It's impossible to analyze running backs without considering run-blocking, so we'll combine them. Okay I've combined them.
RUNNING GAME
Adrian Peterson is arguably the most gifted running back in the game and he's anchored by a fear-inducing left side of the offensive line.
Ryan Grant looked like a bona fide All-Pro down the stretch and the Packers have maintained one of the most consistent lines in the game for years, keeping their former quarterback healthy all these years.
So now we get to the Lions. Both will be starting a rookie at the tackle position (Williams, Cherilus). Both will be starting a mid-range player at the other tackle (Tait, Backus). Neither has a stud guard. We have a stud center.
As for the actual runners...well...ugh. Here's what the Lions offer.
Bell, Tatum
Calhoun, Brian
Cason, Aveion
Ervin, Allen
Pinner, Artose
Smith, Kevin
Bradley, Jon
Felton, Jerome
...so let's just say we're 3 1/2
#2 AfroCelt said . . .I think it's hard enough for me to know about our own team's offensive line and it's woes much less know about the rest of our division's same things.
You have to give number one to AP and the vikes. Whether they will follow up last seson with the same is unknown, injuries, other teams keying on AP, his possibility for getting a blown knee or hamstring etc...
I'd say the Pack is next with whatever that new back they had will show some of what he did last year, but I'm thinking teams won't be respecting the Packs pass game as in the past. BF was a play maker, too soon to tell with his replacement. Wonder if BF will be back, I am concerned about that.
So, the Bears are getting number 2. This is a hopeful vote, the hope being in our line stepping up after last years embarrasment and young blood influx. Still have hope in Ruben coming back.
The lions are last, new offense etc... Although, I saw Brian Callhoun run against the UH Warriors when he played for Wisconsin and he looked great, but who is he now. Hasn't done anything.
So there it is. We will wait with baited breath.
May 17, 2008
#3 Shady said . . .I don't see AP lasting past week 6...he'll go down with something in the legs. He'll most likely be back, but I doubt he'll see field time in more than 2/3 of the regular season games.
That said they're the run squad to beat this season.
Grant and the Packers will be a bit better than average, owing to the line more than Grant.
The Lions will most likely start the season better than we will with less talent...they have a legitimate pass threat that will keep other teams honest.
I'm confident we'll show enough in the passing game to keep them balanced as well, but our run game will start slow. As good as Williams is, he is not the best runblocker in the world.
...maybe "coming off the bus running" will be used as a diversion?
May 17, 2008
#4 Al In WI said . . .I agree with the 3.5 Jeff.
If the Bears have any hope of improving AT ALL this year, they'll need to establish SOME sort of running game.
Last year the run game was atrocious. Whether you place blame on Benson, the line or Turner there is no denying the lack of a decent running game led to a powerfully constipated offense.
On paper, the Bears have 1st, 2nd and 3rd rd. backs who should, in theory, perform well regardless of how bad the line is. Of course we know better.
Benson, obviously, has not performed up to anyone's expectations of a #4 overall selection. This is a make or break year for him as much as it is for Grossman.
Wolfe adds an elusive quality to the backfield, but he's only shown to be elusive when in open space - something which the Bears have found difficult to provide him. Wolfe's success depends heavily on the ability of Turner to be creative with play-calling and for the line to create holes to run through. Right now, I don't see either of those things happening for Garrett.
Our A.P. is like the Kyle Orton of running backs. He is reliable in any situation, he has the right mentality for a RB, but doesn't have the raw athletic skills of some other players and he must get by on eliminating mistakes and working harder than most. This makes him a solid #2 or #3.
Matt Forte... Well, I guess we'll have to wait and see about him. If I had to guess, I'd say he ends up with the starting job sooner than people think. He provides a complete package on offense (run, block and catch) to go along with his raw talent.
As much talent as these backs (QBs and WRs) might have, it's a shame we won't be able to see it because of our porous offensive line. Make a move Jerry, help your team out!
May 17, 2008
#5 Rancid said . . .Tough to argue anything here, though I'll be interested to see how Grant plays for the pack when defenses are geared to stop him.
In the meantime I see the anointing oil is out from Lovie and Benson has been declared the starter from day one at running back...May 17, 2008
#6 Z said . . .I'll put it this way, we're not the 3rd best, we're the 2nd worst. In the possible but unlikely event that Matt Forte gets to start and is amazing out of the gate, I guess we could pass GB for second but there's really little to argue about on this one.
May 17, 2008
#7 animal said . . .The answer is yes we would like a running game this year.
May 18, 2008
#8 shonbear said . . .our running game sucked. however, you cant predict this shit year to year. at all. it changes every year. Matt Forte could be a stud, or Ced could run like he did in 06.
AP could go down with an injury (likely) or run for 2k. Grant could be great or he could be a one hit wonder who benified from the passing D.
The only givens are a. the lions will suck and b. pissed on will suck a lion's dick.May 18, 2008
#9 KentuckyBearsFan said . . .Jeff,
I'm waiting and waiting and it seems like this topic doesn't seem to have any teeth, nobody is making any comments.
You are so right, this is the worst time in football. At least if JA would have picked up a real free agent or two (especially an O lineman or a Chad Johnson or something) we'd have something special to hope for. This lull is like the worst torture ever. Maybe had we not fell on our face with that Superbowl followup season it wouldn't be so painful.
The other thing is that having been able to see our team play virtually every week through to the probowl in 06-07 definitely spoiled us for the need to be in the mix.
It seems the most we can hope for during the wait is that we pick up some interesting free agents or that the Brian Urlacher, Tommie Harris and Devin Hester contracts come to resolution/closure not to mention the rookie contracts for that matter. At least then we could settle in for only thinking about the preps for the season.
I know that Lovie said right now they don't plan on resigning Reuben, but he didn't rule it out. Is there any news anywhere that says what kind of health condition he's in, whether he'd want to come back or whether any other teams are interested in him. I just think he was a key to our great offensive line and he has heart. Last year, though he was hurt all year, he played through it (maybe inefectively because of the injury) but he was a part of our offensive line when we were looking like one of the best in football.
Something like less than 80 days till things get a lot more interesting for this coming season. Come on JA let's see some good news that can provide some real hope for our fans.
Great news lines:
-Urlacher signs for 3 year extension with signing bonus that he finds satisfactory.
-Hester gets increase with incentives built in for receiver production.
-Tommie Harris signs six year contract, he's happy.
-All rookies sign contracts before any team in NFL.
-Ron Turner revamps how he makes offensive play calls.
-Rex Grossman working in the offseason with several of his new receiver corps getting a connection with them.
Anything would be better than this lull, help the Bearsfans, help.
May 19, 2008
#10 jdawg said . . .(lame joke)
Running BACK ?
Isn't running *forward* our problem ?
May 19, 2008
#11 Pissed Off said . . .Hey KY Bears Fan -- are you going to be here all week?
Read comments on another board regarding Rusty Jones basically red-shirting Beekman to let his musculatur and frame mature. Whether they did or not remains to be seen.
May 19, 2008
#12 JB said . . .Mikeb, did you call me a fucker on the last post? You piece of shit. Learn to debate, all I did was basically say I like Hunter, he's always been there and we havent seen enough of the other two to say they deserve to start at this point. God are you a tool. Bad mood huh? And I can see why someone like you likes tater tots.
Tough to guage our spot at this point. Things happen. AP looked pretty rough at the end of last year when team apparently "figured him out." His play based on those last few games could put them at 3 or 4. Lions run game could be brutal but so could ours. Packers I think will be solid all year with Grant, and better judgement tells me AP and Minny will be good too but who knows, if it ends up like it did the last few games of last year they could be lower.
Al, its good to have you back in the mix daily.
Animal has a VD from him mom.
May 19, 2008
#13 mikebdot said . . .PO'd, I'd hate to speak for Mikeb, but I'm pretty sure his "fucker" comment was aimed at Lovie. I honestly think he was agreeing with you. However, now that you've misunderstood him (again) and taken to attacking him once again (even if you thought it was defense), he probably doesn't care what he calls you. I've tried to stay clear of the little PO'd / Mikeb battle on here, but PO'd, you are continually out of line. Not only do you not understand what some people are saying, you repeat the same stuff all the time. I know it's a blog, but aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhgggggggg, grow up.
May 19, 2008
#14 Pissed Off said . . .PO'd: Sorry for the confusion on that last thread. But I was actually refering to Lovie as the fucker. My apologies once again for the confusion. I'm not the best at communicating sometimes. The "I like tater tots" comment was meant to infer that Lovie was retarded.
No worries.
I've actually been listening to some meditation CDs and am pretty laid back at the moment. I just like to throw around f-bombs. Especially on the internets. And especially about Lovie and Ron Turner.
But, I should have started that post with "I agree". And then proceeded from there. I would think that if Jamar or Okwo were actually candidates to replace Hunter they'd be in there by now or Okwo would be talked up a lot more than he has been. I like Hunter, but I just think we can do better at that position. He's slow and he missed just as many tackles as Archuleta did last season. But I'm ok with him in there simply because we have paid so much money to Briggs and Urlacher. We can't afford three all-pro linebackers.
May 19, 2008
#15 Pissed Off said . . .If that was the case fine, I apologize. I thought Mikeb was above that and thats why I initially asked if he called me a fucker. I jumped the gun if thats the case and I apologize. But JB yeah, you can stay out of it. Its a blog, and dont talk down to me. I dont know what makes you think you're better than me telling me to grow up and that I'm out of line. I am most certainly not out of line, I have cleaned it up A LOT in the past year on here and do not do any attacking if its not directed at me first. Go back and try and find me some examples and you'll be sadly mistaken. I dont take shit from anyone but I dont do any personal attacking anymore if its not directed at me first. i.e. name calling etc. so just lay off, its a blog so you can spew what you want but dont talk down to me unless you want me to do the same to you. I dont care if you think I repeat stuff, dont read me.
May 19, 2008
#16 mikebdot said . . .Again, Mikeb, my apologies.
May 19, 2008
#17 said . . .PO'd: Fuckin' A, man.
May 19, 2008
#18 Rancid said . . .this is the part where you have make up sex!!
I love that part!!
May 19, 2008
#19 mikebdot said . . .This is such a great blog. You can't pay for this kind of entertainment.
As a side note, I have a very favorable opinion of Hunter, but I'll save that for the linebackers thread if we get that far.
May 19, 2008
#20 Taylor said . . .Rancid: Well, you CAN pay for this entertainment, but it usually costs your extra.
May 19, 2008
#21 animal said . . .I think Hunter is underrated. Put just about any linebacker in the league next to Urlacher and Briggs and they are not gonna get credit or media attention. Calling for Jamar or whoever to start is really just calling for change for the sake of change, it wouldn't make us a better team.
May 19, 2008
#22 Phil from SATX said . . .The question is, is Hunter bad? No. You never hear him criticized or see him fuck up. Hunter is fine in his spot, and if he wasn't, one of the 24 linebackers we have brought through in his tenure would have taken his spot already.
PO'd eats old ladies' depends. Soiled.May 19, 2008
#23 mikebdot said . . .But what about PO'd and JB now? It's your turn on the Family Feud! Come on down!
Regarding running backs, we can't assess this one yet - aside from assuming that Minny's going to be #1. But even that is an unknown - someone had mentioned teams figuring out AP as time goes on, and I wouldn't be that surprised if that happened - it seemed like he gashed us with the same cross-cut move every time in that first horrible game. We played him a lot better the second time we (lost). We'll see how he does in his sophomore year.
After Minny, I am counting on us to be second best. Sure, it's a wing and a prayer but why not? I do believe we have the best chance of riding the running game if it's even remotely working. Look for Lovie to try to redeem his bordering-on-cartoonlike mantra involving a bus. If he gets a chance to get off that bus running, he's going to take it.
I don't know about GB and Detroit, don't know if either team will have the patience I think the Bears will show. Best bet to give us a run for the money as 2nd best is GB, since they will be seeking low risk options as Rodgers eases in to his starting role. And McCarthy seems like a pretty good coach too.
Where're we going next Jeff, WR?
May 19, 2008
#24 Pissed Off said . . .Why is it not possible to find off the wall statistics like the following:
1. Number of plays on the field for a given game/season
2. Number of times the ball was thrown to a receiver, number of times the ball was intercepted when the ball was thrown to them
3. Number of specific routes run by a receiver
4. Number of times a RB or TE stayed in to block?
5. Average yards given up per tackle
6. Number of false starts for specific offensive lineman (I've found it previously, but was not able to find this recently)
I only ask this because the traditional statistics that are kept are just not good data to make comparisons between like players. Hunter is not in there on "obvious" passing plays and it would be interesting to compare him to other linebackers that are in the same situation (in a 4-3 and come out frequently when nickel players come in).
It just seems like those stats should be easy to gather based on all the information that is avaiable from each game. Maybe not the "stays in to block" one, but the others should be easy to find and they're not and it pisses me off.
Does anyone know of any information out there that compares production or length of career after players have a specific injury? Just wondering because it sounds like there is a risk Bob Sanders, Dwight Freeney and Marvin Harrison might miss the opening game or at least large parts of camp. I think Freeney had that Lisfranc injury that really debilitates some people. Maybe I'm not remembering correctly there though.
Anyhow, it would be interesting to see that information. I wish I had the motivation/means to gather it all.
May 19, 2008
#25 Hunter said . . .Phil your "come on down" remark remineded me of the time a couple years ago when I was in vegas and I actully got called down when I went to the price is right. I fucked up huge bidding like 600 on a suitcase set that was acually like $150. It ended up being for a trip to Mexico but whatever. Anyway I agree with animal (even though he eats donkey cock) and Taylor on the Hunter situation as I mentioned in an earlier thread. He's kind of my unsung hero on the team.
May 19, 2008
#26 Megan said . . .Pissed on got HPV from giving me a rim job.
May 19, 2008
#27 Shady said . . .ALL OF YOU GROW UP!
I am so sick of the pissing competitions... can we get back to football, please?
May 19, 2008
#28 What do you call a condom flying across the room? said . . .Wait a minute Mr. Off...
You were on the price is right?
And you bid $600 on a suitcase? haha u must have been distracted by those "lovely ladies"
I have to say my favorite game on that show has to be plink-o (drink-o if you're in college) or that yodeling cliffhanger game.
Ahh the Price is Right. Definitely the best part of staying home sick from school.
So Phil, you put any money on the SA Spurs game tonight?
What about you Viva?
May 19, 2008
#29 mikebdot said . . .Pissed Off.
May 19, 2008
#30 Pissed Off said . . .Hey, Jeff. I was bored and thought "I wonder what we were talking about last year at this time". Well, it turns out we were talking about Tank's beef sticks. Then I saw a thread with 1879 comments.
http://www.dabearsblog.com/2007/05/guest_bloggers_for_the_2007_season.php
Before the spam, I noticed that Megan was still imploring us to talk about football rather than basketball. Don't know if that eats up memory for you or what, but thought you might want to know.
Ever seen "Gung Ho" with Michael Keaton? "Do you piss for distance?" "Yes, and accuracy"...
May 20, 2008
#31 Phil from SATX said . . .Ah the beef stick controversey. That was a fun time. I would have to agree Shady, Plink-O is probably the best game but I will also give props to the stupid ass game where the dude yodels up the mountain, I love seeing the poeple get rejected when he goes too far. Regarding the suitcase bidding it was messed up, I guess the vegas version has far less valued items up for bid.
Animal, I will quit the name calling now, you started it and apparently finished it but its sad that you have to make up posts like the Hunter bit, just use your name, we know its you anyway. I would like to see what kind of person you are in real life...well maybe not unless I had a gun with me cuz you crazy.
May 20, 2008
#32 NUTJOB said . . .Shady, no bets on the Spurs, not a gambler at all, just supreme satisfaction as we prevail and now get to take on the team who is coached by my once-favorite and now most-hated coach, Phil Jackson.
I like our site much better when the pissing contests aren't going on. We're all Bear fans here. PO'd, do you have tape on the Price is Right episode? That would be killer to see.
Great thoughts on stats MikeB - I kept looking for those kind of stats to support my bashing of Bernard Berrian throughout last season and they're awfully hard to come by. Especially when you compare how many catches/yards a guy had vs. how many chances he had - you can add up that BB had the most catches and yards but you can't see how many he screwed up on - only the QB's side carries these, all to the detriment of the QB (stat-wise). The "drops" stat is out there but I think is very specific as to its definition. Plenty of "plays not made" occur that do not fit into the drops definition but still should be on the WR.
Mikeb, when you retire you can pursue this, maybe make your own version of the Lenovo stats - basketball is much better than football at the stats compilations and analysis.
May 20, 2008
#33 JB said . . .Real bears news breaks and all we can talk about is the Price is right!!
No shock here that Urlachar did not show up but BENSON. I would think that if the team wanted him there he would have been the first one there. Maybe it is a sign for things to come???
Discuss!!
May 20, 2008
#34 mikebdot said . . .PO'd: My comment stands. Do you really think I was talking down to you? Because I told you to grow up? Because I said you didn't understand what someone was saying? If that's so, then wow, I'm very sorry. But it's happened several times that you engage in these profane arguments... it gets a little tiresome. I know you and mikeb kissed and made up there, but take a second to read a post before you blast off assuming everything is a personal slam to you. Talking down? No. Talking sense to make this a more coherent board? Hopefully.
I went back and reread that post of mikeb's...seriously, I'm lost at how you can misinterpret what he said as a personal comment to you. All I'm saying is slow down and take a breath before you throw mud.
May 20, 2008
#35 Phil from SATX said . . .Mike Brown restructured his contract as well. That's real Bears new. If he gets hurt again we are only on the books for less than a million. If he gets hurt before game 1, we could only pay him 320,000.
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/958611,CST-SPT-bear20.stng
May 20, 2008
#36 Pissed Off said . . .That's actually very good news and points out that we were less secure here than we thought - I had forgotten that it was going to require a voluntary restructure by Mike Brown in order for them not to flat out cut him.
So I'm glad that got done, he's being very reasonable and I hope he earns every last penny of that contract. If he stays healthy, I think we can guarantee the best D in the NFL.
May 20, 2008
#37 Hunter said . . .Phil, I think some might be understood on this price is right thing, the vegas version is a knockoff of the real one so I dont think its even taped, much less televised. The host was not bob barker but it was that guy who hosts the new Whammy, press your luck, I think Todd Newton was his name?? I dont know but needless to say it was just like the real thing but a knockoff nonetheless so I have no tape. It was funny however that literally 4 out of 5 people sitting together in our row all got called down...everyone except my wife. She was pissed and even moreso when I fucked up the bid and she was clearly holding up 2 fingers as in "bid $200 dumbass" not $600.
JB, whatev.
Now on to Bears news, glad like most to see the MB deal done. I never thought we'd cut him anyway but this is good. I assume the Bears initiated talks but I wonder how that meeting went. Oh well, if there's no hard feelings this is better for the team and we're all pulling for him to make that money and stay healthy.
May 20, 2008
#38 Megan said . . .Pissed On did not get enough love from his mother.
May 20, 2008
#39 Pissed Off said . . .Interesting how I was whining about all of you talking about basketball and now the Celtics are doing so well.. yay, basetball through june.. oh the thrill of it all... i can barely contain myself... (Said using Eyore's voice and think sarcasm)
May 21, 2008
#40 Phil from SATX said . . .Hunter, go jump off a bridge, whoever you are, imposter or not, do us all a favor.
Megan I realize the sarcasm but are you a celtic fan, just wondering why picked them out of all the teams still in the playoffs.
Please God, give us some football news. I will now go scour the internet for a story, any story, I need an NFL fix.
May 21, 2008
#41 Pissed Off said . . .How about this one PO'd - Marion Barber gets $45MM for 7 years, $16MM guaranteed, $21MM over first three seasons. I like Marion, but I don't think he's shown enough to get THAT kind of money. Jerry's got a lot of money and is generous about spending it, but not always very intelligently imo.
And not NFL, but how about the Bulls pulling the #1 ball in the lottery? Gotta be some excited Chicago fans this morning.
May 21, 2008
#42 Megan said . . .I know its crazy about the bulls huh? When they got asked to move up they had a 1.4% or 1.7% chance and they got it. Amazing. How attractive is that place now for potential head coaches!! D'antoni is probably regretting it now and if not he will be when the bulls are in the playoffs with a top 4 seed next year and the Knicks are still disfunctional cuz thats just how the karma with that team rolls.
I like Barber, a lot, probably more than some but that was still a little extreme. He's going to be a stud for years to come and I see him getting to the pro bowl here soon, or depending on how deep the NFC is he should at least be putting up pro-bowl numbers if he's not going to be splitting time with Jones anymore. His numbers have potential to go WAY up with Jones out.
May 21, 2008
#43 Al In WI said . . .PO'd
My husband has been a Celtics fan almost his entire life. His dad watched them so, by osmosis, he has been a fan.
I know about the Celtics through him. I am glad to see Garnett doing so well but mostly I am happy for Pierce. He has been a workhorse for that team for a long time and now this year he has some vet help. (sound familiar?)
I LOVE college basketball. I am okay with the pros.. Interesting that the Bulls won the lottery.. all they need now is a coach...May 21, 2008
#44 jdawg said . . .In other news Mark Bradley is hurt AGAIN!! I guess this really isn't news, I mean when isn't he hurt? God I hope Loyld can do something this year.
May 21, 2008
#45 KentuckyBearsFan said . . .Bradley's scope was to remove scar tissue from his previous scopes. This is no big deal.
May 22, 2008
#46 He may be a Douchebag but he's our douchebag said . . ."Benson returns to Bears"
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3406607
Article ends with CB saying:
""Nobody wants to be given anything," he said. "It makes it more fun and more exciting when you've got to fight for it."What a douchebag.
May 22, 2008
#47 jdawg said . . .He doesn't want to be given anything? HAH!
He hasn't earned a damn thing!!!
I really don't understand Lovie naming him the starter. I was looking forward to seeing how he might play knowing he's got some competition for the starting back. I really think he needs a fire lit under his ass to get moving.
At least they're saying he's in better shape than last year. He has lost 10 pounds and supposedly is quicker.May 22, 2008
#48 mikebdot said . . .I prefer the term "Douche Chll", especially when said by Tobais on Arrested Development.
Anyway, who's Lovie supposed to name the starter?
May 22, 2008
#49 Taylor said . . .Say what you want about Benson, but I like how this article makes me feel:
http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?STORY_ID=4718
Yeah, it's a puff piece, but I don't care. I like his attitude and if someone beats him out, or seriously competes with him for playing time (like last season even before getting injured), he's not going to bitch and moan about it. Like a certain player who is now a Jet. Just sayin'.
May 22, 2008
#50 jdawg said . . .Mike- The thing is do you really think that "Jet" was ever beat out? I don't. I think CB was given the job because he was a first round pick and they couldn't get along.
Jdawg- I would like Lovie to say it's an open competition (whether it really is or not). If Forte looks better in OTA's and training camp then Forte should be the starter. Heck if Wolfe or Peterson looks better one of them should be the starter. NOT ONE skill position player on that offense should be considered a shoe in for a starting job.
May 22, 2008
#51 mikebdot said . . .I think all Lovie is saying is Benson was the starter last year, Forte has only practiced in shorts and a helmet, so its Benson's job at this point.
I agree that Lovie's lack of info is frustrating, but it is what it is and I don't think he's going to change. He guards roster info like its the Coca-Cola formula.
I would suggest looking to the beat writers for info. You're certainly not going to get it from Lovie.
May 22, 2008
#52 animal said . . .Taylor: Ced never started in front of TJ. He left before that was even a possibility (i.e. the '07 season). I hope CB starts playing like he used to after shedding those extra pounds he put on in order to take a beating, which did nothing but slow him down and make his ankle have to support more weight...
May 22, 2008
#53 #$%@# double post said . . .Lovie is motivating the new guy. He is saying, go prove it, work your ass off and take it from him.
Goodbye Mark "the knee" Bradley.
Some interesting no-shows at camp announced today. A WR in AZ... A RB in Minny.... interesting. Make a move Jerry.
May 22, 2008
#54 Taylor said . . .AND Jason Taylor is available. He is out in Miami. Sure, we have great DEs. I think this is the most underrated position on the Bears, because they dont get huge sack #s. However, Wale and Alex don't get ton of sacks because they are smart players who play in their lanes and stay in their assignments, and they both play run and pass equally well. Our "sack master" Anderson is a good pass rush specialist, but also a good example of a limited guy who shouldn't start. Dont get me wrong- I love Mark and the sacks, and if he is used right he makes the position that much better.
So where would Taylor fit? He would make Wale or AB trade bait.
(animal)May 22, 2008
#55 shonbear said . . .Mike- That's exactly my point, CB never earned that starting position. He never proved he could be a #1 back and still hasn't. It was handed to him because they had so much money invested in him and the Bears basically had to choose between TJ and CB.
May 22, 2008
#56 In Retrospect ... said . . .I agree. The job was handed to him, it was a financial decision, but they had seen some positives at the end of 06 which supported their decision to give him his shot. They hoped he would continue with the good stuff he was showing, but it was all for not. They also probably had no idea their offensive line was going to contribute to his failure. I think we all agree that TJ would have produced more than CB did despite the OL problems, but these are the choices the Management has to make.
We all had high hopes that it would work, when it didn't we jumped them like wild banchies. We'll do the same this year with our high hopes for Booker and the other new receivers. If Ced starts performing well, we aren't wanting to see Forte. The minute he has one bad play, we'll all be screaming for the rook.
I still don't know how they can have a true qb competition, or any player competition, they have only so many snaps with the number 1 team, in the preseason games their only their for a quarter or two at the most, how does any qb or rb get any rythem, groove or timing in such a short amount of time. How do they get used to each others nuances, habits etc...
Whichever player has the most big plays and the least mistakes will be chosen. They don't have time to look at every aspect.
Then during the season, they will have the hook ready to go at a moments notice at any sign of inconsistent play.
May 23, 2008
#57 Shady said . . .What if we would have overpaid for Alan Faneca in free agency. We could have grabbed Branden Albert with our 14 pick. AND we could have traded back into the first round jumped ahead of the Steelers and ended up with Mendenhall. We could have had Mendenhall running behind an all-pro Faneca, a future star Albert and a rejuvinated Tait moving to the right sde. We would be getting off that bus running. No, for real. What would it have cost us to trade back into the first round? I don't know the trade chart that well. I think Bennett is going to be a decent receiver and I'm excited to see if that DE we picked up can add depth to our D-line. But I would give those two up in a heartbeat to have a Mendenhall in the backfield and not going into the year depending on Metcalf and Beekman. Yes, we apparently would have had to overpay to get Faneca, but so be it. I love Jerry. I think Jerry is one of the best GMs in the league. But sometimes I get so frustrated and impatient because we're so close -- pull the trigger on a big deal; we love you but have some juevos, man.
May 23, 2008
#58 mikebdot said . . .Pass it to the left hombre...
May 23, 2008
#59 Pissed Off said . . .Puff puff pass...you're fuckin' up the rotation.
May 23, 2008
#60 animal said . . .Since we're not talking about where we rank with RBs anymore, and we havent for days how about we move on to WRs?
May 23, 2008
#61 shonbear said . . .It's Friday, you ain't got no job, you ain't got shit to do. Imma get you hiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh!
May 24, 2008
#62 PolygonHell said . . .This topic was dead awhile ago. If were not moving on, how about this?
by May 29th last year we already had 7 of our rookies signed. So far I haven't seen one sign. What's the hold up? Or should I say hold out? Gotta resolve that BU, DH and TH issue I suppose or what?
Were pretty hard on our QB's as being no good, but gosh would I love for either one of them to make all the analysts shut the F up and eat their words this year. Benson and Forte too for that matter...
May 24, 2008
As I understand it.
Part of the delay is the lack of NFL Europe roster spots. Teams have fewer roster spots right now than they did last year.
While the rookies aren't signed they don't count against roster spots.
May 24, 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.