Where's the "O"?

The Bears have now won 8 straight, the first time since 1985, with their 19-7 victory over the Packers last Sunday at Soldier Field. Now for a brief thumbs up, thumbs down.

Thumbs up to the Bears defense. Bending but not breaking, the defense gave up over 300 yards, but managed to hold the Pack to just one touchdown (the first touchdown surrendered by the Bears at Soldier Field in 5 games).

Thumbs up to the Bears linebackers and secondary. After two weeks of the front four stealing the show, it was the Bears linebacking crew and secondary that carried the day against the Pack. It seemed that Urlacher, Briggs, and Hillenmeyer were in on every tackle. Vasher had an interception return for the bears only touchdown. Tillman and Mike Brown had fumble causing sacks on Farve. Tillman also had an interception return of 95 yards.

Thumbs up to Thomas Jones. Quietly passed the 1000 yards rushing mark with 93 yards on 19 carries.

Thumbs down to Kyle Orton. He got lucky on Sunday with only one interception. Going only 6 of 17 for 68 yards and 1 interception, Orton continues to overthrow receivers and remain in the pocket for too long. He needs to improve his accuracy and learn to get out of the pocket when it begins to collapse in on him.

Thumbs down to the Bears' punt returning unit. Rashied Davis continued the fumbling ways of Bobby Wade by fumbling two punts.

To continue winning and go deep into the playoffs, this team needs to find its offense and get its special teams in order. The Bears win when they run the ball, limit turnovers, and play solid defense. They now have the #1 defense in the league -- they're covered there. However, ball control and special teams are critical in the battle of field position, a battle that teams like the Bears must win every game. The more this offense sputters, the more the defense has to be on the field. Their fatigue is compounded when their special teams force the defense to defend their own end zone on every possession.

Lovie Smith is doing a great job and could be a Coach of the year candidate. If he can get solid play from Kyle Orton (or bring Rex Grossman back), and find somebody to return punts who can actually catch a football, this team has a shot at greatness this year.

By the way, I will miss Brett Farve when he retires. He has been a Bear killer his entire career, but nobody plays with the same intensity and respect for the game as has does. The guy is made of nails and every quarterback should aspire to play like him.

I'm going to try something different here this week -- I will make a prediction for next week's game. Now I can't say that I've read the scouting reports, so my pick is as much guess as anything.

The Steelers needed to win last week to make the playoffs -- they lost. So one of two teams may show up: the spoiling Steelers with nothing to lose, or the prevent injury and play for next year Steelers. I predict the latter. The Bears are coming high on their victory over the Packers. The defense will continue its dominance -- that's a given. The real question is will the Bears run the ball as they should, or will they come out passing as they did against the Packers. I believe we will see the Bears of old. They will use a tandem battery of Thomas Jones and Adrian Peterson to run the ball down the Steelers' throats. It will be a low scoring game that will depend, again, on ball control and field position.

Pick: Bears 13, Steelers 3

As posted at Whack-A-Mole