NFC North Predictions

[Heyjoe4]

A new book alleged that ex-Bears coaches gave Caleb Williams no guidance for film study

Caleb Williams' Bears coaches as a rookie were unthinkably irresponsible.

sports.yahoo.com

No guidance to a first round pick, and a QB, no less. That's negligence, or to put it another way, "The Bears' Way."

 

[milani]

Wow that is so extraordinary as to be unbelievable. That a coach wouldn't sit down with ANY rookie to get them started viewing tape is beyond belief. Then again, we're talking about Da Bearz, of Jay Cutler fame (GB's "other" MVP), so nothing is too strange.

I didn't see the article you reference. If you have a link please share.

Staying with film review - I think the right way to do it is sit down with each rookie and their position coach and go through film, showing what the coaches are looking for, and what the player can look for in future film reviews (reviews players do on their own). These film reviews strike me as really important.

In that notorious NFCCG loss to the Hags in 2014, the Hags executed a fake FG for a TD just before the first half. At the time, the Packers were dominating, and while it was disappointing it wasn't the end of the season (world) yet. We all know how that game ended.

But the fake punt came from film review by the Hags. I forget the LB's name, but they noticed he always runs at the kicker from the same position on the line and the same angle and pays zero attention to a possible fake. Add that to the fact the Packers should have been looking for a fake and you've got - a failed play by GB but excellent execution off film review by the Hags, much as that pains me.

Wasn't it a fake FG?

 

[Calebs Revenge]

Meh.......new day.....new coach.....
NEW BEARS!!!!!!

 

[Rickusn]

Well one thing is for sure their away opponents are beatable but
Browns
Cowboys
Cardinals
Steelers
Giants
Broncos
But the last 7 games are brutal:
Queens home
Kitties away
Bares home
Ponies away
Bares away
Ravens home
Queens away

 

[Calebs Revenge]

And also for anybody talking trash about the Bears and what the Caleb Williams and his daddy said about the organization and the coaches last year.......they were 100% right!!!!!!
I hope Caleb did say everything they think he said, because it shows intelligence on his part and and unwillingness to put up with incompetence and BS!!!!!
All the coaches sucked........and they all deserved to be fired!!!!!!!

Now.....they have been fired!!
We hired the most coveted coach in the last 10 to 15 years that I can remember...
Now things can get rolling in the right direction!!
Now our head coach(and offensive genius) might actually watch film with Caleb and coach him up!!!!
I want you to think about that for a minute......yes, we did have a 10 game losing streak, but how good was Caleb in that horrific of a situation(yes we lost games, but Caleb had lots of good to great plays and mainly we lost because the defense couldn't stop anything) and what is Ben Johnson going to unlock in my guy going forward!!!!

I know all of us Bears fans talk a lot of crap all year long every off-season for the last 30 years and you know what I'm gonna do that for the next 30 years but y'all have to admit that the team we're gonna feel this year is different than any team, you faced in the last 30 years You should because if not, you're gonna see.....

 

[Heyjoe4]

Wasn't it a fake FG?

Yep, that's what I wrote:

"In that notorious NFCCG loss to the Hags in 2014, the Hags executed a fake FG for a TD..."

 

[Heyjoe4]

And also for anybody talking trash about the Bears and what the Caleb Williams and his daddy said about the organization and the coaches last year.......they were 100% right!!!!!!
I hope Caleb did say everything they think he said, because it shows intelligence on his part and and unwillingness to put up with incompetence and BS!!!!!
All the coaches sucked........and they all deserved to be fired!!!!!!!

Now.....they have been fired!!
We hired the most coveted coach in the last 10 to 15 years that I can remember...
Now things can get rolling in the right direction!!
Now our head coach(and offensive genius) might actually watch film with Caleb and coach him up!!!!
I want you to think about that for a minute......yes, we did have a 10 game losing streak, but how good was Caleb in that horrific of a situation(yes we lost games, but Caleb had lots of good to great plays and mainly we lost because the defense couldn't stop anything) and what is Ben Johnson going to unlock in my guy going forward!!!!

I know all of us Bears fans talk a lot of crap all year long every off-season for the last 30 years and you know what I'm gonna do that for the next 30 years but y'all have to admit that the team we're gonna feel this year is different than any team, you faced in the last 30 years You should because if not, you're gonna see.....

I do agree that 1) Williams is a very good QB and 2) the Bears significantly improved their team in the offseason.

As far as "the team we're gonna feel this year is different than any team, you faced in the last 30 years You should because if not, you're gonna see....." (I assume you meant "field" instead of "feel.")

That's talk until it's proven on the field. Last year at this time you had the Bears winning the SB. So it's understandable that I take your predictions with a big grain of salt. But they do look to have a good team on paper, no doubt. I'd certainly feel good if I were a Bears' fan.

 

[OldSchool101]

I’m still trying to figure out Tory Taylor he was supposed to be the next coming of our Lord of Football
The game Saving, field tilting type player that just swung games wildly into Chicago favor.
There were so many good players the Bears passed on early RD4, it just displays the incompetence runs deeper that Caleb and his Dad even thought.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I’m still trying to figure out Tory Taylor he was supposed to be the next coming of our Lord. The game changing, field tilting type player that just swung games wildly into Chicago favor.
There were so many good players the Bears passed on early RD4, it just displays the incompetence runs deeper that Caleb even knows.

Who is Tory Taylor? Don't know the name.

The Bears are not a well-run organization, or at least they haven't been since the 1980s. I don't know that hiring Ben Johnson is gonna change that. If the FO is inept, that flows down to the football organization. In his defense, Poles made some great moves this offseason, and Williams can be a difference-maker.

Even so, I'll believe it when I see it. And I feel the same way about the Packers. Gluten made some great draft picks, and he has said the D-line and Edge groups are solid - before the draft. Now MLF and the team have to make something happen with what Gluten has done.

 

[Pkrjones]

I’m still trying to figure out Tory Taylor he was supposed to be the next coming of our Lord. The game changing, field tilting type player that just swung games wildly into Chicago favor.
There were so many good players the Bears passed on early RD4, it just displays the incompetence runs deeper that Caleb even knows.

He was needed, as the '24 Bears punted 82 times (only Cleveland punted more @ 89). 1/2 were returned, 1/4 were inside the 20. Not bad, considering the high volume. GB has made worse (production-wise) picks so can't fault Da Bears for a rookie contract punter.

 

[OldSchool101]

He was needed, as the '24 Bears punted 82 times (only Cleveland punted more @ 89). 1/2 were returned, 1/4 were inside the 20. Not bad, considering the high volume. GB has made worse (production-wise) picks so can't fault Da Bears for a rookie contract punter.

Yeah Punters are needed. But only a couple are worthy of even being drafted per season (he was a consensus 6th Rounder) I’m not suggesting we can’t find a worse draft selection we’ve made. That isn’t the point it’s we should temper our expectations until we see on field production. His stats aren’t just stars either, they either hurt or help a team win.

Taylor did very pedestrian (I’m being nice) in his Rookie season. Bojorquez easily beat him out as did many others. His calling card was his hang time and distance and placement. He was above average in 1 category. He was average to below average in 2 others.
Just 9 Punters had a Worse net return average (#22) He also ranked #17 in net yards.
17 Punters matched or beat his Long punt! He can’t finish top half of the league in best distance? With 82 tries?? That’s the second most leaguewide
Now maybe in year 2 he’s #1 and an All Pro idk. Until I see him in that top 3-5 area and regularly he’s mostly a lot of hype.

As of this moment in time. Tory Taylor was Hard reach in last years draft. He should be easily a Top 5 area guy and regularly. Our 2 Packer castaways beat him out. Bojorquez and Scott

 

[Pkrjones]

1997 Ron Wolf burned a 3rd rounder (#90) on a kicker (Brett Conway), who never played a game for GB. I'm not going to skewer the Bears for aggressively plugging a hole with an above-serviceable punter pick.

 

[Schultz]

You have to look at the totality of that draft. The Bears did not have many picks, so burning one on a punter made it even worse.

 

[OldSchool101]

1997 Ron Wolf burned a 3rd rounder (#90) on a kicker (Brett Conway), who never played a game for GB. I'm not going to skewer the Bears for aggressively plugging a hole with an above-serviceable punter pick.

no one is asking you to I’ll do it for us

No but seriously. I forgot about Conway and looked him up.
First of all I value a good Placekicker over a good Punter if given the choice. So we can’t fault Ron Wolf. While Conway struggled in Preseason, he had actually succumbed to Quad injury before the regular season started. Longwell was brought in ti compete and immediately was a dominant Kicker at # 3 in points in 1997.
So that kinda shows more to my point that we have done a better job of acquiring talent (and developing) than the Bears and we’ve done it with less draft capital. In a redo I’d gladly hand a #90 selection for Longwell. For a GM the End justified the means. I don’t care how you get there just get there.

Reminds me of what the Packers do time and time again. We find players on the cheaper end of resources who come in and perform admirably. Meanwhile Chicago often gives away the farm to acquire players and we’re supposed to act impressed. I’m just being honest I’m not impressed I’m sorry if that’s hurtful to a Chicago fan I’m just being genuine. Sm opposing NFC North fan might not like my opinion but I’m not pretending.. you’ll know where I stand.

I just think the Bears have been speculative at best across the last 30 years of draft. Chicago has had MUCH better draft Capital and Cap space to work with due to constant changes at QB and cheap contract $$. It’s hard for me to listen to a Bears fan tell me how great a player or Coach is because too often they don’t work out. The media seems to do this also it’s like a fascination with trying to diminish GB and exhorting Chicago.ok I feel sorry for the Bears but do I have to pretend to be excited for Chicago? I’m not jumping aboard the Chicago train just yet. It’s the same song and dance every year and nobody apologizes when they are completely wrong. IMO Bears fans just need to own it and remain humble, then it will come. The constant haughty expression they assume is just a little too much.

Even Detroit fans at least mostly kept quiet when they were awful. We don’t need to be told when a team is good I think we’re all smart enough to see it.

 

[DoURant]

no one is asking you to I’ll do it for us

No but seriously. I forgot about Conway and looked him up.
First of all I value a good Placekicker over a good Punter if given the choice. So we can’t fault Ron Wolf as Conway actually succumbed to injury before the regular season started. Conway being traded was not due to his performance as much Longwell was brought in and immediately a dominant # 3 in points in 1997.
So that kinda shows more to my point that we have done a better job of acquiring talent (and developing) than the Bears and we’ve done it with less draft capital.

I just think the Bears have been speculative at best across the last 30 years of draft. Chicago has had MUCH better draft Capital and Cap space to work with due to constant changes at QB and cheap contract $$. It’s hard for me to listen to a Bears fan tell me how great a player or Coach is because too often they don’t work out. The media seems to do this also it’s like a fascination with trying to diminish GB and exhorting Chicago.ok I feel sorry for the Bears but do I have to pretend to be excited for Chicago? They should’ve fielded many playoff teams by now and were still waiting and pretending.

We did draft Punter Ray Stachowicz in the 3rd Rd, back in the early 80's

 

[OldSchool101]

We did draft Punter Ray Stachowicz in the 3rd Rd, back in the early 80's

Alright that’s just plain funny, because after that 45 year ago failed experiment where did he end up??

You can’t make this stuff up.

 

[DoURant]

Alright that’s just plain funny, because after that 45 year ago failed experiment where did he end up??

You can’t make this stuff up.

The Lions and the Bears, lol

 

[gopkrs]

Alright that’s just plain funny, because after that 45 year ago failed experiment where did he end up??

You can’t make this stuff up.

I think he was a really good punter for us. We didn't want to pay him so he went and punted great for another team. (Tennessee ?)Or am I thinking of someone else?

 

[DoURant]

I think he was a really good punter for us. We didn't want to pay him so he went and punted great for another team. (Tennessee ?)Or am I thinking of someone else?

You are probably thinking of Craig Hentrich, who had a long career.

Another punter we drafted early in the 90's, 4th Rd if I remember right, BJ Sander, who lived up to his name, cuz he blew....

 

[Calebs Revenge]

I do agree that 1) Williams is a very good QB and 2) the Bears significantly improved their team in the offseason.

As far as "the team we're gonna feel this year is different than any team, you faced in the last 30 years You should because if not, you're gonna see....." (I assume you meant "field" instead of "feel.")

That's talk until it's proven on the field. Last year at this time you had the Bears winning the SB. So it's understandable that I take your predictions with a big grain of salt. But they do look to have a good team on paper, no doubt. I'd certainly feel good if I were a Bears' fan.

Yes...did mean field.
I'm just excited bc to me.....despite Eberflus....Caleb DID prove it to me(at least) on da field last year.
No film study...no advice apparently, and just winging it.......
He was pretty darn good considering all those factors against him and I only foresee it getting much better over the next few years. I don't think he's even scratch the surface of how good he can be and that should scare the hell out of everybody.......

 

[lambeaulambo]

Yes...did mean field.
I'm just excited bc to me.....despite Eberflus....Caleb DID prove it to me(at least) on da field last year.
No film study...no advice apparently, and just winging it.......
He was pretty darn good considering all those factors against him and I only foresee it getting much better over the next few years. I don't think he's even scratch the surface of how good he can be and that should scare the hell out of everybody.......

Pure conjecture. Lets revert back to the days of Mike Tomczak

 

[Calebs Revenge]

I could be wrong, but I believe conjectures a word meaning I'm just talking with no action behind it. I've have highlights of some pretty unbelievable throws that Caleb made and he was doing this with no help from his coaching staff so I'm excited!!!!!
I don't expect you guys to be.... but.........Imagine Jordan Love with Eberflus the last two years...... what do you think his record would be as a starter and how good do you think he would have performed 3500 yards 20 some TDs and six interceptions not too shabby......

And he's undefeated at Lambeau...... so there's that too!!!!!!!

And my new coach is pretty good against Green Bay......so hey, we'll settle this on the field......all in good time......

 

[OldSchool101]

I could be wrong, but I believe conjectures a word meaning I'm just talking with no action behind it. I've have highlights of some pretty unbelievable throws that Caleb made and he was doing this with no help from his coaching staff so I'm excited!!!!!
I don't expect you guys to be.... but.........Imagine Jordan Love with Eberflus the last two years...... what do you think his record would be as a starter and how good do you think he would have performed 3500 yards 20 some TDs and six interceptions not too shabby......

And he's undefeated at Lambeau...... so there's that too!!!!!!!

And my new coach is pretty good against Green Bay......so hey, we'll settle this on the field......all in good time......

GB actually has a Defense now, which we really rarely field a Top 10 Defense across the last 15 years, much less #6 in scoring #5 in Yards allowed (2024). Now all Teams evolve from year to year, but our D is largely intact. It’s likely we pick up where we left off, except with better depth pieces. We just fielded the best D since our Super Bowl season.

Chicago caught the Packers in Week 18, where it was perplexed to either rest players or play them. We had already qualified for playoffs. The ? Was only should we risk injury to shoot for a 6th Seed? Or play our backups..??

WR3 Doubs was inactive
WR2 Watson played 10 snaps
RB1 Jacob’s played 20 snaps.
QB1 Love played 23 snaps

-Caleb went 21/29 148 yards 1Td
5.1 yards per Pass (62 snaps)
- Malik went 10/13 136 yards
10.5 yards per pass (43 snaps)

Across Games where Chicago and Green Bay QB’s played the bulk of snaps.
-Caleb had 8 games under 175yds
His Passer Ranking?
55.7%,51.0%,59.5%,63.2%,116.9%,83.9%,53.0%,95.2%

Jordan had 1 game under 180 yards
13/23 163 yds 2TD’s, 107.7% passer

 

[Calebs Revenge]

GB actually has a Defense now, which we really rarely field a Top 10 Defense across the last 15 years, much less #6 in scoring #5 in Yards allowed (20246. Now all Teams evolve from year to year, but our D is largely intact. It’s likely we pick up where we left off, except with better depth pieces. We just fielded the best D since our Super Bowl season.

Chicago caught the Packers in Week 18, where it was perplexed to either rest players or play them. We had already qualified for playoffs. The ? Was only should we risk injury to shoot for a 6th Seed? Or play our backups..??

WR3 Doubs was inactive
WR2 Watson played 10 snaps
RB1 Jacob’s plated 20 snaps.
Love played 23 snaps

We obviously did not our full weight of resources into that game, yet still were a failed 2pt conversion away from a Tie game. While a Win is a Win, that Win was reliant on GB not fielding its full arsenal n Offense and not the best example perception of teams true strength. It works the same when we play backup QB’s and hold them to ZERO points. It’s one thing to do that to a starting QB, it’s another to do that to a backup QB.

But I will counter with we were in the same position earlier in the year to win the game in CHI....just like in week 18 and y'all blocked the field goal but still in a position to win just like in week 18 and I think y'all were trying 100% earlier in the year.....very much so