Ah, Bears vs. Cardinals this Sunday. Not only does it hold serious implications for which direction each team is heading, it allows us to think fondly of Mr. They Are Who We Thought They Were, Dennis Green.

In case you forgot, the last time these two teams met was a doozy, and was summarily cherry-topped by Green’s postgame freak out. You tell me that you wouldn’t be a little peeved to lose to a team whose quarterback commits six turnovers, but presumably is able to gloat in victory by tap-tapping half of your cheerleading squad.

Consider this your Bears-Cardinals open thread. Have a nice weekend, homers.

Given his obvious struggles at cornerback, Vasher is being tried at free safety during nickel situations in practice. And while after nine practices, he’s yet to have had a pass thrown his way–um, kind of odd–Jerry Angelo seems to like how he’s progressing, even going as far as to comment on the return of the ever-elusive swagger!

“He really has come on lately in terms of his intensity level,” Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said. “You can see a swagger again — not only on what he’s doing on defense but also on special teams. He is back playing with a lot of confidence. We’re seeing more of the old Nate.”

And that’s really what matters. From all I’ve ever heard, it’s no easy task to switch positions in the NFL and become acclimated immediately, let alone, ever be successful. But, just maybe, Vasher thriving and playing more loose at free safety provides him the confidence boost needed to get back to becoming a Pro Bowl corner again.

To be a championship team, is it necessary for a head coach to exhibit all of the qualities expected from his team? I mean, really, please tell me. Examples of fiery, emotional, winning coaches like Mike Ditka, Bill Cowher and Bill Parcells would tell you yes. But, dull, boring, winning coaches like Lovie’s mentor, Tony Dungy, would tell you otherwise.

And, doesn’t Lovie just have an amazing poker face? When the going gets tough, he assesses the situation in a manner which is most beneficial to his ability to produce an appropriate plan of action for overcoming said toughness … or something. Except, the Bears are currently teetering on .500 and have never won it all under his tenure. So, maybe poker faces are best saved for “Texas Hold ‘Em.”

Let’s be honest: the temperament of your coach isn’t the be-all factor in determining a winner. It’s more so the other stuff. You know, like, leadership, football acumen, integrity, decision-making, talent of team, the (ahem) coordinators around you etc. Coach Dungy put it best, although the link eludes me, when he basically said in defense of coaches like himself, that when you’re losing; critics will ride your lack of emotion, but when you’re winning; you’re simply a level-headed, smart coach.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to start FireSheaJohnson.com.

Video courtesy of NFL Network. All rights reserved.

Would you prefer that we get the negatives out of the way first? Okay, then: what the fuck is wrong with offensive line? Seriously. It’s far-and-away the most pressing issue here. Rarely did Cutler have the time to let it fly, and when he did, it was because Cleveland brought just a three-man rush. Clearly, Matt Forte’s struggles have been due to the O-line’s deficiencies and despite his 90-yard rushing effort today, he was still unable to enter into that “groove” that’s so critical for NFL running backs.

Josh Beekman, who I’ve been a proponent of since he was drafted, started in place of Frank Omiyale, but you never would have noticed the change. It’s almost too late to address these issues with a superfluity of mix and match; they just need to play better.

And so does the red zone offense. What happens to the play-calling, Cutler, everybody, once the Bears get inside the 20? It’s like you do all that’s necessary to be invited inside at the end of a date, but then suggest you guys play Scrabble. And not Dirty Scrabble either. Three trips early, three field goals. Not ideal.

And now, on to what makes Bears fans happy: Youtube highlights of the ‘85 Bears set to Phil Collins’ “Land of Confusion” The good:

Devin Hester is absolutely … dare I say it? … worthy of being called a number one receiver. But, only until right now. His seven catches for 81 yards gives him 28 catches and 373 yards 35 catches and 454 yards receiving on the season. He’s nearly on pace for a 1,000 yard season. Johnny Knox added a nice grab and two more to his season total, and the Bears receivers are getting it done.

Defensively, the secondary–specifically, Danieal Manning (1 int, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery) and Peanut Tillman (1 fumble recovery, 1 int for TD)–played well. But, it’s Derek Anderson, so …

A true test for the secondary’s improvement–is that what happened?–comes up against Arizona. But, until then, let us just bask in our victory against a solid team. And by solid, I mean, Jamal Lewis just announced he will retire at the end of the season.

If you have anything else to say, please do so in the comments section. I will most likely love your shit, or I can debunk you’re ridiculousness accordingly.

To write of your aversion to Ron Turner’s historically uninspired, and often ineffective, play-calling on the Internet is one thing. To do so in the form of a 71-second parody to Billy Joel’s “It’s Still Rock N’ Roll To Me” is another. We have the latter. And, predictably, we’re sorry.

From 670 The Score via No Spain, No Gain:

Of the six interceptions Sharper has so far, three have been brought back to the house. If you’re keeping score, that’s three more pick-sixes for Sharper than Bears safeties have just interceptions. Yeah, I’d say. Clearly, the Bears secondary has been the weakest part of a deteriorating defense, and a Darren Sharper right now is better than any Danieal Manning-Josh Bullocks-Craig Steltz carousel.

On the bright side, at least, Johnny Knox is the Special Teams Player of the Month, averaging 28.9 yards per return, and therefore, it is officially okay that we ruined Devin Hester as the best return man ever.