As the next few weeks pass this site will become a fan forum on the issues set to face our beloved Bears as they enter the 2007 season with their highest expectations since 1986. Let's take the next few days to compile a list of issues that interest YOU so we can focus our attention.
Here are the five major points of of interest as I see them:
PUT ON THE RED SHOES AND LANCE THE BLUES
Where is Lance Briggs and - more importantly - will he be in San Diego on opening day? The linebacking unit goes from the team's primary strength to its most glaring question mark without the presence of the brilliant Pro Bowl player. Tracking Briggs' whereabouts will be priority number one.
DEVIN CAN'T WAIT
How will the Devin Hester experiment play out on the offensive side of the football? Will the Bears be looking at their version of Reggie Bush - the man defenses have to gameplan against? Or will Hester join the ranks of Dante Hall as a once dominant kick returner-turned-mediocre wideout?
HOW MANY SAFETIES DOES IT TAKE TO CHANGE A LIGHTBULB?
With the addition of Adam Archuelta, the Bears look stacked at safety. What's will AA bring to the secondary and can his pressure style co-exist with the similarly talented Mike Brown?
HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLFE
Word is already starting to circulate regarding Garret Wolfe's dynamic pass catching ability out of the backfield. Will he supplant AP as the #2 man and be the change of pace back a bruiser like Cedric Benson will require?
REX GROSSMAN
It is what it is, Pissed Off, and the whole Bears universe will be watching Rex throughout training camp. If he struggles with accuracy and consistency, the START GRIESE chants will be overwhelming come opening weekend. If he develops and matures, the burnt and navy may very well have a man capable of being the future and the weakest position in the sports universe - quarterback for the Chicago Bears.
#2 JB said . . .HA! FIRST AGAIN!
Let's do Rex last. We've been yappin about him endlessly. I say we talk D first. IMO, we are weak on D.
--Midway--
July 9, 2007
#3 Pissed off said . . .How about "De-Line-ation of the D-Line"...charting the addition of Anthony Adams, the emergence of Antonio Garay, the return of the promising Dusty, and more importantly the return of Tommie Harris. And lets not forget about the ends, will Mark Anderson be able to roll over his freshman sensation season and avoid the dreaded sophomore slump...can he play every down if needed, can he play well against the run??? Can Alex Brown be happy with the rotation? Will 'Wale change his name to something easier to yell at the TV? And if there's room, we'll throw in an Idonije comment.
Other ideas...discussion of my man-crush on Greg Olsen &/or my staunch support of Rex Grossman...Maybe we could have polls we could take on our predictions and revisit them, reflecting back on a super bowl year, and seeing how awesome we are...or in the case of Rex haters, how silly you look.
Rex for MVP '07
July 9, 2007
#4 mikebdot said . . .No long rant here but regarding the issues at hand...Dont plan on Lance playing, I really dont and I think we'll be OK without him. He's good but #54 is the guy and a lot of people will look good next to him.
I hope to God Devin doesnt turn out like Dante Hall, he isnt even an impact return guy anymore.
We need to be deep at safety since Mike Brown will be out by week 8. AA is a great insurance plan.
Havent seen Garrett Wolfe, need to see it to believe it. This guy is tiny. I hope he can stand up to NFL defenses. I like the speed.
You know my take on Rex.
July 9, 2007
#5 JB said . . .1. I wish Lance Briggs would become an asset to our team. He is being a "business man". Well, no, I'm sorry, you're a football player. If you would like to be a business man go fucking work at Franklin Templeton.
2. Devin - Let me say this again, Dante Hall played spectacular as a return man in 2002 and 2003 (ranked 15th/5th in 2002 for avg return on kickoff/punts with 1/2 TDs and 4th/1st in 2003 with 2/2 TDs, 5th/8th in 2004 with 2/0 TDs) when he caught 20, 40, and 25 passes, respectively. That was his 2nd, 3rd, and 4th season in the league. Dante's problem the last few years is probably the fact that Kansas City fucking sucks.
Just let Devin be what he is. Root for him and if it doesn't work out it doesn't work out. The risk is far outweighed by the potential reward.
3. Regardless of how pessimistic one is about the potential of Mike Brown getting injured, having him available to mentor young players at the DB position is good enough for me. I think we are stacked at DB (not only safety) for the next 5-10 years. I'm ok with that.
4. That Old Spice commercial is just plain awesome. Perhaps Wolfe can get a deal out of it. Plus he'd get to meet Bruce Campbell. Oh, but to get football related, I think this kid could be special. If he put on some more muscle I don't see any reason he can't be the same exact back as Thomas Jones, except quicker with the ball in the open field after making the catch. Hopefully they don't keep running him into the flat over and over. Put him in the middle of the fucking field Turner! That's where the dump off pass hurts like hell, especially with Greg Olsen running through the middle of it clearing out half the defense...
5. I'll jump on the bus for awhile. Don't expect me to ride with you guys off a cliff though.
July 9, 2007
#6 mikebdot said . . .I think we were just supposed to compile a list to talk about individually for the next few weeks...not blow your wad in one post on 5 topics...we have to stretch it out and have something to talk about for awhile.
July 9, 2007
#7 mikebdot said . . .So, I can add issues...like:
1. Greg Olsen will become the number one tight end in the NFC. He will be a perennial pro-bowler and all-pro. I would prefer to talk about Olsen over Wolfe...he was the number one pick after all.
2. We could talk about our secondary generally rather than specifically the safety position.
3. The only place we don't have high quality depth is the linebacker position, unless, of course, Okwo and Wilson turn out to be studs. Hunter is my least favorite defender (now that Scott is gone). I don't care about one good play against Seattle. It was a play he was SUPPOSED TO make.
4. Ron Turner's play calling ability with so many weapons available.
5. Does everyone agree we are stacked pretty much everywhere on the field besides maybe OL or DL? I'd say we're in pretty good position to make another run, especially if Briggs plays the last 6 games and playoffs and the two question mark defensive lineman live up to the hype. What is our weakest link (aging OL, can the new blood step it up the next few years?)? What is our strongest position (secondary)? What is the biggest question mark (Grossman and play calling)?
July 9, 2007
#8 Max said . . .Forgot LB on number 5 in the list of places where we are not "stacked", assuming Briggs isn't on the field.
July 9, 2007
#9 jdawg said . . .Other points to address:
- Run Turner's play calling
- Bob Babich and his defensive schemes. . . because he is untested
- D-LINE. Specifically our defensive tackles
- AND MOST IMPORTANTLY . . . in which game is Rashied Davis going to have a break out performance? I say week 2 against the Chiefs.July 9, 2007
#10 Hctorc tor said . . .By all reports from OTAs Hester looked awesome. Crist over at Scout.com can't stop raving about him. He was running great routes, catching everything thrown his way and once he caught the ball (and I'm only slightly paraphrasing) made the first team defenders look like they were in slow-motion.
I'm not happy about Lance's attitude, but he will be missed if he's not on the field. You cannot replace him with a rookie or a second-year player who spent his first year on the IR.
Finally, it just occurred to me that there are a whole lot more variables this year than last: new starting running back; possible new LB, Harris returning from a major injury; ditto Brown; shuffling the DL; Hester; Olsen; Wolfe; Babbich; AA at SS and of course Rex. That's quite a list. This years Bears could wind up being very different.
July 9, 2007
#11 Hctorc tor said . . .Da Bears! As an alumnus of Northern Illinois University, I have seen Garrett Wolfe play up front and personal. He is an electric talent, and will make an inspired addition on the Bears. What worries me about the Bears? One, Rex Grossman (he sucks and is hated in this town). Two, an aging offensive line that could be on the verge of sudden and dramatic breakdown.
July 9, 2007
#12 Megan said . . .Lance Briggs sleeps with the fish. His career in a Bear uniform is, for all intents and purposes, over. The Bears will be fine without him. The magic of the Bear defense lies with Tommie Harris on the line. If Harris regains his healthy and Dusty Dvorcek is serviceable, then the Bear defense will be plenty good. Jamar Williams will hold his own at outside linebacker in place of Lance Briggs.
July 9, 2007
#13 thecallingout said . . .Okay, first off.. I love you all but I cannot read all of the dissertations here. Mike, you have a lot to say, I respect that, but I can't take it all in.
I think we need to spread these out. Deconstruct one problem/situation/idea at a time.
Jeff, I would have to aggree with most everything you said but honestly, I don't know what the latest is on Briggs AND can we trust him to "be all he can be" if/when he does play for us.
I aggree with PO'd we will probably be fine without him.
I think it is very cool that we have most of the players signed and ready to go! THAT is news I like to hear!
July 10, 2007
#14 Scott said . . .AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYAABYkAUlmAQAAAAAK0QkAANIJAAATAAAAAAAAAAAA
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AAJuly 10, 2007
#15 Pissed off said . . .The only issue I see is quarterback. If Rex plays well then this will be a good team. If not, we're sunk.
Mike, I appreciate the long posts. Keep 'em coming. Good thoughts and well worth the attention.
July 10, 2007
#16 mikebdot said . . .Yeah mike your right, MB can be a big mentor showing some of the kids the way to play while hobbling on crutches.
Hunter is a good linebacker, he could start for about any other team in the NFL with a couple exceptions, he's just overshadowed by Briggs and Urlacher, dont hate on Hunter.
Babich is a question. We havent seen how he runs a defense yet. I assume he'll be doing much of the same scheming as last year for safety/job saving reasons while throwing in a occasional change of his own to mix it up. This could be a bigger issue than we think.
Hctorc, whatever that is, I dont care if you hate Rex. Most on here have faith in him. Dont act like we've had good QBs for the last 13 years or so. What do you want, Kordell Stewart, Cade McNown, how about Henry Burris....Idiot.
July 10, 2007
#17 Hctorc tor said . . .Megan: Sorry, I'm bored out of my mind at work nearly every day. This is a great outlet. And I can't wait to see what happens this year. I'm literally so stoked that our franchise has pulled it's head out of it's ass and finally found the personnel in the front office and, by extension, on the field, to be a consistent contender. We are literally on the verge of a dynasty. Let's just hope it isn't a Buffalo Bills type dynasty...
July 10, 2007
#18 Hctorc tor said . . .Babich will be just fine as defensive coordinator. What people fail to realize is that the defense is, first and foremost, Lovie's. Which probably created friction in the relationship with Ron Rivera. Babich and Lovie go way back. And Babich will march in tune to what Lovie wants to do. That much we can be sure of. Like I said before, the success of the Bear defense in 2007 is hugely predicated on the performance of Tommie Harris. What will be interesting to see is if Adewale Ogunleye finally wakes up and delivers on his promise. His Bear career to date has been disappointing. An awful lot of hype for marginal performance if you ask me. Look for Dusty Dvoracek and Jamar Williams to emerge as critical members of the Bear defense in 2007.
The offense? If the Bears are to be successful, then Cedric Benson needs to morph into the next Larry Johnson in this league. Which he is certainly capable of doing. And my man Garrett Wolfe needs to become a poor man' s Dennis Gentry. The biggest dilemma, in my opinion, is the aging offensive line. Jerry Angelo may regret not addressing the line this offseason.
July 10, 2007
#19 mikebdot said . . .Worthless predictions...
1. Bears go 10-6 in 2007.
2. Devin Hester has a disspointing season.
3. Adam Archueleta is a bust.
4. Tommie Harris comes back better than ever.
5. Jamar Williams and Dusty Dvoracek have break-through seasons.
6. Fred Miller breaks down and the Bears have a black hole at right tackle the whole season.
7. The Bears have a revolving QB situation by the fifth game in the season with Kyle Orton ultimately emerging as the starter, which leaves nobody in Chicago happy.
8. Cedric Benson chips in with an All-Pro year.
9. Mark Bradley and Bernard Berrian form a decent 1-2 punch, but don't have a QB who can consistently get them a football.
10. Greg Olsen has a forgettable rookie season.
11. Dan Bauzain has a solid rookie campaign.
12. Adewale Ogunleye has an awful season.
13 . Bears win one playoff game, then are ousted.
14. Super Bowl pits New England versus San Francisco (yep, you read that right). New England wins in a cakewalk.July 10, 2007
#20 JB said . . .PO'd: Mike Brown and Tommie Harris were a large part of our domination the first half of the season. If Tommie got hurt this year again are you gonna piss on him too? Injuries happen, man. Get over it. You're goddamn right MB (which are my initials incidentally) can be a mentor anywhere on the field. His eyes are Mike Singletary-esqe. The man is just plain intense.
I'll stop hatin' on Hunter, but there is always a weakest Bear, and in my opinion he's it.
July 10, 2007
#21 mikebdot said . . .Hctorc tor, you're right, those are worthless predictions. I only agree with #4...and that isn't going out on a limb. Nice name by the way, not exactly the most creative thing in the world...but at least it describes your demeanor and reveals the depth of your asinine predictions. I've got another name your could use; ehcuod gab.
Mike, I think the weak bears link is Garza...I think we could improve there.
July 10, 2007
#22 mikebdot said . . .Garza and Miller are my least favorite OL players.
Did you know that we had the most 1st down penalties during 2006 (I've mentioned this before I'm sure)? I'm not sure who was the culprit on false starts (since no site I can find seems to keep those stats on OL players, which, as it turns out, is one of the few stats that ought to be kept for them, that and sacks allowed), but I'm thinking Miller was one of the major ones. Overall, we had the 5th most penalties in the league last year.
That is definitely one area we need to improve on next year, especially in a hope to improve on our 3rd down efficiency, as that sucked last year as well, especially later in the year.
July 10, 2007
#23 Pissed off said . . .Also, not sure what Hector is smoking with regards to not addressing the OL. We drafted a tackle and a guard. What the hell else does he want Angelo to do? We could sign a free agent or something, but I think we signed plenty of those elsewhere to make an impact (crosses fingers).
July 10, 2007
#24 Pissed off said . . .O-Line is still a question mark even with the draft picks, if they play out as well as the situation possibly could we will have a deep O-line and one of the best in the NFL, but you can that for almost any team after a draft/free agency etc. just before the season starts.
Yes I will "piss" on Tommie if he gets hurt again, a game or two is fine but for God's sake half a season every damn year, it gets old, get rid of the guy, cut him I dont care. Thats my feelings, I know injuries happen and you cant predict them but what good does a guy do sitting on the pine, and no I dont think MB is a big mentor, I dont stand on the sidelines but I dont think he's like some guy that everyone looks to in the locker room for advice and positivity. Paychecks are for play, unless your a coach which MB is not. Injuries shatter a career, if Mike Jordan only played half of the games he did in the NBA due to injuries would he have had a stellar career. NO. A good one but not elite.
July 10, 2007
#25 Megan said . . .My response to the worthless predictions...and they are worthless.
10-6 is a smart pick, I'd like to think 12-4 but we have a tough schedule, we win NFC north anyway.
Hester will have a disappointing season but who wont after trying to top 6 return TDs. He'll still be an elite return guy and an exitement at times on the offense.
Tommie will be back, for a full year.
Dusty looks good at times, Jamar not so much.
Miller makes it but he's lost a step, too old but still efficient.
Revolving QB, yeah right. Rex for MVP.
Cedric will not be all pro- no chance in hell, he couldnt even start over TJ and TJs not even a Pro Bowler. Cedric could be pro bowl material but not all-pro and thats just because he's not sharing a lot of time with anyone so he'll eat up a lot of yards. Wolfe will play but not as much as say Ced did in Wolfes role last year. And we all know a Bear RB is a huge part of the offense.
I dont know what to say about the WRs, Moose is still a posession guy whos our #1. Then its up to Rash, BB, and Bradley for who emerges as the great #2. And whoever that is will be damn good.
Olsen will be good but most will look at him as a disappointment becuase the expectations will be too high. He's not Antonio Gates yet people.
Danny B will be fine....if he can get on the field, I like our other 3 better. That should answer the Wale question too.
New England represents the AFC but San Fran isnt even the 2nd best team West.
July 10, 2007
#26 mikebdot said . . .Mike,
I usually go back and read everyone's postings later. You usually have good insight. I did not intend to insult your observations. I need to learn to be more tolerant of individual situations. I take for granted that my job is not boring. I depend on you all to keep me updated on the latest and greatest of all things Bears related.
Keep up the insightful posts. I will try to only post things that have relevance. Does this one count?
Also, I think Garza was responsible for most of the O-Line penalties. I could be wrong, maybe he just had really bad penalties at very crucial times.. could be one or the other, I am no stats genius.
July 10, 2007
#27 Hctorc tor said . . .I am no stats genius either...I just like to look up data before speaking to my suspicions. In this case I can't find the data! From what I can tell espn.com and nfl.com keep no useful stats on O-linemen. They have defensive stats for them, like how many times they tackled someone that picked up a fumble or intercepted the ball. How worthless is that? I want to see the numbers on how many sacks they gave up and how many times a runner was stuffed on their side and how many times they jumped offsides on 3rd and 1 (or at all).
Also, didn't take offense, but just letting you know sometimes I get slow at work, and when I get slow, I come here. When Jeff has a post that waxes philosophic I'm all about responding point by point. I really do spread myself thin though. Point taken.
July 10, 2007
#28 mikebdot said . . .My real initials are MB. Seems like a trend on this board. Any who...
As an NIU alumnus and football fan, I've seen a lot of Garrett Wolfe. Frankly, I was stunned to see him picked in the 3rd round. I thought for sure he was a 6th or 7th round pick. The issue is his size. He is only 5'7" and weighs 175 lbs soaking wet. I'm not convinced he will be able to stand up to the rigors of NFL football, even as a part-time Dennis Gentry type. But I guess we shall see.
Anybody who feels comfortable with Rex Grossman isn't being honest with themself. Grossman has not endeared himself to Bear fans, and in the end this will be his ultimate undoing. People don't have confidence in his ability and are put off by his cocky silver-spooned demeanor. And that is going to percolate down to the football field, because Rex doesn't have the mental toughness to shut out all that outside stuff.
July 10, 2007
#29 JB said . . .Hector:
http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=3584
This article says Wolfe weighs almost 200 pounds. It says 186 on the roster page.
By the way, I will continue to call you Hector unless you have a clever story about your moniker or it annoys you a lot.
July 10, 2007
#30 JB said . . .well mike, I was hoping others would be able to figure "hector" out, but I will enlighten you (and refer to my suggestion of another name he can use in post #20). Read his name backwards.
As for Rex "hector", you are making a lot of bad blanket statements about Bears fans that simply are not true. People that have no understanding of the NFL seem to think Rex is next to worthless, because it's the popular thing to say. However, myself and many on this site, who consider themselves Bears fans, fully support Rex. I have since we drafted him. His teammates and coaches have confidence in him. So unless you're a player blogging under a stupid name, just leave Rex alone. Right now, he's the top rated passer for this season, tied with Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. So, until he does something to alienate you this year, lay off. Support him, be a true fan. Do you really think a second rate QB like Brian Griese can get us where we want to go...or a caretaker like Kyle Orton? So unless you can trade for Tom "Goldenboy" Brady, Shut the fuck up about Rex.
And Wolfe will be fine...we're not asking him to tote the ball 30 times a game...just catch a few passes here and there. Come on people, let's see what these guys can do before we start saying it will never work. I for one am excited to see some dynamic players on offense for Rex to get the ball to.
July 10, 2007
#31 Hctorc tor said . . .MikeB, check this out
http://realfootball365.stats.com/fb/teamstats.asp?teamno=03&type=rosters
Click on the players, including O-linemen, to get breakdown of penalties (inc false starts and holds), sacks allowed, etc.
July 10, 2007
#32 Hctorc tor said . . .Garrett Wolfe is a very small guy. He does not weigh more than 175 pounds, that much I am sure of having watched him play in DeKalb for four seasons. But he is powerful beyond belief and jet quick. I'm just not sure he's going to be able to stand up to the rigors of the NFL game. His highest and best use will probably be as a guy who gets on the playing field for 8-10 plays per game.
Rex Grossman inspires zero confidence. The dilemma is that Halas Hall is in denial over his real ability. I think Jerry Angelo would like to get better at the QB position, but realizes that good QBs don't grow on trees and are extraordinarily hard to acquire (other than drafting one and waiting for a few years). Most within NFL circles have written off Grossman. So too have the "experts." I agree with the assessment. We are on tap for a full-scale QB controversy in 2007. That much I am sure of. Brian Griese is overrated and not the answer. Maybe it becomes the Kyle Orton show?!? Maybe Ron Turner once again dummies down the offense and the Bears live with a limited QB like Orton?!?
July 10, 2007
#33 mikebdot said . . .Top 5 things to be excited about...
1. Ascension of Cedric Benson into elite running back status
2. Return of Tommie Harris
3. Defensive backfield
4. The tandem of Bernard Berrian and Mark Bradley
5. Robbie GouldTop 5 things to worry about.
1. The QB position
2. The aging offensive line, and specifically the tackle position
3. Injuries...the Bears were generally healthy in 2006
4. The linebacker position...replacement for Lance Briggs and upgrade for Hunter Hillenmeyer
5. The punting gameJuly 10, 2007
#34 Pissed off said . . .JB: thanks for the link. Also, word games make me angry. But the good news is I can still call him Hector and not feel bad about it now.
Hector: We were NOT generally healthy. We had two all-pros and two rookie defenders (who probably would have contributed quite a bit) out for either the end of the season and the playoffs or the whole year. Even Todd Johnson was banged up (who initially replaced Brown if I recall correctly). Tillman and Vasher had small issues late in the season. Bradley was hurt quite a bit. Clark was banged up sometimes. The offense might have been generally healthy, but the defense not so much. When two All-Pro defenders are missing I'd say "generally healthy" goes out the window.
As for Wolfe's weight, I'm just hoping he's put on some muscle. Perhaps he WAS 175, but has already put on at least 11 pounds o' muscle.
July 11, 2007
#35 Max said . . .Hector you can keep dissing Rex but you are a fair weather fan stating a popular opinion. And as a matter of fact that opinion is becoming less popular. Rex is the best QB we've had in more than a decade. If you still dont want to believe in him..fine but you will never believe in a Bear QB then because you have been trained to hate them all. Even if we got Brady or Manning you would call them a bum. Your opinion of Rex is worthless and be prepared to eat crow this year. You are wrong and idiotic for saying the fair weather blanket statements.
Now regarding Wolfe, Hector we are happy for you that you watched him play. We really are. But guess what, the fact that you were at some of his games doesnt mean shit. Unless you went over to the sidelines during those games and put him on a scale you dont have a fucking clue as to how much he weighs. We're happy for you that you watched him play but that doesnt mean you know shit about his weight. For God's sake man you are dead wrong on so many things already and you've only been posting for a few days.
July 11, 2007
#36 Phil from SATX said . . .Ok seriously, who is talking shit about Brad Maynard? The guy shoulda been a pro bowler this past year but for some reason the Dallas punter got it. (useless)
I mean sure he had a shaky moment or two. . . but nothing major. I have other concerns before I am going to worry about the punting game. . . hell when Joniak did the whole MVB, I would push for Maynard as the season's MVB those first 5 years he was with us. (2001 i believe was his first year. . .?)
Anyway, things I might worry before i get to the punting game:
1) Injuries (which are a worry for every team every years)
2) an aging O-line
3) having enough Natty Lite to last the whole game
4) nervous that maybe Rashied forgot to turn the iron off in his home and the possible fire hazard that could create
5) latest rankings of the I.B.R.A (international barstool racing association . . . yes its real)
6) Womens field hockeyAND THEN i might consider worry about Mr. Bear Brad Maynard
July 11, 2007
#37 Rancid said . . .Hello all - back after loooong vacation and the push leading up to it. Classic post, Max - brilliant! Thanks to Jeff and Noah for the new email updates - much appreciated, reminds me to log on to my favorite internet site. I'll go against the grain here and say Hctorc Yob is a good writer who makes some legitimate points. I have no idea how he can make those predictions - most seem like wild guesses rather than educated guesses - but the one I most agree with is C.B. emerging as a great back - maybe not Pro Bowl, but he'll end up doing exactly what we want him to do, and he'll be breaking more long runs than the gone-but-not-forgotten TJ. I also agree with those who say the biggest question mark may be Ron Turner and play calling and whether he can be good enough to take advantage of all the weapons - we now have more than most.
Re: Rex - is there any point, between now and July 27th, to discuss the quarterback position? We'll know soon enough who's right, the positions have all been laid out, no facts will emerge to change anyone's mind until camp opens. He's either going to get better or he won't. If he doesn't, we're probably screwed for 2007 (and what a waste that would be given this roster). I am confident that PO'd will be the first (well maybe not the first) to lead a no-confidence vote if Bad Rex shows up in spades. If that occurs, Griese will get to show whether he's got anything. Maybe the silliest prediction of C. R. has to do with Orton having any role on this team besides Break Glass In Case of Emergency.
Last comment - anyone hear anything about Rosenhaus' latest Briggs discussions? It almost sounded like they were collectively trying to figure out a way to sign him to a long term deal. If that happened, memo to Lance: All is Forgiven! Let's go win a Super Bowl!
July 11, 2007
#38 Hctorc tor said . . .Half-ass predictions:
1. Briggs shows up pissed but plays in every game. He has a good year, not as good as last year, but good and then we kiss him goodbye.
2. Devin isn't nearly as involved in the offense as everyone is saying. He's there a lot, but gets used mostly as a decoy. He'll have a few big plays in shitty games after the outcome is decided in order to keep other teams guarding him. He has another awesome return year though.
3. AA and Mike Brown are amazing together. AA got screwed by Wash. We got a great deal.
4. Wolfe will supplant AP as the #2 back and do well getting 10 or less carries/catches per game. This is due as much to AP's greatness on special teams as Wolfe being as good as advertised.
5. Rex . . . I'm staying optimistic. I don't have his name tattooed on my ass or anything but I think he's getting there. He has another improved year. He's not the MVP, but he has no more 0.3 rating games either. Good enough to get a deal done and make him our QB for a while. Good enough that....
6. The Bears win the Super Bowl!!!July 11, 2007
#39 mikebdot said . . .Pissed Off, you can go pound sand up your ass you goofy bastard. You don't know jack scratch about football judging by your posts. And here's a tip. Enroll in a correspondance course on proper usage of the English language and grammatical structure.
I've been a season ticket holder for 17 seasons. I go to 4 or 5 games a year. I've seen lots of QBs in my day, and Rex Grossman isn't remotely in the class of top 50th percentile in this league. His teammates have minimal faith in the guy. That much is readily apparent. It's not his fault that he gets hurt a lot, but it is his fault that he is a dill-hole. He's not NFL starting QB material. End of subject.
Garrett Wolfe? Well, I've seen him play 4 or 5 times a year for 4 years in DeKalb. If you want to pretend he's 200 pounds, then by all means go ahead you goofy bastard. Wolfe weights 175 pounds soaking wet, and he is 5'7" tops. He had a brilliant career at NFL, but I stand by the belief that he was a definite reach in the 3rd round.
I'll let you get back to your other Internet window open to southeastern Asia porn now. Thanks for playing our game.
July 11, 2007
#40 Rancid said . . .Hector: Just to clarify, I was the goofy bastard talking about Wolfe's weight. Not sure what you don't understand about the concept of gaining weight. I don't have an opinion about the merit of his selection placement. If he beats out AP for the #2 spot, he's a hell of a back, regardless.
July 11, 2007
#41 Hctorc tor said . . .I'm a bit tired of the extremes. If I were to believe Pissed Off, Rex is the greatest QB in the history of the game, and a lock for the HOF. If I believe the new crotch guy, he couldn't play high school ball in Rhode Island. It's obviously neither. Although if I have to pick one, I'll go with Pissed Off's idea.
July 11, 2007
#42 JB said . . .Rex Grossman is "rated" by NFL experts, scouts, etc. as a bottom 1/3 rd QB in the league. I defy any of you to name a team that was a perennial playoff team and won a Super Bowl employing a bottom 1/3rd QB. Layer on top of that the fact that Chicago fans have not embraced the guy (to put it charitably) and you have recipe for disaster.
You watch. The newspapers and airwaves will be filled with eight million Bear fans screaming about the QB situation this season. It's inevitable. And what's further inevitable is ridiculous trade talk that will surely pop up regardin the Bears acquiring Chicago native (and disgruntled Philadelphia Eagle) Donovan McNabb during next offseason.
July 11, 2007
#43 Megan said . . .Super Bowl XXI - Phil Simms...21 TD 22 INT
Super Bowl XXII - Doug Williams & Jay Schroeder...23 TD, 15 INT
Super Bowl XXXV - Trent Dilfer, 12TD 11 Int
Super Bowl XXXVII - Brad Johnson, 13TD 11Int
Super Bowl XL - Ben Roethlisberger, 17TD 11IntLook...you can win with any QB...you think Rex is a bum, fine...we get it, get over it. No one cares how many games you've been to...going to the games doesn't mean you know anything. Rex will be fine...if you don't believe in it, I suggest you find another team until he retires. I'm not saying the guy is going to the HOF either...but just let him play this year out and stop your bitching. He's got the skills, this year will prove it.
July 11, 2007
#44 Max said . . .Max,
You forgot to mention that you worry about the Rock, Paper, Scissors finals! Okay, when the F-word did that become a "sport"?? ESPN will show that but not.. surfing??
I give up...
July 12, 2007
#45 Max said . . .I agree with Phil. There is no point to be discussing Rex until the season starts. Not that it won't stop people from debating it. I support Rex. If he starts bad for the first 4 games or so, stick in Griese who can Dilfer us to the Super Bowl again.
Megan, RPS CHAMPIONSHIP! How could i forget?!?!
Personally, whenever playing the game, I tend to throw Rock about the first 6 times. Totally throws the other guy outa his game. Almost unnerves some of them. Of course the obvious backfire is the other guy keeps throwing paper and the game is over alot faster. But thats the risk and the strategy that goes into it. . . I bet Rashied is a champ RPS man.
And maybe its just cause i live in the middle of nowhere but i always used to say paper rock scissors as opposed to rock paper scissors. . . has anyone else seen this??? does anyone else care???
July 12, 2007
#46 Al in WI said . . .oh and Hector, if you are a season ticket holder but you only make it to 4 or 5 games a year. . . I don't suppose you would be gracious enough to send me the tickets to the other 3 or 4 games huh?
July 12, 2007
#47 Phil from SATX said . . .Rot Crotch,
Your dead wrong about Rex and his support from his teammates. They just voted him the Ed Block Courage Award winner for the team. This award goes to the teammate they most admire and respect and has overcome the most adversity.
While I respect your right to be in the anti-Rex faction, I can’t understand why you would do that if your posts about being a fan for 20 years were correct. Rex Grossman is easily one of the 2 or 3 best quarterback’s we’ve had in that time. The only one’s I’d put ahead of him are McMahon, and Kramer. You could make a case for Tomczak and/or Miller being decent but that’s it.
I hate to leave a long post but this keeps coming up so I’m going to go ahead and make a list of the horrible qb’s we’ve had over that time period to get it out there, and refresh some memories. I apologize in advance for any pain looking at this list may cause.
Jim Harbaugh (I know his numbers are ok, but he got Ditka fired and as a result Wanstad hired) PT Willis, Will Furer, Dave Krieg, Rick Mirer, Steve Stenstrom, Moses Moreno, Shane Mathews, Henry Burris, Cade McNown, Steve Walsh, Kordel Stewart, Chris Chandler (washed up), Jonathan Quin, Craig Krenzel, Kyle Orton.
The above list is 50% of the reason I willing to give Rex more chances, the other 50 comes from the fact that we’ve seen him get the job done in a big way 19 or 20 times since he joined the team. And I’m banking that those games are the real Rex and not the 5 or 6 bad games he’s had.
July 12, 2007
#48 Pissed Off said . . .Rex being in the last year of his contract really makes things simple for us as fans. He's either going to get the job done this year or we're in the market for a new quarterback, probably a combination of veteran (McNabb?) and a early round draft pick. The only true controversy that should emerge this year is how to evaluate his play. And I think that too will be easy - he doesn't have to win every game, he doesn't have to play great in every game. He just can't be responsible for more than 2 turnovers in a game, whether those are fumbles or interceptions. I do think 2 is the magic number - obviously we want zero (and he's shown he's capable of that), one would be fine, but two is the max. And for my evaluation, he will be allowed exactly one >2 turnover game. On the second >2 turnover game, he's gone. I'd like to hear others' takes on how they will be evaluating him. And for the record, I am guessing that he will get over the hump this year (which translates to Super Bowl winner, and hopefully MVP of the SB). However, I will be surprised not one whit if it doesn't happen, so it's a guess and more like a hope. But I still think it will happen.
Now all that said, I'd like to call for a stop to something. It's one thing to debate whether Rex has what it takes to bring us to the promised land. But defending him by comparing him to the Parade of Losers that have preceded him is meaningless and also obscures the real issue. It doesn't matter whether he is better than what came before. Our goal is not just to improve on previous suck asses. We're a Super Bowl caliber team and must have a quarterback that is commensurate with the rest of the team. I'm hoping he's the guy, I'm wanting him to be the guy, and I'm guessing he will be that guy. But we certainly don't have a lot of time to fuck around with the position. So can we stop saying that we should support Rex because he's better than Peter Tom Willis? Can we raise our expectations just a little higher?
July 12, 2007
#49 Pissed off said . . .Hector you can eat a fat one. Dissing my english doesnt prove your opinion. Again, we're glad you've seen Wolfe play 2493 times but unless you've weighed him we have to agree with the current stats available cuz guess what, they probably have weighed him and their right and your wrong.
On the opposite I obviously know far more about football and the Bears in particular than you do, that is evident from your blogs. The fact that you just recently showed up and started talking B.S. about virtually everyting kinda gives you away. You base all your notions on opinion, we like to base some of them on stats and fact. Check those out before you start saying Rex isnt in the 50th percentile. Did you know he had 7 games with a rating over 100, probably not. Yeah I support the guy but if he stinks it up I'll say bench him. Its his first full year and guess what, we went to the super bowl. You can keep ranting your idiotic takes but throw some stats or facts in there to back up your shit. Oh wait you cant cuz what you've said is complete shit. And if you knew anything you'd know that his teammates have complete faith in him, completely opposite of your thought.
By the way I dont think you can dis my english when you cant spell your own name. THanks for the vote of confidence Rancid but as I've said I will be the first to say bench him if he's bad. The thing last year is we were still winning despite some bad games and lets face it, he gave us the best chance to win every game of any of our QBs even if bad Rex showed up occassionally.
Hector, where is this story or whatever where you say experts, scouts put him in the bottom 1/3 of the league? Again lets see some stuff to back up your notion.
July 12, 2007
#50 Phil from SATX said . . .Phil, good to hear from you again. I think evaluating Rex will be tough. The thing last year is that we were still winning! Yeah he had shittly games but we were winning and from the times we saw good Rex we all know he could snap out of it at any time and lead us to victory. Thats why Lovie couldnt take him out. He has too much potential. You all know I support the guy but I cant help but think bad Rex will show up a time or two this year. If he shows up twice this year thats an improvement on the 3 or 4 or whatever it was last year. To me thats getting more consistent and I wont call for his head if he has a 3 or 4 turnover game until he does it a few times. Lets not forget when he threw up a stinker he always came back with a stellar performance. Makes it tough to sit him the next game or for the rest of the year when we know his potential and we see Orton, Griese and/or Leak sitting on the sidelines.
July 12, 2007
#51 JB said . . .Thanks PO'd, how's your son? Must be about 4 months old or so by now - guess you guys have started getting some sleep. I agree with your post, and I guess I would clarify my original post by saying it of course depends on how those turnovers occur when/if they do. I think it will be readily apparent whether Rex has killed the beast that caused the Deer in the Headlights wild-eyed visage that became sort of a signature of his bad games last year. If you'll recall, when he went bad, he stayed bad for the duration of the game (and was never pulled, which is how he piled up some of those impressively high TO and impressively low QB stat games).
So to me that's what I'll be looking for - when things go badly for him, can he correct? If not, he will have to go - or the coaching staff will have to adjust themselves with a quicker yank - which if that happens enough times, will end up forcing him out anyway. Every QB throws INTs, but it seemed like when Rex started throwing them, we all just knew he would continue. I still remember Steve Young talking at half time during one game about how veteran QBs recognize the need to fix themselves on the fly when they are having bad games - this is the quality that will determine whether Rex stays or goes. Can he adjust in time to win the game? I can't wait to find out.
July 12, 2007
#52 Pissed off said . . .Ok, we're agreed that hector is an idiot...but no one liked my suggestion for an alternate name, ehcuod gab?
I'm done with talking about Rex...funny how Midway's first response said, let's talk about Rex last...and the flood gates open.
Re: Briggs...I just don't care. If it happens fine, if he sits, fine, I'm sick of thinking about contracts and the sick money that is tied into this game.
Re: Benson...I see him as gaining 1200 yards this year...which would be solid, but not setting the world on fire. Maybe he'll turn out to be a pro bowl guy, but I don't think he breaks into that this year.
Re: Devin Hester...I'm going to go with the hype...don't talk about Dante Hall in this argument, they aren't even close to the same kind of player...this is an offensive Prime Time in the making.
July 12, 2007
#53 Phil from SATX said . . .My son will be 16 weeks this Sunday, good call Phil. Sleeping thru the night now but still up early for his first feeding, currently thats about 5:45 AM and I cant get back to sleep afterwards so I have to get to bed early, basically when he does, about 9PM if I want about 7 hours. Still would like 8.
Very true regarding Rex, when it went bad it continued and he piled up a worse rating and more TOs. I dont know how he cant fix it on the fly but thats the main thing with him. Figuring out how to fix it on the fly, if he can make the adjustments at half time or even during the particular quarter after a poor start to a game he will be fine.
I agree with virtually everything JB said but call me stupid, I dont get the ehcuod gab thing?? I dont give two shits if Briggs plays anymore, I dont. I think our D is plenty good enough without him, I really do. I think at times we will notice whoever is in his spot has lost a beat but it wont be anything we cant overcome and it wont be cause for us to lose any one game. Its about #54, not #55. Agree with your Hester take and regarding Ced, 1200 sounds fairish to me. I dont see him breaking out into the pro bowl this year, maybe next but anythings possible.
July 12, 2007
#54 Bearfan34 said . . .Just read it backwards, and JB, sorry for not responding earlier but I did laugh when you introduced that. I can't believe I'm so out of the loop that I didn't know Vash had re-signed. I am ecstatic about that, especially with the concept of the probability of both him and Peanut signing. I had gotten myself talked into the fact that we couldn't afford long term contracts to two players at the same time (see Urlacher/Briggs) but I hated the idea of losing either one. How many other CB tandems in the league are better than these guys? Not many. Pulling either one out would have ensured a drop-off. Defense is shaping up pretty well, isn't it? Bolstering the safety position, keeping the corners as is, no Tank but let's not forget he was a second stringer at the beginning of last year, and if Briggs stays...
What else have I missed? I suppose the next thing you'll tell me is Lovie signed to a long term deal...
July 12, 2007
#55 mikebdot said . . .Rex last, I can't take all the bashing before Training camp!
I'm heading to camp the 27th, putting them vacation days to good use!
As always,
Bear Down!
July 12, 2007
#56 DTB said . . .Phil,
Unless I've missed something, Lovie is signed through 2011.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/165094/lovie_smith_chicago_bears_head_coach.html
Or was that a joke?
Bearfan34: I'm also strongly considering going to camp at some point...but during one of the weekends probably...just got 3 weeks vacation this year, but already burned off quite a few days to play frisbee golf...
July 12, 2007
#57 Al in WI said . . .The only deficiency that I see in Rex's game is patience. That will come with time and to be honest I think I has to do with his past. He gets happy feet because he doesn't want to get hit. Can you blame him? His legs have taken serious abuse during his time in the NFL. So what happens when the pocket begins to collapse? Happy feet. There were countless times last year in which his Rex would begin to retreat from the pocket instead of stepping up. Why? Recall the pre-season game in St. Louis, he stepped up, planted his foot and a D-lineman destroyed his knee. Anyone who has been injured while playing knows that those memories are first and foremost in your mind. All Rex needs to do is trust himself and step up in the pocket, its as simple as that. This is all opinion of course, I have no facts to back this one up.
July 12, 2007
#58 Pissed off said . . .Phil,
It is completely valid to compare Rex to the long list of losers who preceded him. It provides a context that should be remembered during these debates. Especially since some make retarded comments like, "worst Bear's qb ever," "he's in the bottom half of bear's qbs in the last 20 years." That's garbage, and simply not true. He deserves more chances and support precisely since he is the best hope we've had in years.
I also think it matters because of the ridiculous expectations he has to deal with. I mean the nit picking that goes on makes you think that the Bears previous starters were hall of famers. Every great quarterback out there has struggled at times in his career, and most have struggled worse than Rex has. Again including playoffs he’s 19-8 as a starter for his career, and for he’s played well in 20 of his 28 appearances.
I definitely will not be judging him in the preseason. As a preemptive strike I would point out that Orton looked great in 2005 completing deep passes all over the place. Then in the regular season he had maybe one pass over 40 yards. And of course last year when Rex bashing was at full throat, and then he started off the season great.
July 12, 2007
#59 Phil from SATX said . . .Did anyone see the story on sportscenter about Rex. It appears the offense will be doing quite a bit of shotgun this year. The coaches apparently think all of his problem areas come from his footwork, mainly throwing off the backfoot at times instead of stepping into the throw. I tend to agree, when he throws off that back foot he gets into trouble. They say the shotgun should help that out a lot.
I can just see it now..... Home crowd roaring, Rex in the shotgun......Two recievers left (BB and Moose) Two receivers right (Rash with Hester in the slot) Wolfe lined up next to #8. Rex lifts his knee and Hester comes in motion, Rex takes the snap, fakes the reverse to Hester and throws deep to BB....TOUCHDOWN BEARS!! OH my God I am so pumped right now!!!!!
July 12, 2007
#60 Max said . . .Al, you're right if we're talking about giving Rex respect. He deserves respect because he's clearly better than nearly every one of those guys. My point is that if he proves himself not able to get us a Super Bowl win (our only goal at this point) it doesn't matter that he's better than what we've had, he still won't be the right man for the job. I think you can agree with that. But to your point, obviously people who say he's not fit to play in the league are full of it.
PO'd, thanks for that image, and that fantasy didn't even include the GO Bot! As long as Turner comes through with creative play calling, I can totally see your scenario occurring for real.
I agree about how Rex looks in camp being meaningless. Also, look forward to being able to evaluate Rex's progress under pressure very quickly in the regular season (as in immediately) because all teams will play Rex the same way - bringing it hard and seeing if he'll crumple under the pressure. So we'll get to see right away how Turner schemes it and how Rex handles it. There won't be the 4-5 week "honeymoon" period like last year until the Cardinals revealed to the league how to mess with Rex. (Before you start screaming, I'm not saying Rex wasn't awesome in those games - he was, but after the Cardinals game every team began to bring total pressure, and those that were good at it created turnovers). Just saying we'll get to see how he handles it from Game 1 on.
July 12, 2007
#61 Midway Monster said . . .mikebdot: It sucks that you burned some vacation time, but mad respect for the frisbee golf play. I skip class for frolf sometimes. luckly, i dont need to skip class for da bears.
Yes PO'ed. That is an almost perfect thought. And congrats on sleeping through the night.
And personally, I dont remember the QB's to well until you get to Rick Mirer, but I know every one of them after and I look back on all those when I wanna feel good about Rex. It works.
Like I picture it as a paper cut (BadRex), which hurts like hell and can be annoying for awhile, but then i look at pictures of when i fell down my stairs and fractured my skull as a kid (all the other QB's) and how much worse that felt and it sort of makes me feel better about the paper cut. Does that make sense to anyone else?
July 12, 2007
#62 Pissed off said . . .JB:
Yeah, seems no one can talk about Chicago without the endless flood of Rex-centric conversation. We need to start some sort of "how many Bear Fans does it take to criticize Rex" joke list (or some such thing).
Someone please tell me how many days until I can see a Bear helmet collide with a Bolt helmet!
--Midway--
July 13, 2007
#63 Phil from SATX said . . .Football is near, I can smell it. Phil I wanted to talk a bit about your point you made in #59 the first paragraph. You say if we dont get a SB win with Rex at some point he was not the man for the job. Are you then saying that he is the main factor, not that all other pieces of the team have to come together? He can be great but if the rest of the pieces on offense, special teams and D dont come together we wont get a SB win either and I cant blame that all on Rex. Dan Marino is an example of a great QB who never won a SB, and there are many others. Do you see where I'm coming from?
July 13, 2007
#64 Phil from SATX said . . .Good morning PO'd, I do see where you're coming from, and I'm not saying if the Bears don't win it all I'm automatically deeming it Rex's fault no matter what occurred on the field. (some double negatives going on in there). I already buy into Rex's skill set, which short of scrambling ability (which he hasn't shown but I believe he could develop) he has the best tools of any Bears quarterback since I've been a fan. This year, Rex needs to show me 2 things - can he eliminate the multiple turnover games, and can he bring the team back in the 4th quarter (I can't remember how many times he did that last year - was it the Giants game that was notable? remind me please). If he shows me those things (and especially the first), I'll want to support him all the way and of course re-sign him for as long as we can, regardless of whether we win a Super Bowl this year - because let's face it, there is at least one other fantastic team out there in the other conference and Rex could play a good game and the team could still lose again to King Manning (God forbid, and forgive me for uttering such words).
I'll say it again, I think he can be that guy. Just last night my local non-Bear fan buddy was asking me to try to be objective and take off my Bear goggles and admit to myself that Rex Grossman can never be the answer. I think that is the opinion of the rest of the country, and not living in Chicago anymore I don't know if Crotch is right about it being the overwhelming opinion of Chicagoans. Whatever, I've seen enough to know he has the tools, and this year we'll learn whether he can develop the needed consistency from game to game. Since I'm guessing he will do it, I can also say it's going to be great to shove it everyone's faces who are so certain of his imminent failure. (Still need to acknowledge the fact that I was one of those right after the SB). So there you have it.
Go Rex! Go Bears!
July 13, 2007
#65 JB said . . .Midway, there's a good reason for Rex-centrism. As the quarterback, he's the only guy on the team that can single-handedly lose a game for us by giving the ball away. (I guess a running back can too but we haven't been plagued by that, assuming that Cedric's forced fumble in the SB was indeed forced and not a trend).
All other parts of the team worked well last year, and it's a reasonable expectation to assume they will again this year. So what does the upcoming season turn on? I say QB play. So it is a relevant focus of obsession. (Coming from the one who said there should be nothing new to talk about with Rex until training camp opens - what a hypocrite I am!)
July 13, 2007
#66 Phil from SATX said . . .Phil, you're thinking of the Minnesota game...to Rashied...beautiful throw...
July 13, 2007
#67 Al in WI said . . .Thanks JB I remember that now. Were there others of note?
July 13, 2007
#68 Pissed Off said . . .Phil,
Rex has had a few come from behind victories so far. Last season there was the Minnesota game at the Dome, Giants game, @ Detroit, and most importantly the Seattle Playoff game. Honorable mention to the Tampa game where we won in OT though never trailed.
I think Rot Crotch is wrong about this being the overwhelming view of Bear fans being negative towards Grossman. Those fans are simply the loudest voices on the subject. It's like a protest, the real story isn't the 100 people protesting something, it's the thousands who aren't. In fact it seems to me that Rex "won," most of the Internet polls on the trib last year for whatever that's worth.
I think the reason your friend and most of the country feels this way, is because of the out of proportion coverage ESPN and the national media gave to his struggles. People who didn't watch every game last year only heard about the handful of bad games he had rather than the complete picture.
At the end of the season, the coverage was so biased against him, that the AP story on the Seattle p-off win started with "Bears Overcome Shaky Grossman to Win." Absurd. Rex led us to the game tying and game winning field goals, and had nearly 300 yards.
July 13, 2007
#69 Phil from SATX said . . .Agree with Al, the general fan only hears about how terrible Rex is when he has those bad games. Not about the 10 or so good games he had.
Phil it seems as though you went backwards now on post #64 from your stance on #63. QB and/or RB are not the only positions that can lose a game. They may be the first you think about but return guys can fumble, which we saw more than plenty of from Hester (but in his case the possible reward far outweighs the risk). There are of course others but QB and RB are the main ones, return guys came to mind. The QB and RB have the ball the most on offense so we point to them. Id ont think QB play will be the sole we reason we win or dont win a SB. Look at all teams past, we need all parts to work.
I think those who hate Rex are a bit less in number than the Rex believers among those across the country and the Chicagoans. Those who hate Rex think that way becuase they are fair weather fans who only really hear about the bad games. The true fans, I do believe, think Rex can be the answer. Thats because they know what we've had, and its been miserable for years and years. The general population, and fair weather guys hear mainly about the bad stuff and that why they dislike Rex. Even though no QB would make them happy it makes for easy watercooler talk by saying "rex sucks, huh?" I have learned to tune out those people in coversation cuz I know they havent watched the Bears week in and week out and seen good Rex.
July 13, 2007
#70 Phil from SATX said . . .Wow, when you put it that way, a different picture really does begin to emerge - because in addition to the 4 you spoke of there were a bunch of butt-kickings as well that obviously also get credited on Rex's record. I'm a little pissed at myself for so quickly forgetting about those two great playoff games, and especially the NFC championship snow game, one of the best times I have had in my life watching a game on TV. If you take the span of time from the beginning of the Seattle game right up through the first six seconds of the Super Bowl, was that great or what? And speaking of that six seconds, how many of us were absolutely certain after that six seconds that the Bears were going to be Super Bowl champs? I will never ever forget that play and the accompanying euphoria, even if it all went away afterwards.
Anyway, thanks Al for reminding me that Rex actually had a pretty damn good year in 2006. And in the second most memorable Bear year in my memory, Rex was front and center helping to make those memories.
July 13, 2007
#71 Pissed off said . . .Sorry, that post was in response to Al. PO'd, while you're right about other players being able to contribute turnovers, the difference between them and Rex is that they'd be pulled from their duties in any given game (at least for that game) if they contributed to multiple turnovers - there are others who can do their job. A running back who puts the ball on the ground twice will probably end up sitting for a while, same with a punt returner. Rex never got pulled because Lovie wanted him out there for his reasons. Without making a conclusion about the merits, I do think that very few other coaches, if any, would have left Rex out there long enough to compile 6 turnovers.
Not sure if I'm making any sense here, I'll post anyway. Very disinterested in real work today it seems.
July 13, 2007
#72 Phil from SATX said . . .I'm extremely disinterested in real work today as well. Maybe because I'm heading out for Minneapolis tomorrow morning, gonna catch a Twins game and relax on vacation for a few days. I agree Phil that other positions would be pulled, and also agree that most every other coach would not have left Rex in long enough to complie 6 TOs or even three or four turnovers that led him to some horrible ratings in a few other games. But those other coaches, I can say with certainty, would not have experienced playing in a super bowl either. Becuase Lovie stuck with him he led us to vitories in the playoffs that we simply wouldnt have gotten with a backup.
July 13, 2007
#73 mikebdot said . . .I completely agree with that statement, PO'd. Enjoy your vacation - I was just up in northern Wisconsin for nearly 3 weeks - what bliss.
July 13, 2007
#74 Phil from SATX said . . .Just to be clear, PO'd, a fumble does not affect your rating at all, unless you consider the lost opportunity of throwing a TD pass that drive. Also, the most an INT will hurt your rating is 39.583 points. The other stats are TD, comp % (which is also hurt by an INT, especially multiples), and YD/att (which, once again, hurt a small amount by INTs). In any event, it's not as though the turnovers were the only problem in those games. Just plain old bad throws didn't help.
Have I mentioned I hate the QB rating?
July 13, 2007
#75 Max said . . .Very interesting Mike, just for clarification, does an INT change the completion percentage any more than any incomplete pass?
Maybe those turnovers are just a proxy for and result of crappy overall play. As we all know, the problem last year was that generally speaking, when he was bad, he was really really bad, practically from the opening bell to the closing kneel down (or interception, depending on who had the ball). It might be hard to define, but it wasn't hard to see or comprehend. We'll know it when we see it - hopefully we won't see it.
July 13, 2007
#76 mikebdot said . . .Sort of off topic about everything else, but has anyone been following this whole Urlacher vs. Ex-Wife court case? Could this be distractful to him during the season? And does it hurt his image if it turns out he has been skipping out on time with his son? I would still cheer for him but thatd be a dick move on his part considering how little he sees the kid anyway.
July 14, 2007
#77 Rancid said . . .Phil,
Those asides about INTs hurting Yd/att and comp % were to show that, technically an INT could hurt the rating by slightly more than 39.583 points.
I agree, we'll know when we see it. I've asked the question before, but how many of THOSE games would be grounds for benching? He had 5 of 16 games where he was just plain terrible. So, if he had 2 or 3 that's an improvement, which is why if half way through the season he's already at 2 or 3 I will jump off the bus.
July 14, 2007
#78 big rob said . . .While a RB or return man can "single-handedly" lose a game, Rex gets the attention because he has so many different ways of doing it. It's not just fumbles for him. He can throw a pick, blow the snap, not see the open guy, etc... With that said I have put my hope in Rex. It's already been well stated here that he is our best (only) option. But that is why so much turns on the QB. It's not that no one else is as important or can lose a game, It's just that Rex has the most likely chance of being the one to lose the game. On the other hand, a RB, Return Man, or a defenseman has a nearly equal chance (if not greater) of single-handedly winning the game (see Arizona Monday night). Therefore it sucks to be the QB. Especially when the media is running around with a bad case of diahhrea just dying for someone to shit all over.
July 15, 2007
#79 big rob said . . .I AM SO BORED...... NEED FOOTBALL NOW.....
July 16, 2007
#80 The Straw (former Hector Crotch, etc) said . . .UGG
July 16, 2007
#81 Coxy said . . .I've been reading the opinions on Rex Grossman with interest. I shall challenge the pro-Rex crowd with the following two arguments.
1. The window of opportunity to win in the NFL is usually a small and fleeting one. The Bears have a lot of the puzzle pieces to win now. Before the ravages of free agency (e.g., Briggs, Tillman) , age (e.g., Brown, Miller, Kreutz) and awful luck (it invariably hits every team sooner or later) come to roost. Therefore, the imperative is to have a QB who can get the job done NOW. Two years from now the Bears might be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Washington Redskins for all we know.
2. Bells and whistles go off when I read things like, "well, we just need Rex to be serviceable and limit his mistakes." If THAT is going to be the formula for success at the QB position, then the Bears are screwed before the first snap of the 2007 season. You can point to all the Trent Dilfer examples you want. Fact is the Bears need "solid QB play." Anything short will be a problem. A big problem.
July 16, 2007
#82 Rancid said . . .You have to admit, it is much more exciting when Rex's hands are in Olin's grundle taking snaps than anybody else. If we had a consistently good QB like Peyton Manning, it would just be boring. Sexy Rexy to the top!
July 16, 2007
#83 Megan said . . .Crotch, your 2 arguments are old and tired around here. The problem is you remind me of the fans of other teams that occasionally lurk here. You attack Rex or the team in general with no alternative idea for an improvement. If going with Rex is so bad, what's your solution? Trade for Manning?, maybe Brady? We'd all love a guaranteed ProBowl QB, but you can't go to WalMart and pick one off the shelf. Rex has the potential to provide "solid QB play" and that's what we're pulling for.
July 17, 2007
#84 Pissed off said . . .82 posts? I can't believe pre-season is just around the corner now. I am so excited for the season to start.
Are there still a bunch o dabearsbloggers meeting in da windy city for the Dec. 2nd game? I would like to try to make that (ahem) very important meeting. If you are serious, please repost the details.
July 17, 2007
#85 The Straw said . . .Sick of arguing with Crotch. If you come up with a legitimate argument let me know, I may debate it. For now it doesnt deserve a response.
Would love to go to the Bears game, would be a little tough though since I'm from ND. Unless all the faithfull dabearsbloggers want to pitch in about $50 apiece I'll be watching on TV. Still havent got to go to Soldier for a game yet, believe it or not. I've seen the Bears play in Minnesota 6 times, just havent been able to get all the way to Chicago. When I got married last summer my wife and I planned on going in December 2006 to the TB game. I had the tickets and everything.....then I got my wife knocked up, she'd be too far along to fly, I sold the tickets and the rest is history.
July 17, 2007
#86 Phil from SATX said . . .I'm worried about the QB position. Big time. So too is SI's Peter King and 98% of his fellow "football experts." To quote...
"... two things scare me about Chicago: Rex Grossman at quarterback and Lance Briggs' potential holdout. I've had enough of the e-mails defending Grossman. Those don't mean anything, Bearaholics. The way a QB plays matters, and Grossman has to be 25 percent better for this team to win a Super Bowl..."
The success of the 2007 season shall rest on Brian Griese and/or Kyle Orton stepping up. That much I am convinced.
July 17, 2007
#87 JB said . . .Not sure how you can be convinced of that, Scarecrow ("I think I'm going to miss you most of all" - Dorothy). I agree that Rex has to get better next year - and why shouldn't he? One full year (with the added experience of 3 pressure-packed playoff games) and an off-season. Obviously "25% improvement" is a made up number and somewhat meaningless, but I think it's a completely reasonable expectation that he will improve by a measureable amount. And is it trenchant analysis by those 98% of experts to say "Grossman has to improve..." Duh?
Different subject, great article today in Trib by John Mullen about Briggs - great because he gives me for the first time a reasonable explanation as to why teams have not been lining up to try to get Briggs. He basically says it's because Briggs and Rosenhaus have been trying to get the type of money reserved for sack and interception LB's, of which Briggs is not (at least he isn't in the Bears system). So the money expectations are unreasonable. He also makes a good argument for why Briggs will be playing every game for the Bears - now that the deadline has passed, sitting out does nothing for him, there is no longer a Bears hand to force. So anyway, Strawman can go with Peter King, I'll go with the Trib - Briggs (and hence linebacker play) won't be a negative issue for us this year.
July 17, 2007
#88 Al in WI said . . .Straw, Crotch, Douchebag...whatever you want to be called...why is anyone playing the games then? If these experts are all knowing, then what's the point of taking the field. It's really safe to doubt Rex right now. It's really safe to say not having Briggs will hurt the team. It takes little effort and no foresight...if it happens they can say I told you so, if the opposite happens, then well, it's a miracle.
You can go on doubting Rex...fine, no one cares. Remember, none of these experts had the Bears anywhere close to the Super Bowl last year...I believe it was Carolina from the NFC that was going to be there. How'd that work out. Yes, Rex needs to get better...wow, amazing analysis. I don't see how he won't be better with his experience and work on mechanics, another year in the system, and a plethora of weapons (old & new)...here is the truth.
Rex is the starting QB and will be opening day. Let's start judging his performance then, not in July.
July 17, 2007
#89 Pissed off said . . .I don't want to get into this again over and over but I'll add this. These experts are the same clowns that said the Bears would never get to the Super Bowl with Rex last year. And they were wrong. They also said Tony Romo was the second coming, they were wrong.
Po'd, you missed out on at that Tampa game. I attended that game and it was incredible, with Rex going over 300 yards and the offense clicking. Not to mention the OT factor. Ironically if I had been in front of the TV I would have been pissed at the Bears for blowing an early lead. But in the stadium it was just a very fun experience. I've been to the roller dome, soldier field north (Lambeau), and old & new Soldier, and the lakefront is second to none in either version. I think it's the equivalent to a Muslim going to Mecca. Do yourself a favor and make it happen, you’ll love it.
Phil, I did see that article, and I thought it was the best written about this issue. It has been driving me nuts hearing media types compare the contract that Adalius Thomas signed to what Briggs is worth. They’re not the same types of player because Thomas is a pass rusher and worth more.
July 17, 2007
#90 mikebdot said . . .I also read the article, very good. I dont care if Lance sits, comes back for the final 6 games or plays every down. I just dont care anymore. In this system we have other linebackers who can succeed and if Briggs gives Jamar and Okwo the chance to succeed and take over the position, they will and Briggs will be expendable and his value on the market will be depleted. The 7 million or whatever he's gonna get this year could be the most he ever makes in a single season.
Al, I watched the game on TV, it was great. It would have been greater to be there but I was pissed they blew the lead. I have been to live games and I know what your talking about being in the stadium when they come back. Its like the coming back and winnning is so euphoric it wipes out the frustration of blowing the lead.
Crotch, I have to agree with Al, JB and Phil. I dont even know how to begin to express how idiotic what you've said is. 25% is a made up number meaning nothing, we went to the Super Bowl with him last year and you know how absolutely horrible, worst QB in the history of the football at any level he was last year. I dont think he needs to improve very much at all, he just needs to eliminate a few of his bad games. Can you say "first full season" and "super bowl."
July 17, 2007
#91 Scott said . . .Back on topic, another thing we could talk about 'til camp is whether or not Benson can replace Jones adequately as the #1. I think that is far more worthy of discussion than who our #2 guy is...
Also, it seems people are just as passionate about that topic, so perhaps we'll have another 90 comment thread...
July 17, 2007
#92 Phil from SATX said . . .It's great to see that the prevailing opinion here is that Rex will improve and also that he doesn't have to improve that much. Couldn't agree more.
As for Briggs, it'd be great to have him for the whole year but if we don't I'm convinced we'll be fine. Had anyone heard much about Dave Duerson before he replaced holdout Todd Bell in '85? That worked out pretty well. We've got some good players behind Briggs and I know they'll step up if called upon.
Mike, I agree that a bigger question is Benson/Jones. I was thinking about that in a cab today. I'm not one to have grandiose predictions but I truly believe that Benson will not only adequately replace Jones, he might become one of the most productive backs in the league. Does anyone remember the TD run against the Vikes when he ran inside, bounced outside and hit the pylon? Amazing speed and power combination that is hard to find.
All that said, I'm a fan so at this point in the season I have the luxury of optimism. We'll have to face reality soon enough. Until then, I'm going to choose to think good thoughts.
July 18, 2007
#93 Pissed off said . . .Good to hear from you Scott, at this point we have no reason for anything but unbridled optimism. This has to be the most fun and optimistic season to go into ever. Even last year, while we expected a lot, there was much uncertainty about the QB position and virtually everyone was certain the Bears had botched the draft. Then a very shoddy preseason.
Things are different now. Uncertainty at the QB position does not include imagining that the Bears will not win their division - more like can we make and win the SB. The whole 2006 draft turned out brilliantly, and this year's draft seems to be filled with players we can't wait to see hit the field (not to mention some free agents that ought to look pretty damn good in blue and orange).
The infamous Peter King apparently came out with his preseason rankings and have the Bears at #5 - behind New Orleans (4), Patriots (3), Chargers (2) and Colts (1). I'm actually fine with those rankings - with the only NFC team ahead of us the Saints. While I don't agree, I understand the thinking, the media always likes offense more than defense and NO looks better on paper offensively than we do (actually I think the comparison there is very simple - he's doing Drew B vs. Rex G).
As far as being behind those other 3, we'll be able to switch one of those rankings in the first game and as to the others, we'll have to wait until the next SB to see who's better. But we'd be foolish to declare bragging rights against the AFC until we can prove it. I think it will be Colts/Patriots in the AFC championship game, so hopefully we'll get to prove it against one of those teams.
Reason I heard about that was because the local SA radio folks were lamenting the Cowboys being ranked 14th - ha ha ha ha ha ha is all I can say to that. The only silly team he included on the list was Lions ahead of the Cowboys. King also had the Cowboys' fate teetering on the play of Romo - if he could be a B+ QB, Cowboys would win a lot of games, or if he's worse, they could be .500. We have a similar, but much more optimistic comparison - if Rex is B+, we'll probably win the SB, if he falls some below that, we may still get to the SB anyway. Camp just 10 days away, right?
July 18, 2007
#94 Megan said . . .If you click "Pissed off" it should take you to a link of a story about the whole Vick thing. This story is well done in my mind and its just unbelievable what they claim happens to these dogs. Do these people have no heart or morals? It said some dogs were killed by wetting them and then electrocuting them and others by simply slamming them to the ground. These people and Vick especially are not fit to live in my opinion. I'm sure he'd be a great father someday. I'm going to go puke now.
July 18, 2007
#95 Phil from SATX said . . .I cannot believe that Vick is capable of allowing such cruelty. This man needs to spend some serious time in jail, maybe wet him down and give his testicles a shock.
July 18, 2007
#96 JB said . . .I guess Atlanta picked the wrong offseason to give up on Matt Schaub.
Doh!
July 18, 2007
#97 Phil from SATX said . . .jokes aside, the vick thing is sickening. It is the most vile and disgusting accusations I have heard outside of a child molestation case. It's these types of stories that makes me sad for the human race and how absolutely cruel and heartless it can be. I share your sentiments PO'd...I want to vomit when I think about Michael Vick now.
Re: Benson. I will be honest. When we drafted him, I was pissed. I thought we were set with TJ and could have improved other areas with bigger needs. He has done little to change my opinion since that day (contract impasse, the perception of a "me" guy, teammates don't like him, injuries, fumble in the SB). Plus TJ was my favorite offensive player (I mean, look at the guns on that guy). But...as it were, I am willing to give him the full chance to win my affections (which I'm sure he's very concerned about), because we have moved on. He has all the tools to be great, I've just haven't seen the desire yet. Whereas a guy like Greg Olsen seems to only want to play football.
Again, 1200 yards.
~Rex for MVP '07
July 18, 2007
#98 Phil from SATX said . . .JB, I understand liking and missing TJ but I don't know what about Benson's performance last year you didn't like. I don't see any lack of desire in him, and he certainly never showed any of that in 4 years at UT, where he was nothing but a unremitting work horse. Agree that the last snapshot we had of him was not a good one, but he came on like a ball of fire in the second half last year. With 80-90% of the carries, Benson is going to thrill us this year, and fans and teammates alike are going to be loving him.
July 18, 2007
#99 Pissed Off said . . .I feel a little bad about using a Homerism on the Vick situation - didn't mean to make light of it at all, just reflecting on the fact that I don't think Vick is going to end up as an NFL football player after this and while the franchise did not know this before trading Schaub, it's still somewhat ironic and that franchise is screwed.
That said, I've got to say there has to be a few other crimes aside from child molestation that go above dog fighting and animal cruelty on the bell curve of evil - I'd probably include any violent crimes against humans first, particularly genocide, murder, rape...
Now having said THAT, I am wondering who the f goes to dog fights? I've never known anyone who has. Who are these people?
July 18, 2007
#100 said . . .Thugs, criminals, people who generally have been shown no affection their whole lives, people with no morals, heart or regard for any living thing. I would also include people with genetic fuck-ups cuz anyone who can do this is retarded in some way. And I mean that literally. I truly hope Vick gets the maximum sentence and he never plays football again. When he's old he can think about what he did and what he missed out on.
July 18, 2007
#101 JB said . . .This must be a hobby for Vick cuz if he's making 100 million what does a $6000 or a $20,000 purse do for him. Nothing. These are helpless dogs. Yes they are vile and nasty and whatever else but they are bred that way from birth. Can you imagine taking a tiny puppy, just born and shortly after start slapping it around, starving it, torturing it and making it to be a vicious fighter? I have to go puke again.
July 18, 2007
#102 Phil from SATX said . . .Phil, I didn't mean to sound like I'm not giving Benson a chance...it's just with his time thus far in Chicago, he hasn't won me over. I guess we started off on the wrong foot when we selected him with the 4th overall pick and he cried, saying he was disrespected. The right thing to do would be to smile and talk about adding his name to the great backs of the Bears history.
I go back to how awesome Greg Olsen is, knowing that he hasn't even caught a pass yet.
July 18, 2007
#103 Max said . . .Now JB, come on man, those are some misleading words. Cedric cried tears of joy when he was selected by the Bears. It was all positive on draft day. He did screw up everything else at the beginning by a foolish and unnecessary hold-out that later he admitted he completely regretted. That was 2 years ago. Since then, it's mostly been about injuries and some comments about playing time and wanting more of it. Other than being a little strange and sensitive, he has not been a bad actor with the Bears at all. He does have that desire to play (not like Ricky Williams) and he will have a great year - as long as he doesn't get injured, which is the only fear/misgiving I have about Cedric being anything less than a total success in Chicago.
July 18, 2007
#104 The Straw said . . .Ive asked this before (and it may have been answered and i just forgot) but it is in regards to Bensons open field speed.
I only mention this because at somepoint last year, mighta been against the Packers but im not sure, Benson breaks a run for 30 yards or so which was all well and good, but he was past the last defender at one point and was caught from behind alot quicker than i thought he should have been. It coulda been a different week, maybe after his injury, but it did not seem like he has the type of speed to take a run to the house from anywhere outside the 35 yard line.
So my question is, what is his 40 time and has anyone else noticed this?
July 18, 2007
#105 Al in WI said . . .Re: Michael Vick
For all intents and purposes, his NFL career is over. I will not be shocked to see Arthur Blank and the Atlanta Falcons do a 180 and cut Vick within the next week. That's right, cut him. Then Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton will come out of the woodwork to scream racism and make the cable news networks very happy because they will have a new storyline they can beat to death for the next month.
Vick is a street thug. Pure and simple. If not for a career in the NFL, he'd probably already be in prison. Or dead.
July 18, 2007
#106 Carmela Pirone said . . .The "Ron Mexico," story is just another example of the consequences of glorifying the thug culture.
It is ruining America by promoting a dangerous and self-destructive lifestyle, and celebrating the ignorance of common criminals.
The NFL has sat back for far too long and done nothing about it. I think largely because they have been afraid of the race card. Now Roger Godell has started cracking down on this, but it will take a while to clean up the mess.
Mexico should be fined the maximum amount for each individual charge and given two years off. At the end of the day he will be remembered as a thug criminal, and below average quarterback who holds the title as most over hyped player in league history.
July 18, 2007
#107 mikebdot said . . .If anyone is interested in the entire 1985 Bears season on DVD, I have every game available in its entirety available for free, with $3 shipping per game.
July 19, 2007
Thanks Carmela, but even if I were interested you haven't left me with a link to get contact info...
The league should sell entire seasons for every team, not just hilight reals. It's not as though they don't have dozens of cameras at every game. In fact, they should have a camera for every position on the field and have every play from scrimmage for each position on the field. They'd only need 22 cameras for that. Then, eventually, they could sell entire careers. What person in Chicago wouldn't want to purchase every single yard from scrimmage Walter Payton ever gained?
July 19, 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.