Okay, all. I'm going to leave this post up for the next 24 to 48 hours and just let everybody talk in the comments as free agency gets underway. I'll update as the Bears become involved in the process or in regards to any move that effects the Bears.
7:28 pm - Lorenzo Neal and Marlon McCree were cut by San Diego which might make three members of that team Bears targets. Neal is a big clubhouse guy and arguably the best fullback in the game. If the Bears are interested in Turner, why not make it a combo?
Bears also are looking to trade Brian Griese. No one wants him. Shock.
12:46 pm - The NFL has lost its mind. The Raiders paid a no-name in Tommy Kelly the largest contract in defensive tackle history. The Jets are giving up the second day of their draft for Kris Jenkins and guaranteeing him 20 MILLION to boot! The Vikings paid Madieu Williams like he's not Madieu Williams and are looking to do the same to Bernard Berrian.
Right now I disagree whole-heartedly with Jay Mariotti. Stay sober. Making deals like these in the spur of the moment is what lands teams in salary cap hell. We have needs but we need to be smart about filling them and dropping huge contracts on mediocre talent - and that is what is available out there - is not the way to make your football team better.
Still keeping my eyes on the Michael Turner and Julius Jones situations.
4:04 pm - ESPN is reporting that Shaun Rogers has been traded to the Bengals, thus taking one of the best defenders in our division elsewhere.
Also a note reported by some of you guys in the comments and by the Sun-Times: the Briggs well is apparently dry. I'm not sure what to make of the situation. Does this mean the rest of the league doesn't believe he's worth the money he's asking? (He's not) I'll repeat my new mantra on this: every day that Briggs isn't signed by another team is a day closer he is to re-joining the Chicago Bears.
And let me add a note aboutt Bernard Berrian. If he goes to Minnesota, we're looking at a huge free agent bust. Berrian thrives on out-running defenders for deep balls and TJax ain't getting that job done. What Berrian hasn't realized yet is the quarterback instability he so despises in Chicago is what's put him on the verge of stardom: Rex Grossman can hit him on big throws and take the blame for all his drops.
6:55 pm - Bears have scheduled a visit for Bryant Johnson for early next week. I know I'm going to catch hell for this but I'm going to say it anyway: the Bears should make an offer to Randy Moss right now. They should throw a fortune at him. Can you imagine a defense having to prepare for Randy on one side and Devin on the other? Nobody...nobody...nobody...has the corners for that.
Going out for the night, ladies and gents. If anything happens, I'll find it in my morning sobriety.
#2 jeff said . . .NFLN indicated the Bears will turn to Chris Brown if they can't land Turner. Interesting but the focus still has to be on Berrian and Briggs.
February 29, 2008
#3 jeff said . . .if the bears land turner, it makes the first round of the draft clearly about the offensive line.
February 29, 2008
#4 Da Coach said . . .and isnt having chris brown and cedric benson like having cedric benson and cedric benson
February 29, 2008
#5 jeff said . . .Please do not sign Chris Brown that would be a complete waste of money! There are plenty of good rb's coming out of college we could land in the 2nd or 3rd round over Brown.
Berrian rumors keep having him wanting to play in SF good luck with that BB.
February 29, 2008
#6 serious. said . . .so bernard wants to go somewhere with quarterback stability and he's going to the only place with less qb stability than chicago. it's called money, kids.
February 29, 2008
#7 Serious. said . . .I sort of hate Lorenzo Neal after that horse collar he pulled on mike brown (incedently the play where he tore up his knee). BUT he would be a nice upgrade at FB. Didnt he have some sort of career threatning injury at the end of last season?
February 29, 2008
#8 Rancid said . . .Also... B-twice is pissing me off. Greedy fucker. whats wrong with the 25 million, 5 year, with 8 million signing bonus the bears offered him?? Who want to play in SF or Oak??
his D-bag factor is rising by the hour.
February 29, 2008
#9 HURRICANE DITKA said . . .I hold a grudge. There is a dark corner in my soul reserved for Lorenzo Neal, a place where the ugly evil thoughts take place. I would not like seeing him in burnt/navy. RT, #4, and several others reside there. I know my thinking makes little sense, and it was part of the game, but like I said, I hold a grudge.
February 29, 2008
#10 jeff said . . .The bills are gonna get Lance Briggs within the next 24hrs and B2 will be heading to Oakland to help out Russel to something of the tune of 4 years 25 million with a 10 million signing bonus. We will land Michael Turner and draft either Clady or Otah with the first round pick. We will take a risk with a 2nd round QB, either Woodson or Flaco, and then get another O lineman in the 3rd, 4th, or 5th. We will still be stuck with the tamed bear combo of grosswoman and abORTiON. Our RB and O line will significantly improve while our WRs and Secondary will fall apart. Mark my word, we will be 7-9, 8-8, or 9-7 next year.
February 29, 2008
#11 Polygonhell said . . .hurricane, the abortion bit is the definition of a "reach"
February 29, 2008
#12 jeff said . . .I'm going out on a limb and saying we won't jump early in free agency. We might make a play for Turner, but I think he'll get too expensive really fast.
The Briggs question will be answered very quickly, but Berrian mught be more of a story.
If we miss out on Flacco which I think we will (I think he'll go early 2nd), I don't think we'll take a QB until 3 or 4.
February 29, 2008
#13 Angry McBears Fan said . . .jerry angelo is usually quick with his moved. thomas jones and johnny tait were done pretty quick.
February 29, 2008
#14 Shady said . . ."The Vikings will meet with free agent Bernard Berrian on Friday.
And the first fantasy-related pawn moves. Berrian is the Vikings' top target, and they'll try to not miss out on this one after losing Kevin Curtis in 2007. It's early, but the Vikes and Titans are the heavy frontrunners to land Berrian."http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playernews.aspx?sport=NFL
This move would piss Shady off. Big time.
February 29, 2008
#15 Serious. said . . .Vilma is off the board, sorry jeff.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=365184
February 29, 2008
#16 Mike said . . .Fonzelle Adams resigned in Dallas. I hate jerry jones.
By monday this team is going to be without their best reciever and potentially one of the best LB's in the game.
Dangit.
Thats ok, maybe rexy can throw to... uh... Hackett for 3 or 4 games before he gets hurt. At least mike brown will have someone to hang with. I'm getting frustrated. we have 30 fucking million in cap space. Pony up angelo.
February 29, 2008
#17 Mike said . . .Jerry Angelo is holding his cards close to the vest. It will be interesting to see if the Bears get help in free agency. Unfortunately, the crop of talent is an inch deep and a mile long.
February 29, 2008
#18 John Clayton...2:00 AM update said . . .Chris Brown sucks. Please don't let him be the target. I will puke in my shoes at the sight of Cedric BUST-on and Brown on the same team.
February 29, 2008
#19 Max said . . .http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3270118
February 29, 2008
#20 Matt said . . .Man, so far no word on bears activity in the free agent dealings. . . god this is maddening
February 29, 2008
#21 Phil from SATX said . . .Laurence Holmes just said that the Bears are on Julius Jones list of teams he'd like to play for......
Great.
February 29, 2008
#22 JB said . . .I don't know how people feel about Julius Jones - I'm not too big of a fan - Marion Barber, though, that's another story.
So it's official - Derek Anderson is available. Don't get thrown by the restricted free agent tag and the 1st and 3rd round picks it would cost - Browns would in actuality negotiate with the team who wants him for a fair deal. Last year Matt Schaub was in the same position and they negotiated two 2nd round picks for him. Not sure how that's working out.
Personally, I think Anderson is the case of a little success early in his career, and I wouldn't want the Bears mortgaging the draft to get him. Others may disagree.
Think we'll hear anything today? It does sound like the Bears are poised to enter the Michael Turner sweepstakes - how would everyone feel if you heard today we got him? I just don't watch enough other teams to know how good he is. Same with Anderson.
Weigh in folks!
February 29, 2008
#23 Phil from SATX said . . .who the hell is fonzelle adams Serious?
I'm honestly pretty excited to see what unfolds here, now that FA has officially started. The next few weeks should prove interesting.
Phil, I really don't see us landing Turner to be honest. But if we do, I'd be comfortable with it. Anyone but Benson. If we don't, can we think about drafting one of those stud RB coming out. This is a draft class deep at OT and RB...two things we need. Let's keep that in mind. I look for us to sign a guard soon not named faneca.
February 29, 2008
#24 jeff said . . .BTW, did anyone hear the clips of Moose talking after he did his deal with Carolina? He basically said, they didn't get me the ball, I don't like to say bad things about my teammates so this is hard, but... We had a problem with the people getting the ball to our "playmakers" -
Seriously, he said that shit. Not like you're surprised.
Sorry to have to say this Moose, but
GOOD RIDDANCE
Although you always gave effort on the field and were a great WR blocker, you are a SHITTY TEAMMATE.
Good luck, Carolina. Watch your back, Del Homey.
February 29, 2008
#25 JAB said . . .moose cant catch.
February 29, 2008
#26 jdawg said . . .Personally I don't think Turner will be worth the money. I would rather draft a RB in rd 2 and concentrate on OL, WR and Safety in FA. The Bears at least need 2 offensive lineman in FA and it's time to move. It sucks because the WR corp is so weak this year except for Moss and I really hate to give greedy Berrian a huge contract for being a mediocre receiver. I guess we'll see.
February 29, 2008
#27 Bill said . . .I've mentioned this before, but on another board, right after the Moose signing a Panther fan spelled it out all to clearly. He like Moose but said he'd make the acrobatic catch and drop half of the balls that hit him in the hands or chest.
Makes me wonder about the Steelers fan who said Faneca is a mauler in the run game but a turn-style in pass protection.
February 29, 2008
#28 DTB said . . .From CNN-SI this morning -
Top Five Riskiest Free Agents:
1. Asante Samuel, CB, Patriots
2. Bernard Berrian, WR, Bears - Berrian is not cut out to be a No. 1 receiver. He's a great burner, but his dropped passes are a major problem. Berrian would actually fit best with a team like Chicago, where he can occasionally catch a bomb from a strong-armed quarterback like Rex Grossman, but won't be relied on in the intermediate game -- since the Bears don't have one.
3. Alan Faneca, G, Steelers
4. Donte' Stallworth, WR, Pat
5. Michael Turner, RB, Chargers
Link:
http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/158788?bcnn=yesFebruary 29, 2008
#29 Duff Diggler said . . .Demarrio Williams, scheduled visit to Chicago.
February 29, 2008
#30 Phil from SATX said . . .BERNARD BERRIAN IS TALKING TO THE VIKINGS AS I TYPE THIS!!!!!
...even I would rather have the sex cannon throw me the ball over tevarus (sp?) jackson!!!! WTF?!?!
February 29, 2008
#31 Al in WI said . . .Sgt, we already know
BERNARD BERRIAN IS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY.
He could give a crap if it was Hornswoggle throwing the ball. He'll run his routes, catch the pass (if it hits him perfectly in stride and another defender isn't within 5 yards from him) ---or NOT. Who gives a crap? He's rich. He and Benson should be teammates - they could share stock tips and give each other rides in their Ferraris and laugh about how easy the NFL life is for the overrated and underperforming.
Who is Demarrio Williams? Is this a good thing?
February 29, 2008
#32 Bill said . . .Berrian to the Vikings is a nightmare situation. It addresses their biggest weakness and makes the Bears the worst WR group in the entire league by a mile. But hey it would save the McCaskey's some money and apparently that is important to some.
February 29, 2008
#33 Phil from SATX said . . .B2 to the Vikings!! Can this day get any better! I CAN'T WAIT for Peanut and Vasher to expose that selfish fraud twice every year. Bring on the 2008 season - got to see when the Bears play the Vikings at home - that is one of my MUST games to go to.
February 29, 2008
#34 JAB said . . .Al, don't freak out on us now. You think that Vasher and Tillman can't cover Bernard "it's totally unfair if you expect me to catch this ball when some other guy's going to fight me for it" Berrian?
Pul-eaaease.
February 29, 2008
#35 DTB said . . .Now I'm hearing rumors about BB possibly getting the second biggest contract in the NFL. What the hell is going on? Am I crazy or does anyone else think paying BB more than any other receiver in the league is ridiculous. I know the Bears are cheap but I would never pay Berrian that kind of money. Let him go.
February 29, 2008
#36 Phil from SATX said . . .PHIL check it...
Demorrio Williams gained valuable starting experience this year due to the injury to middle linebacker Ed Hartwell in 2007. He is a versatile outside linebacker who can contribute in both regular and sub defensive packages. He is a core special teams player. He is a good athlete with competitive play speed, quickness and agility. He plays with a real good motor and can be relentless until the whistle. Against the run, he is a productive player due to his athleticism rather than his instincts. He has above-average read and react skills, but can be inconsistent when reacting to blocking patterns. Gets cut off and/or reached on the edge too often and offenses have been able to break some big perimeter runs to his side. He is more of an edge player that struggles in his stack and shed ability. He has active hands and explosiveness to shock and shed. He is very effective from the backside, has speed and agility to play sideline to sideline. He is an effective tackler in space. Against the pass, he is quick and fluid in his zone drops. Has speed to carry seam and has the reactive ability to stay in position in man-to-man coverage. Williams possesses the suddenness to break on the ball in the short zone and has shown good awareness and ball skills. Overall, Williams is a young developing linebacker who has value as a frontline starter for some NFL teams that use a 4-3 defensive system.
February 29, 2008
#37 JAB said . . .That was very interesting, thanks DTB, I guess I was wrong in a previous post about the Bears relying on their own to replace Briggs. I don't know why you'd waste time talking to a linebacker if he wasn't on your list of needs.
Very interesting. BTW, why aren't we hearing about O linemen and RBs and WRs and safeties coming to visit?
February 29, 2008
#38 Al in WI said . . .Sounds like they're preparing to lose Ayenbadejo as well. At least that's what it looks like with the possibility of bringing in Williams (core special team player).
February 29, 2008
#39 Al in WI said . . .Yes, I'm sure the vikings are losing a lot of sleep wondering how they will cover Mark "I injured myself crossing the street" Bradley.
February 29, 2008
#40 Duff Diggler said . . .John Gilmore has just signed with the Bucs.
February 29, 2008
#41 DTB said . . .are we goin' for the #1 draft pick next year, or what?
February 29, 2008
#42 Duff Diggler said . . .Faneca is only 31 and has gone to 7 straight Pro-Bowls. I understand the money he will command but look at what Hutchinson did for Chester Taylor 2 years ago, look at what Steinbach did for Jamal Lewis. Now I am thinking that this should be THE target, period. Things are very quiet right now, I'm thinking that we are just kind of sniffing around to see what kind of contractural demands are out there. I was a lerge proponent of signing a lesser LG but the more I think of it, this just makes sense. Line him up next to the draft pick to help him along as well boost the shit out of running game. Does anyone remember how hard Benson ran when he actually had blocking?
February 29, 2008
#43 Bill said . . .Gilmore is expected to sign with the Bucs today..... who cares.... Olsen/Clark!!!
February 29, 2008
#44 DTB said . . .Al in WI - yeah, our receivers are very bad; no doubt. But do you think Berrian is worth anything even close to what he'll get from some team? And if we DID sign him, do you really consider him a game-breaker? A difference maker? No way, in my opinion at least.
February 29, 2008
#45 Shady said . . .Hester had 20 for 300 yds and 2 TD's in VERY limited duty. What were B2 numbers? 71/ 950 / 5 in 16 full games. Now I know projections are bullshit but for what we ask out of that role I think that Devin can definitely step up and come close to those numbers. And to hear it come from Devin's mouth, he is ready to compete with anyone to start next year and inevitably produce solid numbers. Agree?
February 29, 2008
#46 Phil from SATX said . . .The Bears and Brian Urlacher are discussing a restructuring of his contract.
Urlacher signed a nine-year deal in 2003, but will make just $3.95 million this season, as salary inflation has far exceeded the increments in his agreement. The timing is bad for Urlacher, though, as he suffered with a sore back for much of last season, and still won't be able to run for two more weeks after undergoing neck surgery.
Source: Chicago TribuneFebruary 29, 2008
#47 Bill said . . .I understand the need to redo Urlacher and Tommie. Is the point that they have to do this before they know what kind of money they have to spend? Otherwise, couldn't this be put on hold for a little so you can spend your time chasing the free agents you need? I mean, I love that we're rewarding our own, etc., but don't we have a little more pressing business to attend to? Maybe they can do both, but it seems kind of weird.
February 29, 2008
#48 said . . .Mariotti is an idiot, but apparently he sells papers (or he gets people to the web site. I stopped reading him because of his apparent vendennta against Grossman for one comment he made in a lapse of judgement at the biggest media spectacle a player can ever face. Small only begins to describe JM.
But I clikced this time and read his idiocy - not written for a fan of course but for the people that pretend to kno wthe Bears. The ones that will say they are cheap (that's been innacurate for years and yet the perception is there still) and the ones that would say they were dumb if they signed a free agent bust (like B2 will be). The ones that have no stake in what they are saying - just that if the Bears don't compete every year, then they are cheap AND dumb (and not that they are like the other 20 some teams that truly comepte only once every several years.
Overspending is overspending - how can that be good? He seems to make Angelo's arguement for him - by essentially saying Angelo ought to overspend.
I agree he should really try to keep Briggs if that's still possible. I make a "reasonable" offer to Turner to see if there is interest. But I';m even beginning to sour on Faneca - every 7 time Pro-Bowler is subject to getting there on rep after a while and not performance. But what woudl Mariotti know about evaluating linemen? He just knows how to keep the average uninformed fan (who likes to complain) keep coming back to read his next piece of crap.
February 29, 2008
#49 JAB said . . .Maybe Urlacher is more concerned with how much he makes next year rather than trying to get back to a Super Bowl.
February 29, 2008
#50 Rancid said . . .I also read Mariotti's column. What a douche. The Bears don't have to sign any big name players or overpay Berrian. for the money Berrian is going to get the Bears could get Stallworth and Jerry Porter. I know these are not the best names out there but is Berrian worth it. Not to me. I would be content with setting up the team with a greater amount of talented players over going after the big names and only getting one or two free agents. Play it smart and stock up.
February 29, 2008
#51 Al in WI said . . .Porter signed with Jax
February 29, 2008
#52 JAB said . . .Shady, I view that news about Urlacher as a sure sign the Bears will make another serious run at Lance Briggs. Briggs can't get more money then Urlacher so they'll raise Brian's salary and then give Briggs his money. At least that is how I view that one.
Bill, the thing you have to keep in mind with Berrian's stats is that the last 3 games with Orton he hardly got any passes thrown his way, at least in a catchable manner. If Rex or even Griese had finished out the year he would have ended up with 80-90 catches around 1,100-1,200 yards and a couple more td's. And doing that on a team with view other viable weapons around him, at least at reciever. His stats improved every season he's been here, and are likely too again.
We're in this situation because dipshit Jerry didn't wrap him up with a long term modest deal at this time last year when he didn't have Drew R as his agent and we controlled his rights.
As I've said before, it's a free market boys and girls, you are worth what someone is willing to pay you. Just because he hasn't yet lived up to Chad Johnson's productivity is irrelevent. You don't have the option of paying Chad or TO instead of paying Berrian. Your alternative to paying Berrian is signing someone else's cast off, drafting another guy and waiting for him to delevope or going with your unproven injury prone options on the roster.
Match the Queen's offer!February 29, 2008
#53 Rancid said . . .Well hopefully there are some guys left by the time the Bears decide to buy.
February 29, 2008
#54 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .If every player is worth what someone is willing to pay them, doesn't that mean that Arch Deluxe was worth what we paid him last season. Don't be deceived folks, you CAN overpay and the great teams don't. What BB is asking for is overpaying, and it is most likely someone (not us) will regret it.
February 29, 2008
#55 JAB said . . .The Bears are right on schedule when it comes to FA.
put some lukewarm feeler out there to FA,maybe offer a FA a visit on his own dime.
then claim the market is crazy,but ticket prices are going up next season.
an if the only report that can be found that the Bears are looking for is a "special teamer"
WOW
February 29, 2008
#56 Phil from SATX said . . .Good point Rancid. I agree completely. As much as I dislike the Patriots, look at what they have done. They let the players who were chasing money leave and the ones who wanted to stay and win with the TEAM signed lesser deals that they would have received elsewhere.
February 29, 2008
#57 jeff said . . .Re: Bill's comment about perennial Pro Bowlers: Especially linemen. You had to be one of the very limited percentage of fans who played the game to be able to really evaluate an offensive lineman well - at least on the upside.
When they are sucking it's pretty easy to see (see Miller, F.) but hard for Joe Fan to tell who's the best, and Joe Fan is who has to vote for them. So the fact that Faneca has 7 in a row probably means he earned the early ones, but once his name became a fixture, could just as easily been inertia keeping him there.
I was surprised that Kreutz didn't get there this past year again - not, of course, because he did anything to deserve it - but I fully expected him to get it again based on name recognition. Which would have fully and finally proven the fraud of the Pro Bowl. Centers and guards have to be the hardest for the regular fan to evaluate. Probably the reason he didn't get on there was because there was a little bit of national discussion of the botched snaps to multiple quarterbacks, plus if anyone saw him butchering any of the shotgun snaps he had to attempt to master this year, every one of those provided immediate cause to scratch his name off the list.
Sure hope Olin's practicing his shotgun snapping right now - he's going to be called on to do a bunch more of it next year.
Faneca is far from the only answer. That said, I would really like to hear who they're going after right now.
February 29, 2008
#58 Shady said . . .just had a realization on the toilet. you know who i'd like the bears to sign the most: lance briggs, brandon ayanbadejo...etc.
February 29, 2008
#59 startOlsen the animal said . . .Alan Faneca isn't making any free agent visits until he's ready to sign a contract. The Jets have offered four years for $32 million with about $20 in guarantees.
The Rams and 49ers are also reportedly making offers. Faneca's agent will present the deals to his client Saturday, and a decision will come by Sunday at the latest.
Source: NewsdayGuess the Bears aren't interested in the guy.
February 29, 2008
#60 Phil from SATX said . . .GO GET BURNER TURNER.
PERIOD.
END OF STORY.
GET IT DONE.February 29, 2008
#61 Mike said . . .Al, the Bears tried to extend Berrian in the summer, offering $8MM guaranteed. He said no. Guess why? He thinks he's a top 5 receiver. And you're trying to fluff up Berrian's stats last year - I'd turn that around and say that he was pretty much the only one I remember anyone throwing to last year aside from the tight ends. He got more than enough chance to succeed, what with rotting Moosemeat long past his expiration date and stinking up the place, and RT deciding to give Devin Hester 12 touches in 12 games.
I sure wouldn't fall on my sword over Berrian. They'll be spending their money on somebody, I agree with all here who say that it's NEVER smart for a franchise to grossly overspend on a player - and that's what it would take to land Berrian. Like Duff said, if he's going to Minny, good luck - he'll have Tarvarious Jackson throwing the ball to him. If you're going to overspend on somebody, give it to BU, Lance, Tommie, the other Adrian Peterson, Steve Smith - bonafide superstars. And even then you can still go too far.
February 29, 2008
#62 said . . .It looks like the Bears will go after some of the mid-grade offensive lineman and special teams help. It doesn't look like they are in the bidding for Alan Faneca or Michael Turner.
It's official ladies and gentlemen. The Bears are rebuilding. The draft will be used to find an offensive tackle and wide receiver help.
February 29, 2008
#63 ESPN said . . .I agree strongly with Bill post #32- I always like our corners when healthy. They would eat Berrian for breakfast.
Thought #2: Flozell Adams sucks, guys. We are lucky he is off the market. He is a big, slow stiff.
#3- DTB post 44 is a missed point very often. We need to see Hester in full time duty. He started to show what he could do later in the season last year. Play the man.February 29, 2008
#64 jeff said . . .says Michael Turner is being very heavily courted by Atlanta. That Alan Faneca will probably end up with the NY Jets. And that Bernard Berrian will be a Minnesota Viking by Saturday.
February 29, 2008
#65 Mike said . . .mike, if you think the bears are not re-building by over-spending in this market, you're nuts. the giants won the super bowl last year with "rebuilding" running backs, a "rebuilding" tight end, some "rebuilding" offensive linemen, a "rebuilding" starting cornerback and young defensive linemen. FORGET THE IDEA of veterans coming in and making this football team great. who did it in 2001? who did it in 2006?
February 29, 2008
#66 Phil from SATX said . . .Jeff, I'm sick and tired of the comparisons to the NY Giants. Good grief. That have an outstanding young franchise QB, a deep wide receiver corps, a solid 1-2 punch at running back and an effective offensive line.
Awfully presumptous and arrogant on your part to say the Bears will be fine in 2008. Right now we have the worst wide receiver situation in football to go along with one of the worst running back and quarterback situations. Oh, and the offensive line has gaping holes.
February 29, 2008
#67 JAB said . . .Hey Pot (who calls the kettle black) - Eli Manning ain't all that. I disagree that we have one of the worst QB situations. You'd rather have Tarvaris Jackson? Did you not understand that two WR's will be added? That another RB will be added? That two Olinemen will be added?
Jeff's point was well taken and made - there were a bunch of rooks and young players on that Giants team that took down no less than Tom Brady and the Patriot Act. Now if you wanted to say "yeah, but they have great coaching too" then I might not have much of a comeback for that.
The Bears WILL be back in 2008 with a playoff-bound roster! BOOK IT!
February 29, 2008
#68 Gin said . . .The only way the Bears aren't better this next season is if they do absolutely nothing this off-season and we all know that's not going to happen. I'm tired of all the people who think just because you don't sign big name that you can't compete. It's called a team sport for a reason. I agree with Phil that the Bears will bring in WR's, draft a RB and bring in at least three OL via FA and draft. The defense will be healthy and play much better next year. Things are not as dire as everybody thinks.
February 29, 2008
#69 JAB said . . .Can the Giant comparisons please stop?
How do we compare to them?
Did you know that Eli threw one pic in the playoffs? Rex will never do that. Eli DOMINATES rex.
The giants have a great 1-2 punch at rb. The bears used to have that. Now they got the biggest joke of a rb in the league.
The giants have playmakers at wr. We have a kick returner as our only playmaker.
I'm not even going to start with the coaching.
Please stop comparing these teams...
And yes, we have the worst qb situation in the league. Phil from SATX. Please inform me who our other wr's, rb and oline will be...February 29, 2008
#70 Phil from SATX said . . .We'll either get OG Jacob Bell or Maurice Williams and draft a LT and possibly another OG. Rb is so deep in the draft it will be easy to pick one up that could produce the first year and there are a few receivers still to be had.
February 29, 2008
#71 jeff said . . .This looks kind of good (and btw good theory on the signing of BU as it regards Briggs, Al)
From the Inside the Bears Brad Biggs blog today:
It’s not certain what kind of market is shaping up for linebacker Lance Briggs. However, it appears that two teams who have long been rumored to be suitors for the three-time Pro Bowler are not going to be in the game. San Francisco and Washington, franchises that both tried to trade for him recently, are not believed to be interested. [note- this is confirmed for SF by their signing of some other guy today] If the market stays quiet, it’s only going to enhance the Bears’ chances of bringing him back at a number closer to their liking.
I will be very happy if I learn Briggs is going to stay. If that happens, we're only one healthy Mike Brown or new impact safety away from
TOTAL DOMINANCE ON D NEXT YEAR
(I hope that was arrogant and presumptuous enough for you Mike!)
February 29, 2008
#72 Phil from SATX said . . .gin, you're clueless. giant fans WANTED ELI BENCHED FORR JARED LORENZEN six weeks before the playoffs started. a great one-two punch at running back? kids...one of them WASN'T ON THE ROSTER WHEN THE SEASON STARTED. they have terrific receivers, no question about it. but people like you have started to fantasize about what the new york giants were this season. they peaked at the right part of the season. you know who else did? THE BEARS! they didn't just win more than they lost through the first fourteen games.
February 29, 2008
#73 JB said . . .Gin, see JAB's post directly above yours for an answer to your question. I can't give you the names right now because I am not psychic - only Mike is (but rumor has it his antennae need their batteries changed). What I do know is that there will be new bodies in those vacant positions, and I have it on good faith that I will like the new bodies better than the old bodies. So what's not to like?
February 29, 2008
#74 jeff said . . .Mike,
Did you miss the seminar in Chicago fandom as a child? Regardless of the situation, you're supposed to always believe that we have a chance next year...
What is your problem that you never allow any room for hope or giving someone the benefit of the doubt? I can't think of a lot of teams that win because they go out and buy all the top FA...this is NOT baseball. Look at the redskins...it's taken them years to clear some of that junk off their roster.
I may be in the minority here, but if (and I understand it's an if) we're healthy on defense next year, tommie, brian, mike brown, vasher, tillman...i don't think there is anyone that can touch us. And you know what, i'll take the immovable object defense combined with the best field position giving special teams. Our offense can't be much worse next year...we'll have a new RB from somewhere, and yes, DH will take another step into a starting WR...and I for one like that idea.
February 29, 2008
#75 Bill said . . .lance briggs' name hasn't even been mentioned yet. i thought the pats would be involved heavily. what a good addition to an aging linebacker corps. every day that goes by without him being mentioned is a day closer he is to coming back.
February 29, 2008
#76 Gin said . . .Loved the post that said FA are NOT worth what they paid - using Arch Deluxe as an example. You certainly CAN overpay; and teams should NOT, and I'm glad the Bear's aren't going to get another Arch Deluxe. Point proven, in my mind.
Regarding Faneca - I know I can't tell a good lineman from a bad one, but I guess Mariotti thinks he can. That was my only point. There are people saying he might be on the way down. And then again maybe not. While I'm not impressed with Angelo's track record (see Deluxe, Arch) I WILL say I respect his opinion over JM.
And folks - the Bears ARE rebuilding. They are certainly NOT retooling for a run at the Super Bowl in 08. Nothing wrong with it either (except the ticket prices going up). Better that then overpaying ending up in cap hell, failing to make it anyway, and then further delaying the rebuilding.
Our best shot was 06. That window is closed. A new one can open, but not until after the 09 FA and draft.
February 29, 2008
#77 Phil from SATX said . . .jeff- the bears peaked at the right part of the season? That's what you call a 2 game winning streak when you're already eliminated? In freezing cold weather against GB and NO when they were basically done. I guess that's peaking after coming off a 3 game losing streak.
Don't get me wrong, I still think this team will win it all next year. But it's going to be 100% because of the defense/special teams.
The offense is not pretty and it's mostly angelo to blame. And there isn't much hope either to be honest...
But I'm glad they're not overpaying for overrated players like BBFebruary 29, 2008
#78 Rancid said . . .Bill, I've liked everything you've said since returning to the blog a few days ago EXCEPT your last few paragraphs. I know you're trying to be realistic, which is fine, but hear me out.
First, can we all agree that the Bears are not rebuilding on 2/3 of the 3 units, D and Special Teams? No stretch to get agreement there, right? I could already stop here and say if we're not rebuilding on 2 of the 3 phases, WE'RE NOT IN REBUILDING MODE.
Now it's pretty clear that we are in rebuilding mode on O. 2/5 of a line, new RB, two new WR's. Yes, qualifies as rebuilding. BUT... it's less rebuilding than those teams going with a new QB and/or a new head coach/offensive coordinator. We have continuity on O in coaching (wish we didn't, but it will actually help for next year), QB, 3/5 of the line, both tight ends who are disproportionately important to our offense, a Benson who will perform much better now that he has some new competition, and a frequently used DH and more used Mark Bradley. Incorporating the 4-5 new guys is not going to be that hard. Like JB said, there's no way we're going to be worse than last year on O, and starting every series on the 40 (or better yet, putting on your helmets, standing up, and then cheering and sitting back down again, helmets off, as The Incomparable Devin Hester takes another one to the house) - it won't be difficult to improve.
THAT'S why no one should be expecting anything less than a serious playoff run next year.
February 29, 2008
#79 jeff said . . .Mike - don't read this post. I will compare us to the Giants.
Is there really only 2 choices?
1. Serious chance to win Superbowl
2. Rebuilding. 3-13I don't think so. What happened to making the choices to be the best football team you can. No one picked the Giants to win the SB last year. They had just lost Tiki. Were they rebuilding? No. They were still going to be good. Yeah, decent, and have a shot at making the playoffs. What happened is exactly what jeff said. They were a good team who peaked at the right time. Lets get out of the Superbowl vs. rebuilding rhetoric and look at moves to see if they are going to make us a better team. So far I like what JA has done. I'm not planning on da Bears winning the SB next year or going 3-13. I AM planning on the Bears being better than they were this year. You can be somewhere in the middle and that's where most teams are and that's where we are.
February 29, 2008
#80 Bill said . . .gin, again you're out in left field. green bay was still playing for home field advantage and new orleans needed a win to be alive for a playoff spot, which at the time they were. and if you don't think the bears played their best football - and healthiest football - the last two weeks of the season, you didn't watch them play in 2007. as for the rest of it, you're right. the bears don't look great right now...but there's a lot of time till the season starts and i don't believe the bears are more than a couple players away from winning the nfc north again. after that, a crap shoot.
February 29, 2008
#81 start Olsen said . . .Phil - I see your point, but I guess I don't count special teams as a full thord of the team. It's 25% at best (grnated - Hester makes ST more important for the Bears than most teams, but still it's not a third in my mind.
Second - Offense is in such an unstable point that it makes it difficult to not base my point there alone. The biggest reason is the old "if you have two starters you really don't even have one" at QB. Basically every skill position except TE is a question mark or clear hole.
And so the defense - still clearly a strength but even then, some legitimate questions or uncertainty. IF Tommie can play like he has before (likely) and IF Brown stays healthy (not likely, but I'm hopeful) and IF Anderson can do his magic off the bench and IF Brian is OK and IF Briggs signs or his replacement (why can't I ever reemember his name?) is above average.
And even if all that comes true - is it enough? And if it's not enough, will it all still be there if / when the offense gets settled?
I think we're rebuilding - but as always when I go negative on the Bears, I will be very happy to admit being wrong if I am.
February 29, 2008
#82 jeff said . . .Eli dominates Rex? PLEASE. Eli had a hot streak. If Rex got hot late last year, instead of early, we'd all be worshiping him instead.
Eli and Rex are still the same guy- one just got hot at the right time.February 29, 2008
#83 Gin said . . .as a matter of a fact, olsen, eli has never played as well as rex did at the top of 2006. eli didnt play great this postseason. he played effectively. rex has to learn that. let's not forget that eli has now completed three and a half complete seasons as a quarterback. rex has started a total of two over five years.
February 29, 2008
#84 Matt said . . .So you're saying you'd rather have Rex over Eli?
Yes, rex has potential. But he LOSES games. Something Eli doesn't do that. Rex has to learn this. And I'm sorry, my patience is wearing thin. And most of chicago has already given up.
I like rex and wish him the best, but maybe it's just not meant to be.
I'd love for rex to prove me wrong and I'll be cheering for him on opening day and every snap he takes. But sometimes you gotta realize that just because he's a Bear, that doesn't make him good, no matter what your heart says.
Super bowl super bearsFebruary 29, 2008
#85 Matt said . . .So let me get this straight.....Urlacher signed a 9 year deal with 13 million upfront and now is pissed that everyone else is getting their paydays, so he expects the Bears rework his paycheck to make up for a contract he shouldn't have signed in the first place.....and he has an arthritic back and had "minor" neck surgery? Along with being on the downside of his career?
Moral of the story?: DON'T SIGN A 9 YEAR CONTRACT!!!!
How about a first and second round pick for Urlacher?
February 29, 2008
#86 AfroCelt said . . .Faneca signed with the Jets and Berrian is on his way to Oakland to meet with Captain Plastic Pants......
I have a feeling that Briggs is going to re-sign...
February 29, 2008
#87 AfroCelt said . . .Mike- Did I read that right? Trade the face of the organization?
Alright. That's the line right there. Fans are supposed to root for a team. You can use logic and rip on your team some, but TO TRADE YOUR BEST PLAYER for garbage is utterly heinous.
Others have called out your support (see that word? its a positive one, something I haven't seen out of you in a while) of the Bears and have said that you are not a true fan. I was on the fence before....but when you make mention of trading the best thing the Bears have had in the last 10 years for GARBAGE, I just can't take it any more. You are not a Chicago Bears fan. You do not support the team, fandom, or the ideas behind the organization. Read this and dwell on it, for it's your only saving grace:
fan
noun
1. One who ardently admires: admirer, devotee, enthusiast, fancier, lover. See like/dislike, love/hatred, praise/blame.
Origin: Fanatic
February 29, 2008
#88 Matt said . . .change Mike to Matt, I wrote the wrong name but I was thinking of the right person.
February 29, 2008
#89 Serious. said . . .AfroCelt, I think you may have me mixed up with another Matt. I didn't find this site until yesterday. I've only posted a few times.
But I would be interested to see what Urlacher would fetch.....
February 29, 2008
#90 Dave said . . .according to rotoworld.... briggs is meeting with tampa bay. sucky.
also Feneca signed with the jets.
February 29, 2008
#91 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .anyone else pissed how the bears do nothing today; then have the balls to throw a "hey, smart people don't spend in free agency" type of article on their website?
February 29, 2008
#92 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .How does anybody feel about the Jags WR's.After the recent signings an trade,somebody will be available.
Also Javon was cut from the Bronco's
February 29, 2008
#93 Phil from SATX said . . .Bear are working on getting B Johnson to visit Chicago 1st
http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2008/02/bears_working_on_visit_with_wr.html
February 29, 2008
#94 JB said . . .Gin - most of Chicago has NOT given up - weren't you around when we posted that 70% of voters were either fine or ecstatic with Rex coming back? That leaves 30%, which is not most. Afro, that was pretty funny how you went ballistic after poor Matt, who only looked like Mike with the big M and four letters. Sorry, Matt, you have no idea what we're dealing with here. But Afro was still right to call you out about dealing BU. Maybe we should have dealt Mike Singletary? Dick Butkus? Sid Luckman? Bite your tongue, sir!
So Derek has re-signed, he's gone - how about the fact that he signed for 3 years, $20MM, while the our beloved Saint Bernard wants 3 years, $23MM? Dogs and cats living together, and worse.
I'm remaining calm. Looking for breaking news of the Briggs re-signing.
March 1, 2008
#95 Olsen said . . .Have you guys seen some of the deals given out to mediocre talent. Some DT I've never heard of got a gigantic contract. Ridiculous.
I think I said it before, but if not, I'll say it now. The one FA WR I really liked outside of the impossibility of signing moss and the increasingly greedy B2, I really want Bryant Johnson. I know he hasn't been the most productive out there in the desert, but I really like what I've seen out of him.
March 1, 2008
#96 start Olsen said . . .Gin- Eli doesnt lose games??
Your patience is wearing thin- so was the Giants fans until this!!
Rex is a weapon on offense and a bit better O-line play away from being Eli or Romo.March 1, 2008
#97 Jags WRs, cont'd said . . .someone asked about the soon to be cut Jags WRs.
They have two first rounders who are physically beasts, but busts so far. Perfect candidates for a change of scenery, fresh start and turning around their careers. Their names are Matt Jones and Reggie Williams, if memory serves. I didnt look them up.So ya, if they come on the market, either would be a nice pick up.
March 1, 2008
#98 Mike said . . .OK, I looked them up. Reggie Williams had only 38 catches... and 10 of them were TDs! And he's 6'4"
Matt Jones had just 24 catches- and 4 were TDs (better than anyone we had basically- berrian had just 5). He also didnt play in like 4 games. He had a TD vs. the Pats in the playoff game.
and, he is freaking 6'6". HUGE.Best part- Ernest Wilford may be their best receiver, and they already cut him.
March 1, 2008
#99 John Clayton said . . .In 2007 the Bear defense was good sometimes, marginal others. Yet the brain surgeons on this board have convinced themselves that we will have a DOMINANT defense in 2008?!? Despite losing an All-Pro linebacker in Lance Briggs. How exactly does that work?!?! Mike Brown is going to come back from 4 year hiatus and play like Ronnie Lott in his prime?!?!
Put down the fucking hookah boys and girls. The Bears are going to be lucky to win 6 or 7 games in 2008. There literally is no offense as we speak. Angelo has folded. He's said fuck it to the thin and overpriced market for free agents and intends to conduct a full blown rebuilding job.
Ask any objective person in the country and they will tell you we have one of the lousiest QB situations to go along with a terrible wide receiver and running back situation. Oh, and if that isn't enough, the great Ron Turner is our offensive coordinator and we are in need of replacing 40% of the offensive line at a minimum.
March 1, 2008
#100 Mike said . . .Alan Faneca to the Jets. It's official. Where are the assclowns on this blog who insist we can rebuild the offensive line on the fly via free agency now?!?!?
March 1, 2008
#101 Shady said . . .Matt Jones is a colossal bust in Jacksonville.
March 1, 2008
#102 JM said . . .I'd like to see Jerry Angelo make a trade or two before FA is all said and done. And I wouldn't mind him taking a flyer on Williams or Jones right now. Sure both were prospects that didn't perform like they had been expected to, but doesn't that mean they can be had rather inexpensively? Looking at our #1 WR right now, trading for signing Williams or Jones doesn't sound like such a bad idea.
Right now, my faith in jerry is at about 85/100 given his tenure in Chicago. And considering this offseason is what will define a majority of his reputation here, I have more faith that he won't mess around.
March 1, 2008
#103 Mike said . . .Maybe we should bundle all of our picks together for someone's next 8 years worth of 5th round picks. Angelo seems to know what he is doing then!!!
March 1, 2008
#104 said . . .Why on earth do you want Williams or Jones?!? We have enough wide receiver projects right now without adding a bust-out from the Jacksonville Jaguars. What we need at wide receiver is a sure thing to add to Mark "I haven't done jack shit in 3 years" Bradley and Devin Hester.
March 1, 2008
#105 Dave said . . .What do you suggest Mike?
Seriously.
Put yourself in the hairy skin of Jerry Angelo. Make it happen.
March 1, 2008
#106 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .Watching you Bear pussies cry about free agency is great.
Man there isn't enough players on the market to help this sorry ass team.
March 1, 2008
#107 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .I brought up the Jag WR's more in jest than being serious.
but somewhere down the line we're going o have to look at somebody,B Johnson right now is on the docket.(I hope)
So looking at the Bears from the outside we are looking to start with WR,an let the market settle down before we look at linemen.
March 1, 2008
#108 start Olsen said . . .Am I alone when I say"I tired of settling for everybody 3rd best player to be my new starter"
March 1, 2008
#109 Pyrobob said . . .fine, fucking expert, mike come lately. name all the bears receivers better than Jones or Williams.
good job moron. nice list. really long.
dipshit.
I didnt say they were stars. I actually SAID they were busts. Many, many players fail with their first team and blossom with a fresh start. Just an idea. even if they put up the exact same numbers as they did in Jax they'd be a fucking upgrade!!
March 1, 2008
#110 NY Bears Fan said . . .Mike-
Don't go away mad, just go away and take your Bear bashing with you.
You ARE the weakest link!
Good day. I SAID GOOD DAY!
March 1, 2008
#111 Beardown1982 said . . .I am puzzled why some people spend so much time on this blog just to offer nothing but negative thoughts. Why do you even bother and what enjoyment do you get out of it? I can understand being realistic about the Bears chances in 08 not winning the Super Bowl but many of you have already committed them to a losing season. With a few FA acquisitions and a couple impact rookies from the draft 10 or 11 wins is easily in reach with a visit back to the playoffs but screw it right, we might as well condemn them to the bottom of the NFC North again in 08.
March 1, 2008
#112 tenacious d said . . .Jevon Walker got cut...any thoughts? At this point, the Bears need to take some chances at WR...because, well, we don't have any.
March 1, 2008
#113 AK said . . .Does anyone else find it at least a little amusing that the market for Briggs is drying up before his very eyes? After all the crap he pulled last off-season, when his snake agent paraded him around the owner's meeting while he was still under contract with the Bears?
Don't get me wrong....I'd still take him back in a heartbeat. He's a great player, and we need him. But I've got to admit there is a sense of satisfaction in seeing him squirm for a while.
March 1, 2008
#114 HesterFan23 said . . .B2 was seen wearing a ViQueens cap: http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2008/03/berrian_wearing_a_vikings_hat.html
March 1, 2008
#115 tenacious d said . . .Berrian has signed a 6-year deal with the Vikings...
Screw it, wait until he sucks because he can't get a deap ball.
March 1, 2008
#116 tenacious d said . . .Beardown: javon walker is an absolute beast when he's healthy. I think he'd be a great pick-up. His agent is Rosenhouse, so he'll most definitely be asking for alot of green.
March 1, 2008
#117 DC said . . .hesterfan...where'd you see this? If it's true, good luck to BB with Tavaris Jackson throwing him the ball. They guy makes Rex look like Joe Montana. Also, the Vikqweens run the ball 35 times a game so his opportunities will be very limited. Our corners will eat BB's lunch twice per year. Good move by Jerry. Dont overpay for this guy.
March 1, 2008
#118 DC said . . .WOW! B2 got $42 mil over 6 years and a $16 mil signing bonus. Highest ever for a receiver and now the 4th richest receiving contract in the NFL.
March 1, 2008
#119 HesterFan23 said . . .With the Vikings that is...not the bears
March 1, 2008
#120 tenacious d said . . .Thats way to much cash...
March 1, 2008
This is a classic case of overpaying a free agent in a thin class. Just because B2 is the second best WR available in free agency doesn't make him worth being the 4th highest paid receiver in the league . It doesn't even make him a number 1 receiver. Minny will regret this....mark my words.
March 1, 2008
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