After last week's sweep of the Wildcard round, I return to the National Football League with a swagger usually reserved for gunslingers and those guys Chris Hansen catches on To Catch a Predator. We'll start breaking the Bears' offseason plans down position-by-position next week.
But first...
Seattle +7.5 OVER GREEN BAY
Somebody always gets picked off in this round and I think it's happening at Lambeau. (Full disclosure: I'm a Chicago Bears fans and I believe the Packers to be worthless turds.) Seattle isn't running the ball well but their defense has peaked at the perfect time, mustering a ferocious pass rush. You beat the Favre underneath stuff with good man coverage and great linebacker play. The Seahawks have a resurgent Marcus Trufant and - in my mind - the best linebacking corps in the NFL right now. Seattle 26, Green Bay 23
NEW ENGLAND -13 OVER Jacksonville
I was fully prepared to come out of last weekend on the Jacksonville Jaguars bandwagon but instead I lost all faith in two of their most valuable commodities: coach and quarterback. Jack Del Rio looked lost in the second half as he abandoned his running game, recklessly challenged calls and managed the clock as if the only voice in his headset was Herm Edwards. Del Rio put a lead on the arm of David Garrard who illustrated with great gusto how inept he can be as a passer. They still have a formidable run game but you're not beating the league's best team without making plays downfield. This might look like a ballgame early but it won't end that way. New England 41, Jacksonville 20
INDIANAPOLIS -8 over San Diego
Somehow I've started to hate Philip Rivers. Not dislike. Hate. Not since the heyday of Chris Hovan has such a mediocre football player received so much face time. The Chargers looked far too excited to beat an overmatched and injury-ridden Tennessee Titan team but its time to play the varsity now. Indy has been happy to stand off to the side and listen to the world wax poetic on the undefeated Pats. I think they make a statement Sunday and set up the best football game in years. Indianapolis 37, San Diego 13
New York Giants +7.5 over DALLAS
There's no TO and rumors of a Terry Glenn sighting. Romo has looked like Eli and Eli has looked like Romo. Nobody can block the Giants front four. Nobody can block Demarcus Ware. Roy Williams is going to the Pro Bowl. The Pro Bowl? Roy Williams is quickly climbing the list of the most overrated athletes in human history. All I know is these two teams have played twice and both times there were a lot of points scored. I'll cautiously take the home team. Dallas 38, New York 31
#2 Rancid said . . .I'll take the roadies in the NFC (due to dislike of DAL and GB), I'll take the AFC home teams to win but Jax will beat the 13 point spread. SD's the real question mark of the weekend because they could be competitive or they could lay an egg...they're a really weird team.
Re: previous McNabb question from the end of the 138-long post:
I would absolutely want him if the price was right. I'm not sure what the market would dictate and I don't know if anyone would be willing to give up the initial ransom of a 1st and a 3rd. I'd give them a 2nd and a 3rd for him. Everyone has their opinions, but I have McNabb as a top five QB. He's a dynamic playmaker that keeps you in games that you wouldn't otherwise be in. That eagles team is basically him and Brian Westbrook (what I would give to have him on our team!). He helped guide them to three straight NFC championship games (I think we all remember the first one) and a super bowl appearance. What's best for his career would be a change of scenery while the eagles move on with thier young kid. Why is he worth a 2 and 3? He instantly steps in and makes that offense viable. We can't get that at the QB position in the draft unless Woodson drops to 14 and even then, there's a learning curve. I also understand the argument of building through the draft, but a trade for McNabb, a FA O-line signing or two, try to retain B-Twice and we're sitting in April with flexibility at 14, to the point where we could trade down if we need too.
January 10, 2008
#3 Rancid said . . .I suck at projecting (i had da Bears at 14-2 this year) so I'll just plan out my ideal playoff weekend.
1. Seattle 72, GB 0 - after previously stating that I wanted the Pack to suffer the worst playoff loss in history, I remembered that the Bears have the record for margin of victory in the playoffs with the 73-0 win over Washinton in 1940. So I amended this to 72 in order to maintain the record. I don't wish for a serious career ending injury of Farve as I still want that to occur at Soldier.
2. Jax 33, Patriots 32 - I don't like them. at all. That's all I have to say about that. I want them to choke on a game winning drive at the end.
3. Indy 27, Chargers 17 - Ok, this one I think is somewhat realistic.
4. Cowboys 24, Gmen 21 - I actually hate the Cowboys but I live in NY and one of my friends is aGmen fan and being a real bastard about our loss to them and how the Bears missed the playoffs and so I don't care I want them to lose just to shut him up.
* These projections should not be used for gambling purposes, and I claim no liability for your financial losses if they are. Their likelihood is so miniscule that should all of the above predictions actually occur (scores included) I hereby vow to ingest a copious quantity of my own fecal matter.
January 10, 2008
#4 Pissed Off said . . .I also failed to mention that I picked against the Chargers because I have Lorenzo Neal in my list of hated bastards for his cheap shot injury of Mike Brown. That's right Lorenzo, I haven't forgotten you, man. After I find Windy City's house I'm coming to yours.
January 10, 2008
#5 Phil from SATX said . . .I cant believe the amount of poeple I've come in contact with that think NYG will win outright in Dallas. I also am seeing a lot of people picking Seattle (not as many as those picking NYG) but I disagree, I like all the favorites this weekend. I dont trust a team that cant run and I dont trust Matt "we want the ball cuz we're gonna score" Hasselbeck against the Pack.
If the Pats somehow get knocked off in the next two weeks I will be even more pissed at the Bears. They look unbeatable and I correctly predicted (after 4 weeks) that they would go undefeated. The Bears can play with any other team....at least play with them....besides the Pats and if we find out the Pats are beatable I will be sooo pissed at this club for mailing it in post super bowl season.
Regarding McNabb, not on board with him of course cuz of my feelings on Rex but I can see where you come from JB. He is a great player and went to the NFC champ game like 4 times or something? I know fantasy is sacrelige around here but aside from injury riddled seasons he puts up top 3 or 4 QB numbers consistently every year. My concern now is he's getting old and is not the guy he was a few years ago. He's still capable of being great but I dont know if he can do it at the level he once did...or if he can stay healthy......we have enough injured guys around here. I would think he's worth a second, not sure about second and third yet....but not for this team.....its Rexy.
January 10, 2008
#6 JB said . . .Let's remember McNabb's only 31, a mere 4 years older than Rex. However, I'm thinking we want McNabb only if we don't get Rex, because otherwise there's another full-blown QB controversy from minute 1. Does Angelo and Lovie want that? No way, no how. These two guys cannot exist together on our team.
So that's where I am. Job 1 is to try to re-sign Rex. If you succeed, bring back Orton and draft a guy. If you don't get Rex, sell the house to get McNabb, and DON'T draft a guy - wait for next year or beyond, use your picks on other needs. How's that sound?
I'm with PO'd, all favorites win this round, but only 1 covers the spread, Colts. I will be rooting for all dogs except the Bolts, because I too now hate them - hate them for ending MB's season, for Philip Rivers love, and especially for having the brother of the idiot who works for the Bears. GO COLTS in this one, and then GO COLTS to beat the hated Patriots.
January 10, 2008
#7 Phil from SATX said . . .PO'd, you're right...it's 4 straight NFC championship games. I had that down initially but it sounded wrong. Wow...I know Philly didn't win any superbowls, but 4 straight NFC championship games is pretty damn good. They should have beat the rams the first year, TB was really good 2nd year, and we all know just how hot Carolina was that next year. And really, they had a shot of winning that superbowl. I guess I'd be willing to bet he's got a lot left in the tank and sometimes you have to take a shot to get that piece to put you over. I think many of us agree that we wouldn't want to have a couple of 9-7 wildcard years while we try to improve the offense and watch our defense fade. If the opportunity is there, take it.
January 10, 2008
#8 Rancid said . . .Okay, now I'm totally second-guessing myself. McNabb's 31 and has had a very good career, as discussed above. His only real bugaboo has been injury (and not winning championship games). Too old? Peyton Manning is 31 and Tom Brady is 30. Anyone thinking those guys are anywhere close to being washed up?
I'm sitting here writing down that I rather have Rex than McNabb. Why? Rex hasn't proven anything close in his career that McNabb has proven. And McNabb's single big downside, injury risk, is shared by Rex - both have injury risk. So what are we doing here?
I officially changed my mind. Full speed ahead to McNabb, sign him whatever the cost, and try to re-sign Rex, but let him know McNabb's the presumed starter, Rex is for development and to step in when/if McNabb goes down. If Rex says no and leaves, so be it. We'll be left with a top QB who's been in 4 championship games, all without our D and our special teams.
We are comparing a still-in-the-prime-of-his-career top quarterback with a project with presumed upside but more question marks than answers.
I'm sorry PO'd, I still really like Rex and want him back, but some research has made this clear to me.
We'd be fools not to go guns blazing after McNabb.
January 10, 2008
#9 Phil from SATX said . . .I posted my McNabb opinion in the previous thread shortly before this one began. Here it is with a little midification:
At this point I like McNabb for a second rounder and and a late pick. I got to watch his last two games and he looked mobile again. His passing is just average, which is why if he's not healthy enough to be mobile, he's not nearly as good.
This would be depending on the assumption we bolster the O line this offseason through FA. Take McNabb with the line we have now and you might as well send Tanya Harding after that knee and save some time.
I only offer a 2nd because he is still an injury risk who since his first injury has not been able to string together a longer solid run of healthy games. Until he can do that he isn't worth more than that to me.
However, should Rex sign elsewhere, I would have to consider raising the price as it increases our level of desperation at the position.
January 10, 2008
#10 Rancid said . . .Rancid, thanks for the midification, you clarified a sentence I wasn't understanding in your previous post. Question to you - it sounds like you want to bring him in regardless of whether or not Rex stays, but potentially at different offer prices. How do you handle the QB controversy if we keep Rex too - say it will be open competition in camp? Or is it obvious to you that if we got McNabb and kept Rex, McNabb would be the de facto starter?
January 10, 2008
#11 mikebdot said . . .mOdification - I type like an elephant
If both were signed, McNabb would go in as the starter, Rex as the backup, and BG would be fed to a pack of wolves. And I wouldn't be shocked to see Rex starting at some point during the season due to an injury, so keep KO as #3 and don't a QB this year.
I don't think that McNabb is going anywhere that won't make him the de facto starter. Of course, I also don't think he's going anywhere for my asking price so maybe it's a moot point anyway. Furthermore, since I don't think McNabb will come that cheaply my hope is that we will prioritize signing Rex. If that doesn't happen I am willing to pay more for McNaab.
January 10, 2008
#12 Phil from SATX said . . .http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=4272
That is mildly good news. I think if we bring in McNabb Berrian gives us a slight discount to stay put. Especially if we picked up another free agent WR and dropped Moose/Davis. At the very least, it could make him less pissed off if we use the franchise tag on him.
January 10, 2008
#13 b said . . .Here's another thought, potentially preempting a Mike jump-in where he informs us that Rex would NEVER sign a deal where he wasn't the starter.
Rex might love a change, not in scenery but in perception. He might feel great as the designated backup, considering the starter was Donovan McNabb (no shame in being slotted behind McNabb, is there? Behind Kyle Orton, yes, behind Donovan McNabb, no!). He'd get to sit in the enviable, potentially most-desired seat in Chicago - because everybody loves the backup QB, right? (we know a thing or two about that here)
No more pressure, and a high likelihood of getting in there when McNabb's injured, plus the future as a starter still in front of you.
It may be counterintuitive, but I do think it's possible Rex'd be just fine with that situation.
January 10, 2008
#14 Phil from SATX said . . .H aall of u bears fans suck, especially willie, willie go jump off a bridge u suck and no nothing about football ur just a stupid 14 year old kid. Phill u suck to. ALL OF U BEARS FANS SUCK!!!!
Go Packers
January 10, 2008
#15 willie from chicago said . . .Another point about Rex backing up McNabb - it's potentially a lot less risky for him. Remember that before his resurrection at the end of the season there was talk about him playing himself right out of football.
He was able to change that perception some in the few games he played in his return, but if he were to sign with another club as a starter and if the new system sent him backwards a little bit, who knows what his future is after being benched again? As the backup to McNabb, he does no damage to his rep or future for every game he sits on the bench, being the equivalent of stored kinetic QB energy. Kind of like redshirting. Given how close his career came to the precipice this year, it would seem to be a less risky move for him, while still allowing him to add millions to his bank account.
Just a thought. I do love the Berrian comments, although they seem to run counter to what Angelo said - remember he said he had to see what the market was offering first? Berrian is saying he'll see what the Bears offer first, before determining whether he needs to test the market.
January 10, 2008
#16 Papa Bear said . . .Great another drunk packers fan on our site. lol.
January 10, 2008
#17 PolygonHell said . . .Willie, I love it that you join in and take the heckling Packer fans in good humor. But, shouldn't you be in school, or something?
January 10, 2008
#18 Pissed Off said . . .I don't think McNabb is going anywhere for what we'd be wlling to part with in draft picks.
IF all we needed to be a superbowl team (remember that means being competitive with New England) was a quarterback, I'd say go for it, he's a proven commodity and an upgrade.
ButI think we need more than that on offense to be competitive at that level, so you have to do what you can in the short term, with an eye on the longer term.
That's why I say draft O-Line high, some-one who can contribute immediately. Because a good pick will improve the offense, and your team is getting younger not older.
Let Grossman or Orton start, and pick up another project QB later in the draft.
If enteringg 09 we're convinced that the QB is the outstanding problem on the offense by all means move heaven and earth to get a prooven commodity.
January 10, 2008
#19 Rancid said . . .Thats OK Phil everyone has their opinion but we wont be getting McNabb, he is not leaving Philly. I also still like Rex's upside more than McNabb at this point. That said if Rex signs elsewhere I'm all for going after McNabb but again I dont think he's leaving Philly so we need to hope for Rex to be re-signed or prepare to go to battle next year with Orton. I just threw up in my mouth a little there.
No chance Rex is fine not being a starter. Did you see his reaction when he got benched. He was almost whiny about it. He will demand a trade or to be cut if he's not at least given the opportunity to compete for the starting job. He wants to start. If he stays here he more than likely wins that job or he'll go somewhere else that has a starter opening. If we brought in McNabb soon Rex would not be on this team a week later. The team is not going to re-sign Rex if they sign McNabb. That would be stupid and Rex wouldnt go for it.
Point: this team will never have Mcnabb AND Rex. And IMO I strongly dont think McNabb is leaving Philly.
January 10, 2008
#20 Phil from SATX said . . .I believe the main issue with McNabb landing in Chicago is the Lions/Vikings. If either of those teams would pursue him, and I think they both might, then I would imagine he would rather play there. He would have a much better receiving core in Detroit and he would be paired with AP in Minnesota (similar to Westbrook now). I'm not sure what his motivation is for coming our way other than the native Chicagoan thing. We've got a shitty line, a bum RB situation, and a weak receiving corps.
Before someone says it I do realize that he would be traded, he's not a FA, but I still have to believe he'll have a lot to say with where he lands. I guess I am just falling into a bit of Mike-esque negativity and am wondering why any QB would intentionally take on the dreaded mantle of Bears QB right now if there were other options. The obvious reason is money, but the McCaskets don't win a lot of bidding wars.
January 10, 2008
#21 Pissed Off said . . .I don't think you can discount the Chicago angle. He's from Chicago, I think a lot of his family's still there, and where would you rather live given the choice between Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis? We already know he's close with Tommie H.
PO'd, while you're probably right, I tried to make the point that taking a seat on the bench behind McNabb is a whole lot different from being demoted for the likes of Brian Griese or Kyle Orton.
However, I disagree that McNabb is staying put in Philly. This would be the right time for the team to cut ties with him while being able to get a lot in return.
January 10, 2008
#22 jeff said . . .Not sure how to take that Berrian article. I think of him as a bit snobby on there. Hello BB, catch the ball when its throw to you. This guy drops WAY to many passes to be saying what he's saying. I think he's as good as gone and I've said I dont really care. The guy rubs me the wrong way like Benson. Since he has Rosenhaus he's gone unless we franchise him and we better not.
January 10, 2008
#23 Pissed Off said . . .devin hester was named to the ap all pro team. good for him.
January 10, 2008
#24 Rancid said . . .Only time will tell but I am confident he stays in Philly. Lets also remember that Philly is a QB hell just like Chicago is....maybe worse. Philly fans have booed McNabb among others several times. Those fans would boo their own kids. Chicago is much like that on their QBs too but the difference is that we haven't had one here thats been consistently good like McNabb has been there (rex will be that guy for the next several years I am confident of that though) and if McNabb comes here and being he is the hometown kid, I think fans might be a bit more leniant on him than they have been with others, rex included. But I will play the race card too....I think its tougher to be a black QB in the NFL, he's said that himself.
January 10, 2008
#25 Phil from SATX said . . .I would like to see us franchise Berrian if there is a huge demand for him provided it doesn't hurt our cap picture for 08. This is what we did with Briggs. We payed Briggs because we didn't have the long term after he turned a deal down, but we did have enough for the 07 Superbowl season (ha ha). Of course Briggs is a far better LB that BB is a WR.
I think BB has a wildly overrated opinion of himself. I know that BB isn't worth franchise $, everyone does (besides him). But if we have no better option at WR, and the cap space for 08, then the only negative is that we overpay him a few million for one year. Who does that hurt - the owners and only the owners- so I don't give a shit.
The only way I have an issue with it is if it hurts our 08 cap number to the point where it restricts from purchasing first class O line help or another needed position. This is my opinion only if there is unused cap space in 08, which it appears there likely will be.
January 10, 2008
#26 jeff said . . .Here's the problem, in addition to the cap, the team's going to have an overall budget and spending an extra $4MM on one guy is going to mean that much less for someone else. Wouldn't you rather have two $4MM guys than one Berrian at $8MM?
Here's the territory Berrian would be in at that level, using cap values:
TO $9.6MM
Marvin Harrison $8.4MM
Torry Holt $7.7MM
Chad Johnson $7.6MM
Chris Chambers $7.3MMhttp://asp.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/salaries/playersbyposition.aspx?pos=120
There's the link for all the receivers' salaries. You can see that there's great receivers with a cap value of $3-$5MM - ones you much rather have than BB. No time to pick through them all, but check out the list. Again, I think cap value is the best method of smoothing out the bumps of signing bonuses etc.
January 10, 2008
#27 DTB said . . .i wasnt going to engage in the mcnabb talk but it does appear strange that berrian is using the media to call for a quarterback in chicago and mcnabb is using the media to call for weapons in philly. just seems like a lot of posturing from these guys. the only thing that really interests me about mcnabb is the ability to make plays with his legs when the protection breaks down. outside of the kordell era, when's the last time a bears quarterback could really do that?
January 11, 2008
#28 big rob said . . .There was a "Kordell Era"?
January 11, 2008
#29 Mike said . . .After having read this all the interesting arguments for McNabb I also have to agree that he would be a nice addition to the team... I have been on the Rex bus since he came to Chicago and I love the guy but it does make logical sense to bring McNabb to the Bears. Hopefully Rex would land somewhere he could cultivate his potential and turn into a decient NFL QB... Bring on McNabb!!
January 11, 2008
#30 Mike said . . .Fearless predictions....
NY Giants over Dallas (yep, that's right)
Green Bay over Seattle
Indy over San Diego
New England over Jacksonville
Super Bowl will be New England over New York
January 11, 2008
#31 Scott said . . .You people are nuttier than squirrel shit to think it is a good idea to franchise tag Bernard Berrian. Thankfully Jerry Angelo won't be that fucking stupid. You can't commit nearly $10 million of your 2008 cap dollars to Berrian for crying out loud. Did any of you dumb motherfuckers ever take a math class in high school and learn the concept that if Jerry only has 10 apples then he had better not fucking give little Bernard a 9 of them and leave little for the rest of his mates. Berrian is going to attract a lot of attention given the dearth of wide receivers on the market. And some team is going to wind up grossly overpaying for a 3rd receiver.
He's a 100% guarantee to be gone. Devin Hester will be looked upon to be the new "speed receiver."
January 11, 2008
#32 Megan said . . .Mike, it's interesting that all of us post our opinions but you post 100% certainties. I'm sure living in your house is a lot of fun. Nobody is 100% gone until they leave anymore so than a player can give 110% on the field (pet peeve of mine). One hundred percent is certain as well as complete. Therefore, before an event comes to pass it cannot be claimed 100% certain. Mike, save the bluster and follow the model of Jeff, PO'd, Megan, Rancid, Phil, and the rest of the constructive posters and park 100% of your nonsense elsewhere.
January 11, 2008
#33 JT said . . .One could assume that squirrel shit is pretty nutty since squirrels are known to eat, store and gather many nuts. So I suppose that the analogy that Mike uses regarding squirrel shit, is saying that we have to be pretty darn crazy!
I am sure that all of us, including Mike, have moments in our lives that we are not proud of or perhaps are quite contrary to social norms. However, I would think that the inspection of squirrel shit, on what seems to be a fairly regular basis, is perhaps thought of as a little on the outskirts of acceptable social behavior.
That being said, who is the crazy one here?January 11, 2008
#34 Rancid said . . .i think mike's pretty f#@$* funny. it's even funnier how you loons get so worked up over his posts and take them so seriously. this a freakin' blog, not the nytimes.
January 11, 2008
#35 Rancid said . . .There's only one park in the town I live in and it has no oak trees. Most of the squirrels here make their livelihood in the dumpster of the Chinese buffet. Maybe Mike can come inspect their shit to make his analogy 100% fearlessly accurate.
January 11, 2008
#36 mikebdot said . . .So I got annoyed by Mike's 10 apples post and did some research. We have 19.8 apples (19.8 million) of cap room for 08. Link posted at bottom.
The interesting thing to note is the players under contract number. We are tied for the most with 52. I would think that this makes our cap number look a bit better since we have less players to sign with the money. However, I had been informed previously that our cap number was closer to 28 apples.
My original Berrian franchise post stated that we should tag him IF it doesn't restrict our 08 FA activity. At 19.8, it probably would, so it goes out the window.
If you want a good laugh go to the bottom and take a look at the Skins cap situation
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/peter_king/12/09/week14/4.html
January 11, 2008
#37 Phil from SATX said . . .Pretty good interview with Angelo:
I like reading things that make you step back and actually think about things differently. Especially his answer about Thomas Jones and Chris Harris. He obviously didn't like how they behaved in the locker room. I think Thomas Jones is just as much of "me" guy as Cedric Benson.
January 11, 2008
#38 Pissed Off said . . .Thanks for the link MikeB, interesting interview. There are some things I was kind of bothered by in there.
Is he seriously talking about limiting Hester's return opportunities in favor of the offense? If so, he's crazier than squirrel shit. (new catchphrase of Da Bears Blog, thanks Mike). First of all, Hester is our most potent offensive weapon WHEN HE PLAYS ON SPECIAL TEAMS. Second, he hardly gets a workout from the position because most of the time he gets to stand there and watch them kick it out of bounds. Come on Jerry, that was complete bullshit.
The next bit of rodent feces was about the offensive line. "(Fred Miller) played good football for us this year." Borat says, WHAAA? He doesn't think age was a problem, because they got better by the end of the season? He says the biggest problem was penalties, above everything else. No Jerry, the biggest problem was that the line had ZERO PUSH on nearly EVERY RUNNING PLAY THIS SEASON!
He wants to come back with these 3 QBs? (hopefully that was a flat out lie).
He still defends the Bears obviously disastrous decision to start Mark Anderson in favor of Alex Brown. I'm okay that it seemed to make sense to them at the beginning of the season. How about after the 3rd loss of the season. Why not make a change then, when it was obvious he couldn't play against the run, and he wasn't getting to the passer anyway? That's where you and your coaches failed, Jerry.
Regarding the Harris/Jones comment, I think he was making a distinction there - TJ left because of attitude, Harris left because of talent. Unfortunately, as much as I wasn't a Chris Harris fan, we now know he had gobs more talent than our behated Arch Deluxe.
Really, all in all, a really damning article on Angelo. I just hope he was lying his ass off through most of it. Otherwise we're fucked.
January 11, 2008
#39 Pissed Off said . . .HOLY SHIT #34 Rancid...the BOMB. That was funny as hell man.
Im not neccessarily on board with keeping Berrian but I think what people are saying "squirrel shit, fearless, 100%, Dekalb Mike" is that if after we've made the majority of our moves and drafted, etc. and if we still feel like we need BB, then why not franchise him if we have the cash to to so?
January 11, 2008
#40 Pissed Off said . . .Phil....its "nuttier than squirrel shit" not "crazier" cuz squirrels eat nuts so their shit is nutty or nut filled.....or nut rich, perhaps there is a plethera of nuts in their shit.
January 11, 2008
#41 JB said . . .IMO if we come back with these QBs I dont care cuz Rex will start and if he's not hurt he's the guy we need anyway to lead us. I dont really care who sits on the bench. But yes we should have some depth and Griese needs to go.
January 11, 2008
#42 Rancid said . . .Rancid, good catch on that article. I would think that would put us in decent shape. You know what team looks really good though is the Bills...they could go out and spend some cash this year.
Anyways, I always laugh at Mike's "fearless" predictions. I especially like this one where he takes 3 home teams and, gasp, the NYG, when a lot of people have them winning. I took both NFC road teams (because of hatred to the home teams)...am I fearless?
Just to touch on one of the questions Larry Mayer answered regarding Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson, just watched him on Mike & Mike and I'm just a huge fan of his. There's a better chance of Mike saying something positive on here before we'd ever get him, but he puts up huge numbers and has fun playing the game. He's just a fun guy to cheer for.
January 11, 2008
#43 Phil from SATX said . . .As with any interview by Angelo, Lovie or whoever, they can't completely tell it like it is since they won't call out or blame publicly individual players, especially if they are trying to re-sign them. The only thing that really annoyed me was the praise of Miller ( as Phil stated).
I think it is unfair to condemn people using hindsight. For example I still agree that the following decisions were the right ones to make with the information that was available at the time even though in hindsight, they ended up screwing us.
1. Let TJ go, make CB the starter - the 2 of them couldn't coexist, we had to pick one. Benson was younger, and had showed potential in the latter half of 06.
2. Bring in Arch Deluxe. The guy was one of the most sought after safetys a year earlier due to good play. Then he has a bad season playing out of position in Washington. Logically it made sense to get him and assume he would play well at his natural position in a system he was familiar with.
3. Stick with the old O line one more year. They certainly didn't look that bad at the end of last year. Who could have guessed the deterioration of Miller/Brown would accelerate so fast in the offseason (I know Browns was influenced by injury).
These were all logical business decisions that the time, they just didn't play out the way they should have. I am not really all that critical of Angelo except with his complete inability to draft offensive talent.
January 11, 2008
#44 Max said . . .Damn, what a miss - I can't believe I botched the new catchphrase! I'll be writing it hundred times on the Whiteboard
NUTTIER than squirrel shit
NUTTIER than squirrel shit
NUTTIER than squirrel shitPO'd the 3 qbs was the least NUTTIEST thing he said, because I'd take two of the three back too. But the rest????
January 11, 2008
#45 mikebdot said . . .Packers, Boys, Colts, and Jags. . . . I dislike the pats that much. And while i dont like the Pack or Seahawks, im till going with the pack.
Oh and no McNabb, he just reminds me of Kordell to much.
January 11, 2008
#46 Phil from SATX said . . .I agree there was some obfuscation in that interview. But saying "Fred Miller played some good football" can be taken either way. It could also mean he played some awful football. The fact that he mentioned him by name leads me to believe Angelo knows he sucks and that we will replace him.
I'm stoked about Manning's potential at FS. If someone could just teach him how to take better angles on the ball carrier. Sometimes tackles make themselves with the angle you take. Dive tackling does not work in the NFL, any more than arm tackling does.
I don't like his answer about the same 3 QBs in camp. One must go. We need new blood at the position, if nothing else than an insurance policy against Rex going down. I would be in favor of either of the following: A trade for a known commodity (McNabb, other QB nobody has mentioned yet) while releasing Griese. Or drafting a QB and getting rid of Griese. The common theme is I would like to get rid of Griese. If we are not able to sign Rex, I still think we should let Griese go, get McNabb or draft, and have KO at number two or number one depending on what we can get. I don't want Anderson.
I like Angelo's comment about franchise QBs overcoming injuries at other positions. This is why I think McNabb is actually a possibility. Of course, he's hurt quite a bit, but he's actually played in quite a few games every season and his injuries are usually pretty minor (exception of '06 obviously).
I also like the talk about Mark Bradley and the fact that he always gets open when he plays. Yes, he dropped the one pass, but it sounds like he gets no reps. At least Angelo still feels good about him, supposedly. This also leads me to believe Berrian might be a casualty. That's fine.
I also don't agree with his thinking that we should pull Hester from punt/kickoff returns. But, if we got someone like Felix Jones, maybe we could split time at the positions. Although, Hester really didn't have that many returns this season. I mean, 5 extra plays (where he actually runs full speed) per game is NOT that many. I don't get why they would pull him if they started him at receiver since we do so much crazy shit with personnel anyway. If he were number two, what percentage of snaps do you think he'd be on the field anyway? I'm sure with our dual TE sets with two backs he wouldn't be the only WR on the field he'd be out more than 5 snaps per game.
I want someone to ask him why we still don't have a solid fullback. McKie can't block. He was pretty decent in '06, but god he was awful this year. Does anyone disagree with that assessment of him? He was just as bad as the line it seemed. I think Turner just has no idea how to use a FB effectively. If you put a FB in the game on 1/2 the snaps, you should run the ball more than 10 times per season with him. He had 6 rushing attempts this season. Of course, he had the one lost fumble at the end of a half. Not a very good percentage, but if he sucks ASK FOR BETTER TALENT!
January 11, 2008
#47 mikebdot said . . .Rancid, I agree with your take 100%. The decisions were all reasonable. But this year the coaches really failed in adjusting to the decisions that didn't work out. I give the D coaching credit for benching AA. I give them a huge debit for not adjusting to the Mark Anderson situtation.
But most of the failure to adjust was on the offense, in playcalling and in not changing up the line earlier.
What scares me is if he thinks he can come back with this offensive line. Fortunately I feel Mike-like in this matter, 100% sure that that comment was only a saving face one in favor of some guys on the line who have done well for us in the past and are stand-up guys (actually they stand up just a little early). I am 100% sure that there will be new blood on the offensive line, and if you all morons think otherwise, you're more bananas than monkey poop. (how bout that one? not so good?)
January 11, 2008
#48 mikebdot said . . .How does McNabb remind you of Kordell Stewart? When was the last time you saw McNabb split out at WR?
McNabb 171 TDs/79 INTs
Stewart 77 TDs/ 84 INTsAlthough, they do have about the same number of rushing attempts per game. Anyhow, McNabb is MUCH better than Stewart. McNabb threw passes to the likes of Todd Pinkston, James Thrash, and Freddie Mitchell for multiple seasons. Then when TO arrived he had 31 TDs/8 INTs. All he needs is some talent. I'm not saying Bradley could be TO or anything, but if guys get seperation I think McNabb can find them.
January 11, 2008
#49 RandomName said . . .Oh yeah, forgot that many problems on the O-line WERE penalties. This was not any different than last season. They all had at least 5 offsides penalties last season (if I recall correctly, I think all five starters had at least 5, some with as many as 7 or 8). I can't remember where I found that data though so can't look it up for this year...
Penalties like that KILL drives, especially when RT is the coordinator and we can't run the ball effectively. Remember that time we had 3rd and 22 and TJ picked it up? It wasn't all on TJ. That was mostly due to the fact that linemen were actually running downfield! I know you know what I'm talking about. When was the last time you saw linemen doing that? Probably in the first or second series of the SB, when TJ had that long run. This whole season's running game can be summed up by where the linemen ended up on the play. There was no hustle getting upfield to put bodies on linebackers. None.
Anyhow, penalties were a PART of the problem, but certainly are not the story of the season. Lack of effort and speed in the run game was the story of the season. Turnovers too (yes, PO'd, Griese's INTs mattered quite a bit, I know this, I was hoping at the time they were just rust, just like you're HOPING that Rex can be a solid QB and actually stay healthy, it's our religion, belief takes precedence over actuality, unless you're a Bears atheist like Mike, in a Christopher Hitchens sort of vein, who is wrong most of the time anyway).
January 11, 2008
#50 Al in WI said . . .I dont like spreads, never did, probably I never will.
so i agree with all of your picks except green bay i think they will win.
NE vs Dallas in Superbowl. New england wins
January 11, 2008
#51 Al in WI said . . .I want nothing to do with McNabb. He is easily the most over-rated qb in the league in the last 10 years. 2008 will also be his 10th nfl season, and he's had more then a few serious leg injuries including 4 of the last 5 years. That is more significant because he bases half his game on his scrambling ability and lacks the accuracy to be a pocket passer. He is well on the downside of his his career.
Adding that together with his notable history of play off chokes, and I want nothing to do with the guy. I don't care where he grew up either.
Lastly he was asked about this during the season and his answer was interesting. To paraphrase he basically said he'd be real hesitant to go here because of the lack of weapons and line play on this years team. Knock, knock hello!!!!!January 11, 2008
#52 Pissed Off said . . .Seattle 24 Green Bay 20
The packers have played one team the last 8 games of the season with a winning record (dallas). They got killed. They are having a 2001 Bears type season and the clock is about to strike midnight.
Dallas 28 Giants 17
It's time for Eli to be Eli again.
Colts 35 Bolts 16
The front running trash talking Chargers are due for a whipping.
Pats 38 Jags 13
Jacksonville got lucky in Pittsburgh and won't have the fortune in NE.
January 11, 2008
#53 Phil from SATX said . . .Ive said this all before, speculation is what we do here but McNabb isnt coming here. We can talk all we want but he has far better options that would be interested in him. So if we dont re-sign Rex we go with Orton or Griese as #1 (Yuk) and a rookie or something backing up. Ouch. I dont totally agree with Al, (hmm thats unusual) I do think McNabbs got someting in the tank but the injury situation is rough plus he is absolutely on the downside of his career. I think he's got some productive years left but his best years are behind him.
January 11, 2008
#54 Mike said . . .MikeB, I think that McKie is very very average. He's not terrible, and I am inclined to give him a little pass on the blocking and running this year on the assumption that the offensive line probably didn't help him on either count. But who here wishes we had moved up a little in the draft and taken Brian Leonard instead of Dan Bazuin? I assume Jeff does.
I know we have lots of needs, but it sure would be great to add a really good young fullback to aid in our "off the bus" running game.
January 11, 2008
#55 Phil from SATX said . . .I went into vapor lock when I read Jerry Angelo's defense of Fred Miller. Holy cow lets hope Angelo pulls his head out of his keester about this offensive line!!! Angelo frightens me in that he lacks objectivity and lives in denial about certain players. Those are not good attributes for a General Manager to have. Sometimes you need to admit weaknesses and mistakes. Like the weakness of the offensive line and how Cedric Benson is a piece of garbage. Or how you whiffed on Mark Bradley in the 2nd round, etc, etc, etc.
That being said, some of you drool monkeys and doorknobs can take your lesson plan on "literalness" and go pound sand up your ass. It is foregone conclusion that Lance Briggs and Bernard Berrian are GONE. If you want to deal in semantics and say mamby pamby shit like, "well, technically speaking Mike nothing is 100% according to statistical modeling conducted by MIT...blah blah blah," then go for it.
In case you people haven't realized it by now, this is a message board that deals in opinion sharing about something as harmless as professional football. This ain't the New York Times and we ain't debating a cure for cancer. So lighten the fuck up.
January 11, 2008
#56 Pissed Off said . . .Jeff, I want to know what you think about McNabb vis a vis the Bears. You had said you weren't going there, I'd like you to. What say ye?
January 11, 2008
#57 Mike said . . .Phil regarding Leoanrd I dont know a ton about the guy but I knew he became the feature back when Steven Jackson went down. This tells me he's more of a running back than fullback and that may mean he's not a great blocker. All I'm saying is if we had gotten him (which I wish we would have) I think he'd be more of a runner than a blocking fullback like McKie.
Another guy Jeff was championing (if thats a word) was Paul Pozlusny from Penn State who got drafted by the Bills. This guy went down to injury but he was a force before he got hurt. That guy is going to be the next Urlacher in this league and if we had drafted him Briggs would be out the door for sure (even though according to "squirrel shit, Dekalb, fearless, 100% Mike he's already gone).
January 11, 2008
#58 mikebdot said . . .Pissed Off, is it a case of you going batty living as a hermit in the middle of fucking nowhere that is the state of North Dakota? As far as I'm concerned we can let Canada take over the payments on North Dakota and remove the star from the flag.
January 11, 2008
#59 DTB said . . .Phil: You're absolutely right, if the team calls itself a "team that gets off the bus running", you either need a fullback that can block the hell out of the other team (which McKie is definitely not as he is routinely stood up in the middle of the hole), or a fullback that can block adequately well AND run the ball 3 or 4 times a game AND catch the ball out of the backfield. I think we should play around with putting Desmond Clark at fullback and have Olsen be the TE. Clark could handle 6 carries in a season!
Speaking of TEs doing crazy shit, anyone else see the Colts game where another D. Clark got the ball on an end around (which they faked earlier in the game as well)? That was the epitome of hilariousness. They gained quite a few yards on it. Why the hell doesn't Ron Turner do stuff like that? That's right, who the hell would expect an end around to Desmond Clark? Especially if you have Hester running a fake WR screen to the side of the field Clark is coming from?
January 11, 2008
#60 mikebdot said . . .We give Mike credit for one saying then he go showin' off... "drool monkeys" "door knobs" and "mamby pamby" !
I would have to say that all of the names are about as nutty as squirl shit.
January 11, 2008
#61 willie from chicago said . . .I'm still trying to figure out if "drool monkey" is a pool of drool in the shape of a monkey or a monkey which drools profusely. In the latter case, I would love to see footage of a monkey with a serious drool problem pecking away at a computer keyboard. They could teach him to spell "Walter Payton was superhuman" over and over. How cool would THAT be?
I always thought it was namby pamby. I guess it is, wikipedia says so.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namby_Pamby
January 11, 2008
#62 willie from chicago said . . .Papa Bear, actualy I do all my typing on this in my Comp class. I have a hell of a lot of extra time so I blog on this site, I appreciate your concern though.
As far as Mcnabb, Do you guys think he will actualy be healthy next year, I mean he has been injured for the last couple years and he is no garentee. I say we give Rex another chance behind a new O-line and a running back that is somewhat good. However nomatter if we have Rex or Mcnabb we need 1 more Big play WR because BB is probably going to leave, we have to try as much as possible to keep him though as he is a good target for Rex.
Any of you guys think that we should draft a QB in the 2nd round or so just to give Rex some compitition?
Well here are my playoff pics:
1Boys over G men2Jags over Pats (Boston has won enough and I hate the Pats as much as the cheese)
3Colts over Bolts (indy too much speed on D for the bolts to handle and they have #18)
4Hawks over Cheese (Never cheer fort the cheese)
PACKERS SUCK!!!
January 11, 2008
#63 jeff said . . .By the way how does that Packers fan know my age lol.
January 11, 2008
#64 JT said . . .mike, you couldn't be more right about jerry angelo/fred miller. i think jerry and lovie are dramatically mis-reading this season if they don't see the offensive line as a serious liability moving forward. this group must be upgraded and that must be priority one.
January 11, 2008
#65 Pissed Off said . . .can we assume that PO'd is not college educated? or young? or skilled? this taken from wiki:
Emigration
Since the 1990s, North Dakota has experienced virtually constant decline in population, particularly among younger people with university degrees.[27] One of the major causes of emigration in North Dakota looms from a lack of skilled jobs for graduates. Some propose the expansion of economic development programs to create skilled and high-tech jobs; however, the effectiveness of such programs has been open to debate.[28]good thing he knows how to carefully word contstructive arguments regarding the Bears, right scott? or maybe you live in ND too?
January 11, 2008
#66 Pissed Off said . . .Mike you know nothing about North Dakota, we have several cities of over 50,000 people here, and paved roads believe it or not, and stop lights and the really cool thing is we have cars too. Oh and I almost forgot, we have the internet too. In other words come up with some better material than dissing where I live, if you havent been here you dont know shit. You probably have never left Dekalb since I think once or twice you've mentioned that you 've been there, mabye even an alum. Not sure though, dont hear you talk much about Dekalb. Dekalb, Dekalb, Dekalb, I love Dekalb. That comment of yours was fearlessly, 100% nuttier than squirrel shit.
Any head way on the drool monkey situation yet? I'm thinking its a monkey with a drooling problem though.
January 11, 2008
#67 Bob (but really I'm Pissed Off just posting under another name to see if Mike can tell its me cuz he said . . .Again your personal attacks Mike/JT/Maddux Boy are your undoing. I am college educated (bachelors degree) and have a good job though I wont tell you what it is but it is in a large bank. Your not fooling anyone posting as JT. ND has steady decline becuase there is a lack of good jobs in this state, but the jobs that are available go to the best and the others move out of state to the large metro areas to get jobs they arent qualified for (see Mike). BTW I am 26 years old and have owned my own home since I was 22....actually two homes......so I dont live in my moms basement like you.
January 11, 2008
#68 does it all the time and it fools no one) said . . .And who the hell is scott? Your nuttier than squirrel shit.
January 11, 2008
#69 Phil from SATX said . . ..
January 11, 2008
#70 Pet Peeve said . . .PO'd, if you think drool monkeys are drooling monkeys, you're squirrellier than nut shit.
Willie, everyone in the world knows your age. It's on Wikipedia if you don't believe me. Kids get to get on the internet at school now? Is this a great country or what?
Jeff, don't give unwarranted kudos to 100% Fearless when I posted same about 25 posts earlier. You're not reading, maybe you actually have a real job or something stupid like that. Did you catch my request for your take on McNabb? Still asking.
North Dakota's way better than DeKalb.
Still don't believe Angelo meant that about the offensive line. He's yanking.
Mike, word to the wise: you do better when you don't respond directly to us - it makes you more sinister and mysterious. There have been times when I've imagined you might actually be the Packers general manager or something who enjoys lurking around here and needling us, because sometimes the things you say come true. Then you go and spoil it by telling us to go pound sand, making us think that you may actually be Willie's classmate masquerading as a 44 year old (I think you said once). BTW where'd that phrase come from? Is that on Wikipedia?
Shady, StartO, what do you guys think about McNabb in a Bears uni? Larry from Chalk Talk thinks that he'll end up in Minneapolis because of ties to Childress and the OC, plus great line and AP (I know, Mike, you said the same thing).
January 11, 2008
#71 Phillip said . . .For the last f'ing time...
it's you are = you're.
Your as in "...that was your dumbass mistake..."
You kids is great theater. Should almost pay to see this shit.
January 11, 2008
#72 Phil from SATX said . . .seriously, why don't they just combine south dakota and north dakota? throw in wyoming and idaho for that matter. just make it one big state? you can name it "wyomakotaho".
January 11, 2008
#73 DTB said . . .I have a cell phone that works for that.
January 11, 2008
#74 GWB said . . .To be honest, neither North Dakota nor Dekalb are really relevant to any conversation that should be on this site. But I have an idea! I think everyone should put up a random description of where they are from and what they do and how old they are so we all can make fun of each other. So here goes.
DTB
Boulder, CO
27 years old
Production Planner, AerospaceJanuary 11, 2008
#75 Phil from SATX said . . .hey jeb, get a load of this shit. remember cousin Pissed Off? yeah, the angry fucker. guess what, that son'bitch says he's living in north dakota now. stop laughing. he says they gots roads out there now. lights and internets too. stop laughing. that fucker bought hisself 2 houses. 1 for the week, and the other 1 for the weekend when he needs to get away from the hustle and bustle. hitch up your wagons and les'go. yee'ha!
- played to the theme music of the hillbillies.
January 11, 2008
#76 Pissed Off said . . .This is what happens on a January 11 when your supposedly Super Bowl-bound team goes 7-9.
Sucks don't it.
January 11, 2008
#77 Pissed Off said . . .Totally boring. Its come to this. Making fun of North Dakota. The question is why. What if I made fun of New York for their crazy accents and vile behavior or Texas for their Yee-haw cowboys and rodeos or California for thier "surfs-up dude stoner" attitudes. I dont get it? That was pretty funny by GWB but I dont get where the hillbilly reference comes from. Its not like we're from the south. Yeah theres farmers up here but no hillbillys and these farmers, especially the sugar cane farmers, make millions.
January 11, 2008
#78 jeff said . . .BTW I would love for Mike or his many aliases to be honest at what he does for a living. I have been, I'm 26, Bismarck/Mandan, ND Insurance Agent/Financial Planner.
January 11, 2008
#79 Duff Diggler said . . .my name is jeff. and i'm a bearsaholic.
January 11, 2008
#80 Phillip said . . .Ok, so IDK about u guys, but nothing gets me more juiced than watching highlights of Jordan, Payton, Hester, da bears D, etc.....
....and since the wife and kid are vacationing at the in-laws, i've had the chance to really piddle around this computer.....
....i found a movie making program, and i thought i'd try my hand at it....
more are to follow (with better picture quality)....i have purchased all of the neccessary software to make really good ones.....
.....this is my cherry video!
.....I made it for all of u.....Jeff, Phil, Al, JB, Mike, Rancid, PO'd, etc........and all of my other fellow "Da Bears Blog" Bloggers....
enjoy.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtnEVAbKcJE
January 11, 2008
#81 Pissed Off said . . .uhh...i don't think they're making fun of north dakota or the farmers, i'm pretty sure they're making fun of...YOU, but YOU'RE (this one's for you pet peeve) too dim to figure it out.
26 yo male. highland park, ill. software developer. saggitarius. I like long walks by the beach, sudoku, and play cowbell in a bitchin' rock band.
January 11, 2008
#82 JB said . . .uhhh.....I think he was making fun of North Dakota too but you're too dim to figure that out...no surprise.
January 11, 2008
#83 DTB said . . .Duff, I like it. looking forward to future videos. Can we get a DH homage? big bears plays of the 2000's? I'd love to relive some of those '01 highlights with the "walk off" mike brown plays. the zona game last year...well, i'm sure you thought about all this.
look forward to future youtube showings.
January 11, 2008
#84 DTB said . . .What does dim mean?
And I think that Phillip is gay. The only other Phillip I know that doesn't go by Phil, he's gay too.January 11, 2008
#85 jeff said . . .And Mike is is boyfriend...
January 11, 2008
#86 JT said . . .great stuff, duff. i think i've found a role for you if you stick around next season.
January 11, 2008
#87 Duff Diggler said . . .good god man, try doing some brain exercise or something. Dim = not bright.
production planner/aerospace my ass...i call bullshit.January 11, 2008
#88 Megan said . . .Jeff: i'm in it for the long haul brother....
...assign away...
January 11, 2008
#89 DTB said . . .Hello, my name is Megan and I am addicted to squirrels nuts...
umm that could be taken WAAAY wrong..
PO'd hang in there baby, don't let the turkeys get you down!
January 11, 2008
#90 JT said . . .Underqualified and overpaid, wouldn't have it any other way. Thanks for clearing that up for me! That Dim question. It's good we've got people like you here to clear that stuff up! Keep up the good work JT!
January 11, 2008
#91 Megan said . . .Y tu, keep up the production planning.
January 12, 2008
#92 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .Duff,
That was awesome. I finally took time to read everyone's posts and I cannot believe that movie you made. I LOVE the block that Peyton made. That is one of the many things I loved about him as a player, he actually BLOCKED!
TO is supposedly playing. Not that it matters tremendeously but.. Dallas has a better chance of beating the Gmen. (VERY unlike the Gspot BTW)
Otherwise, I agree with your picks Jeff. I do think that the Colts will win, much to my dismay. ESPN has them losing to the Chargers.. but what am I talking about, ESPN.. pppfffft.
Where the heck is Midway??
XXOO
January 12, 2008
#93 Mike said . . .Get video to help me move past this season Duff
January 12, 2008
#94 Shady McBears Fan said . . .44 years old, live in a northern suburb of Chicago, undergrad from NIU in DeKalb, MBA, work as a strategic planning guy for a major international company.
North Dakota? I think of the movie Fargo and the portrayal of the poor dumb goofy bastards who have the misfortune to live in that state. Pissed Off owns two houses? Crikey. I bet you can buy an entire house for less than the price of a new car.
January 12, 2008
#95 Bears Scoop said . . .You guys are fucking hilarious.
22
Winnetka - IL
IU Grad May '07
business management
needs a new job (and girlfriend)...last employer (and girlfriend) fucked me over.
Any ideas?January 12, 2008
#96 Midway Monster said . . ."Open competition expected at highest-profile skill positions
In case there were any doubts, a somber GM Jerry Angelo made it very clear in his recent post-mortem to the local media of a very disappointing Bears season that there will be wide-open competition heading into training camp next summer at the high-profile QB and RB positions. At quarterback, the one virtual certainty is that Kyle Orton, who earned above-average marks as the team’s starting QB the last three games, will, at the very least, be the team’s No. 2 signalcaller next season after earning a legitimate shot at the starting job heading into camp. While it remains to be seen whether the Bears will re-sign free agent Rex Grossman  we hear there’s no way the team will offer him traditional starter’s money  if Grossman does indeed return, it seems very likely that backup Brian Griese, who is on the books for about $2.5 million in ’08, will be deemed expendable. At running back, team insiders believe the most likely game plan is that incumbent Cedric Benson will be challenged by a draft pick or a mid-tier free agent, as opposed to a high-profile Michael Turner-type free agent, whose signing would result in an inordinate sum of money being invested at the position."
Wow. I really thought MT was coming in, but I suppose it makes sense. There's no reason to invest so much money at one position, either RB or LB. And how would McNabb fit in if Orton is going to be at least a #2 on the QB depth chart? 1.McNabb 2. Orton 3. Griese? Hmm. Phil, I'd like to see McNabb in a bears uniform next year. He's the best QB available, imo. I think it would not only add competition to the position, but it would give the Bears the best chance of winning. Perhaps no longer than 2-3 years, but this team is built to win sooner rather than later. Personally, I'd rather see the Bears make another run at the Superbowl in the next year or 2 like they did in '06. Of course I'd like to see a QB of the future drafted someday, but as a fan, I can only witness so many whiffs in such a short amount of time.
"Hester following in Berrian's footsteps
If the Bears decide to let unrestricted free-agent WR Bernard Berrian sign elsewhere, which we continue to hear is a good bet, team sources tell us the depth chart at wide receiver heading into the offseason shapes up as follows: Devin Hester, whose work as a receiver was accelerated at a rapid pace down the ’07 stretch, as the team’s “X� speed receiver; Muhsin Muhammad, who we hear will probably be willing to restructure his contract if Berrian departs, returning as the “Z� receiver; and Mark Bradley, who many close to the team believe has yet to fulfill his considerable potential, competing for a starting role at either of those positions. While Hester has been much more of a work in progress, having been converted from the CB position, daily team observers believe there is a definite parallel in his development and that of Berrian, who started out under the radar screen in somewhat similar fashion. As for the possibility of other immediate-impact receivers being added to the mix via the draft or free agency, we hear that very well could happen  but probably not before much more pressing needs at the other skill positions are specifically addressed."
Just a reminder of how deep the Bears problems run...
Anyone else worried about the DT position as well?
January 12, 2008
#97 JT said . . .I grumbling cuz of this whole Damn Packer Post season. They win it all and I'm heading back to rehab. I am gonna puke.
-- Midway --
January 12, 2008
#98 DTB said . . .28 yobm, Chicago, IL. Mild mannered cubicle warrior by day, pimp by night.
Shady, welcome to the adult world. It'll even out, keep your chin up.January 12, 2008
#99 Chad said . . .At last glance, I'm thinking that the only home team to cover this weekend will be Dallas. I've got a good feeling about all these bets for the weekend.
SEA +8.5 over GB. Farve shits the bed after the running game shut down.
Sea 27 - GB 17Jax +11.5 over NE. New England wins this game but it's much closer than most think.
NE 28 - Jax 24SD +7.5 over IND. Manning starts slow but leads the Colts back in the fourth.
Ind 23 - SD 17Dallas -7.5 over NYG. The Eil we all know and love shows hi true colors again.
Dal 34 - NYG 13January 12, 2008
#100 Megan said . . .Megan: "I LOVE the block that Peyton made. That is one of the many things I loved about him as a player, he actually BLOCKED!"
Peyton? Manning?
January 12, 2008
#101 Midway Monster said . . .Pardon my typing "chad"
WALTER
January 12, 2008
#102 DTB said . . .Dear Lord... if its in your power. Please allow Brett Favre to retire after this season. Amen
-- Midway --
January 13, 2008
#103 Huge Packer Fan said . . .I sure hope that when I am Mike's age, I'm not nearlly as pessimistic as he is.
January 13, 2008
#104 MickeyBundles said . . .Wow - where do I begin.
First - the idiot that wrote this -
"Somebody always gets picked off in this round and I think it's happening at Lambeau. (Full disclosure: I'm a Chicago Bears fans and I believe the Packers to be worthless turds.) Seattle isn't running the ball well but their defense has peaked at the perfect time, mustering a ferocious pass rush. You beat the Favre underneath stuff with good man coverage and great linebacker play. The Seahawks have a resurgent Marcus Trufant and - in my mind - the best linebacking corps in the NFL right now"
Like I said before - you are an idiot and the Packers are playing at Championship caliber. I endured the loser Bears fans at Solider a few weeks back, calling Favre (you know - the guy who has tortured Bears fans for the last 17 years and who has every quarter back record in football - yeah - that guy) a has been, loser and "The Packers are a one and done playoff team." Well - you fat ass loser Bears fans - I hope you just watched what a real football team just did to the Seahawks ! ! The Bears still SUCK ! !
I was in Chicago last year for the Bears loss to Colts and IT was one of the greatest experiences of my life ! !
And now - The Packers run to the Super Bowl is the second greatest.
GO PACK ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
January 13, 2008
#105 said . . .It sounds like you let other people's opinions and performances really get to you. Sad really...
January 13, 2008
#106 said . . .Sorry Megan. Buy you just can't make an error like that. It's not like you mispelled McMahon or Gault but you misspelled the most important name in Bears history other than Halas.
And to that Packer troll:
" I endured the loser Bears fans at Solider a few weeks back, calling Favre (you know - the guy who has tortured Bears fans for the last 17 years and who has every quarter back record in football - yeah - that guy) a has been, loser and "The Packers are a one and done playoff team." "
I'm sorry but that is inaccurate. The last three years the Bears are 6 - 2 in the last 4 years so really Favre stopped torturing us in 2003. Also one of those Packers wins was a meaningless game where the Bears had already clinched the #1 spot in the playoffs so, kinda hard to get up for that one.
It's ok, the Pack won't win in Dallas. You'll get thumped in Dallas like you always do.
January 13, 2008
#107 Chad said . . ."I'm sorry but that is inaccurate. The last three years the Bears are 6 - 2 in the last 4 years"
whoops. i meant:
I'm sorry but that is inaccurate. The Bears are 6 - 2 in the last 4 years
January 13, 2008
#108 Huge Packer Fan said . . .I don't know why my handle didn't come up on my above posts (105 and 106). But whatever. It was me.
January 13, 2008
#109 RandomName said . . .Wow - the Bears are 6 - 2 in the last 3 years against the PACK, How are the playoffs going - Losers. You're already talking about next season while we're still in it.
FUCK THE BEARS - They still suck - always will. I'm glad your 3 year 6 and 2 stat in 4 years ? will help you sleep at night - you peice 0f shit - GO PACK ! ! ! ! ! ! !
January 13, 2008
#110 JT said . . .Go Home Packer's Fan. Just go.
Anyways I'm not against the Packers just against dumb fans that post on blogs that they shouldn't..
Looks like I'll be two of two on my predictions.
If the Pats hold on to this 4th quarter lead (duh). and I already got the Packers win under my belt.
January 13, 2008
#111 Chad said . . .Huge Packer Fan, is creating your own blog too daunting an endeavor for you folks? I'm a slightly encouraged you were able to get past the "www..." part. You must have had somebody else type all the rest for you, I can't give you that much credit.
DTB, you meant to say "sarcastic" not "pessimistic". Pick up a book every once in a while, you might learn something.
January 13, 2008
#112 Megan said . . .I'm a piece of shit? Wow. OK. Look dude, I don't go around name calling on internet blogs. It's pretty stupid. But whatever. Call me anything you like.
But none the less you ask us how the playoffs are? The Bears were just there the last two years and the Pack wasn't. In fact the Bears made the Super Bowl. But that's ok.
You're probably from Wisconsin so this is about all you got in life so enjoy. Favre is going to retire eventually and the Packers will return to the crap team they were from 1968 til 1991 when they made the playoffs twice. Be proud cheesehead, be proud. And don't forget getting buttfucked by Kyle Orton in a must have game while you are getting worked over by Romo et al.
January 13, 2008
#113 DTB said . . .Chad,
If you and I had been speaking face-to-face about that film that Duff made, you would not have mistaken whom I was talking about. You know damn well I was talking about Walter Payton. Don't be such a nit-picky ass, looks like your fingers tend to betray you at times as well.
January 13, 2008
#114 Megan said . . .No JT, I meant pessimistc. Not all of us just showed up this week. We all know Mike to be more than a 'sarcastic' North Dakota bashing prick, we also know him as the most pessimistic Bears fan (if he even is) on this site. Any FA the Bears have, gone. Any FA from another team, not comming here. Any current Bear, they suck or inevitably will suck. Now at times he will just play devil's advocate and take the opposing view. Which is fine with us, it cultivates discussion. The point is that we have constructive conversation here regarding football. In fact since you have been "contributing" to this site you have yet to offer one constructive thought, poignant insight or criticism regarding Bears football. So just do everyone here a favor and go away. But before you go, one question. As the self proclaimed "pimp by night" I would like to know, at what point last night did you decide that making fun of a Packer fan and giving me a grammar lesson was much more important that juggling all of the women trying to get a piece of JT?
January 13, 2008
#115 Midway Monster said . . .By the way fellas, in general...
Why pick on other states or where people are from? I don't care if you come from Bumble-donkey Kansas, as long as you are not a Packer fan, or Brett Farve himself, you are okay by me!January 13, 2008
#116 jeff said . . .Amen Megan Amen
-- Midway --
January 13, 2008
#117 AfroCelt said . . .i like this angry packers fan. its so strange how many packers fans spend time on this site. if the bears are so irrelevant, why are you here? last year a hundred of you mouthed off all postseason about beating us to end the season. we swept your championship caliber team. i also happen to agree with you. that was the best the packers have played all season. as for calling me a moron, you might want to read what i wrote again. i called the packers turds but didnt say a negative word about the team. i thought seattle would catch tbe ball and tackle. they did neither yesterday.
January 13, 2008
#118 Chad said . . .I think I need to find a Packer forum to troll. it seems that they are so bad that the Pack fans themselves have to move!
I don't give credit to Packer people showing up on here...mainly because they only show up when their team wins. Wasn't WCPF the only one who posted after their losses to us this year? If thats true, then the only one allowed on here is WCPF. you get my stamp of approval for supporting your team when it matters, not when it's easy.
January 13, 2008
#119 Chad said . . .Look Megan look IMO there are mistakes that you can make and mistakes you can't. And you shouldn't misspell Walter Payton's name. It's not right.
And yes, its fun to make fun of the state that people are from. The state a person grows up in has a lot to do with who they are.
January 13, 2008
#120 Max said . . .Look Megan look IMO there are mistakes that you can make and mistakes you can't. And you shouldn't misspell Walter Payton's name. It's not right.
And yes, its fun to make fun of the state that people are from. The state a person grows up in has a lot to do with who they are.
January 13, 2008
#121 Pissed Off said . . .0-3 so far Jeff. . . and im not sure im going to watch anymore football this year. I mean it. I have no interest, and in fact, greatly dislike every team left in the Playoffs.
January 13, 2008
#122 Megan said . . .Wow didnt see the Colts losing to the Chargers, got blindsided by that one.
Megan your the bomb. Your like my e-mother....or sister I dont know how old you are.
Mike you were a little vague in your description there. For the record I am not going to attack anyone about thier jobs. I'll leave that speculation for Mike and others, if your going to attack someone be mature and go after the state they live in...duh. And Mike BTW, homes arent what they cost in metro chicago or minneapolis, the nice ones/newer ones are comparable in price to what you might find in a suburban area. Couple hundred K to get into something decent so yeah, about the price of a car if your car is Bentley. I just work hard for my money and work until I get the lifestyle I enjoy. But whatever can we talk Bears. It is interesting to hear what some of you do. I've been reading this site and contributing regularily for well over a year now and its cool to get a glimpse into some of you guys that I've been reading for so long.
January 13, 2008
#123 Megan said . . .Look "chad" don't come on this site and start riping me apart because of a typo. Find better things and people to rip apart for stupid shit like, liking the Packers for instance. Stop wasting your time on stupid inane shit that doesn't really matter like, where you live, if you like cheese or if your first name is really "chad" if it is.. I am sooo sorry about that. You must've gotten tons of crap in the presidential election a few years back. Did people start calling you "dingleberry" or "how's-it'hangin'-chad"? Gosh, I bet that never gets old for you, does it?
January 13, 2008
#124 Chad said . . .PO'd I'll go with e-sister. I'm NOT telling you my age which, if you know anything about women usually means... I'm old enough to know better and that's all you're (you + are) getting from me.
January 13, 2008
#125 jeff said . . .Sorry Megan, it is inexcusable to misspell Payton. Especially when Peyton is the guy who ripped our collective hearts out. Walter Payton was a great man and the greatest Bear in history. He deserves to have his named spelled right by fans.
As far as my name goes, did you resort to making fun of my name? You chastise me for making fun of a state then you make fun of my name. Wow. Very mature. And to answer your question, yes, the 2000 election sucked for me. And I have been called a dingleberry but it had nothing to do with the election.
January 13, 2008
#126 Megan said . . .max. tell me about the 0-3. i need a win with this giants game to salvage everything. i'm going to write a column about it tomorrow but the colts losing took the wind out of the rest of the season.
January 13, 2008
#127 Al in WI said . . .Did you guys watch the "Thayers Take" on da site? Without a second thought, he said the key to the offense for '08 is a consistant QB and that would be Kyle Orton.
His words, not mine. No controversy, no hesitation, just "Kyle Orton will bring consistancy to the offense"January 13, 2008
#128 Megan said . . .Liked what I saw from M. Turner today, he's impressive.
I also love how defensive packer fans are right now. Imagine if they are actually able to enjoy it......
Way to keep it classy guys.January 13, 2008
#129 Chad said . . .See, Now you get it.
You were chastising me for a typo and I was chastising you for your name. Just like you were chastising people for being from a certain state or area.
Look, I didn't mean to resort to such low handed tactics. My intent was to make the point that people don't HAVE A CHOICE where they are born, what their names are or even when they make typos, shit happens! Hnestly, I have a relative whose name is Peyton, so I type that name frequently. YOU decided to jump down my throat for just a freakin' typo. I meant no disrespect to Sir Walter, none at all by MAKING A TYPO.
Chad, Please accept my apology for trying to make a point and for making fun of your name.
We are all Bears fans here. From whatever walk of life or region of the country or globe. It matters not where you live or what you are named, it only matters what you choose to do with your life and your name.
BEAR DOWN!
January 14, 2008
#130 Chad said . . .Look Megan, any fan who spells Walter Payton wrong needs to get called out. I didn't say anything mean, I pointed out a mistake that shouldn't get made. You don't spell your own name wrong, do you?
Anyway, as far as I'm concerned, making fun of people's names is very third grade but making fun of what state they are from is just plain what America great. Where you are from defines you more than most other things. In America we are all very different and making fun of one another is just what we do. I have a good buddy from Wisconsin (neither of us live in the midwest) and I call him a cheesehead all the time. And he calls me a F.I.B.
January 14, 2008
#131 JT said . . ."just plain what America great."
Let's just try that again.
just plain what makes America great.
Also, if memory serves, you live in Indiana, don't you? Don't get me started on those guys.
January 14, 2008
#132 Megan said . . .DBT, my I seemed to touch a nerve? Almost as if I know you and my opinion should even matter to you. If you're gullible enough to believe my "bio" that I am indeed a pimp, then let me tell you about my stable of unicorns and ligers. Forgive me, I was simply trying to inject some levity to this morose website blog where you fools seem to take everything so literally. I don't quite have time for you sit down on my virtual black couch and delve in to the pathos of DBT, maybe later this week. And this all after you so cleverly called Phil from SATX "gay" in this same thread. You're not even sure if he's "Phillip". A little duplicitous to be commenting on me, don't you think? (I'll let you look up the meaning for duplicitous on your own time).
Not to defend Mike, he's certainly old enough to defend himself, but why do you and your merry band of ass-clowns feel compelled to believe that he believes everything he says? As has been stated, you all aren't the fucking NY Times.
As far as my contributions to this site, I'm not quite sure what there is to contribute. The season's over. I've been satisfied with with observing you kids perseverate every single day as to the personnel decisions the Bears management should take. Do you really believe for a second that anything enlightening tidbit of advice you have will be taken into consideration? Does it really make you feel better to come and vent every day about how bad our coaching has been or how bad our QB are?
Happy Monday doing your "planning" or whatever the hell is that somebody chooses to compensate you for. Other than that, carry on as you were.
January 14, 2008
#133 Chad said . . .Obviously I didn't make my point. Calling you nuttier then squirrel shit might be more appropriate. You obviously have no give in your life. I'd hate to be in any sort of relationship with you, platonic or otherwise. You have no bend, no forgiveness, no flexibilty. I really don't care where you are from, or what your name is. I could care less about you or what your opinions are. If you want to go through life seeing it your way and not learning or understanding how life can be otherwise, that is your problem, your mistake.
If you have no flexibilty, you have no growth. You are done. You have nothing left to contribute or learn from.
It would have been FAR different if I had said "Peyton Manning is the best running back of all time. "
And then argued with you until I was blue in the face "YES, I am right, it is Peyton Manning that is the greatest, not Walter Payton!!"
But no, I admitted to a typo, not the freakin' wrong person you numbnuts! If you want to win this argument, it would have far more impact if YOU yourself didn't make any typos. Should I call you on every single one YOU make, Chad Two-times? ( am refraining from the other more obnoxious and not so nice references to the 200o elections )
Look, I made brownies. Shut up if you want any.January 14, 2008
#134 said . . .Look, I just will not accept Peyton as a spelling for Payton. I don't care if you type there instead of their or you're instead of your.
January 14, 2008
#135 Pet Peeve said . . .Any weed in those brownies?
January 14, 2008
#136 Megan said . . .But God help you if you type loose instead of lose...
January 14, 2008
#137 Mike said . . .I am not asking you to accept the wrong spelling you freak of nature! I don't want to accept the wrong spelling, but you are acting like I meant the wrong guy and I already explained to you, ad nauseum, that I was talking about Walter Payton, dumbass!
No brownies for you.
No, no weed.January 14, 2008
#138 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .It infuriates me to see that ass-clown Jerry Jones patrolling the Dallas sideline and showing up his head coach Wade Phillips. What a fucking piece of shit. Commissioner Roger Goodell should suspend that arrogant no good son of a bitch until eternity. I hate Dallas, but man did I feel sorry for a good man in Wade Phillips. To have him be humiliated by his owner like that?
January 14, 2008
#139 Huge Packers Fan said . . .Thanks for the props AfroCelt (#117). I have stated this before, but I will do so again. I do not condone the trashy, personal attacking type posts. I come to this blog because there is some interesting conversation about football.
To other Packers fans posting on this site; there is no problem with trading friendly jabs every so often, but please, if you are posting with the intention of bragging, putting down, or just being an a$$, then stay off the site. You make yourself and all other fans look bad. Leave the garbage talk for somebody else.
Had the chance to go to Saturday's game. I know how all of you felt last year at this time, and I am enjoying it. I look forward to pre-draft analysis this winter.
January 14, 2008
#140 Megan said . . .Thanks for "sending us through Dallas" guys.
January 14, 2008
#141 Chad said . . .WCPF-- good to see you. You can have a brownie.
January 14, 2008
#142 Megan said . . .Now I'm a freak of nature. Wow. You're mean.
January 14, 2008
No Chad, just frustrated with idiocy.
January 14, 2008
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.