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Terry Bannon: Bears 30, Lions 13
Mike Downey: Bears 50, Lions 42
David Haugh: Bears 31, Lions 13
John Mullin: Bears 40, Lions 3
Melissa Isaacson: Bears 24, Lions 9
Vaughn McClure: Bears 28, Lions 10
Fred Mitchell: Bears 27, Lions 13
Rick Morrissey: Bears 35, Lions 14
Dan Pompei: Bears 33, Lions 23
Cornebacks Nathan Vasher (wrist) and Charles Tillman (shoulder) and receiver Marty Booker (knee) had full participation in practice Thursday, one day after being limited. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee) returned to practice in a limited role after missing Wednesday’s session. Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer continues to be limited coming off right thumb surgery. He is not expected to play Sunday vs. Detroit. Look for Nick Roach and Jamar Williams to get a lot of playing time this Sunday.
Punter Brad Maynard was also limited in Thursday’s practice.
Devin Hester – The best bloopers are here
The third-year wide receiver and Pro Bowl returner has gone all seven games this season without taking into the end zone.
His last TD return came on a kickoff against New Orleans in the 2007 season finale.
Hester said this yesterday after practice:
“I kind of put all the pressure on myself and say that it is kind of my fault that the return game is not the way that (it was).”
“I put all pressure on me because at the end of the day, I’m the one with the ball in my hands. I have to be the one to figure it out and pick up the slack. If something breaks down, that’s why they rely on me.”
“As far as the return game, I have to be the one to step up and make big plays. It hasn’t been the way it’s been, so I kind of take some of the blame for it.”
Hester is two TD returns short of Brian Mitchell’s NFL career record of 13 regular-season TDs on punts or kickoffs.
Hester actually has 13 total returned kicks for scores, but one came on a missed field goal and the other was a postseason kickoff return to open the 2007 Super Bowl.
Hester hasn’t had a punt return longer than 9 yards since the opener.
His long kickoff return is 51 yards against Philadelphia, and he hasn’t had another longer than 28 yards.
Lovie Smith on Hester’s career:
“The type of career he has had so far, he assumes he is going to score every time he touches the football.”
“I can see why a guy like that would think that way, but it has been a lot more than just Devin. We need to do some things to help him out—mainly, block better to give him more opportunities. It’s just a matter of time. The second half of the season, Devin like the rest of our football team, can make a lot of improvement and I expect that to happen.”
Many people have said Hester is tired because of his extended play as a WR, where he has 18 catches and two touchdowns.
To be honest, I’m not tired when it’s time to return kickoffs and punts, so I wouldn’t say that’s a reason why it’s not like that.”
Hopefully Hester will return one this weekend against the Lions, so he can be in a great mood.
Just kidding, hopefully he improves as a key offensive weapon for Kyle “Neckbeard” Orton.
John St. Clair on the offensive line perform:
“We don’t listen to what anybody says, we try to focus on ourselves. That’s what we did in training camp. We try to play hard and our practice carries over into the game.
That’s what we’ve been doing. We believe in each other. We’re a bunch of humble guys. We just want to work hard and win. That’s what has carried us this far.”
These Guys look good eh?
The approach clearly has worked.
The offensive line, which also includes left guard Josh Beekman, center Olin Kreutz, right guard Roberto Garza and right tackle John Tait—has played a prominent role in the resurgence of an offense that has helped the Bears average 28.0 points per game, tied for the second most in the NFL.
Matt Forte on the offensive line:
“They’re playing great, they’re playing ball like they’re supposed to, protecting the quarterback and opening up running lanes. That’s what their job is, and they’re doing it.”
Ron Turner on John St. Clair’s emergence:
“He’s proven a lot of people wrong, those questions more were from the outside than they were inside. A lot of guys in that locker room and the coaches had a lot of confidence in John.
“He’s played very good football for us. He’s a great worker and we’re not surprised at how he’s playing. I think everyone on the outside is. He’s played quite a bit for different guys, and whenever he’s gotten in to play, he’s always been productive and he’s played well.”
Jed Collins: SI Grade, 3.25
Position: FB
School: Washington State
Conference: Pac-10
Ht., Wt.: 6-1.5, 255
40 Time: 4.85
SI.com Report on Jed Collins
BIOGRAPHY: All-Conference selection as a senior when he became a full-time starter and posted career-high numbers of 52/512/3.
POSITIVES: Sure-handed pass-catching tight end with an improving game. Quickly gets into routes, nicely adjusts to the errant throw, and uses his frame to shield away opponents. Gives effort blocking, stays with assignments, and works hard to produce.
NEGATIVES: Mostly a short-yardage pass-catcher and lacks the speed to break free downfield. Lacks footwork in pass protection, bends at the waist, and possesses marginal playing strength.
ANALYSIS: Collins did a terrific job in his first season as a starter and he could find a spot in the NFL as a backup.
PROJECTION: Late Seventh Round
2007 Receiving Statistics
Receptions- 52
Receiving Yards- 512
Yards Per Reception- 9.85
Touchdowns- 3
2007 Rushing Statistics
Rushing Yards-3
Attempts-1
Average Per Rush- 3
Touchdowns- 0
You can always have someone behind FB Jason McKie.
I don’t know why they run so many important plays to McKie, he really isn’t very good.
Hopefully Collins will work his way on to the team
Bears cornerback Nathan Vasher remained sidelined Monday, nearly four weeks after surgery on his right wrist, and now strong-side linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer is out with a hand injury.
Vasher sat out during a short workout at Halas Hall, as did Hillenmeyer, who had surgery last week on his thumb, a source close to the player said.
There is no timetable for his return, and he has not been ruled out for Sunday’s game against Detroit.
Vasher how you doin?
”I’m doing good, still just going day-to-day, and hopefully by the end of the week I’ll be able to see.”
Lovie Smith had this to say about Vasher’s starting job:
”Each snap you’re earning a job, you have to do something to say that you deserve to be out on the field. Nathan Vasher is a good player. A lot has been said about him and is he starting and all of this. Nate’s one of our guys. He’s going to help us win a lot of games around here.”
Vasher seems upset at reporters:
”Are you guys starting something?” “Oh, my gosh. It’s the middle of the season. I don’t know what you guys are talking about. You tell me. I’m always content with whatever my role is on the team. I just want the team to win.”
Since Hillenmeyer might not play, Nick Roach and Jamar Williams practiced with the first team and worked with coach Lloyd Lee worked for 20 minutes after practice.
Hey Brandon Lloyd you gonna play this weekend?
”I don’t know. I’m not going to play unless I am 100 percent.”
Other important injury updates:
Nickel back Danieal Manning (hamstring) returned to practice after sitting out two weeks. Cornerback Charles Tillman (shoulders), wide receiver Marty Booker and defensive tackle Tommie Harris (left knee) sat out.
What can Brown (AKA Mike Brown) do for you?
The Bears insist that the Lions aren’t the same team they drubbed 34-7 at Ford Field on Oct. 5. Since that game, Detroit has new starters at quarterback (Dan Orlovsky for Jon Kitna), running back (Rudi Johnson for Kevin Smith) and wide receiver (Shaun McDonald for Roy Williams).
Lovie what did you have to say about the Lions?
“They are a much improved ballclub since we played them last, the Washington Redskins are a pretty good football team. Except for a few big plays, Detroit gave them everything they wanted [on Sunday].”
In the Bears’ win in Detroit this season, Kyle Orton established career highs with 24 completions, 334 yards and a 121.4 passer rating while tossing two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Defensively, Chicago scored a touchdown on Charles Tillman’s 26-yard interception return, registered four sacks and held the Lions to 185 total yards, including just 67 in the first half.
The other Brown (Alex Brown) speaks:
“If we expect it to be like last time, we won’t win, we’ve got to understand that they’re going to be hungry to come in here and beat us. We’ve got to come ready to play.”
Nate The Great, what do you think?
“Every team we play has an opportunity to be good, we don’t really go by a team’s record. Detroit has played a lot of teams close but hasn’t been able to close it out.”
Thought for the Bears:
As 49ers Head Coach and former Chicago Bear Mike Singletary would say “we can’t afford to give them the game, were not a charity.”
Time to Bring your A Game
The Bears are preparing for their second of three straight home games and the second in a stretch of four of six contests against NFC North opponents. Chicago (4-3) is tied for first place atop the division with the Packers (4-3), who visit the undefeated Titans (7-0) on Sunday.
Coach Smith, any final thoughts?
“I think football really begins when you get to November, that’s when the separation really begins, and we want to be one of those teams that is contending in the end.”
If the Lions are considering signing Culpepper, I’m not sure how much sense that makes, unless they think he can help them next year.
The Lions are 0-7. They need to win to avoid an 0-16 season. They just had the first non-sellout in Ford Field history. They need to sell some tickets.
But there is a reason Culpepper is still available. His skills and salary demands didn’t make him a good fit for anyone else.
And the Lions need to look at their young quarterbacks. Dan Orlovsky, a fifth-round pick in 2005, just had his first three NFL starts.
Drew Stanton, a second-round pick last year, just started getting the first regular-season practice reps of his NFL career.
Booth Newspapers reported Culpepper’s visit to Detroit. Profootballtalk.com received an e-mail from Culpepper in which he denied a Fox report he asked the Chiefs for a two-year deal with a 2009 payment of $10 million, confirmed he had canceled his visit to Kansas City and said he was in nego
