Nobody at Halas Hall cares what I think. Not Jerry Angelo. Not Ted Phillips. Not Lovie Smith. But they should. Because my opinion on this matter should be their opinion on this matter. Alex Brown can help you win a world championship. A second round pick next April can't.
Why don't the Chicago Bears wake the fuck up and realize what's happening? You just played in a Super Bowl. So what do you do? Trade your best offensive weapon and piss off one of your best defensive weapons. Now you're considering trading a player who must be terrible if losing organizations like the Pats and Colts are interested.
At what point will the geniuses running our football team realize that the collection of players they had last season worked pretty well and the reason we didn't win the world championship was because of THEIR stubborn committment to a shitty quarterback? I don't mean to kill Rex and I support him as this team's starter, but the Bears didn't lose the Super Bowl for any other reason than #8.
The Halas Hall yard sale is over. Put the shit back in the garage and fire up the training camp barbeque.
#2 mikebdot said . . .I will try to not roll in any other opinions into my Alex Brown thoughts... *ahem* ... so, trading Alex Brown would be a very poor idea at this time. Alex Brown was a steal when we got him as he has developed into a consistent, reliable and durable cornerstone on our championship defense. He asked to explore trade possibilities, and imagine that, there are some takers. He has not thrown a fit like Lance, he's perfectly comfortable playing under the current contract this year. I think that the attitude he shows translates into considering a trade for him NEXT OFFSEASON. If the Bear Brass is so in love with Mark Anderson and, eventually, Dan Bazuin, then fine, let's get something for him next year. However, trading a starter off of our defense right now for a draft pick next year would be stupid. I strongly believe in building the future, but I also believe that we have a very serious 5-year window to fill our trophy case with some heavy hardware. If this trade rumor proves true, it would make the Rick Mirer trade feel warm and fuzzy by comparison.
June 11, 2007
#3 mikebdot said . . .You are so fickle. Trust the brain trust...don't trust the brain trust...trust the brain trust...don't trust the brain trust.
Alex Brown was a fourth round pick. He's played well, but wasn't in the top 50 in the league for defensive linemen in tackles. A rookie had more sacks at his position. He's a good player, but he isn't even one of our top 6 defenders. Urlacher, Harris, Peanut, Vasher, Brown, and Briggs are all better/more important. What the hell man, you can't keep the whole team. Briggs will probably play. Or else they are looking to get a DE for him? Hmmm...
Anyhow, just my two cents.
If Grossman has fixed his fundamentals issues, I have full confidence in him. But, the second I see him throwing off his back foot on a regular basis (it will happen sometimes) I will know at that point that our Super Bowl hopes are doomed.
Oh, and, of course, Thomas Jones was not our best offensive weapon. Our best offensive weapon is Olin Kreutz and our run blocking offensive line, who makes it seem that the running back is the best offensive weapon. It doesn't matter who is back there. Benson will be fine. Sure, he got hit by and unblocked Bob Sanders coming in at full speed during the Super Bowl and fumbled the ball. I'm not at all worried. Bob Sanders is an animal. Garrett Wolfe will be a great 3rd down back.
June 12, 2007
#4 jeff said . . .P.S. Of course, Mike Brown is the "Brown" I'm referring to as being better/more important...
June 12, 2007
#5 AfroCelt said . . .i've never said "trust the braintrust"...when they're right, i say yay. when they're wrong, i say nay. i only say trust them when it comes to the draft. as for the tackles argument, it's not good. he's in a rotation of four and five guys and that rotation is what made the unit so strong.
June 12, 2007
#6 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .I'm waiting for PO'd to come in here and give you a verbal whooping on that whole quarterback thing.
June 12, 2007
#7 mikebdot said . . .i respect his game but,he not burning up the field with his play,though he is a cheaper option than 'Wales.
I think the bright lights of Mark Anderson,has made Alex look dim.
I hate when this team finds a lil sucess an feel that they can plug anybody in an win.June 12, 2007
#8 Pissed off said . . .Decatur: When was the last time that happened? This year? They "plugged in" Mark Anderson, Devin Hester, Daniel Manning, Ricky Manning Jr., Rashied Davis
Jeff: Of course, we're the only team in the league that does that...
In my opinion, what made the unit so strong was the 6 guys who I think are, without question, better than the player in question.
I'm not denying that I like Alex Brown and wish he could stay, but sometimes that just isn't feasible. He wants out because of what they're doing to Briggs. He signed a contract. He should honor it.
June 12, 2007
#9 Pissed off said . . .Regarding Alex Brown if we can get something for the guy, I'm fine with it, we seem to be deep at DE but injuries kick our ass every year on defense and if Brown stays, he'll be used. On the other hand if he's happy with his contract, etc, why move the guy?
And yes Afro Celt I am holding myself back regarding the Rex comment, I guess Dan Marino, Peyton Manning, Joe Montana and the like all led their teams to and won super bowls in their first full year as a starter. I must have missed that. 7 games of QB rating over 100, thats pretty bad too I guess for a first year starter. But I guess if Jeff says he's the only reason we lost the super bowl then it must be fact. That long TD to Wayne where no one decided to cover him was Rex's fault too, he should have been out there playing CB. Whatever man, whatever.
June 12, 2007
#10 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .I cant wait for my first blog this season, you can guess what my main focus will be.....if he has a good game of course. I dont see that being a problem, I think #8 will be more consistent this year.
Do you know when I decided I want Rex leading this team and when I bought his jersey? When he found Rasheid Davis in the endzone deep in the 4th quarter, week 3, at minnesota which sealed a comeback victory. A game which I was at. He's not John Elway yet as far as comebacks are concerned but Elway didnt have the defense we had either.
June 12, 2007
#11 JB said . . .All I meant was his game is solid,but he doesn't make the same impact play Anderson has,unless it against the NY 'Jints.But atleast the guy can play inside which 'Wale hasen't done.
I hope Anderson wasn't the 1 season wonder,an they let Alex go.
They should keep the guy because he has the kinda contract the Bears like,
But there is good value for him as trade bait.
June 12, 2007
#12 Bearfan34 said . . .Trading him for draft picks doesn't help you win this year. Mark Anderson benefits by coming in and being a pass rush specialist...we don't know what kind of impact he would have as a full time starter and defending exclusive running downs. I don't debate the "ranking" of AB on our own defense, but what's wrong with keeping him this year, winning the SB, then trading him away for the '08 draft when we're picking 32nd? The only reason to move someone at this time of the year is if you no longer see the person in your future plans, and AB is in the plans. And not to take away anything from Mark Anderson, because I like him a lot, but some of those sacks were cheapies, unabated to the QB basically. Let's hold off on casting a bronze for Mark Anderson until at least next year.
June 12, 2007
#13 Rancid said . . .I enjoy this blog, but I don't know if I can take the Rex bashing all the time.
Do you remember these QB's?
Cade Mcnown
Jim Miller
Shane Matthews
Henry Buris
Kordell Stewart
Chris ChandlerRemember those days? I think I'll stick with the QB from Florida, that led us to the SUPER BOWL! Also, take into consideration this was his first full year as the starter!
Next, why not trade Alex Brown? How about this guy.......Mark Anderson ( What a rookie season!) Alex is mediocre, we Bears fans have never faced that fact. Mark's more of a physical threat on the line, and he's much quicker. I support Alex Brown, but I think Mark Anderson's the real deal.
I do not want to see Alex's situation turn into another Briggs deal!
As Always,
Bear Down!
June 12, 2007
#14 beardown1982 said . . .Not Now. There are too many ifs. Without Brown we'll be fine at DE if:
1. Wale stays healthy
2. Anderson has another 12 sack year
3. Bazuin lives up to his draft position
The bears office always gives their bullcrap "we'll trade if it makes us a better team" line with Briggs. Well this trade doesn't make us a better team. Brown's contract has to be one of the best bargains in the league, and he is not being a dick about it. There's a big difference between demanding a trade and just asking for one. Brown has said that he will play in Chicago this year and give 100%. If Brown is worth a good pick now, he'll be worth more when he's wearing a big fat ring next year. Keep him one more year, keep the depth and rotation strong, and don't screw it up trading for picks.June 12, 2007
#15 Pissed Off said . . .Although Rex killed our chances late in the Super Bowl of coming back to pull the thing off...I blame our D for not geting off the field and Turner for not trying to establish the running game with a downpour the entire game. But, it's in the past now, we have a chance in '07.
Which is exactly why it would be dumb to trade Alex now. Although, this is when you can get the most for him, D-Line depth is very important to this team. Anderson hasn't proved he can do much against the run due to his lack of size, and 'Wele is still a bit injury prone. Don't give up Alex yet....he can still be a valuable part to a defense which can lead us back to the Super Bowl. Maybe next offseason, it may be time to consider some trades for AB, but not now.
June 12, 2007
#16 jeff said . . .Amen to Bearfan34, Amen brother!
June 12, 2007
#17 Al in WI said . . .i was convinced Bearsfan34 was PO'd..
June 12, 2007
#18 JB said . . .Amen to Po'd and Beardown82, I just love how people are able to rewrite history about these things all the time. If you’re honest and take a fresh look at the SB, Rex was maybe the 4th or 5th reason we lost the game. The number one reason was the game plan on both sides of the ball that was too conservative. The number two reason was offensive line having its worse game of the year, Rex was under constant pressure and the running was non-existent except for two long runs. The number three reason was the defensive line getting no pressure on the qb and getting gashed for 200 yards rushing. Number four is tie between Rex failing to bail us out, and the secondary blowing coverages and missing tackles.
Is Rex blameless? No, but he didn't lose the game, what is true is that he failed to bail us out of a game we had no biz being in at that point.
At some point people have to come to grips with the fact that we were out-coached and out-played in that game and at least on that day were not the better team.
PS I do agree with the main point that we not trade Alex Brown until after the season when or if we have a better Idea about the backups.
June 12, 2007
#19 Bearfan34 said . . .Al in WI...well said sir...you nailed it
~Rex for MVP '07
June 12, 2007
#20 Max said . . .PO'd, us Rex Supports must stick together!
June 12, 2007
#21 Midway Monster said . . .oh Rashied. . . such a beautiful catch.
June 12, 2007
#22 jeff said . . .Look. We need players like Alex Brown. Why? because second place just didn't cut it and I cannot go back to rehab in 08. The goal is two fold this year: 1) win the damn World Championship, and 2) beat Green Bay.
The freakin team is getting to be a mess.
As for Rex. He has to prove himself this season by removing all this 'he can get shaky" speak!
--Midway--
June 12, 2007
#23 Pisssed Off said . . .NOBODY WILL ACCUSE ME OF RE-WRITING HISTORY. i wrote for three straight days after the game about rex grossman and exclusively rex grossman. everyone can defend him till the cows come home, but he was terrible when they needed him not to be. again, i hope he turns it around, learns and leads this team for a long time. but we're not going to start saying silly things like he was the fourth or fifth reason we lost the super bowl.
June 12, 2007
#24 Pissed off said . . .Jeff, its hard to believe isnt it, but there are Rex supporters around here. I like the tone this blog has taken via Al, JB, Bearfan34 and Max, it was a beautiful catch but I'll say it was an even beautifuller (not a word, I know) throw from #8. Us Rex fans must stick together and not take this bashing shit.
June 12, 2007
#25 Rancid said . . .By the way I would agree that he was about the 4th reason we lost the SB. Sorry Jeff, one needs to take an objective view not one through the "I hate Rex no matter what" goggles.
June 12, 2007
#26 Fred said . . .I'm not a Rex basher. I think he had a decent first year and hope that he will be our long term answer at QB, but I think that the truth is somewhere in between. I would agree that the coaching was lacking, even on special teams, it's like we were lost after they started kicking awawy from Hester. However, I think it is ridiculous to fault the defense before Grossman. The defense eventually wore down after they were forced to be on the field the entire game. It is a testament to their quality that the game was even winnable in the 4th when Rex went out and threw his final indiscretion. Rex wasn't happy with his Super Bowl performance, why should we pretend to be? He was new, we know. Others failed too, we know. Let's just hope it is the beginning of a learning curve that ends in a Super Bowl ring.
June 12, 2007
#27 mikebdot said . . .If a defensive end needs to go then it's Wale, he's was not around when needed. Alex Brown while he got some penalties was at least trying to get a jump. Keep him and ditch Wale.
Try and trade Wale you know what you get, nothing.
#8 couldn't stop the run so you blame the game on him. come on. #8 couldn't come down with the ball he threw,come on? #8 couldn't cover....bla bla bla
REX WILL BE FINE to blame the superbowl loss on him you didn't watch the game.
Bear fucking down!June 13, 2007
#28 Pissed off said . . .Furthermore, Jeff, just to be clear, you're blaming the Bears for the Briggs ordeal?
They are entertaining offers for a trade because that is what Alex Brown wants. If they find good value they'll take it and they make a player happy. This will do wonders for their PR with the rest of the players...ones that might be thinking twice about the organization because of the Briggs ordeal.
Is it not clear Alex Brown does not WANT to play football for the team? I'd rather have people here that WANT to play. That's all I'm saying.
To be clear, Alex Brown was our most consistent lineman last year. He even had two interceptions. That's great. But when a man says trade me, as a fan he's lost the magic. He becomes something other than a Chicago Bear.
June 13, 2007
#29 Midway Monster said . . .I would also like to say that one of those 3 other more important reasons we lost the SB besides Rex is the coachings inability to adjust when Indy showed that they were no longer going to kick to Hester. I understand being sucky for the rest of the first half after they stopped kicking to him after the TD return but for God's sake by halftime they should have come up with a good scheme to get some yardage, do a reverse or flip the ball back to him or something.
Good post Fred, #26. People actually have some reasoning around here now. Last year it was me VS. the world defending Rex now its almost the opposite.
Did you all see we signed Obafemi Ayanbedejo to a one year deal? Brendans older brother wanted to play here so bad he paid his own way to get to Halas Hall. He's a damn good FB, not Alstott in his prime but damn good nonetheless. He will actually be a real good addition I think and will probably end up taking over at FB. I think he's an upgrade to McKie. He will be a real nice player. And it'll be cool for him to play with his brother, you know he's gonna give it everything he's got.
June 13, 2007
#30 Max said . . .HEY JEFF, my postings are being sent to an approval process (I have an url in it so maybe that's why). WTF?
--Midway--
June 13, 2007
#31 jeff said . . .I have always been a Rex supporter, but that doesnt say much because most of the time i will give players the benifit of the doubt because they are Bear players and not all of them have worked out (Justin Gage, Bobby Wade, and Chris Harris, on a smaller scale, just to name a few) but some have come around and that is what Rex is going to do.
June 13, 2007
#32 Pissed off said . . .what approval process? how does it work? noah is in israel so he can't tell me what's going on...i'm just the writer....and i AM a rex supporter because he's the bears quarterback...but i watched the super bowl and god did he stink.
June 13, 2007
#33 Midway Monster said . . .So did the O-line, the coaching scheme (after Indy decided not to kick to Hester and the overall conservative nature), and the D-line (getting no pressure on Manning)
June 13, 2007
#34 Midway Monster said . . .When I try to post a comment that contains an url I get:
Thank you for commenting.
Your comment has been received and held for approval by the blog owner.--Midway--
June 13, 2007
#35 jeff said . . .Midway's hard position on all this is hard core and steadfast: the Offense is not as significant as the Defense or Special Teams.
Hence, you are all wrong, and Rex has no legacy. Your comments of support are just mere unfortunate lines of hollow bravado to rhetorical repertoire... These ill-considered push for so-called comprehensive analysis are mere tokens of unsophisticated contemplations of misguided core knowledge to the basic premise of the game.
--Midway--
June 13, 2007
#36 Midway Monster said . . .interesting, midway. have no idea why that is. you're getting up though so that's good. i will no longer be commenting on the super bowl. it's like reopening a flesh wound.
June 13, 2007
#37 Midway Monster said . . .Yes... a fresh wound in my heart.
--Midway--
June 13, 2007
#38 Pissed off said . . .A friend who lives in Indy told me that the Colts had a Super Bowl ring presentation ceremony. So, anyone know if the Bears got thier- yeah I'll say it- 2 place rings in a ceremony?
--Midway--
June 14, 2007
#39 Pissed off said . . .Who cares? Its not the championship ring.
And regarding post #34, In the words of the Geico Caveman....Yeah I have a response....What?
June 14, 2007
#40 JB said . . .Seriously, no one, not one person wants to comment on the Bears signing Obafemi Ayanbedejo?
June 14, 2007
#41 Midway Monster said . . .Well I for one am glad we have the market cornered on the Ayenbadejo’s in addition to having half the Manning’s in the league on our team. But seriously, it’s a solid pickup; I’ll be interested to see what he can do. I think Adams will still prove to be the best FA signing this year, but we shall see.
In retort to Midways #34 post: did you get a thesaurus for your birthday or are you just happy to see me? I find your verbose bloviation intriguing and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter. But “hollow bravado to rhetorical repertoire�… an empty boastfulness to my vocabulary???…how dare you sir, my bravado is anything but hollow. I’m not sure anyone said offense was more important than defense, but do you somehow deny the importance of offense? I scoff at the very thought.Rex for MVP ‘07
June 14, 2007
#42 Midway Monster said . . .JB:
I often post from my blackberry so my posts are short (and error prone). Post 34 is me 'slinging the $hit' to pick a fight :)
The Offense is important. But is not the key to winning. I am old school and, as you can tell, follow the "beat the hell out of them- then kick a FG and win 3-0" philosophy.
--Midway--
June 14, 2007
#43 JB said . . .Incidentally, my philosophy on how to win the game is the correct one. If you disagree, you're wrong.
--Midway--
June 14, 2007
#44 Midway Monster said . . .Midway, I don't think that anyone that is a true Bears fan would ever say that Offense is more important than Defense. I also think you build a long-term contender through defensive, as in you can have a flash in the pan offense and win games, but defense wins championships, insert additional cliches here. So, I don't think anyone is disagreeing with you there...but seriously, Rex is extremely important to this team, and with his MVP season starting this fall, he will be leading the offense to a lot of points and grinding down the opposition with long sustaining drives with the ability of the big strike...a sort of defensive QB. This will give the D more time to rest, and be dominant. #1 key this year is keeping our stars healthy. #2 key is Rex leading this offense because we know how dominant the D will be. If Rex can be the type of QB some of us think he can be, we'll walk through the NFC. If he isn't, PO'd and I eat some crow and we rely on the defense to bail us out. Is it too soon to book a flight to Arizona in Feb?
June 14, 2007
#45 JB said . . .JB: You twist something that is real simple. You win by the D, then ST, and then by the O.
As for Rex, yeah a QA is important but for the most part, the QB position is overrated. Them boys don't hit the sled, get their fingernails dirty, nor bleed during the game - so their value is suspect (semi quote from Butkus).
Unless you have a premium QB (ala Manning etc), you can make up for that positions value in many many ways (like a bunch of TE and WO, as the Bears seem to be doing). You cannot do so for a D, nor for ST. Here you need crazy life threatening mofo's, ready to inflict punishment and get there 'firstest with the mostest'.
So, listen to the Midway, get psyched when the opposition gets the ball (you can get out of the lazyboy and go get a beer when the O has the ball).
--Midway--
PS - I was a former center (but a wannabe LB) back in my college days.June 14, 2007
#46 Megan said . . .There is a reason that QB is the highest paid position in the league...overrated or not, it is the position with the most pressure and influences the outcome of the game more than any other single player can. As a fellow former offensive lineman, I understand the importance of OL, defense, ST, getting dirty and bloody, etc., so check your tone. QB is not more important than an entire unit, and our QB certainly isn't more important to our team than Urlacher, but for us to win the SB, and assuming we return to form on D and ST, consistent quality play from Rex is the key...how is it not? Midway, I think we're arguing from the same side from a different angle. But I find it hard to believe you walk away for a beer run when the offense is on the field...do you only watch Rich Hill pitch and walk away when D Lee is hitting?
June 14, 2007
#47 Pissed off said . . .Who slapped who first with their glove? Wow, you all seems like you r smart or somfin, yous all got edumacated while I was gone?
Seriously, you guys remind me of the 19th century aristocracy, getting reading to defend the honor of a fair maiden. Anyone seen one around?
Defense, that's the ticket.
June 14, 2007
#48 beardown1982 said . . .The "DUH!" factor applies here, everyone knows QB is the single most important, critical position in the game of football. That being said, we went to the super bowl last year.
June 14, 2007
#49 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .Did anyone here double Z interview Alex Brown on the Score? He asked Alex if he thought he was going to be a Bear next season (in a very funny, way too serious, whisper), and Alex said no. Why more drama? I'm tired of all this...I think Alex is overreacting. He has been playing with the second teamers, but he is going to get plenty of PT next year. I still doubt that Anderson will be that good against the run...which means AB would be put into plenty of those situations. 'Wele will need some spills from time to time as well.
Why ask to be traded to a lesser team like the Titans just so you can start when you can contribute on a team that you know will be a possible Super Bowl winner?
June 14, 2007
#50 Midway Monster said . . .Bottom line for Alex is pride.Going from starter to back up must be hard.
With the Flaming Thumbtacks,He would start an maybe get another payday out of it.An for the current argument the QB is important,We haven't had one in 20yrs,Once we got a decent one look where we went(SB)
i know Defense wins championships,But Offense has got to give you a lead 1st.
June 14, 2007
#51 said . . .Let's not be a den of lions that "eat our young". I never said (or meant to say) the QB position is not important. I am saying that the way you win is 1st by your D, then by your ST, then by your O.
Let's move onto a better subject where we all agree and the answer creates unity; like all Green Bay fans are ugly.
--Midway--
June 15, 2007
#52 DTB said . . .Beardown please stop calling him "Wele" What the hell does Wele mean? ITS WALE. Thank you, and he may need spells or to be spelled from time to time, not spills, unless he's drinking a beer.
June 15, 2007
#53 JB said . . .Chris Brown, according to the Tennessean is deciding between playing for his hometown Bears or re-signing in Tennessee. I'm feeling these under the radar moves that Jerry has pulled off throughout this off-season. He's protecting the team with a move like this, same as signing Adams and Archuleta in case of injury/suspension. Also, it is a clear indictment of what he thinks of Rex's ability to carry the entire offense on his own. If Benson does get hurt, Brown would be a very nice luxury comming out of the backfield. Plus, it would be nice to say that I got ran over by one of the current Bears while in High School, as he crosses the goal line at some point during the year.
June 15, 2007
#54 DTB said . . .DTB: Chris Brown playing for the Bears "is a clear indictment of what he (JA) thinks of Rex's ability to carry the entire offense on his own." Wow.
Seriously? JA potentially signing a back up runner is a clear indictment on Rex? Talk about a "token of unsophisticated contemplation of misguided core knowledge to the basic premise of the game". Do you feed Mariotti his story lines?
If you're going to be a Rex hater like half the bloggers on this site, fine, but let's stop with these ridiculous gross misunderstandings of management. We're a better team with the additions we've made on both sides of the ball...that's the name of the game. If the BT had doubts about Rex, they get a new QB, trade for Donovan F. McNabb or sign Jeff Garcia. Instead they add weapons to the arsenal to support who they believe is the future...that's not an indictment, it's football 101.
~Rex for MVP '07
June 15, 2007
#55 Tana said . . .Maybe a slight exageration but at the same time, maybe the whole off-season has been an indictment as to Rex's deficencies. He needs to learn how to check down, so what does Jerry do? Draft a tight end and third down back. How do you accentuate the underneath game? Move Hester to offense to keep DB's out of the box. How do you open up deep stuff for Hester? Pound the line with another solid running back. I said that I liked what JA was doing by protecting Rex as well as the rest of the team. Football 101 from a General Managers point of view is all about covering your ass in case of injury or a lack of production. And yes, you are right about putting together a better team, one that isn't completly hinged on the right arm of Rex.
June 15, 2007
For Chicago's sake I sure hope Alex Brown plays better football than he tips his waitresses!!! WHAT A JOKE!!!!!
June 29, 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.