Thomas Jones isn't stupid. He knows he's capable of being the starting running back for just about any team in the National Football League. He also knows that there are at least four teams that will actively be searching for a starter at the position: both New York teams, Houston, Detroit (where Kevin Jones is apparently out half of next season).
I think I understand the case for dealing him, especially coming off a brilliant postseason which put his value at an all-time high. But if the Bears are to make a mistake with Thomas Jones, it should be to extend his contract an additional two years with a significant signing bonus. A fumble and another injury on sports' biggest stage was enough to prove that putting this shaky Ron Turner monster on the shoulders of Cedric Benson might be the kind of error that slingshots a Super Bowl team out of the playoffs.
Peter King reported that in the second half of the Super Bowl, NFL Films captured TJ getting in Grossman's face with a repeated plea of "Come on, Rex! Make a play!" The Bears haven't had a more under appreciated player since Neal Anderson with even me calling for the guy to be benched twice this season. The time has come to put the criticism in our backpockets and open the check book.
It's this simple, Jerome Angelo. 20 has earned 32's contract and nobody - not the players, not the fans, the media - will criticize you for rewarding a darn good football player. Letting him go...that's another story.
Addendum to Lovie en rose: I'll keep linking articles from around the country when they pop up. The Daily News has Lovie coaching the Giants in 08.
#2 Al in WI said . . .Vote Rex Grossman for President of the United States.....if he gets elected, our QB problem is solved!
February 25, 2007
#3 Midway Monster said . . .Have to agree with the post, we need to keep Jones around for insurance if nothing else. I think the offense will work best next year with Benson as the lead back softening up the defenses and Jones comming off the bench. But Ced is just too unproven to trust by himself.
February 25, 2007
#4 jdawg said . . .Yeah bud, keep Jones!
--Midway--
(lookin for the Packer fan who pushed Megan as we can kick his a$$)February 26, 2007
#5 Max said . . .Rumor is that Denver wants Jones and has two third-round picks on a hook dangling in Angelo's side of the pound. If this is true Jones will be a Bronco and we will have three third-round picks this year.
Its funny how little trade value running backs have. Unfortunately for Jones he's on the wrong side of 20 to expect to be shown the big money.
Well, I think free angency is less than a week away so we should know something soon.
February 26, 2007
#6 Pissed off said . . .Keep TJ. . . although 3 third round picks in the draft would also be nice. but keep TJ. He is a true Chicago Bear
February 26, 2007
#7 jeff said . . .As you all know I was a TJ supporter all year, and a bit of a downer on Benson (compared to TJ that is). And all (OK some of you) you guys told me its Bensons time, well whaddaya think of me now? I think we should pay him. Three third round pics is nice but I'd rather have TJ for now. Maybe thats not the case a year from now but right now I'd rather have him on the team.
Seriously, pay Lovie, I dont think he has a big head. If the deal doesnt get done the Bears are just going to have to pay him more next year to keep him than if they signed him this offseason. I say that because I think we are in for another stellar season this upcoming year. But I do think that if they dont sign him now, he will surely be gone after next season.
February 26, 2007
#8 beardown1982 said . . .my mea culpa is above PO'd...
February 26, 2007
#9 Al in WI said . . .If we do keep TJ for next year...I don't think there is much of a chance we sign him after 07-08. Unless Benson has a terrible injury next season, the Bears won't break the bank for Jones upon free agency. Not with Benson already making buku money. Might be smart to let him go now and get some value for him. You can still get some good talent in the third round.
Is AP still around next year? He is a capable back, he could spell Benson at times. (of course, he is no TJ, but he can be productive)
February 26, 2007
#10 Megan said . . .Draft picks are nice but they're a long term investment. The only way I would consider trading Jones is for another skill player from another team. I think we could really use another Wide Reciever, or Tight End. So I would be willing to see Jones go if we could get a Joey Porter, or Chris Chambers in return. I don't know how likely that would be, but that is the only senario which I would be willing to part with Jones.
I think if the Bears are serious about sticking with Grossman, it's time to invest in a better supporting cast. I mean Moose is the top WR and he wouldn't have even been a starter on any of the teams we played in the playoffs.
In a perfect world we could extend Jones, and do some shopping for a skill player at the same time.February 26, 2007
#11 Max said . . .Keep TJ, It's all about PO'd anyway, isn't it?? ha ha just jiving you PO'd.
But seriously, keep TJ, I think he can pull through in a pinch and our offense needs that right now.BTW, hard cast on, no surgery needed. That's the good news, bad news, gotta keep off of it for two weeks. Ugh, I'll be answering telephones and call lights for the next two weeks. I hope my percocet perscription holds out, but Midway has had quite a few himself. AND I didn't get a colored cast@!? I was looking for Bear colors but nooooooo. They told me to get colored sharpies.. So, what would you guys put on my cast if you were able to sign it??
XXOO
MeganFebruary 27, 2007
#12 Midway Midget said . . .AP is locked up for another only 1 or 2 more years. He signed a 3 year extension when we drafted Benson. I'd like to keep him around for a good while longer too and he wouldnt be as much as TJ
February 27, 2007
#13 Bill said . . .Fuck it, let Jones play QB.
February 27, 2007
#14 Pissed off said . . .Megan - I'm the first to "sign" your cast. Let's see - how about the obvious:
Bear down, Megan!
BillFebruary 27, 2007
#15 Midway Monster said . . .Jeff, now if I can only get you to come around on Grossman.......I think you might about the middle of next season.
Megan, I'd draw some pornographic pic on your cast if I could, j/k.
Al, I dont want Chambers (he had one of his worst seasons ever) and Porter tends to cause too much drama around the team. I do agree with your take though that I would trade TJ but ONLY for a skill player, just not the two you mentioned. I also will disagree with your Moose take. He hasnt put up the numbers he did a few years ago in Carolina when he was the best reciever in football but he still has a ton of talent and on any of the teams we played, with the exception of Indy, I think he could be a #1.
February 27, 2007
#16 Starbuck said . . .First to e-sign Megans cast:
"The Packer fan who pushed you pushed you well, and so may his bones rot in hell" - Midway
--Midway--
February 27, 2007
#17 Al in WI said . . .Let Jones go and take the picks while he still has value left. The only reason he was on the roster last season is that Angelo couldn't get a 2nd round pick for him in the off season last summer. Now that he is a year older, 2 third round picks seems like a fair deal. Besides, the RB position will not be the problem next year.
I think there have been some ominous signs at Halas Hall over the last three weeks or so. At least 4 coaches gone, including Rivera, and upper management can't get a deal done with a head coach that just took them to the Superbowl. If Smith does not get a contract extension this offseason, He Gone in '08. If Lovie is a lame duck coach next year, all bets are off. A survey of the tea leaves suggest that things will not be running smoothly next year unless some heads are removed from some proverbial asses.
February 27, 2007
#18 WindyCityPackerFan said . . .PO's,
My take on Chambers is that he is at least the "type," of reciever that Bears need. He has the speed to be a deep threat and the size to win the jump ball type battle down the field which the Bears do not have. Berrian has speed and can run by guys but doesn't have the jumping ability or strength to rip the ball away and turn an int into a completion. And in Chamber's defense he did have Joey Harrington, and a still injured Daunte at QB this year. But my main point is that I think the Bears need that type of player, and if not Chambers then at least someone with his skill set.
We'll have to disagree on Moose in two years he's about a 50-60 700 yard 5 or 6 TD guy who's getting older. That's just not enough from a number one guy and I think to get Grossman better you need to have dependable reciever who can occasionally bail him out.February 28, 2007
#19 Pissed off said . . .I've got 2 cents I'd like to throw in here....
The personnel and coaching issues will not change until upper management changes. Angelo and Phillips (two puppets attached to the strings of the great puppeteers the McCaskeys) will simply replace all of the disgruntled players with others.
Wasn't Thomas Jones released by a couple of other teams before the Bears started disrespecting him? They will look for other cast offs and hope they hit it big, in the likes of Ogunleye and Muhammed. I'm telling you guys...pass the hat and buy the Bears. A governing board of directors (or a group of youth football parents) could make better decisions for the team.
About Grossman...come on...he needs more than good receivers.
How about an offensive coordinator who doesn't have 'running a Big Ten football program into the ground' on his resume?
Hey, good luck.
As far as Jones, Lovie and Lance go, you've got to either make them happy or cut them loose now. In 2004 we kept a disgruntled Mike McKenzie for about 1/3 of the season...he became a locker room cancer.
Last year we traded Javon Walker to much criticism. You've got to give us credit for winning 8 when people picked us to win 3 or 4.
Great combine so far...I hate it when top guys (Brady Quinn, Ted Ginn Jr.(yeah, he's hurt)) elect not to workout. Hey sorry, can't make the pro workout days in South Bend or Columbus this year.
February 28, 2007
#20 mikebdot said . . .Al, we will have to disagree, I think you backpedaled a bit there on Chambers. After you mentioned his skills, you brought up Berrian who does the exact things you were looking for with the exception of ripping the ball away and turning an int into a catch. Really though, how often does that become a problem? Like once a year, if that, I dont see that as a real problem, plus Berrian is still young (3rd year?) and next year he'll be stronger and more adept to the offense. He's turning into the #1 while Moose is turning into a role player. I still like Moose and the fact that he's respected in the league and often commands a double team to free up guys like Berrian and Rash. I do like Chambers a lot and maybe I'm just bitter on him cuz I had him in fantasy and he had the worst year ever! God did he suck! I realize Joey Harington was in love with Booker and getting him the ball but who was throwing the ball to Chambers the last couple of years when Chambers put up big numbers? guys that are no better than Harrington.
February 28, 2007
#21 Max said . . .PO'd: Well, once a season with some QBs, but if Grossman continues to throw the ball up for grabs like he does, it's more like two or three times a game (see super bowl lowlights...). If he were to continue to do this, it wouldn't be a problem with a receiver that can go up and get the ball. This is why I wanted to see Bradley in there a bit more. Hopefully he'll be healthy this year...
Also, the Berrian TD catch against NO against a good corner could easily have been picked off. It was a very lucky play. Point being, I would much rather have a reciever go up and get the ball, rather than wait for it or rely on a perfect pass to catch it in stride. Berrian has really strong hands, but he needs some more size. I'd like to see him gain about 15 - 20 pounds. I think he could do that and not necessarily lose a step...
February 28, 2007
#22 Midway Monster said . . .Bradley and Berrian are basically the same type of receiver. Bradley's specialty really isnt out jumping a defender, hes a burner (Example: Jets game).
WindyCityPackerI think Urlacher and Kruetz demand too much respect in that locker room for anyone to be be cancerous. Besides Briggs is going to want his stock at the highest possible so he can cash in after this year.
In other news, it's my 21 first birthday today, and the coolest present I have received so far is a piece of a Rashied Davis San Jose Sabercat game-used jersey. Its only a little piece, but come on. . . its Rashied freakin Davis. Props to my brother
February 28, 2007
#23 Pissed off said . . .Happy Birthday Max. I recall my 21st brithday.... I think the earths crust was hardening back then...
--Midway--
(rehab)February 28, 2007
#24 mikebdot said . . .Mike, I will disagree with your New Orleans, Berrian catch debate. But to preface it I dont want to sit here and argue Berrians skills etc.( I think he is very good and getting better) To say that the pass would have been picked off by a good corner is false. It MAY be true, but if you watch the replay you will see that it was a very well thrown ball, probably out of the reach of a "good" corner. Fred Thomas either slipped, or got his feet tangled up with Berrian. (I cant remember which one)Thats why he fell and so did Berrian. Berrian was tremendous keeping his eye on the ball as he was falling and made the grab. Had the players not slipped, or got tangled up I think the pass was over the corners head and into Berrians hands for a TD anyway. No ones to say for sure what would have happened had Thomas/Berrian not slipped/fell but that should prove my point. So "good" corner or not, Thomas fell/got tripped up and Berrian made the play.
I just got out of rehab from my 21st B-day last week, even though I am 25. I puked on my sandals with no socks as I recall.....good times.
February 28, 2007
#25 Pissed off said . . .Bradley and Berrian are close, but Bradley has an inch on him and 13 pounds. That's all I'm saying. Bradley didn't play much at all this year and that's too bad, in my opinion. I think given the chance to go up and get deep balls Bradley has a better shot if the pass is off the mark.
PO'd: Fred Thomas sucks, that's my point. And he literally almost touched the ball...he was in ok position but didn't look back for the ball. I'm not saying the ball wasn't thrown well, I'm saying if the play is well defended there isn't much you can do...besides have a receiver that can go GET the ball, that is the great equalizer for a pass that isn't particularly well thrown. That's what makes good quarterbacks even better, especially just throwing your body around to get better position on the defender.
February 28, 2007
#26 Pissed off said . . .I wish Bradley got more time and opportunities too, when he's in there he looks good, but maybe the coaches are/aren't seeing something we are. Lets remember he was a number 2 last year. With the Bradley, Moose, Berrian, Rash combo, I'm fine but Bradley needs more opportunities, most times its like he was #4 after Rash.
Fred Thomas does suck....bad. I agree on your equalizer take.....but what team doesnt want a guy like Burress (my example) who can body the defenders and make grabs on bad balls. We have to roll with what we got or what we can get. These receivers you talk about (Chambers, etc.) are tough to get. We're not living in a fantasy world or else we'd have Manning at QB, LT at RB and ocho cinco at WR.
February 28, 2007
#27 Nicole said . . .Maybe mikebdot and Mark Bradley can go out on a double date with me and Rex.
February 28, 2007
#28 Nicole said . . .Hey Megan- sorry you're hurt. I'd sign your cast as "Crispie Queen" in dark blue and orange sharpies. :)
February 28, 2007
#29 Bill said . . .Happy 21st to Max.
Before you go out tonight, put two bottles of water and some advil by your bed. Have enough sense to drink one bottle of water before you go to bed and when you wake up tomorrow, take the advil and drink the other bottle.
Bottoms up!February 28, 2007
OK - this contract thing is getting absurd. ProFootballTalk claims that some Bears are talking to free agents and telling them not to come to the Bears (presumably because they are cheap).
At first glance, if that is true, it's an embarrassment and certainly makes it harder for the Bears to compete.
On the other hand - why would players under contract want to undermine their own team? The simple answer is because football players are not generally considered to be smart. But really - the better their team is, the better value even mediocre players have once their turn at free agency comes around. It's easier to find teams willing to overpay for a player from a winning team than one from a losing team.
Maybe I'd tell a good friend that the organization is such that you'd be better off somewhere esle - but in general I'd want my team to be as good as possible. And then take the money and run when my time is up.
Regarding Lovie - coudl he simply quit? I know he wouldn't - but couldn't he "retire" for a year (not get paid) and then be a free agent next year? Risky -since his rep woudl suffer - but if what I'm reading is even close to true, I'd be tempted.
Here's the thing that would get to me - and again, this assumes this is close to accurate. The money they have been offering Lovie is not much mor ethan the amounbt Saban TURNED DOWN when Angelo was talking to him.
Think about it - Saban turned out to be a failure; Lovie was a success - and yet they don't see any reason to pay him much more.
I've turned around full circle on this. First I thought "give him market value"; then I thought "it's the Bears money and Lovie hasn't shown he is a top tier coach yet". Now I'm saying that the Bears have been caught in a hypocrtical situation where they need to make the move to an equitable situation.
If I were Lovie's agent, I'd be doing just what he is - nothing. Another article points out the Bears fan convention is March 30 - what an ugly time that is shaping up to be!
February 28, 2007
Here at DaBearsBlog, you are free to kill us or the Bears as you so wish. You are not free, however, to be an asshole. So if you spew racism or ill-meaning foul language (cursing about football is just fine) or anything of that ilk, your comments ain't gonna last long, jerk.