TALK ABOUT A PERFECT FITZGERALD
Just to wet your whistle, take a read of this piece from the Arizona Republic which outlines the problems the Cardinals are having re-signing the elite Larry Fitzgerald. Is he attainable? Not likely but his name has been bandied about in several places, including Philadelphia. To quote Glengarry Glen Ross, "A man does not walk on the lot less he wants to buy." He's a perfect match for the Bears (big, physical, young) and worth abandoning wholesale (1st, 2nd, whatever) draft picks to acquire.
THAT'S ENOUGH, LANCE
Brad Biggs' blog on Sun-Times.com features a quote from Lance Briggs, explaining why the free agent market dried up for him. Yeah...it doesn't make any sense. Just smile now, Lance, and make 100+ tackles.
GOING FORWARD
The remainder of free agency and the draft leaves the Bears with four major areas of focus: (1) offensive line (2) wide receiver (3) running back (4) safety. Let's see how it plays out.
GRIESE TRADE TO TAMPA BAY
Brian Griese has been shipped off. He'll now become another name in that quarterback graphic shown every Sunday, somewhere between Henry Burris and Erik Kramer.
THE TWO JAKES
So the Jets signed Damien "Didn't he retire?" Woody to another in a long line of ridiculous contracts for the team. (Once again proving my theory that the young coach/young GM are horrified about losing their jobs.) I started looking for any other offensive linemen worth taking a look at. Found two. Both on great running teams. Both not old. Both started every game last season. 26 year-old Jacob Bell of Tennessee and 26 year-old Jake Scott of Indianapolis. Either one of these guys would enable the Bears to solidify the offensive line in the first round of the draft.
AYANBADE-NO
Jerry Angelo rescinded the offer to the Brandan Ayanbadejo in what is clearly a sign that the organization is pissed off at the perennial all-star special teamer for his lofty demands. This doesn't mean Dejo won't come back but it means the Bears will not allow themselves to be used as a bargaining tactic by a player who believes he deserves more time at linebacker because he made a couple tackles in the damn Pro Bowl. I'm no expert but I don't think Devin Hester's numbers will take a nosedive next year. (Good job to you guys for bringing this story up first.)
#2 JAB said . . .ah, glengarry glen ross...great movie. coffee is only for closers jeff.
i still expect an offensive lineman to sign sometime this week. a wr would be nice too. RB and OT in draft
March 3, 2008
#3 Gin said . . .Lets hope for Maurice Williams from Jax or Jacob Bell from Tenn for the O-line and OT via draft. Rb will definitely be addressed in the draft, I'm thinking in rd 2 and unless we move @ WR we might be in trouble there.
March 3, 2008
#4 JAB said . . .Why is there no talk of Javon coming here? Isn't this what we need???
The wr's are weak in the draft and almost all rookie wr's need time to adjust to the NFL.
Sign javon and draft Mendenhall or Stewart!!!March 3, 2008
#5 Phil from SATX said . . .Yeah, I haven't seen the Bears on any of the list of teams in contact with Walker. They better at least bring him in to talk. I would wait on a RB and grab that Chris Johnson kid out of East Carolina (I think). He is fast 4.24-40 with an outstanding college career as well. H will be available most likely in the late 2nd round.
March 3, 2008
#6 jeff said . . .Gin - everything I've heard says the draft is deep for WRs and RBs. In terms of WRs needing to adjust to the draft, historically that's been true, but that data is undoubtedly skewed by the many teams that elect to play their non-first round rookie WRs sparingly because they already have their #1's and#2's in place. Would agree that you have a much better probability of a breakout rookie RB than WR, though - a much more difficult position to succeed in than RB.
Also agree that I want them to sign a FA WR, any FA WR.
Glengarry Glen Ross is one of my favorite all time movies.
"Gracey, did you get my airline tickets?" (Jack Lemmon talking to his fictional secretary, lying out his ass in a phone booth)
March 3, 2008
#7 jdawg said . . .as a playwright, it also makes me upset to hear it called a movie, but i understand. it's one of the greatest pieces of american dramatic writing ever. BUT javon walker is apparently not as in-demand as his agent is letting on and is preparing to ask for big money from any team that wants him. coming off a serious injury, is that a risk worth taking? i'd like him in burnt and navy but i'm with jerry right now...whatever he wants.
March 3, 2008
#8 Phil from SATX said . . .your priorities are right, although my gut tells me that the BT aren't really looking at a safety.
What they ought to try is a 4 LB, 1 safety set with Briggs sliding over to middle, Williams taking his place and 54 back there with M Brown. I would love to be in the opposing team's huddle as the WRs draw straws for the crossing route.
March 3, 2008
#9 Bearfan34 said . . .Oops, I touched a nerve there - of course I have never seen the play. And in general when I watch Mamet movies I feel like the language is very stilted - I know it's supposed to be stylized anyway, but House of Games is almost unlistenable in its lack of conversational realism (mostly relating to Lindsay Crouse, since Joe Mantegna can sell any script).
Agree with you about trusting Jerry, even if it's very tough to do so when players fall by the wayside every day. The thing I would not be able to forgive would be not signing at least 1 lineman - but I'm confident that won't happen. Since the WR market is so thin, I can also say that I don't think he's done anything wrong yet there - because I don't think I could have forgiven him if he had paid Berrian what the idiots up north did. It's very short-sighted to say "so what if we overpay - it's McCaskey's money" - every financial move you make has ramifications and reverberations throughout the franchise, both in the current year and in years to come. You want a free-spending owner that spends without brains or a thought towards tomorrow? You get the Washington Redskins, or the Oakland Raiders. Those are not good franchises, folks.
He's got to bring in the Olineman, and he will - and he's got to bring in at least one FA WR, and he will. But in the meantime I got ants in my pants and it's hard not to squirm.
March 3, 2008
#10 Al in WI said . . .It would make my day if we would sign Fitzgerald, but we will never pay the coin he wants!
I'm more concerned about our O-Line, and Mark Bradley currently being our number one WR.
As always,Bear Down!
March 3, 2008
#11 Serious. said . . .I would add D-tackle to that list as well. We could use another horse in there especially considering almost all of our guys are coming off injuries.
So though, I haven't seen it confirmed that Bryant Johnson is off of the market for sure. Is that a done deal?
We could use him, and make a play for Javon Walker. That would erase the loss of Berrian in my eyes.March 3, 2008
#12 Big T said . . .I think we are ok at DT.... at least we dont need to pony up for a FA. We have Harris, DD, Adams, Idonje, and Toena (kid from oregon). Maybe draft a 2nd day DT?? I think we'll be ok there. I feel like this is going to be the season that the D stays healthy and shows what it can really do.
I'd like to have another Saftey, but considering the holes on O, i think JA need to focus there. I hope to god we sign a OL and WR before the end of the week.
As far as dishing out money... we need to be thinking about locking up tommie harris (not going to be cheap), Robbie Gould, and #23. Thats gonna eat some cap room, and I hope those deals happen before training camp.
I'd be happy with a possession FA WR. I think Bradley, Hester, Davis, and FA WR will be ok. If we can get the running game going, with our kick ass D, having a randy moss type WR wont be necessary. Besides rex shouldnt be throwing the ball 40 times a game anyway.
This will be the year we realized Bradley is very talented. Thats my guess. Go get some Olinemen.
March 3, 2008
#13 Big T said . . .Griese gets traded to Tampa. No further details at this point.
March 3, 2008
#14 Phil from SATX said . . .Griese gets traded to Tampa. No further details at this point.
March 3, 2008
#15 Mike said . . .What'd we get - a 14th rounder in 2011? A Toll Pass preloaded with $50? A signed receipt good for a tax deduction? What?
March 3, 2008
#16 Mike said . . .Oberservations...
1. Randy Moss is on the verge of re-signing with New England. Or so says Len Pasquerelli.
2. Javon Walker? Doesn't appear that Angelo and company have any interest. Can't say I really blame them. Walker was a cancer in Green Bay and a bust in Denver. We need to add good wide receivers, not more question marks. We've already cornered the market on that commodity.
3. Trade(s)??? I have to wonder if Angelo is working on a trade or two to at least start to address the massive holes on the offensive line and at wide receiver and running back. It would seem the Bears could trade a linebacker and maybe even Adewale Ogunleye who is patently overrated in my opinion.
March 3, 2008
#17 Bill said . . .Oberservations...
1. Randy Moss is on the verge of re-signing with New England. Or so says Len Pasquerelli.
2. Javon Walker? Doesn't appear that Angelo and company have any interest. Can't say I really blame them. Walker was a cancer in Green Bay and a bust in Denver. We need to add good wide receivers, not more question marks. We've already cornered the market on that commodity.
3. Trade(s)??? I have to wonder if Angelo is working on a trade or two to at least start to address the massive holes on the offensive line and at wide receiver and running back. It would seem the Bears could trade a linebacker and maybe even Adewale Ogunleye who is patently overrated in my opinion.
March 3, 2008
#18 mikebdot said . . .Trib says we probably got a 6 or 7 for Griese. Not bad - I didn't think we'd get anything.
March 3, 2008
#19 mikebdot said . . .Prolly a pick in '09. We could package that with another pick or two for a trade perhaps? Trade up...trade for a player...whatever. Nothing wrong with stock-piling picks.
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/822973,griese030308.article
March 3, 2008
#20 mikebdot said . . .Nice addendum, jeff. Pretty soon they'll get creative and start alphabetizing as opposed to chronologically ordering it. Or they could do by draft year/pick. I almost take pride in that when they put it up now. It lets me know I'm a true fan, rather than a fair-weather pussy, like many Colts fans I know.
March 3, 2008
#21 Phil from SATX said . . .Or like those Cowboys "fans" that disappeared for 10 years. Now they dug up their 15 year old jackets. Bellies hanging out of them and everything.
March 3, 2008
#22 Mike said . . .I want us all to think about something as we wait to hear about free agent signings. Look at the following list of names
Devin Hester
Brian Urlacher
Lance Briggs
Tommie Harris
Mike Brown
Pnut Tillman
Nate Vasher
Alex Brown
Mark Anderson
Dusty Dvoracek
Rex Grossman
Olin Kreutz
Greg Olsen
Mark Bradley
Danieal ManningWhat do they all have in common? They were all drafted by the Chicago Bears. The most impressive thing I remember focusing on after the Giants SB win was how something like 20 out of 22 starters were Giants draft picks. Well our list ain't too shabby either. I really like all the work we're doing to keep our own great players, and I think it's too easy to forget that WE DRAFTED all these guys. Do we have notable free agents? Yes, a few - Des Clark, Wale, John Tait - but that's not a long list.
I still wish the Bears had given some game time last season to some of our other draft picks, because neither we nor, I fear, the Bears, know what the likes of Josh Beekman, Mike Hass, Dan Bazuin, Michael Okwo and Brandon Rideau can do - and some of those names are in extreme need positions for us right now - we might feel a bit better if we knew what any of those could bring to the table. But although the offense has been a constant work in progress with seemingly more busts than booms, I still believe the Bears know how to draft. If last year appeared to be somewhat of a wasted draft after Greg Olsen, it may yet come to fruition this year, and we know that in the 2008 draft there won't be any of "cute" signings and reaches like Garrett Wolfe and Dan Bazuin seemed to be, nor will there be any red-shirting going on. This will be a lower risk, fill the need type draft, and the good news is the draft is strongest where we have the highest needs - O linemen, WR and RB.
Forget concepts like rookie WRs can't play - this Bears coaching staff and management WILL play rookies - see Greg Olsen, Devin Hester, Mark Anderson, Danieal Manning, among others - and everyone picked in 2008, at least through Round 4, will get a chance to play. Then WE'LL be the ones they talk about after our Super Bowl win - with the media saying "I guess the Bears are better at developing talent than we thought..."
While the Raiders, Redskins, Jets and Vikings flounder on...
March 3, 2008
#23 jeff said . . .Food for thought...barring a trade Jerry Angelo is literally hinging the success of the 2008 season on his hitting the lotto in the draft at 4 POSITIONS....offensive tackle, offensive guard, running back, wide receiver. This from a front office who generally sucks at evaluating and selecting offensive skill position talent.
Are we worried yet??? I worried. Angelo must have a trade or two up his sleeve, right?? He's got to.
March 3, 2008
#24 Mike said . . .des was the best free agent signing of jerry angelo's career. wale was a great trade, getting him for booker who hasn't had a productive season since. the tait signing is weird. he's a serviceable tackle but not a star by any means.
March 3, 2008
#25 mikebdot said . . .Adewale has milked a career out of one stellar season in Miami. He is solidly non-spectacular and has done little that has been awe-inspiring in a Bears uniform. Truth be told he has been Phillip Daniels reincarnate in the blue and orange.
I would love to see Angelo try to swing him in a trade. It won't happen though because Lovie is in love with the guy.
March 3, 2008
#26 jdawg said . . .Just a curious question here, but we didn't use up all of the possible cap space last year, correct? So, that leaves me wondering if some of that unused space was allocated for possible bonuses to be paid to players had they met certain milestones. Do those bonuses paid out for, say, a playoff victory (like the total of $2M Eli banked) count towards the '07 cap? Or is that figured into the following year's cap? Or what?
Hypothetically, say Benson was supposed to earn $500,000 for rushing for 800 yards. Would the Bears have to come up with that money from their cap somehow if he hits the milestone? Does the cap number change throughout the year? I have no idea how this works. Just wondering if it's part of the reason we were $10M below the cap (or whatever it was) this season. If we had a defense and offense in the top 10 in the league, would the cap hit have been more?
March 3, 2008
#27 Phil from SATX said . . .if we get a starting LT in the draft even a servicable LG will be OK and there are still a few out there.
Don't panic yet.
March 3, 2008
#28 JB said . . .What's interesting about our past offensive futility is in the RB position. With 3 high profile first round busts within the last 12 years, we definitely qualify as worse-than-crappy here. Why should this be? I think the answer is in the area where we pick - too high. Of these 3 1st round picks, I think there were character issues with all 3 that came out after they got their huge contract dollars. I believe Ced was in it for the money and not love of the game. They refer to Curtis Enis as a con man. He conned people into believing he had character, but he didn't. Rashaan Salaam had character - unfortunately the character he played was Cheech (or was it Chong?).
Why do you need character as a 1st round RB? Of course, short answer is you always need character. The more in-depth answer has to do with money, and with the fire in your belly you need to succeed as a running back. Once you become rich, you better have great character, a great love of the game, and a perpetual motor, or you'll quit. And I think that's what all of these guys did.
We need to try a different tactic - a lower round pick. We need to pick him based on character, a love for the game, and a perpetual motor. As a lower round pick, we will pay him less so we'll have no fear that the money will change his outlook. Since it's looking increasingly like we'll need to use the 2nd rounder for a WR, we'll use one of our 3rds to get this guy. And we'll try not to be utterly astounded when this 3rd round pick outperforms the likes of Cedric Benson, Curtis Enis and Rashaan Salaam. By the end of the season, we'll be erecting statues to this guy, whoever he turns out to be.
Oh, and it'll certainly help to get him a line too.
March 3, 2008
#29 mikebdot said . . .so we're cutting ties with brendon...another good move here...no need to overpay for a special teamer even if he's a good one. nice to see we got something for griese...even if it isn't much at all.
so where are we drafting a QB then? is this a 3rd rounder? it's kind of an exciting draft when you think we'll draft a QB, RB, and WR with 3 of the first 4 picks.
March 3, 2008
#30 AfroCelt said . . .http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/823130,ayan030308.article
That's the Ayanbadejo link. They mention how they are going to use the money to sign current players and go after a free agent WR. Not sure who I would event want at this point. We need to get rid of some teams. Stupid expansion.
March 3, 2008
#31 jeff said . . .well, we need to add a draft QB to the mix?
March 3, 2008
#32 AfroCelt said . . .i think the successes of guys like d ward and ryan grant and bradshaw in ny proves you don't need a running back on day one. draft big linemen. get stronger up front. if you're strong up front, anybody can gain five a clip.
March 3, 2008
#33 Bill said . . .Oh, and I like Scott. has a sparkling injury record; Grew up in ID...farm boys make some of the best Olinemen :P
March 3, 2008
#34 jdawg said . . .Mike - looking at your list of needs in the draft proves we are at least two years away from getting back to serious SB contention. We simply have too many holes to do it next year. But I'd rather take the two years then bet the farm by overpaying and be left in cap hell, unable to improve while the defense goes from young and strong to old. Jerry blew it on the offense in areas we continue to debate - and it's just going to take a couple years to fix it. Not saying he will, but I can't see it being done this year no matter what.
March 3, 2008
#35 The Hawk said . . .Hey, I'm remaining upbeat. Who thought the Giants would even make it to the SB last year, let alone us the year before.
There's a reason the games are played. We should enjoy this amped up time but not get heartburn over it. Save that for the start of the season when it counts.
March 3, 2008
#36 Rancid said . . .Brendan Ayebadejo? He gone.
March 3, 2008
#37 Mike said . . .jeff, speaking of DWard . . . are you interested?
March 3, 2008
#38 Rancid said . . .There are too many PROFOUND needs on the offensive side of the football for an objective observer to get "amped up" about this team's chances in 2008. And I am sick and tired with the NY Giant "rationalization" for how everything will turn out roses for the Bears. We don't have Eli Manning, but rather Rex the wonder dog and Kyle The Weirdo who can't hit the broad side of a barn. We don't have Amani Toomer, Plaxico Burress, and two other solid up and coming wide receivers, but rather Mark "I've caught 30 passes in 3 years" Bradley and an extremely raw Devin Hester. We don't have Brendan Jacobs and Bradshaw at running back, but rather Cedric "I suck worse than Hurtis Penis and Russian Salami" Buston.
Right now, objective analysis would say the Bears will be bringing up the rear in the NFC North and are a round a 6 win team.
March 3, 2008
#39 Scott said . . .Mike - last years "objective analysis" was that we would win the NFC North with ease. That's the point. You can't know anything for sure. You've proven this by having your "fearless book it" predictions come true a little, and be wrong a lot. That's why we deal in opinions when we're on a fan blog, and why you continue to annoy everyone who reads this on a regular basis. You can't know for sure. Why do we bother?
March 3, 2008
#40 jdawg said . . .Mike, it's way, way, way too early to be labeling this team a 6-win bunch. Way too early. At this point they've made some prudent financial moves, kept Rex (which some people were CERTAIN they wouldn't do), kept Briggs (ditto) and wouldn't let Berrian or Ayanbadejo force them into an over-valued contract. As for shoring up the key areas, a rational, objective person would have to presume that JA has a plan. You don't just dump two of your starting OL-men, no matter how crappy they were, without an idea of how to replace them. It's clear that you think you know more about football than JA (and you might) but no matter how dumb the guy is even he knows that it's obvious that he needs to fill those two slots. With a couple of good signings or a good draft those two slots are shored up. Also, a healthy D can be a difference maker for this team. Just check the '05 season. The offense was abysmal almost every game but somehow the D kept the team competitive. Last year with injuries and misplaced faith in Archuleta they suffered. Lovie's always been a strong D coach so you have to believe they'll bounce back. At least, that's what I believe cause I'm a fan. With that, you're looking at a competitive team with a chance to be near the top of an average division.
March 3, 2008
#41 Frank said . . .I didn't mean I'm amped up about the Bears potential, I meant that everybody's accutely interested in what's going on.
Right, we don't have Eli Manning and I don't know that Grossman has it between his ears to do what needs to be done.
Anyway, I do appreciate the philosophy of not paying ridiculous money to players that don't deserve it.
Berrian didn't deserve it and we got a deal with Briggs. Take a look at who we have locked up on the D side of the ball.
If Minny doesn't win it all next year they're up shits creek cap-wise in 2009.
March 3, 2008
#42 CAK said . . .ok first of all jerry is as predictable
as ronnie woo woo wickers making an ass out
of himself. Jerry s gonna sign 1 maybe 2 second
tier olinemen. Then in the draft he'll grab a rb
qb and wr.
This could be a great draft and I really like
The rb from OregonMarch 4, 2008
#43 JM said . . .Moss resigned with the Patriots. Just so everyone knows...
http://www.nfl.com/freeagency/story?id=09000d5d807016ab&template=with-video&confirm=trueMarch 4, 2008
#44 Matt said . . .I'm definately listening what Fitz wants to get out of the desert!!
March 4, 2008
#45 jdawg said . . .Jacob Bell signed a 6 year deal with the Rams..........
I guess it's hit it big in the draft or bust for Angelo this year....
March 4, 2008
#46 Phil from SATX said . . .regarding Fitz. I live in Louisville and former NFL (and UofL) QB Dave Ragone used to have a morning sports radio show. He mentioned how he liked to ask the D players who they thought the best O players were on the other team. Texas must have been playing the Cardinal because he asked a couple of DBs who the better receiver was between Fitz and Boldin. Their response was Boldin, hands down, not even close.
If that's the case I can't believe Fitz is due $17 million in 2009? Is that correct?
I guess my point is that I can't see us trading for this guy due to performance and what it would cost.
Of course, Ragone could be full of shit, but he seemed like a pretty straight shooter and was forthcoming about not being able to make it in the NFL.
March 4, 2008
#47 Phil from SATX said . . .I don't know if you guys remember, but Dave Ragone was definitely on the Bears' radar that year they picked Rex. Maybe it was before the combine that year, but he was at least at some point projected to go significantly higher than he did. I remember reading articles about him and thinking he'd be good. Now he's out of football. QB - what a crap shoot! That's why it seems like the Bears shouldn't be wasting a 3rd round pick - a round where you expect to get good productive players - on a QB - since they're all dice rolls, let's wait to grab whoever's left - maybe it's Josh Johnson, Colt Brennan or whoever has moved dropped far - get that guy - 5th round, no earlier. NO ONE KNOWS whether any of these guys will be any good, so spend cheaply and cross your fingers.
Does it seem like Angelo's going to now be forced to draft both Olinemen? Bell gets signed, we're down to a few guys now. Same goes for WR - I heard on the radio that there may be 12 clubs interested in Javon Walker - how do we wade through that mess to sign somebody?
They were discussing on the radio how more and more, if you want an impact guy, you have to move fast and hard in the first few days of FA. I honestly think the reason Jerry hasn't is because they did not see impact guys out there - or maybe they already knew the few impact players out there were beyond their budget. We may have been better off with Berrian than anyone else we wind up with - but maybe that will force more balls into the hands of Devin Hester, Mark Bradley, Greg Olsen and Des Clark. And every stupid signing you make affects every single guy on your team - you can create team-wide inflation - or at least disgruntlement and unrest - throughout your team with one super-inflated contract that isn't based on merit.
Still okay with what's going on - just confused as to why Bears haven't gone fast and hard after a lineman. THAT we know they needed, and wanted, to do.
March 4, 2008
Question for the Board. And this question is strictly posed for those who are Angelo and Bear supporters - in other words, there's an easy answer here if you hate Angelo and think the Bears are just cheap, as the reason for everything they do. I'm not interested in that response, but I am curious as to what the strategy could be behind what is happening.
If you're Jerry, to what end are you saying to Bryan Johnson, we're interested in meeting you if the Bills don't want you first? If you're interested in Johnson, why are you letting another team meet him first and losing control of the situation?
Some possible ideas: 1) you're interested, but not that interested; 2) you're going to have a shot to beat the numbers offered by the Bills regardless, because Johnson's agent is going to call you to try to get the best deal for his client; or 3) you woke up late and forgot to put the call in so you could be the FIRST one to express serious interest and meet with Mr. Johnson.
Otherwise, it just seems like the Bears are trolling down the river, hoping something will snag on their line, while others are going to cove where they know the fish hang out, casting their lines and offering some delicious bait. Who's going to catch the fish in that scenario?
Interested in your (reasonable) thoughts.
March 4, 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.