The calls for Adrian Peterson to start at running back didn’t begin on this website and they certainly won’t end here. Division I-AA’s all-time leading rusher is the most popular player in the second city as Jerry Angelo’s first round superhero, Cedric Benson, is simply waiting for the gas to run out of the Bustmobile. Before you listen to any more incorrect analysis from coaches and writers, here’s actual information.
THE BEARS ARE THE WORST RUSHING TEAM IN THE NFC
They average 3.2 yards per carry and 81.1 yards per game. How is this worst, you might ask? The only team averaging less yards per game is the Green Bay Packers (65.7) but they’re doing it on 5.5 less carries per game. They acknowledge their lack of running ability and throw it more but if they wasted time running those five and a half times at their average of 3.3 yards per carry – they’d shoot to 83.85 yards a game. Almost three yards better than the Bears.
AND IT ONLY GETS WORSE...
(1) Only three teams in the conference have gained fewer first downs on the ground.
(2) St. Louis has no rushing touchdowns. The Bears have two and that’s tied for next-to-worst.
(3) The Bears are the ONLY team in the league without a rushing gain of 20 yards.
(4) Sick yet? Still a running football team?
Is Adrian Peterson the answer? Probably not. But even though his sample size isn’t nearly as large, his statistics (4.5 yards per carry) show a significant improvement over Benson’s (3.1 yards per carry) and Peterson has not received the bulk of his carries in junk time or in unattainable third and longs.
With apologies to a discussion I’ve just had with Noah, I’m not going to turn this into a column about the application of behavioral economics to the athletic world but it appears the only reason the Bears are expressing such unjustified loyalty to Benson is monetary. Football is about winning not about getting a return on your investment. When a stock is nose-diving, you sell – even low – before you lose everything. The question is simple: Does Cedric Benson give this team the best chance to win? If the answer is yes then I should probably spend less time on these columns because we’re screwed.
ADDENDUM: Congratulations to Brian Griese - named NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Check out Reuben Frank's excellent column on Griese from Sports Illustrated.
ADDENDUM 2: David Haugh is a day behind me in today's Trib. Still worth reading.
#2 Bill said . . .To follow on the discussion from the prior thread - the coaches pretty much come around to the idea of benching unproductive players. The issue here is the O-line - and I suspect Lovie and Turner realize that is as much or more then problem than Benson.
October 24, 2007
#3 Northside Superfan said . . .First again? I need to spend less time here.
October 24, 2007
#4 AfroCelt said . . .I know, I'm a hypocrite, because I've been defending Benson quite a bit during this season, but I'm afraid I have to agree. Benson looked good as part of the 1-2 punch the last couple of years, but that was only because him and Jones made a great change-of-pace combo. It appears he cannot cut it as the feature back, and if that is the case his salary is no where in the vicinity of justifiable.
Adrian Peterson should start, and Turner should make more of an effort to run outside run plays with Garrett Wolfe, who is still an untapped resource. I'd also like to see Hester in the backfield a bit...that was discussed in the preseason but hasn't happened.
Now, having said that, I still think the run blocking is a bigger problem. Benson is too hesitant to the hole, he's too slow and he's not making good decisions, but his numbers horrible numbers are mostly a result of bad blocking.
October 24, 2007
#5 Phil from SATX said . . .Something we don't mention enough on here is the fact that BOTH backs are horrible pass blockers. As a former O and D lineman I can tell you that average pass rushers make these guys look pathetic.
I am, however, all for seeing what AP can do...hell, make him a 1-2 with Benson if need be...
October 24, 2007
#6 Phil from SATX said . . .Northside, a hypocrite is saying one thing but doing another. You're not a hypocrite, you've changed your mind. So have I. I would like to see what happens if the 4- or 5-1 carry average (Benson to AP) is reversed, or at least evened up. Can you believe that AP has averaged LESS THAN 4 CARRIES PER GAME? That's got to change, no reason for it not to. Establishing the running game is too important for this team.
I don't think the Bears are in any mood to be near as protective of Benson's "feelings" as they were of Rex's. They were afraid of hurting Rex's confidence and also preserving the fragile team chemistry with respect to that position. They won't have that problem with Benson. Like JB said yesterday (or was it JL?), maybe they can use the excuse of CB's knee to see what happens with AP getting 15 carries, while still proclaiming loudly that "CB is our running back." If anything, maybe that will lead more to a true 2 back deployment than what they are doing now: CB on every play, unless they need someone who has any skill at blocking or catching. If they switch for a time, we'll know better how much the line has to do with CB's efforts.
October 24, 2007
#7 Northside Superfan said . . .At this point, though, I think we know one thing:
The late TJ was better at
1) blocking
2) pass catching
3) runningthan either of these two guys. Yes he was old and getting older, but I think we have established that he was better at these 3 (minor) things. You don't have to pull out his current Jets stats - I don't think they change anything in this analysis, do they? I wish I, and they, would have recognized this last year.
October 24, 2007
#8 topherized said . . .Here's a question--at least 3 times a game, we see the Bears run that little pitch-out play where Benson gets the pitch and tries to run outside of the tackle and between the WR's block. It has not worked once this season, mainly because Benson is so slow turning the corner.
Why the hell haven't they tried this play with Garrett Wolfe? It seems so logical!
October 24, 2007
#9 mikebdot said . . .one thing i liked about TJ is he was a solid blocker. CB is clearly so bad that he must be benched in any extended passing situation. That kinda kills the element of suprise.
dont you think other teams see AP come on the field and think... Pass! The only way to alievaite that is for AP to get more than 4 carries a game.
Personally I am not hot on either one. I keep hoping CB get it together. He looked much imporved against the vikes... a tough team to run on. Maybe the fact that we have been playing from behind in the last 4 games has something to do with it. Its a little hard to get the running game going when you're losing comming into the second half every week.
October 24, 2007
#10 jeff said . . .I'm not following you on that "AP's runs have not been in garbage time, etc." logic.
He's had 26 runs this year.
7 on SD - one on 2nd and 24 for 9 yards (after Grossman fumble which AP recovered), one on 3rd and 15 (the next play) for 7, one on 3rd and 10 and he got 11, next play 1st and 10 got 5, then he fumbled, 2 other runs totalling 4 yards
2 against KC - 1 was a 9 yard gain on 2nd and 10, not obvious passing down, but could have been in nickel? Other carry was for 1 yard
6 against Dallas - 8 of his 17 yards came on the second to last play of the game, when he ran on 1st and 10 from our own 25 [aka garbage time against prevent defense]
2 against Detroit - 7 yards on a 2nd and 10 in shotgun formation, we don't run on that very often
3 against GB - 3rd and 6 - 3 yard gain, 3rd and 9 shotgun - 5 yard gain, 3rd and 4 - 4 yard gain - 1st down! Woo hoo.
2 against Min - 2nd and 10 - 2 yards and 3rd and 8 shotgun - 9 yards - end of first half [aka garbage time]
4 against Phi - 3rd and 7 for 4 yards, 2nd and 5 for 4 yards (a normal play and actually getting 3+ yards!), 1st and goal - no gain, shucks, 1st and 15 after crazy "false start" play - 9 yard gain!
Anyhow, he's played solid. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield has been a great help these past few games. Benson did have a few drops, which were very costly early in the game against Min (?) It was raining at that point, so that might have had something to do with it. Regardless, I wouldn't mind using AP, I just worry since he's not had more than 8 carries how well he'll hold up. I'd hate to have him injured and not be able to contribute on special teams. He's a hell of a special teams player. Surely they wouldn't make him do that, too, so who would take his place there?
I think our bigger problem this season was injuries on D. Now we've got mostly healthy players and I think Detroit will get whipped. Even with Johnson.
October 24, 2007
#11 mikebdot said . . .i would very much agree. my problem with the tj deal was not getting enough in return. my problem should have been what we were giving up.
October 24, 2007
#12 Phil from SATX said . . .Also, fun thought, we have the 3rd most pass attempts in the league (I know we haven't had our by week yet, but that's still crazy talk).
October 24, 2007
#13 Al in WI said . . .Northside, I'm not following you - that pitch out to Benson (right side only) is one of the only things that's been working! Benson used that to get a bunch of 10 yard runs against MN. However, I totally agree about Wolfe - and even more so about a short pass to him, or dumpoff to him, like the kind that AP routinely takes 10 yards or more. Wolfe DOES have breakaway speed and could be off to the races with one of those. (So of course could Hester).
And kudos to all those of you (you know who you are) who were against the TJ trade. It wasn't me, I've walked through all of the cars on the Benson train and am now looking for a soft patch of grass where I can jump off without killing myself - fortunately the train ain't going too fast so I think I'll be okay. Man, that ticket price nearly broke me though!
October 24, 2007
#14 Northside Superfan said . . .I think the biggest problem with the running back situation is really the lack of options beyond Benson. AP is good at his role, that of backup and third down back. He's been in the league for 5 or 6 years now, and he is what he is.
October 24, 2007
#15 Megan said . . .Phil, you may be right--I know I've seen that play fail several times, but it may have worked. In any event, when we had TJ Benson never ran to the outside and now we can see why--he seems to have downfield speed (case in point--he made the tackle on that fumble recovery that was later overturned) but he is a slow starter and it takes him way to long to get around the tackles.
Again, I'd love to see what Wolfe or Hester could do with that play, and to reiterate--I want to see Hester carry the ball more. Not just on that all-to-conventional end around play. Yeah, sure, put him in the backfield and everyone will be watching him, but who cares? Everyone is watching him when they kick to him and that doesnt stop him.
October 24, 2007
#16 Coxy said . . .Bill,
The O in general has been sad the first part of the season, save for the 'drive' and BG being relaxed and groovy in the pocket.
Yes, Superfan, Jones/Benson confused defenses, that's why that worked better. Also, Jones was a better RB. He dodged/weaved/jumped, Benson plows and hopes for the best. Maybe we could use AP and Wolfe as that same defense confuser combo.
We ended up benching RG because he wasn't working. So the money argument doesn't make any sense to me. I could see it if Ced was not originally thought of as a solid RB, or at least aspirations as a good one and didn't get paid alot. Kinda like Peyton, the workhorse, in the beginning of his career, getting it done. But Ced's not even getting it done, why are we still glommed/obligated to him??
October 24, 2007
#17 Phil from SATX said . . .I hear what you guys are saying about Bensen, but I can't throw him under the bus yet. I think he's a weirdo and his teammates don't like him very much, but I have watched his runs. I just don't see any more he can do with the blocking. He is supposedly a hard hitting back that will wear down defenses, but you can't hit people when you are running into the back of Tait, Kreutz, and Miller. You have to admit on the majority of his runs that aside from Barry Sanders running back 15 yards then busting it, there is nothing that can be done.
I am for AP getting more serious carries early in running situations just to see if he can fare any better.
October 24, 2007
#18 tommy said . . .Great post Megan! You're right, best analysis yet I've seen on CB - "he plows forward and hopes for the best." TJ knew he didn't have a great run blocking line, and developed awesome skills at waiting for holes to develop, and making himself REAL skinny to get through slits.
Al, I don't think it's fair or accurate to characterize AP as "just a 3rd down back, all he'll ever be." About 4 weeks ago we were all saying that kind of thing about BG - "just a game manager, all washed up, perennial backup." Did you know that AP has had more than 20 rushes just ONCE in his career (got 120 yards, against SF, 2005). And more than 15 just TWICE? He has not been used this way, so WE DON'T KNOW how good of an every down back he could be. And judging how the coaching staff has kept very able players on the bench (see BG, Mark Bradley), I refuse to just defer to their judgment on this. He hasn't tried and failed - he just hasn't had the chance to try.
I'd like to see him try. Someone else might have some memory of a long time backup who came in to the starting role as RB and succeeded? Anyone?
October 24, 2007
#19 tommy said . . .All Benson's yards came on the right side vs the Iggles and I think most were pitches (could be wrong). He gained a total of Zero(that's zip, goosegg, notta) on the left according to a quick check of the play by play. Jones used to get some real good yards off the left by first a step right and a quick cutback left. I think the play was designed that way. I don't recall seeing the play this year - at least so I could recognise it.
October 24, 2007
#20 Phil from SATX said . . .Wasn't Tiki Barber a backup? Not sure how long. He got there because of an injury to the starter.
October 24, 2007
#21 Al in WI said . . .Tommy, you thinking of MN? I don't remember hardly any pitches against Igloos, which I was lamenting at the time because they had done so well in the previous game. Ced barely did nothin in the last game after an initial 10 yard run - mostly because he was "plowing [into the line] and hoping for the best." As a plow horse he makes a good CPR dummy (laying on the ground and waiting for someone to pull him up or give him mouth-to-mouth).
You can tell I'm a little disgusted with my former protege.
October 24, 2007
#22 Phil from SATX said . . .I don't know Phil, he's been judged a backup by two coaching staffs, and 3 or 4 offensive coordinators.
Remember that he was fumbling early in the season as well. And yes, he had a nice game 2 years ago but Ced had several last year too, and even looked good in a couple this season (KC, and MN).
I tend to think that the problem has been more with the offensive line and playcalling right now then Benson. Though at this point there is no doubt he is a bust for a #4 overall pick.
I just think Peterson is not a viable long term option as a starter. I think he's a role player, who has spent the majority of his career as a third stringer. The mistakes were made both by trading TJ, and even more so by passing on Chris Brown or another experienced back in FA.October 24, 2007
#23 Megan said . . .The thing is, now he's being compared to different RBs. And he doesn't look so bad compared to this year's version of CB. And no TJ to compare him too. In other words, he may have been a clear backup to TJ and to the TJ/CB combo of last year, but now? What do you have to lose by throwing him out there? It's not like he's a little guy, can't take the every down punishment. As to the fumbling, that could be an issue, we'd have to see. But running is running, there should be no reason not to try handing it off to him for the majority of a game. Even Ced's "good' games this year haven't been for huge yards. I'd have trouble believing he couldn't do at least as well.
October 24, 2007
#24 mikebdot said . . .Al,
I think part of the reason Ced looked so good a few years ago is because he was still teamed up with TJ. Defenses would adjust to TJ, then CB would come in and his style differed so from TJ's that the defenses needed to readjust.
I don't think Ced can stand on his own, I really don't.
AP does need ball holding drills. He does run well, and smart but gets a little cocky and looses the ball. Honestly, I don't know if it's cockiness or inexperience.October 24, 2007
#25 Pissed Off said . . .Does the O-line not look positively horrible in comparison to last season? Am I just too unwilling to give up on Benson? Seriously, I need to know if I'm being unreasonable. There have been numerous plays where Kreutz and Garza are arguing before Cedric Benson has been tackled. That is just plain disgusting. There are never any running lanes between our lineman. It's almost always a wall of our guys being pushed backwards so Benson has no other choice. You can't just "bounce it outside" against today's linebackers. It doesn't work unless you have break away speed.
Which, oddly enough puts me in favor of using Hester back there on occasion. You can't defend a pass to Hester if you hand the ball off to him. They should put him in the backfield on shotgun, put McKie on the other side. Then three other receivers. I'm just so pissed off we don't have creative formations. Although, I'm not sure that Hester would know where to line up! Hester Gump.
October 24, 2007
#26 tommy said . . .I dont think its a crime to give AP the whole workoad (or at least what Benson was getting for a game). I would be in favor of seeing it for a couple games, lets face it, the outcome cant be worse. Maybe we got something with this guy, maybe not. I think he's under utilized. In Years past thats cuz we had TJ but now with just Ced AP has gotten significantly more looks per game than last year and he's looked good, lets just try to give him the #1 load and see what happens. Maybe Ced would be better complimenting AP. Theres no point to force Ced down our throats, he's pretty much a bust already at this point and we all realize it. Or if not a bust, a significant oversight of talent on the part of the brain trust and the only reason to keep up what they are doing is monetary.
WE WANT AP, WE WANT AP!! or maybe its just I WANT AP! at least for a game or two.
October 24, 2007
#27 Northside Superfan said . . .Phil. It was the Igglets Game with a review of the play by play on the AOL sports site. I can't say pitches or not although some were for sure. My frustration was the plays they kept calling to the left. I was screaming "Why the bleep do you keep doing that?" Any comment on the play I described that Jones cutback? And as for plow horse CB, I would like to see our so called "punishing runner" hit a defensive back as hard as Des Clark did early in "The Drive". Yessssssssss, oh so good.
October 24, 2007
#28 RandomName said . . .Mike--you are absolutely right about the O-line...run blocking has been absolutely terrible this year. That's probably my biggest concern with the team, because 5 guys are responsible for that, and by my count 3 of them (Brown, Tait, Miller) need to be replaced without a doubt.
I was with you on Benson until very recently. I felt it was unfair to judge him with the blocking he was getting. But the more I've seen of him, the more I feel that it's a question of two bad elements coming together. Remember James Allen? He was an average, maybe even a below-average back, and with sub-par blocking he did better than Benson. Barry Sanders played most of his career with shitty run blocking. Benson is not performing at the level we need him to, and it looks like the reason is the way he runs. He is a bruiser, but he is indecisive, lacks vision, has slow feet and makes poor decisions. Combine that with an o-line thats fucking up, and you get 50 yards a game or whatever insanely low number we have.
Peterson seems to do something good just about every time he gets the ball. He can catch it, he's a competent blocker and he deserves a shot.
October 24, 2007
#29 mikebdot said . . .There's a saying that in sports that 70% of success is visioning yourself doing the thing you need to do.
For the sake of argument let's say that is true. what phrases were going through Cedric's head when he was in Texas vs now?
was it:
"i'm gonna run this MF down if he even thinks of getting in my way"
to
"good, I made a yard and a half time to collapse onto the field " and "goal line, what's a goal line?"He seems too nice on the field and he hands the ball back to the ref when he probaly should do like most other ball carriers do when they get tackled, outstretch their arm andd put the ball down on the field (even if the ref will place it back)
I'm hoping that everything is supportive outside of the lockerroom with the people he hangs around with.
Does he want it? I really want the kid to succeed as I can imagine any bear fan would.
Then again maybe Viking's Adrian Peterson could only average 3 yards with our o-line too. (I doubt this statement)
To Cedric from myself and some Bears fans:
I respect you as the 4th pick.. we expect big yards from you as bears fans and you seem like a nice guy off the field But write down some goals for yourself, the yards you want to have per season, and play mean as a pit bull every Sunday game.
October 24, 2007
#30 Max said . . .Yeah, I'm probably going to give up on Benson after 2 or 3 more games, I just don't think AP would be a good replacement. He is far too valuable on special teams.
Speaking of special teams though, I saw Mike Hass out there on a number of plays this past week. I was surprised he was wearing a jersey. Has that been a regular thing? How can one tell whether or not a player was active for a game? Was this his first action this season? I'd love to build up a lead at some point this season so we might have the luxury of putting him on the field as a receiver to see what's up...
October 25, 2007
#31 Phil from SATX said . . .this bus is getting full, but most of the passengers seem to think itll be a short ride. . . i hope its not
October 25, 2007
#32 JL said . . .I think those are some great posts about Cedric Benson. Random points out something about CB - I really don't think it's lack of the requisite skills for him, I think it's how he's applying them. I surely hope they have a good running back coach who can help him tweak his running, because I think he has more sophistication in his game than he's showing. We've seen him be more patient at times and show burst. On the other hand, he has proven that he doesn't have the speed to get far outside - that's a non-starter. He needs to cut inside way earlier and take what he can get. I also wish he would REALLY cut against the grain sometimes, a la the real Adrian Peterson. I know he's a north/south runner but he CAN change directions and I wish he would do more of that. I assume they're working with him on all these things.
And I agree with those who made the comparison with the AWESOME Des Clark first catch on the drive. The great Mr. Clark put a lick on that little DB. Ced needs to return to the punishing part of the game, because it will loosen things up for him.
He's not much of an improviser, which is why so many runs are plow forward and fall down. However, in every game he gives glimpses of what he could be. There was one run in the iggles game where he got real low and kind of ran through a tunnel for positive yardage where it looked like nothing. Also, the negative yardage to the left is really perplexing. Is the left side really that bad? I don't blame him for any of those lost plays.
I surely hope for continued improvement, while also pulling for a start for AP, or at least lots more carries.
Watched The Drive again last night, it NEVER gets old. We may never see a drive like that again by our Bears. (in agreement with he who said if we try that 10 more times, may not get it done again). Have to give huge kudos to the overall offense on that drive, and ESPECIALLY the incredible way they continued to run upfield and get to the line for the spike. Only cost 10 seconds each time from downing the ball on the previous play to the spike. THAT looked really professional and sharp. It made me wonder, does the opposing team try to block the offense as they're running up to the line, at least before the play's dead? It would be smart if they did, of course I can't see on TV. Just a thought.
October 25, 2007
#33 AfroCelt said . . .The Bears are in Orange this Sunday. Remember the game 2 seasons ago in orange against the Niners where we totally dominated them?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=oWJgtIaCFyo
1) Great Thomas Jones cutback TD run in the red zone - yeah, Benson doesn't do this
2) Our Defense is swarming, punishing, flying to the ball - can't say that we've seen that yet this season and I almost forgot what it looked likeOctober 25, 2007
#34 Northside Superfan said . . .Contact between plays tends to draw personal fouls...besides, if any defenders were across the line of scrimmage when hey hike the ball, its a clockstopper AND a 5 yard gain :)
I would love to see Harris or Urlacher just deck someone for the hell of it though...fire the defense up completely.
October 25, 2007
#35 RandomName said . . .Phil-
Not to keep harping on this, but the blocking on both sides of the line have been so, so bad. I'll cut Benson a break here--every single one of those negative yardage runs have been because of a complete, total lack of blocking. When the blocking collapses like that, there is no RB in the history of the NFL that could gain positive yardage.
Fred Miller CAN NOT move!! He gets pushed back immediately on every run play. Tait is not sealing off his side. I am totally baffled that these are the same guys who were out there last year.
So, to answer your question, yes, the blocking is that bad. But Benson is pretty bad too.
October 25, 2007
#36 Al in WI said . . .JL great memories. IF they do it again with orange on I think they better keep that color on for the rest of the season.
October 25, 2007
#37 Pissed Off said . . .I'm not a big fan of the orange jerseys personally because I'm more of a traditionalist. But they have had success. Two years ago with the bizarre wind game, where Vasher had the 108 yard missed field goal return against SF. And then last year where Grossman had 4 td passes in the first half. Those were fun games.
This could be a Orange Crush weekend though if Denver uses theirs on MNF against the pack!October 25, 2007
#38 tommy said . . .Great memories in orange. I remember then sometime later, i think it was before the monday night game VS Arizona where they were doing a funny piece on Robbie Gould. They were making fun of him for the crazy missed kick in that niner game. The kick started off nice and then the wind just took it hardcore wide right.
October 25, 2007
#39 Northside Superfan said . . .Phil, with respect to coaching CB I agree but one qoute from I heard on the radio said "Yeah,they tell me how I should run but I let it come in one ear and go out the other." If accurate quote - and you can never tell (context etc) he might be listening but not willing to admit it or it may be what he is doing. Either way it says a lot about where the problem really is.
October 25, 2007
#40 Phil from SATX said . . .Come on with all this bullshit about coaching CB. It's his third year in the league man. Third year. Usually with RBs you can tell if they've got it or not the first year, a small number take until the second year to develop.
This is his third year. He's had tons of coaching and plenty of opportunities. One thing he should not need at this point is someone teaching him how to run. Does Adrian Peterson (of the Vikings) need someone to teach him how to run? Did LaDanian Tomlinson? Walter Payton?
It's time for the guy to perform when he's got the ball in his hands or get the fuck off the field.
Also, just to make this point again--I do believe the o-line has played a large role in his failure thus far, but I don't blame it all on them. The guy has not been doing what he's supposed to, even when he gets holes and the chance to break some big runs.
October 25, 2007
#41 B.A. Baracus said . . .Northside, I don't disagree with what you're saying but I'm not sure that coaching/experience don't play a factor. Look at TJ as a prime example - he was not overly effective early in his career but really got better and better with experience. Same goes for Tiki Barber. So maybe it's not coaching, but it could easily be experience, and learning from experience.
October 25, 2007
#42 Phil from SATX said . . .I agree that the O Line is not blocking well and is way past its prime. Since Angelo did not do it in the last off season (and he should have), he will have to focus on retooling the O Line in the next off season.
However, despite the poor run blocking, CB is just not an explosive, impact runner in the NFL. He runs with his head down and seems like he is at nearly a 45 degree angle. I simple little push sends him falling forward. Because his head is down, he often misses what little cut backs he could make. CB is gun shy too often - he runs the ball out of bounds instead of taking defenders head on.
CB has not had an explosive game this year and in fact, has not even had an explosive run in any game. CB's longest run this year was 16 yards. The Bears are the only team in the league that do not have a running play over 20 yards. CB is nothing more than a serviceable back in this league at best.
October 25, 2007
#43 RandomName said . . .After this year, the Bears aren't going to cut CB, but they are going to have to admit that CB's highest and best use will be in the supplemental, two back role that he had with TJ - something that he'll be heinously overpaid for, but better than a pure salary cap hit by cutting him. In that role, he can be very effective, something like Julius Jones and Marion Barber are doing in Dallas (with CB in the Marion Barber role, just not as good, unfortunately). They are going to have to find their new TJ, and my guess is the best option will be a free agent veteran. Don't know who that will be - just a shame that we had it already and gave it away. And since he will be in that position, ole Head Case Benson better get real comfortable with sharing the spotlight and the locker room, unlike last year (and to be fair, we all know TJ contributed at least equally to the acrimony - my only beef against TJ).
More to do in the offseason, unfortunately.
October 25, 2007
#44 Al in WI said . . .Back on the orange uniforms, traditions can be overrated. Besides that 1935 uniform looks pretty orange to me.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:NFLClock-Bears-Large.jpgalthough I'm pushing it but there is hope. Walter Payton averaged zero yards in his first nfl game.
yeh yeh i know.. that was one game and Cedric is in his third year. but I'm an bears optimist
October 25, 2007
#45 Al in WI said . . .Phil makes a good point about Thomas Jones. He was a all around bust in his first couple of seasons with the cards. He then went to Tampa and showed some life as the 3rd string back, and came to Chicago where he was average his first season with the Bears. He didn't really show up until Benson was drafted and his job was on the line.
October 25, 2007
#46 Phil from SATX said . . .Another point was made by Dan Pompey on the score yesterday. Where does running back rank on the list of concerns? This offseason we have O-line, Wr, QB, D-Tackle, Lb (Briggs?), CB, and Saftey to worry about as well. It's not likely all can be adressed in one offseason. And there is a school of thought that says the strength of the team has been defense so keeping that strong should be a priority.
Something to consider...........October 25, 2007
#47 Bill said . . .We need to find the next Currently-A-Bust-But-One-More-Move-Away-From-Star in the making. It would help if they were just lacking that last piece in their progression, a HORRIBLE O-LINE. Who wants in?
Scouts, get to work! That guy has to be out there somewhere!
October 25, 2007
#48 jeff said . . .Saw this in Gregg Easterbrook's ESPN column - his proposal for handling "The Skunk":
"TMQ compromise proposed: Start all Chicago games Bears 7, Opponent 0, then don't let Devin Hester play."He also points out that the two teams that chose to kick away from Hester (GB and Phil) both lost. The field position they gave up was surely a factor in the long run.
October 25, 2007
#49 Northside Superfan said . . .the only two columnists i don't miss every week ae easterbrook and king on monday.
October 25, 2007
#50 mikebdot said . . .Al--in response to your post about free agency...
First of all, by CB did you mean cornerbacks or Cedric Benson? Because Our cornerbacks are locked in, and McBride looks like he may be a good player, so that's not a concerns. In my opinion, our need areas in order of priority are:
1. Harris
1. Briggs
1. O-Line
1. Running Back
5. SafetyYep, that's right. A 4-way tie at #1. If we want to get back to the superbowl, all of those areas need to be addressed in the offseason, barring some miraculous emergence of Benson.
I don't put WR on that list because I think that ultimately, with Berrian, Briggs and Harris sharing the same asshole agent (Rosenhaus), the best we will be able to do is keep 2 of those 3 guys, and I sincerely hope the one we don't keep is Berrian. I like Berian, but we can afford to lose him way more than Harris or Briggs. Besides, I think there is a phenomenal player waiting to emerge in Mark Bradley.
I think McGowan can be a starter at safety, and I liked what I saw of Kevin Payne. Archletta needs to go and Mike Brown is a question mark.
Those sound like a lot of needs, but it can be done. We don't need to rebuild completely. Most of the pieces are still there.
October 25, 2007
#51 mikebdot said . . .In my opinion Cedric Benson is the same type of runner as Shaun Alexander. Alexander had a superb line and now that they've started to suck he's started to suck. He's at 3.4 yards per carry. Yeah, he was hurt a bit last season and might still be hurting, but his line is pretty bad now.
3.1 is absolutely terrible. If you viewed the highlights with Jones, though, there is one play in particular where Kreutz is way out in front of him actually moving fast trying to find someone to block. The only times I've seen that this season have been on those pitch plays and on screens. Otherwise, our lineman have not pulled at all. It's been mostly straight up the gut running plays with no movement of people to create space to run through. When you pull a guard or the center it creates gaps and helps know where you're supposed to be blocking.
The whole line seems to have no idea what they're supposed to be doing. When McKie is hit in the backfield there are problems. Do you remember Matt Suhey getting hit in the backfield blocking for Payton? Incidentally, Suhey had 115 carries in 1985. Jason McKie has TWO! If you want to argue that Suhey was more like AP, then why the hell don't we line up AP in the backfield with CB!?! That might keep the defense guessing.
AP lead blocking for CB. What do y'all think?
October 25, 2007
#52 Midway Monster said . . .And speaking of 1985, Dennis f'in Gentry had 30 rushes that season. Why the heck doesn't Hester have at least 13 rushes yet (appx same pace)?
October 25, 2007
#53 Al in WI said . . .To me, Cendric Benson just doesn't seem to be a hard NFL runner. Why do I say that- I don't see the moves that get people to miss him; nor do I see him plow over folks. On a sweep I do not see him 'getting to the corner first' so he can turn up field. All in all he gives the illusion of a guy who doesn't seem to run the ball very hard. I have yet to see that promised assertive runaway train. Instead, we have a "down at first contact in a pile up" guy. We need a "big Back". someone to inflict punishment.
-- Midway --
(Heading for SF & then home)
October 25, 2007
#54 Phil from SATX said . . .Northside, I did mean cornerbacks. We are set with the starters but I think it's pretty dicey beyond that. Ricky Manning isn't giving you enough to justify his salary, and I'm not sold on McBride yet all. Though I will say you are right in that it needs to be a lower priority then the other needs.
As I see it though you have two major holes on defense with Saftey and d-tackle, and two potential holes, end depending on trade moves A. Brown ect, and Lb with Brigg's status up in the air.
The offense still needs a lot of work. Moose is gone at the end of this season, they can't continue to justify his salary at his age. Berrian is a question mark with his agent and down season. And while I've liked what I've seen at times with Bradley, can you really count on him at this point to be a #1 or 2?
Quarterback is another can of worms. I know people are in love with Griese and if he plays well the rest of the way, mabey you can stick with him for another year as the transitional starter. But that still leaves the question of who's next in line? Orton, or another draft choice, and if it's a draft choice then how high considering the other needs? My preference as this point is going out and picking up a guy who is still young but has some experience, say a Derek Anderson, or Kyle Boller for example. And letting them compete with Griese and Orton for the job.
Next up you have two holes for sure on the line with Miller and R. Brown.
So personally I'd put them all ahead of either drafting or signing another running back for big money. Benson is on pace to end up with a thousand yards or close to it. That may not mean what it used too, but if he's not hurting you, why not give him until the end of the season to see if he can pick it up considering all the other conerns ahead of him right now. That's all.October 25, 2007
#55 Northside Superfan said . . .I am coming to the same conclusion as all - major Oline overhaul the only thing that's going to save the running game. So as to that list, I go:
1) Briggs (cause it's still D first)
2) Harris (he goes second now because of injury concerns)
3) O-line, likely through free agency and a first round draft pickOur brain trust (although it's true we don't say those two words with near as much gusto right now) are not stupid, and recognize the importance of line dominance on both sides in winning games. They took a chance this year on stretching out some careers and it looks like a bad one. The hard thing is, can you revamp an offensive line in one year? We hear so much about the need for experience, and time spent playing together for an Oline to gel. But considering how these guys are playing this year, I'd take 4 perfect strangers to add to Kreutz (who's having by far his worst year) and say how do you do, you can't be worse than what we had this year. And how about working in some Josh Beekman? What'd we draft him for?
There's no real point in spending more big bucks on RB with this line. As mentioned, we don't need corners, we may not need safety (but probably will) and let's reevaluate WR after Greasy gets 9 more games (or 10, 11 or 12?) making these guys better.
What will be interesting on the line front is if BG succeeds in making a productive offense out of what he's given. What if the team continues to put up points despite an anemic running game? The one thing you can say about this line is right now, with this QB, they look better than average at pass blocking.
I'd just love to know what these linemen have to say about being the worst run blocking line in football.
October 25, 2007
#56 jeff said . . .Phil--
1. Don't forget to add Tait to the list of gaping holes on the line. As far as I'm concerned Garza and Olin are the only ones who should be around next year.
2. I disagree about Briggs being a higher priority than Harris. Briggs is a great player, but in the cover-2 he is ultimately replaceable. Harris is a rare talent. There is no one in the NFL who gets off the line as quickly as he does. To me, his injury concerns are addressed by the toughness he has shown playing through injury this year.
Of course, I hope that's all a moot point, because in my view, the front office will have failed if they don't keep both guys.
October 25, 2007
#57 jdawg said . . .keep devin hester out of the backfield. he's really, really dumb. he can't block. he needs to run straight and fast and catch the ball.
October 25, 2007
#58 Phil from SATX said . . .just read the last two or three posts.
Jeff, I'm a little sick of the Hester is dumb stuff. It may be due to listening to Boers and Bernstein on the score, who are assholes and love to snicker about shit like that an make Forest Gump comments.
Anyway, I downloaded the Eagles game and yes, there were some instances where Benson missed the hole, but there were others where he was hit behind the line and still ground 2 or three yards out of what should have been a loss. He's one of those backs that can get an extra yard or two because he can run so low.
Now that Griese is known to be able to move the team through the air, we soon may see fewer 8 man fronts and a different running game.
AP will not start because he is too valuable on STs.
October 25, 2007
#59 Jimbo said . . .I agree with jdawg. Hester may not have the brains to play quarterback, but he can certainly play running back. And Jeff, I have to point out my memory (possibly flawed) of you saying don't use him on offense at all - it would take away from his returns. Well with one play in the MN game, we saw what was possible with him on O. The next excitement I'm looking for is when he takes a quick slant or even a pitch to the house. That'll be something to see.
We should have a new mantra - no more protecting players! Throw em out there, see what they can do!
October 25, 2007
#60 jeff said . . .Great post Jeff.
Couldn't agree more. We need to cut our losses and let our profits run. Not sure if AP can be pointed to as a profit, but Benson is definitely a loss. We took a shot drafting him, and it looks like we came up snake eyes. Oh well, that's life in the NFL. He'll get on somewhere, but like a certain #8, he may be over in Chitown.
October 25, 2007
#61 RandomName said . . .i don't listen to the score. and all you have to do is watch the game of the week stuff on nfl network to understand what i mean by it. he apparently needs moose to go over to him on every single play he's out on offense to explain what he does...they show the video.
October 25, 2007
#62 jdawg said . . .Phil and Jdawg I agree.
and Frankly until I see Devin screw up as quarterback i'm not even gonna believe that he wouldn't be good there either..I think he played quarterback in college and threw for some touchdown passes so nuff said. (i'm not looking up the stats now i'm pretty sure it's true)
but my point is we ALL know he's good we all know
he's gonna be a good wide receiver in a few more games.And for a game that a basically tests how powerful you are and how fast you are he gets an 10 out of 10 in the speed, agility, quickness category.
As far as the comments i hear about his smarts (sarcastic or whatever, radio tv, other media).. well he seems smart enough to me. He found something he loves doing and gets paid for it, that's ONE of the smartest things there is to do. And not blowing it all away *cough*Vick*cough* may be the second smartest.
Also, Not rhetorical Anyone know of a successful NFL runningback that weighed around what the 189lb Hester weighs?
October 25, 2007
#63 Shady McBears Fan said . . .Hester has physical genius. Please reference the New Yorker article I linked to a couple weeks ago. Physical genius transcends football smarts. He sees the field like few others have, either now or before him. His spacial acuity is off the charts. Combine that with freakish fast-twitch muscles and flat out speed and you can see why he's on the field. If he wasn't Lovie would be as dumb as people accuse Hester of being.
But Hester needs to operate in space. He does not need to line up in the backfield and face 4 d-lineman, three linebackers and a safety.
He is where he should be.
October 26, 2007
#64 Miss Teen South Carolina said . . .Everybody knows most professional athletes aren't the brightest guys around. And it makes sense too. They have spend their entire lives dedicating their free time to becoming better players on the field, not better students in the classroom - and for good reason ($). But it's becoming pretty embarrassing how ignorant these guys can be.
Exhibit A: Channing Crowder of the Miami Dolphins
"I couldn't find London on a map if they didn't have the names of the countries," he said. "I swear to God. I don't know what nothing is. I know Italy looks like a boot. I know London
Fletcher. We did a football camp together. So I know him. That's the closest thing I know to London. He's black, so I'm sure he's not from London. I'm sure that's a coincidental name."Guess Channing's never heard of Lennox Lewis. Anybody wanna lay bets on what Crowder's Wonderlic score was?
October 26, 2007
#65 Max said . . .Why is it that 1/5 Americans cannot locate the United States on a map?
"I personally believe that U.S. Americans are unable to do so because uh some uh people out there in our nation don't have maps and uh I believe that our ed- education like such as in South Africa and uh the- the Iraq everywhere like such as and I believe that they should uh our education over here in the U.S. should help the U.S. or- or- should help South Africa and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries so we will be able to build up our future..."
October 26, 2007
#66 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .Hester is not that smart or at least hasnt been given enough time to learn the offense. We wasted a time out because Hester had no idea where to line up at last week. And the backfield is a much more complicated position.
Run a reverse, an end around, but I dont think we should be sticking him in the backfield quite yet.
October 26, 2007
#67 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .How this for a thought next season
Move Tillman into the safety spot(was projected out of college)an keep McBride at safety?
You fix the safety spot an have a cheap option already signed at CB.
October 26, 2007
#68 Pissed Off said . . .oops...I meant McBride at corner
my bad
October 26, 2007
Tillman is a dominant corner in this league, moving him anywhere else would be a huge mistake.
October 26, 2007
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