Good work so far on the Skunk and the receiving corps. Feel free to go back to those posts and comment if you haven't weighed in yet. Now we'll move to the running backs, starting with the players already pretending to be professional ball carriers.
CEDRIC BENSON, the disappointment. For those hoping our third consecutive first-round running back bust to be cut this offseason, just keep hoping. Benson's already been paid a fortune and it's just not cost effective to release him now. The smart move: return Benson to his 2006 role - the late game muscle to wear down tired defenses.
ADRIAN PETERSON, suddenly expendable. Lovie Smith has said that we should expect Adrian Peterson to be on the roster as long as he's the head coach but Hungry Like the Wolfe's emergence as a third down threat has made AP rather expendable. He's proven he can't be a 25 carry-a-game guy so what purpose does he really serve? The smart move: try to deal him to Minnesota for a late-round draft pick so they can have both APs.
GARRETT "Hungry Like the" WOLFE, the diet Dave Meggett. Wolfe is not only a budding impact player but he's certainly a great return man option should the Skunk be shifted to an offense-heavy role. Wolfe's ability to take a screen play the distance is something this offense has lacked for many years and developing that part of the offensive scheme should be an offseason priority.
I think the Bears can add talent in a draft that has more talent at running back than anywhere else on the field - Darren McFadden, Rashard Mendenhall, Ray Rice...etc. There are three pro options that I find a bit intriguing, phrased here in the form of a question to start the debate going.
1. What is Michael Turner going to cost and is he worth it?
2. Julius Jones is unrestricted and Marion Barber is restricted. Should the Bears make a move for a Cowboy?
3. Can Justin Fargas continue to improve upon his terrific 2007 and be the every down back for a team desperate for one?
Your turn.
#2 DTB said . . .my hope is that Benson comes to camp with a chip on his shoulder. He'll never be a rah rah guy but I hope the label "bust" lights a fire under his ass.
Turner will be too expensive and the Bears will not want that much money tied up in the backfield.
Wolfe is a water bug on turf. I like water bugs.
January 18, 2008
#3 startO said . . .I find it kind of rediculous that people are entirely sold on Benson as a bust. Year 1 hurt, year 2 Platoon, year 3 starter. Yeah he struggled a little bit out of the gates this year, but he was finishing strong. Until he got hurt again. Now going into year 4 knowing that he's got this role down, he can only improve, right? Let's just presume for a second that shitty line play can effect a running back as well. Either way I remember when he was drafted, they said that he was a beast inside the red zone. They said that he shit touchdowns. We fix the line, we fix Cedric. Its that simple. Now enjoy this
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6205418922373564512
Makes you think, don't it.
January 18, 2008
#4 The Duke said . . .scream it from the mountaintops: SIGN BURNER TURNER!!!
Wolfe is waaaay overrated. Tell me what he actually did this year?? AP is a great team guy- I hate seeing those guys go. I'm STILL PISSED about cutting Chris Zorich.
January 18, 2008
#5 jeff said . . .I agree with DTB, the o-line shat the bed this year just as much as Cedric did. Look at the great backs this year. All had great lines with holes big enough for John Holmes to run up in. Is it any wonder why the last 4 colts running backs were great and as soon as they left, they were suddenly shit? Edge anyone? A third string running back can look like a rock star behind a great O-line. Spend the money on the line, and watch a mediocre back go from good to great anywhere.
January 18, 2008
#6 jeff said . . .i have a chriz zorich jersey. number 97. i wear it to josies pretty often even though it hasnt fit me since i was 16. as for wolfe, i though he was one of the guys who came on strong late in the year when he was given a chance to be more involved.
January 18, 2008
#7 AfroCelt said . . .edge averaged 3.8 this year. he had 1,232 yards and 7 touchdowns. he's be quite an improvement for us.
January 18, 2008
#8 Z said . . .Wolfe is just so small. can he survive 25+ carries? would we make him?
January 18, 2008
#9 Z said . . .That video of '06 had some great stuff on it to get us pumped about our Bears. It seems so long ago, but almost the same cast of characters.
Ced did seem to awaken a little at the end b4 he went down, and I definitely put the O-line and coaching staff as a negative force against all of our O skill positions.
But he just didn't seem to have the same drive and determination as '06 (along with most of the rest of the team). Even in his highlights in that video. Lowering his head, smashing into people, second effort, that is what a power back needs to be doing.
Maybe he benefited that much from a shifty back tiring the opponents D 4 half the game. Maybe he gets discouraged when he doesn't have success easily, I don't know. I do know it wasn't good enough this year 4 a team that "run's off the bus".
January 18, 2008
#10 Duff Diggler said . . .This is 1 area Angelo admits there is a problem (maybe the only area), so maybe he will do something about it. I am terrified to have these guys draft O in the early rounds. Olsen was a no-brainer even 4 our BT.
Keep Wolfe and see if he can build on late '07 and keep Peterson 4 ST and back-up. We can have 4 backs. They go down to injury a lot in the NFL.
UFA and RFA RB's:
http://blogs.chron.com/fanblogtexans/2008/01/2008_nfl_free_agents_bring_you.html
Anyone else jump out at you?
January 18, 2008
#11 Shady said . . .JEFF: ASK AND THOU SHALL RECEIVE....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9U_GzR-PZcY
January 18, 2008
#12 Phil from SATX said . . .Gotta keep 'em separated! Nice track Duff, Offspring was the shit before all that 'pretty fly for a white guy' poppy stuff. How does one go about making videos like that? Certain tracks can make Hester's returns seem amazing. Or is it the returns that make the tracks amazing? Either way it's fucking awesome.
Benson.
Something just doesn't seem right about this guy. There is something in his comments and by the way he carries himself on the field worries me. He refuses to take responsibility while passive-aggressively blames his teammates and his demeanor on the field is anything but confident. He just doesn't act the way a #1 back should act.Sure the offensive line was terrible last year, but that's at most half the battle. Why? Because I believe lineman block harder if they have faith that the RB they're blocking for will give just as much effort in return. I'm not sure the line has that kind of faith in Cedric. It just seemed like he was playing not to get injured (looking for a nice spot to land) instead of playing to win (fighting for the extra yard for the big 1st down).
With so much rhetoric at Halas Hall about being about 'coming off the bus running' I am confident the organization will add competition to improve at the RB position they value so much (probably more than QB). For the record, the one play from last year that will forever be burned into my memory is where Benson tackled himself (in a rare hole created by the O-Line) on the way to the endzone. Anyone else remember that one? He just fell down untouched 5 yds in front of the endzone. Who was that against? Denver?
Adrian Peterson.
This guy can do it all. Run for tough yards, catch the ball out of the backfield, pick up the big block. The problem is, he does all of those things at an average level, which makes him no more than a #2 RB on the depth chart. Nothing personal, but this AP isn't the kind of difference maker the Bears are looking for.Garrett Wolfe.
I was disappointed by the way he was involved in the offense last year. It was obvious he was most successful running outside of the tackles and catching the ball in space. Why Turner ran him up the gut for about half of his touches last year baffles me. Wasn't it embarrassing to watch him get thrown around by 300+ lb lineman? I still think Wolfe can become an effective weapon in the backfield as well as on special teams, however as of now, he looks like a definite reach as a 3rd rounder. I'm guessing the plan for Wolfe was to complement Benson's 'bruising' running style with a quick change-of-pace in Wolfe. But if Benson isn't 'bruising' in the first place, then how do they expect Wolfe to be successful?I was hopeful the Bears would bring in a guy like Turner, but after reading this on PFW.com last week I don't see it happening: "...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."
I'd like to learn more about the 'mid-tier' UFA who are out there. There could be a player out there who could make an immediate impact on our running game. Personally, I think Angelo will use a 2nd or 3rd round pick on a RB (like M. Hart out of Michigan) who will add leadership and passion to a position which is severely lacking both.
January 18, 2008
#13 mikebdot said . . .Duff, awesome video - you have skills. I bet the chicks dig you. Shady, very good post, especially about Wolfe, here's what I don't agree with. The offensive line may not have loved blocking for Benson, I could believe that, but the blocking was NO DIFFERENT for AP. He had no more success than Benson. Obviously as a #4 pick, Benson's supposed to be better than AP, but that's water under the bridge at this point.
The previous post by the Duke had it on the money. Everyone will look great behind a great offensive line (AP included). That doesn't mean stick with what you got, unfortunately if they don't keep 4, AP's the casualty, which I agree sucks because that man is a true Chicago Bear, and God knows we need more of those.
We don't need to spend the big bucks on Turner, there are many many guys out there who can help us, most of our money has to go right there on the line.
I couldn't agree with you more, Shady, about the embarrassment factor of Wolfe getting picked up and thrown down like he was Hornswoggle. Maybe it will change with better guard play, but at this point you cannot run this guy up the middle. But we now know there is so much more you can do with him (we actually knew this from preseason, only RT didn't, but why should he, he's only the FREAKING OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR, right?). No, Wolfe will never be a 25 carries/game guy, he's definitely a 3rd option, not even a platooner - until he proves otherwise. But there're many out there who can help us, and we shouldn't pay too much for anyone.
January 18, 2008
#14 mikebdot said . . .Does McKie count as a running back?
We need a fullback that can deliver a block. McKie delivered blocks in '06. Last year, he literally had nowhere to run to FIND a block either. Plus, he caught so few passes and ran so few times that his very presence on the field is questionable in itself with the other weapons on offense we could stand to develop.
What ever happened to lining up two backs that could fucking run? Two backs that could block for each other? When "split backs" actually meant something? Not that we would ever run that formation, god forbid. We almost always had McKie up front. Lot of good that did him getting to the non-existent hole quicker to block nobody in particular.
Let me put it this way, when your LEAD BLOCKER is getting hit in the back field, the defense knows what you're doing and where you're going to run. Either that, or your offensive line fucking sucks donkey balls. That is not a "false choice" either, for you logicians out there.
This (the running back position) is another area where I don't really care what we do. I'll probably be as excited regardless of what we do. As long as Turner comes back, I'm not sure there is much that can be done without a solid O-line. We don't have the talent or creativity calling plays right now to make up for such a glaring deficiency (you all know how I feel about Felix Jones and the creativity that would allow us, but, honestly, Wolfe should have allowed us that same creativity as well, so maybe I'm being far too optimistic, as per usual).
January 18, 2008
#15 JT said . . .And PS, remember that time Fargus lost the game for the Raiders against us? Sure, he accrued yards, but when he went against us he just about handed the game to us. Hope he wouldn't hand games to other teams wearing a Bears uni. Guess it wouldn't be any different than Benson's first few games (or AP's for that matter) in '07.
January 18, 2008
#16 Pissed Off said . . .mbd, i agree. we can't trot McKie out onto the field if we want to run 2 TE sets. throwing him out there announces "we're going to run the ball" and our current O-line isn't strong enough to handle that.
January 18, 2008
#17 mikebdot said . . .We all know Benson will return and probably as the starter. Downer yes but I'll go back to the O-line and agree with others on here that his numbers will improve when the O-line does.
I like AP. What makes you think he cant be a 25 carry guy. 30 for 102 and 21 for 91 the last two weeks isnt bad considering the line he was running behind. I think he can be the guy and I'm almost on the fence with wanting this guy to be our #1. He's earned his keep around here and I wouldnt care if he was declared the #1 going into the season.
Wolfe is certainly a change of pace guy. I dont think he can carry a full game load but he's about the same size as LT and look what he can do. Maybe he could carry the #1 load. He's sneaky fast and LBs cant see the guy. Plus there is no way this team will give up on a 2nd year guy yet.
Bottom line, I wouldnt be shocked if we came into the season with the same 3. In my mind its inevitable but of the three, Jeff is right, AP is the expendable one. Not interested in Turner, (I like his backup Sproles better than Turner), Julius Jones is OK (not as good a runner as Barber thats why he's fallen out of favor in Dallas) but he is a great blocking RB. Plus wouldnt it be weird having Thomas Jones' brother on the this team? Barber isnt going anywhere BTW.
Now to Justin Fargas. I LOVE the guy. I would love to have him here. He plays with such heart and its just fun to watch him. He is a great player and I predict he will be an easy top 10 RB next year (probably pro-bowl). Look at his stats with the shitty Oakland club. Look at what he did after he became the guy (lamont jordan sucked) in weeks 9-15. It was really nice. If you average that out over a full season your looking at a 1500+ yard season and 10+ TDs. I want this guy.
January 18, 2008
#18 Rancid said . . .JT: By extension, if we're announcing "we're running the football", play-action works pretty much every time. Which is why I have a man-crush on D Clark. I'll give Turner credit for that. Of course, it shouldn't be necessary to have a piss poor running game in order to use play action. We have had some clutch plays with play action though.
Off topic: Anyone know how much Chris Chambers costed San Diego? He was clutch in their win vs. the Colts.
January 18, 2008
#19 JT said . . .I watched Fargas as much as possible this year because I picked him off the wire in fantasy (sorry Megan) when Jordan was injured. Like PO'd I loved what I saw. To be completely honest I think he is a better back than Turner. He will also be a bit cheaper. He is a little under the radar because Oakland sucked but I really believe he is the best FA RB available who will actually change teams.
If we pick him (or any other FA RB) up I hope we carry 4 RB. Either that or take a loss and trade CB for next to nothing (we know that won't happen). If we really end up getting rid of one though I sadly agree that letting AP go makes the most sense. I was really afraid to lose AP on special teams but he must have been off it after the Benson injury and I don't remember a let down.
January 18, 2008
#20 mikebdot said . . .mbd, i'd rather we run a 1 rb/ 2te/2wr set. our run game can still be as shitty, but we can still run play-action with a better pass-catcher in the flat in the form of Olsen. we invested a 1st round pick in Olsen and unlike our past 1st round offense picks, he actually has promise.
January 18, 2008
#21 JT said . . .JT: Agreed. To be honest, I used to hate how often we ran with a singleback formation in '05. I about threw up. But with the speed we'll have with Hester in there, I don't see a reason to go "big" in the backfield. If we're going to be fleet of foot, we should go all out (hence my love for Felix Jones and perhaps Wolfe if Turner can pull head from butt).
That's the thing about why I would be willing to plug in someone like Hass who might be slower, the goal isn't necessarily to have breakaway speed from defenders, but find a spot in the zone underneath. That's why slower guys can excel in the middle of the field, like a Ricky Proehl or even Rashied last year. It's all about differences in speed and finding the space in the field. That also goes for our running backs and O-line. When you pull the space needs to be appropriate and it seemed like things bunched up way too quickly in the backfield so Benson was having to run around people just to get yards.
Also, disclaimer, I actually like Fargus as well, just thought I'd mention his fumble against us for fun as I'm a devil's advocate. Actually, I think I'm going to put a pound sign around things I really don't believe at all. Note for future reference.
January 18, 2008
#22 Al in WI said . . .I actually like the 1 RB set, it gives us more flexibility to run more formations with the strengths of our personnel (TEs). A smarter, more savvy RT would have realized Wolfe's strength isn't running between the tackles. Run some stretch plays and let him either hit the corner or find a cutback lane. I'm still trying to figure out CB's strengths...
As far as as the WRs, having such good TEs takes away some of the minuses of our WR corps. We have guys that already go over the middle and catch the ball well. This puts less pressure on Hester as a WR and his development, we can use his speed on the edge to stretch the field and let the TEs and the #1WR (whoever that be) to work the underneath and zones.
January 18, 2008
#23 JT said . . .Benson: Needs to loose some weight. I think part of his problem in addition to the line issues, was he seemed bulkier and lacked quickness compared with '06. I'm not saying he was out of shape, I just think they had him put on too much bulk. I think leaning out a bit and running with attitude behind a rebuilt line could still yield some success.
AP: So long and fair well. He is a classic Chicago Bear; little talent, great heart and effort to get the most of his ability. That said he's a luxury we can't afford any longer. The biggest mistake JA made this year at the skill positions was not making Ced the starter, it was not having a capable backup on the roster. AP is a change of pace guy, an effort guy but lacks the speed and power to be an every down back. He's also entering year 7 of career.
Wolfe: I'm still not sold on this guy. I find it a little disturbing how hyped some of our guys are who really haven't done much but have a solid game or two. That said he could be a solid role player as the 3rd down back.
Turner: I'd love to have this guy, I think he is for real. But as has been said he's going to be a mega money guy and I don't see the Bears being in the hunt for him.
Jones would be a solid pickup if the price was right, and Fargas would be a slightly riskier play.
The bottom line is the new guy needs to have both quickness and speed to break some big runs and challenge Ced.January 18, 2008
#24 beardown1982 said . . .Willie, avert your eyes.
http://deadspin.com/346467/chad-johnson-might-want-to-play-for-the-redskins
January 18, 2008
#25 JB said . . .There are a very small number of truly great running backs in the NFL. It looks more and more like offensive lines often make average backs much better than they may appear. For that reason, I’m hesitant for the Bears to spend big money on Michael Turner in free agency. I think that money could be better spent on offensive line, receiver, or safety help...which is all sorely needed.
I think the Bears should bring in veteran running back to compete with Benson and AP for the starting spot in training camp. AP is a perfect complimentary back, but I agree with Poed...why couldn’t he be a 25-30 carry guy?? Last two games, especially in the extreme conditions against GB (where GB knew we would be running about 70% of the time), he played very well. Not to mention, he is a weapon out of the back field and rarely drops passes. I’d say he has at least earned the right to challenge for a number one spot. Only problem is that he is a big contributer on special teams as well.
Wolfe is still an enigma to me. I was disappointed the Bears didn’t try to use him on more screen plays until the end of the season...especially after his display in the preseason against the Browns. (mind you that was against 3rd stringers) Still, we can use him on a situational basis.
Best case scenario...Bears bring in someone who either challenges Benson to live up to his abilities, or can split time with Cedric the way TJ used to...with AP still finding spot duty and able to contribute on special teams. Wolfe is worked into the offense occasionally as well. However, I’m not sure the Bears would keep 4 backs.
January 18, 2008
#26 JB said . . .I think one thing we need to remember about football is that roster turnover isn't as significant as some people on here may think. It's kinda crazy to suggest that the bears would cut a guy like wolfe who showed some promise as a playmaker in certain situations, entering just his second year. Adrian Peterson isn't a feature back, but no one is asking him to do that. He is an amazing special teams player that can tote the ball when asked, catch balls out of the backfield, and pick up blitzes in pass protection. The key issue is Benson. I hate him. Always have. However, I see Benson on this roster next year as I'm sure everyone else does. He's entering the final year on his rookie contract. JA has already said he'll bring in competition, so who will that be?
From FA, I'll agree with some of the guys on here and say Fargas is someone we'd be interested in. The guy has a blue collar work ethic i think we can all get behind. If we don't land anyone in FA, a 1st day draft pick will be on this roster for sure...and there are a slew of RB's out there. I could be wrong, but it's possible to see one of those guys traded away. I just don't like the idea of trading AP just because you have to keep benson on the roster another year to make room for someone else. We may carry an extra load of running backs next year in anticipation of parting ways with ricky williams part II.
January 18, 2008
#27 DTB said . . .and Duff...awesome video. can't wait for future installments. damn he's good.
January 18, 2008
#28 Pissed Off said . . .The beauty of having two TE's that have a varied skill set is the abilty to mask what it is we are trying to do. If the Bears were to just eliminate McKie I think our offense would be less predictable (I'm agreeing with JT, ugh). Play action could work just as well with without him. As far as personnel, with the exception of the WR position I think we design ourselves as a poor mans version of the Colts.
Now keep in mind we have the 2 TE's that can make that happen. If we were to start Dez and Olsen imagine the variables, not only on our behalf but also how we are defended. If we were to get a 4-3 look you can get either TE on a LB and throw. If the D adjusts and brings in a nickel, motion Dez back and run at them. Once they adjust to that motion, play action. Not only does this create variables but it also creates spacing on the field, which would help the running game as a whole. 'Big' packages are good in certain sifutations but when I see them consistanly on 1,2 down?!? We're not fooling anyone!
Lastly, when you are a team that stresses fundamentals you need to make sure that those fundamentals are straightened out. When Lovie claims we 'get off the bus running the football' and it's not working in the traditional set, something has got to give. Why dont we see Ced running single back? Did he have a FB in college? Does he know how to utilize one? This staff needs to understand its personnel, what their strengths are and utilize them. Not just stress fundamentals and expect that to work.January 18, 2008
#29 Pissed Off said . . .#16 was not me. Must have been that Johnny Chicago or whatever. I would never talk bad about Cedric Benson that way. Benson was a first-round pick and should be given every opportunity to start until he does something really terrible (like fumble 3 times in a row or throw a bunch of interceptions). I dislike Adrian Peterson-we should trade him. Maybe we can package Peterson and Hester in a trade for an overpriced, aging wide receiver. Seems like a good strategy- worked for Muhammad didn't it? I live in my mom's basement.
January 18, 2008
#30 Mike said . . .#16 was not me. Must have been that Johnny Chicago or whatever. I would never talk bad about Cedric Benson that way. Benson was a first-round pick and should be given every opportunity to start until he does something really terrible (like fumble 3 times in a row or throw a bunch of interceptions). I dislike Adrian Peterson-we should trade him. Maybe we can package Peterson and Hester in a trade for an overpriced, aging wide receiver. Seems like a good strategy- worked for Muhammad didn't it? I live in my mom's basement.
January 18, 2008
#31 Mike said . . .Cedric Benson is a bust no matter how you slice it. Outsiders look the Bears and think we are goofier than bat shit for still insisting that Benson is okay.
Benson worked his ass off at Texas to ensure that he would be a top NFL pick complete with big signing bonus ($17 mm). Then, for all intents and purposes, he retired in place. Ever since his protracted holdout he has been a lazy s.o.b. who hasn't given a rat's ass about getting it done on the football field. His yawning on the sidelines officially sent me over the edge. I don't give a flying fuck about his contract situation and how it would be imprudent to release him at this stage. Cut the lazy mother fucker and let him go smoke dope for a living with his fellow Texas alumnus Ricky Williams.
Acquire Michael Turner (go NIU) is the only immediate solution I can see working.
January 18, 2008
#32 Shady said . . .Cedric Benson is a bust no matter how you slice it. Outsiders look the Bears and think we are goofier than bat shit for still insisting that Benson is okay.
Benson worked his ass off at Texas to ensure that he would be a top NFL pick complete with big signing bonus ($17 mm). Then, for all intents and purposes, he retired in place. Ever since his protracted holdout he has been a lazy s.o.b. who hasn't given a rat's ass about getting it done on the football field. His yawning on the sidelines officially sent me over the edge. I don't give a flying fuck about his contract situation and how it would be imprudent to release him at this stage. Cut the lazy mother fucker and let him go smoke dope for a living with his fellow Texas alumnus Ricky Williams.
Acquire Michael Turner (go NIU) is the only immediate solution I can see working.
January 18, 2008
#33 Mike said . . .I agree with the real Pissed Off (#16) when he says it would be weird to have the OTHER Jones on the team. It would be weird... and Julius isn't very good. Marion on the other hand is just a pipe dream. Marion Barber is restricted which means the Bears would have to give up a 1st or 2nd round pick and Angelo loves draft picks like a fat kid loves cake.
Jerry likey picky.
Jerry likey picky a lot.January 18, 2008
#34 Pissed Off said . . .I watched Garrett Wolfe start at NIU for three years. He was electrifying at the mid-major level. His moves and quickness were eye-popping. But he is simply too small to be anything more than a specialized weapon at the NFL level. I cringed when he was selected in the 3rd round. To me, he was a 6th or 7th round pick at best. Jerry Angelo got arrogant on the pick. Just like he got arrogant on Dan Bauzain who as I understand it showed Lovie and Babich zero in training camp. He was given a red shirt year and shoved on IR. It will be interesting to see if he gets cut during training camp.
January 18, 2008
#35 HesterFan23 said . . .#28 and #29 were not me. I tend to have more of a long-winded condescending writing style.
January 18, 2008
#36 RandomName said . . .Tuner...
Nothing else to say. I think if we got him, it'd make Benson better.
He provides a good fast break-away back and then Benson can go back to his role he had when Jones was here.
January 18, 2008
#37 Mike Is Retarded said . . .#28 and #29 these are the people that screw up everything in systems, the people that steal gas from stations and so the stations make you pay first. He's that type of person that wants to screw up here.
The lack of a need to register is what makes this place way better than those places that what you to go through 12 step to get to say something.. In other word free flowing.
Anyways to stay on subject, I like Wolfe in the later weeks. He's fast and can change directions.
I like Our Adrian Peterson on special teams, And as a running back. He knows how to block better than Benson. And he can run better than Benson and catch short passes better than Benson although that's not saying much. I just think you should cut Benson before Peterson.
Hester should never be used as a running back again unless the whole purpose is to negate his career negative average, and nothing else.
Julius Jones is average at best. I wouldn't trade any of our runningbacks except Benson for him, If I thought the offer would take (it won't).
January 18, 2008
#38 B.A. Baracus said . . .How much you wanna bet #28-29 were Mike fake posts by the fake fan himself. Especially since he double posted yet again right after that. Hmmmmmm
The more I think of it, I bet he is Johnny Chicago as well.
Wouldn't it be great if fake fan mike just posted under his own name instead of all his fake names?
We can only dream. What a fucking douche bagJanuary 18, 2008
#39 Phil from SATX said . . .I am afraid that I don't agree with many of you on the RB topic with the exception of Adrian Peterson. He is a good #2 or #3 back and that is about all.
As for Shit-the-Bed Benson, I don't think he has what it takes to be even an average back in the NFL. If his running ability isn't holding him back, or his attitude isn't holding him back, it's his injuries that are holding him back. I don't think the Bears will cut bait with him for 2008 because they already sunk a shit-ton of money into him, but he will not be here in 2009.
As for Wolfe, where should my laughing start? He was a homer pick who is nothing more than a gimmick backfield receiver and a special teams player. If he excels at those things, that is fine. However, I do not expect him to make much of an impact as a runner.
The feces that exist between the ears of Bears' management are the real problem here. Multiple Bear regimes have basically been burned for almost 20 years on first round RB picks and it is clear that their ability to evaluate RB talent stinks about as bad as the poop between their ears. They ought to hire an NFL college scout who can actually identify a non-1st round RB that can excel in the NFL
January 18, 2008
#40 DTB said . . .Excuse me, Mike? Mike! It's NUTTIER THAN SQUIRREL SHIT, not goofier than bat shit, ya goofy bastard. PO'd, LT and GW are NOT close in size. 5-10 221 for LT, 5-7 (most say shorter), 186 for Hungry. AP could carry 20-25 times, we just wouldn't be that good if he did, he has no breakaway speed and gets tackled too easily. Everyone saw that, despite how much ALL OF US were pulling for him after Ced went down. He does overachieve for his talent level, and he's excellent at special teams, and he's excellent catching the ball out of the backfield, and he's got great effort in working his way to a first down. He's a great utility/special teams back, but that's going to be a #3.
We have to acknowledge the fact that Garrett Wolfe was an inexplicable draft pick - they just didn't need that position, and then moved too early to get him. I'd actually prefer to trade Wolfe at this point and keep AP because he IS so versatile. And I'd think little Wolfe has shown enough to get some teams interest, especially knowing as they do about our offensive line problems. Wolfe was a local player/heart pick instead of a head pick.
Justin Fargas makes under $1MM (cap value). I imagine a $3MM contract/year would get him - that would tie up $6MM for one year in RBs, but actually cash out the door is less next year to CB and it's the last year on his contract anyway. Sounds like a pretty good move to me for a running back of the future.
January 18, 2008
#41 Phil from SATX said . . .Speaking of paying first at the gas station, I can never get a full tank of gas by trying to guestimate how much it'll take to fill the damn thing. Then sometimes you overpay and you have to go back in to get your money back. Shit drives me crazy.
January 18, 2008
#42 Pissed Off said . . .BA, sorry, I was posting before seeing yours, it looks like we agree.
January 18, 2008
#43 jdawg said . . .Still pissing D-bags off daily, thats my new catch phrase, "pissing D-bags off on a daily basis", #28, 29 and 34 were not me. WOW this imposter is persistent. Hey pussy who are you? I dont care if you keep doing it just tell me who you are. Must still be Johnny Chicago or his secret other name that he goes by so no one knows its really him: Johnny from Chi-town. Very different those two.
Hey #37, I dont know if Mike is Johnny Chicago but they sure do agree a lot. I remember on the last thread Johnny Chicago posted that we should trade Hester and then in a later post under the alias Johnny from Chi-town he said he "agreed" with Johnny Chicago in a previous post. Only a retard would make it that obvious. I cant believe that was his cover up.I guess I didnt know WOlfe was that much smaller than LT Phil. And AL I ten to agree that maybe Benson losing some weight would help. I'l like him to be a little shiftier instead of the Bettis type.
January 18, 2008
#44 RandomName said . . .well, this debate turned out to be not very interesting.
I guess that stems from the fact that we all know a major problem was the line play.
Can anybody name a player of Wolfe's stature, literally, that has made an impact for a team in the last 15 years? And btw, most people who have seen him in person, if I'm remembering correctly, say 5' 7" is stretching it by about 2 inches.
January 18, 2008
#45 PolygonHell said . . .jdwag:
Barry Sanders 5'8 203January 18, 2008
#46 RandomName said . . .Benson showed flashes in the last two games, but at this point the Bears can't assume he's a productive no 1 back, so we'll have to do something in the offseason.
If I had to make a random Guess I think Micheal Turner will be in the 5M+ (possibly a lot more) range, partly because he's the highest ptofile free agent back available and partly because of the salary cap increase.
I'm also not sure he'd move to a team where he wasn't THE featured back, but we'll see.
I suspect the Bears will draft a WR or RB in the first or second round depending on who's availble in the WR/RB/QB/OL positions and try and fill the other need in free agency. We'll likely carry 4 running backs and a fullback into 08, which means one less WR or one less LB on the roster.
I don't think they'll make any significant free agent moves except perhaps O-Line until after the Draft.
January 18, 2008
#47 Z said . . .And On the same note it's about stretching the field not about going for a slam dunk.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrAxuCxIgk8
January 18, 2008
#48 jdawg said . . .BT can't draft O. Should we just pick all D all the time and hope the D can start winning us games again by themselves or with a FG barrage of 12-0 and 15-0 games? Don't care as long as they are wins.
I would much rather see big $$ or early draft picks spent on O-line than RB. Great O-line makes avg. backs look pretty darn good. We have 3 of those (almost avg??) so it would make them all at least a little better rather than having 1 new good running back made to look bad behind a crap O-line.
Might keep Rex's sacks to only 6-8 yarders (I tease him a lot, but I still think he has a lot of potential.)
Plus many mid-round running backs and never heard of before RB's that finally get their shot do well behind a decent line. Harder to find good receivers and especially QB's. Get them O-linemen.
January 18, 2008
#49 Z said . . .looks more like 5'6" and 175, soaking wet.
He's about the size of one of Sander's thighs.
January 18, 2008
#50 DTB said . . .Barry Sanders had about 160 of those pounds in his legs. What a beast and no line really ever. Did Angelo GM there before here? My #2 choice behind Sweetness all-time. Would rather have him have the record than fucking Emmit Smith. That day sucked.
Jim Brown and Gale Sayers, pretty bad-ass as well. I just think Sanders and Payton would be the ultimate 2 backs to have together. Perfect compliment to eachother. And back to our current bad-ass Bears RB's.
Thanks Jeff for getting another real sore spot out of the way early.
January 18, 2008
#51 Duff Diggler said . . .Derrick Ward or Chris Brown. That is, in my opinion their only choice. Keep in mind that Ward thrashed us in Soldiers. Keep in mind Brown decided to pick the Titans over us until just before mini-camp. I'm thinking that not only would they provide balance to the runnning game but they both have had success in this league.
I just dont want to see Julius Jones. Though he fits the citeria I stated above, I'm thinking that it would a terrible aquisition. It just seems like a classic Bears move to me. Let's go pick up the last good compliment back's little brother. Thomas was good here so Julius will be good as well. I just dont trust any of Bears trust. Plus imagine the scene, if Benson has to compete with another Jones I think he'd have a complete nervous breakdown.
January 19, 2008
#52 Shady McBears Fan said . . .I revised that DH video today....
...the Coors Light was impairing the perfectionist in me last night....
PLEASE RATE AND COMMENT ON MY VIDS. THANKS YOU GUYS!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V11B-3mwL1w
January 19, 2008
#53 RandomName said . . .NICE video Duff!
The return in the Monday Night game in Arizona has to be my personal favorite, with the Superbowl opening kick return being a verrry close second.
January 19, 2008
#54 Z said . . .Great montage Duff. that last scene is just too funny.
January 19, 2008
#55 Z said . . .Duff, awesome job, quality is up there with some of the best youtube highlight stuff. Please keep em coming.
I never get sick of watching #23 smoke them tires on whole teams. Hmmm he is faster and more evasive than anyone in the NFL with the ball and he seems to have a 3rd or even 4th gear. Just can't find a way to get him the ball with a little room huh. Ron Turner is an IDIOT.
Jeff can you do the coaches as a breakdown at some point, together or individually if you start lacking for ideas? I just want an excuse to bitch a little about how Helen Keller or Stevie Wonder could see what to do with our weapons better than RT.
Oh. On topic, right. Yeah, our running backs are not very good.
And Duff thank you for defending our great country and our right to bitch about RT and everything else on earth. Glad you are safe. Hopefully all our troops get back hear sooner than later. Honored to be Bear's blogging with ya.
January 19, 2008
#56 Megan said . . .here
late, no brain, need sleep
January 19, 2008
#57 Megan said . . .Duff,
That ONCE AGAIN rocked! Thanks for making those.
January 19, 2008
#58 jeff said . . .I watched it again... "He ain't even supposed to be kicking to him... we told him to just kick the ball outta bounds!"
Gawd I love dat!
XXOO
January 19, 2008
#59 RandomName said . . .duff, can you email us at the site...let's talk. dabears@dabearsblog.com
January 19, 2008
#60 Al in WI said . . .Is it time for the next subject?
January 19, 2008
Just a general comment about the RB position. What the Bears really need is a dynamic threat at the position. Something they have lacked since injuries slowed down the great and underrated Neal Anderson. Anderson could do it all, he could run between the tackles with power and carry it 25 times or more. He could also take it the distance every time he touched the ball and oh yeah, he was a hell of a reciever. Basically he was what LT is today.
Wouldn't it be great to have an impact player like that again?
The problem is that the only guy I see who reminds me of that is McFadden and I doubt he will be there at pick 14.January 19, 2008
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