Nich Hall

An exciting afternoon of baseball on the final day of the regular season has cleared up the playoff race everywhere but the AL Central. At around 4 o’clock this afternoon the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers were tied in their respective games both needing a win to clinch the NL Wild Card. The Brewers Ryan Braun hit a two run homer and then just minutes later the Mets gave up back to back homers to Florida. Both results held up and the Mets were eliminated from postseason contention in what was the last game at Shea Stadium. The Brewers win clinched their first playoff appearance since 1982.

In the American League both the Twins and White Sox won forcing the Sox to makeup a postponed game tomorrow against the Detroit Tigers. As things stand now the Twins hold a one game lead over Chicago, and the Sox will have to beat Detroit to force a one game playoff against Minnesota on Tuesday. (Edit: The Tigers-White Sox matchup will be at 2 PM tomorrow afternoon on ESPN 2.)

Playoff Picture:

American League

Boston Red Sox vs. L.A. Angels of Anaheim

Minnesota/Chicago vs. Tampa Bay Rays

National League

L.A. Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Philadelphia Phillies

James Centifonti

After a tough game with the Steelers, the Eagles hit the road to take on Chicago.  Heading into this week the Eagles will be lookng to continue its success of a solid defensive performance.  Offensively they have something’s to work on going up against another solid defense.

Keys to the game:

1. Continue to get as many players involved in the passing game as possible.  If the Eagles can do this it may limit what the Bears to with their coverage schemes in an effort to slow them down.

2. Protect McNabb and company from being hit.  Last week the Steelers had some success getting through and putting some nice licks on McNabb and Kolb when he was in for McNabb.

3. Find a way to get L.J. Smith in the game and his confidence back.  In recent weeks he has seemed to be in witness protection and not been much help.  He as much as I don’t like him is critical to how McNabb and Reid work the offense in the red zone.

4.  Get Westbrook his touches, the more the better.  Since so much of what they do is through him it’s important to find him space to make plays so others can find room if Bears are effective at covering him.

5.  Let the defense loose again.  What changes they made from the Cowboys game worked big time and if used the right ways again can be even more effective here since the Bears have far less weapons then the Steelers.  (Just being honest)

Injury Report:

Donovan McNabb - Chest Contusion:  Fully took part in practice friday and is listed as questionable on sunday.

Brian Westbrook - Ankle Strain:  Did not take part in practice friday and is listed as questionable.  Westbrook says he will be ready to go for sunday.

Shawn Andrews - Back Spasms: Did not practice & is listed as doubtful.

L.J. Smith - Back:  Did not practice thursday or friday & listed as doubtful.

Kevin Curtis - Sports Hernia:  Returned to practice & is listed as doubtful.

Please feel free to also check out our Bears Blogger:  William Hillock

William Hillock

It was a good weekend for the Chicago Bears, as the first mandatory mini-camp kicked off with everyone in attendance, pleasing head coach Lovie Smith.

As reported earlier, Brian Urlacher did join the team for workouts all weekend, and from what was seen on the field there were no ill effects from his back problem/neck injury last year.

Not suprisingly, being the first mandatory camp, none of the Bears’ rookies lined up with the main roster, including first round draft pick Chris Williams.  I wouldn’t look too far into this as Williams is almost guaranteed an opportunity with the starters.  Other rookies that could make the jump include RB Matt Forte, who was running behind Cedric Benson this weekend.

Rex Grossman appeared more determined than ever over the 3 days, this will technically be the first time he will be challenged for the starting position in 5 years, as Kyle Orton is breathing down his neck.

Devin Hester got off to a quick start at camp, making catches that wowed some of the coaches and players alike.  Hopefully this can be transferred onto the field and Mr. Hester will have himself an outstanding season.

Also this weekend, the Bears signed the following draft picks:

• TE Kevin Davis
• DE Ervin Baldwin
• G Chester Adams
• LB Joey Larocque
• OT Kirk Barton
• WR Marcus Monk

One of the bigger signings came today with S Craig Steltz signing a 4-year contract, he will be looked upon as a future starter, possible next season, with big shoes to fill being part of the Bears’ formidable defense.

All in all, a productive weekend on and off the field.  From the deep dish pizzeria, this is your Bears blog!

-Will