Baby and the Bathwater - An FOF Dynasty

[mhass]

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[mhass]

2006 Draft Choices

Round 1, Pick 18
DE Kris Haddock
Haddock is among the best availabe players at pick 18 and adds some quality to the right side of a mediocre defensive line. He is a pure run-stopper and will have to learn the pass rush or platoon with someone in passing situations. At 6'-1" and 279 pounds, he should be appears to be more of a tackle than end, but will play the end until someone decides he has to move. Other options included a WR, OLB and the #1 QB left on the board. Bear staff, however, convinces the owner and GM that some or all of these may be available at #6 in the second round.

Round 2, Pick 6
QB Patrick Webb
The staff is half right as the OLB choice, Dana Donnell, is drafted two spots after Chicago and the receiver, Junior Bachofen, goes four spots after that. But a run of defensive lineman both assures the Bears that Haddock would not have fallen to the second round and leaves the promising QB, Patrick Webb, on the board. However, with two young, promising, developing quarterbacks on the roster in Aaron Rodgers and Alex Smith, owner Kirby Jansen is reluctant to take on a third youngster to play behind Gus Frerotte. So the team sets out to shop the pick to a team needing a QB. The Jets, Dolphins, Panthers and Cowboys all desperately need a signal caller, but none offers anything that works inside Chicago salary cap restrictions. A better solution presents itself when Dallas offers their '05 first rounder, guard Buster Ashley, and their third round pick for Aaron Rodgers. This solidifies the weakest spot on the O-line and frees the spot Chicago needs for Webb, a potential superstar. Quarterback competition in camp will be wide open and the line in front of the eventual starter will be top-notch.

[mhass]

2006 Draft Choices

Round 2, Pick 18
RT Monty Alexander
6' 2" 305; 4.2 Bureau rating; 42 reps; 26/48; 83 volatility
The pick comes down to Howard Aber, a solid but not spectacular middle linebacker from Florida State and Monty Alexander, a Herculean right tackle from Washington State. Alexander got 42 reps on the bench at the combine and is pegged at 52% developed, a plus for a lineman. Aber is clearly the best defensive player on the board but is very weak in coverage. In terms of roster spots, neither position is a need since receiver, fullback and corner are the big openings, but those positions are very weak at this point in the draft and the coaching staff craves depth almost everywhere. In the end, the hastening detioration of starter Ryan Tucker compared to Odell Thurman and Robert Thomas at MLB make Alexander the eventual choice.

Round 3, Pick 18
SE Ron Fisher
6' 2" 214; 4.0 Bureau rating; 4.46s 40-yd; 17/47; 39 volatility
A round later, the only real quality is at quarterback and the Chicago front office has pushed the position enough in the last two drafts. So they look for value and need and decide on yeoman split end, Ron Fisher. Fisher, a Northwestern grad, has the appeal of local name recognition, great build (6' 2", 214) and the intelligence to grasp an offense quickly (47 Solecismic). Fisher is a man of extremes and does the little things well, shunning the flashy stuff. He looks to have great hands (both catching passes and not fumbling), run great routes, show courage over the middle and excel at special teams (including punt returns). He has very little to show for big play, pure speed abilities. But behind Reggie Williams, a strict possession receiver is a nice fit.

[mhass]

2006 Draft Choices

Round 3, Pick 28
SLB Kerry Cucina
5' 11" 231; 4.1 Bureau rating; 15 reps; 10/50; 36 volatility
The selection here, a product of the earlier trade with Dallas, give Chicago the freedom to 'reach' a bit if they need to. But there is little of interest at the need positions. Cornerback in particular is quite weak and the team all but commits to leaving that hole for free agency. MLB Terrell Glover draws the eye of some scouts. Still among the weakest positions on the team, and not addressed at all thus far, outside linebacker screams for attention and has a player among the best available. Kerry Cucina is horribly weak for a linebacker, but shows a real knack for diagnosing the play quickly and getting to a ball carrier for the tackle. Coverage-wise, he's almost purely a bump-and-run defender.

Round 4, Pick 18
MLB Terrell Glover
6' 2" 246; 4.3 Bureau rating; 17 reps; 10/52; 10 volatility
Glover, nearly drafted 20 spots earlier, leaps of the page as a value pick in the fourth. He has obvious flaws, but won't be called on to more than challenge Thurman for the second spot inside. Glover is weak for his size (17 reps), but is decent in both the running and passing game. His pass rush skills are sorely lacking. Were it not for that and his lack of strength, he'd be a candidate for a spot on the line. In the end, his special teams play will earn him a roster spot.

Round 5, Pick 18
K Cole Roberson
5' 10" 195; 5.1 Bureau rating; 36 volatility
Bitten last year by the selection of Rhys Lloyd (19 of 26 FG's made; 1 of 50 yards or more), Michael is determined to bring some competition to the position. The second highest graded kicker in the draft, Patrick Conley, is still available here but has had long hot and cold streaks throughout his career. The team goes with Roberson who is more consistent but has a slightly weaker leg. Having the immediately following pick makes this easier to swallow.

Round 5, Pick 19
CB Bennie Reynolds
6' 0" 207; 3.6 Bureau rating; 4.54s 40-yd; 62 volatility
Down to simply filling spots, the Bears take the best corner left in Reynolds. Almost certain not to make the team, he does show a penchant for reading the quarterback and getting in place for the interception. However, Upper Iowa University is a far cry from the NFL.

Round 6, Pick 18
SE Ty Shea
6' 2" 220; 3.2 Bureau rating; 4.76s 40-yd; 13/35; 46 volatility
The last pick for Chicago, and already one more player than roster spot, the pick was a bit of a throw-away. As a result, the team went for a backup to an earlier selection, drafting Ty Shea, a lower quality carbon copy of fellow Big Ten'er, Ron Fisher. He has the same skew in ratings (good fundamentals, low 'flash') with a similar frame. He'll have to bust his tail to make the team.

[mhass]

July 9, 2006
Olivette-Nazarene University

"He's got it," Kirby said to Michael from the middle rows of the bleachers.

"Yep," said Michael. "That's why I called you."

"Timing sucks though," said Kirby.

"They're working on it," replied Michael, not lowering his binoculars.

"They working on keeping his ass in the pocket too?"

"Yep."

"Can't hit the deep ball, but those dump passes look nice," said Kirby, himself glued to a pair of field glasses. Patrick Webb was working out with the second team offense. "What about the others?"

Michael hesitated enough to convey the truth. "Uhh... there... are...projects among them."

There was a long pause, then Kirby turned to look at Michael. "Which ones aren't projects?"

"Well, Roberson. He's NFL material."

"The kicker? We drafted two good players and one is a kicker? We need to give Marketing a budget increase. What about the receivers? Or that tackle?"

Michael finally put down his binoculars, realized this was a conversation he couldn't avoid. The whole lot of them, Haddock included, are backups. I'm guessing Haddock, Alexander and Webb are the only starters. Cucina maybe, but he's got...issues."

Kirby nodded and checked his ringing cell phone. He put the phone back in his pocket and said "Did the hold-out set Haddock back?"

"Well," Michael started, "it didn't help. But I think he's raw anyway. He'll make the rotation at end, but he's not going to bump Thomas out of his spot."

Kirby nodded again. His phone had stopped ringing and now beeped to notify him of a text message. He ignored that too, going back to watching the practise below. "How's Gus?" Kirby finally asked.

"Not real good," said Michael. "He thought he had this sewn up. To lose the starting spot and the backup spot in one mini-camp was tough on him. But he's still helping Alex pick up the little things."

"He better," said Kirby bitterly. "Since we drafted two stiffs at receiver."

After a few more minutes of scrimmage, the team broke out for position drills. Kirby stood and began to step down a row at a time. Michael shouted after him "Aren't you going to check that message?"

Kirby kept walking but pulled the phone out. He read the message, put the phone back and paused after stepping onto the grass. Michael watched him and turned the palms of his hand up.

"Sales," said Kirby, more to himself than Michael. "Just passed last year's season ticket sales." Then he turned and walked away.

[mhass]

Preseason Recap

Record
The team did not win a game, but didn't exactly try either. Several starters were deactivated the entire preseason to prevent injuries and give younger guys the reps. With the exception of the Denver game, all the games were competitve and had bright spots.
L to the Jets, 32-34
L to the Cheifs, 23-27
L to the Patriots, 10-17
L to the Bronocos, 10-30

Injuries
Only Quentin Jammer sustained injuries that would keep him from the opening weekend and he was likely to be back in one or two weeks. There were only nicks and bruises beyond Jammer.

Quarterbacks
Alex Smith and Patrick Webb split time at quarterback. Webb surprised everyone with his performances, but Smith clearly won the battle for the starting spot. Webb did have some trouble reading routes and coverages and ended up with too many interceptions. Smith was solid and the coaches were pleased with his command of the offense.

	Att	Comp	Yards	Yd/A	Long	TD	Int	Sk
Webb	67	30	354	5.28	96	2	9	4
Smith	69	40	556	8.06	140	3	3	4

Rookies
Except for Webb, not many rookies turned many heads. Kris Haddock notched 15 tackles and three assist. Most impressive were his two sacks since he's being counted on strictly for run support, but he will be in far fewer passing situations in the regular season. Roberson won the kicking spot going 4/5 in field goals with a long of 51 yards. The two receivers had four catches between them and were largely non-factors.

Things to Watch
A key will be the pass defense again. The 32 sacks of the year before will be a goal for this squad and the seven interceptions will have to be improved upon. If the team is able to grind out wins with the running game, the pass defense will be that much more significant. Obviously, the play of Alex Smith will be a large factor in Chicago's success. There are three legitimate wide receivers and two tight ends that can catch well. It should be enough. It has to be.

[mhass]

Bears Start Season by Taming Lions

CHICAGO - The Chicago Bears seem not to have forgotten much of the success they had last season. Despite major changes in the quarterback position and a non-existant free agency period, the Bears whipped the Lions 27-0 in a balanced, steady attack.

Balance indeed as Chicago scored one touchdown in each quarter, two rushing and two passing. Cedric Benson got one of each type and rushed for 68 yards while getting 70 via pass. Alex Smith, newly installed as the starter, hit his backs for eight receptions, tight ends for seven and wide-outs for six. The team also made the red zone three times, all ending with touchdowns.

The defensive stats were spread around as well. Three defenders tied for most tackles at six apiece. Also, the tweaked defensive front sacked Joey Harrington eight times with everyone getting less than two.

"It's hard to pick a standout or focal point in this win," said coach Antonio Abrams, only 18 months removed from a high school coaching job. "Game ball went to Ced just because he was the only one with the number two in a stat line," he laughed after the game, referring to Benson's two touchdowns.

After a winless preseason, there was spoken and unspoken concern about the quarterback position, but Smith played adequately. "Alex didn't hurt us a bit," said tight end Ben Troupe, the other player to score a receiving touchdown. Considering his play in the preseason, that's an accomplishment.

Adam Archuletta, last year's defensive leader, picked up where he left off, tying for the team lead in tackles and sacking Harrington once. Top draft pick Kris Haddock, a run stopper in college, continued to surprise even himself by getting 1.5 sacks and only one tackle. "He's reacting very well to the double-teams on Erasmus James," said Abrams. "He knows his way around an offensive backfield and we'll let him play third downs as long as they put one tackle on him." Haddock has not won a starting job because of his weakness in the passing game, but could supplant Bryan Thomas with play like Sunday's.

The schedulers threw the NFC North an early test, pitting Detroit and Chicago as well as Minnesota and Green Bay together in the first week. Green Bay was able to beat the Vikings, setting back their hopes of repeating as division champ. Next week, the Bears get a breather as they go to Miami to play the rebuilding Dolphins.

Box Score: Detroit at Chicago
Chicago, IL.
Week 1, 2006
Attendance: 59,700 (63,000).
Weather: 56 degrees, rain.
1Q: 13:49 CHI - Cedric Benson 11 pass from Alex Smith.
1Q: 13:49 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point.
2Q: 01:53 CHI - Ben Troupe 3 pass from Alex Smith.
2Q: 01:53 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point.
3Q: 00:34 CHI - Cedric Benson 7 run.
3Q: 00:34 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point.
4Q: 05:54 CHI - Jon Ritchie 31 run.
4Q: 05:54 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point failed.
Game MVP: CHI 33 Cedric Benson
Detroit	0	0	0	0	-	0
Chicago	7	7	7	6	-	27
Team Statistics		DET		CHI
First Downs		7		19
Total Rushes		17		29
Rushing Yards		42		110
Yards Per Carry		2.4		3.7
Pass Attempts		33		34
Completions		15		21
Passing Yards		125		184
Yards Per Attempt		3.7		5.4
Sacked		8		2
Yards Lost		57		14
Interceptions		1		1
Fumbles/Lost		2/1		0/0
Total Plays		58		65
Total Yards		110		280
Yards Per Play		1.8		4.3
3rd Down Plays		3/16		4/14
Avg. YTG on 3rd		10.4		9.7
4th Down Plays		0/0		0/0
Penalties		11		7
Penalty Yards		81		40
Avg. Drive Start		OWN 22		OWN 40
Time Of Possession		27:22:00		32:38:00
Detroit Individual Statistics
Rushing		Att	Yards	Avg	Long	TD
34 Jones		11	33	3	16	0
45 Harris		4	3	0.7	2	0
24 Johnson		1	3	3	3	0
3 Harrington		1	3	3	3	0
Passing		Att	Comp	Yards	Yd/Att	Long	TD	Int	Sckd
3 Harrington		33	15	125	3.7	19	0	1	8
Receiving		Catch	Yards	Avg	YAC	Long	TD
11 Williams		4	44	11	10	19	0
86 Alexander		3	13	4.3	6	8	0
83 Driver		2	23	11.5	0	16	0
80 Houshmandzadeh		2	20	10	2	11	0
88 Finneran		1	12	12	0	12	0
24 Johnson		1	3	3	2	3	0
45 Harris		1	5	5	5	5	0
82 Horner		1	5	5	5	5	0
Punt Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
11 Williams		3	24	8	0
48 Dyson		2	3	1.5	0
Kick Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
45 Harris		2	49	24.5	0
83 Driver		1	8	8	0
80 Houshmandzadeh		1	18	18	0
Punting		Punts	Yards	Avg	Long	In20
14 Buchholz		13	488	37.5	49	2
Kicking		FG	FGA	Long	PAT	Att
Defense		Tackle	Assist	Sack	Int	IntYds	IntTD
52 Davis		7	2	0	0	0	0
25 Knight		6	3	0	0	0	0
95 Cowart		5	2	1	1	0	0
74 Abraham		5	1	0	0	0	0
96 Hall		5	0	0	0	0	0
42 Holt		4	2	0	0	0	0
48 Dyson		3	2	0	0	0	0
54 Wallace		3	1	0	0	0	0
71 Gregg		2	2	0.5	0	0	0
97 Williams		2	1	0	0	0	0
32 Bly		2	1	0	0	0	0
24 Johnson		2	0	0	0	0	0
43 Smith		2	0	0	0	0	0
21 Wyrick		1	0	0.5	0	0	0
80 Houshmandzadeh		1	0	0	0	0	0
45 Harris		1	0	0	0	0	0
39 Vasher		1	0	0	0	0	0
91 Berger		1	0	0	0	0	0
Miscellaneous		Fumb	FForc	Recov	MiscTD	KeyRBlk	SckAlwd
77 Blackburn		0	0	0	0	0	2
66 Brown		0	0	1	0	0	3
64 Bennett		0	0	0	0	0	1
60 Mitchell		0	0	0	0	0	1
65 Woody		0	0	0	0	1	1
3 Harrington		2	0	0	0	0	0
55 McKinney		0	0	0	0	1	0
72 Sampson		0	0	0	0	1	0
Chicago Individual Statistics
Rushing		Att	Yards	Avg	Long	TD
33 Benson		23	68	2.9	26	1
46 Ritchie		3	31	10.3	31	1
21 Davis		1	2	2	2	0
11 Smith		1	8	8	8	0
42 McLendon		1	1	1	1	0
Passing		Att	Comp	Yards	Yd/Att	Long	TD	Int	Sckd
11 Smith		34	21	184	5.4	21	2	1	2
Receiving		Catch	Yards	Avg	YAC	Long	TD
89 Troupe		7	52	7.4	23	11	1
33 Benson		6	70	11.6	19	21	1
87 Washington		4	39	9.7	0	14	0
46 Ritchie		2	7	3.5	6	4	0
84 Bannister		1	8	8	3	8	0
82 Williams		1	8	8	3	8	0
Punt Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
23 Buchanon		5	14	2.8	0
Kick Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
Punting		Punts	Yards	Avg	Long	In20
16 Colquitt		10	419	41.9	54	6
Kicking		FG	FGA	Long	PAT	Att
15 Roberson		0	0	0	3	4
Defense		Tackle	Assist	Sack	Int	IntYds	IntTD
32 Archuleta		6	0	1	0	0	0
31 Bashir		6	2	0	0	0	0
56 Thomas		6	0	0	1	0	0
52 Lehman		5	1	1	0	0	0
90 Simon		3	2	1.5	0	0	0
36 Reynolds		3	0	0	0	0	0
98 Thomas		2	1	1	0	0	0
97 Fisk		2	1	0.5	0	0	0
26 Iwuoma		2	0	0	0	0	0
51 Raiola		2	0	0	0	0	0
77 Haddock		1	2	1.5	0	0	0
94 Bryant		1	0	1	0	0	0
75 Canty		1	0	0.5	0	0	0
78 James		1	3	0	0	0	0
22 Butler		1	2	0	0	0	0
91 Sims		1	1	0	0	0	0
46 Ritchie		1	0	0	0	0	0
68 Mulitalo		1	0	0	0	0	0
67 Light		1	0	0	0	0	0
55 Boiman		1	0	0	0	0	0
83 Graham		1	0	0	0	0	0
58 Leber		1	0	0	0	0	0
89 Troupe		1	0	0	0	0	0
Miscellaneous		Fumb	FForc	Recov	MiscTD	KeyRBlk	SckAlwd
69 Ashley		0	0	0	0	0	1
98 Thomas		0	1	1	0	0	0
89 Troupe		0	0	0	0	2	0
51 Raiola		0	0	0	0	0	1
67 Light		0	0	0	0	4	0
76 Tucker		0	0	0	0	2	0
68 Mulitalo		0	0	0	0	1	0
77 Haddock		0	1	0	0	0	0
Detroit Drive Chart
	Quar	Began	Poss	From		Plays	Yards	Result
	1	15:00	0:35	OWN 27		1	-8	Fumble
	1	13:49	2:00	OWN 20		3	-14	Punt
	1	8:39	4:18	OWN 20		9	18	Punt
	1	2:20	1:42	OWN 35		3	-11	Punt
	2	12:05	2:23	OWN 36		3	-1	Punt
	2	8:12	2:06	OWN 15		3	5	Punt
	2	1:53	0:54	OWN 27		3	-1	Punt
	2	0:51	0:51	OWN 34		4	18	Punt
	3	13:28	3:15	OWN 17		5	27	Punt
	3	7:56	1:12	OWN 34		3	3	Punt
	3	3:13	0:49	OWN 18		2	6	Interception
	3	0:34	0:59	OWN 30		3	-11	Punt
	4	13:32	1:27	OWN 12		3	8	Punt
	4	9:55	1:31	OWN 7		4	19	Punt
	4	5:54	4:12	OWN 19		9	14	Punt
	4	0:37	0:37	OWN 8		1	-2	Game
Chicago Drive Chart
	Quar	Began	Poss	From		Plays	Yards	Result
	1	14:25	0:36	OPP 19		2	19	Touchdown
	1	11:49	3:10	OPP 42		5	4	Punt
	1	4:21	2:01	OWN 22		4	14	Punt
	1	0:38	3:33	OWN 37		6	4	Punt
	2	9:42	1:30	OWN 38		3	-1	Punt
	2	6:06	4:13	OPP 48		9	48	Touchdown
	2	0:59	0:08	OWN 45		1	0	Interception
	3	15:00	1:32	OWN 20		4	34	Punt
	3	10:13	2:17	OWN 10		4	15	Punt
	3	6:44	3:31	OWN 23		7	21	Punt
	3	2:24	1:50	OPP 36		6	36	Touchdown
	4	14:35	1:03	OWN 31		3	5	Punt
	4	12:05	2:10	OWN 36		5	13	Punt
	4	8:24	2:30	OWN 44		4	56	Touchdown
	4	1:42	1:05	OWN 39		3	3	Punt
Detroit Red Zone Profile
		Visits	TDs	FGs
		0	0	0
Chicago Red Zone Profile
		Visits	TDs	FGs
		3	3	0

[mhass]

Bears Over Fins in 'Stunner'

MIAMI - The first three quarters of the Bears' game against Miami was wholely unremarkable. Missed field goals, fumbles and a pathetic running game put Chicago behind early against a Dolphin team most predict to finish in the basement in their division. "I'm stunned by it all," said heach coach Antonio Abrams after the game.

"Stunned at our poor start, stunned that we couldn't run the ball, stunned that Alex Smith and Cole Roberson remained calm and waited for their opportunities, stunned that we won. I'm stunned." He and the 75,000 others at the game. Trailing 10-0 at the start of the fourth quarter, Chicago scored 17 points in the last frame to win 17-16 on a last minute field goal by Roberson.

Having missed both attempts earlier in the game (49 and 41 yards), Roberson lined up for the go-ahead kick at 49 yards and bounced it on the crossbar and over with 24 seconds left in the game.

But to even get the opportunity, Chicago had to thwart two drives deep in their own territory - one on a blocked punt at their own 17 and one where Marcel Shipp almost single handedly ran the game out of reach. Miami quarterback Matt Schaub, still adjusting to the Miami offensive scheme after signing in the off season, was lackluster. But his own ineffectiveness was surpassed by Alex Smith early on as Chicago was forced to throw often by a stellar run defense from Miami. Cedric Benson was held to 36 yards rushing on the day.

Chicago's defense was led again by safety Adam Archuletta who had 11 tackles. Defensive Coordinator Ricky Schultz was quoted after the game as saying "It's never good to have safeties lead the team in tackles, but I'm glad he got every one of them." The Bear defensive line continued to get pressure on Schaub all day, getting three sacks, but tailbacks Ricky Williams and Marcel Shipp and fullback Rob Konrad all averaged more than five yards per carry and gave the Bears fits from start to finish. "We'll address the run defense this week," promised Abrams. "Our play on defense was as shocking as anything else today."

The win puts Chicago in a tie for first place in the division as Green Bay won Sunday, as did Minnesota, while Detroit lost. Chicago will play Tampa Bay next week at home while Green Bay will play their third in a row at home against New Orleans.

Box Score: Chicago at Miami
Miami, FL.
Week 2, 2006
Attendance: 74,900 (74,900).
Weather: 82 degrees, fair.
2Q: 13:51 MIA - Rob Konrad 9 run.
2Q: 13:51 MIA - Ryan Longwell extra point.
3Q: 08:52 MIA - Ryan Longwell 30 field goal.
4Q: 09:11 CHI - Cedric Benson 1 run.
4Q: 09:11 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point.
4Q: 05:33 MIA - Ryan Longwell 41 field goal.
4Q: 02:03 MIA - Ryan Longwell 35 field goal.
4Q: 01:54 CHI - Ben Leber 79 fumble return.
4Q: 01:54 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point.
4Q: 00:24 CHI - Cole Roberson 45 field goal.
Game MVP: CHI 11 Alex Smith
Chicago	0	0		0	17	-	17
Miami	0	7		3	6	-	16
Team Statistics		CHI			MIA
First Downs		18			15
Total Rushes		20			28
Rushing Yards		51			156
Yards Per Carry		2.5			5.5
Pass Attempts		45			28
Completions		23			15
Passing Yards		250			144
Yards Per Attempt		5.5			5.1
Sacked		3			3
Yards Lost		15			18
Interceptions		0			1
Fumbles/Lost		4/2			1/1
Total Plays		68			59
Total Yards		286			282
Yards Per Play		4.2			4.7
3rd Down Plays		7/17			2/12
Avg. YTG on 3rd		9			9.6
4th Down Plays		0/0			0/1
Penalties		5			4
Penalty Yards		21			27
Avg. Drive Start		OWN 31			OWN 34
Time Of Possession		31:13:00			28:47:00
Chicago Individual Statistics
Rushing		Att		Yards	Avg	Long	TD
33 Benson		15		36	2.4	13	1
21 Davis		4		9	2.2	5	0
46 Ritchie		1		6	6	6	0
Passing		Att		Comp	Yards	Yd/Att	Long	TD	Int	Sckd
11 Smith		45		23	250	5.5	24	0	0	3
Receiving		Catch		Yards	Avg	YAC	Long	TD
89 Troupe		6		88	14.6	12	24	0
87 Washington		4		36	9	2	12	0
33 Benson		4		31	7.7	18	13	0
84 Bannister		3		36	12	0	14	0
82 Williams		3		44	14.6	8	17	0
46 Ritchie		2		7	3.5	2	4	0
21 Davis		1		8	8	8	8	0
Punt Returns		Att		Yards	Avg	TD
23 Buchanon		1		0	0	0
Kick Returns		Att		Yards	Avg	TD
22 Butler		3		69	23	0
26 Iwuoma		1		12	12	0
Punting		Punts		Yards	Avg	Long	In20
16 Colquitt		6		206	34.3	49	3
Kicking		FG		FGA	Long	PAT	Att
15 Roberson		1		3	45	2	2
Defense		Tackle		Assist	Sack	Int	IntYds	IntTD
32 Archuleta		11		1	0	0	0	0
78 James		6		3	1	0	0	0
90 Simon		4		1	1	0	0	0
31 Bashir		4		2	0	0	0	0
52 Lehman		4		0	0	1	5	0
23 Buchanon		4		0	0	0	0	0
26 Iwuoma		3		0	0	0	0	0
91 Sims		2		0	1	0	0	0
56 Thomas		2		3	0	0	0	0
97 Fisk		2		2	0	0	0	0
46 Ritchie		2		0	0	0	0	0
25 Rogers		1		4	0	0	0	0
55 Boiman		1		2	0	0	0	0
68 Mulitalo		1		0	0	0	0	0
21 Davis		1		0	0	0	0	0
77 Haddock		1		0	0	0	0	0
36 Reynolds		1		0	0	0	0	0
Miscellaneous		Fumb		FForc	Recov	MiscTD	KeyRBlk	SckAlwd
51 Raiola		0		0	0	0	1	1
68 Mulitalo		0		0	0	0	1	2
58 Leber		0		0	1	1	0	0
89 Troupe		2		0	0	0	0	0
76 Tucker		0		0	0	0	1	0
46 Ritchie		0		0	0	0	1	0
67 Light		0		0	0	0	1	0
83 Graham		0		0	1	0	0	0
56 Thomas		0		1	0	0	0	0
33 Benson		1		0	0	0	0	0
25 Rogers		0		0	1	0	0	0
22 Butler		1		0	0	0	0	0
Miami Individual Statistics
Rushing		Att		Yards	Avg	Long	TD
31 Williams		12		75	6.2	14	0
38 Shipp		10		51	5.1	18	0
44 Konrad		4		24	6	9	1
19 Schaub		2		6	3	3	0
Passing		Att		Comp	Yards	Yd/Att	Long	TD	Int	Sckd
19 Schaub		27		15	144	5.3	21	0	1	3
6 Henson		1		0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Receiving		Catch		Yards	Avg	YAC	Long	TD
87 Bradford		4		45	11.2	5	21	0
84 Heap		4		48	12	15	17	0
80 Boston		3		29	9.6	1	16	0
44 Konrad		2		8	4	12	4	0
83 Welker		1		10	10	0	10	0
31 Williams		1		4	4	2	4	0
Punt Returns		Att		Yards	Avg	TD
83 Welker		1		1	1	0
Kick Returns		Att		Yards	Avg	TD
83 Welker		2		51	25.5	0
88 Bost		1		35	35	0
Punting		Punts		Yards	Avg	Long	In20
1 Turk		5		194	38.8	50	2
Kicking		FG		FGA	Long	PAT	Att
5 Longwell		3		3	41	1	1
Defense		Tackle		Assist	Sack	Int	IntYds	IntTD
53 Greenwood		7		3	0.5	0	0	0
54 Thomas		6		1	0	0	0	0
28 Lewis		5		0	1	0	0	0
29 Madison		5		2	0	0	0	0
20 Gibson		4		4	0	0	0	0
27 Poole		4		2	0	0	0	0
90 Carter		2		0	1	0	0	0
99 Taylor		2		4	0.5	0	0	0
95 Bowens		2		3	0	0	0	0
64 Chester		2		1	0	0	0	0
30 Hill		2		0	0	0	0	0
48 Thomas		2		0	0	0	0	0
58 Gold		1		1	0	0	0	0
44 Konrad		1		0	0	0	0	0
84 Heap		1		0	0	0	0	0
19 Schaub		1		0	0	0	0	0
36 White		1		0	0	0	0	0
39 Davis		1		0	0	0	0	0
97 Morrison		1		0	0	0	0	0
56 Araujo		0		1	0	0	0	0
Miscellaneous		Fumb		FForc	Recov	MiscTD	KeyRBlk	SckAlwd
70 Clinkscale		0		0	0	0	6	1
77 McIntosh		0		0	0	0	1	1
44 Konrad		0		0	0	0	1	1
57 Okobi		0		0	0	0	2	0
62 Stone		0		0	0	0	2	0
29 Madison		0		0	1	0	0	0
24 Edwards		0		1	0	0	0	0
20 Gibson		0		0	1	0	0	0
53 Greenwood		0		1	0	0	0	0
84 Heap		1		0	0	0	0	0
48 Thomas		0:00		0:00	0	0	0	0
28 Lewis		0:00		0:00	0	0	0	0
75 Gross		0:00		0:00	0	0	1	0
Chicago Drive Chart
	Quar	Began		Poss	From		Plays	Yards	Result
	1	15:00		5:34	OWN 17		13	82	Fumble
	1	6:59		4:04	OWN 37		7	31	Missed FG
	2	13:51		2:30	OWN 31		3	-2	Punt
	2	9:14		1:10	OWN 6		3	12	Fumble
	2	5:53		5:02	OWN 5		8	41	Punt
	3	12:59		1:08	OWN 33		3	-4	Punt
	3	8:52		6:08	OWN 20		12	56	Missed FG
	3	0:20		1:51	OWN 8		7	28	Punt
	4	11:35		0:59	OPP 47		3	0	Punt
	4	9:47		0:36	OPP 6		2	6	Touchdown
	4	5:33		1:46	OWN 29		3	-1	Punt
	4	1:13		0:49	OWN 46		4	26	Field Goal
Miami Drive Chart
	Quar	Began		Poss	From		Plays	Yards	Result
	1	9:26		2:27	OWN 10		5	11	Punt
	1	2:55		4:04	OWN 39		9	61	Touchdown
	2	11:21		2:07	OWN 33		4	11	Punt
	2	8:04		2:11	OPP 13		4	8	Downs
	2	0:51		0:51	OWN 5		3	14	Half
	3	15:00		2:01	OWN 20		3	9	Punt
	3	11:51		2:59	OWN 43		6	44	Field Goal
	3	2:44		2:24	OWN 31		5	19	Punt
	4	13:29		1:54	OWN 20		6	21	Interception
	4	10:36		0:49	OWN 1		2	15	Fumble
	4	9:11		3:38	OWN 42		5	34	Field Goal
	4	3:47		1:44	OPP 17		3	-1	Field Goal
	4	1:54		0:41	OWN 20		3	5	Punt
	4	0:15		0:15	OWN 49		1	21	Game
Chicago Red Zone Profile
		Visits		TDs	FGs
		2		1	0
Miami Red Zone Profile
		Visits		TDs	FGs
		4		1	2

[mhass]

Bears Win Despite Passing Game

CHICAGO - The Chicago Bears faced former division rival Tampa Bay on a gloriuos Sunday afternoon and apparently decided to keep the ball out of the beatufiul sky as much as possible.

Quarterback Alex Smith threw for a meager 111 yards yesterday, averaging only 3.9 yards per attempt. A mix of throws into coverage, a good Buccaneer pass rush and poor routes held the aerial attack down all day. Chicago managed a 20-9 win, but tested the patience of their young field general.

Fortunately, Cedric Benson shouldered the load, carrying for 116 yards (5.2 ypc) and one touchdown, and the defense controlled the field position game. Led again by Adam Archuletta (10 tackles, 1 int.), Chicago stopped Tampa Bay in enough key spots to make them settle for three field goals in total scoring. "We got enough," said head coach Antonio Abrams of those key stops. "That was ugly. I hope we don't have to do this every game."

While he didn't explicitly criticize Smith, he did say "The passing game has to improve. You don't win in the NFL with 111 yards in the air." Smith seemed equally frustrated after the game. "I'm learning. The game is slowing down for me. But that was a good defense we played today."

Benson, whose first quarter touchdown put the Bears ahead for good, said that he's comfortable with the pressure. Offensive coordinator Deion Davis is not. "We'll make better reads out there or we'll change something. That won't work."

The team has been rotating rookie Patrick Webb through the first team offense since July, but Smith has played just well enough to keep the starting spot. Until Sunday. with a weak 49er team coming to Chicago next week, Webb may get a few snaps. He has not played to date.

Box Score: Tampa Bay at Chicago
Chicago, IL.
Week 3, 2006
Attendance: 59,700 (63,000).
Weather: 70 degrees, fair.
1Q: 11:43 CHI - Cedric Benson 18 run.
1Q: 11:43 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point.
1Q: 00:39 TBY - Nolan Bensen 28 field goal.
2Q: 00:06 TBY - Nolan Bensen 18 field goal.
3Q: 12:17 CHI - Cole Roberson 47 field goal.
3Q: 01:03 CHI - Kelley Washington 3 pass from Alex Smith.
3Q: 01:03 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point.
4Q: 04:35 TBY - Nolan Bensen 20 field goal.
4Q: 00:22 CHI - Cole Roberson 41 field goal.
Game MVP: CHI 32 Adam Archuleta
Tampa Bay	3	3	0	3	-	9
Chicago	7	0	10	3	-	20
Team Statistics		TBY		CHI
First Downs		19		17
Total Rushes		27		31
Rushing Yards		95		131
Yards Per Carry		3.5		4.2
Pass Attempts		43		28
Completions		23		10
Passing Yards		287		111
Yards Per Attempt		6.6		3.9
Sacked		2		2
Yards Lost		11		13
Interceptions		2		2
Fumbles/Lost		0/0		0/0
Total Plays		72		61
Total Yards		371		229
Yards Per Play		5.1		3.7
3rd Down Plays		16-Jun		15-May
Avg. YTG on 3rd		7.5		7.6
4th Down Plays		0/0		0/0
Penalties		8		6
Penalty Yards		55		59
Avg. Drive Start		OWN 28		OWN 31
Time Of Possession		33:12:00		26:48:00
Tampa Bay Individual Statistics
Rushing		Att	Yards	Avg	Long	TD
46 Moats		15	52	3.4	9	0
36 Jeffries		6	14	2.3	6	0
8 Griese		3	14	4.6	5	0
27 Strickland		2	10	5	7	0
33 Jefferson		1	5	5	5	0
Passing		Att	Comp	Yards	Yd/Att	Long	TD	Int	Sckd
8 Griese		43	23	287	6.6	31	0	2	2
Receiving		Catch	Yards	Avg	YAC	Long	TD
85 Henry		9	137	15.2	33	27	0
82 Reese		5	69	13.8	5	31	0
80 Clayton		4	46	11.5	3	15	0
46 Moats		2	6	3	1	4	0
33 Jefferson		2	17	8.5	1	13	0
84 DeWacht		1	12	12	0	12	0
Punt Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
20 Barber		3	3	1	0
29 Burns		2	15	7.5	0
Kick Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
34 Schneider		2	38	19	0
Punting		Punts	Yards	Avg	Long	In20
17 Farden		7	289	41.2	53	3
Kicking		FG	FGA	Long	PAT	Att
10 Bensen		3	4	28	0	0
Defense		Tackle	Assist	Sack	Int	IntYds	IntTD
55 Brooks		7	2	0	0	0	0
97 Rice		7	0	0	0	0	0
53 Quarles		5	1	0	0	0	0
20 Barber		5	0	0	0	0	0
78 Ogunleye		4	2	2	0	0	0
94 Guthrie		4	1	0	0	0	0
23 Phillips		2	3	0	0	0	0
45 Carter		2	0	0	2	20	0
91 Sinclair		2	2	0	0	0	0
25 Kelly		2	1	0	0	0	0
74 Brown		1	0	0	0	0	0
80 Clayton		1	0	0	0	0	0
33 Jefferson		1	0	0	0	0	0
82 Reese		1	0	0	0	0	0
77 Floyd		1	0	0	0	0	0
69 Newsome		1	0	0	0	0	0
79 Broyles		1	0	0	0	0	0
48 Williamson		1	0	0	0	0	0
29 Burns		1	0	0	0	0	0
Miscellaneous		Fumb	FForc	Recov	MiscTD	KeyRBlk	SckAlwd
76 Bell		0	0	0	0	0	1
74 Brown		0	0	0	0	3	1
83 Scott		0	0	0	0	1	0
69 Newsome		0	0	0	0	1	0
Chicago Individual Statistics
Rushing		Att	Yards	Avg	Long	TD
33 Benson		22	116	5.2	19	1
21 Davis		5	8	1.6	5	0
46 Ritchie		3	7	2.3	5	0
87 Washington		1	0	0	0	0
Passing		Att	Comp	Yards	Yd/Att	Long	TD	Int	Sckd
11 Smith		28	10	111	3.9	23	1	2	2
Receiving		Catch	Yards	Avg	YAC	Long	TD
46 Ritchie		2	15	7.5	0	11	0
87 Washington		2	17	8.5	9	14	1
81 Fisher		2	25	12.5	1	15	0
84 Bannister		1	23	23	0	23	0
83 Graham		1	6	6	9	6	0
89 Troupe		1	16	16	3	16	0
82 Williams		1	9	9	2	9	0
Punt Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
23 Buchanon		2	21	10.5	0
Kick Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
32 Archuleta		2	32	16	0
22 Butler		2	44	22	0
Punting		Punts	Yards	Avg	Long	In20
16 Colquitt		7	303	43.2	54	2
Kicking		FG	FGA	Long	PAT	Att
15 Roberson		2	2	47	2	2
Defense		Tackle	Assist	Sack	Int	IntYds	IntTD
32 Archuleta		10	3	0	1	27	0
56 Thomas		9	3	0	0	0	0
25 Rogers		6	1	0	0	0	0
52 Lehman		5	4	0	0	0	0
36 Reynolds		4	1	0	0	0	0
90 Simon		3	2	0	0	0	0
31 Bashir		3	2	0	0	0	0
55 Boiman		3	1	0	1	0	0
23 Buchanon		3	2	0	0	0	0
78 James		2	2	1	0	0	0
83 Graham		2	0	0	0	0	0
58 Leber		2	0	0	0	0	0
77 Haddock		2	0	0	0	0	0
91 Sims		1	0	1	0	0	0
26 Iwuoma		1	1	0	0	0	0
97 Fisk		1	0	0	0	0	0
67 Light		1	0	0	0	0	0
51 Raiola		1	0	0	0	0	0
87 Washington		1	0	0	0	0	0
81 Fisher		1	0	0	0	0	0
53 James		0	1	0	0	0	0
Miscellaneous		Fumb	FForc	Recov	MiscTD	KeyRBlk	SckAlwd
51 Raiola		0	0	0	0	5	0
67 Light		0	0	0	0	1	1
68 Mulitalo		0	0	0	0	2	1
76 Tucker		0	0	0	0	2	0
89 Troupe		0	0	0	0	1	0
69 Ashley		0	0	0	0	1	0
Tampa Bay Drive Chart
	Quar	Began	Poss	From		Plays	Yards	Result
	1	11:43	4:34	OWN 37		7	46	Missed FG
	1	6:02	5:23	OWN 27		10	62	Field Goal
	2	14:20	1:39	OWN 40		3	9	Punt
	2	10:57	1:47	OPP 44		3	5	Punt
	2	5:54	2:26	OWN 23		6	20	Punt
	2	1:50	1:44	OWN 25		6	74	Field Goal
	3	15:00	1:19	OWN 21		3	13	Interception
	3	12:17	1:55	OWN 20		4	11	Punt
	3	8:19	3:44	OWN 8		7	51	Punt
	3	2:37	0:10	OWN 31		1	0	Interception
	3	1:03	1:44	OWN 8		5	19	Punt
	4	11:16	2:06	OWN 20		5	17	Punt
	4	8:44	4:09	OPP 43		11	40	Field Goal
	4	0:22	0:22	OWN 20		2	0	Game
Chicago Drive Chart
	Quar	Began	Poss	From		Plays	Yards	Result
	1	15:00	3:17	OWN 35		8	65	Touchdown
	1	7:09	1:07	OWN 45		3	3	Punt
	1	0:39	1:19	OWN 18		3	-9	Punt
	2	12:41	1:44	OWN 20		5	13	Interception
	2	9:10	3:16	OWN 15		7	19	Punt
	2	3:28	1:38	OWN 14		4	24	Punt
	3	13:41	1:24	OPP 35		3	5	Field Goal
	3	10:22	2:03	OWN 27		5	17	Punt
	3	4:35	1:58	OWN 2		3	3	Punt
	3	2:27	1:24	OPP 27		3	27	Touchdown
	4	14:19	3:03	OWN 40		5	28	Punt
	4	9:10	0:26	OWN 27		3	0	Interception
	4	4:35	4:13	OWN 27		9	49	Field Goal
Tampa Bay Red Zone Profile
		Visits	TDs	FGs
		4	0	3
Chicago Red Zone Profile
		Visits	TDs	FGs
		2	2	0

[mhass]

Bears Trounce Niners to go 4-0, Webb Makes Debut

CHICAGO - Bear fans frustrated with the underperforming passing game got their first glimpse of rookie Patrick Webb yesterday amid the 27-0 whipping of San Fransisco. But it was a limited glimpse.

Cedric Benson scored two touchdowns and the defense picked off Drew Brees twice, putting the game out of reach in the third quarter. Enter Webb. Alex Smith had played adquately (two touchdowns, one interception) and Antionio Abrams was able to rest several starters including Smith and Benson.

Deion Davis scaled back his offense a great deal for the second round pick and Webb mainly operated a clock-killing running game. That may have been because his one pass attempt was intercepted by Vince Fuller. "I was nervous," admitted Webb. "The crowd helped, but I was very nervous." The fans, many of whom called for Webb earlier in the season, were supportive of Webb when he trotted back on the field once Chicago regained possession.

Domanick Davis fared better in the fourth quarter mop-up, rushing 16 times for 70 yards. First rounder Kris Haddock, was a dissappointing no-show Sunday, recording no tackles and no sacks. With the expanded role late in the game, Bear staff hoped he could find his way through the 49er offensive line more often.

Chicago keeps pace with Green Bay who also won yesterday. Minnesota was off and Detroit won their first game. The Bears get the weaker Arizona Cardinals next week.

Attendance: 60,400 (63,000).
Weather: 81 degrees, fair.
1Q: 06:09 CHI - Cedric Benson 6 pass from Alex Smith.
1Q: 06:09 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point.
2Q: 12:52 CHI - Alex Bannister 2 pass from Alex Smith.
2Q: 12:52 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point.
2Q: 03:03 CHI - Jon Ritchie 7 run.
2Q: 03:03 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point failed.
3Q: 02:00 CHI - Cedric Benson 4 run.
3Q: 02:00 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point.
Game MVP: CHI 11 Alex Smith
San Francisco	0	0	0	0	-	0
Chicago	7	13	7	0	-	27
Team Statistics		SFO		CHI
First Downs		13		25
Total Rushes		18		39
Rushing Yards		50		154
Yards Per Carry		2.7		3.9
Pass Attempts		39		30
Completions		15		18
Passing Yards		180		194
Yards Per Attempt		4.6		6.4
Sacked		1		1
Yards Lost		7		7
Interceptions		2		2
Fumbles/Lost		1-Jan		Feb-00
Total Plays		58		70
Total Yards		223		341
Yards Per Play		3.8		4.8
3rd Down Plays		13-Apr		12-May
Avg. YTG on 3rd		7.7		8
4th Down Plays		0/0		0/0
Penalties		6		3
Penalty Yards		47		20
Avg. Drive Start		OWN 20		OWN 36
Time Of Possession		23:23		36:37:00
San Francisco Individual Statistics
Rushing		Att	Yards	Avg	Long	TD
32 Johnson		8	15	1.8	4	0
35 Sutton		6	17	2.8	5	0
24 Burns		3	13	4.3	5	0
8 Brees		1	5	5	5	0
Passing		Att	Comp	Yards	Yd/Att	Long	TD	Int	Sckd
8 Brees		33	11	136	4.1	19	0	2	1
1 Garrard		6	4	44	7.3	23	0	0	0
Receiving		Catch	Yards	Avg	YAC	Long	TD
89 Patten		4	52	13	1	18	0
87 Sanders		4	51	12.7	0	23	0
32 Johnson		2	23	11.5	5	16	0
86 Wade		2	17	8.5	6	9	0
83 Williams		2	28	14	1	19	0
85 Clarke		1	9	9	0	9	0
Punt Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
86 Wade		1	7	7	0
83 Williams		1	2	2	0
Kick Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
24 Burns		3	61	20.3	0
29 Plummer		1	25	25	0
Punting		Punts	Yards	Avg	Long	In20
4 Lee		7	319	45.5	56	2
Kicking		FG	FGA	Long	PAT	Att
10 Rackers		0	1	0	0	0
Defense		Tackle	Assist	Sack	Int	IntYds	IntTD
50 Smith		11	2	0	0	0	0
95 Engelberger		6	1	0	0	0	0
93 Bell		5	4	0	0	0	0
36 Spencer		5	1	0	0	0	0
28 Lewis		5	0	0	0	0	0
91 Davis		4	1	1	0	0	0
98 Peterson		4	4	0	1	24	0
22 Fuller		4	1	0	1	0	0
72 Duckett		2	2	0	0	0	0
54 Seigler		2	0	0	0	0	0
57 Porter		1	1	0	0	0	0
34 Ambrose		1	0	0	0	0	0
89 Patten		1	0	0	0	0	0
29 Plummer		1	0	0	0	0	0
99 Fisher		1	0	0	0	0	0
41 Johnson		1	0	0	0	0	0
65 Smiley		1	0	0	0	0	0
68 Walton		1	0	0	0	0	0
26 Cochran		1	0	0	0	0	0
90 Burks		1	0	0	0	0	0
48 Coleman		0	1	0	0	0	0
96 Weigel		0	1	0	0	0	0
Miscellaneous		Fumb	FForc	Recov	MiscTD	KeyRBlk	SckAlwd
62 Newberry		0	0	0	0	2	0
40 Beasley		0	0	0	0	0	1
91 Davis		0	1	0	0	0	0
65 Smiley		0	0	0	0	1	0
28 Lewis		0	1	0	0	0	0
87 Sanders		1	0	0	0	0	0
Chicago Individual Statistics
Rushing		Att	Yards	Avg	Long	TD
33 Benson		20	51	2.5	16	1
21 Davis		16	70	4.3	15	0
46 Ritchie		2	7	3.5	7	1
42 McLendon		1	26	26	26	0
Passing		Att	Comp	Yards	Yd/Att	Long	TD	Int	Sckd
11 Smith		29	18	194	6.6	20	2	1	1
3 Webb		1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
Receiving		Catch	Yards	Avg	YAC	Long	TD
46 Ritchie		4	25	6.2	13	11	0
89 Troupe		4	45	11.2	25	18	0
33 Benson		4	48	12	29	18	1
84 Bannister		2	18	9	0	16	1
82 Williams		2	32	16	7	20	0
87 Washington		1	9	9	3	9	0
81 Fisher		1	17	17	0	17	0
Punt Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
23 Buchanon		2	37	18.5	0
Kick Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
Punting		Punts	Yards	Avg	Long	In20
16 Colquitt		5	215	43	53	4
Kicking		FG	FGA	Long	PAT	Att
15 Roberson		0	0	0	3	4
Defense		Tackle	Assist	Sack	Int	IntYds	IntTD
32 Archuleta		5	1	0	1	3	0
56 Thomas		5	2	0	0	0	0
31 Bashir		4	3	0	0	0	0
20 Jammer		4	1	0	1	26	0
55 Boiman		4	0	0	0	0	0
52 Lehman		3	4	0	0	0	0
23 Buchanon		2	1	0	0	0	0
78 James		2	0	0	0	0	0
98 Thomas		1	1	0.5	0	0	0
97 Fisk		1	0	0	0	0	0
73 Naeole		1	0	0	0	0	0
68 Mulitalo		1	0	0	0	0	0
90 Simon		1	0	0	0	0	0
26 Iwuoma		1	0	0	0	0	0
94 Bryant		1	0	0	0	0	0
58 Leber		1	0	0	0	0	0
21 Davis		1	0	0	0	0	0
53 James		1	0	0	0	0	0
82 Williams		1	0	0	0	0	0
81 Fisher		1	0	0	0	0	0
91 Sims		0	3	0.5	0	0	0
Miscellaneous		Fumb	FForc	Recov	MiscTD	KeyRBlk	SckAlwd
67 Light		0	0	0	0	4	1
68 Mulitalo		0	0	0	0	3	0
89 Troupe		0	0	1	0	2	0
46 Ritchie		0	0	1	0	1	0
73 Naeole		0	0	0	0	1	0
76 Tucker		0	0	0	0	1	0
32 Archuleta		0	1	0	0	0	0
11 Smith		1	0	0	0	0	0
33 Benson		1	0	0	0	0	0
69 Ashley		0	0	0	0	1	0
25 Rogers		0	0	1	0	0	0
San Francisco Drive Chart
	Quar	Began	Poss	From		Plays	Yards	Result
	1	10:07	0:58	OWN 25		3	1	Punt
	1	6:09	2:38	OWN 31		6	15	Punt
	2	12:52	1:27	OWN 38		3	16	Interception
	2	9:29	0:57	OWN 5		3	4	Punt
	2	6:58	0:50	OWN 14		2	0	Interception
	2	3:03	2:53	OWN 22		8	28	Punt
	3	15:00	4:27	OWN 20		9	53	Missed FG
	3	8:15	2:00	OWN 2		5	16	Punt
	3	2:00	2:07	OWN 27		5	9	Punt
	4	12:16	4:25	OWN 6		8	37	Fumble
	4	5:12	0:54	OWN 24		3	1	Punt
	4	1:49	1:49	OWN 27		3	23	Game
Chicago Drive Chart
	Quar	Began	Poss	From		Plays	Yards	Result
	1	15:00	4:53	OWN 20		10	61	Interception
	1	9:09	3:00	OPP 41		5	41	Touchdown
	1	3:31	5:39	OWN 20		13	80	Touchdown
	2	11:25	1:56	OWN 33		5	18	Punt
	2	8:32	1:34	50		3	7	Punt
	2	6:08	3:05	OPP 29		6	29	Touchdown
	2	0:10	0:10	OWN 1		1	3	Half
	3	10:33	2:18	OWN 34		5	13	Punt
	3	6:15	4:15	50		9	50	Touchdown
	4	14:53	2:37	OWN 29		8	55	Interception
	4	7:51	2:39	OPP 43		3	-12	Punt
	4	4:18	2:29	OWN 19		3	3	Punt
San Francisco Red Zone Profile
		Visits	TDs	FGs
		1	0	0
Chicago Red Zone Profile
		Visits	TDs	FGs
		6	4	0

[mhass]

October 8, 2006
A Gulfstream IV
Somewhere over Montana

Kirby Jansen was stretched out on a black leather sofa, talking on a phone that draped over his shoulder to its base in the sofa's arm. He had requested that the flight crew dim the lights as low as possible and he had his eyes closed, near sleep.

"I thought you said he was picking it up slowly." His wife was trying to sleep across the aisle in a matching leather captain's chair. She had her legs tucked under her and a heavy fleece blanket tucked under her chin. The soft light in the cabin made her dark complexion look almost Asian. She eased open one eye and glared at him through it.

Kirby pretended not to notice while he listened to Antonio Abrams on the other end, though he felt the glare and knew she wanted quiet. Seated at a small, round table foreward from the Jansens, Michael sat with another phone to his ear, a laptop computer open and on in front of him. He was a part of the same phone conversation but no one was much interested in his opinion.

As the flight attendant passed by him, Michael held up a glass half full with ice. She took it and soon brought back the glass with a great deal of scotch added. He finally interrupted the conversation. "Look, Alex threw four touchdowns and he and Reggie got in sync today. I say we give it some time. Rushing Pat isn't going to help him. Plus, we won. You're acting like we're 0-5, not 5-0."

Kirby threw a sofa cushion at him without opening his eyes. It flopped silently into a chair next to Michael. "I just want to explore all our options. We can talk about it when we get back from this meeting." There was another pause and Michael shut the laptop.

"We'll let you know," Kirby said and gave Abrams his goodbyes. They both hung up and Michael reclined his chair.

"Smith is fine," said Michael. "Haddock may need to move to tackle, but that doesn't need to be done now either. Don't get him all jittery."

"He's not jittery about that. He's jittery because we're on our way to interview his replacement," said Kirby.

Michael nodded slightly and fell asleep. He slept until they landed in Oakland and the flight attendant hit him with the pillow he'd never picked up.

Box Score: Arizona at Chicago
Chicago, IL.
Week 5, 2006
Attendance: 60,400 (63,000).
Weather: 70 degrees, fair.
1Q: 11:34 CHI - Ben Troupe 2 pass from Alex Smith.
1Q: 11:34 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point.
1Q: 05:38 CHI - Reggie Williams 27 pass from Alex Smith.
1Q: 05:38 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point.
1Q: 00:02 ARI - Antwaan Randle El 31 pass from Kerry Collins.
1Q: 00:02 ARI - Patrick Conley extra point.
2Q: 08:48 ARI - Jerald Sowell 1 pass from Kerry Collins.
2Q: 08:48 ARI - Patrick Conley extra point.
3Q: 01:31 CHI - Daniel Graham 5 pass from Alex Smith.
3Q: 01:31 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point.
4Q: 13:03 CHI - Cedric Benson 6 pass from Alex Smith.
4Q: 13:03 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point failed.
Game MVP: CHI 11 Alex Smith
Arizona	7	7	0	0	-	14
Chicago	14	0	7	6	-	27
Team Statistics		ARI		CHI
First Downs		18		21
Total Rushes		30		33
Rushing Yards		112		119
Yards Per Carry		3.7		3.6
Pass Attempts		34		31
Completions		18		18
Passing Yards		264		237
Yards Per Attempt		7.7		7.6
Sacked		2		1
Yards Lost		10		6
Interceptions		3		1
Fumbles/Lost		1-Feb		0/0
Total Plays		66		65
Total Yards		366		350
Yards Per Play		5.5		5.3
3rd Down Plays		13-May		13-Apr
Avg. YTG on 3rd		7.4		8.1
4th Down Plays		0/0		0/0
Penalties		3		5
Penalty Yards		25		43
Avg. Drive Start		OWN 25		OWN 34
Time Of Possession		28:48:00		31:12:00
Arizona Individual Statistics
Rushing		Att	Yards	Avg	Long	TD
48 Toefield		19	72	3.7	12	0
30 Williams		7	25	3.5	11	0
39 Sowell		2	9	4.5	7	0
81 Boldin		1	4	4	4	0
11 Fitzgerald		1	2	2	2	0
Passing		Att	Comp	Yards	Yd/Att	Long	TD	Int	Sckd
19 Collins		34	18	264	7.7	35	2	3	2
Receiving		Catch	Yards	Avg	YAC	Long	TD
81 Boldin		5	99	19.8	2	35	0
11 Fitzgerald		4	54	13.5	10	27	0
48 Toefield		3	17	5.6	4	12	0
39 Sowell		2	12	6	6	11	1
80 Pinkston		2	36	18	2	26	0
87 Randle El		1	31	31	0	31	1
88 Latham		1	15	15	2	15	0
Punt Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
37 Williams		1	-10	-10	0
Kick Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
26 Ferri		2	52	26	0
24 Mathis		1	14	14	0
87 Randle El		1	19	19	0
Punting		Punts	Yards	Avg	Long	In20
10 Player		5	223	44.6	58	2
Kicking		FG	FGA	Long	PAT	Att
4 Conley		0	2	0	2	2
Defense		Tackle	Assist	Sack	Int	IntYds	IntTD
44 Stoutmire		7	2	0	0	0	0
58 Dansby		7	1	0	0	0	0
55 Holmes		6	3	0	0	0	0
28 Starks		5	2	0	0	0	0
96 Diggs		5	1	0	0	0	0
92 Berry		3	2	0.5	0	0	0
38 Tillman		3	2	0	1	0	0
94 Daniels		2	2	0.5	0	0	0
40 Warfield		2	2	0	0	0	0
90 Dockett		2	2	0	0	0	0
39 Sowell		2	0	0	0	0	0
72 Estes		2	0	0	0	0	0
26 Ferri		2	0	0	0	0	0
24 Mathis		1	0	0	0	0	0
75 Davis		1	0	0	0	0	0
29 Walls		1	0	0	0	0	0
37 Williams		1	0	0	0	0	0
11 Fitzgerald		1	0	0	0	0	0
64 Brooks		1	0	0	0	0	0
88 Latham		1	0	0	0	0	0
95 Farrington		1	0	0	0	0	0
77 White		0	1	0	0	0	0
Miscellaneous		Fumb	FForc	Recov	MiscTD	KeyRBlk	SckAlwd
62 Raphael		0	0	0	0	0	1
74 Wells		0	0	0	0	3	0
64 Brooks		0	0	0	0	2	0
56 Teague		0	0	0	0	0	1
24 Mathis		0	0	1	0	0	0
48 Toefield		1	0	0	0	0	0
71 Stepanovich		0	0	0	0	1	0
26 Ferri		1	0	0	0	0	0
Chicago Individual Statistics
Rushing		Att	Yards	Avg	Long	TD
33 Benson		25	100	4	21	0
21 Davis		6	15	2.5	8	0
46 Ritchie		1	6	6	6	0
11 Smith		1	-2	-2	-2	0
Passing		Att	Comp	Yards	Yd/Att	Long	TD	Int	Sckd
11 Smith		31	18	237	7.6	39	4	1	1
Receiving		Catch	Yards	Avg	YAC	Long	TD
82 Williams		7	140	20	37	39	1
89 Troupe		3	21	7	5	18	1
46 Ritchie		2	11	5.5	0	8	0
84 Bannister		2	18	9	1	10	0
87 Washington		2	36	18	0	34	0
83 Graham		1	5	5	0	5	1
33 Benson		1	6	6	0	6	1
Punt Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
23 Buchanon		3	12	4	0
Kick Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
84 Bannister		1	12	12	0
22 Butler		1	22	22	0
Punting		Punts	Yards	Avg	Long	In20
16 Colquitt		7	287	41	50	3
Kicking		FG	FGA	Long	PAT	Att
15 Roberson		0	1	0	3	4
Defense		Tackle	Assist	Sack	Int	IntYds	IntTD
90 Simon		7	3	2	0	0	0
32 Archuleta		7	4	0	1	23	0
20 Jammer		6	0	0	0	0	0
31 Bashir		5	3	0	0	0	0
52 Lehman		4	1	0	1	0	0
82 Williams		4	0	0	0	0	0
98 Thomas		3	2	0	0	0	0
56 Thomas		3	1	0	0	0	0
97 Fisk		2	1	0	0	0	0
91 Sims		2	1	0	0	0	0
78 James		2	1	0	0	0	0
77 Haddock		2	1	0	0	0	0
23 Buchanon		2	0	0	0	0	0
26 Iwuoma		1	1	0	1	9	0
55 Boiman		1	2	0	0	0	0
25 Rogers		1	1	0	0	0	0
84 Bannister		1	0	0	0	0	0
67 Light		1	0	0	0	0	0
Miscellaneous		Fumb	FForc	Recov	MiscTD	KeyRBlk	SckAlwd
67 Light		0	0	0	0	3	1
46 Ritchie		0	0	0	0	2	0
73 Naeole		0	0	0	0	1	0
76 Tucker		0	0	0	0	1	0
68 Mulitalo		0	0	0	0	1	0
51 Raiola		0	0	0	0	1	0
56 Thomas		0	1	0	0	0	0
53 James		0	0	1	0	0	0
82 Williams		0	1	0	0	0	0
Arizona Drive Chart
	Quar	Began	Poss	From		Plays	Yards	Result
	1	12:19	0:40	OWN 1		2	7	Interception
	1	11:34	1:31	OWN 35		3	4	Punt
	1	5:38	3:31	OWN 42		6	33	Missed FG
	1	0:57	0:55	OPP 33		2	33	Touchdown
	2	14:07	5:19	OWN 16		12	84	Touchdown
	2	6:57	6:34	OWN 8		14	86	Missed FG
	3	15:00	2:03	OWN 16		4	44	Fumble
	3	10:56	1:05	OWN 20		3	4	Punt
	3	7:17	1:28	OWN 19		3	8	Punt
	3	1:31	1:09	OWN 20		3	5	Punt
	4	12:28	3:23	OWN 31		6	44	Interception
	4	6:17	0:49	OWN 25		3	0	Punt
	4	3:03	1:13	OWN 32		6	29	Interception
Chicago Drive Chart
	Quar	Began	Poss	From		Plays	Yards	Result
	1	15:00	2:41	OWN 21		4	35	Punt
	1	11:39	0:05	OPP 2		1	2	Touchdown
	1	10:03	4:25	OWN 8		9	92	Touchdown
	1	2:07	1:10	OWN 32		3	-5	Interception
	1	0:02	0:55	OWN 20		3	4	Punt
	2	8:48	1:51	OWN 32		3	2	Punt
	2	0:23	0:23	OWN 20		2	39	Missed FG
	3	12:57	2:01	OWN 49		4	13	Punt
	3	9:51	2:34	OWN 38		5	10	Punt
	3	5:49	4:18	OWN 35		12	65	Touchdown
	3	0:22	2:19	OWN 41		7	59	Touchdown
	4	9:05	2:48	OWN 22		4	17	Punt
	4	5:28	2:25	OWN 27		3	4	Punt
	4	1:50	1:50	OWN 42		6	13	Game
Arizona Red Zone Profile
		Visits	TDs	FGs
		2	1	0
Chicago Red Zone Profile
		Visits	TDs	FGs
		2	2	0

[mhass]

October 9, 2006
A private dining room
Somewhere in the Bay Area

Kirby and Michael left Chicago a few hours after the Bears had beaten Arizona. The team had Monday off and most of the office staff used Monday as their "weekend" as well so no one particularly missed the two of them back in Lake Forest.

This was intentional since league rules forbade one team contacting another in the middle of the season and this trip was only about that - they were in town to speak with Oakland's defensive coordinator, Tyrone Gbaja-Biamilla. At 39, and the oldest of the Gbaja-Biamilla NFL boys, Tyrone had spent three years in Oakland under steadily declining circumstances. Although his only positions since entering coaching were defensive, he had a widely publicized knack for deciphering and understanding offensive systems as well. Known as a player's coach, he constantly motivated his players and made himself a fantastic playcaller with relentless study of the game. These are the things that attract Kirby to him when considering him as a head coach. That and his tiny salary.

As a coordinator, he was known for developing defensive linemen (including his younger brothers) and having the ability to scheme a defense to suit an opponent. However, he sorely lacked the disciplinary hand many head coaches develop. This made him an idol in Oakland, but might limit his development elsewhere.

As Michael and Kirby sat alone, waiting for Tyrone to arrive, they reviewed Oakland's defensive stats from the past three years. It somewhat belied the reputation of the coach they were meeting. They had been no better than 15th in the league in rushing defense allowing, at the lowest, 109 yards per game. The pass defense was worse, always in the bottom five in yards per game. "I guess we bought the media hype, eh?" said Michael, rubbing his temples.

"Nonsense," Kirby snapped. "He's got Al Davis to deal with. And his best player came from us. They don't draft worth a toot."

They sat perusing more data until the giant man walked in. "Sorry I'm late," he said in a voice much softer than his giant frame indicated. I couldn't find Mr. Davis."

Michael and Kirby exchanged a quick glance. "Does that mean he doesn't know you're here?" asked Kirby nervously.

"Yeah," started Gbaja-Biamilla, "but I wouldn't sweat it. He won't find out and that's better from a league standpoint anyway."

Kirby stared at him, turned to Michael, then turned back and said "I'm really uncomfortable about this, but I suppose we've been quiet enough since only the three of us know about this." He paused then added "Have a seat, I guess."

Gbaja-Biamilla sat across from the other two and spoke first. "You really shovin' that coach you've got now out of town. You're winning."

Michael answered, "Mr. Jansen set those guidelines right from the start and isn't one to go bending his rules. Coach Abrams will be a hot commodity if we continue to win. He'll find work quickly. And we're changing the minds..."

At that point the doors to the room burst open and three men strode in. The first two through the doors looked like rejects from the extras pool in Goodfellas or Casino. The one on Michael's left yanked a small caliber handgun out of a shoulder holster as he reached the table. He rested the gun noticeably on the white linen tablecloth and leaned forward on his hands. The other let the third man enter, then shut the doors and leaned against them.

The third man walked calmly up to the table and leaned on the back of Gbaja-Biamilla's chair. Tyrone had never turned to look at the men entering and only briefly glanced down at the gun before looking back to Kirby. "What's up, Mr. Davis?"

"I'm wondering the same damn thing, Ty," said Al Davis calmly. He looked at Kirby and said "Care to tell me?"

"Just having dinner. I'm expecting the salads any second. Care to stay?" Kirby's voice was shaky and he couldn't help but look at the gun on the table.

"Don't be cute," said Davis. "I'm wondering if the Commissioner's office would like to sit in on this dinner. Shall we call them?"

There was an uncomfortable silence before Michael stood up. "Call him. Won't matter. We're having dinner, nothing else. In fact, I'm tired of your intrusion. Get out." The heavyweight leaning on the table smiled a toothy smile, stood up and cracked his knuckles. Kirby slowly turned and gazed at Michael, mouth agape. Gbaja-Biamilla also looked at him, more puzzled than Kirby who was simply stunned.

Michael stared at Davis and the toothy one a second longer, then grabbed the edge of the tablecloth and yanked it to him. The papers and folders and files they had been studying fell to the floor and Kirby's lap. All the place settings clanged and fell over or crashed to the floor. In the split second everyone's glare was distracted by the clamor, Michael snagged the little pistol that had lept off the table and flipped it around to point at Davis and the two others. "If that grease ball by the door so much as thinks about moving his hand, he gets a lead enema."

Davis smirked slightly, then patted his assoicate on the shoulder. "Come on, Petey. Let's let these fine gentlemen eat."

"You too," said Michael, waving the gun to indicate that Gbaja-Biamilla should join the exodus. "We'll keep you in mind. But there are several other candidates. Thank you for your time."

The four men walked out and Michael slid the gun into his inside jacket pocket. Kirby had not moved and still had several manilla folders laying in his lap. He realized that his mouth was wide open, closed it, then opened it as if to speak and closed it again.

Michael began straightening up their files as the wait staff, who'd heard the crashing noise, bustled in to investigate and clean up. Kirby didn't notice as several people asked him if everything was alright. He simply stood up, looked at Michael and said "I don't think that was wise." He walked out throught the kitchen to his waiting sedan and driver.

[mhass]

Neither of the two men spoke to each other the entire car ride back to their hotel. Kirby stared out the window and Michael reorganized the files he'd flung around at dinner. Once they arrived at their hotel, it wasn't until the elevator ride up to their room that Kirby spoke. "I really wish you hadn't done that. You pulled a gun on then. I...I don't...How..."

"Look, Kirby, it's done. Move on." Michael interrupted him so rarely that Kirby reacquired that look of shock he'd had at the restaurant.

They rode a while longer in silence. Then Kirby asked "What if it's not done? What if they come back?"

"They won't," MIchael said, staring at the floor indicator.

"You're insane," said Kirby.

"Maybe," said Michael, wishing he was sleeping on the lower floor.

"So's Davis. Who has hired goons these days?"

"Lot's of people," Michael answered. "They just don't attend your stockholder's meetings."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Kirby said. Michael shrugged. The car jerked to a stop and the doors wobbled open. Kirby walked out.

Michael watched him and just before the doors closed said, "They won't come back," even though he knew it wasn't true.

[mhass]

October 15, 2006
Edward D. Jones Dome
St. Louis, MO

Kirby and Michael avoided each other most of the remaining week. Kirby had not been around the Lake Forest headquarters much at all and had only been seen at very late, very odd hours.

Michael had tried to go about business as usual and spoke briefly with Antonio Abrams long enough to say that the interview they'd held the week before had not gone particularly well and that they were likely to wait a while before looking again. Abrams was obviously upset, but commited himself to finishing the season as strong as possible.

As Michael sat quietly on the sidelines of the Ram game, he was encouraged at the Play of Alex Smith and Cedric Benson and hoped that another coach would be as well. Kirby's conviction in changing out the team's personnel at every contract expiration was overcome, he thought, largely on the assumption by the current staff and players, that Kirby would back down and rehire the people if they won. If they cleaned house again, it was going to be much harder this time around, even with Smith and Benson.

He barely noticed as St. Louis mounted a late charge despite the screaming fans and over-exuberant PA announcer. The more he considered it, the more he thought it imperative to have Kirby lift the self-imposed bias against incumbents. As the Rams scored another touchdown to pull within eight points, Michael yanked out his cell phone and dialed Kirby's number. He could barely make out the ring tones with the hysteria in the dome. It rang several times and then Kirby's voicemail message kicked in: "This is Kirby. Leave a message. And yes, Michael, I'm still sure we're not renewing anyone's contract."

Box Score: Chicago at St. Louis
St. Louis, MO.
Week 6, 2006
Attendance: 59,000 (66,000).
Weather: 68 degrees, fair.
1Q: 10:45 STL - Steven Jackson 14 pass from Marc Bulger.
1Q: 10:45 STL - Jeff Wilkins extra point.
1Q: 05:22 CHI - Cole Roberson 23 field goal.
2Q: 04:44 CHI - Cedric Benson 5 pass from Alex Smith.
2Q: 04:44 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point.
3Q: 09:47 CHI - Jon Ritchie 23 run.
3Q: 09:47 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point.
3Q: 02:52 CHI - Kelley Washington 21 pass from Alex Smith.
3Q: 02:52 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point.
4Q: 13:13 STL - Vinny King 5 pass from Marc Bulger.
4Q: 13:13 STL - Jeff Wilkins extra point.
4Q: 09:25 CHI - Kelley Washington 45 pass from Alex Smith.
4Q: 09:25 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point.
4Q: 08:58 CHI - Robert Thomas 28 fumble return.
4Q: 08:58 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point.
4Q: 04:30 STL - Reggie Harrell 15 pass from Marc Bulger.
4Q: 04:30 STL - Marc Bulger pass to Brandon Manumaleuna for conversion
4Q: 01:20 STL - Reggie Harrell 47 pass from Marc Bulger.
4Q: 01:20 STL - Marc Bulger pass to Marshall Faulk for conversion
Game MVP: CHI 11 Alex Smith
Chicago	3	7	14	14	-	38
St. Louis	7	0	0	23	-	30
Team Statistics		CHI		STL
First Downs		21		25
Total Rushes		34		24
Rushing Yards		237		109
Yards Per Carry		6.9		4.5
Pass Attempts		25		37
Completions		16		19
Passing Yards		216		301
Yards Per Attempt		8.6		8.1
Sacked		1		2
Yards Lost		7		11
Interceptions		0		0
Fumbles/Lost		0/0		1-Jan
Total Plays		60		63
Total Yards		446		399
Yards Per Play		7.4		6.3
3rd Down Plays		12-May		11-May
Avg. YTG on 3rd		8.7		8.9
4th Down Plays		0/0		0/0
Penalties		7		5
Penalty Yards		48		35
Avg. Drive Start		OWN 30		OWN 25
Time Of Possession		32:44:00		27:16:00
Chicago Individual Statistics
Rushing		Att	Yards	Avg	Long	TD
33 Benson		19	142	7.4	64	0
21 Davis		9	35	3.8	19	0
46 Ritchie		4	62	15.5	28	1
11 Smith		2	-2	-1	-1	0
Passing		Att	Comp	Yards	Yd/Att	Long	TD	Int	Sckd
11 Smith		25	16	216	8.6	45	3	0	1
Receiving		Catch	Yards	Avg	YAC	Long	TD
87 Washington		5	105	21	6	45	2
33 Benson		3	27	9	15	14	1
81 Fisher		3	25	8.3	0	10	0
46 Ritchie		2	11	5.5	4	8	0
89 Troupe		2	30	15	2	16	0
82 Williams		1	18	18	0	18	0
Punt Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
23 Buchanon		2	8	4	0
Kick Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
22 Butler		2	47	23.5	0
20 Jammer		1	15	15	0
Punting		Punts	Yards	Avg	Long	In20
16 Colquitt		5	181	36.2	43	0
Kicking		FG	FGA	Long	PAT	Att
15 Roberson		1	1	23	5	5
Defense		Tackle	Assist	Sack	Int	IntYds	IntTD
52 Lehman		7	0	0	0	0	0
90 Simon		6	0	1.5	0	0	0
31 Bashir		5	1	0	0	0	0
56 Thomas		4	2	0	0	0	0
78 James		4	1	0	0	0	0
20 Jammer		4	0	0	0	0	0
25 Rogers		3	2	0	0	0	0
32 Archuleta		3	1	0	0	0	0
26 Iwuoma		2	0	0	0	0	0
23 Buchanon		2	0	0	0	0	0
53 James		2	0	0	0	0	0
91 Sims		1	1	0.5	0	0	0
97 Fisk		1	3	0	0	0	0
55 Boiman		1	1	0	0	0	0
76 Tucker		1	0	0	0	0	0
67 Light		1	0	0	0	0	0
58 Leber		1	0	0	0	0	0
22 Butler		1	0	0	0	0	0
98 Thomas		0	1	0	0	0	0
Miscellaneous		Fumb	FForc	Recov	MiscTD	KeyRBlk	SckAlwd
69 Ashley		0	0	0	0	1	1
68 Mulitalo		0	0	0	0	5	0
51 Raiola		0	0	0	0	5	0
76 Tucker		0	0	0	0	2	0
56 Thomas		0	0	1	1	0	0
46 Ritchie		0	0	0	0	1	0
67 Light		0	0	0	0	1	0
52 Lehman		0	1	0	0	0	0
St. Louis Individual Statistics
Rushing		Att	Yards	Avg	Long	TD
28 Faulk		11	35	3.1	8	0
39 Jackson		10	55	5.5	14	0
29 Koonse		3	19	6.3	11	0
Passing		Att	Comp	Yards	Yd/Att	Long	TD	Int	Sckd
10 Bulger		37	19	301	8.1	47	4	0	2
Receiving		Catch	Yards	Avg	YAC	Long	TD
81 Holt		6	106	17.6	19	32	0
80 Bruce		3	42	14	4	23	0
28 Faulk		3	27	9	8	12	0
83 Harrell		3	79	26.3	1	47	2
82 King		2	19	9.5	3	14	1
86 Manumaleuna		1	14	14	0	14	0
39 Jackson		1	14	14	0	14	1
Punt Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
30 Brimmer		2	-4	-2	0
Kick Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
30 Brimmer		3	52	17.3	0
83 Harrell		2	22	11	0
27 Holliday		1	12	12	0
Punting		Punts	Yards	Avg	Long	In20
3 Furnas		5	205	41	52	2
Kicking		FG	FGA	Long	PAT	Att
14 Wilkins		0	1	0	2	2
Defense		Tackle	Assist	Sack	Int	IntYds	IntTD
99 Mitchell		9	3	0	0	0	0
54 Cooper		7	0	0	0	0	0
40 Grootegode		5	3	0	0	0	0
91 Little		5	1	0	0	0	0
73 Kennedy		4	0	0.5	0	0	0
30 Brimmer		4	2	0	0	0	0
36 Irwin		3	2	0	0	0	0
50 Tinoisamoa		2	2	0	0	0	0
92 Lewis		2	1	0	0	0	0
43 Smith		2	0	0	0	0	0
76 Frasier		1	2	0.5	0	0	0
68 Turley		1	0	0	0	0	0
21 Garrett		1	0	0	0	0	0
83 Harrell		1	0	0	0	0	0
89 Prior		1	0	0	0	0	0
82 King		1	0	0	0	0	0
20 Fulcher		1	0	0	0	0	0
Miscellaneous		Fumb	FForc	Recov	MiscTD	KeyRBlk	SckAlwd
68 Turley		0	0	0	0	0	2
51 Kreutz		0	0	0	0	7	0
62 Timmerman		0	0	0	0	3	0
86 Manumaleuna		0	0	0	0	1	0
39 Jackson		1	0	0	0	0	0
65 Sims		0	0	0	0	1	0
Chicago Drive Chart
	Quar	Began	Poss	From		Plays	Yards	Result
	1	15:00	1:16	OWN 20		3	3	Punt
	1	10:45	5:23	OWN 23		10	71	Field Goal
	1	3:02	1:12	OWN 37		3	4	Punt
	2	14:15	1:34	OWN 3		3	6	Punt
	2	8:53	4:09	OWN 39		7	61	Touchdown
	2	2:29	2:17	OWN 12		6	19	Punt
	3	13:37	3:50	OPP 47		7	47	Touchdown
	3	7:41	4:49	OWN 25		8	75	Touchdown
	4	13:13	3:48	OWN 31		7	69	Touchdown
	4	4:30	1:50	OPP 41		3	8	Punt
	4	1:20	1:20	OWN 31		4	65	Game
St. Louis Drive Chart
	Quar	Began	Poss	From		Plays	Yards	Result
	1	13:44	2:59	OWN 48		7	52	Touchdown
	1	5:22	2:20	OWN 18		4	17	Punt
	1	1:50	2:35	OWN 24		7	24	Punt
	2	12:41	3:48	OWN 47		7	21	Missed FG
	2	4:44	2:15	OWN 21		4	19	Punt
	2	0:12	0:12	OWN 25		2	0	Half
	3	15:00	1:23	OWN 16		3	-5	Punt
	3	9:47	2:06	OWN 15		5	24	Punt
	3	2:52	4:39	OWN 20		9	80	Touchdown
	4	9:25	0:27	OWN 26		1	2	Fumble
	4	8:58	4:28	OWN 20		8	80	Touchdown
	4	2:40	1:20	OWN 20		6	80	Touchdown
Chicago Red Zone Profile
		Visits	TDs	FGs
		4	2	1
St. Louis Red Zone Profile
		Visits	TDs	FGs
		3	3	0

[mhass]

Vikes Hand Bears First Loss

CHICAGO - Chicago's winning streak, their longest to start a season in 20 years, ended Sunday with a crushing loss to Minnesota. The Vikings controlled the game from the opening kickoff and Chicago looked awkward most of the afternoon.

Minnesota scored most of their points via field goals thanks to a decent Bear defense, but Minnesota controlled the ball more than 10 minutes longer than Chicago and also picked up an early defensive score by returning an interception for a touchdown on the second play from scrimmage.

Chicago was held back by poor play by quarterback Alex Smith, but coach Antonio Abrams did not bring Patrick Webb into the game. "We just felt Alex needed to finish this one," said Abrams after the game. "We need the offense to have the continuity of one quarterback."

There has been a recent cry to replace Smith with the rookie Webb. Webb has seen a small amount of playing time. The defense was led by Teddy Lehman (10 tackles) and Erasmus James (2 sacks). Lehman, inconsitent thus far, made several big tackles during the game and defended a key thrid down pass. He was singled out by Abrams after the game. "Teddy showed us why he was chosen to start. He was all over the field and really played well," Abrams said. "If not for his play, most of those field goals would have been TD's."

Chicago's record stands at 6-1, still good enough for first place in the North. They play their next three games on the road including one in Detroit and one in Green Bay. Much will be known about the standing after that stretch.

Box Score: Minnesota at Chicago
Chicago, IL.
Week 8, 2006
Attendance: 60,900 (63,000).
Weather: 56 degrees, fair.
1Q: 13:09 MIN - Corey Chavous 81 interception return.
1Q: 13:09 MIN - Jeff Reed extra point.
1Q: 02:49 MIN - Jeff Reed 56 field goal.
2Q: 09:15 MIN - Jeff Reed 44 field goal.
2Q: 04:38 CHI - Cedric Benson 9 run.
2Q: 04:38 CHI - Cole Roberson extra point failed.
3Q: 02:24 MIN - Charlie Garner 1 run.
3Q: 02:24 MIN - Jeff Reed extra point.
4Q: 14:22 MIN - Jeff Reed 49 field goal.
4Q: 06:43 MIN - Jeff Reed 35 field goal.
Game MVP: MIN 96 Scott Fujita
Minnesota	10	3	7	6	-	26
Chicago	0	6	0	0	-	6
Team Statistics		MIN		CHI
First Downs		15		17
Total Rushes		40		22
Rushing Yards		165		114
Yards Per Carry		4.1		5.1
Pass Attempts		21		39
Completions		13		16
Passing Yards		169		206
Yards Per Attempt		8		5.2
Sacked		4		2
Yards Lost		25		18
Interceptions		0		4
Fumbles/Lost		Jan-00		0/0
Total Plays		65		63
Total Yards		309		302
Yards Per Play		4.7		4.7
3rd Down Plays		17-Aug		11-Mar
Avg. YTG on 3rd		6.6		7.3
4th Down Plays		0/0		0/1
Penalties		7		4
Penalty Yards		48		19
Avg. Drive Start		OWN 35		OWN 24
Time Of Possession		35:16:00		24:44:00
Minnesota Individual Statistics
Rushing		Att	Yards	Avg	Long	TD
32 Smith		16	57	3.5	10	0
24 Garner		14	55	3.9	14	1
11 Culpepper		6	29	4.8	7	0
36 Crockett		3	22	7.3	11	0
22 Morency		1	2	2	2	0
Passing		Att	Comp	Yards	Yd/Att	Long	TD	Int	Sckd
11 Culpepper		21	13	169	8	43	0	0	4
Receiving		Catch	Yards	Avg	YAC	Long	TD
86 Campbell		5	85	17	26	43	0
84 Moss		3	29	9.6	4	18	0
83 Dugan		3	38	12.6	5	15	0
36 Crockett		2	17	8.5	0	13	0
Punt Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
24 Garner		1	3	3	0
Kick Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
21 Chavous		1	25	25	0
Punting		Punts	Yards	Avg	Long	In20
17 Richardson		5	207	41.4	53	3
Kicking		FG	FGA	Long	PAT	Att
9 Reed		4	5	56	2	2
Defense		Tackle	Assist	Sack	Int	IntYds	IntTD
96 Fujita		7	4	1	1	5	0
48 Wright		6	0	0	1	0	0
98 Scott		3	0	1	0	0	0
93 Williams		3	3	0	0	0	0
97 Smith		3	1	0	0	0	0
25 Bodden		3	1	0	0	0	0
44 Kaesviharn		3	0	0	0	0	0
21 Chavous		2	2	0	1	81	1
77 Browning		2	1	0	0	0	0
90 Sykes		2	0	0	1	10	0
53 Singleton		2	0	0	0	0	0
33 Hawkins		2	0	0	0	0	0
88 Stewart		2	0	0	0	0	0
26 Schweigert		2	0	0	0	0	0
36 Crockett		1	0	0	0	0	0
95 Udeze		1	0	0	0	0	0
27 Jackson		1	0	0	0	0	0
31 Watson		0	1	0	0	0	0
Miscellaneous		Fumb	FForc	Recov	MiscTD	KeyRBlk	SckAlwd
60 Mankins		0	0	0	0	1	1
76 Liwienski		0	0	0	0	1	2
78 Birk		0	0	0	0	3	1
69 Pace		0	0	0	0	2	0
86 Campbell		0	0	1	0	0	0
83 Dugan		1	0	0	0	0	0
62 Famie		0	0	0	0	1	0
Chicago Individual Statistics
Rushing		Att	Yards	Avg	Long	TD
33 Benson		16	86	5.3	25	1
21 Davis		4	18	4.5	7	0
46 Ritchie		1	6	6	6	0
11 Smith		1	4	4	4	0
Passing		Att	Comp	Yards	Yd/Att	Long	TD	Int	Sckd
11 Smith		39	16	206	5.2	33	0	4	2
Receiving		Catch	Yards	Avg	YAC	Long	TD
89 Troupe		4	44	11	3	15	0
33 Benson		3	40	13.3	34	27	0
84 Bannister		2	44	22	9	33	0
82 Williams		2	27	13.5	6	18	0
81 Fisher		2	25	12.5	0	15	0
46 Ritchie		1	-5	-5	0	-5	0
83 Graham		1	12	12	2	12	0
87 Washington		1	19	19	0	19	0
Punt Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
23 Buchanon		1	-1	-1	0
Kick Returns		Att	Yards	Avg	TD
22 Butler		3	45	15	0
84 Bannister		1	18	18	0
20 Jammer		1	25	25	0
Punting		Punts	Yards	Avg	Long	In20
16 Colquitt		6	245	40.8	55	2
Kicking		FG	FGA	Long	PAT	Att
15 Roberson		0	0	0	0	1
Defense		Tackle	Assist	Sack	Int	IntYds	IntTD
52 Lehman		10	0	0	0	0	0
78 James		5	0	2	0	0	0
23 Buchanon		5	0	1	0	0	0
31 Bashir		5	2	0	0	0	0
56 Thomas		5	2	0	0	0	0
32 Archuleta		5	0	0	0	0	0
25 Rogers		4	0	0	0	0	0
98 Thomas		3	2	1	0	0	0
97 Fisk		3	1	0	0	0	0
90 Simon		2	7	0	0	0	0
55 Boiman		2	2	0	0	0	0
91 Sims		2	0	0	0	0	0
46 Ritchie		1	0	0	0	0	0
84 Bannister		1	0	0	0	0	0
51 Raiola		1	0	0	0	0	0
53 James		1	0	0	0	0	0
89 Troupe		1	0	0	0	0	0
11 Smith		1	0	0	0	0	0
22 Butler		1	0	0	0	0	0
77 Haddock		1	0	0	0	0	0
26 Iwuoma		0	1	0	0	0	0
57 Thurman		0	1	0	0	0	0
Miscellaneous		Fumb	FForc	Recov	MiscTD	KeyRBlk	SckAlwd
68 Mulitalo		0	0	0	0	2	1
76 Tucker		0	0	0	0	2	1
51 Raiola		0	0	0	0	3	0
26 Iwuoma		0	1	0	0	0	0
Minnesota Drive Chart
	Quar	Began	Poss	From		Plays	Yards	Result
	1	15:00	1:08	OWN 20		3	6	Punt
	1	10:59	2:16	OWN 6		4	17	Punt
	1	7:44	2:10	OWN 40		3	8	Punt
	1	4:12	1:23	OPP 48		3	9	Field Goal
	2	14:24	5:09	OWN 20		9	53	Field Goal
	2	4:38	4:24	OWN 30		10	36	Missed FG
	3	11:50	6:09	OWN 3		10	38	Punt
	3	4:22	1:58	OPP 14		5	14	Touchdown
	3	0:49	1:27	OPP 39		3	7	Field Goal
	4	11:27	4:44	OWN 20		8	62	Field Goal
	4	4:02	2:14	OWN 20		6	20	Punt
	4	0:12	0:12	OPP 35		1	-1	Game
Chicago Drive Chart
	Quar	Began	Poss	From		Plays	Yards	Result
	1	13:52	0:43	OWN 47		2	1	Interception
	1	13:09	2:10	OWN 43		3	8	Punt
	1	8:43	0:59	OWN 38		3	11	Interception
	1	5:34	1:22	OWN 12		4	-2	Punt
	1	2:49	3:25	OWN 22		8	31	Interception
	2	9:15	4:37	OWN 16		8	84	Touchdown
	2	0:14	0:14	OWN 41		2	33	Half
	3	15:00	3:10	OWN 20		6	22	Punt
	3	5:41	1:19	OWN 10		3	4	Interception
	3	2:24	1:35	OWN 18		3	-10	Punt
	4	14:22	2:55	OWN 20		7	42	Punt
	4	6:43	2:41	OWN 30		8	33	Punt
	4	1:48	1:36	OWN 4		7	31	Downs
Minnesota Red Zone Profile
		Visits	TDs	FGs
		2	1	1
Chicago Red Zone Profile
		Visits	TDs	FGs
		1	1	0

[Skolleck]

I really liked this write up. Did you ever finish it?

I like the premise and I may even do a little write up, I am sorry to say it will not have the same flair for the storyline as this does.

If you ever get tired of contracting work then you may want to consider a second career at being a novelist. I would buy this book.

Take Care,
Scott Kolleck

[mhass]

Originally Posted by Skolleck

I really liked this write up. Did you ever finish it?

I like the premise and I may even do a little write up, I am sorry to say it will not have the same flair for the storyline as this does.

If you ever get tired of contracting work then you may want to consider a second career at being a novelist. I would buy this book.

Take Care,
Scott Kolleck

I actually lost the files during a computer change. I considered a second edition of the same story but haven't taken off with it. Maybe. Someday. Thanks for the kind words. I'd actually love to write a book. Just need a few characters, a title, plot, beginning and ending and I'm set.