The Bears blow it, Bulls and Hawks conquer the Circus

Every Sunday, I help run live Bears blogs at the Sun-Times. I basically just approve comments, maybe post a few poll questions. It's usually not too much work; I generally have no problem paying attention to the game while handling the other stuff.

Last night was different, though. I would say we had about 10 times the number comments we normally get. Maybe it was because the game was in prime time (though you think people would be out for a night game, and more inclined to stay at home with their laptop on a Sunday afternoon), or because it was pivotal first place showdown, but we had tons and tons of people following along on Cover it Live. And as you may imagine, they were all fucking pissed.

I usually think those people go way overboard in their criticism of Lovie, Urlacher, Hester, ect., but it was justifiable yesterday. Everything about that game sucked. The Bears have played two must-win division games the last three weeks, and they got completely owned in both. That says a lot about the coaches, and about the players on the roster, many of whom moaned about new contracts in the previous two offseasons. I have zero problem with athletes making tons of money, but these are the games when guys like Urlacher, Tillman, and Ogunleye need to step up. It didn't happen, as the once mighty defense got run over once again. The offense, particularly Orton, wasn't much better. While the playoffs are still a very real possibility, this Bears team flat out sucks right now.

The defining moment of the game was clearly the second quarter sequence when the Bears got stuffed on third and fourth down on the goal line, and then proceeded to give up a 99-yard bomb to Bernard Berrian. I feel like I make super broad, sweeping statements on this site all the time (best win ever!, worst coach of all-time!), but seriously, that three play set was pretty much the most demoralizing thing I've ever seen happen in any sports game. The Bears went from being three feet away from a commanding lead in a huge game, to having the momentum spin 180 degrees. As soon as Berrian caught that pass, the Bears were finished.  

I had no problem with Lovie deciding to go for it on fourth down, but the third down play call is really what doomed that drive and the game. How many times do we need to see a fullback dive fail before it's not called anymore?

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Alright, I do not want to talk about the goddamn Bears anymore, so lets focus on happier things.

How fantastic is Derrick Rose? After his thorough domination of the Philly yesterday, our fine 76ers blogger is ready to trade the entire team! Is it possible Rose was extra motivated because of Brian's predraft smack talk?

Honestly, I think the Bulls would be crazy to pass up (Beasley) for a point with good size who can't really shoot and isn't all that fast, but that's just me.
....

I actually saw Rose play a lot more than any of the other guys in the lottery this past season. Seemed over-hyped to me. I know there's been a run of great PGs to come into the pros over the past couple of years, but I just don't see Rose on the same level as Paul and Williams. He'll be a good pro, but not someone to build your team around. For a team that's needed a low-post presence for the past five years, I think it's silly to take Rose over Beasley.

(Sorry Brian, but I am extremely pissed about the Bears right now. This is the only way I can feel good about myself.)

I only saw the first half yesterday, and Yahoo!'s box score tells me the Bulls took control in the third quarter by out scoring the 76ers 31-11. Luckily I was around for the second quarter though, when Rose put on an absolute show. Visual evidence...

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What does all that mean? The Bulls finished the dreaded Circus Trip with an unreal 3-4 record.When you consider that they were in it til the end against Denver and San Antonio, it's hard to call this trip anything but a success.

Now is the time when the Bulls need to go on a run. Check out their next eight games:

vs Philly
at Milwaukee
vs Washington
vs Knicks
at Memphis
vs Nets
at Bobcats
vs Clippers

The Bulls should at least take five of those games. This is great opportunity to string some wins together for first time under Rose/VDN, so here's hoping they take advantage of it.

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The Blackhawks also fared well on their six game Circus Trip, coming away with seven points. The Hawks now sit in seventh in the Western Conference with 26 points, and they also have a steady diet of games at the UC coming up, so maybe they'll string together a run too.

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But yeah, none of this really makes up for the Bears. Man, that game was just so, so awful.

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Beau, Zach, seriously, you guys couldn't argue just a little more in that Wednesday post? We were only four away from tying the comments record!

(And don't even try it now because it doesn't count since I called you out on it....)

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Oh yeah, I played basketball for the first time in a year on Friday, and further solidified my reputation as the Jannero Pargo of Orland Park. I played zero defense, had a few turnovers, and took way too many bad shots, but still finished roughly 6-of-11 from three point range in our first game. I was draining triples like never before. I'm like a shorter version of Kyle McAlarney.