4 shut Chicago down for the most part, save for the "chuck it downfield and pray for PI" scheme the offense is fond of. Dallas can be beaten deep but they seem to have solidified that hole as of late. Minnesota's defense has also played them very tough in 2 outings and deserved a win this week IMO. Chicago will not be able to count on defensive and special teams TDs to win in the playoffs.

This is complete nonsense.

If you think it's such nonsense, back it up with some reasoning. I think you'll find it pretty difficult.

All of the highlighted parts I find ridiculous. Chicago's defense has been forcing turnovers at an alarming rate. Look what they did to the Patriots. It doesn't matter to some people. There's always an excuse or reason why it happened. The Giants hurt themselves, Minnesota's defense deserved the win, Seattle didn't have Shaun Alexander, their schedule is just easy, anyone could do what they've been doing with that schedule, they didn't deserve to win in Arizona etc. As another post stated, when exactly did they quit counting defensive and special teams tds in the playoffs? If you do that, then you'll have to go right ahead and take away the strongest part of each team in the playoffs and not count it. It makes no sense.

You seem to have left out that the Bears have had a very solid running game during the last half of the season. The Dallas running game isn't much if any better.

Chicago also just went on a very tough 3 game road trip and came out 2-1. Do you wanna know what most were saying before the road trip? Yep. You guessed it. "This road trip will show what Chicago is really made of and expose them." It didn't happen. Now, they're giving other reasons to why Chicago isn't that good. Some people have their minds made up already and nothing will change it.

Call me a blind homer if you like. That's fine but I'm well aware of what's happening with the Bears. I watch every single game. I know as much about them as anyone. Our defense and special teams has been amazing. To say the Dallas defense or special teams is anywhere close to Chicago is laughable. They're not. Obviously, it's the qb position that's hurting the Bears right now. That's it. I'm very pleased with most other positions. But if we don't stop throwing so many int's, I agree we'll be in trouble at some point in the playoffs. However, to say that we won't be able to count on any defensive or special teams td's to win in the playoffs is nuts. That's the strongest part of our team. You can't just say it doesn't exist or won't happen.

That wasn't too difficult.

ETA: It's not only defensive and specials TD's that help them. It's the field position that get after one of these big plays. I think Dallas is a solid team. If they keep this up, anyone playing them will have their hands full. But writing off Chicago because they're qb play has been terrible as of late is not very wise, imo.

This is a good response, albiet a bit emotional.Add one more thing. There is nothing wrong with the running game. To say that the offense hasn't improved from last year would be nieve.

What are teams going to do when both Cedric AND TJ get the ball 15-20+ times a game? I'll tell you. Not much. Mostly because there wont be much TIME to do anything. All Rex is going to be asked to do is keep drives alive and not turn the ball over. And you would be surprised what shortening the game will do for our run defense. The Bears know they don't need to score 30 to win.

Believe me, there is a plan. But just don't expect to see it yet..........

By the way - I'm a big Parcells backer, but I really like how Lovie is handling this team. As much as I mancrush on Parcells - and the board knows I do this alot - we'll see who is a better coach when and if they go head to head. Right now I have to say it is a wash.

 

[dornado]

Dallas plays in the NFC East and employ Bill Parcells so they automatically get the undying love of ESPN (eastern seaboard programming network, as Mike North would say) and most of the national media.... your "NFC East team of the month" in a way... I for one, am not going to plan their super bowl party.

The Bears get ripped for playing an easy schedule... and yet Tony Romo beats the Cardinals, Tampa Bay Bucaneers, the reeling Giants in addition to a quality win in Dallas against the Colts and he's a god. Have the Cowboys beaten a .500+ team on the road this season? Nope.... its not like they've been playing in the big show while the Bears are playing sandlot teams.

Tony Romo has played very well, but let's slow down a bit before we annoint him as the next Tom Brady. Rex Grossman also had a hot start this year, and we see where that has gone. Let Romo come to Chicago in the middle of January and stare across the line at Brian Urlacher in 15 degree whether.

The thing is... I think the Bears could beat the Cowboys with Kyle Orton behind center... not saying its a sure thing, but with a strong defense and special teams unit the Bears can keep anyone close... and if they get a lead it plays right to their strenghts.

 

[Urinal Mint]

You make good points, and I agree with them all. While I am a Dallas fan through and through, I'm also a realist and know when they're outmatched. At this point in time, I think the matchup is still in Chicago's favor due to the defense alone. I think it would be a low-scoring affair with one or two long plays sealing the deal in one team's favor.However, I think you misunderstood me when I mentioned defensive and special teams TDs. I wasn't saying that they wouldn't count... I was saying that the Bears cannot depend on 7-14 points a game from its defense against playoff-caliber offenses. Yes, Tom Brady threw 4 INTs, but were any of them returned for TDs? How many points did they net from turnovers? The defense is incredible when it comes to taking a turnover for points, but they cannot rely on those scores for playoff wins. That's all I'm saying.The same short field you say gives the Bears an advantage can also prove to be a crippling disadvantage against a team that isn't as mistake-prone as, say, a Brad Johnson led Vikings squad. Joey Harrington turned that short field against the Bears into 3 TDs. It's a two-headed monster with an unconfident QB like Grossman in the pocket who shows a propensity for throwing far down the field, where accuracy and timing are key.At this point, I'm a bit gun-shy as a Dallas fan so I'm hoping for a home game in the first round of the playoffs at this point. A bye would be outstanding but I'm a bit leery of where they will stand until victories against New Orleans and Atlanta are secured. I think 11-5 gets a bye.

ETA: It's not only defensive and specials TD's that help them. It's the field position that get after one of these big plays. I think Dallas is a solid team. If they keep this up, anyone playing them will have their hands full. But writing off Chicago because they're qb play has been terrible as of late is not very wise, imo.

 

[Urinal Mint]

Carolina in Charlotte (4-3 at the time)New York Giants in New York (6-5 at the time)I think it's fair to throw out road games that Drew Bledsoe played in (Jacksonville, Philadelphia) even though they were highly competitive in the Philadelphia game despite him playing.

Have the Cowboys beaten a .500+ team on the road this season?

 

[flapgreen]

You make good points, and I agree with them all. While I am a Dallas fan through and through, I'm also a realist and know when they're outmatched. At this point in time, I think the matchup is still in Chicago's favor due to the defense alone. I think it would be a low-scoring affair with one or two long plays sealing the deal in one team's favor.However, I think you misunderstood me when I mentioned defensive and special teams TDs. I wasn't saying that they wouldn't count... I was saying that the Bears cannot depend on 7-14 points a game from its defense against playoff-caliber offenses. Yes, Tom Brady threw 4 INTs, but were any of them returned for TDs? How many points did they net from turnovers? The defense is incredible when it comes to taking a turnover for points, but they cannot rely on those scores for playoff wins. That's all I'm saying.The same short field you say gives the Bears an advantage can also prove to be a crippling disadvantage against a team that isn't as mistake-prone as, say, a Brad Johnson led Vikings squad. Joey Harrington turned that short field against the Bears into 3 TDs. It's a two-headed monster with an unconfident QB like Grossman in the pocket who shows a propensity for throwing far down the field, where accuracy and timing are key.At this point, I'm a bit gun-shy as a Dallas fan so I'm hoping for a home game in the first round of the playoffs at this point. A bye would be outstanding but I'm a bit leery of where they will stand until victories against New Orleans and Atlanta are secured. I think 11-5 gets a bye.

ETA: It's not only defensive and specials TD's that help them. It's the field position that get after one of these big plays. I think Dallas is a solid team. If they keep this up, anyone playing them will have their hands full. But writing off Chicago because they're qb play has been terrible as of late is not very wise, imo.

If Grossman doesn't pull it together, we're through in the playoffs. No doubt about it. As a Bears fan and supporter of what Lovie has done, I have to believe it's gonna happen. We'll see.

 

[flapgreen]

Chicago's D and special teams are so good they can win games in spite of their QB. I don't think any other team in the NFL can say this. Especially not Dallas.

No, their D/ST are good enough to beat bad teams in spite of their QB. Grossman is a disaster playing from behind and relying on multiple non-offensive TDs isn't a sound plan. Most likely, the Bears will have to beat two of Dallas, Seattle and NO. All of which have good offenses who won't giftwrap points for the Bears. I can't see a Grossman led Bears team beating any of those teams unless they get a quick double digit lead.

The Bears really should be thanking most of the teams they've played so far for gifting wrapping all of their points. I'm glad they're all taking it easy on us.

 

[zoonation]

Dallas plays in the NFC East and employ Bill Parcells so they automatically get the undying love of ESPN (eastern seaboard programming network, as Mike North would say) and most of the national media.... your "NFC East team of the month" in a way... I for one, am not going to plan their super bowl party.

The Bears get ripped for playing an easy schedule... and yet Tony Romo beats the Cardinals, Tampa Bay Bucaneers, the reeling Giants in addition to a quality win in Dallas against the Colts and he's a god. Have the Cowboys beaten a .500+ team on the road this season? Nope.... its not like they've been playing in the big show while the Bears are playing sandlot teams.

Tony Romo has played very well, but let's slow down a bit before we annoint him as the next Tom Brady. Rex Grossman also had a hot start this year, and we see where that has gone. Let Romo come to Chicago in the middle of January and stare across the line at Brian Urlacher in 15 degree whether.

The thing is... I think the Bears could beat the Cowboys with Kyle Orton behind center... not saying its a sure thing, but with a strong defense and special teams unit the Bears can keep anyone close... and if they get a lead it plays right to their strenghts.

Last weekend down?

 

[DoubleG]

Tony Romo has played very well, but let's slow down a bit before we annoint him as the next Tom Brady. Rex Grossman also had a hot start this year, and we see where that has gone. Let Romo come to Chicago in the middle of January and stare across the line at Brian Urlacher in 15 degree whether. and try that little rollout with the Bears' team speed, with Briggs and Urlacher hunting him down and see how well that works against a good...no, great defense.

Changed your post to make another point. (Not that your post wasn't already good)I do find it ironic that Cpwboy fans insist that the Bears have done it against bad teams (like Seatle, the Giants, Arizona) and then fail to see that they are basing Dallas superiority on their performance against the SAME teams. Sorry, but like Cowherd, you can't change the rules in the middle of the argument. The Bears are, and will likely be, better than Dallas in at least 2 of 3 phases of football - defense and special teams - and both still count and are important in the playoffs (hence the old adage "Offense wins games, but defense wins Championships")

Now, at the risk of sounding like a typical Bear fan, letting the cry of "Remember 1985!?!" escape my mouth (or in this case, my keyboard), think back to the 1985 playoffs for moment. Turning points? The 21-0 victory over the Giants in cold Soldier Field - the highlight and turning point typically shown is the S. Landetta muffed punt returned for a TD by S. Gayle (Hey - two Shaun's, wow! BTW, that would be a special teams TD for those not paying attention) The following week in the 24-0 defeat of the Rams - another highlight etched in most peoples mind is the Eric Dickerson forced fumble that was recovered by the Bears defense in the snow for a defensive TD.

To suggest that playoff teams are impervious to good defensive or special teams play or somehow immune to turnovers is somewhat silly. To suggest that turnovers don't make a difference - especially in what are typically lower scoring, ball control dominated playoff games is also incorrect. No one disagrees that if Grossman turns the ball over 4-5 times, the Bears will likely lose. However, there are still 4 games left to correct and easily corrected problem (i.e. change the game plan to what we saw against the Giants and/or Jets).

 

[DoubleG]

Dallas plays in the NFC East and employ Bill Parcells so they automatically get the undying love of ESPN (eastern seaboard programming network, as Mike North would say) and most of the national media.... your "NFC East team of the month" in a way... I for one, am not going to plan their super bowl party.

The Bears get ripped for playing an easy schedule... and yet Tony Romo beats the Cardinals, Tampa Bay Bucaneers, the reeling Giants in addition to a quality win in Dallas against the Colts and he's a god. Have the Cowboys beaten a .500+ team on the road this season? Nope.... its not like they've been playing in the big show while the Bears are playing sandlot teams.

Tony Romo has played very well, but let's slow down a bit before we annoint him as the next Tom Brady. Rex Grossman also had a hot start this year, and we see where that has gone. Let Romo come to Chicago in the middle of January and stare across the line at Brian Urlacher in 15 degree whether.

The thing is... I think the Bears could beat the Cowboys with Kyle Orton behind center... not saying its a sure thing, but with a strong defense and special teams unit the Bears can keep anyone close... and if they get a lead it plays right to their strenghts.

Last weekend down?

You do realize the Bears beat the same team (who was 6-2 at the time) - and by more points than a last second 40+ yard field goal in NY as well right?

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

It's hard to say, but for Chicago to beat Dallas they'd have to come up big with their special teams units which they've done a lot of the year.

I think Dallas has a bigger advantage on offense over Chicago than the advantage Chicago has over Dallas on defense.

Dallas still has a solid defense, I can't say Chicago has a solid offense. HOme field advantage and special teams could give Chicago a win, but I guess biasly (but trying not to be) I think Dallas would win at least 6 out of 10 games played in Chicago vs. The Bears.

 

[DoubleG]

It's hard to say, but for Chicago to beat Dallas they'd have to come up big with their special teams units which they've done a lot of the year.I think Dallas has a bigger advantage on offense over Chicago than the advantage Chicago has over Dallas on defense.Dallas still has a solid defense, I can't say Chicago has a solid offense. HOme field advantage and special teams could give Chicago a win, but I guess biasly (but trying not to be) I think Dallas would win at least 6 out of 10 games played in Chicago vs. The Bears.

Fair enough - (as a Bears fan) I would have given the Bears 6 of 10 at home, but it would be a great game either way. Well, I guess, as a Bears fan I hope that the Bears are hosting the Cowboys for the NFC title as that means 2 things: 1) The Bears played well down the stretch (at least well enough to hold onto homefield advantage)2) The Bears won their first playoff game (unlike last year )