Maybe I haven't given the Super Bowl loss enough air time but I'm going to try and move on. Here's how we at da site are going to roll on through the offseason which - believe it or not - began yesterday. If you haven't already, PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THE EMAIL THING down below. There's going to be weeks where the Bears won't be on your mind and by signing up, the posts will get sent directly to you.
Unfortunately the posts won't be every day. Just have to re-focus some of my energy on my actual writing profession. But have no fear! They will be quite frequent.
This week I'll wrap up the 2006 season as poignantly as possible and give everyone a chance to put their own punctuation mark on what was an incredibly entertaining season of football.
Next week we'll begin the great offseason debate. Free agency, trade market, draft...etc. What do we need? How do we get it?
I'm also going to write reactions to a host of football stuff outside of Chicago. So if you're not just a Bears fan, but an NFL fan, this'll be a cool place to come for a second opinion.
The draft is April 28-29. I'm planning something but not sure what. Stay tuned.
So you tell me...what do you need from me this offseason? I want this site to be the place you go when you need a little Bears all year long. Tell me what you're looking for.
#2 Pissed off said . . .Whoever said "Damon Huard" is freakin' brilliant....no, I'm serious, there is no sarcasm there.
I say, bring in one free agent, draft a QB, and let them and Rex duke it out for the top spot.
We need O. line. Get rid of Miller. Just cut him, straight up. Don't particularly like Garza much. Brown is free agent, yes? Not sure what I think of him. I think we need a new group. They're all getting old...
Our defense is superb, except for Chris Harris and Hunter Hillenmeyer. (I don't care if he made ONE play against Seattle). Get new people in those positions. Did Todd Johnson play on Sunday?
Keep Briggs.
Fire Turner. Period.
February 6, 2007
#3 Pissed off said . . .Huard looked good when he played, however you dont run the team and thank God for that! We have Griese.....thats why we got him.....if Rex isnt the answer then they will put him in.....and then everyone will be calling for Rex by mid season cuz Griese or Huard or Garcia will suck. Its a never ending cycle. Why would we want to pay Huard, or any QB for that matter when we have Rex and Griese(whos supposed to be the kick ass backup if Rex is bad). We need to use our money for Briggs and others not for more poeple to sit on the bench and suck.
February 6, 2007
#4 Bill said . . .Its not a endless money tree that we can just sign who we want all year. Hmmmmm Huard/Garcia or Briggs or Hmmmmm Huard/Garcia or offensive line. I think I'll take Brigss and O-line help before I pay a shitty backup QB in free agency.
February 6, 2007
#5 Coxy said . . .I think we can all agree that there is no point in spending for a free agent QB. Briggs and the O-line are priorities - and maybe a safety if one is available.
In the draft - TE? I like Clark but if we can get a great one then Clark becomes a very good 2nd TE.
February 6, 2007
#6 Midway Monster said . . .I say we trade for this guy Ladainian Tomlinson from the Chargers. He seems to be pretty good. I am thinking Orton and a fourth round draft pick.
February 6, 2007
#7 jdawg said . . .'So you tell me...what do you need from me this offseason? '
Someone talk me of this ledge.
--Midway--
February 6, 2007
#8 Megan said . . .Greise was brought in for one reason and one reason only -- insurance in case Grossman got injured.
The only thing Grossman proved this year beyond a doubt is that he can take a lick -- now he needs to learn how to fucking avoid one.
I remember him being much shiftier in the pocket. Didn't he blow out his knee on a scramble for a touchdown against the Vikes? Let's hope Turner and/or Wilson can fix him above the shoulders and Rusty Jones can fix him below the waist; and I don't mean balls, unless Jones can shrink them to prevent more boneheaded throws.February 6, 2007
#9 Phil from SATX said . . .Jeff,
Keeping up to speed on NFL draft/training camp stuff sounds good. Also keeping up with trades.. etc. I seem to come here when I hear the rumors fly about who does what to whom with what, and get confirmation here. This is a trusted source of info re: Bears/NFL
Here are my thoughts...
No, don't get another freakin' QB in free agengcy or draft. Stop it all of you before I bitch-slap each and every single one of you. It makes NO sense to do that. Fiscally or otherwise. Use that mola to cover Lovie/Briggs. We need to put a little pressure on Rex to get his shit together with what we have. We need to work the O's play calling/design better Rex-happy plays. Cut the Freakin Long ball for a little while, short middle passes, runs, better protection from the O line.. Garza, yeah, wasn't to impressed with him.Before this post get's too long ( Don't wanna PO PO'd) The defense needs to heal, get Rivera the heck out of there. I just don't understand his scheme in the super bowl. We need to put a little spice/fire back in those boys, they looked very dejected and tired. They need to see a better O on the field for starters..
Midway, come back inside from that ledge, I have a nice hot cup of cocoa with a little something extra.. ;-)
k, I'm done.
XXOOFebruary 6, 2007
#10 Bill said . . .You're right Jdawg, it's a big difference - they knew Grossman was the guy but needed a reliable backup in case of injury that would avoid the situation they got in last year, when they had nowhere to go but the rookie Orton. Now it's a different need. It's not a backup in case of injury, it's a replacement in case of chronic incompetence - they need someone on the roster to be able to change direction in a hurry if need be. Based on their actions this year, I don't think they believe they have that guy, the Plan B. Maybe they can fix Grossman, but if not, they better be ready with a VIABLE alternative so next year is not squandered.
February 6, 2007
#11 StillersBears said . . .Read an article in the Sun-Times by Telander, and it gave me a contrary thought. I think we are all disappointed in the D being passive this game. But Telander talks about Manning describing how he picked us apart and carved us up etc. And in my mind I said "don't get too cocky, Manning. We held you to 22 points on offense." And then it hit me. (stay with me - this sounds weird, but maybe not.)
Our game plan was to limit Manning's possesions - not necessarily the number of plays. The offense didn't do their share, but the defense was calculated to avoid the big play. Except for one play (Manning said the Bears were playing two defenses on that play, some in Cover 2 and some in man. What he didn't say is that it only happened once. So for all his attempts at confusing us, he only succeeded once.)
The rest of the time I'm saying we stayed disciplined and did what Rivera set out to do. Come on - how many of us REALLY expected them to score less than 22 points?
The Colts were the better team, but better teams can be beat. More ball control on offense may have led MAnning to get careless and impatient. (After all, when did he throw his INT? When we jumped out to an unexpected lead thansk to Hester. )
So the game plan on D may have worked had the offense been able to drive better. (Which makes the 2nd and 1 play call even more stupid.) And had Rex not turn into the impatient QB.
Maybe I'm nuts, but if/when Rivera gets his interview this week, I'm sure that's the story he tells the Cowboys. The defensive plan was solid given who we were playing; we held him to 22; we just needed the offense (running game) contribute more and we'd be in position for an upset.
Don't be surprised if that's enough to get him hired.
February 6, 2007
#12 Megan said . . .Rex should be on notice. Only exceptional QB's in exceptional circumstances get a chance to return to the big dance and win it (Elway). Homeboy has a long way to go to get in that rarified company. You will know in 24 months whether he is up to the challenge and that is what stinks. You will know not based upon the Bear's overall record but on his consistency. Indy could wait 9 years for Manning but people like Phil Simms and Troy Aikman have already chimed in on their opinion of Rex. He is "the weakest link" and we will see if the heat in the kitchen makes him tougher and more prepaired. He may need a shrink by the time we are done with him but he has brought that upon himself by his arrogance.
Roethlisburger and Brady were brought in to put a little pressure on underperforming staters and it worked out well for the Steelers and Pats.
Great Season, tragic ending but I'm calming down. I would describe my anger now as homicidal rage.
Rex's dad is an annoying stage mom. He needs to go back to the Indiana rock he crawled out of and dissapear. maybe he should go hang out with his buddy Archie Manning and gamble
February 6, 2007
#13 Phil from SATX said . . .Bill,
Interesting article. I was happy that the D held the Colts O to 22, but it just seemed like the D was frustated, especially on 3rd downs. And, one of the big problems was the fact that the Colts O kept converting on 3rd downs. Also, the run. The Bears just could not stop Addai, he kept running and buring the clock.
February 6, 2007
#14 Bill said . . .Holding them to 22 points should have won this game. 7 points of that was a pure gift. If we are lucky enough to see them again next year, whoever is the defensive coordinator will likely use a similar strategy, although mixing it up more. It is our offense that needs to be ready to take advantage of short fields that happen when teams adjust to Devin Hester. To understand that when your defense is beat, put in plays to move the chains, not to win it all with one play. Not to beat a dead horse, but can you believe that offensive performance was after 2 weeks of preparation? Sure wasn't TJ's fault, though. Let's use our endless pot of dough to resign him and keep the 2 headed monster, together with a QB and offensive coordinator who know how to put a game plan in place for the SUPER BOWL that can deliver more than 10 points.
February 6, 2007
#15 jeff said . . .I suggest everyone read Gregg Easterbrook's article today. (He would disagree with me on the defense - but I do stand by the overall feeling that they were hoping to hold the Colts to around 20 points, which they did.)
The real shame he points to is exactly what we're saying - RUN when it's raining!! Or short "run-like" pases. He also chides them for the 2nd and 1 call; he also says Rex pumped on the INT but then seemed to assume the corner bit rather than checking first.
He also takes them to task for essentially giving up after Rex's second INT - as though they were trying to pad his stats rather than pull something out, no matter how unlikely. Excellent point. Rex's rating was about 65; I wonder what it was before the last "drive" or two?
February 6, 2007
#16 mikebdot said . . .i keep hearing, "the defense needed to get off the field on third down." why?
February 6, 2007
#17 mikebdot said . . .Re: #15 Jeff
So the offense could still be warm and dealing punishment to their d-line.
To get Hester onto the field in front of the 20 yard line
To make my blood pressure decrease...
:)
February 6, 2007
#18 Bill said . . .to frustrate manning
to allow 22 or 15 or 9 or 6 or 3 less points than 22
February 6, 2007
#19 mikebdot said . . .Peter King in SI's web site today:
He say Grossman needs competition in camp (no arguement) but says not just from Griese or Orton. He says they need to do ONE of 5 opitions:
1. Davis Carr in a trade
2.Jeff Garcia in free agency
3. Dont' sign Grossman long term (no arguement - but how is that enough? That should go along with the one of the other 4 options.)
4. Get Jake Plummer or Damon Huard in trade or free agency. (Wait - that's two separate options isn't it? I'm now convinced that these internet articles go complelely unedited.)
5. (Or is it 6? Or is it really 5. excluding the "don't extend Grossman" option which is really a separate opinion.) Draft Troy Smoth in round one, even though King says he'd have "lots to prove". (So that helps us now? How??)OK - so Peter King can't count - and he thinks drafting a guy with lots to prove rather than someone who can start will make the QB situation better. And he thinks trading for or signing other QBs that failed elsewhere is better than trying the QB that failed elsewhere that we haven't tried and is locked up for 4 more years.
With no explanation.
Maybe that was blog response that Peter wrote and decided to publish it as an insigtful analyst's opinion instead.
February 6, 2007
#20 Bill said . . .PO'd: Look at Manning's second year stats and start thinking about when it would be ok to pull Rex from the lineup if he continues to have 55% completion percentage next year as well as similar TD/INT ratios. I posted earlier this year about Manning vs. Grossman's first year stats. Very similar, but Manning went 3-13...look at 1999 vs. 1998 up to 62% and rating of 90 (I know, I hate the stat, but he never went below 84 after year 1)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/stats?playerId=1428
Bottom line: I want someone in there in case he continues to complete 55% of his passes. Hopefully a new O.C. can come in and the offense will just work, but hope is not a strategy...see George W. Bush...
February 6, 2007
#21 Pissed off said . . .The difference between 55% and 62% if you throw 30 times a game is only 2 more completions. We can live with 55%; it's the turnovers and the breakdown under duress that is the problem.
Let's look at it this way - Griese was added in case Rex got hurt. well, mentally he IS hurt. If he doesn't heal, then we use Griese and develop Rex (and someone else.) We have maybe two more years of staying a contender - based on past results of most team other than NE - so we don't have time to develop another young QB.
February 6, 2007
#22 mikebdot said . . .Unfortunately Bill, post #4, we cant all agree, there are some here that want to spend big bucks on the like of Huard or Garcia....UGH!...oops I just threw up in my mouth a little.
Good call on Tomlinson Coxy, I think the Chargers would take Orton straight up.
Megan #12, I think you are referring to Rhodes rather than Addai running the ball. Rhodes was far more effective running than Addai but Addai had 10 freaking catches with more all purpose yards.
According to what you said Bill #18, Peter King doesnt know shit about the Bears situation financially or on the field for that matter or that we have other needs.
Mikebdot, Rex is not Manning nor ever will be, you cant compare thier stats. My point was simply that this is Rex's FIRST FULL YEAR. I expect his comp percent to go up and his rating next year and over the next few years. I've also said that if he is like this next year, (meaning soooooo inconsistent) I would like to see someone else too. I'm not saying keep him no matter what....I'm saying some of you are too harsh on him too early, give him a couple years people!!
Sorry this post is so long, I'm a hippocrite (SP)
February 6, 2007
#23 The Pack is Back said . . .Our schedule is harder next year. If Rex continues his recent struggles, we'll be 4-4 at best mid way through the season. That is unacceptable with the talent we have on this team. If that is the case we need to give another QB a chance to gel with the offensive talent that isn't Griese. Signing him for so long was a mistake...
It doesn't have to be Huard or Garcia, but Huard looked really sharp in the few games I caught of theirs. He should have started in the playoffs against the Colts.
Furthermore, if Rex isn't Manning, how close is he?
55 vs. 62 is a world of difference. Those 2 incompletions could kill two drives all by themselves. Sorry for being concerned about that...
February 6, 2007
#24 BRIANsong said . . .The defense didn't hold to 22. Indy decided to hold back at the end, that amounts to at least 3. They missed an PAT and an FG that should have been made despite the defense. That's 29.
February 6, 2007
#25 Pissed off said . . .you know PiB, if they don't score it...it doesn't count.
February 6, 2007
#26 Sweetness said . . .55 and 62 are not very different contrary to your thinking, see post #20. Also I know our schedule is harder next year but it was supposed to be hard this year and it wasnt. Thats becuase the NFC sucks, especially the North, and we got 6 wins right there. We could go 6-2 next year in the first half of the season with me at QB so dont try to play that card.
Also in case you didnt know the NFL is crazy, teams come from no where to be great and vice versa, who knows. When we first look at the schedule next year we can speculate what will be tough games but until we move along thru the season a little bit we have no idea where the tough or easy games are. Who thought Tennessee would be tough, who though Washington would suck so bad, ETC ETC
February 6, 2007
#27 Bill said . . .I agree with you, Pissed Off, on all accounts. Our schedule looks a little tougher next year, but you can never really tell with the NFC. We went 13-3 in the regular season against some tough cookies, with Rex playing like crap in more than a few of them. We also had some close calls against teams that just came from nowhere. Still, we found ways to win. That was the magic of our Bears this year... no matter how grim things looked, we found a way. That's the intangible that I hope returns next season, and it should if the core stays focused and consistent.
As for Peter King, the guy's a moron. He never seems to know what the hell he's talking about.
Lastly, about free agency/draft, if we're smart, we'll stay the course with Rex/Griese and let camp sort some things out. We make some acquisitions on OL, make Briggs a franchise player, re-sign Jones, and possibly draft a good tight end like Greg Olsen or Zach Miller. Clark is a good and consistent tight end, but bringing in another tight end would allow the Bears to run more Big and Jumbo packages that would open up the run, and provide short yardage threats which will eventually open up Moose and Berrian on the outsides.
And, just because I want to throw something crazy out there, maybe draft Chris Leak late and have him come into camp and breathe down Rex's neck. He did it once before, and it might just be crazy enough to work.
Or maybe I'm just insane.
February 6, 2007
#28 Bill said . . .I like PiB - he reminds me of SO many Packer fans I know.
One year the Packers came out with a season wrapup video called "Seven plays away" or something like that. They pointed to severn plays that woudl have won four more games that woudl have gotten them into the playoffs. (I am not lying about this - though I admit it was some time ago - probably before Favre.)
So if the Bears woudl have stopped one of the third downs, or intercepted another pass, or is they ran on 2nd and 1, or if Grossman completed one more pass, or didnt' throw the first pick, or if it wasn't raining, or if it was snowing instead, or if my Grandma had balls she'd be my Granddfather...
February 6, 2007
#29 Bill said . . .I hit "save it" too soon. What I mean, of course, is that the Bears DID hold them to 22 points. Missed FGs happen, even to an all-pro kicker. If other things had happened, the Bears might have won. But what happened atually happened. If they didn't happen, or if other things happened instead, then other things woudl have happened after that. It's impossible to say what the outcome woudl have been other than what actually happened.
February 6, 2007
#30 mikebdot said . . .Did I make myself clear - or has this season officially turend my old brain to mush? (My wife always accuses me of coming down with What's His Name's disease.)
February 6, 2007
#31 Bill said . . .I strongly disagree that we have two more years as a contender, especially only pointing to NE. How about Indy? How about Baltimore? I think we are THAT good. We have a young team on defense. They are awesome (less C.H. and H.H.).
The only older people on this team are the O-line and Moose. That's it. The rest of the core of our team has at least 5 years left together. Hell yeah.
February 6, 2007
#32 turatyclolo said . . .Mikebdot -
I hope you are right!February 7, 2007
Nice site keep it up!
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