Archives for September 2014

‘To me there’s no magic to winning. It’s all about preparation and performing. There is no magic wand that you’re going to be waving around in the air. To me, it all comes down to, ‘How well did you prepare throughout the week?’ Brandon Spikes said it well. Can you look in the mirror and say, ‘I prepared for the opponent.’ If you can do that, you can rest easy at night.’

‘Schwartz is one of few defensive coaches who can say he bested a Bears’ offense that soared at times during coach Marc Trestman’s debut season.’

‘Manuel’s accuracy remains a work in progress. He completed 61 percent of his passes during the Bills’ five exhibition games after completing 58.8 percent of his throws during his 10 starts as a rookie last season. Those aren’t woeful numbers by any means. But overall, Manuel’s precision and pocket presence need polish.’

‘”Their D-end alignment is like the old Detroit alignment – wide-9s [defensive ends lined up with an extended split from the offensive tackle], pointed at you,” Bears left tackle Jermon Bushrod said. “You know what Mario brings – he’s a big body, explosive. Good hands. Good leverage.”‘

‘”Guys like Spiller and Jackson, they’re so quick that if you get out of your gap one second, they can jump, stop, cut and be right back in your gap full speed in no time. It’s just going to be disciplined football. We’ve got to tackle.”‘

‘”It’ll be good. He helped me out. Taught me how to be a pro, taught me how to put the extra work in before and after practice to hone your technique and all that good stuff,” said Bushrod. “I learned a lot from him.”‘

‘”Every day since I went to South Carolina, [we] were the first ones that lined up together every snap, every one-on-one,” Gilmore said Thursday. “We got each other better every day. We pushed each other every day.”‘

‘Looking back at last season, the New York Jets did an excellent job containing Spiller, holding him to 15 yards on 23 carries. How did the Jets do it? By squeezing the inside running lanes while the secondary played with outside leverage to keep Spiller contained.’

Bears offense knows what to expect from Bills (Chicago Tribune)

Behind Enemy Lines: Manuel a prime target for Bears’ hungry defense (Chicago Tribune)

Bears defense remains bit of a mystery (Chicago Tribune)

Bears safety Conte cleared to play after concussion (Chicago Tribune)

Jay Cutler has money to earn (Chicago Sun Times)

A 9-7 record seems logical for Bears (Chicago Sun Times)

Ka’Deem Carey will back up Matt Forte (Chicago Sun Times)

Buffalo’s defensive line a sacks machine (Chicago Sun Times)

Chris Conte has been cleared to play against Bills (Chicago Sun Times)

Flawed Bears have real shot at playoffs (Arlington Heights Daily Herald)

Bears will fall short of playoffs again (Arlington Heights Daily Herald)

Conte knows it won’t be easy with Bears fans (Arlington Heights Daily Herald)

My math says 10-6 for Bears (Arlington Heights Daily Herald)

Bears can’t let Spiller, Jackson get loose (Arlington Heights Daily Herald)

Bears have path to Super Bowl (Northwest Herald)

Chris Conte cleared to play on Sunday (Northwest Herald)

Bears-Bills brings together former Saints Bushrod, Marrone (Northwest Herald)

From Columbia to Chicago, Jeffery and Gilmore set to reunite (Northwest Herald)

Cutler’s 2014: Rubber meets road (ESPN Chicago)

Jeremiah Ratliff on Bears defense: ‘It could be great’ (CSN Chicago)

Cutler has had his way with Jim Schwartz defenses (CSN Chicago)

Bears’ Conte prepared for hostile home crowd against Bills (CSN Chicago)

Michael Spurlock stepping in for a Bears and NFL legend (CSN Chicago)

Jordan Lynch thought he had a future on Bears practice squad (CSN Chicago)

Bears personal day question rests less on Briggs than Trestman (CSN Chicago)

Durkin’s Playbook: Containing C.J. Spiller (WSCR-AM)

Conte Cleared To Play In Opener After Concussion (WSCR-AM)

Joniak’s Journal: Trestman Showing Fire This Game Week (WSCR-AM)

Cutler sees calm in Bears huddle as season arrives (AP)

Carey to back up Forte in opener (ChicagoBears.com)

Groh ready to lead talented WRs group (ChicagoBears.com)

Conte cleared to play versus Bills (ChicagoBears.com)

Bears prep to face familiar opponent (ChicagoBears.com)

‘”I think the whole Northwest community is proud of Preston,” former Northwest coach Jeff Neal said. “It was a true honor to coach him. He was one of the kids who never came off the field. He was that good.”‘

‘”I think I need to earn stability still,” Schmidt said. “Generally speaking, that’s how it works for punters and kickers, because it is an expendable position. I feel like (Sunday) is just an extension of preseason … it’s just another game. It’s something I’ve been training for.”‘

‘The results confirmed an initial physical exam Costantino performed two weeks ago, and come three months after Kelly completed radiation and chemotherapy treatments.’

‘QB EJ Manuel looking to build on an inconsistent rookie season in which he was slowed by three knee injuries. Went 4-6, throwing for 11 touchdowns, nine interceptions and getting sacked 28 times.’

‘”I am so thankful for the support and prayers of my family, my friends near and far, and everyone in Western New York and throughout the country through my illness. I also want to thank the medical specialists who have done such amazing work,” Kelly said. “Most of all, I want to thank God. Without my faith and God’s constant presence, there would be no such thing as ‘Kelly Tough.'”‘

‘Bears 30, Bills 24.’