Chicago Bears Off-season thread

[Fred]

The handful of us bears fans were talking about off-season stuff in the Texans/bears thread. Figured we could use this...

[Fred]

So what we know now...

-Angelo said QB top priority in the offseason
-Marinelli practically given a spot on the coaching staff. Maybe d-coordinatorD?
-DB Coach first coach fired on staff. Thank god, our DBs were terrible this year

12/31 Articles:
Angelo praises Marinelli, could hire him (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-31-bears-chicagodec31,0,6781541.story)
Bears GM Jerry Angelo targets QB as top priority (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-31-bears-haugh-chicagodec31,0,3620893.column)
DBs coach Wilks 1st assistant to get axe (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1355948,CST-SPT-bear31.article)

[usaaaaaa]

I think our top priority this year should be getting actual Wide Receivers...

[Fred]

ya there are a lot of needs on this team. That defense has to be fixed, o-line, wrs, and then QB.

[usaaaaaa]

get rid of babich plz

[SheriffBooth]

What quarterbacks are going to be available? JP Losman? Alex Smith? Derek Anderson?Surely the Bears won't chase after Cassel.

There won't be much QB help to go for in the draft with McCoy and Bradford likely staying put. At 18th, looking for help on defense is probably the best thing they could do, rather than reach on offense. Some really good ends (George Selvie, Michael Johnson) should be available around then. Some good linebackers available around then too - not sure if Urlacher is running out of steam, but Laurinitis from Ohio State would be a popular add for the Bears I'm sure.

[Fred]

I'm still not sold on Cassel either. Thats why i said in the other thread, unless you are going to trade for someone like McNabb, orton is probably the best option. There are more pressing needs on the team than replacing him.

[SheriffBooth]

If the GM is saying he wants a new QB, he's going to have to give up draft picks, 'cuz I don't see anyone on the roster that's valuable enough. And I'd hate to see them mortgage their future for a QB, since they don't really have anyone to catch the ball.

But I could see them going after a strong armed bench warmer like Smith or Kyle Boller and seeing if either can resurrect their careers. They just need a different face back there - I'm sure the fans must be getting sick of the Orton/Grossman duo, even though I agree that Orton was steady this year.

[Griswald]

Babich needs to go. Next we need an offensive lineman, a starting QB (Orton's a good backup), defensive line, and a solid WR. Like I said in the other thread I'd really like to see us get Marinelli too, he wants to win and he and Lovie have coached together before. There's a handful of QBs out there better than Orton guys and I'd stay away from McNabb - I can't believe you guys would go for the short-term answer. I'd take Cassel anyday. If Orton can come out and play next year, similar to what Eli did last year, casting the doubters like myself aside, then we're set. But I'd like to see some strong competition at the position at the very least. There's a lot of QBs out there that are waiting to prove something, just like Orton, and I'm sorry to say but there's more talent out there too.

Side note... who do you guys think picks up Grossman?

[SheriffBooth]

Next we need an offensive lineman


? The Bears line is pretty good really. Getting a little old, but O-line is nowhere near their first need. Forte had such a good year in large part because of the line. It sure wasn't because the defenses were worried about Orton beating them deep.

I'd say D-line is their first need. Ogunleye and Brown generate zero pressure on their own. And Adams, Dvoracek, Idonije and Harris aren't exactly ProBowl tackles either - but they're serviceable.

[Lochness54]

I was thinking Marinelli as a Dcoord also. He was a DLine coach with the Bucs and then became and assistant head under Dungy. Our Dline was one of the biggest problems this year. I think it contributed down to the secondary getting burned often.

[Fred]

i would hope marinelli wants to win. he didn't win a game all year. and typical bears, they'd fire an assistant and then hire a guy who has been losing for years.

their o-line wasn't as good as it seemed. they weren't good on pass protection.

[Griswald]

Yeah, I know the D line was bad statistically but they really should have been better - the talent is there. The O line however... they did way better than we could have imagined, but the talent isn't really there and they are getting very old. It wasn't like they ever dominated either, they just did better than we expected. I don't know if that really makes sense, I guess I'm just saying it's not time to give up on the D line just yet, they could use a player, not as bad as we'll need an O lineman in the near future though.

And about Marinelli, I watched a lot of Lions games just because I had sunday ticket and I wanted them to actually win a game, and there was never I time that I believed it was Marinelli's fault entirely. I don't know what he could have done in that situation. The guy looked like he was about to cry in frustration every game - and they were in a lot of games too, that they probably shouldn't have been in.

[Fred]

it was Millen's fault. he put that shit team together.

[Griswald]

Yeah, the owners too - where's the thought in any of that team's decisions? It's like they tried to be like the Cowboys at one time (any attention is good) by getting some talent and failed tremendously.

[Lochness54]

Our Dline def has talent. But something was missing from them. Someone needs to light a fire under their asses. Marinelli might be able to do that. Sure he didnt do well as a head coach, but that doesnt make him a bad coordinator either. Some have it, some dont.

And were gonna need a new free safety. As much as I love him, Mike Brown cant make it through a whole season and it messes up the continuity on defense when we have to go with Daniel Manning as the next best option. He has too many mental lapses in coverage when he's out there. I don't think Steltz is the replacement for Brown either.

As far as Oline, it is getting old. Beekman did waaay better than I expected though. We'll see what Chris Williams has next season. St Clair did a servicable job but was a turn style going up against elite pass rushers. So, we need another center, a right gaurd cause Garza is always getting put on his ass by safeties, and a RT to replace Tait who is also getting real old. We wasted some of his best years as a LT when his true position is RT.

Receivers? First thing to do is get rid of Rashied Davis. We need a true #1 reciever. Hester is not a #1 reciever and never will be. But I still like him as maybe a slot or a 2nd. Earl Bennett needs to step up and show us what he's got. He didnt hit the field much but I think his poor pre-season showing scared the coaches into giving him reps when the games actually counted. You earn your job during pre-season and he sho as hell didnt do it.

[Cigaro]

If the Seahawks go Crabtree instead of Stafford/Bradford, one of the two could fall.

[Griswald]

Yeah, I like the guy, but if Mike Brown is back next season I'll be upset.

[Lochness54]

Make Mike Brown our secondaries coach and draft a big time hitter at safety!

[Griswald]

I'm concerned with his ability to cover and break plays up more than anything. That's the thing - he's just a big hitter, that's his whole strategy, hit a guy hard as hell but in the mean time that guy just picked up 15 yards. His enthusiasm is definitely there though, the team's gonna miss that.

[Lochness54]

Well if your talking about Brownie. I never seen him as a big hitter. Ever. I always see him making plays. Always in the right place. When we moved him to SS and we kept him in the box in 06. Hoooooo Weeeeee!

[Fred]

brown's a pretty big hitter. I remember he almost killed Marcus Pollard on a pass over the middle.

[Lochness54]

Thats one of the only big hits I can remember from him though. I want guys to fear going into that zone ala Sean Taylor you smell me?

[Griswald]

Well if your talking about Brownie. I never seen him as a big hitter. Ever. I always see him making plays. Always in the right place. When we moved him to SS and we kept him in the box in 06. Hoooooo Weeeeee!

I don't think you watched him play then, lol. He's one of the big hitters in the game, no doubt - that's how he tackles every time... which is why he gets hurt every year. I remember plenty of wide receivers dropping the ball because Brown was in the area. His presence is felt.

[zack54attack]

Brown is a big hitter. Look what he did to Ryan Grant 2x this year.


I will be very angry if the Bears dont draft a WR in the 1st round... Please Percy Harvin

[Lochness54]

I don't think you watched him play then, lol. He's one of the big hitters in the game, no doubt - that's how he tackles every time... which is why he gets hurt every year. I remember plenty of wide receivers dropping the ball because Brown was in the area. His presence is felt.


Aww c'mon Gris. Don't insult me that I havent watched the games! lol. I'm in Cali and this is all I got to watch. Ok, lets just agree that he's a big tackler. I think Kevin Payne is the biggest hitter in the secondary. Sure, he's a SS. But thats the kind of hitting power I like to see in our FS. Sean Taylor and Landry is a good example. No doubt that his presense is felt. Thats why I liked Brown cause he was always in the right place.

[SheriffBooth]

If the Seahawks go Crabtree instead of Stafford/Bradford, one of the two could fall.

I'd be surprised if Stafford makes it past the Lions. And I'll be surprised if Bradford comes out this year. And Crabtree won't make it past the top 5.

I could see the Bears making a run at Julius Peppers or Terrell Suggs in free agency. Either of the two would add instant respectability to the pass rush. Draft is pretty deep for defensive ends though. There's actually kind of a lot of good defenders coming free this offseason, so if the Bears have any cap room they could make some real improvements.

Not much doing for free agent receivers - doubt Housmanzadeh is coming away from the Bengals.

[CNStars17]

just thought id hop in here with some friendly jabbing:


haha, offseason...

[DHes23]

On the CBMB I had put together this offseason needs list. Its about 2 weeks old and probably could use some tweaking, especially with the what JA said the other day about the QB position, but otherwise it's fairly accurate imo. Anyway here it is.

Needs (importance)

Offense

QB

Developemental prospect (Low) - Late rounder/post draft FA. If Grossman is not re-signed a QB will need to be picked up somehow. This pick should be used on a player high potential due to his him being an insurance policy,

RB

Speed back (Moderate/Low) - With Wolfe playing a large role on special teams and showing durability issues the neeed of a quick change of pace back has come up. Adrian has shown he can be the power backup so a slasher could be a helpful addition.

FB

Starter (Very Low) - McKie's injury is the only reason why I mention this as a possible need.

WR

#1 WR (Very High) - Many people believe this is the breaking point for this offense to take it to the next level. This receiver needs to be the total package. It is very unlikely that a prospect with the qualities needed will be available after the first day of the draft.

Slot Reciever (Low) - With Davis' recent drops it may be time to consider a replacement. I believe that person is Bennett. He is smart and not afraid of going over the middle, he may be the best all around route runner on the team along with having some of the best hands in the receiving corps.

TE

None (N/A) - Absolutly no need at this position barring mass injury at the position.

OT

Right Tackle (High) - Tait is no longer starting quality and St Clair is better fit for guard, if he even decides to re-sign.

OG

Big run blocker (Moderate) - If this offense wants to keeps the get off the bus mentality alive a mauler at RG will be a very good investment. Buenning may resolve this if he can resume his career prior to his injury.

C

None (N/A) - Disagree if you wish but with how Beekman has played there is no need for a center. Olin plays out his career and Beekman slides in upon his retirement.

Defense

DE

Pass rusher (High) - A few weeks ago this would be very high. The line is starting to click again but with Ogun on his back 9 its time for an upgrade.

DT

Run stuffing nose tackle (High/Moderate) - I am a firm believer that Lovie needs at least one mammoth on his speed first D. A big (330+) nose tackle would improve all facets of the defence. He would help the other Dlinemen by demanding double teams, the LBs by keeping blockers off them, and allowing the Dline to rush the passer more effectively and the LBs to drop into deeper zones will take pressure off the secondary.

OLB

Strong side LB (Low) - Obviously Roach being a first year starter brings up uncertainty, if anything this player could contribute on special teams.

MLB

Starting MLB (Low) - Urlacher is aproaching the end of a fine, fine career. It may be time to seek out his replacement. This is not a huge need but if a physical specimen were to be available in the mid to late rounds the trigger should be pulled, giving the player time to get used to the system.

CB

None (N/A) - See TE

FS

Coverage FS (High/Moderate) - It seems like there are a ton of safeties on this team that can only play well near or in the box. If one of the top 2 safeties are on the board in the 2nd move up and pull the trigger. Daniel Manning could merit consideration due to his overall performance this year, the game seems to have finally slowed down for him and his play shows it.

SS

None (N/A) - As stated above there are 3-4 starting caliber SSs on the roster.

Special Teams

K

None (N/A)

P

Developemental prospect (Very Low) - Maynard is getting up there in years, but based on his play this year he could play until he's 45.,

KR/PR

Return specialist (Very Low) - Should Manning see his role on D increase and Hester's on O there may be consideration for this in later rounds. If a pick is made earlier than the 6th then it should fill another need as well (i.e. returner and speed back).

[DHes23]

Brown is a big hitter. Look what he did to Ryan Grant 2x this year.


I will be very angry if the Bears dont draft a WR in the 1st round... Please Percy Harvin

No doubt Harvin is a playmaker, I can't see us taking him with the strides Hester has made. I think Hey Bey is the logical choice as he is the total package.

[zack54attack]

Yea I'd take Bey. But Harvin's Faster, Bigger than Hester.

Harvin would be the 1, Hester the 2, Bennett the 3

[DHes23]

Yea I'd take Bey. But Harvin's Faster, Bigger than Hester.

Harvin would be the 1, Hester the 2, Bennett the 3

Idk about any of that. Hester ran a 4.27 and is 5'11" 190lbs. Thats basically the same as Harvin give or take a few pounds.

[Griswald]

Aww c'mon Gris. Don't insult me that I havent watched the games! lol. I'm in Cali and this is all I got to watch. Ok, lets just agree that he's a big tackler. I think Kevin Payne is the biggest hitter in the secondary. Sure, he's a SS. But thats the kind of hitting power I like to see in our FS. Sean Taylor and Landry is a good example. No doubt that his presense is felt. Thats why I liked Brown cause he was always in the right place.

It's no insult, trust me, I know what it's like to live out of area. This was the first year in a while I was able to watch every game. But yeah, it's pretty well known that Brown's made his money by hitting. I can't remember where I read it, but I thought it sounded like he was for sure done with the Bears after that injury anyway.

Kevin Payne is a big hitter - I agree on that. He suffers some problems in coverage too though. He'll get better.

[DHes23]

It's no insult, trust me, I know what it's like to live out of area. This was the first year in a while I was able to watch every game. But yeah, it's pretty well known that Brown's made his money by hitting. I can't remember where I read it, but I thought it sounded like he was for sure done with the Bears after that injury anyway.

Kevin Payne is a big hitter - I agree on that. He suffers some problems in coverage too though. He'll get better.

No doubt KP will get better. Idk how many of you know this but up until his junior (maybe soph idk don't quote me) year he played running back. He was very good too! All confrence I believe. Injuries forced him to defense and younger backs picked up the slack so he made a full transition. He also was an all confrence punter in his senior year. Pretty all purpose kid. I heard the Pats were planning on selecting him with their next pick due to his versitility. The bears beat them to him though.

[Cigaro]

I'd be surprised if Stafford makes it past the Lions. And I'll be surprised if Bradford comes out this year. And Crabtree won't make it past the top 5.

I could see the Bears making a run at Julius Peppers or Terrell Suggs in free agency. Either of the two would add instant respectability to the pass rush. Draft is pretty deep for defensive ends though. There's actually kind of a lot of good defenders coming free this offseason, so if the Bears have any cap room they could make some real improvements.

Not much doing for free agent receivers - doubt Housmanzadeh is coming away from the Bengals.

I don't see any reason for Bradford to stay. If he wins the championship, he's got nothing more to play for, if he doesn't, he's losing a lot of talent so the chance of a second shot is extremely low.

And Julius Peppers free agent, lmao. The Panthers aren't that stupid.

Yea I'd take Bey. But Harvin's Faster, Bigger than Hester.

Harvin would be the 1, Hester the 2, Bennett the 3

And he's a Florida receiver. We know they tear up the league!

[zack54attack]

Idk about any of that. Hester ran a 4.27 and is 5'11" 190lbs. Thats basically the same as Harvin give or take a few pounds.

Wow your right. I though Hester was smaller than Harvin, but they are only 5 pounds Difference.


Still I'd take Harvin...

[Griswald]

You really only need one WR like Hester on the field at a time though. They need someone who's about 6'4", jumps like MJ, and is as fast as Hester :)

[DHes23]

You really only need one WR like Hester on the field at a time though. They need someone who's about 6'4", jumps like MJ, and is as fast as Hester :)

Aside from the "fast as Hester" part I agree with you. The way I see it we need to take a WR in the first 3 rounds.

Here are my perfered prospects in thos rounds.

1. Darrius Hyward-Bey
2. Kenny Britt
3. Marko Mitchell

[DHes23]

You really only need one WR like Hester on the field at a time though. They need someone who's about 6'4", jumps like MJ, and is as fast as Hester :)

btw that sounds like Moss lol

[HustlinOwl]

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1361939,CST-SPT-mully05.article

[Lochness54]

I didnt think it was at first, but letting go of Rivera was a mistake. I kinda want Marinelli. I hear he's gonna go to Seattle.

[Prodigy3]

My Wish list is to sign a big name and great player FA wise for Offensive or Defensive line. We need help bad in both departments. A serious game changer for us is needed on that Dline. T. Harris has been a disappointment because of injuries.

Also I want either Bradford, Sanchez, or that Safety from USC in the 1st round.

[CNStars17]

nfc north cap room:


Detroit: $26.8 million
Minnesota: $20.4 million
Green Bay: $19.09 million
Chicago: $17.4 million


keep in mind at this point detriot has to sign 2 first round picks

[Lochness54]

My Wish list is to sign a big name and great player FA wise for Offensive or Defensive line. We need help bad in both departments. A serious game changer for us is needed on that Dline. T. Harris has been a disappointment because of injuries.

Also I want either Bradford, Sanchez, or that Safety from USC in the 1st round.


Taylor Mays is a beast. This is who I want also.

http://www.pe.com/imagesdaily/2007/09-29/usctlp23zb_1_400.jpg

[Lochness54]

BTW. Thats Ken Norton Jr to the right of Pete just so people know how big this kid is. His father was a DE in the NFL.

[HustlinOwl]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-06-bears-chicagojan06,0,4221053.story

[Griswald]

^^Nice.

[Lochness54]

I hope so.

[zack54attack]

We really need a WR first round.

[usaaaaaa]

We really need a WR first round.

not percy harvin

[Fred]

looks like they offered D-line coaching pos to marianelli.

[Griswald]

Yeah, that's what it said in the article Hustlin posted. He left Seattle after talking about the defensive coordinator position and then the Bears offered him the D line position... I hope him and Lovie are as good of friends as they say they are.

[zack54attack]

If Harvin's the best avaliable, take him.

[Griswald]

Lol, you and your damn Percy Harvin. I'm holding you responsible if the Bears get him and he's a bust.

[zack54attack]

Lol, you and your damn Percy Harvin. I'm holding you responsible if the Bears get him and he's a bust.

Deal. But he wont be a bust.

[CNStars17]

do you want percy harvin to play WR?....

[Fred]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-08-haugh-bears-chicagojan08,0,5385785.column

Article talking about the blame for the defensive problems are being placed everywhere but where they should be. It's obvious more and more that Babich is here to stay unfortunately. You cut everyone on the defensive staff but this clown.

[Griswald]

I know, I feel like the linebacker coach at least, deserved to stay. I liked him. Well at least now we can officially accept that the team won't get better until Lovie is gone - 'cuz he won't part with Babich.

[Fred]

Briggs flew the LBs coach with him out to the pro-bowl lol. He obviously thought he was doing his job right. Sucks not only babich but the cover 2 is still going to be used.

[Griswald]

Briggs flew the LBs coach with him out to the pro-bowl lol..


Wow.

[Juggernaut]

LOL at the results to the poll:


Yes -- It's enough of a shake-up (100 responses)

3.1%

No -- Babich needs to go, too (3116 responses)

96.2%

No -- They should have kept everyone (22 responses)

0.7%

3238 total responses (Results not scientific0

I voted that Babich should go too BTW

[Griswald]

I don't think I've ever been so discouraged for the start of the next season so early. Every time I read a piece of news on the Bears, I find myself asking why. Nothing they're doing right now makes ANY sense to me.

[Griswald]

I needed this, hope it helps cheer you guys up too :)

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg173/nate40la/sweetness.jpg


Fucking Superman, lol.

[zack54attack]

Well Marinelli accepted the offer.

[Fred]

here is the link
http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/huddleup/2009/01/marinelli-accep.html

not sure how i feel about it. I mean the guy just had a horrible stint with the Lions. Granted he had a crappy team to work with, but still. Hopefully he can help. hell i'd let him call plays over babich.

[Lochness54]

I think he's a good position coach. Hopefully this will lead to him replacing Babich. Anything is better than Babich.

[Griswald]

Babich will be gone and Marinelli will fill the position within the first four games of the season.
Anyone else hear the rumors that Marinelli's son-in-law is going to come with him and fill the linebackers coach spot? I would not be cool with that.

[Prodigy3]

wish list part 2

I want Haynesworth or Peppers in FA

We need a legit pass rusher bad

[Griswald]

Anyone hear the rumors that Leftwich wants to come to Chicago?



Also read that Lovie plans on calling a lot of the plays on defense this year - thank God, but really, what does he think he needs Babich for?

[Fred]

Anyone hear the rumors that Leftwich wants to come to Chicago?



Also read that Lovie plans on calling a lot of the plays on defense this year - thank God, but really, what does he think he needs Babich for?
ya i read that today on Chicagosports.com. He just said something about the bears "looking him up after the season is over".

I heard on the way home that Babich is taking over LB corps coaching again like he did before he became D-coordinator. I thought great! He's not coaching the D, but he's still doing that too. It makes sense though if Lovie is going to be calling a lot of the plays this year as well. Hell why shouldn't he? Thats how he got the bears job.

[PacmanFan21]

You aren't gettin haynesworth he's stayin

[Juggernaut]

I woulnd't think so, why would he stay if he can go to a team that will offer him much more money?

[Fred]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-14-haugh-bears-chicagojan14,0,208435.column

An article about Smith calling the defensive plays now. Best move so far. lol

and another

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/739648,CST-SPT-mully14.article

I will say. I'm already excited about next season's defense on this move alone. Now if they go out and get a dominant pass rusher or a safety, this defense should be back towards the top.

[Griswald]

Urlacher had his best season statistically with Babich as the LBs coach - one of his worst with Babich calling the plays on D. So yeah, I'm happy too.

[SheriffBooth]

I don't see any reason for Bradford to stay. If he wins the championship, he's got nothing more to play for, if he doesn't, he's losing a lot of talent so the chance of a second shot is extremely low.


Bradford's staying. Suck it, lol.

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/9079610/Heisman-winner-Bradford-will-return-to-Oklahoma?MSNHPHMA

[Cigaro]

Bradford's staying. Suck it, lol.

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/9079610/Heisman-winner-Bradford-will-return-to-Oklahoma?MSNHPHMA

Well with Gresham and Trent Williams also returning, it makes more sense.

Still should have left though.

[HustlinOwl]

Taylor Mays is a beast. This is who I want also.

http://www.pe.com/imagesdaily/2007/09-29/usctlp23zb_1_400.jpg


http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/football/la-sp-usc-football14-2009jan14,0,2395094.story

[Griswald]

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=5555

Olsen to be feted at annual Comcast sports awards
By: Larry Mayer | Last Updated: 1/28/2009 2:49 PM

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Tight end Greg Olsen will be honored as the Bears player of the year Feb. 9 at the 21st Annual Comcast SportsNet Sports Awards at the Hilton Chicago.

Olsen had one of the most productive seasons by a tight end in Bears history in 2008. His 54 receptions were the most by a Bears tight end since Hall of Famer Mike Ditka had 75 in 1964. And with five touchdown catches, Olsen became the first tight end to lead the Bears outright in that category since Emery Moorehead also had five in 1982.


I disagree. I would say it was this guy.....

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg173/nate40la/Maynard_inside080307.jpg

[Kev5890]

Some things about this year and my opinions on this team:

-Vasher needs to go. He put on some weight this year and is injury prone. We know what we have in Corey Graham, and it is better than Vasher...His days of "ESPN3" look long gone.

-Booker played awful, do not resign him.

-Lloyd played great when he was healthy. The way he jumps and hands in the air is that of Fitzgerald, he has great hands as well.

-Focus on making Hester the number one threat. I think his hands are underrated and he made a lot of solid catches this year.

-Stop stop stop! Cutting players you do not put on the field. Mark Bradley was our number 1 reciever this year..and everyone on staff was fine with that. Yet he got dropped a few weeks into the season. I hope it hurts the Bears Organizations eyes when they read that Mark Bradley had 30 receptions this year...in 10 games..ON THE CHIEFS. That was 12 more receptions he ever had on the Bears.

-Forte is obviously the real deal, but the Bears have themselves to blame on him getting injured. They really failed to help the rookie out by not putting in Jones/peterson/wolfe early in the season.

-Tommie Harris needs to pull a 360 for me to be a fan of him again. he is definitely not worth the money they shelled out.

-Keep Mike Brown until they know they can get someone to play the position. Seeing steltz and manning playing vs the texans was a complete joke.

-Get babich out of hear, and sign Marinelli..Hopefully this is already in the works seeing as he met with the Bears yesterday.

We had a shot at the playoffs, and blew it..The bears had way to many "We should of won" games under their belt...Hopefully they come back hungry, and with a new D-Coordinator and better WR's.

Also I thought I would share some moments of being at Soldier Field this year. Being down on the field every game has been a hell of an experience.

Bears vs Buccaneers- Loudest the stadium got all year. On that first drive when the defense made them go three and out, Soldier Field erupted as they finally got to see their team play after the long off-season. It would so loud my ears were ringing, I just looked up in the stands at 63.0000 people..and smiled. That was an awesome moment.

Bears vs Eagles- Being in the tunnel, listening to the anthem and the awesome flyover..sent chills down my back like no other. Plus that great goal line stance, that was a great game.

Bears vs Titans- All of Soldier Field...Being absolutely CRUSHED when Orton went out with an injury. That definitely showed me how much this city has accepted Orton being the QB here...That moment absolutely sucked.

Bears vs Saints- Overtime win...All that needs to be said.

Bears vs Packers- Got frostbite from that game. And definitely will be able to tell that story over and over again...Because I got it watching the Bears pull out a miracle against the hated packers. Plus I got to see a lot of big name people that day, Steve Young/Suzy Kolber and I crossed paths plenty of times during that game. Being down on the field, when that blocked kick happened....was insane.

Bears fan till I die, I just hope I get to see a Superbowl win. Always around this time I remember what it was like to see the Bears in the superbowl..and how close they were to holding up that trophy.

But thats what next year is for, isn't it!

[vikngs4lifee]

-Tommie Harris needs to pull a 360 for me to be a fan of him again. he is definitely not worth the money they shelled out.


lol

[Griswald]

Get babich out of hear, and sign Marinelli..Hopefully this is already in the works seeing as he met with the Bears yesterday.

Dude... we signed Marinelli a while ago. I want Babich gone too, but he's here to stay and Lovie is taking over defensive play calling again, so it might work out - Babich can focus on the linebackers - which he's actually decent at. You just need to read the last couple pages ro see where we were talking about this stuff.

[Kev5890]

Dude... we signed Marinelli a while ago. I want Babich gone too, but he's here to stay and Lovie is taking over defensive play calling again, so it might work out - Babich can focus on the linebackers - which he's actually decent at. You just need to read the last couple pages ro see where we were talking about this stuff.

I posted this stuff awhile ago in a different set of forums, these where my impressions right after the Texans game ended. So some of it is dated...obviously.

Believe me, I am happy the way it turned out. Babich returns to what he did a couple years ago, as does Marinelli and Lovie

[Griswald]

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=5604

Bears cutting ties with veteran safety Mike Brown

By: Larry Mayer | Last Updated: 2/20/2009 10:24 AM

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Bears have opted not to try to re-sign veteran safety Mike Brown, who is due to become an unrestricted free agent next Friday. One of the most productive and popular players in franchise history, the 31-year-old has missed 44 games due to leg injuries over the past five seasons.

Safety Mike Brown recorded 629 tackles, five sacks and 17 interceptions in nine seasons with the Bears.
“It isn’t an easy decision to part ways with a great player like Mike, but we felt the timing is right for both parties,” said general manager Jerry Angelo.

“Mike has given everything he has to the Bears over his nine years in Chicago. He was an outstanding player, a team leader and contributor in our community.

“If you look back through our team history, each decade has a handful of players that embody the tradition and greatness the Bears were built upon. Mike is one of those players. We are very appreciative of what he brought to our football team and wish him the very best as he moves forward.”

Brown contributed from Day 1. Selected by the Bears in the second round of the 2000 draft out of Nebraska (39th overall), he started all 16 games as a rookie, ranking second on the team with 102 tackles.

Brown emerged as a star the following season, registering a career-high five interceptions. He returned interceptions for touchdowns in overtime in back-to-back games against the San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns, catapulting the Bears to the NFC Central Division championship with a 13-3 record.

After playing in all 64 games during his first four seasons, Brown’s career was derailed by injuries. He missed the final 14 contests in 2004 with a torn Achilles’ tendon, the last four games in 2005 with a calf injury, the final 10 contests in 2006 with a torn foot ligament, the last 15 games in 2007 with a torn ACL and the final game this past season with a calf injury.

Brown leaves the Bears as the franchise's all-time leader with seven defensive touchdowns.

I think it was expected, but damn, I'm gonna miss him. I'll never forget his back-to-back wins in OT. I hope he has an excellent career elsewhere. No body tried harder than him.

[Fred]

Sex Cannon out of Chicago

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-26-haugh-bears-rex-grossman-.ar0feb26,0,1996069.column

Good luck to him. I agree with the article, I think Chicago treated him like shit. I wish him well and hope he latches on some place. I doubt he'll play much better, but the guy went out there did his job, and gave it his all. He never did anything off the field that embarrassed the organization or city other than wear those plaid shorts he had on in Vegas.

[ShimSham]

Sexy Rexy said he'd be open to playing for the Lions.

I'd cry tears of joy if this happened.

[Griswald]

The fans treated him like shit, but it's hard to argue that the organization didn't give him more chances than he deserved. God help whatever team he goes to. I was really hoping the Vikings and Berrian would try and get him, that's not going to happen. If he landed with the Lions I'd actually be a fan of the guy, it'd be great if he could actually turn himself around with that team.

[Fred]

Management and the coaching staff coddled him. I think thats why so many fans didn't like him. The bears missed out on Warner, and other potential QBs because there wasn't a real open competition for the position. He had more than his fair share of opportunities. Injuries, mistakes, and crappy weapons contributed to his demise in Chicago.

[Griswald]

He's got mental problems.

[Lochness54]

Sexy Rexy said he'd be open to playing for the Lions.

I'd cry tears of joy if this happened.

Grossman to C.Johnson FTW!!! Yikes!

He would finally have a WR that can bail him out of some bad throws. I hope he does good wherever he goes. Like Fred said, dude just clocked in and did his work. Did what was asked of him. It didnt work out. I'm not gonna hate the guy for it. There will be a little part of me that would root for him if he does go to the Lions.

[Fred]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-01-bears-darren-sharper-chicagomar01,0,1561589.story

Bears interested in Darren Sharper? WTF? I hate this guy and he sucks now. No seriously, he's one of my least favorite players in the league.

[rainmanmorris]

who needs a qb?? LOL dont be surprised about vick

[moz]

who needs a qb?? LOL dont be surprised about vick
I'm pretty sure they want a real QB, not someone who has the IQ of a 4th grader.

[Griswald]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-01-bears-darren-sharper-chicagomar01,0,1561589.story

Bears interested in Darren Sharper? WTF? I hate this guy and he sucks now. No seriously, he's one of my least favorite players in the league.

You just don't like the guy, or as a player? IMO he could help. I'm not a believer in any of our safeties right now.

[Fred]

i've always thought he was a douchebag. I hated him on the packers and vikings. He used to be good when he was on the pack. now he's just old.

[Tokyoo]

You guys have any thoughts on this Omiyale(sp?) guy you signed?

[Griswald]

You guys have any thoughts on this Omiyale(sp?) guy you signed?

Yeah, if he plays well I'm gonna like him.

[vikngs4lifee]

Yeah, if he plays well I'm gonna like him.

That's a good philosophy.

[zack54attack]

I wouldnt mind having T.O on the team. I know that there will be some bad moments, but we really need a #1 WR

[Fred]

I'd pass on TO. Sure he's better than anyone the bears have and probably have had the last 20 years if ever. But he's a complete douche. What purpose would he serve on the team? It's not like they are remotely close to winning a SB and they need him to get over the hump. The bears have had probably one of the most boring off-seasons ever. They signed a career backup o-lineman? Fuck my life...

[Griswald]

We re-signed Kevin Jones. Would've been nice to have seen him play more than twice last season so I could judge if this was a good move.

[Fred]

lol no kidding. i'm glad they resigned him, but shit, the guy needs to play more.

[SaveOurSaints]

lol, the Bears signed Josh Bullucks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYJhqDm0L-A

[SaveOurSaints]

"It's hard to think our pass D could get worse with a FA signing..but it just did. "

"Seen him in a Saints one and its a pathetic sight, sux against run and pass, can you be even called a safety, with those weaknesses??"

"Excuse me folks -- I need to go cry."

- From the bears message board

[Griswald]

lol, the Bears signed Josh Bullucks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYJhqDm0L-A

We'll turn him into a superstar just like we did with Brandon Lloyd ;)

[Fred]

http://pastapadre.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=10&pictureid=78

[Griswald]

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=5659

Audition time: Five players are participating in minicamp on a tryout basis: defensive tackle Gerard Lee, who spent part of last offseason with the Bears; safeties Curome Cox and Glenn Earl; linebacker Tim McGarigle; and kicker Chris Gould, the brother of Bears kicker Robbie Gould.

WTF?

[Prodigy3]

I have one question...

What are the Bears doing?

[Tokyoo]

I heard Earl Bennett is your current minicamp starter alongside Hester.

[Griswald]

I have one question...

What are the Bears doing?

Testing my soul.

[Fred]

not a damn thing. They think what they have is good. So they don't go out and get players, and yet will continue to throw a below average to mediocre team on the field. And we as Bears fans are expected to be optimistic and root for this team? I've been a bears fan long enough now that I don't expect big splashes in the free agent market, or a good amount of risk taking. Bears ownership, management, and coaching staff are about as conservative as you can get. Until the team is sold, this team will never win a SB. Even the year they went to the SB, did anyone really think they'd beat the colts?

[Griswald]

I heard Earl Bennett is your current minicamp starter alongside Hester.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg173/nate40la/dwight.jpg

[Griswald]

not a damn thing. They think what they have is good. So they don't go out and get players, and yet will continue to throw a below average to mediocre team on the field. And we as Bears fans are expected to be optimistic and root for this team? I've been a bears fan long enough now that I don't expect big splashes in the free agent market, or a good amount of risk taking. Bears ownership, management, and coaching staff are about as conservative as you can get. Until the team is sold, this team will never win a SB. Even the year they went to the SB, did anyone really think they'd beat the colts?

I did. But I know what you mean - it's frustrating being a Bears fan - how about a Chicago fan in general? You never know though.

I saw some footage of Marinelli at training camp... damn, that guy's serious. I like the way he moves out there, lol.

[Griswald]

Just signed Glenn Earl (???) to a one year contract. I think he's a safety or a cb. He's been in the NFL for 5 years, the last two he was injured. 3 career int's. We're definitely going in the right direction.... for those of us that want the entire staff fired.

http://www.nfl.com/players/glennearl/careerstats?id=EAR250611

[rainmanmorris]

man the bears suck (no offense) they have no Qb.. got a good Rb.. Suck WRs. (need to move hester back to STRICTLY KR and PR.) no OL. old MLB no CB no DL no SS OR FS. man i predict (unless they get vick) they are gonna have the first overall pick next year

[CNStars17]

lol

vick in lambeau,


I want that to happen just so i can read Fred's reaction

[SaveOurSaints]

I think its fairly certain the Bears will draft S William Moore in the draft.

[Griswald]

No way. O lineman or Angelo could surprise us all and draft a WR. I think he'll probably try to hold off on a WR until later rounds.

[Prodigy3]

Very encouraged that the Bears addressed the RT situation with John Tait.

Just signed Shaffer. He sounds pretty solid too.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80f72267&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true

Plus he's currently an 87 on Madden :)

[Fred]

lol. He's the guy the browns cut to sign St. Clair. The bears suck

[Prodigy3]

Wow Fred didn't expect that from you lol

I think he's alright, I've heard he was too much for their pay roll and was more of a 'cap casualty' then him sucking.

Anyway I hope he's good and better than what we had.

[Fred]

He can't be any worse than St. Clair. If anything he's a slight upgrade. Doesn't change the fact that the biggest off-season move the bears have made is signing a coach who led a lions team to zero wins.

[Griswald]

I like him too.... and honestly, I'm hoping for a WR first in the draft, so this is good news.

Marinelli was a GREAT move. You'll see.... hopefully.

[MaSTA SoLIDUS]

lol you'll see...he wasn't too much for our cap...he sucks at runblocking. badly. And is prone to getting beat on some spins/swims. bascially was good for shotgun passing for us.


Oh lots of false starts too.


Maybe you can make him better.

[Fred]

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/huddleup/2009/03/denver-broncos-quarterback-jay-cutler-reportedly-on-bears-radar.html

Bears supposedly interested in cutler. About damn time. Christ, the Bears haven't had a QB in forever, all I'm asking for is some interest lol.

[Prodigy3]

Marinelli was a GREAT move. You'll see.... hopefully.


Somebody on that Dline better get 10 sacks or im gonna be pissed. I really wanted an upgrade through FA on the Dline. Our pass rush is very hard to watch. This is all I said last year...

"Aw man we got them 3rd and 15 instead of 3rd and 1, no way they run the ball now."

[Griswald]

We've got talent on the D line. Motivation.... well, hopefully that's where Marinelli can make a difference.

[Griswald]

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/ChalkTalkStory.asp?story_id=5683

You pretty much summed it up correctly. The Bears are getting a younger, more experienced player in Kevin Shaffer than they had in John St. Clair. If you look at it like a trade, there’s no question the Bears got the better of the deal. Shaffer was cut by the Browns for the salary cap reasons you alluded to. According to STATS, St. Clair ranked fifth in the NFL with 9.75 sacks allowed last season. Shaffer, meanwhile, tied for 51st with 4.5.

:)

[Prodigy3]

I was just about to post this Gris, Hey Masta he looks pretty good IMO, you said his run blocking was poor. Taits was too last year, however I did like St. Clairs run blocking.

What made him so bad, you know of any videos I can go check this guy out?

Edit:

St. Clair was the reason we couldn't run any 7 step drops last year. Hopefully, C. Williams lives up to being a valid 1st round pick at LT, if so our offense might open up.

[Griswald]

NFC North Preseason Schedule (ESPN) (http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcnorth/0-9-143/Revealed--Preseason-opponents.html)

WEEK 1 (Aug. 13-17)

Chicago at Buffalo
Atlanta at Detroit
Cleveland at Green Bay
Minnesota at Indianapolis


WEEK 2 (Aug. 20-24)

New York Giants at Chicago
Detroit at Cleveland
Buffalo at Green Bay
Kansas City at Minnesota


WEEK 3 (Aug. 27-31)

Chicago at Denver (7 p.m. ET on Aug. 30, NBC)
Indianapolis at Detroit
Green Bay at Arizona
Minnesota at Houston (8 p.m. ET on Aug. 31, ESPN)


WEEK 4 (Sept. 3-4)

Cleveland at Chicago
Detroit at Buffalo
Green Bay at Tennessee
Dallas at Minnesota

[Griswald]

Orlando Pace Meets with Bears (http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/03/30/pace-to-meet-with-bears/)

[Fred]

interesting.

[Prodigy3]

wouldn't mind having him but don't want it to be expensive, too old IMO

[Prodigy3]

Ken Lucas came in for a visit today too

wonder what this means?

[Griswald]

wouldn't mind having him but don't want it to be expensive, too old IMO

I'd like it - the cost would be worth it. Could possibly be puting together one of the best O lines we've seen; a great opportunity for Forte and Orton.... hell, the whole offense.

[zack54attack]

God we play Cleveland every preseason lol

[Prodigy3]

One of my new Forte vids

its called 22vision

showcasing his patience, vision, and burst.

to me vision is an attribute that is very underated in terms of measuring the success of an NFL RB. It was Emmits greatest strength IMO.


http://replay-re-cutter.nfl.com/clip.aspx?key=FA1DB94CE759F02C&ctx=myclips&type=image

[Emmitt Smith]

One of my new Forte vids

its called 22vision

showcasing his patience, vision, and burst.

to me vision is an attribute that is very underated in terms of measuring the success of an NFL RB. It was Emmits greatest strength IMO.


http://replay-re-cutter.nfl.com/clip.aspx?key=FA1DB94CE759F02C&ctx=myclips&type=image

Matt Forte is one of the elite at running with patience and keeping his feets moving, in that forward manner to get those 1 or 2 extra yardage on most plays. I expect that he will continue the success he had in his first year, the one he was a rookie at last year, and become a probowl caliber runner in the next year to come.

[MaSTA SoLIDUS]

its ridiculous because I hear emmitts voice every time you post.


you have his lingo downed pack.

[Prodigy3]

the picture is classic

[Griswald]

Sounds like the Bears don't plan on letting Pace leave... expect to hear he's signed sometime soon.

[Lochness54]

Matt Forte is one of the elite at running with patience and keeping his feets moving, in that forward manner to get those 1 or 2 extra yardage on most plays. I expect that he will continue the success he had in his first year, the one he was a rookie at last year, and become a probowl caliber runner in the next year to come.

LMAO! Classic.

[Prodigy3]

BEAR DOWN Chicago BEARS!!!

we got a QB

I can't believe it

[ShimSham]

In case it gets overlooked in the Cutler thread.



ESPN's Michael Smith reports the Bears have agreed to terms with OT Orlando Pace.
A busy day at Bears headquarters, as they now have added protection for their new franchise quarterback. Pace is slated to start at left tackle, with Chris Williams moving to right tackle and Kevin Shaffer now a swingman.

[Fred]

Pace and Cutler instantly upgrade this team. I couldn't have ever imagined this.

[SaveOurSaints]

I liked it better when bullocks was headlining the news...

[Fred]

On what's next: ``Anything we do going forward is going to be to create more competition, particularly at the receiver position.''

http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2009...on_to_the.html (http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2009/04/angelos_quick_reaction_to_the.html)

Tory Holt perhaps?

[MaSTA SoLIDUS]

wow that'd be nuts. Madden-cheesable.

[CNStars17]

this is some bullllshat


did the bears owner just get a bailout or something?

[Fred]

i'm sure you vikings fans will love reading this

"The Bears also should send a thank-you to the Vikings complex in Eden Prairie, Minn., for their role in bringing Chicago its first franchise quarterback. Without the Vikings signing free-agent wideout Bernard Berrian to a $42 million contract last off-season, the Bears may not have received a compensatory third-round pick (99th) that surely made them feel more comfortable dealing their own third-rounder to Denver. As tough as it was to endure a 2008 season without Berrian as a deep threat, it was worthwhile if Cutler is the payoff."

lol

[MaSTA SoLIDUS]

Fred what do you think of this assessment?

He fit their personality. He wasn't flashy, but he was effective before suffering an ankle injury. He was tough. He was gritty. And he won. Look it up: His record as a starter is 21–12, not bad for someone whom critics portray as the NFL's version of the Venus De Milo. Cutler is 17-20, never made the playoffs and never had a winning season.



So the Bears trade away Orton and three draft picks and, sorry, Chicago, your team just got fleeced. You need offensive linemen. You need receivers. You need a defense that must play better. Yet you just traded away the first round for a couple of years for a guy who throws a pretty pass and can't play .500 football in the AFC West.

[Fred]

Fred what do you think of this assessment?
sounds like Clark Judge must be a denver fan, reporter, writer, or doesn't know what the hell he's talking about. And here's why..

-why bring up records as a starter? I never understood this. Kyle Orton was simply horrible as a rookie, yet the Bears won 10 games DESPITE his play. Last year was the first year he played like a solid QB. Still he's not the type of QB who will win you games. The Bears offense were always ranked at the bottom half of the league. Cutler lead the Denver offenses to the upper half of the league. That crap about his having a losing a record is skewed in the same way Orton has a winning record. The Denver defense was awful. He was 13-1 when they gave up 21 points or less. Even with how crappy the Bears played last year on defense they gave up 21 points or less in over half of their games.

-The need for offensive linemen? They signed Pace, have their 1st round pick Chris Williams (who didn't play last year), and signed two other guys. Not sure what else you can do at this point. Their line is upgraded from last year. Period.

-The WRs I can agree with to a point. What good is it having a good WR if you can't even get him the ball. I don't know how many times I saw Orton miss a wide open guy downfield because he can't throw the ball accurately or deep. I look at a QB like Bret Favre, who made good WRs look great, and I expect the same out of Cutler. I'm sure Marshall and Royal are good WRs, but I think Cutler made them great. Did anyone really expect Eddie Royal to come in last year and have the impact he did? Plus, that's not to say the Bears won't sign someone. Rumors out of Chicago is they are really considering signing Holt. He has the same agent as Pace, plus he'll get to play with a good QB now.

I look at the trade this way. Cutler was drafted in the 1st round, you gave up your 1st this year so that is a wash. The 3rd round you gave up was from the Vikings, and you gave up your 1st next year. If you play well then that's a late first round pick. Angelo has a history of picking bad guys in the 1st round. Just look at the list of guys. Grossman, Haynes, Colombo, David Terrell, Benson, etc...The guy either sucks, or they trade down in the draft for more picks. Then you throw in a QB who is going to be a backup.

25 year old franchise QBs don't come around very often via trade. Denver has been looking for a QB since Elway retired. They had their franchise QB and let him go. They will be searching again for one, unless of course they think Kyle Orton is their future, in which case I would like to officially welcome Denver fans to life as a bears fan. Only their defense is crappier.

As a Bears fan I can tell you "effective QBs" don't win Superbowls. Just look at the last few teams that have won SBs, all have franchise QBs. The Mannings, Roethlisberger, Brady. Guys like Dilfer and Johnson aren't the norm. They had two of the best defenses in NFL history.

I would gladly give up what the Bears did to get an Pro Bowl QB who hasn't even hit his prime. Even if he does suck, which I doubt he does, I'm just glad the Bears took a chance. Something this franchise is never known to do.

[Griswald]

Yeah, the no offensive lineman is weak now, it's like these guys don't know who's on the roster. I can't even watch ESPN - talking about how our best reciever is Brandon Lloyd... who is no longer on the fucking team.

We need a WR, but that can happen in the second round, so I'm still excited to see who the Bears get in the draft. Losing these three picks is no where near as huge as ESPN is making it out to be.

Here's a question: If you were to evaluate a GM based on his 1st round selections only, and you just looked at 2 years - would you not be happy with one of those 1st rounders turning into a franchise QB? I mean, if given two first round picks, and with one of them you draft Jay Cutler, and the other ends up being Rex Grossman - that's still pretty good.

Like I said before, this is the best thing I've ever seen the Bears do with their first round pick.

Good luck to Denver with those picks... time will tell how that works out. We've got their QB, and he's a good one - right now.

[Fred]

The other thing that's stupid is these guys saying "what has jay cutler done" to think he can't be traded. He's done just about as much as McDaniels has done to think he can come in and start clearing house. it's not like he's bellichik, parcells, or someone like that. He's just as unproven as Cutler. Just think if he doesn't pan out, how far Denver will be set back. if Cutler doesn't pan out in Chicago it won't matter since at worst he'll still be better than Orton lol.

I saw Dilfer and Schlereth talking last night. They both sound like idiots talking about players who aren't on the team anymore, or talking about holes, that are not there. It's like they don't even follow the Bears and are just more about bashing Cutler. I know Mark S. did it from day 1 because he was a Bronco and is all about the organization.

[Griswald]

Dilfer and Schlereth last night were unbelievably terrible and inaccurate. I was disgusted.

Schlereth is beyond homer.

[85Bears4life]

Dilfer and Schlereth last night were unbelievably terrible and inaccurate. I was disgusted.

Schlereth is beyond homer.

I'm still laughing at Schlereth saying the Bears had an 8-8 record and they were going to improve to 9-7. THEY WERE 9-7!!!!

[Lochness54]

Schlereth can suck my balls. He said something to the effect that Cutler cant make throws while on his back. Our line wasnt as bad as everyone thought it would be last season. We get C. Williams back and Pace this yr. Thats an immediate upgrade. We might have 4 starting new Olineman this season. How quick they gel, time will tell. But there are two hall of famers on that line right now. Oh, did I mention that Schlereth can suck my balls?

[ShimSham]

I did think those two were right in saying Rodgers is still the best QB in the division.

But that's just me. :ninja:

[MaSTA SoLIDUS]

weclome to the life of a Cleveland fan.

half the shit they say is off by a year...unless you are a favorite or from a big market.

woe be to you if one fo the talking heads is from or played for somebody that is invovled in the story.

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/deadspin/2009/03/ryanleaflosthisshirt.com

Ryan Leaf.

[ShimSham]

weclome to the life of a Cleveland fan.

half the shit they say is off by a year...unless you are a favorite or from a big market.

woe be to you if one fo the talking heads is from or played for somebody that is invovled in the story.
That's damn near every team ESPN talks about unless it's Dallas, New England or Indy.

I'm more up to date on news and teams than most of those guys.

[MaSTA SoLIDUS]

Don't forget Boston and LA.

[ShimSham]

I was talking more specifically about the NFL but yeah.

[CNStars17]

That's damn near every team ESPN talks about unless it's Dallas, New England or Indy.

I'm more up to date on news and teams than most of those guys.

i don't get how you can be an ESPN analyst, aka your job is to know this shit, and get any information wrong


yet it happens about 5-10 times an episode...

I watch football every Sunday and know more than these fuckers

[Tokyoo]

i don't get how you can be an ESPN analyst, aka your job is to know this shit, and get any information wrong

Be a B-list retired athlete with a college degree you "earned" in something like Park & Leisure Services.

[adun79]

http://store.chicagobears.com/store/item.asp?filtertype=department&store_item_color_id=3111&department_id=135&item_id=3430

[ShimSham]

I can imagine those are going to be extremely popular.

[Prodigy3]

***Warning EXTREME homer post***

I grew up a Bears fan, but I always flirted with Denver because of John Elway. He was my favorite QB, always one the guy with the Rocket Arm...the Golden Boy. But Chicago was always rough & tough...hardcore style. We never had that flair to us. I admired it and appreciated it because of W. Payton and Butkus. But to now finally have a LEGIT QB a guy who has a serious arm...accurate, poised in the pocket, can make plays...when I look at the nuts and bolts of things. This year will be great.

The 1st 6 weeks of that "Good Rex" was what Chicago Bear football can look like with a passing game We were averaging around 30 points a game. Now we got that with out all the bad Rex crap.

Cutler can and will throw the 15-10yd out, the deep cross, and fly route. And when you focus on that too much he can dump it off, he can hit the TE and the screen pass flawlessly. Rex did not have the short game at all and could not make a play against the blitz. Cutler can and will. Will he throw picks yes, that is the one thing I see him and Rex have in common but he does so many other things better that he will provide consistency.

If I was Ron Turner I would go with the same offensive philo...it will now just be executed extremely better now with Cutler. Which is the jab and then hit you with the Big right cross. Forte is the jab...then you get the single coverage and Cutler floors you with the right cross...and do it over and over again. keep it simple and crisp.

[Griswald]

I'm ready for the inauguration... wrapped up work early so I can watch with no interruptions. Drinking a beer as I type - great start to the weekend.

[Fred]

Watching the Cutler press conference now. He just said that the Bears rb situation is shored up like it wasn't in Denver. And he's confident in the weapons he has. He talked highly of Hester lol. Said the WRs overall will be excellent for him. He said as long as they are on the same page everything will be fine.

Overall he just seems really excited about playing in Chicago because he grew up a Bears fan. Called it a "dream come true".

[Griswald]

His response to the question if he will make the receivers better was stellar.

[CNStars17]

http://thevikingage.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/vikesdline.jpg

[Griswald]

Fred.... do what you do, lol, ... inappropriate!

ugh... Jared Allen is the reason I hate Minnesota.

[ShimSham]

Jared Allen is the only player I like on Minnesota.

[Griswald]

Yeah, I was joking. He's a beast. I wish he was on a different team - but he fits right in, in Minnesota.

[adun79]

Smells Like Mascot: The End of the Dark Ages? (http://smellslikemascot.blogspot.com/2009/04/end-of-dark-ages.html)

[Griswald]

Rashied Davis
Brandon Lloyd


i don't get how you can be an ESPN analyst, aka your job is to know this shit, and get any information wrong


yet it happens about 5-10 times an episode...

I watch football every Sunday and know more than these fuckers

CNStars aka Mark Schlereth.

[Maddict]

ugh... Jared Allen is the reason I hate Minnesota.

qft

anyway its a good pickup for the bears. i think they'll give the vikes a good run for the north this year

[CNStars17]

CNStars aka Mark Schlereth.

go to nfl.com he is on the depth chart


http://www.nfl.com/teams/chicagobears/depthchart?team=CHI


the funny part is how you guys are defending not having brandon lloyd

when you really don't have anyone else

"They said our best receiver was Brandon Lloyd and he isn't even on the team anymore"

lol

[Fred]

go to nfl.com he is on the depth chart


http://www.nfl.com/teams/chicagobears/depthchart?team=CHI


the funny part is how you guys are defending not having brandon lloyd

when you really don't have anyone else

"They said our best receiver was Brandon Lloyd and he isn't even on the team anymore"

lol
you can keep talking about how the bears have nobody on offense or think they won't do much, but whats funnier is that you're just sour that you are stuck with Rosenfels and Jackson. Having a shitty qb will be the vikings demise.

[CNStars17]

you can keep talking about how the bears have nobody on offense or think they won't do much, but whats funnier is that you're just sour that you are stuck with Rosenfels and Jackson. Having a shitty qb will be the vikings demise.

must be nice to say that about a different team.


I am so used to it at this point, between brad johnson, brooks bollinger, kelly holcomb, tarvaris jackson, gus, and Rosenfels

sucks ass

Kiper was talking about how Cutler is just a Jeff George clone

[BonesMahoney]

must be nice to say that about a different team.


I am so used to it at this point, between brad johnson, brooks bollinger, kelly holcomb, tarvaris jackson, gus, and Rosenfels

sucks ass

Kiper was talking about how Cutler is just a Jeff George clone

Brad Johnsons the man.

[Griswald]

must be nice to say that about a different team.


I am so used to it at this point, between brad johnson, brooks bollinger, kelly holcomb, tarvaris jackson, gus, and Rosenfels

sucks ass

Kiper was talking about how Cutler is just a Jeff George clone

Good argument. Fred was exactly right. Wonder how your view of Cutler would be if he was on the Vikings roster right now?

[zack54attack]

Good argument. Fred was exactly right. Wonder how your view of Cutler would be if he was on the Vikings roster right now?

I could probably paint that picture....

If the Vikes got Cutler

CNstars-- OMFG!!!!! *wets self* WE GOT CUTLER!!! The Savior! hahahahah to the NFC NORTH. We will Dominate now!!!! AP ALL DAY! Cutler to Berrian!! We finally got an OFFENSE... like seriously im sooo excited. Cutler is the next Brett favre, maybe even better. I'm thinking like 8 more pro bowls!!! Super Bowl here we come!


Probably something like that.

[CNStars17]

Good argument. Fred was exactly right. Wonder how your view of Cutler would be if he was on the Vikings roster right now?

i would be excited if we didn't trade our future for him


plus the vikings roster w/o cutler > the bears roster without cutlter


so it would make more sense for me to actually be excited...you guys have way more holes than just QB, and thus less reason to get excited

[Fred]

i would be excited if we didn't trade our future for him


plus the vikings roster w/o cutler > the bears roster without cutlter


so it would make more sense for me to actually be excited...you guys have way more holes than just QB, and thus less reason to get excited
lol. Here is the thing. With the that great roster the Vikes had, they still BARELY won the division, and still didn't do shit in the playoffs. The Bears are improved from last year and have an All-Pro QB to go with an upgraded line, and good rb. If their D plays better, which I'm optimistic they will since they got rid of that idiot d-cordinator, there is no reason for anyone to think the bears can't win the division. I know it's not something viking fans want to hear, but it's true. Any rational NFL would say that.

[TheRazor]

Just my opinion: Keep it in your pants Chicago

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsSpYLU7Ig0&feature=related


Chicago has systematically fucked with their quarterbacks.

As bad as Grossman played at times, and all the controversy between him and Orton
and the ever changing starter role, at least he was loyal. Now the Bears have traded
for Cutler, a cry baby who won't put up with the musical chairs Chicago likes to play.

TWO first round draft picks?! What an unbelievably lopsided trade.

This guy gave up on his team when change reared its head,
and thats exactly how the Bears were allowed to get him.

Good luck turning that bar slut into a lady.

Keep this in mind

2008 Losses:

Sep 28 DEN 19 @ KC 33
Oct 12 JAC 24 @ DEN 17
Oct 20 DEN 7 @ NE 41
Nov 02 MIA 26 @ DEN 17
Nov 23 OAK 31 @ DEN 10
Dec 14 DEN 10 @ CAR 30
Dec 21 BUF 30 @ DEN 23
Dec 28 DEN 21 @ SD 52

2007 Losses:

Sep 23 JAC 23 @ DEN 14
Sep 30 DEN 20 @ IND 38
Oct 07 SD 41 @ DEN 3
Oct 29 GB 19 @ DEN 13
Nov 04 DEN 7 @ DET 44
Nov 25 DEN 34 @ CHI 37
Dec 02 DEN 20 @ OAK 34
Dec 13 DEN 13 @ HOU 31
Dec 24 DEN 3 @ SD 23

2006 Losses: (he started 5 games)

Dec 03 SEA 23 @ DEN 20
Dec 31 SF 26 @ DEN 23
Dec 10 DEN 20 @ SD 48



below .500 career = loser

[Prodigy3]

I love the hate...

All I know is I got Forte and Cutler in my backfield now.

We are straight and waaay better off no matter how you all feel or spin it.

[TheRazor]

Honestly, I wish he was still in Denver for one reason only:

That way, if by chance they made it to the playoffs and faced the Pats
we could whup their sorry ass. He is not a winning quarterback, period.

No spin

[Lochness54]

CNS your one salty motherfcuker. haha. Jealousy is a female trait didnt you know that? Bottom line is our team got better with Cutler. Did your team really get that much better with Sage? To say that your team was better than the Bears if neither of us had Cutler. I doubt it. If this trade didnt happen, Orton is and still is better than Sage no matter how hard you try to convince yourself.

[zack54attack]

i would be excited if we didn't trade our future for him




have you seen our recent offensive draft history???

[Lochness54]

Honestly, I wish he was still in Denver for one reason only:

That way, if by chance they made it to the playoffs and faced the Pats
we could whup their sorry ass. He didn't have a defense to help him be a winning QB, period.

No spin

Fixed. Pretty hard when you have one of the worst defenses giving up 28 ppg.

[Nephew E]

Honestly, I wish he was still in Denver for one reason only:

That way, if by chance they made it to the playoffs and faced the Pats
we could whup their sorry ass. He is not a winning quarterback, period.

No spin

13-1 when the defense allows 21 pts or less. what were you saying again?

[CNStars17]

Did your team really get that much better with Sage? To say that your team was better than the Bears if neither of us had Cutler. I doubt it. If this trade didnt happen, Orton is and still is better than Sage no matter how hard you try to convince yourself.

I never said the vikings got "that much better" with Sage, he was an upgrade, but a small upgrade. Thanks for putting words in my mouth.

And yes, if you compare the vikings and bears and leave out the QB position...the vikings are better at every positions. *waits for somebody to take this out of context*



and once again...i never compared orton and sage. Why would I?

[CNStars17]

have you seen our recent offensive draft history???

have you seen ours?

let me refresh you:

http://frankthetank.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/adrian-peterson-vikings-bears.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0eM39g22Kvf7D/610x.jpg

[Fred]

I love how people put the win/loss record squarely on his shoulders. Ya that's rational thinking. If anyone would understand that football is a team game, I'd expect it from pats fans. But oh well. I guess that only applies sometimes.

I guess we'll see how he does in chicago. until then I don't give a rats ass what anyone else thinks. For the first time in my life the bears have a bonafide starting qb. No qb controversy going into camp for once in a long time. The season can't start soon enough.

[Fred]

have you seen ours?

let me refresh you:

http://frankthetank.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/adrian-peterson-vikings-bears.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0eM39g22Kvf7D/610x.jpg
and with that great offense the vikes have still done nothing lol. btw, wtf are doing in this thread? It's a bears offseason thread, not a thread for you to come in and show off the vikings. you have a thread for that. do that in there. lol

[CNStars17]

then why are half the people in here talking shit about me?

[Fred]

for the reason i said. it's a bears thread, and you're bringing up the vikings. plus you're one of the biggest homers on this forums. thats why.

[CNStars17]

that burns



and i wasn't the first one to bring up minnesota

[Fred]

Just my opinion: Keep it in your pants Chicago

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsSpYLU7Ig0&feature=related

Chicago has systematically fucked with their quarterbacks.

As bad as Grossman played at times, and all the controversy between him and Orton
and the ever changing starter role, at least he was loyal. Now the Bears have traded
for Cutler, a cry baby who won't put up with the musical chairs Chicago likes to play.

TWO first round draft picks?! What an unbelievably lopsided trade.

This guy gave up on his team when change reared its head,
and thats exactly how the Bears were allowed to get him.

Good luck turning that bar slut into a lady.

Keep this in mind

2008 Losses:

Sep 28 DEN 19 @ KC 33
Oct 12 JAC 24 @ DEN 17
Oct 20 DEN 7 @ NE 41
Nov 02 MIA 26 @ DEN 17
Nov 23 OAK 31 @ DEN 10
Dec 14 DEN 10 @ CAR 30
Dec 21 BUF 30 @ DEN 23
Dec 28 DEN 21 @ SD 52

2007 Losses:

Sep 23 JAC 23 @ DEN 14
Sep 30 DEN 20 @ IND 38
Oct 07 SD 41 @ DEN 3
Oct 29 GB 19 @ DEN 13
Nov 04 DEN 7 @ DET 44
Nov 25 DEN 34 @ CHI 37
Dec 02 DEN 20 @ OAK 34
Dec 13 DEN 13 @ HOU 31
Dec 24 DEN 3 @ SD 23

2006 Losses: (he started 5 games)

Dec 03 SEA 23 @ DEN 20
Dec 31 SF 26 @ DEN 23
Dec 10 DEN 20 @ SD 48



below .500 career = loser

Look at the scores i've highlighted. Ya thats Jay Cutlers fault lol.

[Fred]

that burns



and i wasn't the first one to bring up minnesota
i didn't say you were.

[TheRazor]

Fixed. Pretty hard when you have one of the worst defenses giving up 28 ppg.

I stated a fact, you stated a "what if".

Thats what the 2009 Chicago Bears traded two first round draft picks for:
the unknown.

That is what draft day is like as well , the unknown. Who knows who will make it in the NFL, there have been plenty 1st rd picks that had heavy expectations and did not live up to the hype , the classic "bust".

All that being said, we do know some facts about Jay Cutler as an NFL starting quarterback. My case in point, he is a losing quarterback.

[Fred]

I stated a fact, you stated a "what if".

Thats what the 2009 Chicago Bears traded two first round draft picks for:
the unknown.

That is what draft day is like as well , the unknown. Who knows who will make it in the NFL, there have been plenty 1st rd picks that had heavy expectations and did not live up to the hype , the classic "bust".

All that being said, we do know some facts about Jay Cutler as an NFL starting quarterback. My case in point, he is a losing quarterback.
and i think thats why most bears fans don't see it as a lopsided trade at all. given Jerry Angelo's track record of drafting first round busts, and at least with cutler you are getting more of something known than another bust. Whether he lives up to the value of 2 first rounders is unknown. But from what he's shown so far so early in his career, I'd say he's on the right track.

I'd give up two first rounds for cutler any day of the week and twice on sunday, if it prevents Angelo from drafting another Rex Grossman, Michael Haynes, David Terrell, Cedric Benson, Marc Colombo again in the first round. Or trading those picks for more picks. This move is very out of character for this organization and GM. Obviously something wasn't working, its not like they messed with success here. They've been mediocre for the most part, other than the year they went to the SB. And they haven't had a QB since Sid Lukman.

[Griswald]

i would be excited if we didn't trade our future for him


plus the vikings roster w/o cutler > the bears roster without cutlter


so it would make more sense for me to actually be excited...you guys have way more holes than just QB, and thus less reason to get excited

You're an idiot. Yeah, we've NEVER had a decent QB in Chicago... no reason to get excited.

[Fred]

lol

[TheRazor]

13-1 when the defense allows 21 pts or less. what were you saying again?



best argument yet, didn't even realize that
Hmmmmmm,...

That is a very telling stat.

We will have to see if he continues that trend.
Thanks man, that changes things for me a little.

[CNStars17]

thing is...Kyle Orton wasn't Thaaaat bad, plus he was hurt. If i remember right you guys were happy with him before his injury

so, you trade him 2 first round picks and a 3rd round pick....to upgrade one position

[Fred]

thing is...Kyle Orton wasn't Thaaaat bad, plus he was hurt. If i remember right you guys were happy with him before his injury

so, you trade him 2 first round picks and a 3rd round pick....to upgrade one position
kyle orton isn't that bad, he's just not a QB who will win you games. He'll do enough not to lose them for you, but everything else has to go right that game for you to pull out wins. i dont know how many of those wins the bears got last season were in part because of the defense making plays, and special teams.

Cutler isn't that type of QB. Cutler can carry an offense, just like he's shown he can in devner. They were ranked second last year with a crappy RB. Cutler can be a franchise QB, Orton is a career backup, although i think he'll do solid in denver in the short passing game out of the shotgun. He ran that same offense at purdue.

[Fred]

thing is...Kyle Orton wasn't Thaaaat bad, plus he was hurt. If i remember right you guys were happy with him before his injury

so, you trade him 2 first round picks and a 3rd round pick....to upgrade one position
it's the most important position on the field lol. And it'll be the same reason why the vikings won't win shit with rosenjackson.

[Griswald]

I said it before, here's my argument:


If a GM was to be evaluated on two years of drafting, just looking at his 1st round picks - would he not be a successful GM if with just one of those picks he gets a pro bowl QB?
I mean, if Jay Cutler was a rookie this year, wouldn't you be happy to have drafted him in the first round - as he's turned out? Hell, I'm sure a lot of teams would even trade their next years 1st rounder just to move up in the draft and get him.

Like I've already said too, our 1st round picking has been terrible - easily the best thing we've gotten with that pick in my entire life. And wtf or who the fuck are the guys Denver is going to get? Better hope they're all-stars or this trade was totally lopsided - only not the way everyone is saying it is.


Jay Cutler >>>> Kyle Orton. lmao - this has gone TOO far.

[Fred]

whats funny is i kept hearing last season how Orton was mediocre at best, or sucks from a lot of posters on SG. Now that he's gone, all of a sudden he's a hell of a qb and shouldn't have been traded. lol

[Griswald]

whats funny is i kept hearing last season how Orton was mediocre at best, or sucks from a lot of posters on SG. Now that he's gone, all of a sudden he's a hell of a qb and shouldn't have been traded. lol

NO SHIT!! It makes me sick.

[Prodigy3]

Bears fans just look at this shit!!!

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80ced818


and these dudes telling us to not get excited?

He is what Rex Grossman wanted to be lol

I have never in my life witnessed a Chicago Bears QB make throws like this...while running!

I can't wait to see this in full effect navy and orange

[mtk91]

thing is...Kyle Orton wasn't Thaaaat bad, plus he was hurt. If i remember right you guys were happy with him before his injury

so, you trade him 2 first round picks and a 3rd round pick....to upgrade one position
Yeah he really wasn't that bad a lot of the time for Chicago... But....
kyle orton isn't that bad, he's just not a QB who will win you games. He'll do enough not to lose them for you, but everything else has to go right that game for you to pull out wins. i dont know how many of those wins the bears got last season were in part because of the defense making plays, and special teams.

Cutler isn't that type of QB. Cutler can carry an offense, just like he's shown he can in devner. They were ranked second last year with a crappy RB. Cutler can be a franchise QB, Orton is a career backup, although i think he'll do solid in denver in the short passing game out of the shotgun. He ran that same offense at purdue.

Ding ding ding. Orton would be great for Minne, where we just need someone to make a few throws here and there and not much else. That's not the case in Chicago, they need somebody that can help keep defenses honest, to keep the air attack alive, because Matt Forte is just one person lol.

I'd love to have Orton on the Vikings, but hopefully Sage can play at a similar if not higher level. I think Denver made a smart move (assuming that keeping Cutler wasn't an option). They have somebody to make the throws behind a great line, and the competition at RB this season will probably have somebody back there that is more than capable of keeping defenses honest.. Denver's just gotta work on that awful defense.. And it all starts in the trenches

[Griswald]

Yeah he really wasn't that bad a lot of the time for Chicago... But....


Ding ding ding. Orton would be great for Minne, where we just need someone to make a few throws here and there and not much else. That's not the case in Chicago, they need somebody that can help keep defenses honest, to keep the air attack alive, because Matt Forte is just one person lol.

I'd love to have Orton on the Vikings, but hopefully Sage can play at a similar if not higher level. I think Denver made a smart move (assuming that keeping Cutler wasn't an option). They have somebody to make the throws behind a great line, and the competition at RB this season will probably have somebody back there that is more than capable of keeping defenses honest.. Denver's just gotta work on that awful defense.. And it all starts in the trenches

I don't know.... you guys need someone who can stretch the field, just like we did. Orton is bad with that - real bad. Berrian will only ever be great if he's got a cannon arm throwing to him; not that he's not a good receiver, but he shines with the deep pass. To really exploit MN's weapons, you need a strong-arm QB, and honestly, I'm glad the Bears signed Cutler if only to keep him out of MN.

[HustlinOwl]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/04/04/anderson.death.ap/index.html

RIP

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -- Former Chicago Bears (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/bears) and Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman Ken Anderson (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/players/4508) has died of a heart attack at age 33.
Anderson's pastor, Dexter Howard of Life Harvester Church in Fayetteville, confirmed to The Associated Press on Saturday that Anderson died Friday night. Anderson was a minister at the church and was living in the Fayetteville area.
Anderson lettered for the Razorbacks from 1994-97 and played for the Bears in 1999.

[Lochness54]

I never said the vikings got "that much better" with Sage, he was an upgrade, but a small upgrade. Thanks for putting words in my mouth.

And yes, if you compare the vikings and bears and leave out the QB position...the vikings are better at every positions. *waits for somebody to take this out of context*



and once again...i never compared orton and sage. Why would I?

Did your team really get that much better with Sage?

That was a question. I never put words in your mouth.

[mtk91]

I don't know.... you guys need someone who can stretch the field, just like we did. Orton is bad with that - real bad. Berrian will only ever be great if he's got a cannon arm throwing to him; not that he's not a good receiver, but he shines with the deep pass. To really exploit MN's weapons, you need a strong-arm QB, and honestly, I'm glad the Bears signed Cutler if only to keep him out of MN.
Yeah, you've got a point. I mean I'd like a guy similar to Orton in some aspects (smart throws, calm), but someone that can also put some mustard on the quick slants and the deep outs.

I'll take the smarts for now though lol

[TheRazor]

Look,

I posted earlier with my opinions on the Cutler trade when I wasn't aware of his winning percentage in games where Denver's defense kept opposing offenses to three touchdowns or less (13-1). That is a very important stat.

If Chicago's defense can hold it down, it may prove to be quite an interesting season. I actually now think the trade was good for both teams, BUT heres the thing that bothers me the most:

In a nutshell, Jay Cutler basically quit on his team (and it wasn't even a contract year), period.
And I hate that bout him, or any athlete for that matter.

I hope, for the sake of Bear's fans, that this was not Cutlers defining moment.


Goodluck with your season Chicago (sincerely)

[Fred]

Look,

I posted earlier with my opinions on the Cutler trade when I wasn't aware of his winning percentage in games where Denver's defense kept opposing offenses to three touchdowns or less (13-1). That is a very important stat.

If Chicago's defense can hold it down, it may prove to be quite an interesting season. I actually now think the trade was good for both teams, BUT heres the thing that bothers me the most:

In a nutshell, Jay Cutler basically quit on his team (and it wasn't even a contract year), period.
And I hate that bout him, or any athlete for that matter.

I hope for The Bear's sake that this was not Cutlers defining moment.


Goodluck with your season Chicago (sincerely)
A couple of points.

-despite how "bad" the bears D played last year they held teams under 21 points in more than half their games. So it's a good sign, that at the very least he's going to a team who's D is better than denvers. I think they'll be very improved from last season just for the simple fact that the D cordinator was demoted and Lovie Smith is doing what he does best, calling the defensive plays.

-I agree that it was a bitch move the way Cutler went about getting out of Denver. With that said, everyone is at fault in that situation. McDaniels and the front office basically lied to him (depending on who's story you want to believe). Add to that the fact that they McDaniels said he tried contacting him via text. Seriously, text? Do people not meet face to face anymore?

Athletes for the most part are drama queens. It's the reason why guys like Randy Moss, TO, Etc...can bitch and moan, play when they want to, and yet teams will still pick them up. I think the thing the Bears have going in their favor is the fact that Cutler's family is from the Chicago area, so he grew up a bears fan. Maybe I'm a sucker but part of me thinks that Cutler is more inclined to work his ass off to play for his favorite team growing up. Also, the dude is just 25. I think he'll mature as he gets older.

[TheRazor]

A couple of points.

-despite how "bad" the bears D played last year they held teams under 21 points in more than half their games. So it's a good sign, that at the very least he's going to a team who's D is better than denvers. I think they'll be very improved from last season just for the simple fact that the D cordinator was demoted and Lovie Smith is doing what he does best, calling the defensive plays.

-I agree that it was a bitch move the way Cutler went about getting out of Denver. With that said, everyone is at fault in that situation. McDaniels and the front office basically lied to him (depending on who's story you want to believe). Add to that the fact that they McDaniels said he tried contacting him via text. Seriously, text? Do people not meet face to face anymore?

Athletes for the most part are drama queens. It's the reason why guys like Randy Moss, TO, Etc...can bitch and moan, play when they want to, and yet teams will still pick them up. I think the thing the Bears have going in their favor is the fact that Cutler's family is from the Chicago area, so he grew up a bears fan. Maybe I'm a sucker but part of me thinks that Cutler is more inclined to work his ass off to play for his favorite team growing up. Also, the dude is just 25. I think he'll mature as he gets older.

I agree with you 99.9%, good post.

Just do yourself a favor, slide away from the hype.

Randy Moss should not be in the same sentence as T.O. (not even close).
If he ever had a reason to cry, last season was it. That motherfucker
played decoy all season long, was making short catch and runs (down
the middle, mind you), blocked down field, and never complained.

Moss is a team player.

All that noise the media was making was bullshit.

(I know this isn't about the Patriots, but you dropped name)

[Fred]

I agree with you 99.9%, good post.

Just do yourself a favor, slide away from the hype.

Randy Moss should not be in the same sentence as T.O. (not even close).
If he ever had a reason to cry, last season was it. That motherfucker
played decoy all season long, was making short catch and runs (down
the middle, mind you), blocked down field, and never complained.

Moss is a team player.

All that noise the media was making was bullshit.

(I know this isn't about the Patriots, but you dropped name)
Not to make this a Randy Moss topic but I will say this.

-I never disliked Moss. Since he played most of his career for the VIkes I did see a lot of him. The only guy who stops Moss is Moss. I was hoping the Bears would have drafted him out of college. I do believe some of the stuff he did was overblown by the media, because of course drama and controversy sell.

-Moss isn't in the same sentence as TO for the drama they cause, maybe now. But prior to NE, Moss quit on his team before. He even admitted he did and said he only played when he wanted to play. That's not a team player. But like I said now, that's probably a different story because that bullshit won't fly in NE. Lets not kid ourselves and think that Moss is like Holt or Marvin Harrison. Moss has his rep for a reason.

-As far as what Moss was doing last season by playing decoy, blocking, going over the middle etc...He's just doing shit that most "complete" WRs do. It's good seeing him doing that, because that stuff was a knock on him before.

[CNStars17]

i think a lot of his maturity was due to just simply aging


and i think playing down in the shit hole was a wake-up call as well

[Fred]

i think a lot of his maturity was due to just simply aging


and i think playing down in the shit hole was a wake-up call as well
exactly. which is why all the bull-shit about jay cutler being immature and a baby is laughable. of course he's immature, he's a 25 year old all-pro qb lol. it doesn't mean he's going to be that way forever. John Elway was the same way.

[Fred]

Top 6 Funny Things About Jay Cutler (http://www.tremendousupsidepotential.com/2009/04/top_6_funny_things_about_jay_c.php)

I LOL @ no. 5. Especially Manning's quote "It was a bad audible on our part," Manning said. "I think we were thinking right, trying to get the cellphone. Then we realize, the guy gets insulin shots. We missed that."

[Prodigy3]

most bear fans would never have uttered such a thing before the arrival of Cutler, but not only do we get a good QB we save loot in the process.

look at the salary cap impact of the Cutler trade:)

Oddly, the Bears now have more salary cap space in the short-term than they would have were it not for the trade. Cutler has a lower cap number in 2009 than Orotn would have. And the Bears will have to spend less money to sign their rookie classes in each of the next two years after giving up the first-round picks. That money gets transferred from the rookie pool to the general salary cap to be used on veteran players.

Yes, Cutler ($1.035 million) will actually count slightly less against the Bears' salary cap in 2009 than Kyle Orton would have ($1.095 million). The reason, for you cap enthusiasts: By NFL cap rules, only Cutler's base salary travels with him to Chicago. The remaining proration from his guaranteed money remains on Denver's books


http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcnorth/0-10-33/Revisiting-the-cap-impact-of-the-Cutler-trade.html

[Prodigy3]

Awww...its 'Jay's 1st day'

http://www.chicagobears.com/multimedia/multimediapopup.asp?mm_file_id=1406&play_clip=Y&rn=17

[mtk91]

I heard Plax might end up in Chi-town.... Shit

But if he's in jail it won't matter obviously

[Fred]

i hope they don't do that. that guy is a douchebag.

[mtk91]

But he's a good douchebag

[Prodigy3]

Look,

I posted earlier with my opinions on the Cutler trade when I wasn't aware of his winning percentage in games where Denver's defense kept opposing offenses to three touchdowns or less (13-1). That is a very important stat.



Here's some more numbers crunching for you...from the Bears message board.


"Last year, WITH A DOWN YEAR ON SPECIAL TEAMS AND DEFENSE, the Bears ranked 1st in average field position, with a 33.48 Yd. line average.
HOWEVER, we ranked 27th in Drive Success Rate with a .620 Percentage.


The Broncos ranked dead last in average field position, with a 25.85 average
And, to our great pleasure, Jay Cutler headed the offense with a .741 drive success percentage, 4th best in the league


The Broncos only had 164 drives to the Bears 198
The Broncos also ranked 1st in Yards Per Drive with 38.38, the Bears were 27th with 23.90


So, on less attempts, with more yards to do, Jay Cutler converted more drives into points, and gained more yards per drive. Even if we account for the 10 yard diffenrece, we would have a 28 yard average per drive, which would put us around the opposing 39 Yard Line!

The Drives statistic directly tells me what kind of a difference Chicago's defense will have on Cutler, and vice versa. We get WAAYY more stops than they do, and Jay will reap the reward.


Also, Jay Cutler directly ranked 2nd in 1st downs with 222, ten shy of #1,NO's Drew Brees, who had 175 drives!
By contrast, Kyle Orton was 20th with 141 first downs on 198 drives!


Where Denver is not superior is in the turnover category. I attribute this to Jay having to do more with less in terms of drives and yards to attain. He WAS the Broncos, they went as he went. Thats where the rediculous 13-1 when defense holds 21 and under stat comes from. He's 17-1 when the defense holds 22 points and under.

The Bears held 9 teams to 22 points or less last season, 3 of those games were losses."


I'm am estactic and can't wait to see the effect of Cutler along with the Bears sp teams and solid defensive play.

[Fred]

Orlando Pace lobbies for former teammate Torry Holt to join Chicago Bears (http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/huddleup/2009/04/orlando-pace-lobbies-for-former-teammate-torry-holt-to-join-chicago-bears.html)

Future Hall of Fame left tackle Orlando Pace, now a member of the Bears, wouldn't mind luring ex-St. Louis Rams teammate Torry Holt to Chicago.
"I spoke to Torry," Pace said. "It's funny he just probably at my house a few days before I even came here. I think he's just out searching. I'm probably recruiting him in Chicago here. And hopefully it works out."
Holt, 32, is one of the top veteran receivers on the market after being released by the Rams last month. He has visited both Jacksonville and Tennessee without agreeing to a contract.
The Bears haven't ruled out adding a veteran receiver, and Holt and Bears coach Lovie Smith have a relationship dating back to Smith's days at the Rams defensive coordinator


Man, I still can't believe the Bears may actually have a legitimate, balanced offense this season. It's like the entire culture has changed.

[mtk91]

New jerseys are in order

All white, with Cristal colored names and numbers

[Prodigy3]

have any of you guys heard of this?

Why Chi? getting its own website

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/columns/story?columnist=jackson_scoop&id=4054014


Because the words "upscale" and "sports" don't mix here.


Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.


Because our players only cry after winning.



Because of Walter Payton.



Because we just won the Jay Cutler sweepstakes.



Because as far as we're concerned, there is still no team in the history of the NFL that could beat the '85 Bears.


Because what Green Bay calls a "tundra," we simply call "a football field."



Because we use our brown paper bags for sneaking booze into stadiums, and we don't use them to show we're embarrassed of the team we came to see.



Because we nurtured a Rose from concrete.


Because we'd rather build a spaceship inside of our football stadium than do what the Yankees did to theirs.



Because on any given day, at any given sporting event in the city, Oprah or Obama could be sitting next to you.



Because of what Devin Hester is about to do this season.


Because no one gives the term "ride or die" more meaning when it comes to sports teams than us.


Because we got Mike Ditka, fool.

[Griswald]

Yeah man, I instantly bookmarked it. I love the site.... it's the only sports site I need.

ESPN Chicago (http://espn.go.com/chicago/index)

[Fred]

ya i saw this go live yesterday. pretty cool, but it's all AP type stuff for the most part. I'll check it out about once a day but will still visit other more local news sites for team stuff. IF they keep having local guys like Jeff Dickerson doing blogs, i'll definitely read it more.

[Fred]

preview from Dickerson on all the games for next season

http://espn.go.com/chicago/columns/blog?name=dickerson

[Prodigy3]

man I hope we don't lose four in a row like that.

I think we'll be 10-6 at the worse.

[Prodigy3]

Cutler at practice

nice vid

http://www.chicagobears.com/multimedia/multimediapopup.asp?mm_file_id=1412&play_clip=Y&rn=0

[Griswald]

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=5799

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg173/nate40la/knox.jpg

Speedy Knox excels on Day 2 of Bears rookie minicamp

By: Larry Mayer | Last Updated: 5/2/2009 8:27 AM

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Fifth-round draft pick Johnny Knox, a wide receiver from Abilene Christian, stood out on Day 2 of Bears rookie minicamp, catching four passes during 7-on-7 drills Saturday.


Rookie wide receiver Johnny Knox performed well in Saturday's practice.
Knox snared throws from Drew Weatherford in the right flat, over the middle and near the right sideline. The 5-11, 185-pounder also caught a pass from C.J. Bacher on a quick out along the left sideline.

Like Knox, other skill position players looked sharper on Saturday than they did on Friday.

“Day 2 was a lot better than Day 1,” said coach Lovie Smith. “You always want it to be that way. Some of the guys are starting to stand out a little bit. You normally notice some of the skill players. The quarterbacks threw the ball fairly well, the receivers caught some balls and we’re making progress with our secondary. Camp is set up more for the skill guys, so it’s good to see them do some good things.”

Defensively, cornerback Marquis Hundley, a tryout player from Arizona, intercepted a Bacher pass and returned it for what would have been a touchdown. Safety Al Afalava, a sixth-round pick from Oregon State, broke up a pass intended for tight end Kenneth Zacharie, a tryout player from Louisiana-Monroe.

Learning curve: Mastering a playbook they just received on Thursday no doubt is the greatest challenge for the Bears rookies.

“I was actually telling everybody that was texting me [asking] how it’s going, I was like, ‘Man, that playbook, that’s the only thing I can talk about,’” said wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias, a third-round pick from Oklahoma. “But I think I’m picking it up well. I’m starting to get more of an understanding.”

Iglesias knows that practicing at full speed without a firm grasp of the offense isn’t easy.

“It’s hard, especially being in front of these coaches for the first time and just being in front of everybody for the first time,” he said “You’ve got a lot of things going through your mind, but that’s just trying to be a professional and going out there and trying to perform.”

Special guests: Bears quarterbacks Jay Cutler and Caleb Hanie watched Friday’s practice, and wide receiver Devin Hester viewed Saturday’s session.

“Of course, the door’s always open for them to stop by,” Smith said. “They want to see what some of their possible teammates look like. Jay is blending in and has become one of the guys, just showing support as much as anything for some of the guys, and Devin’s a gym rat. He got a good workout in on his own. This is a day that the [veteran] players are off, and he’s out here working out trying to get better.”

Internet sensation: When third-round pick Jarron Gilbert posted a video on YouTube of himself jumping out of the shallow end of a swimming pool, he never dreamed that he would become such an Internet sensation. The video has garnered more than one million views.

“I put it on film so people would understand exactly what I meant about jumping out of the pool,” said the rookie defensive lineman. “I really put it up so my mom and some of my teammates [could see]. I had no idea people were going to get their hands on it the way they did.”

[mtk91]

Lol Al Aflava what a goofy name

[Griswald]

Lol Al Aflava what a goofy name

He was my least-favorite draft pick... not just because I'd get sick of pronouncing his name either.

[Prodigy3]

Official 1st picture
Cutler in Bears Uni!!!:jawdrop:
its true

http://www.chicagobears.com/userfiles/image/default/Cutlerinuniform_inside050609.jpg

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=5810
“He has amazing arm talent,” Hamilton said. “He can make all the throws with ease. What a lot of people don’t realize about Jay Cutler—and I didn’t realize this about him prior to him joining the Bears—is that he’s a really good athlete. He has extremely quick feet.

“Not often do you see quarterbacks who can make the tough throws without their feet being in a perfect position, and he’s one of those guys. That’s not something that you can teach or work on out on the field during a drill session. That’s just a gift that he has the ability with his arm talent just to make some amazing throws.”

[Griswald]

Still doesn't seem real.

Cutler photos in a Bears uniform (http://www.chicagobears.com/photos/index.asp?SECTION_ID=280)

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg173/nate40la/cutler3.jpg

[Fred]

the season can't come soon enough.

[ShimSham]

Yeah, that first game between us is going to be nuts.

On one hand I'm glad it's on MNF because that assures I'll get to see it.

On the other hand, that means I have to wait an extra day.

On a deformed third hand, I'll be able to enjoy the opening day games more because I won't have to worry about what the Packers are doing.

[Griswald]

Yeah, that first game between us is going to be nuts.

On one hand I'm glad it's on MNF because that assures I'll get to see it.

On the other hand, that means I have to wait an extra day.

On a deformed third hand, I'll be able to enjoy the opening day games more because I won't have to worry about what the Packers are doing.

It's a Sunday night game... and it's going to be intense.

[Prodigy3]

i can hear it now..."Cutler drops back, Hester's behind the safety, unloads the cannon TOUCHDOWN BEARS!!

[ShimSham]

It's a Sunday night game... and it's going to be intense.
Whoops. Thought it MNF for some reason.

This means Kornheiser won't be ruining the game for me AND I won't have to wait an extra day. Win-Win.

[ShimSham]

i can hear it now..."Cutler drops back, Hester's behind the safety, unloads the cannon... HITS HIM RIGHT IN THE HANDS AND HE CAN'T BRING IT IN."

;) Fixed that up.

[Griswald]

;) Fixed that up.

But he wasn't talking about Berrian - he's with the Vikings now.