I'd like to write that this season has been about the blown opportunities of the Chicago Bears. But for every ten point lead squandered in Detroit, there's been a miraculous drive in Philadelphia. For every Giant second half, there's been a Broncos fourth quarter. The truth about this Bears team is simple: they aren't very good.
What meaning is there to be found in the next month of seemingly meaningless football? That's why I'm here, kids.
Evaluating the Quarterback
Contrary to popular opinion, Grossman has looked like a different player since returning to the starting lineup and over the last four game he's outplayed Philip Rivers and Eli Manning and even the hot-handed Derek Anderson. Sunday Grossman found a rhthym in quick drops and short passes, playing a hurry-up stlye the Bears have thrives in all season. They abandoned that style and in doing so abandoned their chance to make the postseason. Whether Grossman comes back to Chicago will be decided in the next four weeks.
Green Bay Packers
There's still a Packer week on the schedule and that matters. Green Bay is going to playoffs as the #2 seed in the conference and the Bears own them a repeat of 2001, when the Bears only lost three games (two to the Packers). I'll be into it.
The Firing of Somebody
Anyone who has read this site consistently over the last year plus knows I've never been a Lovie Smith fan. Lovie ex-communicated Ron Rivera to San Diego, hired his buddy and watched his beloved defense plummet to the bottom of the NFL. This team stinks and they're not much different than the great team of a year ago. Doesn't someone have to be blamed for that?
Experiment
Knowing our coaching staff, this will never happen. But there's no excuse for not loading the field with Devin Hester, Greg Olsen, Mark Bradley...etc. The Bears have a month to see what's on this roster and if they instead cling to flimsy playoff hopes, they'll be making an error that may cost them 2008. Even if this team made the playoffs, does anyone believe they could win two straight games on the road (nevermind three)?
Short week this week as we face Washington on Thursday night on NFL Network.
#2 Midway Monster said . . .Time to get hyped for the small stuff, perhaps a monday night spoiler to a surging vikes squad...although, that game could get ugly. Bear Down 2008.
December 3, 2007
#3 Phil from SATX said . . .FIRST!
Yeah- your right Jeff... we still get to play the Packers!
-- Midway --
December 3, 2007
#4 jdawg said . . .It's early for this, but this would be a key year to try to move down in the draft to compile additional draft picks - but ONLY as long as you intended to play them next year, when we need the help.
For as much as I used to believe Lovie was good at letting rookies play, here's a list of the draft picks who haven't played this year:
Greg Olsen - yeah he's played, but about 20% of what he should be playing. They are NOT using him.
Dan Bazuin - Injured, but still didn't have to be placed on IR. That was a strategic redshirt coaching move.
Garrett Wolfe - You going to convince me this guy has played this year? He hasn't, I guess because they just have too many great running back options in front of him.
Michael Okwo - Another redshirt "injury."
Josh Beekman - Again, couldn't find his way on the field because the oline was so good, soooooo good.
Kevin Payne - Went down to injury.
Corey Graham - Played a little.
Trumaine McBride - The sole exception to this year's draft class - has played, and mostly played well, above expectations.
Aaron Brent - Waived.
Whatever they got in last year's draft, they have NOT used. As I started on this post, I didn't realize how overwhelming the data would be. Who's fault is this?
The coaches. Why draft guys if you're not going to play them? Another damning indictment.
Depth chart personnel issues are on you, Lovie. Not good.
December 3, 2007
#5 jeff said . . .The D was lousy at the end of last year, so I'm not pinning that on Lovie and the DC.
I think we're going to see more of Bradley and Wolfe. Didn't Aikman say he thought Rex asked RT to put Bradley in more often?
O-line O-line O-line. or more exactly:
Left Tackle Left Tackle Left Tackle. Either draft one or open up the bank vault and sign one in FA. That will make the biggest difference.Finally, invent some invisible stickum. I think our receiver drops have cost us at least two losses this year.
December 3, 2007
#6 Al in WI said . . .the bears need to movie tait back to the right side and find someone to play left tackle. easier said than done. can't believe the vikings are going to playoffs.
December 3, 2007
#7 Al in WI said . . .Interesting tidbit; it seems that on the drive to open the game, Rex was the one calling the plays. This harkens back to the Griese drive in Philly. I think it's telling that the best drives of both of those games came when Ron Turner wasn't calling the plays.
In my opinion, barring a meltdown they have to bring Grossman back. There are too many holes on this team to justify the price it would take to pry one of the top available qb's loose from another team. And even then, to what end? Just to pair him with the same morose supporting cast and watch that guy fail? No thanks. And I'm not interested in waiting another 4 years for a new draft pick to come on board.
As Jeff mentioned, Grossman has made real strides in his return. There is work to be done, but the Bears can win with Grossman.
The number one priority this offseason from a personel standpoint has to be the offensive line. From what I understood last night, Alan Faneca is available....December 3, 2007
#8 Mike said . . .Agree completely Jeff with your comments on Tait. Sign Faneca in FA and draft a LT in the 1st round and you're set on the right side of the line. And overall you would have a solid mix.
December 3, 2007
#9 jdawg said . . .If Jerry Angelo is honest with himself then he understands he needs to take a step backwards this offseason and start a rebuilding campaign. Ala what the Tennessee Titans did a few years ago.
Lance Briggs and Rex Grossmam are both as good as gone. But continue the purge. Get rid of some of the fat bloated contracts and clear cap space. Ruben Brown, Fred St. Clair, John Tait, Alex Brown, Darwin Walker, Ricky Manning Jr, Mike Brown, Adam Archueleta, Brian Griese should all be sent packing.
Focus free agency and the draft on rebuilding the offensive and defensive lines. It all starts in the trenches. Also pick up a viable option at running back.
December 3, 2007
#10 Mike said . . .Hey Jeff,
My implication was that a new LT would allow Tait to move back to his normal position of RT.
Anyway, I'm not as pessimistic as I should be. Yesterday's loss was on the shoulders of the coaches, so hopefully some scales will fall off some eyes.
I think Grossman will be resigned unless he just doesn't want to play in Chicago anymore (understandable) or the Bears low-ball him.
I think there's a chance Briggs is resigned, he's just too valuable and I think we got a good look at what Williams can do when Lance was out.
December 3, 2007
#11 Bill said . . .Blaming the coaching staff for Sunday's loss is weak. Ron Turner isn't very good, but in no way do I pin the loss on a coordinator. The offensive line couldn't handle a very good New York pass rush and the running game remained abysmal. And more importantly, the defense couldn't stop the New York running attack and preserve a 16-7 scoring margin.
Does anybody honestly expect the Bears to fire Ron Turner or Bob Babich in the offseason? I don't. It's not their modus operandi. Lovie will defend his guys and the McCaskets, Sweaty Teddy Phillips and Jerry Angelo will back up the decision.
December 3, 2007
#12 Mike said . . .Lovie (and Jerry) WILL fire one of the coordinators. My guess is Turner; Lovie will argue that it was Babich's first year in the job, they had injuries and AA being who Washington knew he was to blame. It would not shock me to see both gone.
Mike - you are not seeing the reality of the situation if you think Rex and Lance will both be gone. It's very likely they both will be given reasonalbe incentives to be back. It doesn't matter if you or I think either one or both SHOULD be back, but they will both get reasonable offers.
If Turner stays and Rex leaves, that's all we'll need to know. I think Rex has had some real mental issues, but if he decides he'd be better off as a backup, it woudl have to be that he realizes he needs better coaching. (And he does.)
We have too many holes to fill in one year. But I agree that getting two linemen (one FA, one drafted) and moving Tait would make a big improvement. But we then need an RB. And an impact receiver. And a safety. And a healthy Tommie Harris and Dusty Dvorcek.
Next year will likely look like this year record wise, but hopefully with some improvement toward the mid or end of the season
December 3, 2007
#13 jeff said . . .Bill, with all due respect Lance Briggs is a goner. The bitter contract fight of last offseason won't be forgotten. And fact is the Bears believe that an outside linebacker is worth only $ x within their salary cap scheme. There isn't a chance that they bend their salary cap management philosophy to fit Briggs in the picture. I am 99% certain he is gone.
Grossman? He's as good as gone too. He has the option of going elsewhere and why on earth wouldn't he given the brutal harshness of his existence to date in Chicago. Plus, there is little chance Jerry Angelo sticks his neck out even further on Grossman. Angelo has already invested too much of his political capital in Grossman and himself is now on the firing line. Grossman is 100% a goner.
December 3, 2007
#14 Mike said . . .mike, you're just wrong on grossman. if you think he's going to have a pick of the litter when it comes to teams, he's not. he's going to get backup money no matter where ends up. if the bears offer him starter money, he'll stay. if the bears offer briggs what he wants, he'll stay. players don't give a shit about the media and contract disputes...they want to make the most money possible.
December 3, 2007
#15 B.A. Baracus said . . .Jeff, Lance Briggs will get more money from somebody else. It's that simple. Jerry Angelo isn't going to blow up his salary cap slotting philosophy to pay Briggs. He just won't.
And Grossman? Seriously, neither Angelo or Grossman can afford to have this marriage continue. Angelo's credibility and job are at stake. And why on earth would Grossman want to come back to a place where he has been widely despised and spit upon? Answer is he won't. There will be teams interested in his services. He'll find a job. Miami, Atlanta, the NY Jets....I can think of a handful of teams who would be willing to take a flyer on him.
December 3, 2007
#16 Phil from SATX said . . .Mike - You are talking crazy talk. I agree with Jeff and countless others that have or will slam you on this board.
Referring to your post #8, the Bears can't afford to give away all of those guys even if they are in a re-building year. Griese, and Walker are going nowhere. They have big money locked up in both of them.
Tait will be back and don't be surprised if either Mike or Alex Brown are back too. The Bears need to make space on their O Line first and foremost - get rid of Ruben Brown and Miller - and address the problem in the off season.
In the draft, the Bears are likely to take the best player on offense at the spot the Bears are at, regardless of the player's position (and it won't be a quarterback).
As to Grossman, as much as you apparently hate the guy (and I must admit that he has not been my huckleberry), he will get his best money for next year if he signs with the Bears. Plus, after looking at the QB talent in free agency, RG is one of the few QBs out there that is above average when compared to the others. I think it would make sense at this point to sign Grossman to a one or two year lower money base contract that contains significant incentives to increase his pay.
"Take a step backwards?" and "Start a rebuilding campaign?" Rebuilding does not always mean you throw your team into the crapper. Get real.
December 3, 2007
#17 Pissed Off said . . .Mike, your guesses are lousy. I believe that RT will be fired after this season, Lovie did it once with Terry Shea and he'll do it again. You are the only one who supports Turner, which is why we called you Mike Turner once. Even David Haugh, who was a strong supporter earlier in the season, looks to be off Turner's bandwagon.
Lovie won't fire Babich, which is understandable, and maybe even acceptable because it's his first year as coordinator and there were lots of injuries. That said, Babich's performance this year can only be called LOUSY and he is certainly on probation. The Bears D must be easily the most penalized squad in the league for being offsides, and this coach can't seem to fix that. I personally believe Babich is in over his head and will ultimately be fired after next season (along with Lovie if they have another season like this one).
Briggs WILL get resigned because the team has no choice. They WILL at least try to resign Rex, but if I'm Rex, I'm leaving for a team with a good offensive coordinator. He should have no love left for Chicago - but the kind of guy he is, you never know, he seems pretty even-keeled and maybe he likes living here.
Faneca seems like the right age for Angelo's FA o-line sweet spot. I'd love to see Beekman get some playing time, although I'll note that he is listed on da Site as the 3rd string at right guard, even though there's no 2nd string. Anthony Oakley looks like the true backup here. Who's he, you ask? An undrafted lineman who was pulled from the Browns' practice squad. I guess he's better than the 130th pick in the draft. Terry Metcalf I see was resigned last year through 2011. I don't know why he didn't play himself onto the field before Brown's injury.
Just don't understand the o-line world very much, and I fear that the Bears coaches don't either.
December 3, 2007
#18 Mike said . . .I certainly think Rex will have offers elsewhere. I dont know if they will be bigger than what Chicago will offer him, if they offer anything but he'll have offers. And if he plays the rest of the year like he has the past few games.....he isn't going to get the "big one" like if he performed well all year but he'll get a nice contract, real nice. The free agent pool will not be deep enough that he wont get a good contract.
December 3, 2007
#19 Bill said . . .When did I say I was a Ron Turner supporter? Answer is I didn't. What I did say is that it is weak, whiny and naive to keep pinning these losses primarily on the coaching staff. And if some of you don't think a serious rebuilding job is in order, then I don't know what to say other than the fact that you're rose-colored glasses need cleaning.
The Bears don't fix this mess "on the fly" by signing a couple of offensive lineman and shit-canning Ron Turner. The problems run a lot deeper.
And if anybody honestly thinks that Rex Grossman or Lance Briggs is coming back in 2008 then I have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn. Under no circumstances will Grossman come back to a place where he has underperformed and been thrown under the bus by the fans, media and even coaching staff. He isn't a fucking sado-masichist for crying out loud. Briggs? The big contract and the MONSTER signing bonus he will command GUARANTEE he plays somewhere else in 2008. Briggs isn't going to sacrifice several million dollars of up front signing bonus money to come back to the Bears. If you want to believe otherwise then I'm finished arguing with you.
December 3, 2007
#20 Bill said . . .I just can't see the Bears letting Briggs get away if they can help it. Urlacher's health is too iffy. Now certainly someone may give him a "you can't be serious!" offer and of course he'd take it and run. It's not like we have a realistic SB shot next year.
Grossman will occupy our typing over the next several months, I'm sure. There are logical reasqons for saying "good luck" and letting him go. BUT technically speaking, Rex is Jerry's pick and RT is Lovie's. If JErry thinks Turner is at least partly to blame (and that thought woudl get a lot of support on this site - especially with me) then I can see Jerry forcing an OC on Lovie in exchange for Babich getting another year. Angelo has developed (and earned) a rep for knowing nothing about offense. I think he'd like to prove people wrong.
It's not there are any can't miss FAs out there. Nor will there EVER be - if the guy is 'can't miss', the team woudl keep him. As we've said, there are at best 10-12 good QBs. The rest are backups forced to be starters.
December 3, 2007
#21 Pissed Off said . . .The odd thing about Rex and his problems here - it's obvious that Chicago fans (for the most part) WANT Rex to succeed. He has improved in all areas except one (moving backwards instead fo stepping up.) He looked a lot better overall yesterday even with the balls that were too long. I think the Giants lead the league in sacks. I really worried about that against our weak O-line. And while they did get a lot of pressure - not ONE pick or fumble.
Rex moved around much better than maybe before his injuries. He really seemed to know where his options were. I don't think he stared down receivers as much as usual. It was a solid game. And all of that without a reliable reciever, without a reliable line, and without a reliable running game. I can live with that kind of QB play - and I know the BT will agree.
So Rex has two choices - small money to be a backup or a two year deal with heavy incentives to see if he can be a successful starter here.
Or does anyone think he will be signed elsewhere to be a starter?
December 3, 2007
#22 jdawg said . . .I dont know if he'd get signed to be a starter by another team just like that but I think there are more than several teams that would sign him with the chance to become the starter thru open competition and he could certainly win the #1 job with many teams.
I am just so pissed with this team. What the hell happened yesterday? Did Turner or Lovie just decide we can sit around and do nothing the 2nd half and still win. God was that awful. I just wanted this team to keep winning even though I know wed get beat in the playoffs.
December 3, 2007
#23 jeff said . . .The incentive for Grossman to stay here, barring a couple disatrous outings, is that he would come into camp as the starter. That isn't going to happen anywhere else.
December 3, 2007
#24 Big Earl said . . .pissed off, the sentiment is right. you just want these guys to fight and play hard and play a game in january. i don't believe in the bullshit of losing for draft picks. even if you lose, the playoffs give you a shot. and watching your club in a playoff game is still exciting, even if they stink.
December 3, 2007
#25 B.A. Baracus said . . .I gotta agree with Mike. The Bears aren't going to dole out the type of signing bonus that Lance Briggs can demand and wants in his next contract. The signing bonus issue is what got him so mad last offseason. A huge element of a new contract he gets will be a huge signing bonus. Probably in the $10 million plus range. He's as good as gone. Angelo will stick to what he thinks is right for the salary cap. Rex Grossman is extremely unlikely to return as well. He's been both awful and brutalized in this city and will welcome a fresh start elsewhere. There will be a few teams out there willing to give him a good paying job and shot at becoming their starting QB.
December 3, 2007
#26 Chalupa said . . .Mike -
Who exactly are the Bears going to field at QB next year if they just "let Grossman go"? The prospects at QB for the draft are not that solid. Plus, a good rookie QB is rare. As for FA, what decent QB is not going to be resigned by his team, which are in the same position as the Bears? Anderson - Re-signed. Losman - Re-signed. Next thing you'll be telling us that the Bears should get McFlabb.
The Bears re-building formula will not start from a complete dismantling of the team - it makes no sense because they have a lot of talent right now. What attraction would the Bears be, outside of money, if they have zero chance to make the playoffs before week 1 next year?
Although the defense has not been great, there are still some good players on that defense and the defense is salvageable if they can get healthy and pick up a safety. The key will be to rebuild the O line and find an above-average offense skill player, e.g. a running back or wide receiver, through FA or the draft to take advantage of improved run and pass blocking.
December 3, 2007
#27 Shady McBears Fan said . . .Mike's a douche Big Earl. The Bears will DEFINITELY bring back Lance Briggs. The guy is only the best player we have on defense. You pay the dude what the dude is owed. You fuck-tards don't know what you are talking about.
December 3, 2007
#28 Mike said . . .Dear Lovie,
I've been a big supporter of yours for a while. You built a championship style defense and took the team to the Superbowl last year and that's something which I will never forget. But I must say, my confidence in your head coaching abilities is fading fast.
We know you're a defensive minded coach, but as a HEAD coach, you're also responsible for the performance of your offense. The unit had great field position ALL DAY, but was unable to produce in the 2nd half. Unacceptable coach.
What is more unacceptable is allowing YOUR defense to be gashed by a no-name 3rd string running-back for close to 150yds. You've preached to your players about playing 60 mins of football for a long time, but they don't seem to be getting the message. They COLLAPSED in the final minutes of the game. Is it because they can't physically perform for an entire game, or is it because they've lost faith in you and your over-exposed cover-2 scheme? Don't blame the '4th phase' either because you shouldn't need the crowd to give you any more motivation.
You also continue to give comments at press conferences that leave me scratching my head...
After Cedric Benson showed flashes of greatness in the Seattle game, you and Ron decide to put in Adrian Peterson. Your explanation? "Cedric ran the ball well today, not sure why we got away from that. But if you keep running the ball, eventually teams are gonna stop that." HUH?! WHAT?!
After the success of an exciting no-huddle offense early in Sunday's game, you and Ron decided to dump the strategy for no apparent reason. Your explanation? "We planned on using the no-huddle offense as something to just throw in here and there, but not something we wanted to use the entire game." HUH?! WHAT?!
I'm no coach, but I DO know that if something ain't broke, don't fix it. Your explanations lead me to conclude that you and Ronald do NOT know how to handle your own success. Sad. Maybe I could be coach...
"Terrance Metcalf what are you doing kneeing your guy in the red-zone? That 15yd. personal foul is unacceptable. You're fired." I'd say that would be a good start.
At least we don't have to wait until Sunday to watch this team again.
Lovie might actually have a slight coaching advantage this week. Joe Gibbs, in an attempt to sentimentally remember the loss of Sean Taylor, sent only 10 players on the field for the first play of the game. The result? A simple 22 yard run to the left side. The last play of the game? Coach Gibbs called two consecutive timeouts which resulted in a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, costing the redskins the game.
I know you were dedicating the game to the memory of Sean Taylor, but I didn't think it was BLOW one for the Gipper.
December 3, 2007
#29 jeff said . . .Rex Grossman is free and clear of his contractual connection to the Bears once the season ends. He will be free to go where he wants to go. And unless he is a sado-masachist why on earth would he want to come back to Chicago?!? Answer is he wouldn't. He won't walk away....he'll RUN !!! And although I don't like Grossman I am smart enough to understand that there will be other teams out there interested in his talent and potential.
December 3, 2007
#30 jdawg said . . .mike, you're wrong. rex grossman will go wherever pays him the most. NOBODY IS PAYING HIM STARTER MONEY. NOBODY.
December 3, 2007
#31 Mike said . . .It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that two main things motivate atheletes: 1) money and 2) playing time. If Chicago matches whatever is offered to Rex, and he looks to be the starter coming into next season, he will be a Bear.
Now, there is the exception, like Olin, who took less money to stay here rather than go to Miami.
Maybe Olin can give a little "Fred Miller Love" to Lance and help keep him here in Chicago.
December 3, 2007
#32 Chalupa said . . .So...to sum up the general sentiment on this board today...
1. The Bears suck shit primarily because of the offensive and defensive coordinators they employ and not the talent on hand.
2. The Bears are a guarantee to blow up their salary cap management beliefs and hand over a monstrous signing bonus and contract to bring back Lance Briggs.
3. Rex Grossman is a guarantee to return as starting QB with the Bears next season because a) nobody else in the world will want him b) he's an oustanding QB for the Bears and c) he really doesn't mind at all the fact that he's been pissed on and thrown under the bus in Chicago.
4. The Bears don't need to rebuild...all they need to do is fire Ron Turner and sprinkle some pixie dust on Halas Hall and all will be better.
December 3, 2007
#33 jeff said . . .Here's another sentiment:
Mike is an ass-pounder and don't know jack shit what he is talking about. Briggs will be back. So will Grossman. This is the Chicago Bears we are talking about. Not the douche bag fag lovin' fucking Green Bay Turds who can't afford to pay their players.
December 3, 2007
#34 B.A. Baracus said . . .you're too smart for us, mike.
December 3, 2007
#35 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .Mike,
I do not have the time to address everything in your last post (#31). However, I do not get the feeling that anyone on this board is saying that Rex Grossman is a guarantee to be here next year (and if they are, I did not write it).
I, personally, am saying that it probably makes sense for the Bears to offer Grossman a one or two year deal with incentives in the next offseason - he is not going to get big franchise money from the Bears or anyone else. Whether or not Grossman takes the Bear's offer, WHO KNOWS?
I agree with Jeff, however, that Grossman will get the biggest offer from the Bears over any other team, which makes it more likely that he will be here next year, but NOT A GUARANTEE. Get it through your melon, Negative Nelly.
December 3, 2007
#36 jeff said . . .Chalupa,
I'm not sure where you're getting your info.
According to Forbes, the Pack's player expenses this year are $121 million, while your beloved Bears are shelling out $117 million.
We have extended contracts to at least 7-8 players on our roster already. Oh yeah, we let Javon Walker 'get away.' How is he doing this year?
Good luck in Washington. You guys are going to HATE the broadcast team of Gumbel and Collinsworth. Count the number of times Gumbel refers to the wrong team.
December 4, 2007
#37 Gumble vs. Gumble said . . .i love collinsworth.
December 4, 2007
#38 Bryant Gumbel said . . .MmmmHmmm.
MmmmHmmm.
MmmmmmmmmHmm.
MmmHmm.December 4, 2007
#39 PolygonHell said . . .I'm so white I make Wayne Brady look like Malcolm X.
December 4, 2007
#40 Al in WI said . . .I'm not sure it's as simple as just the co-ordinators.
I think the game Turner called in the second half pays off on a team that can run the ball. and doesn't have 5 false starts at home.
I think the desire for conservative play calling comes down from the top, the Bears coaches this year just seem in denial when it comes to the execution on the field. They call games like they have a dominant defense and a strong running game despite what they're seeing on the field.
Orton might see a start or two at the end of the season.
I think we'll probably make a play to keep Grossman, I don't know if it'll be successful. I think we should consider letting Briggs go despite the stellar season he's had, to free up Salary cap space.
My guess is we'll persue OL deficiencies in free agency and draft predominantly defensive players, probably a safety and defensive tackle early. I don't watch enough college ball to be on top of which positions have a lot of depth in the 08 draft.
December 4, 2007
#41 jdawg said . . .Mike, honestly. Do you know when I figured you out? It was when you declared after week 3 that Grossman would never take another snap for the Bears.
No Bear fan who has been with this team for longer than 5 years would have ever said that.
Now, we've all been wrong on a lot of stuff this year. No doubt, I put myself in that same boat. However, any self respecting Bear's fan knows that the quarterback shuffle always goes back and forth.
Lance: He's given several interviews in both papers stating his desire to return to the Bears. Angelo has also said repeatedly that he want's to work something out. Several high profile media personalities (Haugh, Mulligan, ect) have stated they now expect him to be resigned. This may not make it a sure thing, but it certainly makes in better then a 0% chance he returns.
As for Grossman, yes there is something to the idea that he wouldn't want to return given his treatment in the city. Here's the problem; he got worse treatment from the national media specifically espn. He also would probably have to beat out the likes of Orton to keep the job here. This as opposed to beating out somebody better at a franchise with more invested in the other guy. And I wouldn't rule out the Bears putting the transition tag on him either.
December 4, 2007
#42 BobbyBluechip said . . .I think someone doesn't understands the difference between re-signing a player and re-signing a player regardless of the cost.
I'm sure there is a salary line Angelo will not cross. Also, it must be taken into account that Briggs is a tackling machine. Not a pass rusher. Not an interceptor (we already have one of those). He is a tackling machine. I don't see him getting an offer like Thomas did with the Pats.
Also, keep in mind that our D is playing without its best player in the secondary (Brown), its best coverage man in the secondary (Vasher), its starting tackle (Dusty) and T Harris is playing on one leg.
I know all teams must deal with injuries, but if you pluck three pro-bowlers from the Patriots offense and send Tonya Harding after Brady's knees I don't think we'd be talking about the unstoppable Pats.
December 4, 2007
#43 jdawg said . . .speaking of Vasher...i guess it's tough to rehab when you have all that money in your pocket isn't it? really now, does it take 3 months to heal from a groin injury? if he tore the entire thing they should have IR'd him. currently, he's a waste of a roster spot.
December 4, 2007
#44 Mike said . . .Now that we're out of it expect Vasher to be IR'd.
December 4, 2007
#45 WheresOlsen? said . . .Well, I WAS WRONG ON LANCE BRIGGS. It is being reported right now that he has signed a contract extension with the Bears.
December 4, 2007
#46 jeff said . . .No extension for Bears linebacker Briggs
Updating a previous item, Profootballtalk.com reports the Bears and Lance Briggs have not come to terms on a long-term contract.
A league source tells PFT's Michael David Smith that the deal isn't yet complete, but it appears talks are ongoing. Briggs recently told the Chicago Tribune's Fred Mitchell that he'd be happy to retire a member of the Bears.December 4, 2007
#47 jeff said . . .briggs deal is going to get done, as i've already told mike. but mike has it all figured out. briggs will be re-signed before the end of the season. the real decision the bears have to make is bernard berrian - who they'll be a much bigger market for than grossman.
December 4, 2007
#48 Big Rob said . . .jdawg, dont expect the bears to admit they're out of it until they're out of it. not lovie's style to look at the game with logic.
December 4, 2007
#49 jeff said . . .down go the patriots...
December 4, 2007
#50 big rob said . . .and back up they come
December 4, 2007
#51 big rob said . . .what a crazy game... don't think it was a catch.... wonder whats gonna happen...
December 4, 2007
#52 big rob said . . .let's go balmore....
December 4, 2007
#53 AfroCelt said . . .bastards won.... I am convinced Tom Brady had a gloden horseshoe up his ass.... GO BEARS!!
December 4, 2007
#54 Phil from SATX said . . .That illegal contact they called to keep the Pats alive simply was not there...and the review could have gone either way. It felt like the officials wanted the Pats to win. I even turned to my girlfriend and told her that the pats would score again from some sort of penalty.....before that final drive happened. I am a bit biased though...I was at the very first Ravens game, back when they played in the ancient Baltimore colts stadium and (shock) their starting QB was Vinny Testaverde.
Hell of a game, Ravens.
December 4, 2007
#55 Midway Monster said . . .How much do you think the Ravens hate their coach after calling that time out? What an ending that was, great entertainment even if the bad guys won. And here I thought football was dead to me this year - no, I didn't come to that ultimate conclusion but I did have thoughts in that direction after that horrible loss.
Polygon, no one's saying "it's as simple as the coordinators." The play calling you describe is the reason RT is so bad - he's calling plays that might work with a different team, but that are virtually ensured to fail with this team. We've said it before - a good coordinator works around his team's weaknesses and tries to exploit his team's strengths. Ron Turner has failed mightily on both counts. The problems with personnel that we have are known by all - starting with a horrible offensive line, average to poor running backs, and average to poor wide receivers. It may be that if the personnel are retooled enough, RT's play calling would be good. I doubt it, because I've seen enough bad decisions and poor playcalling to last me a lifetime this year.
I also agree with Bill in post #20 about his Rex analysis. He is showing me a lot right now, because he's operating under duress and not making huge errors. His progress since the beginning of the season with respect to handling pressure and generally keeping his wits about him show me that he can easily fix the stepping up in the pocket problem. 3/4 of a season with Ron Turner this year has shown me that RT is a QB's worst enemy. He does not put the quarterback or the offense in the best position to win (usually just the opposite).
Shady, great post. The only thing I disagreed with was about Terry Metcalf - yes bonehead play that really cost us but it's a little early for that. At least he got in two knees for one penalty, unlike that dude from the Ravens last night - I'm not sure I've ever seen back to back personal fouls called on the same player in one dead ball. I have to feel Metcalf's an improvement over Ruben Brown, at least this year the way Brown was playing (and I guess playing hurt).
Excited to hear that movement is happening on Briggs. I do believe he will be signed. I also believe Rex will be signed. jdawg made the most salient point about Rex having an assured starting position for the Bears only. And for the record, the time I knew all about Packer Mike was when we won despite his dire predictions and he went away from the blog until the next Bears loss. But he's kind of fun to have around - kind of like when the CIA knows who the mole is and just screws with said mole for grins and disinformation for the other side (presumed to be the Packers).
December 4, 2007
#56 Pissed Off said . . .O Great- to top off this damn season Farve is Sport Illustraited 's Sportsman of the Year. I am going to go puke now... be back later.
-- Midway --
December 4, 2007
#57 Rancid said . . .Tarvaris Jackson makes 800,000/year, Holcomb makes just over 1 mil and Bollinger makes right around 1 mil. If thats starter money, Rex will get that next year.
B.A. Baracus, the QB draft is actually very deep this year, very very deep. The problem is that rookie QBs rarely come in and make an impact in their 1st year unless their name is Marino or Roethlisberger.
December 4, 2007
#58 Pissed Off said . . .Jeff is correct in stating that the real interest will surround Berrian. The Bears have seen his hands and will not give him top money. Other teams will point to the poor QBing and good 06 and take the risk that he will be great with a better QB. He is not a fantastic route runner but more a burner. If we can teach Hester to catch we have a burner. I do not expect us to resign Berrian because he will get an offer from elsewhere that he is not worth. So I hope we don't sign him because we will have to overpay him if we do. If he had a realistic view of his talent and a different agent I think we would try to resign him but in reality he is probably gone. All the more reason to take a better peek at Bradley before the season ends. I also feel we should be looking to reward Hester with an extension sooner rather than later.
Oh, and I hereby officially disagree with everything Mike ever has said and will say for all eternity.December 4, 2007
#59 Phil from SATX said . . .I hope we let Berrian go. I agree with pretty much everything rancid said and I DO NOT want Berrian on this team. I dont even want Moose on this team. We have a burner in Hester if he can catch and I want us to use Bradley more. Did anyone else notice that during the game Joe Buck (who I now officially hate) said that Rex went to the coaches and told them to use Bradley. That guy used to be such a bright spot, like he was going to be the #1 WR with a bullet then he'd get hurt.
December 4, 2007
#60 Phil from SATX said . . .Wow, eternity,l that's a long time, Rancid. As usual I agree with you. I officially don't want Berrian because I know he will be too expensive. He showed me too much (too little) this year for him to be a high paid featured receiver. I think he has a LONG way to go before he becomes a top 10. For the money you can get a lot more, for a lot less you can get a little slower but more hands, more heart.
Rex will be offered more than $1MM per year - I think he'll be around $3MM per, maybe going up to double that through incentives, with like $5MM signing bonus, $7MM guaranteed, just making up shit here but you can get a feel for it by reviewing last year's salaries. That combo plus a starting job should keep him here. Remember that BG makes about $2.5MM per as a backup.
As a Rash fan I was disappointed in his game on Sunday. I don't think of him as a dropper. He did get one blasted out, but he's usually clutch. Lovie better get over his problems with Bradley, there's a guy already under contract that is pretty much the same guy as Berrian only I think he's tougher at catching in traffic. Thanks for nothing to the Chicago media for never being able to get true inside info about what the real story is between Lovie and Bradley. He may just be a prick that rubs Lovie the wrong way, who knows, and that's the point - why don't we know?
Every year there are stories in the NFL about some guy who came out of nowhere to be really good. We had one ourselves in Mark Anderson, there's Marquis Colston out there. What about Wes Welker? He was undrafted, a 5'9" white guy receiver. He's fantastic.
Point is, what if Mike Hass is that kind of guy? Sure it's a long shot, but haven't you seen enough of Moose and Berrian this year? Let's see Bradley, Rashied, Hass and Hester out there. And before somebody like Mike says "well it's obvious that the coaches think they stink from practice" I'll say you never know how somebody's going to do in live action until they get a chance. Plus our coaches stink at evaluating talent anyway, and make decisions based on sunk costs and draft selection.
Go Mike Hass! Show us some hands and some heart!
December 4, 2007
#61 JB said . . .FAs the Bears have signed based on reputation who didn't deliver:
Adam Archuleta (actually his rep had taken a major hit that the Bears ignored, on the assumption that they were better at evaluating talent than the Washington coaches - WRONG!)
Ricky Manning, Jr. - Paid him an insane amount of money for a very limited role player who can't start at his position
Moose Muhammed - not a bust but didn't turn out as planned and not worth the big bucks
That's all on the list, I don't think Walker and Adams are busts, some considered Wale a bust but he's really bringing the pass rush right now, and the high priced Oline were good when we got them, they've just aged beyond belief. BG is who we thought he was, and got paid relatively cheaply for it.
Am I forgetting anyone?
December 4, 2007
#62 Shamen said . . .I'll go on record and say that I support Berrian. He may not be a #1 type guy, but he makes some big plays, can run the deep routes, and besides some inconsistencies (which they all have had this year), he's been pretty good.
I don't think Hester can move in and do what Berrian does...I think Hester is that slot guy that is the X-factor if we could ever figure out how the hell to use him.
As far as QB, I'd be okay with Rex coming back. I'd also be fine with drafting someone. I'd also be good with trading for someone. Whatever, I'll support the guy taking snaps unless his name is Brian Griese.
As far as "clearing salary cap room", you can't just cut guys without cap hits and reprecussions from your actions. And you don't just cut half your team. I would expect Ruben to retire, and probably Mike Brown, other than that, I'm not sure what will happen. And whoever questioned Vasher...I'm really not sure I know how long it takes to recover from a groin injury, but I'd rather have him take his time than comeback in a meaningless last 4 games.
~Peanut for the Pro Bowl
December 4, 2007
The problem with Berrian, other than his inconsistent hands, is that he has the Great Satan as his agent. He is going to command too much money. If he could be signed for reasonable money I would be happy to see him back, but that's not going to happen. If we're going to overpay someone, let's overpay Briggs, who actually is one of the 5 best players in the league at his position.
December 6, 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.