ON TO THE NEXT GAME
That's the message from Bears head coach Lovie Smith. He doesn't want the loss to Carolina to linger and cause another one to Tampa this week.
Bears safety Mike Brown apparently was heard to say, "Let's go to work", during the team meeting Monday. Players all feel the same about this loss to the Panthers. They gave it away.
HESTER INJURY
Saying simply that Devin Hester has a rib injury, Bears head coach Lovie Smith would not get into anything more about his star return man/receiver.
His status no doubt is a day-by-day thing. Hester was in a lot of pain leaving Carolina Sunday. Hester never returned after a kick return in the third quarter. He was not hit on the play.
WHO WOULD REPLACE HESTER?
If Hester is out for a game or more, the Bears have several quality options.
Danieal Manning would get the first crack on kickoffs. He's fast and has the ability to be a better than average return specialist. Punt returns were handled in the second half by Nathan Vasher, but it's possible rookie receiver Earl Bennett could be the choice. Rookie punt returners are prone to miscues, so it's not a simple decision.
TAPE REVIEW
After coaches reviewed the defensive tape of the loss to Carolina, starting safety Kevin Payne was credited with a team-high 13 tackles, followed by Dusty Dvoracek at defensive tackle with nine. Charles Tillman had seven. Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, and rookie defensive tackle Marcus Harrison five each. Alex Brown had a sack and a tackle for loss.
TAMPA BAY PREVIEW
On 48 rushing attempts in two games, Tampa Bay has rushed for 310 yards and 6.5 yards-per carry. Those are big numbers against New Orleans and Atlanta.
Earnest Graham scored on a 68 yard touchdown run in Sunday's win over Atlanta. The Bucs defense intercepted Matt Ryan twice and defensive end Gaines Adams recorded two sacks.
Dec. 19: Injury Update As the Bears prepare for Monday's visit from the Packers, running back Matt Forte ' -- with an injured toe -- toe is expected to play
Dec. 12: Forte' Fine On his first carry Thursday night, Matt Forte’ suffered a bruised toe when Saints defensive end Will Smith fell on top of him.. His toughness is recognized at Halas Hall.
Dec. 9: Quick Preparation Tonight's practice is the only one the Bears will have before meeting the Saints Thursday night. WBBM's Broadcast Day Starts at 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 4: Chilly Workout An outdoor practice in sub 20-degree temperatures prepared the Bears for similar conditions Sunday at Soldier Field against visiting Jacksonville.
Dec. 2: Let's Look Ahead That goal-line stand the Vikings used to shut down the Bears and turn momentum Sunday is still a topic of discussion.
Bears Head Back To Drawing Board Not since the Super Bowl 2006 season have the Bears been able to stack wins. The "win one, lose one", or "win two, lose two" approach creates mediocrity and complicates a teams' December.
Nov. 26: Vasher Out For Season? Two separate injuries to the right hand of Bears starting cornerback Nathan Vasher puts the rest of his season in jeopardy.
Nov. 24: Sunday Night @ Vikings Bears Coach Lovie Smith indicated the injuries from in Sunday’s win over the Rams do not appear to be serious.
Nov. 18: Inury Updates Five Bears held out of practice, but not QB Kyle Orton. He is absent
from the injury report despite a sore right ankle that will likely
remain sore for a while.
Nov. 14: Harris Responds to Media; Orton Update Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris reprimanded the media for its coverage of the team. In particular, he is fuming at a report he claims put words in his mouth.
Bears Blog Nov. 3: Orton Update Only saying Kyle Orton has a right ankle injury, Bears head coach Lovie Smith refuses to offer much more than that.
Bears Camp Update -- August 14 -- Play Time PLAY TIME It looks like you might see Lovie Smith’s starter play into the third quarter Saturday in Seattle. Smith said most starters will play at least a half, possibly more.
July 27, 2008 -- Bears Training Camp -- Devin in Heaven DEVIN IN HEAVEN
After missing four days of practice, Devin Hester showed up freshly minted and financially secure for the next six years, in full pads with white socks pulled high over his calf to his knees.
July 27, 2008 -- Bears Training Camp -- Under the lights NIGHT LIGHTS
A full pad practice under the lights brought out the best in the Bears Saturday night. An energetic, and physical nine-on-seven inside run drill was spirited and set the tone for practice.
Jeff Joniak's Keys To The Game Get ready for this weekends game as your Chicago Bears take on the Arizona Cardinals with BEARS RADIO HQ! Pre-game starts at 9a.m. C.T. and kick off is at Noon C.T.
Jeff Joniak's Bears Radio Blog With 5 November games, including the next four against potential NFC playoff teams, the Bears season is about to be determined. BEARS RADIO HQ
Cutler, Bears pull away from Browns, 30-6 Pounded the previous week and losers of two straight, the Chicago Bears couldn't afford to go down again. Good thing for them that the Cleveland Browns were in town.
AP
Bears honor Payton at halftime Ten years to the day he died, Walter Payton was honored by the Chicago Bears with a ceremony at halftime of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns.
Jeff Joniak's Keys To The Game Check out Jeff Joniak's Keys To The Game as your Chicago Bears face the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday. Pre-game starts at Noon C.T., kick off is at 3:15 PM C.T. BEARS RADIO HQ
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