Week 1 Preview: Bears vs. Colts

The Chicago Bears 2012 regular season will kick off tomorrow at noon at Soldier Field when "Da Bears" face off against the Indianapolis Colts. Tomorrow will also mark the first time Jay Cutler will step back onto the field in over 9 months after injuring his right thumb against the Chargers in November last year.

There are definitely more than a few story lines heading into this game and hopefully the game answers more questions that it raises. To be put frankly, it is the first year that I can ever remember the Bears entering a season where their offense is superior to their defense. Additions of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey in the off-season form an explosive wide receiver set that opponents will have to game plan heavily to contain. However, there are still lingering issues surrounding the offensive line, especially the left tackle position, and also with the lack of Forte's production in the preseason.

While the offense is projected to make major highlights, Coach Smith's spotlight is always on the defense. Last year Chicago ranked 14th in points allowed per game (21.3). The defense was unable to takeover after Cutler's injury when the Bears lost 5 straight before their week 17 victory at home against the Vikings. For what it's worth, the defense was not able to hold the Packers under 24 points last year.

The defense, while still strong and what I think will be a good to great defense, is just injuries away from caving in. The secondary has been a disappointment for a number of seasons and on top of that, pro ball corner back Charles Tillman seemed to be off his game in the preseason. Perhaps the number one concern for the defense right now is the heart of their defense Brain Urlacher. Urlacher, along with many others on defense, is over the age of 30 and is having trouble running because of his injured left knee. As of yesterday, Urlacher said that his knee is feeling fine and he was able to do more intense drills than before, however he is not currently in the exact football shape he would like to be in. If Urlacher were to go down, next in like mike LB would be Nick Roach, skilled and good linebacker, but he's no Urlacher.

Saying all that, it isn't much longer until we shut up and just watch! Lets take a look at how the Bears match up against the Colts.

Week 1: Bears vs. Colts
Intro: The Bears host the Colts at Soldier field tomorrow in what will be the highly anticipated debut #1 pick Andrew Luck. The rookie has shown credible skill and talent in his preseason games that he is ready for the NFL stage. The Colts are coming off a league worst 2-14 season and are looking to bounce back after departing with Superbowl XLI hero Peyton Manning.

Offense: The Chicago Bears come in this season with an offense that the franchise has never had. With a pack of speedy and tall "go-up-and-get-it" type receivers, and a backfield of running backs that can catch, run, and even occasionally block, Colts are going to have a hard time figuring out how game-plan against this never before seen Bears offense. While seasons before the Bears were somewhat predictable offense with a majority of run plays, the play-action could be deadly weapon this year. Indianapolis has the tough job of being the first team to face this new look Bears offense. On the other-side, while Andrew Luck has shown that he is an NFL starting quarterback he doesn't have enough playmakers around him. Reggie White and Austin Collie highlight the WR core and their starting RB is Donald Brown; certainly not as threatening as they used to be. Also, Andrew Luck should watch out, the Bears have an act for knocking out rookie quarterbacks, just ask Matthew Stafford. Offensive edge goes to the Bears.

Defense: As mentioned, the Bears have couple of issues on the defensive side like any team, but they certainly cannot be afford to be beat in the secondary. Andrew Luck is intelligent and is perhaps the most NFL ready rookie right now. He will adjust and learn quick, so the defense needs to be aggressive. Getting to a rookie quarterback (physically), will get to a rookie quarterback (mentally). Brain Urlacher is listed as probable for this game, meaning that he will play. I don't think that he needs to be in their for every snap. Obviously there is a case that perhaps he should sit this game out and play in week 2 vs the Packers on Thursday, but perhaps this game might get him more into "football shape". The bears defense is will good and under Lovie Smith, they have forced the most turnovers since 2004. Colts defense will have much more difficult task against the Bears offense and trying to figure out the new offensive schemes. Unless something unbelievable happens between now and tomorrow's game, Bears defense over Colts defense anyday.

Special Teams: There isn't much to say about the special because year after year, the Bears have proved to the rest of the league that they have by-far one of the best special teams in the league. Special Teams coordinator Dave Toub has been highly recognized in the league for coming up with some of the most incredible and successful plays. Chicago has a basket full of returners include Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, Eric Weems, and others who have all had pretty long returns. Robbie Gould is as good as any kicker in the league and long snapper Patrick Mannelly will be entering his 15th season into the NFL. The other questions right now is punter Adam Podlesh who tweaked a part of his hip in the preseason, but he is also listed is probable for the game, meaning he will also play. Besides the veteran and sure footed Adam Vinatieri, the Colts special teams is average for kickoff coverage, and was 31st in the league in terms of total kick return yards in 2011. Having Hester, Gould and an outstanding coordinator gives the Bears a huge advantage in special teams.

Conclusion: The Bears have a clear advantage in this team and need to come out aggressive and ready to play. A high-powered offense backed up by a ferocious defense means that the Bears should come out on top. However, there have been plenty of times when the Bears have come out flat-footed and looked uninterested. If that is the case, Andrew Luck might just have a field day and rip apart the Bears secondary. Don't think that players won't go the Urlacher knees to weaken him for the Bears/Packers primetime match-up in week 2. Any given Sunday anything could happen, but I don't see Colts coming out of Chicago with a victory.

--FINAL--

Bears (1-0): 27 
Colts (0-1): 13

Quick Thoughts: Dwight Howard to L.A.

I know that it has been a long time since I have actually wrote on this blog. Trust me I wanted to write a lot on here including Bears pre-season, Penn state, Olympics, and many other things; however what really makes the site is the biggest NBA free agency move since LBJ's "Decision".

Let me summarize and break this down quickly so that you guys don't have to surf through multiple articles and sites. At approximately 10pm ct time, sources started to confirm that Dwight Howard was on his way to L.A. as part of a four team deal. The deal is said be complete and will be made official via a conference call with a league officials sometime Friday. Here is how the trade breaks down.

TRADE BREAKDOWN:
Lakers get: Dwight Howard (Magic),  Earl Clark (Magic), and Chris Duhon (Magic) 
Sixers get: Andrew Bynum (Lakers) and Jason Richardson (Magic),
Nuggets get: Andre Iguodala (Sixers)
Magic get: Arron Afflalo (Nuggets), Al Harrington (Nuggets), Moe Harkless (Philly), Nikola Vucevic (Sixers), and three 1st-rd draft picks (one from each of the other teams). and 2013  2nd rd. draft pick (Nuggets).

My Thoughts...
First and foremost, there will be a few of you out there who no matter what happens in the NBA, will try to bring it back to the Bulls. Directly, this has absolutely nothing to do with the Bulls. NO, they did not have a shot at Howard, ever, and nor did they have the money to support any other big-time deals. Still, Bulls execs haven't done a great job. It is okay to be furious with the management because when you think about it, what is the last great move the Bulls have made besides getting lucky with Derrick Rose?

Moving on, what does this mean for NBA in general? Well let's face it, come June 2013, barring some unforeseen injuries we will most likely see a Lakers- Heat finals. There is no team in the east that come compete at the same level with the Heat. NO, not Nets, not Celtics, and no not even the Bulls. In the west, the only other team that will give a great challenge to Lakers is OKC. Unfortunate for the OKC that they are in the conference as the Lakers, who's starting lineup could look something like this; Nash, Kobe, Artest, Gasol, and Howard. Obviously much more will be known and discussed as the remaining details are known.

Also, Bears lost their 1st preseason of the game to the Broncos by a final score of 31-3. Please don't make this a bigger deal that it is-- it was a preseason game. Lots of positives to take from this and if we tighten up some things the potential could be very VERY high. Our draft picks really really good. If want to talk to me more about this or any other sports related things, hit me up.

I am always up for a good chat of sports.
Hit me up on twitter @jsurati23

Oakton: Start Here. Go Anywhere.

When one chapter in your life ends, another begins.

**8:30am: Open the Windows**

Last Thursday evening, I finished up my last day as a student employee over at the Enrollment Center of Oakton Community College. As I closed down the wooden windows and shut down the computers, I realized that this chapter of my life has finally finished.

Day in and Day out, I would walk into that office across the Book Store - where people come to ask where the Book Store is (it's appropriate to point just behind them). I always felt so welcomed, so comfortable, so...at home. And yes of course me being me, I would always walk in like a rock star. Giving hand shakes to everyone, shouting Good (time of day) to the people in the back and then I would jump right into the flow of things... "I can help whoever's next!"

For nearly two years I called room 1260 my home, and ext. 1700 my phone number. It was here in the summer of 2010, freshly out of my first year in college, that I started my 2nd job ever (I also landed another job that same week!). I won't lie, at first I was a bit intimidated and overwhelmed by the array of paper forms, admission/financial aid rules, and the always *confusing* questions from demanding students.

At the time that I entered, the Enrollment Center had just converted into the Enrollment Center from (a combination of Registration and Financial Aid), and while everyone knew their role in the office, not everyone knew their place (including me). I remember the first couple of times I would walk in the office and go straight into the back room and just start shred papers or file until someone would tell me to go shadow someone. OH, how I have come so far from those days.

I was lucky enough to shadow some great people, not just student employees, and they it is then when I learned the keys of working at there. I had quickly learned the online system (No manual reading was required), and learned that everyone had a style of getting things done, and as long as everything was completed at the end of the day, it was all good.

I don't know when it happened. When I switched from having to look up every phone number, division office, and the prerequisite to a specific class, to now when its just a second nature. I think the learning curve is definitely exponential. Once you get a hold of certain things you realize that you can spit out the numbers to division offices and the names of the department chairs without having to look at anything. Like I said before, I'm not sure where it starts--- BUT I'm pretty sure it starts with "Oh Advising and Counseling? That's Room 1130! Down the hallway, to the right of the TV."

I have been through many different office arrangements at the Enrollment Center, but the odd thing is that unlike my earlier career at the Enrollment Center, once I found my place, I always knew where it was (metaphorically of course, student employees don't have their own place). I can honestly say that working for the Enrollment Center was one of the greatest things in my life.

Starting out there as a young immature 18 year old, I acquired many professional skills and knowledge that I would not have today if it was wasn't for EC. Everything, everyone, and every part of our lives shape us in one way or another. The Enrollment Center was the perfect thing for me in my young professional career because it helped me build and learn strong service, communication, and office skills that every professional needs. Those however, were all on a professional level. Enrollment Center also taught me valuable lessons of life that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

One of those is the FACT that to be in a enjoyable work environment, and to be HAPPY at work, it's not about the work that you do, but the people that you work with. I truly walked into work everyday knowing that it was an enjoyable workplace, and that it made it easier to do whatever was asked of me. I was happy to a "Paper Boy", because when I needed you, you were there for me. I can proudly say that by the end of my time there, whenever I went to an administrator for help, it was not your average problem (which means I knew my stuff :] )

I met some amazing people = now my friends. Who wouldn't want to go to a place where you work with your friends? I thank you for everything that you have done for me and everything that you have withstood. I thank you for listening to my horrible stories, and laughing at my pains, as all friends do. I have had some amazing, memorable, and truly enjoyable moments at work. Each and every one of you have made my day in some way or another because you have helped me in so many ways. It is because of all of you that I will have success in my future, and it's probably the skills I acquired at the Enrollment Center that helped me land my first internship. It was truly my honor and pleasure to work with you all! I will definitely come and visit very soon and I will miss you all!

Notes: I just wrote whatever came out, I know probably missed a lot of stuff I wanted to say.. I wanted to add all the memories, but there are just too many.....and I REMEMBER THEM ALL! 

**7:00pm: Close the Windows** 

Good Night Enrollment Center!

Chicago Sports -- CURSED?!?

 The Chicago Bulls are knocked out of the playoffs as they lose Game 6 to the 76ers by a final of 79-78 on their home court. Just the 5th time in history that an 8 seed has beaten a 1 seed in the NBA playoffs.

What do you want to talk about?--- Who gets the blame...injuries...roster issues...next season???

What hoped to be a promising dream season, turned out to be brutal nightmare as the Chicago Bulls season officially ended in a hard fought game 6 a couple nights ago in Philadelphia. Many thought even with the injury to Rose, the Bulls would still be able to beat, truthfully speaking, a horrible 76ers team. The Bulls averaged 84.3 ppg during the series (96.3 during regular season), and the only time they scored over 100 points, was game 1- the only game Rose played in.

It's been a couple days now...you have had time to sleep, vent, cry, punch a wall, or write your rants about your thoughts-- are you over it by now? For many average Chicago Bulls fans, the sad heart-breaking reality will fade away as quickly as they think about the hopes of next season - my heart is not so fortunate. There are emotional fans, and then there are realistic fans, and then there is a fan who doesn't know which side to take.

I have had time to think about the lose- to take it in and see if I am truly disappointed or was it all inevitable. The season might have ended officially with a lose couple days back, but the dark truth is that it had already ended 2 weeks ago when Derrick Rose drove the lane with 1:30 left in Game 1. I don't want to sit down and analysis the last 25 seconds of Game 6- I've already done that too much. You can curse out CJ Watson and yell that even an elementary PG knows to hold the ball during last seconds of a game; you can pop a free-throw on the court and yell, "THAT'S ALL WE WANTED ASIK, JUST ONE!", and most of you probably even hope that Carlos Boozer trips over his work-out bag again, so that Taj Gibson can be our starting power-forward.Others are even mad that Luol Deng won't undergo surgery, and will play for Great Britain in the upcoming Olympics, and what exactly did Rip Hamilton do to solve the shooting guard problem.

As many of the beat-reporters and NBA analysts will tell you -and I agree- the Bulls were put together to win a championship THIS YEAR. Ending the last season with a lose to the Miami Heat, the Bulls had to address one main issue- a consistent secondary scorer to help spread the floor for Rose. When the Bulls signed Hamilton, he was our answer. A veteran, a shooter, a previous champion. The Bulls worked harder in practice that any other team this season. Coach Thibs was clear that the only goal that mattered was being the last team standing. Coach of the year, MVP, Best-record -- None of those mattered. But now, after a season where the injury bug felt more like a infestation, there are more questions than answers. The window for the Chicago Bulls hasn't closed but there are a lot off-season issues that Gar Forman and John Paxson need to address.

Photo Credit: Facebook - Eric Collins

Unlike other fans who will soon forget about this season and look upon the next, at this very moment, my mind can't stop thinking about how injuries have absolutely demolished the hopes of millions of Chicago sports fans. I am sorry to bring up these suppressed memories by many of you, but it just doesn't stop...

It all started with the NFC Conference championship vs. the GB Packers about a year and a half ago, when Jay Cutler hurt his knee- needless to say we lost and the Packers went on to win the Super-Bowl. This past season, during an incredible winning streak when the Bears were as good as any team in the league, Jay Cutler hurt his hand. Then came the injuries to Forte, Knox, and even Urlacher.

It's absolutely disgusting how parallel the Chicago Bulls and Bears seasons have matched up. In both teams-- the most important player had season ending injury (Rose and Cutler). Both in which the back-ups at their respective position could not fill their spots. The next game, the 2nd most valuable player to the team goes down (Noah and Forte). -- Lets stop there...

Enough...Lets move forward.

Yes, it was difficult to lose and have our season ended, but the future is bright. In both the Bears and the Bulls, the lose of their star players has helped expose some major issues within the team. If these are fixed than who knows where the next season will take us ---- assuming we have no devastating injuries. The questions are many and the answers are unknown, but both teams are still a powerful contender. The Bears have already addressed some D-Line and WR issues, and many are predicting at least a 10-win season. Once you get into the playoffs anything can happen (think Chicago Bulls- or in a positive light think Sixers if you're a Philly fan).

We will have to wait and see how the Chicago Bulls off-season goes...but I'm optimistic. I think that Rose will get back to MVP level after a good 10-month recovery period. I think that the Bulls will make the playoffs again, and I think that we will ALL get to see the Bulls-Heat match-up that has been hyped up for so long. AND I think that the Bulls will hold the Larry O'Brien Trophy very soon -- Just trying to be positive...

MESSAGE: To the all the people who think it is going to be a long season-- You're probably right considering that fact that Chicago Baseball isn't up to excitement levels of a Bulls or Bears game, but the Summer will be over sooner than you think. This summer is going to be packed with the Olympics and that means that all of the world will be enchanted by all its glory. Then again, it is the summertime and you will get to enjoy the nice weather and warm summer nights and before you know it-- the leaves will turn. It there had to be a LONG OFF-SEASON then summer would probably be the best off-season.

Have a great day!
DISCLAIMER: Sorry for the very-strangely-choppy writing. I am doing this at work so.. yeah. Low on stats more just babbling. My Apologies.

GAME 6

-FAILED-
GOAL FOR TONIGHT:
SEE RED AT-LEAST ONE MORE TIME!

 

Quick Thoughts: Game 2 - 76ers Run Over the Bulls (Shouldn't that be the other way around)

"We got our asses kicked today" - Joakim Noah after the Bulls 109-92 to the 76ers at the United Center in Game 2.

          It's the playoffs, there are going to be tough games. With a coach like Doug Collins on the other side, he'll find ways and motivate his players to beat even the toughest opponent. After Game 1 Coach Collins pleaded his team to get defensive rebounds - WHY? Fast Breaks! Sixers are one of the best teams in transition and they showed it by out-rebounding the Bulls 38-32, which lead to 25 fast break points (11pts in the 3rd). This looked similar to the game earlier this year in Philly when Bulls got their ass handed to them. Chicago rarely get outworked - but they did - and with their lack of interior defense and inability to close out shots; a recipe for a tough loss. Sixers shot an astounding 59% from the field, and when a team is shooting that well... forget about it.
          Alright, so they lost...but the discussions aren't going to be how they lost, they'll be about the 'what ifs' concerning who they lost. Would it have been different if Derrick Rose was in the game? We'll never know for sure-- but I don't think so. Rose might have kept the game as close as it could have been, but to overcome the 3rd qtr in which the Bulls were outscored 36-14 would have been too much. Rose's greatest power is that he is a run stopper. When another team start a 4-0 or 6-0 run, Rose knows that it is his time to make a basket and stop the run - and that at least keeps the Bulls in the game for a while longer. The problem with the Rose-less Bulls is that no one (besides JL3 haha) is aggressive enough offensively to play that role. To me, the defense was more of a disappointment, but it gets hard to play defense when other players don't step up. Defense in basketball is as much a team game as it is a 1-on-1 match-up game.

          After the injury to Rose, EVERYONE on the team needed to step up. Instead, at their lowest point in the post-season, no one was able to find ways to stand-up (see what I did there...). Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng are the ones that need to step up the most in the absence of Rose. Both will need to play at an all-star level if the Bulls want any shot. They certainly didn't come though in game 2. In all the minutes that Boozer played in the 3rd (6 I think) he scored 0 points. Deng played all of the 3rd qtr scoring just 2 pts. Both Deng and Boozer didn't even make it into double digit scoring for the whole game (8 and 9 pts respectively). Instead it was Joakim Noah as the lone scorer who stepped up for the Bulls. I know its damn-right unbelievable. Noah was 10-11 and had 21pts and 8reb.
          No one saw that coming- you know why? Because Doug Collins is a good coach. Sixers from the get-go looked to shut down Deng, Boozer and Watson, and they let Noah do what he could. It was a great effort by him, but I'm sorry. Noah being your top scorer isn't going to win you a playoff series against the Bobcats. While the series now moves to Philly, there's a little bit of hope. The Bulls were one of the leagues best road teams. Good teams, championship teams, find ways to get back up. Play defense, get high percentage shots, and win! I still see the Bulls pulling out this series in 5/6 games. Thibs is too good of a coach and this team is still too talented.

Do you still BULLieve?

See you in the city of Brotherly Love on Friday. 

Scottie Pippen's open letter to Chicago Bulls and their Fans

It seems like the nation has ruled out the Bulls from any shot at the NBA title. Couple days after the injury to Derrick Rose, Kyle Korver sent out a message on Facebook to Bulls Fans. Today, a Hall of Famer and 6-time NBA Champ and current Bulls ambassador sent out an open letter to the Chicago Bulls and their fans. Here is the beginning of the letter you can read the full letter here.

LETTER FROM PIPPEN:
" With what happened to Derrick in Game 1, it would be easy to hang your heads right now. You could lose sight of the ultimate goal and give up before the rest of the games have even been played. But I know that’s not even a consideration for this group. And that’s exactly why you’ll make me, Derrick, the organization, and the city of Chicago so proud.

To a man, it’s time for each of you to take a look in the mirror. Decide who you really are and what you represent as a basketball player. Reflect on what you have brought to the table for your team all season long and why you’re a valuable member of the Bulls. Because all of you have contributed to this team’s incredible success. Ask yourself what you can do for the team moving forward. Whether it’s through your verbal leadership or diving on the floor after a loose ball, it’s going to be all about grinding it out moving forward. If there is one piece of advice I can offer you, it’s to put every last ounce of effort you have out there to make everyone proud—Derrick, the fans, and first and foremost, yourself.

Your team has come a long way in terms of what it has been able to achieve this season. And that was done collectively, as a group. It has never been about any one individual. Yes, Derrick was the reigning NBA MVP, but he epitomizes the team concept and you all followed his lead. So it’s been the effort of the group, as well as a tremendous job by the coaching staff, which has gotten us to this point. And it’s exactly why I feel good about this team right now. You’re a group that remains together. You’ve repeatedly lifted each other up when a teammate has fallen. Now, it comes down to continuing to give your best effort every time you step on to the basketball court. It’s easy to say you’re doing that, but are you really dedicating yourself to another two months of basketball? As a player, that’s what I always wanted out of my teammates. Just make sure you arrive on gameday focused and full of energy. If guys want to just show up and take on the 76ers or whoever, well, that might not be enough to get the job done. It takes locking in on the task at hand and honing in on what you need to do in order to be successful in the NBA postseason. "

You can read the full/rest of the letter here.

BULLieve!