Rex Grossman has five more games to quarterback the Chicago Bears. He’ll play those games in the absence of an every-down running back. He'll play those games with serious protection issues on his right side. He’ll play them with a group of receivers that catch only the balls they feel like catching when they feel like catching them. He’ll play them with a defense that’s covering and tackling as poorly as they have since Lovie Smith arrived and maybe since the mustache roamed the sideline. Perhaps most importantly, he’ll play three of them in front of a rabid Soldier Field crowd, foaming at the mouth to see Kyle Orton play quarterback. (Sidenote: Doesn’t Grossman’s 2006 season cancel out the But Kyle Orton won ten games in 2005 argument).
Now is the time to put everything on Grossman. The self-delusional running football team seems a different unit when they commit completely to the pass: second half in Green Bay, last drive in Philly, final minutes against Minnesota and Denver…etc. Ron Turner must learn from Mike Holmgren – a much better coach than he’ll ever be – and capitalize on his team’s strengths instead of continuing his feeble attempts to revive its principal weakness. The transition will not only give the Bears their best chance to win but it will also give this postseason longshot an opportunity to learn everything possible about their current quarterback before cutting the cord. It has become apparent, maybe only to me, that Sexy Rexy is a viable professional play with kinetic greatness, if seemingly matched by a propensity to put the football on the ground. In layman’s terms: Good Rex/Bad Rex. He has, however, played differently since being benched and there’s no doubting this team’s faith in him. He’s everything Eli Manning is not. When the Bears put Sunday on Rex, Rex delivered with a magical fourth quarter. If Rex can eliminate the turnovers down the stretch, would anyone object to bringing him back next summer?
The Bears must learn the lesson of this Sunday’s game before next Sunday’s game. When they allow themselves to throw on early downs, they’re a different offensive team, completing their three longest passes of the day on first down. The New York Giants pass rush is their only defensive strength and the Bears can not afford to put themselves in obvious passing situations, especially with the St. Clair/Miller v. Strahan mismatch. Spread the Giants out and exploit their weak secondary. They don’t have a single defensive back that can hang with Berrian or Hester, especially if Derek Ross’ injury lingers. They don’t have a linebacker or safety who can hang with Olsen or Clark.
If Grossman fails this test, then (so what?) he fails this test and the Chicago Bears move into the off-season with the same concern the Windy City’s had since Lucky left town. If Grossman passes this test and continues to pass for four more games, maybe we can spend the draft on players who block, catch and tackle. In the absence of every down running back, let's find out if we have an every week quarterback.
#2 Al in WI said . . .Oh yeah - First!
I really want Rex to be our guy from now on. Looks like Lovie did everything to make this a success.
-- Midway --
November 27, 2007
#3 jdawg said . . .Look, it's no secret that I'm a big Grossman fan. So it's no secret that I'm rooting hard for him these last few games. So should everyone else.
Jeff, the key to your post was near the bottom. If Grossman continues to show improvement, the Bears can resign him for a hell of a lot cheaper then they could go and get a free agent or qb from another team. And he'll be a lot further along in his development then any raw rookie coming of a college. And most importantly he will eliminate at least one area of major concern for the growing ever longer list of major concerns.
If the Bears are going win a Super Bowl in the Brian Urlacher/Olin Kruetz era, it had better happen in the next two seasons.
Right now they have major concerns at every position on offense other then tight end. The chances of them fixing 4 glaring holes on offense and a couple on defense in the same offseason are slim and none. They/we need Rex Grossman to continue playing well and improving. And I for one believe he's going to do it.November 27, 2007
#4 Shady McBears Fan said . . .yeah, he's our best option.
Griese turned out to be Rex but with a noodle for an arm.
oops
I mean the SEX CANNON!
November 27, 2007
#5 Start Olsen, Free Ced said . . .Great post Jeff, right on.
You accurately described the current condition under which the Bears QB has to operate: Little to no protection from the O-line, an unproven RB with low expectations, an inconsistant receiving corps and a defense which needs as much help from it's offense as it can get.
This seems like a situation which most QBs would struggle. Grossman is by far the Bears' best opton at this point. Hell, he's used to it by now. Sure Orton thinks he has something to prove, but how envious can he really be of such a terrible offense? You're right, this is all about Grossman right now. If the Bears succeed in the final 5 games, he'll most likely be offered a small contract extension. If the Bears lose, we'll probably be watching the Kyle Orton & Friends show struggle for the rest of the season.
(What a terrible Monday Night Football game)
Coughlin sucks. Eli sucks. Beat 'em Sunday at home and you're going streaking.
November 27, 2007
#6 AfroCelt said . . .I love Rex, hated giving up on him, loved his comeback v. the Raiders and was thrilled by the magic v. the Broncos. So I HATE to say this, but... a 4 or 5 turnover game is absolutely inevitable, and then this board again turns ravenous and unreadable.
Please, Rex, prove me wrong.By the way, Jeff, thanks for repeating my prior arguement comparing Orton's 10 wins with Rex going to the fucking superbowl last year.
Did anyone notice Ced started playing well once a Ricky return to the Fins started brewing? Hmmm. Meanwhile, the Ricky that played for the Fins tonight looked a lot like the Ced we saw most of the year. Hmmm....
Devin Fucking Hester.
Im out. Bear Down and kill Eli.November 27, 2007
#7 Phil from SATX said . . .All the Rex love is amazing...I hope for the best but my eyes see the reality: He's a good quarterback only when he doesn't get rattled. If he throws a pick in the first quarter, bench him for a series or two!
He still is the best option we have available though....
I still think he'll be gone come next year.
November 27, 2007
#8 Phil from SATX said . . .I have been called a wishy washy flip-flopper. So be it. I'll continue to maintain that it's okay to change your mind based on new evidence. That evidence has shown me that Rex deserves to be with this team next year. What I didn't believe about Rex was that he could learn from his mistakes, at least in the short term (the only term that was important to the Bears, in the beginning of this season). Rex has shown me a lot, A LOT, in the games since he returned. I've been pulling for him since Griese showed me he wasn't the answer (which was pretty much simultaneous with his fortuitous injury), and I'll be pulling for Rex hard in these last 5 games. What is becoming more apparent is Rex has done a lot with a little - little blocking, little running game, little good wide receiver play, NO (forget little) good play calling from Ron Turdner, and little help from the defense. In spite of that he's kept his head up and really seems like a leader out there. As bad as the offensive line is right now, I really felt like they were showing some heart out there in the Broncos game, maybe for the first time in recent memory. And as much as I and we villify Fred Miller, he's getting those penalties because he's trying not to get beat when he's physically outmatched and playing on a gimpy ankle. I think Rex is inspiring this team - just don't know why it didn't translate to the ball catchers in that game.
I wonder what the rest of Chicago, the more or less casual fan, thinks about Rex right now. Would they support an extension? I wonder how much that plays in to the decisions over there. I'd like to hope it doesn't, but this is a business, and they have to keep putting people in the seats, so who knows?
Watching Eli Manning and Alex Smith this year has been instrumental. I think Rex has shown that he can develop, even in less than optimal circumstances. He desperately needs a new coordinator and a better line. I'd like to think with those improvements we could be okay with our current wide receivers, but they really have been horrible this year, and they don't have the excuses that the QB and RB positions have. So I'm afraid we're going to have to spend some in this area too.
At this point, and based solely on the last 3 games, if I were Angelo I'd be talking to Rex's agent right now, trying to craft the cheapest long term deal I could (no I wouldn't go short - if Rex doesn't work out as the starter he can be the cheap insurance policy later on when Griese goes away). I wouldn't even want to wait for him to have 5 good games. We need the money we'd save for all of our other needs.
Go Rex! Great post, Jeff.
November 27, 2007
#9 Phil from SATX said . . .Not to change the subject, but... Bernard Berrian just said this. When asked if he should be paid in the top 10 of receivers, he said "if I have any dropoff from what I'm doing now, then no. But if I continue to play the way I'm playing and progress, then yes."
Bernard Berrian is currently 22nd on the list of wide receivers, both for catches and yards. That list includes some very solid names BEHIND him for various reasons, including Steve Smith and Plaxico Burris. He is tied for 14th in the league for passes not caught, at 39, leading the Bears in that category (Moose also shows up on the passes not caught list with 32). He does not show up on the list for TD receptions.
I know we are glowing about his incredible game saving TD catch in the last game. But his performance this year is not acceptable, and not worthy of a big expensive contract. He has made repeated comments about money and contracts this year that show that he thinks he is doing better than we think he is.
Also note that David Haugh is agreeing with some things said yesterday here, like lining up Hester in the backfield and keeping St. Clair in for Miller.
Also confused by the adulation being poured on RT for the "great and unexpected call" in the first play of OT. That play was simply a play action where Des Clark made it look like he was blocking for a running play, and then released. Quote "Even Rex was surprised because that was a play only used for the goal line." HUH???? That freaking play should be a staple of the offense THROUGHOUT THE GAME and FROM MANY DIFFERENT PLACES ON THE FIELD. The only reason is surprised everyone is because RON TURNER IS SO STUPID AND PREDICTABLE.
Is it just me who thinks that is such a damning indictment on our so-called "OFFENSIVE IN-COORDINATOR?"
November 27, 2007
#10 Pissed Off said . . .I guess what I was trying to say was
OFFENSIVE UN-COORDINATOR
You get my drift.
November 27, 2007
#11 Rancid said . . .Nicely done Jeff, I have been talking about the Holmgren/Seattle thing for some time.
I dont think Rex will have the 4 or 5 turnover game anymore. Maybe again at some point in his career, but not now, I think he's learned from sitting on the bench so I would not say its inevitable. Hell Peyton Manning threw like 6 INTs a couple weeks ago, it happens.
Afro, Why bench him if he throws a pick in the 1st quarter, you cant make that blanket statement, it will depend on what type of throw it was and the situation. That would be poor coaching but thats why your a blogger I guess and not a coach, as am I. The other point I would make is that he has been getting pressure since he's been back and he's not getting rattled. Any QB will fail if the lets himself become rattled but Rex has been under constant pressure and he's been fine.
November 27, 2007
#12 JB said . . .I just want Rex to be decent. I am done hoping for a star QB in Chicago. If Rex can be decent then I'm happy. I am not concerned about long interceptions. we have the weapons to make those worth the risk. I had hoped that Griese would be a dependable game manager, but the red zone picks are unforgivable, so now I must hope that Rex is the man. Rex needs to work on ball security when things go to shit and also keeping calm after a sack or two. This week will be the test. The Giants pass rush is impressive. Rex will be sacked . . . probably quite a few times. If he can stay in it mentally and keep completing passes, we will win. If not, it might get ugly. All Bears fans should be pulling for Rex 100%.
November 27, 2007
#13 Mike said . . .Great post Jeff...I do think it's easy to get seduced by this QB for some reason...but I don't care, let's ride it out and see if we can't put together a stretch run.
PO'd, still mad at me?
November 27, 2007
#14 Phil from SATX said . . .We've been on the Rex Grossman Extreme Yo-Yo Ride before. He'll look fine for a handful of games, then follow it up with a period of ineffectivness and downright awful play. Everytime he tastes an appetizer of success he gets cocky and starts chocking the football....to the opposition!
The worst thing that can happen is for Jerry Angelo and Lovie Smith to put their blinders back on and think Rex is the long-term solution. They do that and we are right back at square one next season. It's time to get off this ride and find another. Living in denial can be a bitch.
November 27, 2007
#15 DTB said . . .Disagree, Mike, disagree. The alternative is needing to find two QBs next year - an expensive free agent a la McNabb plus a draft pick for the future. I'm pretty convinced that Rex can do as much for us as most of the free agent crop, and we can still draft for the future in the offseason.
At the beginning of the season I thought it would be great to have McNabb. I now believe he is an injury waiting to happen. And none of the other names besides maybe Derek Anderson seem remotely interesting, and the Browns would be fools not to keep him.
I agree with PO'd, I don't think we're going to see another 5 turnover game this year from Rex. He now represents our best alternative.
BTW, thanks to those who spoke about Joe Flaco some time ago, it made me tune in to the Delaware/Delaware St. game. 6'6" with a rocket arm (actually throws too hard, needs some touch). He runs too. Could be a good 2nd or 3rd round pick for the future.
Absolutely LOVE Chase Daniel but he's apparently shorter than Rex, so I won't let myself go there. Who saw that excellent Missouri/Kansas game? I'll be at the Alamodome on Saturday night for a great OU/Missouri matchup.
November 27, 2007
#16 jeff said . . .As I have said before, the problem I had with Rex going to the bench was Lovie giving in to the perception of the national media. A year ago, not a single person outside of Bear-dome acknowledged Rex's quality performances. They salvated over his poor games though, mainly because a few occurred in national broadcasts. It became even larger when the Bears groins decided to all give out at one time against Dalles and he wasn't able to keep up (due to a litany of issues). Then we have Kornheiser just waiting for a mistake from Rex to blast the shit out of him. Then national writers want to fall back on the Rex-bashing, and Lovie bought in. I wish Lovie had the balls to play him against the Lions in week 4. The chance to again say, "Itold you so."
After all that what have we all learned, Rex was pulled after 3 games. 3 fucking games! Griese was not the answer, everyone knew it but the Cadillac Club's wine drinking section booed and chanted Griese until they got their wish. They were the voice of the un-intelligent Bears contingent that echoed a convienient national sediment. Well, fuck wine drinkers, national media and everyone else that doesn't back a kid who one way or another, wins ball games.
Bears play-offs in '07 and Rex in '08!
November 27, 2007
#17 Bill said . . .it certainly seems the rex benching was a calculated maneuver by this organization. every report on earth had rex's reps in practice increasing and barring consistent brilliance by brian griese, rex was playing again this season.
November 27, 2007
#18 Pissed Off said . . .Let's not get carried away. Rex needed to get benched. He was NOT good in the first three games nor was he good in too many games late in the year last year. He NEEDED to be benched and not coddled. Now we're seeing the benefit of that.
Will he revert to that Bad Rex form again? I doubt it, but who knows? I see him moving a lot better in the pocket and without the panic he showed early this year. He's willing to run at times; it seems he really may have had an unconcious fear of yet another injury.
But he's not a savior by any means. He may however be worth keeping another year, provided we draft a QB with potential (and is taller than 6'.)
And for those that keep trying to dismiss Orton - He was a TRUE rookie that year. Rex WAS NOT a rookie last year. Big difference (at least, it shoudl be.)
November 27, 2007
#19 Phil from SATX said . . .I can agree a little bit with Bill that Rex needed to sit for a while. But not as long as he did, after two BG losses he should have been back in there. The coaches shit the bed with holding him out so long, I think we'd have another win (maybe two but more likely one) if he'd been put back in sooner.
DTB post #15, post of the day for sure!
JB no hard feelings ever man but I will say this: you were driving the Rex bus before the season started, no question, and I was shotgun, but you bought into the hype and traded in that bus, we'll I picked it up on the used car lot the same day you traded it in and I've been driving it even when Rex was bad the first 3 games and all thru his benching and now I'm still driving it and Al is riding shotgun, your welcomed to hop back on but you'll have to sit in the 2nd row with Phil. But hey 2nd row is still good.
Final points : Phil Nobody ever agrees with Mike so dont worry about it and rancid you said it all well in #11 though I will always hold hope of him becoming a star because of what we saw in early 2006. A distant hope that I will not get caught up in but a hope nonetheless.
November 27, 2007
#20 Shady McFlacco Fan said . . .Hey nothing wrong with 2nd row! I totally agree with Bill's post. Rex needed to be benched when he was. Griese earned some time by beating Green Bay and then the 97 yard drive to win the Iggles game. The ONLY second guessing possible was putting Rex in at starter after the bye week, after Griese shat the bed against the Lions. But even that decision was okay because they made it clear they weren't going to tolerate any crappy QB shenanigans past that point, and hence Rex was ready for the return when Griese got hurt.
Rex would have been playing in that game regardless - Griese had showed enough continuing badness to warrant being yanked, and 2nd half would have been Rex's.
I disagree with Jeff's generous assessment though - I don't think this was anything like premeditated genius by the coaching staff. If it was, we'd be seeing lots of other genius moves instead of what we ARE seeing (uh, non-genius moves? something like that). No, we are all forgetting that this season's SB hopes were still on a burning fuse at the time and there was no time to waste trying to right the ship and get the wins we were supposed to get. The coaches didn't have the luxury of time to see whether Rex was going to start playing better - they had to make a change in a hurry, and BG was the only move to make.
BG teased us with some needed competence at the time and a few heroics, and then showed how useless some competence and a few heroics can be when coupled with a poor arm that consistently delivered balls just a little too late, a little behind and a little too much in the other team's hands.
I credit the coaches with making the right decisions at the right time, both away from and back to Rex, but premeditated genius? No. And no to DTB who thinks that the yank Rex move was only due to media pressure. It was actually close to a no-brainer at the time.
I will ask again - if Angelo announced tomorrow that Rex has been resigned for 2-3 years, does Chicago mostly applaud or boo?
November 27, 2007
#21 DTB said . . .You heard it here first folks.
Berrian has not played like a top 20 receiver this year. Maybe last year, but not this year. He's had far too many dropped balls and doesn't seem to have the same ability to win the jump ball vs. DBs on a consistent basis. That being said, I think the Bears need to resign him. It's clear Chicago has no other receiver who can stretch the field vertically like BB and if they lost him to FA, I think you would see the running game suffer even more without that 'big play' guy. The Bears have players who are set to become highly sought after FAs (Grossman, Briggs, Berrian and Reuben Brown) so which player/s would YOU like to see the Bears spend money on keeping?
Keep in mind if they spend money on these guys, there won't be much left to pick up a guy like RB Michael Turner from San Diego, who I think should be a top priority this off season. I'd like to see 'em sign Grossman for as little as possible for another 2 years, see if they can convince Berrian to stay, but really open the bank to Lance Briggs, he deserves his big money and the Bears should be the ones to give it to him. But I have a feeling they won't. They invested draft picks to replace him and my guess would be that J. Williams or M. Okwo will start at OLB for much, much cheaper. Any way you slice it, the Bears are gonna lose at least 2 of these guys next year. With so many positions needing attention either through the draft or through free agency and with a limited number of picks and cash allowance, Jerry Angelo & Co. definitely have their work cut out for them this off season.
November 27, 2007
#22 Phil from SATX said . . .Bill-You are right, Rex was not a rookie last year. Evidenced by his 10 games of 100+ passer rating, and his 15 wins. Orton is another case of the intriguing 'we dont know' , just the same as Griese. Rex is a quality quarterback, it showed last year and in his resurgence this year. The expectations of fans such as yourself are unattainable and unrealistic.
November 27, 2007
#23 Al in WI said . . .I think all signs are pointing to the Bears resigning Briggs. Things he's said, things management has said, and the reality of this year and Brian Urlacher's possibly shortened career and possibly lower ceiling because of his chronic condition. I think money goes his way.
Regarding Berrian, I am afraid that Berrian and his agent's view of what he's worth will be too far away from the Bears' view of what he's worth when they look at his regression this season. I don't think they end up agreeing with him.
How about this? Haugh mentions today the advisability of doing an early raise on Hester and locking him up. He makes like $360K per year right now. Use the money you were going to use for Berrian on Hester and have him spend the offseason working on his receiver skills. With our new 2008 offensive coordinator using him well, there's your speed guy. And let that new OC reevaluate Mark Bradley, because he's the other speed guy and I think he's still under contract for cheap. Still think they are wasting talent with him on the bench.
Give Briggs as much as he needs, give Rex a deal that makes him rich now ($5MM signing bonus, $10MM guaranteed? is that enough?) for 3 years, give Hester Berrian's money and sign another lesser name free agent (unless that means someone the caliber of Justin Gage or Bobby Wade - no more of that please). Or use some of the guys you already have in a better way.
Do we really care about keeping Ruben Brown? I don't see any real position of strength on our offensive line, and unfortunately that includes King Kreutz this year.
November 27, 2007
#24 Shady McBears Fan said . . .DTB, Great post. I lost so much respect for espn and company last year with their portrayal of the Grossman situation, I don't think I'll ever take them as seriously again. It got to the point where their credibility depended on Grossman playing bad.
Po'd, I'll gladly take the shotgun position any day. Especially since Rex needs to be in the shotgun formation more!
As for the benching, I'm unsure how to view that now. I understood it at the time, but still opposed it. I didn't think Grossman was that bad the early 3 games, he just got no help from anyone. (At that time Berrian was blowing routes, and droping td's and Benson and Peterson were fumbling) But he was terrible in the second half versus Dallas.
All that said, he clearly looks like a different player in some key respects. He's moving better in the pocket, and scrambling a little even. Rex is also handling the pass rush, and game situations better now. Even though we've been down the past few games late, he hasn't been forcing passes, and panicking which he did at times in the past including the Dallas game. So I guess I feel the time on the bench helped him, and I don't know if he could have played through it.
November 27, 2007
#25 Pissed Off said . . .Keep in mind Briggs and Berrian now have the same agent in Drew Rosenhaus (I almost feel bad for Jerry Angelo). I don't see Hester as a #1 wide receiver, even if he puts in a ton of work this off season. I don't see any players in the draft (at this point) who can make enough of an immediate impact next year, so if they don't re-sign Berrian they're probably going to sign one of these other receivers.
Top WR Free Agents:
Bernard Berrian, UFA, Chicago Bears
Berrian was able to put together a decent season in ’06. His 51 receptions and six touchdowns aren’t overly impressive, but they do suggest that he is an improving talent and may be a strong number two option or a decent number one option down the road. His size isn’t ideal, but his speed and athleticism has countered that enough to allow him to be a solid contributor. At just 26 years of age, Berrian will garner interest from teams looking to capitalize on his growth at the position.Patrick Crayton, UFA, Dallas Cowboys
With 516 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2006, Patrick Crayton showed the Cowboys that they may have found Terry Glenn’s future replacement. Crayton had solid numbers for the role he was given as the third option, but he showed signs of being a potential number two. The Cowboys will likely look to lock him up, especially if he shows continued strides this season, but if he does hit the market his speed and hands will certainly receive some attention.Bryant Johnson, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Johnson could fly under the radar this season, but those in the know consider him quite talented. He’s overshadowed by star receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, but Johnson runs great routes, has good hands, and at 6’3� his size makes him an appealing option. He’s caught at least 35 passes in each of his four seasons, including 49 receptions in 2004, and has a touchdown scored in each season, with four coming in ’06. Johnson will likely find a bigger role in another offense in ’08.Drew Carter, UFA, Carolina Panthers
Carter hasn’t racked up yards by any means, but he has tended to be a decent passing weapon near the endzone for quarterback Jake Delhomme. Carter has good size and runs fairly good routes. He may have a shot at being the true number two in Carolina at some point this season. If he isn’t given more time, and Dwayne Jarrett gradually cuts into that time, Carter could be looking for a home elsewhere. A number two spot is something Carter will probably desire at this point in his career, and a team looking to compliment a speedy number one will consider him.Andre' Davis UFA Houston Texans
The Virginia Tech product hasn’t had the chance to play a whole lot during his career until an early season injury to Andre Johnson opened the door to more playing time. Davis responded with five solid performances in seven games, including a 117-yard effort with a score in week four against Atlanta. He currently has 471 receiving yards and three touchdowns on the season, and although Johnson’s return will cut into his opportunities greatly, Davis was still able to catch a pair of passes for 30 yards during week eleven. He may not put up strong numbers, but during his stretch of opportunity he may have proven that he can be a more regular starter in the NFL.Justin Gage UFA Tennessee Titans
Gage seems to be growing into one of quarterback Vince Young’s more reliable targets over the past couple of Titans games. He broke through with seven receptions for 90 yardsâ€â€and a highlight grab in the endzone during week ten against a good Jacksonville defensive unit. Gage followed that up with six receptions for 66 yards in a Monday Night game against Denver. Gage has good size and athleticism, and while he has struggled to hold onto the ball at all times, so has the entire team. If he can overcome the bad habits the receiving group has developed, he could be in for a decent contract extension.Brandon Stokley UFA Denver Broncos
The Colts felt they could live without Stokley after drafting Anthony Gonzalez with a first-round pick, and the Broncos are grateful for it. Stokley’s gritty presence has given Denver’s passer Jay Cutler a nice down-field weapon. With 462 receiving yards and four touchdowns through ten games, Stokley has helped ease the loss of the injured Rod Smith and stepped up when needed. It’s hard to imagine Denver allowing Stokley to go anywhere, as the Colts did, but on the market, Stokley will garner a good deal of attention.Other Free Agent Wide Receiers
Antonio Chatman UFA Cincinnati Bengals
Keary Colbert UFA Carolina Panthers
Terrance Copper UFA New Orleans Saints
Malcom Floyd RFA San Diego Chargers
Doug Gabriel UFA Oakland Raiders
D.J. Hackett UFA Seattle Seahawks
Az-Zahir Hakim UFA Miami Dolphins
Taylor Jacobs UFA Washington Redskins
Jerome Mathis RFA Houston Texans
Samie Parker UFA Kansas City Chiefs
David Patten UFA New Orleans Saints
Marcus Robinson UFA Detroit LionsNovember 27, 2007
#26 Bill said . . .Among all those names, DJ Hackett is the best, by far. This guy is a bonafide #1 guy when he's healthy, at least he would be on this team. Hes been hurt almost all year but go look at stats for games he's played in. He's up and coming, he'll be coveted like Berrian will be.
November 27, 2007
#27 jeff said . . .DTB - not sure what you were referring to when you said I had unrealistic and unattainable expectations.
I would certainly sign Briggs; sign Grossman assuming we don't see any really bad games (I mean south of a 30.0 QB rating); and I'd let Berrian go. Sure, we'd need a wideout (maybe two since Bradley looks to be not welcome for some reason), but he'll be overpaid by someone and we can't afford that; I'd rather have a run a Michael Turner
November 27, 2007
#28 Shady said . . .wow, shady. you put justin gage in there and expected me to read it all. not wise round these parts.
November 27, 2007
#29 Al in WI said . . .Yeah... He sucks. My bad.
November 27, 2007
#30 Phil from SATX said . . .Shady, what was your source on that?
I'd like to see Berrian back and add Bryant Johnson to that mix. That would take some pressure off of the draft when we have other needs. Also as I've mentioned before I think what we're lacking is a big bodied reciever with some jump ball skills. Johnson fits that bill.
We should save some money by dumping Moose, Miller, and maybe Griese's salaries.November 27, 2007
#31 mikebdot said . . .Isn't it funny to read that UFA commentary about Justin Gage - "while he has struggled to hold on to the ball at times, so has the entire team...If he can overcome the bad habits..."
If wishes were horses, beggars would ride. Poor Justin's had 5 seasons to overcome those bad habits. But somebody will sign him. D.J. Hackett sure looked good against us - but who besides Bobby Wade hasn't this year?
Another good Mariotti column - two in a row! He's right - now's the time to cut ties with Benson, unfortunately. I was hoping we'd be able to save some money for other positions, but this makes sense now. I didn't realize the extent of his injury, and it just seems right to walk away now and get somebody else.
The list of needs grows.. and grows...
November 27, 2007
#32 Shady McBears Fan said . . .DTB: If you're going to quote BS stats that mean nothing (i.e. the QB rating), at least get them right. Rex had 7 games with a QB rating over 100 last season, not 10. His OVERALL rating last season was 73.6, good for 20 something-ith in the league. His rating this year is 63. Anyway you slice it, that is definitely not great.
November 27, 2007
#33 Pissed Off said . . .My comment has been held for approval of the blog owner?
Shiggity Shwa?
November 27, 2007
#34 Shady McBears Fan said . . .I do like Hackett but I want a WR with typical size, 6'2" or taller. Hacket would be #1 on this team with a bullet. I say we let Berrian go, he will get overpaid somewhere and I dont care.
Hey mikeb, whats Rex's rating since he's came back from being benched, and what will his rating be at the end of the year with all his games since he's been put back in? The point is he's a different player right now. I find it funny you call it a BS stat (and I agree) but then you use it to cite how he's played this year and as a gauge to say its not good??
November 27, 2007
#35 said . . .Let's try it this way:
Sources.
Offensive Tackle (A Must):
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/players.php?genpos=OT&draftyear=2008&sortby=tsxpos&order=ASC
November 27, 2007
#36 said . . .Quarterback (Pretty deep):
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/players.php?genpos=QB&draftyear=2008&sortorder=tsxpos&order=ASC
November 27, 2007
#37 said . . .Overall (Lot's of defensive talent... mmmmm defense):
http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/index
November 27, 2007
#38 said . . .This mock draft makes me mad. Especially the part about who the Pats pick with the #4 overall pick (from the 49ers) :
http://www.footballsfuture.com/2008/nflmockdraft.html
November 27, 2007
#39 mikebdot said . . .Oh and free agency source (you'll see a bunch of chicago bears at the top of lists):
http://www.footballsfuture.com/freeagents.html
November 27, 2007
#40 texas bears fan said . . .PO'd: I can call it a BS stat and use it to prove the point that saying "100+" is stupid, since his OVERALL rating was far less, just as his OVERALL rating this year is. His rating against Denver was 67. It would definitely have been higher if the receivers could catch. I'm aware of this. It's why the QB rating is just asinine and why I'm sick of talking about it.
Calling people a hypocrite is very petty, and in this case goofy. If someone speaks in a language worth mocking, I will mock that language then explain to them, in their own language, why they are wrong, every time. Especially if they were wrong.
November 27, 2007
#41 DTB said . . .if Grossman plays acceptably the rest of the year it proves that benching him helped. The idea that benching him would have ruined his development while getting beaten up on the field and in the press was good for him has proved wrong. Ditto for Cedric. The thought that at the pro level players who are drafted high should just be given the position ahead of hard working players really can destroy team morale, which is why Lovie and Angelo may in the longterm prove as destructive as Wanny, but if they start playing players based on merit they might make it work.
November 27, 2007
#42 mikebdot said . . .PO'd- He was only pointing out an innacuracy in my statement to villify his own claims. And I agree, to contradict yourself and cite something you think is bullshit in the first place is hilarious. Nonetheless, wether it be 10 games or 7 my point is still the same. He still played well. And to be honest with you quarterback rating is a legitimate gague as to how good you played, and at the same time how bad you played. It's a quick reference as to the perfomance of a QB. Leave it at that and stop analyzing the intricacies of the formula.
November 27, 2007
#43 DTB said . . .texas bears fan: If Rex plays acceptably the rest of the year, that says nothing about what his benching did to him.
If he plays poorly the rest of the year, did his benching "cause" that, too? You familiar with this logical fallacy?
The narrow window in which he can prove himself to potential buyers will put some pressure on him. If we won 5 in a row and Grossman plays pretty well, he will still get paid, not as much as he could have, but someone will hope he is the answer and if that is us, I fear for our sanity the next few seasons...
But, by god, I will root for him every step of the way.
Go Bears!
November 27, 2007
#44 Shady McBears Fan said . . .mikedbot- How exactly would you like to gauge a quarterbacks success. I judge Rex by wins and individual performance ouside of that. The great majority of people misinterperet the relevance of the rating. QB's are not judged by ratings they are judged by wins.
November 27, 2007
#45 Bill said . . .Happy Birthday to Mr. Adam Archuletta #20 Safety for the Chicago Bears who turns 30 today...Who will probably make as many tackles as Sean Taylor this week...I heard he's gonna stand about 10 yards behind the cake and try to blow out the candles...
November 27, 2007
#46 Matt in WI said . . .QB rating is more correctly a passer rating; and while it has its problems, it does have a correlation with QB performance overall; that is, good QBs tend to have better passer ratings than bad QBs.
If Rex plays poorly at this point, it will be that he lost the focus he gained or regained from his time on the bench. Just like he did after his fantastic Sept 2006. And like he did in the GB New Year's Eve game last year.
I think I can safely say that if he has any 1.7 or 0.0 or even 20.0 games, he's gone - no matter if that passer rating is a BS stat or not. You can't get a rating that low and not suck - if only for that game. Rex can't afford to suck anymore and expect the fans and media to beleive he deserves a contract offer from the Bears.
November 27, 2007
#47 jeff said . . .This may seem ridiculous, and I realize that the guy is unproven, but given the success that Hass had in the preaseason, does anybody think that giving him a shot in a few plays could prove worthy? I don't neccessarily think that it's a cure all answer, but it might open up the secondary a little bit for some bigger players (Hester) to make big plays on offense. Just a thought. Let me know what you all think. Thanks.
November 27, 2007
#48 jeff said . . .just to weigh in on the receiver debate (which by the way is why i love you guys...THIS is the kind of thing that should be in the papers)....i would involve a heavy dose of rash davis in the gameplan...it seems that grossman goes to rash in big spots (see this past sunday and the playoffs a year ago)....i also know mark bradley is in the dog house but how many times can we watch thirteen million moose drop big catches? would the team explode if bradley and berrian lined up at the same time? can anyone remember this ever happening?
November 27, 2007
#49 greg olsen is god said . . .by the way, two other things. according to haugh's great tuesday column today, tillman was supposed to be on marshall for the long play sunday but he and manning got screwed up...
November 27, 2007
#50 Breaking in my new #34 hat... said . . .Darren McFadden!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 28, 2007
#51 jdawg said . . .Another great post, Jeff.
November 28, 2007
#52 Shady McBears Fan said . . .Well, R Davis had a fucking drop also.
As far as Bradley goes, I have so little confidence in the coaching staff's ability to evaluate or develop offensive talent that I'm all for replacing Moose with Bradley.
I've heard Moose bitch and moan about the QB's, but I've never heard him apologize for dropping a ball that hits him in the hands.
I remember, on another forum, a Carolina fan chimed in during the 05 season. His point was that Moose will make the circus catch and then drop the one that hits him in the numbers. At the time I didn't realize how true that guy was.
November 28, 2007
#53 Lew Alcindor said . . .Does anyone think Angelo and the Bears might pull out THE FRANCHISE TAG? Maybe against a guy like Bernard Berrian? Would that make him an overpaid WR?
November 28, 2007
#54 Scott said . . .Has everyone freaking forgotten about the last half of last season and the first games Rex played this year? Two mediocre games against Oakland and Denver erased those memories? Sure Rex might be our best option now, but I can't see the Bears sticking with him down the road. He is so turnover prone it's unbelievable. Some of them aren't his fault, I agree. But it's no different than being injury prone. It just happens...way to much. The receivers and O-line are not helping him at all and are a major concern, but I'm not about to hand the keys to this franchise to some idiot who ruined our super bowl season. Even if he plays the rest of the year fairly well, I don't think I could ever place my trust in him again.
November 28, 2007
#55 Midway Monster said . . .Kareem, you're leaving out at least a few tremendous games from Rex if you refer to "the last half of last season." There were some excellent games sprinkled in (see Tampa Bay and Seattle in the playoffs) with the stinkers. No doubt the kid is up and down but there's real talent with Rex Grossman. The issue is his head and if he's gotten that right I'd feel really stupid about crucifying him before he really pulled it together. I'm not going to call this guy Elway or Favre but neither of those guys got to the SB in their first full season as starters as Rex did. In fact, they were kind of "take the good with the bad" QB's who had the confidence of the organizations they were playing for. I'd like to give Grossman the same confidence and see where we end up. I've been rooting for the Bears for a long time and Rex is clearly the most talented young QB they've had under center in a long time. Inconsistency aside, this guy has a huge upside. So, Kareem, I'll disagree with you about what to do if he plays well. If he does, it justifies an incentive-laden contract. If not, maybe it still does. Bottom line, Grossman's got more potential than we've had at the position in Chicago in a long, long time.
November 28, 2007
#56 Jimbo said . . .Gothams Sunday, Skins Thursday - this could be a great week fellas!
-- Midway --
November 28, 2007
#57 jdawg said . . .Is anyone else sick of hearing about Thomas Jones?
I was just reading Mariotti, and he made one of his endless plugs for the guy and how it was a mistake to trade him. CB sucks, but TJ ain't much better. Let's face it, we caught lightning in a bottle last year. EVERY player on our team was playing above the rim. Hell, Rex posted 100+ rating games every other week. It was a magical year, and Thomas Jones was aboard the train, but he sure as hell wasn't driving it. The Jets sucked without TJ, they suck worse with him. I'm not saying it's his fault, but he's not a playmaker.
We bought the low and sold the high on Jones. What more can you ask for? Once again Mariotti, feel free to exit stage left when you land the national gig you're clearly after. You won't be missed.
November 28, 2007
#58 Phil from SATX said . . .I haven't read Marriotti in about 3 years. You can usually read the headline and get the gist of the col. If he was funny he'd be tolerable, but he's just whiney.
I can't imagine Berrian get's top 10 WR money. That money would be better spent on a top ten receiver.
November 28, 2007
#59 Rancid said . . .I agree with Jeff, this has been a fun topic. 100% agree with jdawg's post. RT is the guy who's evaluating talent. RT himself has no talent. There is NO EXCUSE for not getting Bradley out there and letting him make some plays. NO EXCUSE. If this group were being consistently productive, that would be one thing, but they're not!
On the same topic, another damning indictment of Ron Turner by one of the smartest guys in football analysis, "Super Scout" Chris Landry. No, he didn't mention Turner by name, but he was talking about how great Hester is, and said for the life of him he couldn't understand how they have not yet figured out a way to use this guy on offense - with a package of plays where 8-12 balls go his way in a game. He said it's not hard to do. It is apparently for Turner. All I can say is, he better fucking not be fucking back next fucking year. I swear we'll burn the house down if he is not fired IMMEDIATELY after this season.
I taped last night's NFL replay, but didn't get much chance to concentrate on it. I finally did get to witness AP's heroics, and I have to say I loved it. It is impossible not to love this guy - his lovability factor is in fact at the other side of the x axis from Ced, who scores all the way left for hatability. The line looked really fired up to push for AP, not just on the touchdown scrum (one of the most thrilling plays of the year, no doubt, what it would have been like to be at Soldier Field for that) but after that as well. He may not have as much talent as CB but what a heart he has. I'm really looking forward to seeing what he can do as the featured back. With repetition his hands are going to get a lot better and by the end of the season we may see a guy who reminds us a bit of Thomas Jones in his overall effectiveness, professionalism and heart. (sorry to mention Thomas Jones).
And although I hate to do it, have to give a tiny tip of the cap to the hated RT, because the play calling was really good throughout the comeback. Especially loved the quick hitting handoff to AP when they weren't expecting it for about 12 yards (I think) - now THAT's using the pass to set up the run, and for this team, surprise surprise, it works great!
But I'm convinced that RT can't learn from his few successes, so forget everything in the previous paragraph and pass me my torch. Yeah, throw me that pitchfork too, just in case. Unfortunately the worst thing that could happen to this team long term is for the offense to start clicking in these last 5 games, enough so they think they want to keep RT. That CAN'T happen. So somehow we've got to find a way to play great, win all of the next 5 games, and not have that success accrue to Turner. Don't know how that can happen, but that's what I'll be rooting for.
One more thing - I know it's blasphemy, but I will be rooting for GB over the Cowboys tomorrow night. Yes, living in Cowboy country I hate the Cowboys that much. Before I get killed for this, I would point out that It would be like Nicole pulling for GB to beat the Colts, which I assume she would do. Plus if GB beats the Cowboys, they could wind up at 14-2 - with their only 2 losses coming from, you guessed it, DA BEARS!
November 28, 2007
#60 Rancid said . . .Great comments on here. I enjoyed reading all the posts for the first time in a while. I think it is tough for us to know what's going on with Bradley. On the one hand, it appears that something has happened there that we the general fan public don't know about. There may be a legit reason behind it. ON the other hand, we're talking about RT. I liked Phils torch and pitchfork comment. THe only difference is that I would use the pitchfork first, and then once he's immobile I'd bring out the torch. It's so hard to enjoy the torch if you have to chase him around the whole time. I hate that guy. I don't think we can trust him to evaluate talent and put the best guys on the field. Hopefully someone else has some input but I doubt it.
The word for Rex is adequate. He just needs to hold down the fort. We've seen a little of that (albeit too many fumbles) for 2 games. I love the idea of an incentive laden contract. I just hope he would go for it. I honestly would run from this town screaming if I were him.
November 28, 2007
#61 Phil from SATX said . . .Phil, I'd say that rooting for a freak natural disaster to hit the stadium and instantly destroy both teams is a better option than rooting for the Pack, but you do what you gotta do. It would help with the NFC playoff picture as well come to think of it.
November 28, 2007
#62 Bill said . . .Rancid, you win the title as the funniest poster. You consistently have me laughing hard over here. Plus there's no one who hates The Dread Pirate RT more than you - I only can aspire to your demonic fury. Keep it up.
November 28, 2007
#63 B.A. Baracus said . . .Phil, I love the nickname - maybe needs a tweak, either the Dread Pirate Turner or the Dread Pirate Ronald (instead of Roberts)?
November 28, 2007
#64 Al in WI said . . .How long must the Rex Grossman debate go on? It is maddening. What is even more maddening is this - there is a pretty good likelihood that Grossman will be back here next year because the overall QB play in the NFL sucks outside of about 12 QBs. The Bears are stuck with him.
As for Mark Bradley, he has had about 20 catches and 2 TDs since being drafted. There is a reason he does not see the field - he shows the coaches nothing in practice. Forget about him.
All the Bears can do now is play their hardest and try to beat the Giants. I say pound it down their throats.
November 28, 2007
#65 Al in WI said . . .Great discussion. For the life of me I can't understand why Moose continues to get a pass in the Chicago media and even some fans. Against Denver he drops a td, a couple of first downs, and a 30 yard pass on 4th down in the final mins. And then catches a 10 yard pass only to have the crowd chants Moooosee!! WTF? This guy blows!
It just seems to me that if the Bears came out on a first down play and sent Bradley and Berrian deap along the outside and Greg Olsen up the seam, one of three would be wide open for a big play because the safties would be screwed. And yet it never happens.
I agree with Jeff on getting Davis more involved as well. And I can't see how Haas wouldn't be an upgrade over Moose, both are slow, but Haas can catch.November 28, 2007
#66 Pissed Off said . . .BTW, any thoughts on Jim Fassel or Chan Gailey as OC?
November 28, 2007
#67 mikebdot said . . .Lots of good debate today. I agree with Al that Moose sucks. This guy gets cheered for what, wasting the Bears money, leaving good talent on the bench, or dropping easy passes? This guy is not a threat and it makes me sick when the fans cheer for him but boo others playing hard. I still cheer for the guy cuz he's a bear but he needs to shut his mouth, criticize himself and become more likeable.
BTW you should all go to chicagobears.com and watch the Rex Grossman profile since we've been talking about him. Very nicely done. I do think he's changed since the benching, time will tell but some of you might be eating crow later this year, next year or maybe a couple of years from now.
November 28, 2007
#68 Phil from SATX said . . ."Both are slow, but Hass can catch". Perfectly put. They're even about the same build.
How does one evaluate a QB without using QB rating? Just like you evaluate any other player. Watch the fucking games and say "oh, he's great because of so and so" or "he's no good because of so and so". Just like everyone here with Archuleta. He missed a tackle in the open field. Meanwhile, where were the linebackers on the that play? Nobody seems to give a shit. That's not in defense of Archuleta, it's saying it was a team defensive failure. Archuleta didn't stick out on D nearly as bad as Fred Miller sticks out on O. Just my opinion though.
I don't care that Rex doesn't have "great" QB rating numbers. I don't care that he hasn't played particularly well this season. All I care about are Bears victories and if he gives us 4 or 5 of them in the next 5 games, you know I'd be down to sign him, but if he continues to make bad throws (which he DID make against Denver, regardless of the rose-colored glasses some people tend to wear), we will lose 2 or 3 of the next 5 games, which isn't going to be good enough to make the playoffs.
Would I mind signing him again in either case? Nope. Would I still like to draft a QB with a lot of potential? Hell yeah. Even GB has Aaron Rodgers, who may or may not be a viable QB, but at least he's there in case of Favre's head falling off (he's getting old and all). Would I rather see a stud offensive lineman selected instead? Damn straight.Regardless, I think Grossman is probably our best option to salvage the season. If we lose 2 of 3, I say we put Orton in the last two games, just to see what he's got. Plus if we lose those two games, it gives us a better draft pick, so it's a win/win, so to speak.
November 28, 2007
#69 Phil from SATX said . . .BA, have you been taken over by the ghost of the Dread Pirate Ron-berts? I'm sure ole RT is at this very moment creating a sophisticated scheme of Pound it Down Their Throats which has the benefit of carrying with it the sophisticated sub-scheme of Plays Designed to Work for 3rd and 22. Or 3rd and 12. Or 3rd and 17. Because we're really good at that too.
They damn well better be working on play action pass to start the game, with a pass to either Des Clark or Greg Olsen. Then pass it a few more times before you even think about running it. Pound it down their throats with this O-line means get pounded and lose.
Of course, I'm sure that's exactly what we'll get, at least until we're down by 2 scores in the 4th and THEN get to see some offense that the Bears can actually succeed with.
BTW, don't you just love how well Turner has exploited our explosive dual tight ends? Wouldn't you have guessed that we'd be tops on the list? We're up there, but there are 5 teams with more TE receiving yards than us:
CLE 71 rec/939 yds (mostly Kellen Winslow)
SD 67/871 (mostly Antonio Gates)
DAL 70/848 (mostly Jason Witten)
IND 75/801 (split Dallas Clark/Ben Utecht)
SD 67/871 (all Tony Gonzalez)CHI 65/736 (a distance 6th based on yards)
and right behind us is Houston
HOU 60/709
That may be most damning, Houston approximated our TE output with Owen Daniels, Joel Dreessen and JEB PUTZIER. Yeah, those guys are household names, aren't they?
With Des Clark and Greg Olsen being our true GO-TO GUYS without any substantial input from the rest of our crappy wide receivers, we should have EASILY dominated this list.
This is the analysis that should be stapled to RT's pink slip (which I hope is handcrafted, 100% recycled paper dyed with Adam Archuleta's blood)
November 28, 2007
#70 Rancid said . . .One correction - KC is 62/738, just above the Bears in yards, but 100% from Tony Gonzalez. That's why I ranked it on yards vs. catches, to include KC - yes, an editorial decision to help my point, but don't y0u seriously think our two guys should easily catch more than any one tight end?
For the record.
November 28, 2007
We almost assume on here that it is a given that The Dread Pirate RT (great) will walk the plank at the end of the season. I am terrified that Lovie and the BT are not as assured of the neccessity of his demise as we are here.
November 28, 2007
Here at DaBearsBlog, you are free to kill us or the Bears as you so wish. You are not free, however, to be an asshole. So if you spew racism or ill-meaning foul language (cursing about football is just fine) or anything of that ilk, your comments ain't gonna last long, jerk.