Because no one can do math? Absolutely boneheaded.
Chicago Bears 2025-2026
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Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
O-line was bad. Didn’t pass block well, couldn’t run the ball. Lots of penalties.
A lot of high-priced coaching whiffed on the onside kick. Very surprising.
drive killers (sustainers), way too many presnap infractions
It’s good to know that in this crazy upside down football world where the Illini are ranked in the top 10, there are still some things you can always count on.
KBLEE
- Montgomery, IL
One of these was the B.S. pass interference call on 3rd and long where the Vikings WR slipped. That extended their drive and the scored on the next play. That was 4 points they didn't deserve.
I don't normally complain about officiating, and I'm not going to say that the officiating cost the Bears game (but actually it did), however, I can count at least 3 calls that had huge effect on the outcome of the game:
1) the bogus "roughing the passer" refs called on the Bears to give Minn a first down when the defender did not even hit McCarthy's head as they claimed/thought,
2) the "holding" call on Wright that was not a hold (the DE simply fell, and he simply fell on him, inadvertently); the Bears had a completion at the Minn 13 on that play which was negated, and then Caleb as called for grounding the next play, which turned what may have been 30 yd kick (or TD) into 50 yd FG kick attempt
3) the PI call you described--that was outrageous
Even the commentator (Troy and Joe) acknowledged during the games that these were terrible way (in very diplomatic manner)
I will also note that there were at least 3 or 4 instances where there was blatant holds by the Minn OL that went uncalled.
KBLEE
- Montgomery, IL
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
Brad Biggs this morning said the Bears are 22-51 in division games since 2013. It was interesting listening to Olin Kreutz in the postgame last night, he basically said their are such systemic problems in the Bears organization, this is a much bigger task for Ben Johnson than a lot of people realize (paraphrasing). I know I have no patience left.
The Bears lost because they have drafted poorly and have weak o and d lines and a QB who never should have been picked #1. Williams never proved he could win in college. Why is Ryan Poles still employed? This seems to be a repeat of last year with a horrible o-line and nobody that can get to the QB. His best picks have been Darnell Wright and Kyler Gordon.
The Bears will be picking high again this year in the draft. Clear needs are at d-end and offensive tackle and they need a running back. I am afraid it will be clear by the end of the year they need a QB. I don't trust Poles to get the right guys in the draft.
The Bears will be picking high again this year in the draft. Clear needs are at d-end and offensive tackle and they need a running back. I am afraid it will be clear by the end of the year they need a QB. I don't trust Poles to get the right guys in the draft.
And Justin Fields looked great on Sunday.
Battle89
- Cary-Grove, the better Trojan team
Same thing on the hands to the face on the 2-pt attempt (which they ended up failing anyway but still).
No, because they scored with 2:02 on the clock, if they could kick it out of the back of the end zone(no time runs off the clock) and they could have used the two minute warning + their one time out left. At that point, if you get the three and out, you get the ball back with 56 seconds, not 16.
The thought process was fine, but the fact that you have a kicker that doesn't have an NFL caliber leg is not. An NFL kicker should be able to put it through the uprights in a kickoff. If I were to criticize Ben, it's that he should know his personnel better.
Yesterday was not a good night for Santos or the special teams as a whole.
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
Or even out of bounds. Yes, it would have given them better field position, but there still wouldn't be any time off the clock. Either option would have been better than what they did
That would have worked too. The only issue is that Minnesota might have declined the penalty, making the Bears rekick.
Last night was a typical Bears disasterclass on how to blow a game they should have won by at least 3 scores.
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
How is it a good thought process if the guy you have kick it can't execute the kick? Just kick it out of bounds.
Read my last paragraph. That's exactly what I said.
Someone else can correct me, but if Minny declines the penalty, can they force a rekick?
Listened to a pod that made a very good point. The new rule is a touchback puts the ball at the 35. But out of bounds is still at the 40. So really it was only a 5 yard penalty to ensure the desired result, which is nothing. Couple that with the wasted timeout not understanding a player is down if his knee is on the ground regardless of whether you touch him or the ball and Johnson and co have some brushing up to do.
Contrast that with our staff, who spotted 2 players wearing 8 on a punt return on film and had the presence of mind to call it out during live action and likely turn the game around. Just so, so glad so see such competency with the Illini staff.
Johnson and co have to show me they are up to the task. Until then, Sundays are for errands and yard work.
could they kick it out of bounds again?
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