The Bears are 3-1 in their orange alternate jerseys that they introduced for the first time in 2005.

They will wear those jerseys at home this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.

Here are the week eight Bears power rankings from various sites around the web:

ESPN:

#18 (Last week: 10)

Analysis, “The Bears are 1-3 on the road this season. That doesn’t bode well for their future.”

Yahoo Sports:

#17 (Last week: 15)

Analysis, “What’s really going on between Lovie Smith and Tommie Harris?”

Pro Football Weekly:

#18 (Last week: 11)

Analysis, “Cutler is getting that hang-dog look down pat.”

Fox Sports:

#19 (Last week: 14)

Analysis, “This has got to be some kind of cruel joke, right? That’s what Bears fans have to be thinking after trading some serious draft jack for Jay Cutler in hopes of making a Super Bowl run, only to be sitting at 3-3 and embarrassed after losing 45-10 to the Bengals.”

CBS:

#19 (Last week: 11)

Analysis,“They are reeling right now. They were riding high, but two consecutive losses have them searching for answers. Jay Cutler has to quit throwing picks.”

I went to a sports bar and was very excited to eat wings and watch my Bears play some competitive football for the first time all season. I soon realized that competitive was not in the Bears vocabulary.

I watched as the Bears quickly got demolished by the arm of Carson Palmer, the hands of Chad Ochocinco and the legs of Cedric Benson.

The Bears offense was unable to score a single point, until they got a field goal late in the second quarter to go into the half trailing 31-3.

The Bears pass rush was a joke, they failed to get a sack for the second straight game and have not recorded a sack since playing Detroit in week four. The secondary got ripped to shreds, with Al Afalava, Zack Bowman, and Danieal Manning all looking like young inexperienced players.

The only good thing that came out of this game was Devin Hester’s performance. He had over 100 yards receiving and the only touchdown of the game, but he did lose a fumble.

Everyone wants to blame Jay Cutler for his dreadful performance, but this game got out of hand quickly and he was forced to throw the ball. Matt Forte only had six carries for 24 yards, so the Bears gave up on the running game early.

This was the worst loss under the Lovie Smith era, and the worst loss for the Bears since the season opener against San Francisco in 2003, when they lost 49-7.

The worst part about this loss had to be giving up 189 yards and a touchdown to former first round pick Cedric Benson, who was totally ordinary in his time with Chicago. He is currently the NFL’s leading rusher ahead of the Vikings Adrian Peterson. Benson had his best game of his career and of course it comes against his former team. He never looked anything like that when he played for us, I don’t understand how he got so much better. That was the most frustrating thing for me to watch.

Quote of The Day:

Jay Cutler, “Everyone in the NFL wants to win the Super Bowl, we have those expectations. We still think we have a good football team, and we still think we can make a run, there are 10 football games left.”

Up Next:

The Bears return home to take on the Cleveland Browns, who got crushed by Green Bay 31-3 today. The Bears are third in the NFC North behind, the 4-2 Packers and the 6-1 Vikings. The Bears have to bounce back if they want to look like a real football team and most importantly have a chance at the playoffs, because their quickly falling apart. The wins against Seattle, Detroit, and Pittsburgh don’t look very good after suffering two straight losses to Atlanta and Cincinnati. The Bears have lost back to back road games for the first time under the Lovie Smith era.

Here’s the Bears next five games:

Nov. 1 Cleveland
Nov. 8 Arizona
Nov. 12 at San Francisco
Nov. 22 Philadelphia
Nov. 29 at Minnesota

(Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher, Pisa Tinoisamoa), (Lance Briggs, Hunter Hillenmeyer, Nick Roach), (Lance Briggs, Nick Roach, Jamar Williams), those are just some of the combinations the Bears have used at linebacker this season.

The Bears came into this season with probably the best depth at linebacker, with Briggs, Urlacher and Tinoisamoa as the starters. Now they probably have the worst depth in the league.

Behind this Sunday’s starters Lance Briggs, Nick Roach, and Hunter Hillenmeyer is Jamar Williams, Darrell McClover and Tim Shaw. Williams is the only linebacker, who has played on defense this season, Shaw and McClover play strictly on special teams. If, one of the starters gets hurt, the Bears have to add outside help.

Personally I’m a big fan of both Nick Roach and Hunter Hillenmeyer. I still like Brian Urlacher, but I think Nick Roach is the future starter at middle linebacker. Pisa Tinoisamoa showed in the two games that he played in how injury prone he is, who knows if he’ll be back next year.

This Bears run defense is playing better than ever after allowing only 30 yards to Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner last week.

I’m not worried about the current starting linebackers, but I’m very concerned with the depth behind them. Jamar Williams is a nice player, but I don’t know if he is a starter in this league. Tim Shaw and Darrell McClover are special teamers, but Shaw has some experience at linebacker and he could get to play if needed.

Don’t be worried with the starters Bears fans  just the backups.

Chad Ochocinco had so many things to say about the Bears today, here’s what he said on Waddle & Silvy of ESPN 1000:

“I’ve been studying film on ‘Peanut’ since training camp, he’s really, really good, man.

“I know I’ve been playing around on Twitter and going back and forth with the nonsense, it’s the way I play the game, but he looks really good. He’s shut down some top receivers, so it’s going to be a fun, interesting matchup come Sunday.”

Chad Ochocinco had this to say about Lance Briggs:

“That’s a very good friend of mine, you guys pass a message, if he’s thinking about hitting me, I’ll sue.”

Chad Ochocinco talked about what he would do if he gets a touchdown this Sunday:

“I’m thinking about doing the samba this week courtesy of my friend [Brazilian soccer star] Ronaldinho,” Ochocinco said.

Chad Ochocinco talked about Jay Cutler as well, here’s what he said:

“Just having fun man, congrats to Jay, it was well deserved. He’s one of the best in the game, regardless of what other people think. I’ve seen him play, and I see some of things he can do on the field, and trust me it’s deserved.”

This has to be the funniest quote from Chad, he talks about Johnny Knox, take a look:

“Can you please tell Johnny Knox I said hello, I think the world of him and what he’s doing out there. I look forward to meeting him Sunday.”

all quotes from espnchicago.com

According to Brad Biggs of Nationalfootballpost.com, QB Jay Cutler will receive $30 million for the two additional seasons with $20 million of it guaranteed in the form of bonus money.

He is now signed through 2013 instead of 2011, where he was at the beginning of the year. He was still on his rookie deal and now both sides win because Cutler gets $20 million guaranteed and the Bears don’t have to pay him Eli Manning money.

This move made sense because Cutler is obviously the future of this team, but the Bears had $15 million in salary cap space.

Good move by the Bears to extend Cutler, before they had to pay him too much.

He will be a star in this league for years.

Here are the week seven Bears power rankings from various sites around the web:

ESPN:

#10 (Last week: 12)

Analysis, “Red zone problems killed them in a loss to Atlanta.”

CBS:

#11 (Last week: 9)

Analysis, “The biggest issue is their lack of a running game. What has happened? Matt Forte has been a fantasy football disaster, if that type of thing matters to you.”

Yahoo Sports:

#15 (Last week: 13)

Analysis, “Have any of the people who are all excited about the acquisition of Gaines Adams spent much time watching him play over the past two-plus seasons?”

Pro Football Weekly:

#11 (Last week: 13)

Analysis,“Nice timing with the false-start penalty, Orlando Pace.”

Fox Sports:

#14 (Last week: 13)

Analysis, “Despite his 0-2 record in Sunday night games so far, Jay Cutler’s Bears have faced the early-season schedule admirably with a couple solid wins over the Steelers and Seahawks.”

Covers.com:

#13 (Last week: 9)

Analysis, “The Bears continued their trend of outgaining opponents and losing, and getting outgained and winning. The offensive line is a major concern especially with the running game faltering.”

SI.com:

#11 (Last week: 9)

Analysis, “The Bears may want to induce me to stay away from their games this season. I’ve seen Chicago twice so far, and both times it lost a Sunday-nighter on the road with me on the premises. In those defeats, Week 1 at Green Bay and last Sunday in Atlanta, quarterback Jay Cutler tossed six of the seven interceptions he has this year. In Chicago’s other three games, its 3-0 and Cutler has been near flawless. I’m open to reason on this issue if Lovie Smith would like to talk.”

The Bears lost 21-14 last night to the Atlanta Falcons and you would think the Falcons played great ball, but they really didn’t.

The Bears had a lot of good drives in this game, but had way too many red zone mistakes. Jay Cutler was 2/9 throwing a touchdown and an interception in the red zone. Matt Forte had back to back fumbles at the one yard line, the first one the Bears got back, but the next one the Falcons recovered. The final drive in the game, on a fourth and one, veteran Orlando Pace had a huge false start penalty, which ultimately cost the Bears the game.

Jay Cutler had 300 yards passing, two touchdowns, two interceptions and actually lead the Bears in rushing yards with 34 yards. Matt Forte and Garrett Wolfe combined for 38 yards on 18 carries. The receivers played very well, Johnny Knox know has touchdowns in four straight games, and he is now the first rookie to accomplish such a feat since Walter Payton. Earl Bennett, Greg Olsen and Dez Clark all had clutch catches and Devin Hester had almost 100 yards receiving and had two very nice punt returns, one which he almost took to the house if it wasn’t for a nice tackle by a Falcons player.

The lack of a running game, the bad play calling and horrible penalties ultimately killed the Bears. Allowing a 62 yard kick return on Atlanta’s game winning drive was something that should never happen again.

The Bears won the time of possession battle, they out gained the Falcons 373-253 and they were 9-16 on third down. You look at those three stats and you think the Bears would win. Jay Cutler isn’t too blame, but he made a couple costly throws especially in the red zone. Matt Forte looked really bad. Frank Omiyale and Orlando Pace made way too many bad plays and penalties. The Bears had nine penalties in this game by the way. The bright spot in this game besides the Bears receivers was the Bears defense. The run defense allowed 30 yards to Michael Turner and the pass defense allowed only 185 yards from Matt Ryan. Charles Tillman shadowed Roddy White very well all night, but one switch on defense and White broke out for a long touchdown catch and run. Zack Bowman and Nathan Vasher had interceptions, but both fumbled immediately after getting the turnover, but luckily both were recovered by the Bears. That is not a typo, Nathan Vasher was on the field and he made a big play, it was refreshing to see.

The pass rush had no sacks, but they were pressuring Matt Ryan all night.

Matt Forte has to learn to protect the ball, but the play calling was really really bad in the red zone. Does Ron Turner know what a QB sneak is or what play action is? Obviously not.

It is really a shame the Bears lost that game last night, they were really the better team, but they just made stupid mistakes. Now their tied with the Packers for second place and their two and half games behind Minnesota, who got lucky because Baltimore’s kicker is obviously not good under pressure.

The Bears are now 12-15 on Sunday Night Football.

If anyone happened to see Around The Horn today on ESPN, I totally agreed with what analyst Tim Cowlishaw said about the Bears “Chicago is the up and coming team, not Atlanta.”

Changes that have to be made going into next week for the Bears:

The play calling in the red zone HAS TO GET BETTER, their is no excuse for what just happened.

Off-season acquisition Frank Omiyale has to be on the bench and Josh Beekman has to be put back in at left guard.

Orlando Pace can’t ever do that again, fourth and one and you flinch. Come on man! Your a future hall of famer.

Pisa Tinoisamoa played in only his second game this season and looked good forcing a fumble, but got injured once again and he looks to be out for the season. So, with a lineup of Briggs, Roach and Williams. The depth isn’t enough behind them considering Hillenmeyer is still out with an injury. They might have to make a trade or pick up a veteran off the street like Derrick Brooks.

Up Next:

The Bears take on Cincinnati next week and the Bengals will be without defensive end, Antwan Odom, who was having a monster season with eight sacks. The Bears will see former players Cedric Benson and Tank Johnson, when they visit Cincinnati.

Today is the birthday of former Bears head coach and player Mike Ditka. He is 70 years old on this day.

Ditka is the only individual to participate in the last two Chicago Bears’ championships, as a player in 1963 and as head coach in 1985.

Ditka is a five time Pro Bowler. He has over 400 receptions, for over 5,000 yards and 43 touchdowns in 11 seasons with the Bears, Eagles and Cowboys.

Ditka coached the Bears from 1982-1992 and in that time he won 106 games and lossed 62 games.

He now has his own restaurants and is a sports analyst on ESPN.

He is a legend in football history and obviously Chicago Bears history.

Happy Birthday Coach Ditka.

The Chicago Bears pass defense ranked 30th in the NFL last season and the defense as a whole gave up 21.9 points per game.

In the secondary they used Mike Brown, Kevin Payne, Charles Tillman, and Corey Graham. Danieal Manning was used as a nickel back and Nathan Vasher couldn’t stay healthy.

This season the 2009 Bears have sixth rounder Al Afalava starting at strong safety and Danieal Manning playing nickel back and free safety. They also have Charles Tillman and Zack Bowman as their corner backs. It looks like it is working. They also have Kevin Payne, Nathan Vasher and Corey Graham as some good solid depth.

Although this group only has one interception, which was by Charles Tillman against the Steelers. They have been able to control the four teams they have played so far this season, except in game one against Green Bay, when we all remember what Greg Jennings did to Kevin Payne and Nathan Vasher. The passing yardage of the opposing team has increased every game: 150-203-243-308. Teams are completing 62.3 percent of passes against, ranking 23rd overall and allowing 19.5 points per game.

Danieal Manning is clearly the best athlete on this defense because of his ability to play both the nickel and free safety position as well as being a successful blitzer. He was a very a good return man last season and has returned a couple this year, but Johnny Knox is good enough to claim that role. Anyway, Danieal has 30 tackles, tied for third in the NFL among DB’s, and a sack. He doesn’t look anything like the rookie, who struggled in Super Bowl XLI.

Charles Tillman came back from his back surgery sooner than most people thought and has looked solid covering some of the best receivers in the NFL, Calvin Johnson, Santonio Holmes, etc. Zackary Bowman was great this off-season and has looked good at times this season, but he isn’t the most consistent cornerback just yet.

Nathan Vasher and Kevin Payne both blew the game in Green Bay, when Greg Jennings beat them for a long touchdown which won Green Bay the game. They are both former starters, who just can’t get the job done when there in the lineup, but there good depth.

Al Afalava has to be the biggest surprise at strong safety. He was a sixth round pick out of Oregon State and he came into training camp later than most rookies because he had to go back to school. He is a big hitter and has been very consistent. I like him a lot, he reminds of a mixture of Chris Harris and Mike Brown.

Overall this pass defense is clearly better than last season, with a healthy Charles Tillman and a very athletic Danieal Manning this secondary is nice. Bowman and Afalava are very good players as well.