Our fearless leader is sick, not sick like some of the comments posted by Mike (or whatever name he decides to use), but more flu sick and he's asked me to write something while he spends his day sipping 7-UP. At this point in the football season, the point where our favorite team is sitting at home, the only thing that peaks my interest is the talent on hand at the senior bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
There has been a lot of speculation regarding the quarterbacking situation around here and why shouldn't there be, this is the Chicago Bears we are talking about. Most of you level headed ladies and gents have come around to the realization that we really need to re-sign Rex. After showing what he was able to do coming back from his benching, and seeing what we have available in Orton, Griese, free agency and the draft, its obvious that we need this guy in 2008. I'm not going deep into it but free agency is not going to produce a QB that we can get or would want to get (P.J. Lohsman, I mean J.P., McNabb, Anderson, etc.) and drafting a guy means he needs to sit and learn for at least one full season. Our hands are a bit tied and they are really going to be tied if Rex entertains another offer.
That all being said, lets speculate. Our coach, Mr. Smith is in Mobile looking at the talent first hand. Here is a list of the QBs he's looking at: JOE FLACCO, 6-6, 235, Delaware CHAD HENNE, 6-2, 225, Michigan JOHN DAVID BOOTY, 6-3, 210, USC COLT BRENNAN, 6-2, 185, Hawaii ERIC AINGE, 6-6, 225, Tennessee ANDRE WOODSON, 6-4, 220, Kentucky.
We can all be pretty certain that O-line is the most pressing need on this team and I for one do not think that the brain trust will draft a QB (if they draft one at all) in the first 2 rounds. So which of these guys are even possibilities then? Which ones will fall to the later rounds. We know guys like Ryan and Brohm (who are not at the Senior Bowl) will not fall that far. There are several good articles including one from NFL.com that gives a good synopsis of each player if you want to check it out to help formulate an opinion. I will give you my thoughts later.
#2 Phillip said . . .Oh really, Lovie's looking at quarterbacks?
Are any of those guys good?
January 23, 2008
#3 Bearfan34 said . . .This should have gone with the previous thread, and forgive if this is a repost: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izArWUVtMC4
January 23, 2008
#4 Mike said . . .Re-sign Rex, and have him win the battle at training camp. Then go on to the Pro Bowl in Feb of 2009.
As always,
Bear Down!
January 23, 2008
#5 willie from chicago said . . .The Bears will no doubt draft a quarterback. But I would be shocked if they did so before the 3rd or 4th round. And that decision will probably wind up with the same dreadful result for this franchise. Someday this organization is going to learn that you need to go for broke at the QB position and not go after the 4th or 5th best guy in the draft or pick up reclamation projects from other teams. The Bears have a tragic history in selecting and developing QBs. So let somebody else do the work and buy one ready made. Be it a "can't miss" top draft pick, or a a "proven" veteran like a Donovan McNabb.
But you watch. Rex Grossman is headed elsewhere and the plan to fill his shoes will be to A) trade for a J.P. Losman type and B) draft somebody in the mid-rounds.
January 23, 2008
#6 willie from chicago said . . .I actualy liked Rexs play after he got benched, he played with a certain fire that i didnt see from him early in the year. What we have to do is to draft a QB maybe in the second round (if there is one avialable) so we can have him compete with Rex for the starting job, that way Rex would be fighting for his job and play better.
All Rex needs is help from his WRs. He had about 4 Touchdown passes dropped, the worst ones were BB in the Dallas game, and Hester in the Giants game which they would have both boosted Rexs numbers for the year and changed the results for both of those games. That is why we need Chad Johnson to be the number 1 reciever.
If we do that and get a better line, then the QB problem will fix itself.
BEAR DOWN
OFF-SEASON 2008January 23, 2008
#7 Shady McBears Fan said . . .I actualy liked Rexs play after he got benched, he played with a certain fire that i didnt see from him early in the year. What we have to do is to draft a QB maybe in the second round (if there is one avialable) so we can have him compete with Rex for the starting job, that way Rex would be fighting for his job and play better.
All Rex needs is help from his WRs. He had about 4 Touchdown passes dropped, the worst ones were BB in the Dallas game, and Hester in the Giants game which they would have both boosted Rexs numbers for the year and changed the results for both of those games. That is why we need Chad Johnson to be the number 1 reciever.
If we do that and get a better line, then the QB problem will fix itself.
BEAR DOWN
OFF-SEASON 2008January 23, 2008
#8 mikebdot said . . .Nice. I would take ANY of those QB's.
A lot of mock drafts have the Bears taking Woodson at #14 if he is still around. I'm not sure another 1st round QB selection is in the cards for Angelo and Lovie, especially with all the other holes to fill. I would be happy if the Bears waited until after the 1st round to choose a QB, because none of these guys will be ready to play in '08. The Bears need SOMEBODY to step in next year and be a difference maker and they could get that from other players in the 1st round. Personally I hope this is how it goes down:
Offseason:
Sign FA QB McNabb
Sign FA OT WhartonDraft:
1st -- Clady, Baker, Otah or some other OT
2nd -- Hardy, F. Jones, J. Stewart or some other WR or RB
3rd -- Flacco (if he's still there) Booty, Henne or Brennan
3rd -- DT, WR, RB or S2008 depth chart would look a whole lot better after this offseason.
I still think it's crazy how early I picked this kid Flacco to be the next QB of Chicago. My fear is that there are other teams who would be willing to draft him in the 2nd round, something I'm not sure the Bears would be willing to do. As much as we need offensive skill positions, I wouldn't be surprised to see Angelo and Lovie to use their high draft picks on a defensive player. Hey, it's what they know, right?
January 23, 2008
#9 Al in WI said . . .http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=4311
I gotta admit, as much as it feels he's ripped our hearts out, I love the guy's attitude. I hope we bring him back. Keep Orton, draft one of these kids and hopefully he'll develop to the point where we have the deepest QB position in the league. That'd be a nice change. We could also buy some pics shopping Grossman around if we signed him to a long(er) term deal and the rookie turned out to be good. Would be nice. I know that's a fun dream, but that's what the offseason is all about.
January 23, 2008
#10 Pissed Off said . . .Great article Mikeb, thanks for that I haven't been on the site in a while.
I'd like to see the Bears bring back Grossman and two new guys. Griese doesn't fit this team any longer especially at his price. I don't think Orton will ever be more than a solid backup at the high end. I would shop him for a late round pick to somebody like Carolina that is desperate for a backup.
Then I would sign somebody to compete with Rex who you think could actually have a chance to be the guy long term as well. I like Chris Simms. He's still young but has some game experience and did lead a team to the playoffs.
Then I would look at a development guy, I like what I hear about Flacco but I don't know enough about any of these guys to make a firm opinion.
What I do know is to be succesful you need to have the arm to make all the throws and and the accuracy to put the ball on the money. That's what I'd look for.January 23, 2008
#11 Bill said . . .Nice story man, thanks for the link. Its the first nice Rex article since the season ended. Maybe, just maybe Mike wasn't 100% concrete sure that Rex will sign elsewhere. If the offers are even he wants to stay and I want him to. Also refreshing to hear that he had to earn the starting job contrary to popular opinion. Though with his skills its obvious that he'll win the QB competition again. Its also refreshing that he's working out at Halas Hall, he's still a Bear and he has no reason not to show up or not to think he's a Bear. It appears as though he's planning on staying.
January 23, 2008
#12 craig said . . .Great link; I'm not trying to stir up trouble, but it contradicts Mike's feeling.
Of course it's possible that Rex may using what little leverage he has by saying he wants to stay IF the price is right, but he's willing to go too IF the price is right.
Actually, the mroe I think it through, he'd be really dumb to say "I want out of here" even if he really does.
January 23, 2008
#13 Megan said . . .I think Rex will be back. I'd like to see Griese go because he brings no added value. Orton I'm lukewarm on. Wouldn't mind if he stuck around but I don't have much hope for him being more than a good #3 or bad #2.
I'd like to see competition stoked by a FA pickup (preferably someone with some upside) and/or a mid-round draft pick.
January 23, 2008
#14 Bears99 said . . .I'd agree, it was nice to see a positive if not uncertain article about Rex. Everytime the guy is interviewed he is positive. He's hungry, he wants to succeed. I can't fault him for that but, how do we get him there? Is it just as simple as a better o-line?
I don't have a magic-crystal ball. I just can't deny Rex the chance, I guess I won't give up until he does.
Honestly, I am not crazy about the choices out there. McNabb is not it for me because he's worn out/done/just a band-aide on a gaping wound of an offense. We do need a leader, but McNabb isn't it. He wouldn't be able, at least not in my mind, come into town like a Kevin Garnett and rally the troops. I think Rex would be better at that right now then McNabb.
January 23, 2008
#15 Willie from Chicago said . . .Almost every single person who has critcized Rex Grossman has put all the blame on him. Did anyone ever wonder about the quaterbacks coach? Rex has been hurt for most of his carrear, and has made poor descions on the field because of a lack of expirence playing on the NFL leval. Maybe if the coaches had prepared him better he wouldnt have been so shakey. I say draft woodsen, and train him up and cut grease ball. let orton, grossman, and "insert name here" rookie battle it out.
January 24, 2008
#16 Shady said . . .I was watching ESPN today after school and the ticker on the bottom of the TV had us taking the O-lineman from USC (didnt quite catch the name as i just got home from school) what do you guys think if we get this guy?
Like ive said in past blogs, QB is not our problem, we have an experienced starter that plays at a pro bowl level when hes hot, and shaky when hes under preasure. But if you take the preassure away then you will have a pro bowl QB in REX GROSSMAN. Besides, even if we get Mcnabb, he wont do any good with this O-line so we should pass on him.
This should be our offseason list:
1 Get some GOOD O- linemen
2. Get a nother target for Rex
3 Get a saftey to backup Brown if hes hurt next season
4. get a QB in the draft to push Rex to play like he did off the benchIf we do these things then we should be a serious contender for the division next year.
BEAR DOWN
January 24, 2008
#17 Shady said . . .Willie, I think we can ALL agree ANY QB under center would struggle under the current conditions, which makes any conversation about a QB relatively moot. Would I want to see McNabb come into a situation where he would be 'sack-raficed' to the opposing team like a John Kitna? Heck no. I'm under the assumption BT will do something to fix this 'formidable' O-Line.
You're right Megan, the Bears definitely need a leader on offense... Which is why if you believe this Bears team is ready to win NOW rather than 2, 3, 4 years from now, you'd know they need, at the very least, stability at the QB position. We could talk about Rex all day, so I'll spare us both right now. McNabb is the best solution to the question: How can the Chicago Bears win Super Bowl XLIII?
I would also take Donovan McNabb over Rex Grossman. If you talk about next year, 2008, I would rather have Donovan than Rex. I keep hearing about injuries and being old, but Rex has been just about as unfortunate in the injury department as McNabb. I understand Rex gets many people very emotional, both in support of and against him... So I'm not getting into that right now.
You also bring up a good point when you talk about Garnett and the Celtics. They showed that a couple big name FA pickups and a trade can make all the difference. Sure it's basketball, but I think you can make the argument that superstars can make the difference. I would admit there is a small chance the Bears actually go after McNabb, but I can still hold onto hope that the BT will open the wallet, make a few big acquisitions and decide NOW is the time to win.
January 24, 2008
#18 RandomName said . . .Willie, the OT from USC you're referring to is Sam Baker.
I've heard good things and would certainly be in favor of this move. See #7.
January 24, 2008
#19 PolygonHell said . . .Will Devin Hester score a return touchdown in the probowl?
I'll say yeh sure.
January 24, 2008
#20 Viva said . . .I don't think there are any can't miss Quarterbacks coming out of college.
Your just looking for someone with good mechanics, some ability to read a defense and who is coachable to fill in the gaps.
Given the press Flacco seems to be getting of late I doubt he'll be there in the 3rd.
If Rex doesn't re-sign by the draft, I think it's very likely we'll draft a QB in the 1st or 2nd rounds, and that might be Flacco, Woodson or Ainge.
January 24, 2008
#21 AfroCelt said . . .Word on the street is that if Rex signs a deal elsewhere the Bears are going to push for a trade with the Browns to get Brady Quinn.
Just kidding.
January 24, 2008
#22 startOlsen!! said . . .Viva, what street is that? Sesame?
/had to throw it in.
Again....NO to McNabb. Does anyone remember what he looked like in that superbowl? Does anyone remember how he plays when he cant gallop out of trouble? He may be a better thrower than Grossman but the slight upside is moot when you look t what it would cost for him. McNabb is fool's gold.
January 24, 2008
#23 Max said . . .I hear good things about Flacco, but really, who the hell knows? Tom Brady 6th round, blah blah blah you all know where Im going with this.
So, I guess my point is, Rex QB'd us to the Superbowl, and could do exactly what Eli is doing now. In fact, he could do exactly what overrated, overhyped Romo is doing, if he had the weapons Romo has.
I do hope we draft Woodson or Flacco, but our best bet is Sexy Rexy. We developed this fucker, lets give him a shot now that he's matured.QUIT with the McNabb shit already. Unless he does some HGH like Favre did this year, he is on the downhill slide.
January 24, 2008
#24 Jon said . . .O-Line. . . O-Line. . . O-Line
January 24, 2008
#25 Phil from SATX said . . .I think if you want to see a good offense this year, the bears should get younger offensive tackles, pick up michael turner from san diego( get rid of benson, he's over rated)stop throwing the ball out in the flat to hester, everyone know when he comes in thats where theyre going!!! put stick'em on bernards hands!!! get some more plays for clark and olsen. last but not least, KEEP grossman!!!80% of the time he fumbled was the o-lines fault!!!he has a rocket for an arm, and when he has time he's accurate. oh yeah, im predicting mike brown to play the whole season next year!!!
January 24, 2008
#26 Pissed Off said . . .I think this will be a year where Angelo will be doing his damndest to trade down for more picks, especially with his 1-2 round picks. If he was able to trade down from the 45th pick, he can easily find a quarterback in the late second that could be a future franchise deal, plus adding another late 3rd - there's 3 guys who could go in the second or later in Joe Flacco, Chad Henne and John David Booty, and it sounds like we should be excited to get any of these guys.
But you can't always trade down when you want to, so it's never a done deal. O-line first round, trade to a late 2nd round QB pick, then go to business in the 3rd, where you could pick a WR, RB and safety - or WR, safety and a DT.
Re-sign Rex (critical), spend a bunch of money on OL FA, find a mid-level FA replacement for Berrian cause you can't afford him.
Result: Rebuilt line based around a stud rookie LT, a free agent LG (or vice versa), Kreutz, Garza/Beekman at RG and John Tait at RT. Rex behind the reins with promising rookie watching and learning, a new RB teamed with Ced (who I'm sure said signing/drafting will provide just the hot cattle prod up his ass he needs to have a great (SHARING) season next year), Bradley/Hester/New Guy/Davis-Hass at WR, TEA Time (playing together much of the time, LOVE the idea of losing the FB). RT pulls his head out of you know where with a loud THWOP. Points galore, especially given we only have to go 60 yards to score everytime.
The new safety teams with McGowan, Payne and D. Manning to fix our safety issue and make up for the loss of Lance Briggs.
GO BEARS!
January 24, 2008
#27 Rancid said . . .Loving the positivity.
January 24, 2008
#28 SEXY REXY said . . .Best bet is to re-sign Rex. As PO noted in the post, most on here with a level head have realized that. If he signs elsewhere, I would then be in favor of going hard for McNabb. Not the most popular opinion on here but without Rex, that leaves us with Orton, Greaseball, or a rookie. NO. Either way I like a rookie QB in the 3rd round. One of the guys mentioned should be available when we pick there. The order I like them in is:
1. Woodson - we won't get him unless we used our 1st rounder. This actually isn't a bad idea provided we pick up a new left side of the Oline in FA and Kenny Philips is already gone by 14. If Oline and Safety is fixed/NA I would be ok with taking Woodson if he's there.
2 Flacco - I know it's not all about height but that 6'6 is just calling my name. I haven't seen him play but what I've heard here and other places makes him sound like he's got good potential
3 Brennan - He was ok from what I've seen of him. Playing where he did it's hard to get a good read just based on poor competition most of the year. Then he got cranked by Georgia but they're a solid team, so that doesn't tell us much either.
4 Booty - I think he suffered from being overhyped. He was supposed to be the next Leinart and he just wasn't quite as good. I think he's one of those guys who might be able to elevate his game when he's surrounded by pro talent, but I also think he could be one of those guys who can't handle the speed of the pro game. Defenitely a gamble.
5/6 Henne/Ainge - I don't know much about either of these guys.
Personally I'm hoping we something from a safety in the Senior Bowl. From what I have seen Phillips may be the only safety worth taking in the first two rounds and he may likely be gone by 14. What a crappy year to be desperate for a safety.
January 24, 2008
#29 Phil from SATX said . . .Rex Grossman:
"I want to finish what I started and I want to be a Bear for the rest of my life."
Grossman helped lead the Bears to the Super Bowl in 2006 in his first full season as a starter
January 24, 2008
#30 Al in WI said . . .I think now that we've had some time to think about it, cooler heads can agree that Orton does not appear to have what it takes to be a viable starter. All of his positives (and there are substantial ones) are effectively negated by his lack of accuracy. There is no place in the NFL for a starting QB with an inaccurate arm. Because of this, I think he needs to be dealt for whatever we can get for him - 4th-7th round pick. I recognize that he helped us to win two games at the end of the season. That's not enough, and we have to be realistic about what this guy's upside could be.
That having been said, I agree with Rancid - if we can't sign Rex we have really no choice but to do everything we can to get McNabb. You cannot rely on any draft pick, Ryan or other, to lead you to a Super Bowl in their first year. If we lose Rex, I say get McNabb, trade Orton and keep Griese for continuity and coaching purposes. If we keep Rex, trade Orton, dump Griese and sign a cheaper veteran, unknowns welcome to apply.
Neither Orton nor Griese can be deemed to be any part of a Super Bowl run. Therefore, both are expendable, and with Orton you should be able to get some value. Hopefully it's Rex, a draft for the future and a cheaper veteran backup.
January 24, 2008
#31 Pissed Off said . . .Phil, agree 100% with your take on Orton. He just isn't accurate enough to be a starter. If the Bears get behind with him as starter they are doomed.
I think if it's not a lock for Rex to be back it's pretty close. If the Bears let him walk, they are in a world of shit. Facing a training camp battle with Griese and Orton would be the worse off the we've been at that position in a long time. So as a result the picks and doe needed to land another viable option would be tough to do given the other needs.
I'm with Po'd I can't wait for some of these moves to get made so we know what we're dealing with for next year. Waiting a month and a half sucks!!
PS: Regarding ESPN BS:
1985 Chicago Bears 31
2007 NE Patriots 14January 24, 2008
#32 Rancid said . . .Wouldn't it be nice if we could put together a team thats worthy of being in conversation with the 1985 Bears? This living in the past crap sucks. I want a super bowl win now.
Al thanks for putting that image in my head of a QB competition of Grieseball and Orton. I may have to go throw up now. I just dont see how Rex is gone. There just isnt a scenario where this team can succeed in 2008 without him. Plus the staff has said they want him back, he's said he would like to be back. Whats left. Lets get this guy an 0-line, another good RB and a guy who can catch and look out.
January 24, 2008
#33 Al in WI said . . .It's rare but I differ with you on this one Phil. I like Orton over Greaseball. If we keep Rex I like him as our #2. Giving us:
#1 - Rex
#2 - KO
#3 - 3rd rounderIf we don't get Rex, so then get McNabb it gives us
#1 - McNabb
#2 - KO
#3 - 3rd rounderIn either situation I say we dump the Greasemaster and draft a prospect in the 3rd round. I think we started the QB position analysis before we were supposed to. Sorry jeff.
January 24, 2008
#34 Pissed Off said . . .I don't see the Eagles getting rid of McNabb this year. Next year probably, and then he'll be less attractive then he is today. I think he and Reid are tied together and will likely both leave at the same time.
January 24, 2008
#35 Phil from SATX said . . .The Bears have no interest in getting Anderson, or at least there havent been talks that we're aware of and I'm with Al, I just dont think McNabb is leaving Philly this year. That leaves P.J. Lohsman, (J.P. really though) and are the Bears really going to go after him, he IS Rex Grossman in a Bills jersey with a bit of a weaker arm and less upside.
January 24, 2008
#36 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .The SOLE reason I would choose Griese over Orton is due to Orton having a presumed payoff in trade. If there is none, then I rather have Orton. But I still stand by the fact that Griese and Orton have shown me that if you're depending on either one to take you to a Super Bowl, you ain't getting there. It may be a little bit of a premature call on Orton, but I still say that his positives and negatives were much the same at the end of 2007 as they were when last we saw him in 2005 - maybe the positives were a little bigger and the negatives a little less, but not enough for me to change my mind about his ultimate role as a backup. However, I think to others he would have value, especially as they grade him on a curve given the Bears' reputation on QB development.
January 24, 2008
#37 Shady said . . .Here's some info from Angelo an Smith at the Senior Bowl
Lovie comments
Angelo Comments
very interesting what Angelo said about Benson an the 1st rd pick
January 24, 2008
#38 Mike said . . .I don't know. IS the verdict still out on Benson? JA says it is.
I like what they said about him:
"Cedric Benson continues to take baby steps, although he's fully grown."
So true.
JA said he needed to upgrade certain positions during his last big State-of-the Bears Address. And in this article, JA says for a rookie to come in and start the team would need AN UPGRADE. So can we assume from that he will draft a rookie to help 'upgrade' or start at, let's say, quarterback? I don't know what position JA believes is at the top of the Bears offseason priority list, but I can tell you he's already decided what it is. (I would hope so, everyone else has it figured out.)
I also thought it was interesting to hear Angelo compare the draft to a game of cards. He won't know how to play until the hands are dealt.
And Lovie Smith growing a gray goatee? He says he wants a new look? Nice. We need a nickname for him now.
January 25, 2008
#39 Raise your hand said . . .Jerry Angelo is a prick. He is so fucking defensive on everything. If I hear Angelo make one more subliminal positive comment about Cedric Benson I'm going to puke on my shoes. Ditto Mark Fucking Bradley.
Face facts Jer!!!! You fucked up on Cedric Benson. The lazy s.o.b. took your fucking $17 million bonus and quit on the football field. Mark Fucking Bradley has shown jack shit in three years. Does the David Terrell rule apply with Bradley??? Do we need to give this worthless pile of shit 4 years to prove he is a worthless pile of shit like we did with David Terrell???
The incompetency at Halas Hall is enough to make me puke.
January 25, 2008
#40 Bears99 said . . .if you have ANY confidence in the Bears selecting the RIGHT QB in the later rounds AND developing that QB to become a productive membr of the NFL QB fraternity.
January 25, 2008
#41 Phil from SATX said . . .I agree with comments on Ortons passing abillity, he really isnt accurate enough to take this team were we need to go. But then again why did we draft orton in the first place? He was a third round pick, and sure seemed like he would have devolped into a good quaterback had he not been thrown the ropes his rookie year. With Grossmans durabilty issues, where does that leave us if we draft a quater back to develop? Greise has shown he has the accuracey of a blind man, and if orton isnt prepared for the bigs, wont we be back to where we just left off?
January 25, 2008
#42 Phil from SATX said . . .Mike, you're just hearing what you want to hear, something we're all guilty of when it comes to reading the tea leaves of the Bears management comments.
Angelo's comment was a definite slam, which I'm sure is why Decatur brought it up. If there's one thing Angelo has been crystal clear on in his comments beginning at the end of the season, it's that he's extremely unhappy with Ced's performance and is DEFINITELY bringing in competition (replacement?) for him. That also speaks to AP and Wolfe and his view of their roles. I personally am very pleased that he HAS been so clear in this matter, as Ced was one of the biggest disappointments of the 2007 season. I think it's also pretty clear that the only reason they're not cutting him right now is because money's already out the door and he's now relatively cheap for them. But I am very glad that he's not getting the pass that Ron Turner is - the excuse of the failing O line.
Regarding Bradley, Mike, you alone here have a major beef with Bradley and your opinion sticks out like a sore thumb. We're not sold on Bradley, but there was absolutely no good football reason he shouldn't have been out on the field this year when the designated starters were failing to score points. He had early injury problems but he hasn't shown the kind of on-field miscues and underachievement that the great Bernard Berrian was showing in the critical first half of this past season. It was obvious that the issue between Bradley and coaches had become personal in some way. We Bear fans deserved better than to have some personal beef prevent the coaches from trying everything possible to improve the offensive performance.
Bears99, many QB's fail after being selected, whether they're picked 1st round, 3rd or later. I think Orton must have been picked on his physical metrics and winning history but they ignored his inaccuracy, which was on the coaches. We know the guy has been practicing practically every single day since the end of the 2005 season, and we still see the inaccuracy and frequent inability to hit open receivers. So that doesn't seem to be something he can get much better at. If we can't trade him, he's a very credible backup and cheaper than Griese. If we can trade him, I'd like to get something for him to really help us next year. He's not starter level, and if your starter goes down, you're pretty much screwed already. On the other hand, if the starter goes down temporarily, he's actually fine in that role - but wouldn't others be as well?
Just to be clear, I definitely like him better than Griese, who has shown at this late stage in his career that despite apparent genius status, he still makes bad throws on the field that cost you ballgames.
January 25, 2008
#43 Pissed Off said . . .Here's a good but disturbing article about the QB draft class in the Sun-Times:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/758744,CST-SPT-mully25.article
He says (whoever HE is) that Flacco is years away, Woodson is only a pocket guy with a slow delivery, Chad Henne lacks poise and pocket presence, Colt Brennan is flat out terrible. He likes only Matt Ryan, Matt Flynn from LSU and Josh Johnson from San Diego. He says Bears have eye on Flynn but inexplicably not on Johnson.
Anyway, it's an interesting read.
January 25, 2008
#44 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .Good article. I dont want to toot my own horn, Ok yes I do, but I said Ryan was the best QB in the draft class. I dont know what this guy's qualifications are for knowing which of these guys is actually going to be a good NFL QB but he agrees with me. Ryan is the best guy. I watched him play several times and he can throw that ball so hard and yet so accurately across his body even when running the opposite direction that he throws (isnt that throwing across his body, didnt I already say that).
But time will tell, as someone pointed out if this guy was perfect at picking out which college QBs will be NFL studs then he'd be making a lot more money and maybe doing something else. Or maybe he is and thats what he does, who knows. I also think Brohm is good too, he and Ryan would be my picks for best QBs in the draft....the rest I'm not sold on and that includes Flacco, who I also think is pretty immobile.
January 25, 2008
#45 Mike said . . .it's all a crap shoot with the QB draft.
Angelo said he looking at Off. for the 1st pick,So unlees they can't get Rex to sign for 3-4 yrs.I hope O line is still on his mind 1st.
"That process is exaggerated at quarterback, the most important and complex position in the NFL. For every Hall of Fame quarterback, there is a Hall of Fame coach, while for every first-round failure at the position, there is the ruined career of the man who selected him or tried to coach him."
Sometime coaches over coach,an think they can fix some guy mechanics to make him a great QB(Fisher/Chow/V Young)
I don;t know what the perfect blend of coaching is.But if a guy played one way his whole career from high school to college,your not going to change much of what he likes to do.
So of this QB class there all bust until they play some snap in the NFL,an prove otherwise.
January 25, 2008
#46 Phil from SATX said . . .Sorry, but I don't buy this garbage that Lovie Smith and Ron Turner have it in for Mark Bradley. The coaching staff is willing to sabotage the ability to score points just so they can maintain grudge against Bradley and fuck him over??? Please. Lovie is one of the classiest and most professional figures in the NFL coaching fraternity. The fact that somebody is even willing to make such an accusation is ridiculous.
Mark Bradley has been member of this organization for three years and has done jack shit. And it's not as if he's blocked in the wide receiver rotation by greatness in front of him. He can't beat out a washed up Mushin Muhammed or a craptastic project player in Rashied Davies for playing time?!?! What the fuck does THAT SAY.
Face facts. Mark Bradley is a 2nd round bust. He wasn't good enough to crack the rotation at Oklahoma, yet Jerry Angelo thought he was a diamond in the rough that the Bears could mold into a solid receiver. Well, Angelo fucked up AGAIN on an offensive skill position player.
January 25, 2008
#47 Mike said . . .Once again Mike, Bradley hasn't done jack shit because he was injured in his first two years. When he came in last year in relief of an injured Berrian he played very well. He didn't do jack shit in 2007 because he was given jack shit of a chance. I am not the only one who could never figure out why Bradley wasn't playing - look at all the comments thoughout the year from the local media, who know the situation much better than you or I do and were similarly perplexed. No, it's only you who is so damn sure that not playing a player had to mean he's not good enough. When we saw plenty of occasions of other players not hitting the field and playing as much as they should have, and even the coaches admitting the same. (Should have gotten it to Olsen more. Should have started him earlier. Shouldn't have given Hester only 12 touches in 12 games. Should have pulled injured and poorly-performing O-liners. Should have at least looked at Mike Hass. Should have had Wolfe involved in the right situations earlier than the 15th game. Shouldn't have pulled Cedric Benson for AP in the one game he was finally exploding in. Should have gotten the ball to Des Clark more.)Gee, I guess the list goes on and on and on and on and on and on.
Sore thumb.
January 25, 2008
#48 Mike said . . .You're a goofy bastard with all the implications of conspiracy by the coaching staff against certain players. If Mark Bradley was developing and performing well enough in practice then he would have been on the football field. And enough with all these subliminal suggestions that David Haas is the next Wes Welker in the making. He's a practice squad player. The only reason certain of you are excited by this guy is because he is white and flashed nicely in training camp versus the 3rd stringers of other teams. He was on the practice squad for the duration of the year because he wasn't good enough to break the formidable (snicker) corp of Berrian, Muhammed, Davies and Bradley. In other words, he fucking sucks.
If you want to waste yet another year on Mark Fucking Bradley, well then it looks like you shall get your wish. Lets invest four years on a bust just like we had to do with David Terrell.
January 25, 2008
#49 Pissed Off said . . .Meant to say Mike Hass, not David Haas. The guy is so fucking obscure that his star name escaped me for a moment.
January 25, 2008
#50 Bill said . . .Yeah and its Davis, not Davies. The grammar stick bitch slapped you across the face.
And I'm with Phil for the most part and all the the 99% other reasonable bloggers around here. Bradley was in the doghouse and with the offense we ran it went Moose or Btwice at #1, Hester or Davis at #3, Bradley #5. Davis probably looked good in practice and was just slotted in the 4 spot or #3 spot based on what he did in 2006 (while Bradley was out with injury) and Hester got the other spot cuz they wanted to use him for his speed/agiltiy/escapability. That just left Bradley as the odd man out. It doesnt take a genius to figure it out. Yeah this core of WRs kinda sucks but the way things were set up it was just hard for him to crack the lineup. I'm not giving up on Bradley yet. I dont think he's a bust. Yeah he needs to get in the game more but if doesnt and he leaves and gets a chance somewhere else you'll see he's not a bust. Part of this is why I dont care if Berrian leaves. Hell I wouldnt mind cutting ties with Moose either. Mark will get a shot then.
January 25, 2008
#51 jdawg said . . .I have to join in and say I recall a few times the media wondered in print why Bradley wasn't playing more. I also remember one of the QBs (Rex?) talking to the coaches about getting him in more and then he did get some reps in the next game.
I don't recall his stats nor do I have time ot look them up. My sense based on this is that the coaches have not given him nearly the opportunity on the field that other players received. Why? No one can say except Lovie and RT - but why would the writers openly question it if it was simply a matter of talent (lack of)?
January 25, 2008
#52 Willie from Chicago said . . .Bradley must either have done something that pissed the coaches off or he must dog it in practice. But yeah, Rex asked that he be on the field more.
The guy's a playmaker and, given the coaching staff's ability to judge offensive talent, it wouldn't surprise me if he's better the BB once he gets the chanc.
January 25, 2008
#53 Max said . . .Guys, as far as our 1st pick: Do you realy think we should use it on an unproven O-linemen and have a potential bust? Instead, i think we should use the pick for hopefully Kenny Phillips if hes still there but then if hes not then we should settle for an O-linemen. The reason why im reluctant that we take an O-lineman in the draft is that there is alot of tallent in free agency which are proven players that can we can fill at the O-line position.
I was wondering, do you think the Bears should take a running back if one of them falls in there position and Kenny philips is gone? I mean it is a need for the Bears since they were a horrible running team last year (I know it starts with the line but even with a good o line Ced Benson cant handle the load.
Are there going to be any really good Free Agent Recievers out there this offseason? I'm just curious.
As always
Bear DownJanuary 26, 2008
#54 Shady said . . .Im down Willie, pick up an O-Lineman (or 2) via free agency as opposed to projects in the draft, I like the win now mentality. But if we dont sign or trade for anyone, then our first round pick needs to be on the Line.
I like Kenny Phillips. But I am not sure he is going to fall to us. And anyone you pick in the first round is a possible bust. Thats just the way it works. Doesn't matter who it is or what position.
In regards to QB's, i have limited knowledge about most of these guys. Flacco is the new "it" pick. Woodson is accurate but he did get hit alot so it could be due to a slow delivery. Henne is just a no. Didn't Flynn have injury problems? And Ryan looked good, but he never really looked great against good defenses (VT). and i know jack about this cat outa San Diego, Johnson or whatever. Only one i can talk about with some background is Colt.
He has good poise. He normally makes good decisions. He is tough and will step up in the pocket to make a toss even when he knows he is going to get rocked. He is accurate and has shown ability to scramble when given space. And he is a good leader. . .
That said, he hasnt really faced top tier teams in college this past year. Washington and Boise St. he beat, but both didnt have outstanding years, and they got destroyed against Georgia (although he didnt have much time to throw the ball and got hit about once every 2 dropbacks). And the other main thing is that his delivery. He does alright but his release point varies and he will sometimes through with this almost side arm motion which resulted in alot of tipped passes at the line which led to interceptions. . .
in other words, draft O-Line in the first round please.
January 26, 2008
#55 Too Many Options Is An Oxymoron said . . .Willie, there is really no telling what the Bears are going to do with their first pick. Other than trade up in the draft, the Bears could do just about anything with their pick at 14.
As far as busts are concerned, every first day pick is a potential bust for every team. In fact, I would say most 1st and 2nd round picks turn out to be less than what teams expect from their player, which I suppose makes them a 'bust'.
Some positions are riskier than others though. For example QB, RB and WR are all very important skill positions which can help a team drastically, but most of the time, these picks turn out to be very risky and usually turn out a 'bust' player.
While there is no gurantee any player will be an NFL star, there are positions other than QB or RB that are a bit easier to predict how well they could turn out. Size, for example, is a better predictor for future success at the OT or DT position rather than a skill position, where talents that are difficult to evaluate (intangibles) play a bigger role in the future success of a QB, RB or WR.
While skill positions are critical, I think it would be foolish for the Bears to roll the dice on another QB, WR or RB in the 1st round. Other than maybe McFadden an Ryan, there is no gimmie pick in the draft at one of those skill positions. Because the Bears have so many needs, they need to make sure they hit on that 1st pick. I think their chances of hitting are greater with either a OT, DT or LB.
I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bears trade down for additional picks, and I also wouldn't be surprised to see a pick for the defense in the 1st round. It's what the Bears know, so there is less of a risk in picking a solid DT or LB to help strengthen a critical defensive position. For example, if Briggs and Ayanbadejo aren't back next year, the Bears would only have Williams and Okwo on the depth chart at the OLB position.
Everyone in Halas Hall is waiting to see what happens in the market. Once they figure out who they want to keep and who they have to let go during the Free Agency period, things will become a bit more clear on what they need to accomplish in the draft.
January 26, 2008
#56 Mike said . . .Jeff Garcia led Tampa Bay to the NFC South title this year. Garcia completed 63.9 percent of his passes and threw 13 touchdowns against just four interceptions in 13 starts. He began the season with a stretch 197 consecutive attempts without an interception, a Bucs record.
Just saying. If you can't draft em at least try to sign em.
January 26, 2008
#57 Chad said . . .Welcome to another edition of Goofy Bastard Theatre. Tonight's episode deals in denial and excuse making for Mark Bradley.
It's the same bullshit excuse making that was applied to David Terrell a few years ago. "Dick Jauron is a fucking moron for not getting Terrell the football"....blah blah fuckity blah. What happened to David Terrell after he left the Bears? He continued to fucking suck and was out of the league completely within 18 months. Mark Bradley is fucking repeat of the same episode. So is Cedric Benson.
And another thing? You people are nuttier than squirrel shit if you think Jerry Fucking Angelo is going to take a QB with the # 14 pick. There are few sure things in life. But one sure thing that you can chisel in stone is that Jerry Fucking Angelo will pick an Offensive Tackle at #14.
January 26, 2008
#58 Shady said . . .Re #56:
Let me introduce you to a phrase:
Best Available Athlete
That is who the Bears will draft. It is the theory that most GMs draft by. There are exceptions. The Pats won't draft a QB. San Diego won't draft a running back. But aside from that, most teams draft by best available athlete.
January 26, 2008
#59 Rancid said . . .Why does everything always come back to squirrel shit on this board?
Mike, you can't chisel ANYTHING in stone at this point in the offseason. I know you know we know that, but you say it anyway. You're shtick is getting old. You claim to be some sort of Nostradamus with all of your ' fearless predictions'. Well when you throw enough shit on the wall, something is going to stick. If you're going to make a prediction, at least make it with some reasoning and logic without sounding like such a fucking smart-ass know-it-all.
What if Angelo signs 2 or 3 FA OTs before the draft? Is he still going to draft a OT in the 1st? You don't know. Nobody does. And to pretend you know is just getting older and more annoying.
You're like the rock in our shoes.
The nail on our chalkboard.
The sand in our collective vagina.January 26, 2008
#60 Willie from Chicago said . . .Mike - just end it all. swallow the pills. it's not worth it.
January 26, 2008
#61 Serious said . . .Chad, i completely agree with you, however in order to be able to draft the best athelete we will have to sign some O-linemen in Free Agency or we will have to draft an o-lineman as Max said..
Guys, why do alot of people here include the phrase "nuttier than squirl shit"? Mike, i do agree with you about drafting a QB but i dont agree with you were you said that Mark Bradley is like David Terrell. Terrell was the 8th overall pick but Bradley was a 2nd round pick. Bradley shows some potential. You guys want to know why Bradley didnt play?, He didnt play because hes sitting behind Moose, Berrian and Hester, thats why he didnt start. Its not because hes in the dog house with Lubby (however its a possibillity). I do agree that he should have gotten more starting time late in the year than Moose but still, hes just not as good as Hesteror Berrian. Plus you have two tight ends in Olsen and Clark that are in the game alot together.
Thats why he didnt start
Bear Down
January 26, 2008
#62 said . . .The bears have $20 in cap space. If they dont sign a FA OT (Fonzelle adams or Fennica (sp)) then i will conceed that JA is a retard. I think using the 14th pick on a OT that isnt proven (in a draft class light on OT's in the first place) is crazy.
Doesn't anyone remember how much of a regression our D suffered this season? yeah there were injuries, but with the impending loss of Briggs, I dont see this defense getting a whole lot better without some offseason help.
I think Williams (or anyone) can steup and play good LB next to #54, but we NEED help in the secondary. AA killed us last year, we need a saftey, and we should try to get that filled with the 14th pick. At least we all know JA can make solid defensive picks.
As for a QB. PLEASE sign grossman. I dont care how bad of a game manager he is. He has potential, hes going to be cheap(er) than any other vet. He has the most experience is the RT garbage offense scheme, which should count for something. Also i cant watch a whole year of run, run, screen pass, punt; which would be the plan with man beard.
I'm for getting John David Booty in the 3rd or 4th round, so i can get a jersey that says Booty on the back. Otherwise i am skeptical that any of these QB's will be the "future." Its a fucking crap shoot, tom brady was a 6th round pick, Romo (who i dont even like) was undrafted. Comon' there are no sure bets with QB's. better the devil you know then the devil you dont know.
January 26, 2008
U guys are more hilarious than squirrel shit with nuts in it.
GO BEARS!!
January 27, 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.