I've pretty much determined that the Pain Scale (1-10) is going to be in the 8-9 range when it comes to watching the NFC playoffs going forward. It's been two years since the Bears weren't involved in this process and having seen them lose to Seattle, Dallas, the Giants and Redskins - none making much of an impression - I think I'll find other things to do.
Anyway, here's my guess as to who's going to win and by how much.
SEATTLE -3.5 OVER Washington
I know Joe Gibbs used to be a great coach. I know Sean Taylor used to be alive. I know the Redskins are the hot team heading into the NFC postseason. But look at the coach/quarterback combinations they've beaten down the stretch: Grossman, Griese/Lovie, Eli/Coughlin, Tarvaris/Childress, Brad Johnson/Wade Phillips. Now everybody at once: relax. They are on the road, an entire nation away against the conference's best coach and best quarterback. Seattle 31, Washington 15.
Jacksonville -1.5 over PITTSBURGH
I almost like this game too much. I've never seen a team not only run the ball as efficiently as the Jags but also hit so many home runs on the ground. Every time you look up, Fred Taylor is going 70 yards and MJD is scoring touchdowns. Hey Lovie, if you wanna run off the bus, this is how you build a team. The more I see this pair work, the more I think Thomas Jones was a greedy prick who didn't know how good he had it. He will when he's out of the league and forgotten in a couple years. Jacksonville 16, Pittsburgh 10
New York Giants +3 over TAMPA BAY
This is about as interesting a sporting event as The Music of Seal on Ice (which was on NBC a few days ago). I love Tampa Bay sat out December like they'd sewn up the one seed. Hey Tampa, you stinky. The Giants stink too but they'll stink less this weekend. New York 24, Tampa Bay 23
SAN DIEGO -8.5 OVER Tennessee
Who do we start at quarterback: the washed up alcoholic white guy or Kordell Stewart II? Oh yeah, this will end well for Jeff Fisher. San Diego 30, Tennessee 9
#2 Anytime said . . .cynicism is the order of the day? i'll take all chalk this weekend.
January 3, 2008
#3 Anonymoose said . . .Thomas Jones greedy prick?? Last time I checked he go traded and I believe it was the gredy prick Cedric Benson that held out of training camp.
January 3, 2008
#4 David said . . .I also remember that part of the reason they traded Thomas Jones is because he and Benson did not get along...
January 3, 2008
#5 Rancid said . . .Is Jerry Angelo for real?? Is he really that serious about not making "massive" changes in player and coaching personnel? Is he that serious about keeping Grossman and other QB's around? If little or no changes are made extensively on the offense, including the coaches, then the BEARS will be just stealing our monies next year. This is like the Blackhawk ownership under old man Wirtz.
January 3, 2008
#6 Shady said . . .jeff you are correct and don't let anyone say different. TJ left because he refused to split time with CB. A two back plan is ideal in this league and we would have it if he hadn't copped his attitude. If TJ was willing to split the backfield (like 06) he would still be here. I am annoyed by the fans who treat Jones like an abandoned martyr. His ego caused this.
January 4, 2008
#7 Midway Monster said . . .While listening to the Angelo press conference, a few things stood out to me:
1. A continuing commitment to the run. Angelo finally admitted that Benson did not produce like he had expected a "feature back" to perform. It was nice to hear some honesty about the running-game when earlier this year Angelo stated Benson was giving his "full effort" pfff hahaha. He also mentioned that they would seriously consider adding another running back to the mix either through FA (M. Turner) or through the draft (Mike Hart?) to add COMPETITION. Of course he needs to give Lovie the warm bodies in order to create that kind of competition.
2. Stability at the QB position. They want Rexy back, and I can sense it. Adding another QB experiment for next year (McNabb, Anderson, Woodson etc.) would only make the position less stable... Not what this organization wants. I expect to see Rex and Kyle battle it out for the #1 spot in training camp again while focusing on improving the supporting cast (O-Line, RB and receivers). Maybe we see the Bears take a flyer on a QB late in the draft, but using a 1st or 2nd round pick on a QB would only create more controversy surrounding the position.
3. The market will determine who stays and who goes. Aside from evaluating the '07 season, there's not much Angelo & Co. can do until March. They're going to have to play the waiting game and come up with contingency plans based on every single expected (or unexpected) outcome that may occur. They have 2 months or so to figure out how they want to react to each and every scenario that could play out during the FA period.
And for the record, I love Thomas Jones. But people need to know when to fucking let go. His absence in Chicago was made out to be the sole reason the offense struggled this year. Complete bullshit. It's not like Jones is a world beater over in NY. Both Jones and Benson wanted their own show, but ironically what they didn't realize was that they're better together then they are apart. They're both complimentary RBs who have nobody to complement them. I wish Jones the best of luck in NY, but I've had enough of so-called analysts crowning TJ's ass.
January 4, 2008
#8 Viva said . . .B R E A K I N G - N E W S
Angelo speaks out about team staffing.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/01/03/bc.fbn.bears.angelo.ap/index.html
Midway
January 4, 2008
#9 Anytime said . . .The most creative mind on the Bears coaching staff is Dave Taub. He has earned a promotion to Offensive Coordinator.
FIRE TURNER NOW.
January 4, 2008
#10 Polygonhell said . . .And CB never got the respect of his line for the shit he pulled. He was, is, and always will be a greedy joke of a running back and will never make a name for himself other than that.
January 4, 2008
#11 Reading between the lines said . . .While I don't think the Thomas Jones trade helped the Bears at all, it certainly wasn't the reason the Bears failed this year, despite what some analysts seem to believe.
About the only telling statements in Angelo's speech were, we want Grossman back and we'll acquire a running back to compete with Benson.
Both I think are good things, I think we'll know about Grossman before the Draft and if he's not coming back, I can see us taking a quarter back on day 2.
January 4, 2008
#12 Rancid said . . .Sure Angelo said he wants Grossman back, but he also said he wants more stability at the QB position...
If Grossman has been ANYTHING in his career, it has been UNSTABLE.
Kyle Orton, on the other hand, has been far more consistent and stable than his arch nemesis: Brex Greasman. The solution is cheap and eliminates (some) QB controversy... Is he the answer to a future QB great? No. But that's not the problem and I'll tell you why.
The Bears have 3 average NFL QB's. Whether it is because of their age, their height, their neckbeard or their supporting cast, the fact remains they are only average. That is perfectly okay. Why? Because any NFL QB (other than Brady/Manning) would only be average with the Chicago supporting cast.
Therefore, choosing a fresh QB to start next year would be a waste of a pick. This organization should not draft a QB until (some of) the pieces are in place: RB, WR, O-LINE. Until these pieces can turn an average QB (see Bears) into a good QB (see D. Anderson, Rothlesberger, Palmer) it would only be an exercise in futility to toss another young talent QB under center (thanks Mike).
Most of us agree the O-line is the most urgent need Angelo needs to face. Why? Because it would be unforgivable for Angelo not to address the concern this off-season. Bears fans would hunt him down like an animal, cut him up, make him into chilli and feed him to Virginia. But seriously... It's because the line impacts the passing game, the running game and even defense (T.O.P). So where do the answers lie?
Both FA and the draft look promising for adding depth at this position, but Angelo has a history of adding O-lineman through FA. This route also seems the most likely to have more of an immediate impact next year, rather than drafting an OT with the 14th overall pick. Of course nobody would be mad if Angelo picked up o-lineman in the draft AND free agency.
Let's see O-lineman: (FA/1st/2nd/3rd/4th...etc)
OG Alan Faneca is out there, so is Ryan Lilja, Jacob Bell, OT Jordan Gross, Sean Locklear, Travelle Wharton.... In the draft OT Ryan Clady, Jeff Otah or Sam Baker...RBs: (FA/2nd/3rd)
Michael Turner. I really think this is going to happen. If not him, than Chris Brown or draft Chris Johnson, Felix Jones, Mike Hart... Rashard Mendenhall? (Illinois). What about Wolfe is right, Phil.Safety: (3rd, 4th, 5th)
Ken Hamlin? Eugene Wilson? Probably not. Draft a Kenny Phillips or a William Moore early? Can't afford to. What about Kevin Payne? Daneal Manning? Mike Brown? Talk about a question-mark position.WR: (1st/2nd round)
If not BB then... Uh... Andre Davis? Jerry Porter? D.J. Hackett. No. This is where I see the draft as the best resource and therefore worthy of a #1 draft pick. I'd love to see a play-making WR like a DeSean Jackson, Malcolm Kelly, Mario Manningham or even a guy like James Hardy (who I hear is kinda Shady ;-)Many solutions to the problems on offense can be solved, but probably at the expense of losing a guy like Briggs, Berrian, Grossman or even Anyanbadejo. It just depends on the market and what kind of sacrifices you (JA) are willing to make to improve the overly neglected offense.
January 4, 2008
#13 Wondering said . . .Referring to #11, the only people referring to Rex and KO as nemesis are ignorant fans. From what we see in games on the sideline and according to all reports we can get, the QB trio gets along great (maybe they gain some support from mutually sucking in general at some point this season). I just get annoyed by the percepetion they don't like each other and that we must as fans all pick one QB and like/support him and then crap on all others. I know I complain about this too much so I'll shut up.
Concerning the O-linemen you listed, I was pleased to see Travelle Wharton who I mentioned several weeks ago. I think he could be a real steal. The only omission on Reading's post was Max Starks, Pitt, who is a younger (26?) FA who could possibly be interested in leaving. He has been playing LT for Pitt all year until the last game when he was injured for the rest of the season. I do not believe his injury is significant for next year.
If we were to draft offense at #14 and I don't think we should I would hope for WR Limas Sweed who has the potential to be what Moose was supposed to be, or unfortunatly a QB. Although I like what jeff and others have written on here about Flacco (haven't seen him) and if we could wait until Round 2 or later and still get him then that would be great too.
January 4, 2008
#14 Pissed Off said . . .What exactly is Jerry Angelo's philosophy in building and maintaining the team?
From his 'wait and see what the market brings' approach to the free agents, is he waiting for them to get picked up by other teams so that he doesn't have to let them go himself? Then he would have the excuse of, 'they chose to take another offer.'
This is strikingly similar to what they did with Ron Rivera last year....let him interview for HC positions, hoping he takes one of those opportunities so they don't have to be the ones to send him packing.
January 4, 2008
#15 JB said . . .What the hell happened to this site in the last 24 hours? We've gone from speculation of players re-signed/drafted/picked up from free agency to debating Thomas Jones. Ok I wish he were still a Bear. Lets get him back.
BTW gun to my head predictions....Seattle wins (not convinced though since Wash is the hottest team in NFC), Jax wins, Tampa Bay wins, and San Diego. Not convinced on any of them though....not one.
Very releiving to hear Angelo say he wants Rex back in the mix. I hope they get a deal done.
January 4, 2008
#16 Rancid said . . .some good stuff on here guys. For the record, I picked two of three...Rex and Kyle...I can't stand Griese.
Am I wrong or did we have a contract offer to chris brown, chicago kid, before the season started when he jumped over to a bigger contract at TEN? I think I forgot about that for awhile...that might have been a big deal. The thing about running back is that we have the complement RB in Adrian Peterson already...so it doesn't do us any good to go get another one. I like Michael Turner...a lot...but does he fit well on this team? I'm not sure I know the answer to that.
I would fully expect the bears to make a run at some FA OL...just don't expect Faneca. I've watched enough steelers games to respect this guy quite a bit, but i'm not sure spending that kind of money on a guard is the smartest thing to do. we have the potential for brown to come back, garza, beekman in the wings...may not be the best OG in the league but viable. We need to focus on LT...move Tait to RT (his natural position), and plug someone into LT at a minimum. If you want a rookie to do this, that usually happens with picks in rounds 1 and 2 so if it isn't addressed in FA, i expect a 1 or 2 at tackle.
I hadn't thought about WR in the first round at all until i read the above post...i guess that really depends on what happens with B-Twice, but even if we don't resign him, I'm not sure I see it happening. I think we'd have to see a very active FA period in which many other positions were addressed and someone all too tantilizing fell to them.
January 4, 2008
#17 JB said . . .JB - I agree on a WR pick not being ideal. I mentioned it because I tried to come up with who I would pick if the #1 was an offensive player. I would like to see a safety or OL pick personally. The probelm with a safety pick is that there is really only one first-rounder this year- kenny phillips. He may be gone by 14. So if we have already addressed OL through FA (as angelo has done in the past) what does leave us to take at 14?
January 4, 2008
#18 Mike said . . .well, for me i'd love to see andre woodson if we don't land some established QB via trade...that may not be the most popular thing to say, but i don't think this fan base can accept the same three guys back next year. If orton, griese, and grossman comprise the chicago QB corps next year, i think angelo puts his job on the line with that decision...and JA, despite what some of you think, is a very smart guy and is not going to hitch his wagon to them where his job is concerned. for what it's worth, i was able to watch about 6 kentucky games this year and i'm just ultra impressed with woodson...he's tall, mobile, has a great arm, and he makes good decisions...played in a tough conference...i think he's the real deal...if he's there, take him.
January 4, 2008
#19 JB said . . .Re: Draft day
The Bears sit at a good spot at #14. Angelo should be in a position to take the best available player who can help out at Offensive Tackle, Safety, Wide Receiver or Running Back. Angelo won't take a Quarterback, that much I am certain. Even if Rex Grossman leaves which I expect he will do.
And don't be surprised to see the Bears draft another Defensive Tackle in the early rounds. Angelo made several comments about the inability to stop the run in his press conference. This can be read to be a direct indictment of the defensive tackle position. Dusty Dvoracek has played 1/2 a game in two years, so counting on him to be both healthy AND effective in 2008 may be too great a leap in faith even for Angelo.
January 4, 2008
#20 Mike said . . .I like Woodson. I don't believe that Woodson (or one of the other top QBs) will be there at 14. If they are, and we decide to take an offensive player there, then I would take a him and kick the Greasemaster to the curb. I think that KO showed he can be the #2. I'm not totally with those who look at him as a #1, but I defenitely like him at the #2 better that BG. That would give us a year to work on the new guy/evaluate Rex. I swear, in 10 years we're going to be blogging on here hoping that Rex doesn't decide to retire so that we can "evaluate him" one more time.
January 4, 2008
#21 Rancid said . . .Lock in those playoff picks
NFC....
Seattle over Washington
NY Giants over Tampa BaySeattle over Dallas
Green Bay over NY GiantsGreen Bay over Seattle
AFC....
Jacksonville over Pittsburgh
San Diego over TennesseeNew England over Jacksonville
San Diego over IndianapolisNew England over San Diego
Super Bowl....
New England over Green Bay
January 4, 2008
#22 JB said . . .Sorry JB, #19 was me. I meant to address it to you but accidentaly put JB in the Name spot. I know posting under someone else's name is a capital offense in here, but let's look at this as manslaughter, since it was accidental. Maybe I can get off for good behavior
January 4, 2008
#23 DTB said . . .haha...i was reading that thinking...well, it's not at all what i think, but not exactly offensive like the last time someone took my name. i still believe in the potential that is rex grossman, but i just can't see how rex would want to come back...but i guess a rod resigned with the yankees so anything is possible...
January 4, 2008
#24 DTB said . . .The evidence is building up against you 'Packer' Mike.
January 4, 2008
#25 Al in WI said . . .The only problem is that if the Giants win, they go to Dallas and Seattle goes to GB. Great call though, I'll be sure to 'lock up those picks'.
January 4, 2008
#26 Mike said . . .My observations off of Jerry's presser yesterday are the following:
1. Rex will return to battle KO for the starting job, and Jerry knows he'll win it. (Despite several people wondering why Rex would return, he will because who else is going to let him compete with the likes of KO. That's just too easy for him)
2. Benson will return to batttle a high draft pick or FA pickup. And Jerry knows he'll probably lose it.
3. Berrian is likely to leave unless they tag him at $8 mill. They are looking at doing that.
4. Briggs is gone.
5.The O-line and saftey positions are up for repair. 1st.January 4, 2008
#27 Mike said . . .I have to disagree on Rex Grossman. Why on earth would he want to come back to a setting that has been a 5 year nightmare for himself?? Especially if it is on an incentive-laden one year contract where the risk is all in his court? I can think of several teams who should be able to offer him modestly better financial terms to go along with a solid shot to resurrect his NFL career.
Atlanta, Miami, New York Jets, Kansas City, Baltimore are all teams looking for a permanent solution and/or stopgap at QB. Philadelphia may also be added to this list if they part ways with Donavan McNabb. And there are other teams who may look at Grossman as a quality # 2 QB on the depth chart.
Grossman is gone. I'm convinced of it.
January 4, 2008
#28 DTB said . . .It's clear from Angelo's press conference that he is loathe to use the franchise tag. There is no way he will slap it on Bernard Berrian and have the Bears on the hook to pay him the average of the top 5 receivers in the league. Applying the tag to Lance Briggs was one thing, but Berrian? No way in hell. Hence why I agree with Tom Waddell when he says Berrian is a goner just like Briggs is.
January 4, 2008
#29 Phil from SATX said . . .Atlanta? Is there any chance of winning there? Miami? Just to keep the seat warm for Beck? Jets? Clements. KC? Croyle. The only team that may have interest is Baltimore. But to be perfectly honest, do any of those teams offer a better opportunity to win than the Bears? I dont think so. Rex isn't a bad QB and we all should realize that his play-making ability cant be touched by KO or BG or anyone else that they could bring in for '08. McNabb isn't leaving Philly and Anderson will command a kings ransom. Rex will be back and he will be the Bears opening day starter in '08. Get used to it.
January 4, 2008
#30 Mike said . . .You guys are doing a great job today. Shady, Rancid and JB - the usual suspects. I know we are deviating from Jeff's post, and the reason is --
Seriously folks, as Bear fans which we all are, who gives a crap about the postseason? I will be watching for entertainment value and to hope that the teams I hate lose, but we have BIGGER FISH TO FRY here.
So it's really to be, isn't it - RT is staying. Fuck fuck fuck fuckity fuck. Fuck a duck. Rancid, it's really happening.
Just one question - if you think you may have problems with your SCHEME, how can you keep the guy responsible for that scheme? Don't you want to bring in someone else who might have a different SCHEME? I really can't believe that Angelo is letting this guy get away with this season - SO MANY BAD DECISIONS BAD PLAYCALLING BAD ADJUSTMENTS NO ADJUSTMENTS NO ABILITY TO WORK AROUND PROBLEM AREAS NO ABILITY TO EXPLOIT ADVANTAGES
And he gets to keep his job? Ay Carumba!
Is the only plausible answer to this that Angelo sees Lovie and RT as tied together? That if he is not putting Lovie on the chopping block Lovie's guy stays too? That's the only thing I can figure - Angelo's saying fine, Lovie, sink or swim with your guys, next year's a referendum on you.
But that sure seems like you're betting a season, and our hopes and dreams for next year, on a pretty risky bet given what you've seen this year out of the offense.
But I guess it could be worse. He could have said we're not evaluating the scheme (and hopefully playcalling is considered part of that) rather than pledging to examine it and try to improve.
And I like the personnel focus he is showing - everybody knows it's oline, now it's up to Angelo to figure out how to fix in a hurry. The one thing I have a problem with in what people are saying here is all we need is a left tackle and voila, a fixed line. I saw five guys failing as a unit this year - not just one side of the line. I realize we're not talking about replacing all five parts but surely it's going to take more than just one new part, no?
Also, someone discounted that a first round oline pick would take a while to move in, I think that's wrong, they generally play from the get go and in many cases have transformed lines. But with this line, I still say it's going to take a high draft pick AND a free agent who's better than some of the departing guys.
And for my money you can't throw Angelo under the bus for implying he's going to be passive about seeing what free agency brings - he really has no choice in the matter. No agent is even going to look at a Bears offer before testing the market, and no one truly knows what the market will be for someone like Berrian until they get out there. I for one fervently hope the Bears don't consider spending $8MM for one year of Berrian - that sounds like complete insanity to me.
I think Briggs is gone and Berrian is gone. I don't think they'll use a 14 for a WR, still think it's going to be Phillips or Oline OR---
Big question mark about what would they do if Woodson or Brohm were still there (I have seen some mock drafts showing Brohm lower). Maybe they'd just say fuck it, we didn't intend to do this but we just have to since he's there.
Benson will be part of a 1-2 punch next year, and the 2 will not be AP or Wolfe. I don't know if this is possible because it just seems like you rarely see trades of players in the NFL but I'd like to get a new guy in draft or FA and keep AP and trade Wolfe to a team who needs speed and maybe a kick returner - couldn't Wolfe be good at this? But Wolfe sure looks to be the odd man out.
January 4, 2008
#31 JB said . . .Maybe Rex Grossman is more concerned with resurrecting his career, and if that means playing on a dog team, then so be it. I think Grossman wants out of Chicago above everything else. And lets not fool ourselves into thinking that the 2008 Chicago Bears project as a cinch to make the playoffs and therefore are Grossman's best opportunity for winning, if indeed winning is his # 1 priority in picking who he shall play for in 2008.
It's my view that he is a goner. The rest of you disagree. So be it.
January 4, 2008
#32 jeff said . . .i'd love to see a 1-2 punch of someone and AP with benson in a different uniform...but that's just me.
phil, i agree that the line needs probably more than 1 addition. kreutz is the center and regardless of what some people have said on here, he's a very good one. i'm not sure what the ruben brown situation is, if he wants to come back or not. garza...well, i hate garza. beekman could be ready by next year. i can see bringing in a FA to fill one of those spots though...especially if brown is gone.
Again, regardless of what you say about Tait, he's a viable option on the right side...Fred Miller needs to go away and never step onto a professional football field ever again. That leaves LT as the hole. So, i think that a new LT, moving tait to RT, maybe a FA guard or promoting beekman or both with ruben's situation, i think we'll be solid once again.
January 4, 2008
#33 Bill said . . .dont worry about deviating from the post. i just want to keep the content updated and i'll ramble on about shit. your discussions are why the site exists so keep it coming...its actually more interesting than anything in the papers
January 4, 2008
#34 Rancid said . . .I must say that Mike has been right on about a lot of things - maybe he's a Bears observer and not a fan; the emotion taken out makes it easier to see reality.
He was right about all the assistants coming back; and so he may be right about Grossman being gone. We will see.
The nightmare scenario though will be him deciding that after we lose any chance of getting a replacement in FA (which is really only Anderson - probably too expansive in a trade, and McNabb - maybe not going anywhere anyway). So then we have Orton and a lower round draft choice and Griese. A downgrade in my opinion.
I can't believe Angelo would pay Berrian what a franchise tag would cost.
I hope he intends to go after a FA RB.
I'm glad we don't have a top ten draft choice. Too expensive and too uncertain.
Someone called for a PR person to be hired. I'd love to see that. I hate these press conferences that leave more questions than are answered.
January 4, 2008
#35 mikebdot said . . .Good stuff Phil and others
This is my take on the Olin situation. We need replacements at LG, and LT. I am okay with Olin (he had a down year, but he gets the benefit of the doubt for now) and Garza returning in their same positions. I am unsure concerning Ruben Brown's injury. Tait was poor but if he goes back to RT he'll be good again. That leaves a need for a LG and LT. It's my guess that we get both from FA, as Angelo did before.
I am dealing with the RT thing. It pisses me off. I really hate him, and I place a huge portion of this lost season on his inability to adjust on offense. But if I don't at least give him a small chance of redeeming himself I have to go completely negative and turn into Mike and start predicting losses to the Pack. NEVER!
I agree a new RB must come and that means one of our three must go. All 3 are not really cutable, so a trade perhaps. We would probably get to most from AP, but he should stay, he's a true Chicago Bear. The annoying thing is that much as I like Wolfe, he was probably a bad pick. He was a stretch and now we have a roster problem.
If we cannot re-sign Rex then we have a big ass problem. There are limited options at QB in FA, and no one wants to start a rookie. I don't want to start KO and I don't even want BG in a Bears uniform (but the man did give a great press conference). So I for one am really hoping Rex returns.
The tag could work on Berrian if they have the roster space for 08 but not the long run, similar to the Briggs move. If there's room in the cap for one year, why not? Even if he's not worth it, it keeps him one year and doesn't hurt us long term. With what we pay for tickets, etc... I have more things to worry about than whether the McCaskets are out 8 mill.
January 4, 2008
#36 Rancid said . . .JB: You obviously know I disagree about Kreutz's performance this year. There was at least one fumbled snap/center exchange with every quarterback this season. That leads me to believe he is most of the problem. Also, the only Chicago Bear on our offensive side of the line of scrimmage during running plays this season was Fred Miller. I find him to be an absolutely terrible run blocker (getting worse every year) and a pretty good pass blocker. Overall, I wouldn't mind keeping him as much as say, Fred Miller, but that doesn't really say much...
The rest of the Bears all had problems with false starts, Miller once again sucking a bit more.
Also, here are some other thoughts on the season: we were the 5th most penalized team in the league (# of penalties). We were just as undisciplined last season, only difference was, this year, teams were not penalized as much against us.
Our third down percentage was among the worst in the league, once again. Moving Hester to the offense didn't help anything in this regard. Olsen SHOULD have helped that, but his run blocking isn't good enough yet. He reminds me very much of Shockey, except he's not a punk bitch.
Our O-line is the number one problem, and the problem is with every single member of that unit. They were much more of a reason we could not win games than any (healthy) safety on our team and that includes Archuleta. All five of them.
And, yes, I was wrong about Archuleta. Sue me. We should cut him. He's terrible. I don't, however, think bringing him in was a mistake, bringing him in for the money we paid him was, though.
January 4, 2008
#37 Mike said . . .Bill - Don't forget Mike has also correctly predicted every Bears loss. Of course that's a given when you predict they will lose every time they suit up.
January 4, 2008
#38 jeff said . . .Possible quarterback targets ARE out there...
Derek Anderson -- he definitely wil be traded, but I doubt the Bears will pony up a 1st and a 3rd rounder for his services.
P.J. Losman -- Trent Edwards has emerged in Buffalo and Losman will be put on the block. The talent is there, but he has stumbled along ala Grossman. Probably can be had for a 2nd rounder I'm guessing.
Donovan McNabb -- Philadelphia is a soap opera mess. Maybe McNabb "demands" a trade?? I won't hold my breath, but you never know. Personal opinion is that the guy is in rapid decline phase.
Trent Green -- The Tuna might cast him aside in deference to a younger QB and/or a new addition like a Grossman.
Daunte Culpepper -- don't laugh. He could be on the radarscope of the Bears given that he is no longer needed in Oakland and will come cheap.
Joey Harrington -- again, don't laugh. Stranger things have happen.
====
I'm not advocating any of these guys. The point is that I strongly believe Grossman wants out of Chicago at all costs. And who can blame him. Do you really think Angelo will pull out the stops to retain his services having invested so much political capital, and mostly coming up snake eyes, the last five years?
Bringing in a new QB ALWAYS charges up the media and fans. Remember Rick Mirer? Remember Erik Kramer? Remember Jim Miller? The tried and true recipe of this franchise is to gain reprieve from the executioner (i.e., the fans and media) by bringing in retread QBs to buy extra time.
January 4, 2008
#39 AfroCelt said . . .Is P.J. Losman J.P. Losman's cousin? As for all those quarterbacks, none of them thrill me, especially not Anderson who has had a dramatically overrated year. Give any of the Bears quarterbacks Bray and KW and they'd have had the same year. Watch a lot of Browns games and those guys simply make brilliant catches every week.
January 4, 2008
#40 Rancid said . . .Just as an aside, I actually hope that GB clears up like Mike wants...it'd be fun to see that atmosphere up here, even if it isn't my team.
whoever wins will just be crushed by the patriots anyways.
January 4, 2008
#41 Pissed Off said . . .I hope GB sets the record for worse loss ever in a playoff game. I don't want Farve* to get injured though, we'll save that for our game next year. I can't and won't ever pull for the Pack. They represent all that is evil in the world, and #4 is their leader. Have you never talked to Midway and seen all the research he has concerning the horrible acts against humanity that Farve has committed? Even though we're out of it I will still cheer against them.
I know, Immature blah blah blah respect his talent blah blah blah love of the game blah blah blah . . . I hate 'em.
*as always, just because he can't spell his name right doesn't mean I have to.
January 4, 2008
#42 Pissed Off said . . .DTB, #28...fantastic. So true, Miami, KC and the J.E.T.S. JETS JETS JETS all have a youngn' in the wings.
Berrian can not be franchised, he better not be. Phil I also am on the "one change" O-line fix bandwagon. If we can draft Jake Long or a dominant left takle or get one in free agency (haha wont happen), move Tait to right, use Miller/Garza/Brown/Metcalf as guards and St. Clair as Backup tackle I think we got it solved. Mabye it'd be good to get one more tackle too in case of too many injuries but yeah I think that solves. They looked good toward the end of the year anyway. Also Wolfe will have to be on the team next year. He was just a rookie this year and performed well late.....they will not be getting rid of him.....cant believe you'd even think that....dont you know how the NFL works? When has a team ever given up after one year on a RB? Ever? Not to mention you cant get anything for him.
I also believe Griese will be gone somehow even with the contract. My guess is the team will re-sign Rex, keep Kyle and then draft a guy late in the draft and have him compete with BG for the 3rd spot like Leak did last year. If he beats out BG we cut him.
Mike the Bears wont get Anderson but it wont take a 1st AND a 3rd rounder to get him....trust me. I dont know who PJ Lohsman is but JP Lohsman is available....he is Rex in a different uniform with overall less skills besides height.
January 4, 2008
#43 Rancid said . . .Rancid I basically had the same post as your #40 a few days ago.
January 4, 2008
#44 Rancid said . . .This is from ESPN writer Jeffri Chadiha concerning Devin Hester:
"he's been so electric that he's already the best kick returner in the history of the league, regardless of what the statistics say. He will own all the major return records if he doesn't get hurt, and he could become a dominant offensive player if the Bears discover a better way to utilize him. Let's face it: You give this guy the football and 10 yards of open space and he probably could elude a pack of cheetahs. "
I love the last comment. I think Hester vs. a pack of cheetahs would be an awesome commercial. They kick to him and then he brings it back through a pack of cheetahs. I'd buy whatever they were selling. You watch, someone will make one now that I said that. Here's the link to the whole thing:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeffri&id=3178771
January 4, 2008
#45 Shady said . . .PO - I get that we shouldn't lose Wolfe, but then who goes? Will we just maintain the same 3 backs? IT doesn't sound like it from Angelo. Will we carry 4? That's unusual and means we're thin somewhere else. We have a bit of a dilema at RB.
January 4, 2008
#46 PolygonHell said . . .#38 was right on the money jeff.
None of those QBs are worth more than a 2nd day draft pick. None will be able solve the problems the Bears have catching, running and blocking. And Anderson might be the most overrated player next to Berrian, depending on what kind of contract he's offered. And the Brown's have no reason to trade Anderson for anything less than way too much. It would be a terrible mistake for the Bears to mortgage the draft for a relatively unproven QB who looked pretty average his last few games in '07.
January 4, 2008
#47 Packer Hater said . . .The only reason you franchise a Berrian is if you have no better alternatives and you can't shore up the position.
The Franchise tag really only lets you keep someone short term for a known investment. It's not really an indication of value in the league, just value to a particular team in the short term.
I could see it happening, if Grossman returns and if they don't see an obvious replacement in free-agency, and they don't want to spend a high (day one) draft pick on a receiver this year.
January 4, 2008
#48 Al in WI said . . .THIS IS PRICELESS!!!
January 5, 2008
#49 Al in WI said . . .Agree with Rancid #44. We have to make a move there and we've been told Lovie will never have a team without AP on it, so who goes?
Honestly Benson is too much of a cap hit, and really does deserve another look considering the run game was just as bad without him.
Wolfe may have been a 3rd rounder (too high) but you'd have to think it'll come down to him or Peterson at the end of camp.January 5, 2008
#50 WCPF said . . .By the way Mike, they wouldn't be offering Rex a 1 year deal. It would likely be a 3 yr deal in the 20 mill range with incentives.
January 5, 2008
#51 Phil from SATX said . . .Packer Hater, nice site. The part I find most interesting is the link to a dating service....I'll let you draw your own conclusions.
January 5, 2008
#52 PolygonHell said . . .There are things that happen to teams that they wish wouldn't happen but they're in a pickle and can't get out of it.
Examples:
Bears: TJ and Benson - love to keep both but neither wants to share carries, must lose one
Bears - Tank Johnson - Too many off-field issues, even if individually they are small ones, we have to cut him with one more stupid late night transaction
Browns - Picked a franchise QB and then one appeared out of nowhere - can't pay both - what do you do?
I'm sure there's many many more examples, and I'd welcome input here - teams who have to do things they'd rather not do but circumstances demand it and it winds up hurting them and helping someone else -
That's where I see the Bears at with Garrett Wolfe. They picked him to be the 3rd running back behind Ced and AP (after they failed to pick up a free agent, let's remember that, this situation was NOT their first choice this year) but these three cannot be the group going into next year. And I can't see cutting AP, he's a quintessential Bear. So I don't see where else you go besides getting rid of Wolfe. I personally would be in favor of cutting CB but they ain't doing that. (and there may be monetary reasons behind that that I don't know about).
Bottom line - you can't always do everything you want, even if the decisions you make end up benefiting others.
January 5, 2008
#53 2 Wins Against the Packers said . . .It's not all that unusual for a team to carry 4 running backs. So Idon't necessarilly think wolf is gone.
It'll depend on where else they see themselves needing depth.
January 5, 2008
#54 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .A man goes to the Chicago Bear ticket office and inquires about purchasing
play-off tickets. The ticket teller replies that there weren't any tickets
for sale because the Bears did not make it to the play-offs.
The following day the same man goes to the Chicago Bear ticket office and
inquires about purchasing Bear play-off tickets. The ticket teller politely
replies that there weren't any tickets for sale because the Bears did not
make it to the play-offs.
This goes on for an entire week. The man goes to the Bear ticket office
inquiring about play-off tickets and the teller says none are for sale
because the Bears did not make it to the play-offs.
Another week of this goes by and the man still is asking the ticket teller
about Bear play-off tickets. Finally the ticket teller in a loud voice
says, I'VE TOLD YOU FOR THE LAST 2 WEEKS THERE WERE NOT ANY TICKETS
AVAILABLE BECAUSE THE THE BEARS DID NOT MAKE THE PLAY-OFFS.
The man replied, "I know." I drive all the way from Green Bay just to hear
you say that!
January 5, 2008
#55 Max said . . .Sorry, just drinking tonight and having some fun with you guys!
No doubt that PO'd, Midway and Rancid are looking for my house, but I think at least Bill might get a slight chuckle out of this one.
Hell, you guys went to the Superbowl last year. I'm telling you...get enough of you together to pass the hat, raise the funds and buy your team from the McCaskets. As loyal as you are to your team, you don't deserve to see this kind of product on the field. Hell, year in and year out, the NFC championship (hell, the Superbowl) should just be played between our 2 teams; the only ones with real fans.
January 5, 2008
#56 DTB said . . .Ah. . . its good to be back (and to see that not a whole lot has changed.)
I am truly sorry for my absence. When I returned from the Packers game, and started reading the blog, there was just so much negativity that I took a break.
But on to business,
Re-sign Brendon.
Re-sign Rex.
Wave bye to Berrian.
Send Briggs my best when he is signed to a huge contract by the skins.
Sign Faneca.
Draft O-Line, saftey, WR, and QB . . .Thats all i got for now.
January 5, 2008
#57 Tone Capone from Jersey said . . .I just read the hashmarks blog on ESPN.com, almost vomited on my laptop. Cribbs, Josh: All-pro return man. Nuff said. But one other name jumped off the page at me as I was reading. Left tackle, Jordan Gross. Hmmm. Un-resticted FA. Hmmm. Three sacks the entire year, protecting the blind side of statue 1, Jake Delhomme, statue 2 Vinny T. and perennial league leader in sacks taken, David Carr. Sign this guy, give him a similar contract that Tait got (including inflation of course) and lock him in for 5 years. Let B2 go, take the money and pencil him in on the left side. Gross protecting Grossmans blindside, that would be SICK.
January 5, 2008
#58 Packer Hater said . . .2008 Opponents
Home....
JAGUARS...SAINTS....EAGLES....BUCS
TITANSAWAY....
FALCONS...PANTHERS....TEXANS....COLTS....RAMS
and of course NFC NORTH RIVALS 2 X'S
PACKERS....LIONS....VIKINGS
January 5, 2008
#59 jeff (gloating) said . . .January 5, 2008
#60 Rancid said . . .how about that first game prediction?
January 6, 2008
So I'm watching MJDrew return a kickoff the the 1 yard line and all I am thinking is "dang, this is the slowest return I have ever seen" I think it's just because I've watched all of Hester's returns so many times that I'm not used to watching people who aren't faster than a pack of cheetahs.
January 6, 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.