Brad Biggs - who continues to tirelessly cover the Chicago Bears with or without news - writes today that Kyle Orton looks good in a tuxedo. Don't believe me? "But quarterback Kyle Orton looked particularly good in his tuxedo. If anyone is in top shape, it’s Orton as he prepares to embark on a competition for the starting job with Rex Grossman." Speaking as someone who has found himself on the front page of the Chicago Tribune discussing my man-crush on Tom Waddle, I think Brad is swimming in some murky waters here but it did make me think.
Who do I want to win the quarterback "battle" this summer? Do I want Rex to impress in camp and charge into the regular season with some momentum? Do I want KO to surprise us all and mature into the starter we've seen glimpses of over the past few years? The truth is that I don't know yet. How about you?
#2 Pissed Off said . . .Rex will win the starting job by the second day of training camp. Get ready for a Chicago Pro Bowl QB!!!!
As always,
Bear Down!
May 12, 2008
#3 Phil from SATX said . . .Yeah...ya know I'm kind of on the fence here....leaning with Orton a little bit.
May 12, 2008
#4 Phil from SATX said . . .I want Rex to be the obvious choice in preseason but also for Kyle to continue to impress. Not to ensure continuing quarterback controversy but to give us hope if Rex goes down prematurely with injury while we are storming through our schedule based on our headline making and talk-of-the-NFL resurgent D. If Rex can't stay healthy, we will be counting on Kyle to take us through the post season. Therefore, he needs to look good in preseason - but Rex will look better.
And if the unfortunate occurs and Rex has another season-ending injury, that will do it for him in Chicago. And that is the ONLY downside I see for Rex in 2008 - it won't be "Bad Rex" - it will be either Pro Bowl or injury, nothing in between.
May 12, 2008
#5 zisk said . . .That WAS a really strange comment by Brad about the tux. Oh well - he can do no wrong by me considering his reporting (btw, was he doing this during the year last year? I don't remember reading him). I was a little pissed when I read about Jerry's comment about Ced, being "disappointed" - and I am also a little shocked by all the support I am reading from fans towards him from this incident. Makes me a little proud of my fellow Bear fans, who appear to have a good degree of common sense and decency and are applying it to Ced here, even when we all know that they're all pissed at him for on-field performance.
On the other side, if you're as good as Lance Briggs you're apparently allowed to get away with drunk driving and smashing your 'Gini on the Edens. Full support. I guess the support from the Bears depends on how well you are playing.
Didn't sit well with me, I hope it was just an early comment from him.
Very funny, PO'd.
May 12, 2008
#6 shonbear said . . .Obviously I want them both to be good but good Orton is good while good Rex is phenomenal so I'll lean towards Rexy
May 12, 2008
#7 Pissed Off said . . .PFSATX,
Your right, I thought the same thing when I read it. What, your disappointed that one of your players was harrassed, manhandled, tripped, peppersprayed and sent to jail for relaxing with family and friends on his boat. So he had a beer or four. The whole thing just seems to be looking better for Ced. Your telling Ced he should go where he wont be likely racially profiled or star profiled or whatever the heck those over the top guys were doing.
On Rex and Kyle, I hope there is a clear winner in the "competition, but whoever wins needs to hold it together when the regular season starts. QB's often look good in preseason and don't show up during the regular season. We have a tough couple of first two games on the road and the Defense and Special Teams need to carry it on their soldiers to give whoever is starting a cushion of comfort and take down the pressure from either guy who starts. I'm thinking if they get a good lead with some good defense, Kyle is better suited for maintaining that lead via no turnovers. So it's Mike Brown, Nate Vasher and peanut holding down a rested Peyton Manning. I see Brian Urlacker coming up with a fumble recovery and or interception to give our offense a spark. Maybe a big play from Devin Hester right after a turnover and a few surprizing moves from Matt Forte (or even Ced if he hasn't lost anything from his injury). Even Garrette Wolfe getting a good screen pass and or draw play for some yards to get them guys on their heels. Then finish it off with some Greg Olsen for a TD. The color commentary guys will be acting like they knew the Bears could do this all the time.
Anyway, Rex doesn't usually look too good in preseason, Kyle will probably look better in preason, but Rex will look better on the practice field. Rex might get a big play or two in preseason and even though Orton's numbers will be better, the big play is what Ron Turner will be sold on.
Rex wins because of Ron Turner's big play hopes. Ron doesn't want a well oiled consistant offense, he wants to wear down our defense with three and outs and two play touchdowns or field goals.
They win the game and RT will be like. "See, that's why we don't listen to fans, we're the professionals here, they are unworthy to be heard".
Rex or Orton, I don't care, we need to win the first game. We win two in a row and I'll call a 7-0 streak at least. The momentum will put us back to the proper level of confidence. All this is barring injuries, unknown offensive line/reciever play. This is with all great hopes in our teams ability to shut the Mutha's mouthes who keep saying we suck. That probably pleases me even more than the win itself.
May 12, 2008
#8 animal said . . .Read somewhere that we're ranking in the mid 20s for power rankings. Maybe it was 24th, I cant remember where I read it or whatever but we're getting no respect. And why should we? I think Rex will be the starter, I just dont get why they would have signed him to the 1 year deal if the wink, wink wasnt there for him to be the starter in 2008. Maybe the wink, wink is there just barring some horrible showing by him in training camp or an injury. Orton got an extension too which to me still doesnt make sense. I guess Rex is either the #1 star QB or bust but Orton they think of as a long term solution at #2 or as a fill in guy no matter who is #1.
May 12, 2008
#9 Brad said . . .Rex.
WAY more talent and upside.May 12, 2008
#10 Perno said . . .I would like to see what Kyle can do, not because I think is going to be a franchise QB, but because I think he gives the team a better chance to win every week. I have seen enough from Rex to know that he doesn't fit with this team. He has the skills to be successful, but needs weapons and time to throw, which the Bears seemingly won't be able to give him. All I really ask for is a true competition. Hopefully we will see a spirited battle that will make both of them better QBs. I doubt that will happen, but its wishful thinking.
May 12, 2008
#11 shonbear said . . .I agree with Animal, Rex has the much better upside, but just like all his other seasons, he needs to decrease those bonehead interceptions. Oh and I'm not ready to throw away my Orange Rexy jersey yet!
May 12, 2008
#12 said . . .Rex staying was a win win situation. The Bears keep a guy who knows their offense better than anybody and has the potential to play like he did in September 2006. They keep him pretty cheap too. For Rex it was good because he could'nt possibly hope to get any dollars going to another team after last seasons lameness. He would have been a back-up at best. He now has a chance to have a one year wonder opportunity and draw top dollar in free angency, or even stay with the Bears for finally showing that he was the right pick and not a bust. Another thing, he definitely doesn't want to go and learn another offense again, he doesn't want to put in that kind of work if he doesn't have to.
Another thing for The Bears is that their train of thought was that this years draft and free agency did not provide a skillful QB of the future (at least not one they wanted to pay for). By keeping Orton, they have an opportunity to get him more game time this year which if he wins, they are looking great and maximizing on their investment, if he looks medium, he will still be a viable guy to start next year while they pick up Tevow and ease him into the line up with Orton mentoring him. huh? how about it?
Alright, bottom line is the Bears want to get the most for the least amount of money, so this is what we have. We have a few marquee guys that hold us up, but it;s the lower paid blue collar guys that will get us through the playoff door. They have to over achieve.
Then whenever it happens, our own JA is shouting on the mountain tops about what a great a GM he is, or is that Larry Mayer, never get that straight.
All I know is that like JA or not, we have been a better team and brought in more talent since he got here. He seems to have a mentality of bring in lower tiered draft guys that seem to want to prove they are better than where they were drafted at (or even undrafted guys wanting to prove they should have been drafted in the first place).
He gets the most out of these guys till we or they prove to the rest of the league they are better than originally thought and then they likely want to leave for better contracts. Although I do remember a few years ago when OK stayed for less money with the Bears rather than going to Miami, like 2 mil.
He probably is happy about that choice considering 06, even with the loss. Good call Hawaii Native, Shoot look what Miami's been through since he turned them down.
I don't know am I making sense or what? I think I'm just glad for the new topic, that kicker discussion was really going nowhere.
May 12, 2008
#13 JWilson said . . .Don't care as long as whoever wins plays well. I have a feeling we're going to see both of them starting this year. Just FYI, I'm a diehard fan, grew up in Chi town, but now live in N.C. Love the site. Can't wait to see our boys put a hurting on the Panthers in Sept. Live!
May 12, 2008
#14 mikebdot said . . .I don't care if it's Rex, Kyle, Caleb, Nick or Peter Griffin. As long as the QB throws a lot of TD's. Throws very little INT's. And can lead the team some victories! Whom ever it is. I hope that decision is "clear" and made before we play the Colts.
May 12, 2008
#15 said . . .I just hope I don't have to hear Lovie repeat the mantra "Rex is our quarterback".
I want a good competition, that's all I ask. I don't want one of them to suck and hand the job over. Likewise, I don't want both of them to suck and have the job be handed to Rex. I want both of them to look sharp and Lovie to make a clear-cut call and rally around whoever is chosen.
May 12, 2008
#16 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .That dont make no sense.
May 12, 2008
#17 JWilson said . . .Well Gould on board what took so long JA?
May 12, 2008
#18 jdawg said . . .Gould signs 5 year extension!
http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=4689
May 12, 2008
#19 HesterFan23 said . . .Rex looked lousy last pre-season because he was instructed not to thrwo the ball downfield. I think the coaches were hoping something would sink in.
Anwyay, yeah, he'll look better in training camp. I think preseason will be were the job is won.
May 12, 2008
#20 Viva said . . .Sweet!
Just saw that Gould signed a five-year extension. That was a big one they needed to get done.
Now lets get TH and Hester locked up and then hopefully 54 at some point too.
May 12, 2008
#21 Pissed Off said . . .Rex is a leader. Kyle is a doer. Rex will win this competition hands down.
May 12, 2008
#22 Shady said . . .Any names on this list shock you?
http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=4684
Doss could be a decent pickup but we have good safety depth, Spikes has has his problems but I can see a LB core of Briggs, Urlacher and Spikes, gotta nice ring to it. Jeremy Newberry is a good player, I wonder if he could play guard, he's a solid vet and wont be on this list a long time. And probably the most intriguing name to me is Pittman. Whenever Cadillac Williams has gone down this guy has emerged to pick up the slack the last 3 years. He can catch well out of the backfield, and he looks like Thomas Jones...all ripped up...ahh memories.
Farther down the list I like Womack too, he'd be an instant upgrade for us over Metcalf and/or probably Beekman with the experience factor. Hey Jer, pick up a guy or two.
May 12, 2008
#23 Green Lantern said . . .Up to now, I'd say JA has done a solid job through the off-season... But his work is not done. Not even close.
Jerry HAD TO add starting quality depth to his offense via the draft and free agency. And while the draft has been pretty solid (we hope), Jerry has yet to address free agency, an avenue which he has utilized in the past (Tait, Garza, Dez Clark, Moose etc.) and an avenue he MUST explore now.
We now know the draft has hopefully provided us with at least ONE starter in C. Williams, an o-lineman, for the upcoming season...But it would be arrogant and silly to trust 3 rookies to come in and contribute all season long without some legitimate veteran backup.
Angelo must continue to "purchase upgrades" for his team. In order to improve at a certain position, Jerry must fill the spot with proven talent he believes will respond to Lovie and Ron by reaching their full potential under their guidance.
If you remember the offense from last year...
You'll know that the condition it was in would make it impossible for almost ANY QB to perform well, let alone OUR QBs.
In my opinion, the Bears are still short AT LEAST one lineman right now... I won't even mention RB, WR, and QB...
Honestly, I don't care if it's Ruben Brown, the Bears need to get busy in the free agent market before it's too late. If they DON'T make a move, I'll have a hard time pushing my honest expectations past 8-8 this season. I'll be hoping for 19-0, but I try to remain realistic.
May 12, 2008
#24 Green Lantern said . . .someone with rex's inability to make good choices with the football, inability to hold on to it when under pressure, and total lack of scrambling ability can not win a Superbowl. Everyone will point to two years ago but I will say that's the point....it was all on a platter for him, the Bears had a way better D and special teams but still couldn't overcome his mistakes.
Orton can be the "game manager" right now (he did it as a rookie and is better than that now) and can become so much more (we saw it in the last two games last year)....LET HIM PLAY!
May 12, 2008
#25 PolygonHell said . . .someone with rex's inability to make good choices with the football, inability to hold on to it when under pressure, and total lack of scrambling ability can not win a Superbowl. Everyone will point to two years ago but I will say that's the point....it was all on a platter for him, the Bears had a way better D and special teams but still couldn't overcome his mistakes.
Orton can be the "game manager" right now (he did it as a rookie and is better than that now) and can become so much more (we saw it in the last two games last year)....LET HIM PLAY!
May 12, 2008
#26 Megan said . . .What I've seen of both so far I'd rather have Rex start.
Having said that, as much as it's out of vogue I trust the coaching staff to make the right call. They'll see both everyday, and have a lot more information to make the call. And I don't believe the entire coaching staff is incompetent.
Of course the decision will be second guessed by Bear fans everywhere regardless of the final decision.
May 12, 2008
#27 Rancid said . . .Sheeeeeeesh. It's the $65,000,000.00 question, isn't it?
The never ending circle that is the bain (is that the right spelling?) of our exisitance anymore.
Rex.....Kyle.... Rex......Kyle....Here's an thought: We have them, we are not going to necessarily pick up anyone else in that position, Let's work with what we have and continue to bitch about it? Cuz this NEVER gets old...
Like we have said so many times in the past, whomever is the quarterback on any given Sunday or Monday oh and Thursday: please, be consistant, efficient and effective in throwing, passing, handing-off, scrambling, finding the open and qualified receiver and probably not last but most definately not least thinking.
I don't care what his name is or how the F-Word he looks in a freakin' tux, just be a decent and consistant quarterback!!!!!!!
XXOO Megan
May 13, 2008
#28 Anytime said . . .Here's the deal: I like KO for who he is. I like Rex for who he could be. I've seen KO and he is a solid game managing backup QB. Since there are nowhere near 32 starter quality QBs in the league, that's not a bad guy to have to start.
On the other hand, no one can deny that when Rex is on his game he is an amazing QB, his problem is he hasn't been able to consistantly play at that level. So I'm torn. Obviously Rex is who we all should be pulling for, but there is such a danger that he wins the job and then goes Jekyll and Hyde again. So I'm pulling for Rex, but I'm content if it's KO.
May 13, 2008
#29 Al in WI said . . .Gotta stick with sexy. I have his jersey and I do not want to have to throw it out.
May 13, 2008
#30 BearTransplant said . . .I obviously want Rex to win the qb battle. First of all of course I'm a fan of his not exactly a big secret. But also because he is without a doubt the best quarterback I've seen play for the Bears since McMahon. And maybe the most talented overall.
I don't really see how anyone could be on the fence on this. I mean come on, when Orton has been good he's been what? Average? A good manager? A bad weather qb?
I guess I have failed to see the glimpses of a starting quality quarterback referenced in the post. At least not since the preseason of 2005.
In Grossman we've seen a guy who has real ability to be a excellent qb. He's done in more then once, in fact he's done a dozen or more times.
He's simply better, and for that reason everyone should hope he wins the battle.May 13, 2008
#31 Turtle Guy said . . .Rex...Grossman...drops...the....snap....all....the...time...after....5....years....in...the.... league! Sorry, I was hyperventilating. I'd rather see KO throw picks than RG drop the damn ball with his elf-hands. He makes good throws, he makes bad throws, but he can't hold onto the football (see duct-tape scene from "Friday Night Lights") and he still makes other, stupid, rookie mistakes, like forget to look off the safety. I've seen him do it all the time. He gets overconfident, or frustrated (doesn't matter which) and telegraphs the damn ball. I'm done with him. 5 years, and he's lost more games for us than he's won. 2006 was on the backs of the O-line and TJ; but you don't win in a dome in January w/o throwing the ball anymore (2000 Ravens lone exception). Everybody brings up his INT #s in reference to Brett Favre or whatever, but then they don't show fumbles/dropped snaps, do they? Defense will be good this year (I love the idea of Takeo Spikes on the strong-side, btw), offense will not be good enough. Han-ie! Han-ie!
May 13, 2008
#32 said . . .Al in WI, I could care less who is more 'talented'. I want a QB who wins us games, not costs us them. What good is all that 'talent' if you can't get over that hump of being reliable and effective. Rex has a better arm, so what? He moves better, so what? If that were all it took then we wouldn't be having this conversation. I don't care if it's Rex, Orton, or a one- armed midget, we need an effective QB. And it is not a coincidence that Orton inspires that hope because, despite his physical deficiencies, he is a smart and patient guy who has done well for us when he needed to. So he can't throw 60 yards downfield. What good is that when it's a 60 yard int? And who said he's better? Prove he's better, maybe you can make a better case for him than he can for himself. Look, we all hope Rex does well, but I think a lot of people, me included are really gunning for Orton deep down. Why not?
May 13, 2008
#33 Ted in IA said . . .There once was a young quarterback who showed flashes of brilliance when he was on his game, but also drove his coaches bonkers with his gunslinging, high risk ways. After the equivalent of two full seasons in the league this qb had thrown 39 interceptions and lost 26 fumbles and many hometown fans were read to give up ... on Brett Favre. Favre went on to win 3 straight MVPs and is now rated one of the best QBs to ever play the game. ... Could Rex be Favre? Probably not. But he does have greatness in him! His mistakes -- the nerves that cause his passes to float in big games especialy early on, the infuriating picks that come from overaggressiveness, the fumbles, the sacks that come from a refusal to step into the pocket --- are the mistakes of young qbs and the mistakes that so many of the great ones also struggled with early. It's on the coaches to bring greatness out of Rex. It's on Rex this year to either turn the corner the way Favre did in his third full year as a starter (33 TDs, 14 INT) or go away. I believe in Rex but I believe he either goes steps up this year and makes the pro bowl (or becomes a backup somewhere and eventually becomes a late bloomer who finally has success late in his career like a Rich Gannon) I'm rooting for Rex to put it all together like Eli at the end of last year, to take the big leap like Derek Anderson at the beginning of last season. It can happen baby. And if it happens, it's over. With the D we have, we'll be back on top of the NFC. So, who am I pulling for? I'm pulling for the one guy that do more than just manage a game. I'm rooting for Rex. I still believe the Bears can be great.
May 13, 2008
#34 Rancid said . . .I have that old feeling of dread about sexy Rexy. I keep reliving that Super Bowl "performance" of his.. and that one pass that I still cannot believe - he just threw a little floater directly up into the air. Looked like a weather balloon.
Anyway, I know I will cheer for the dumbass, but I can just see him ruining another season for us. Orton - I think - has some potential... and maybe the potential not to mishandle the snap from center. Face it, Rex has a big arm, and lots of "confidence", which I think is misplaced, but I can't remember seeing a QB who gets as rattled as Rex does. He seems to regress back to his grade school self.
GO BEARS ! (with or without sexy Rexy)
May 13, 2008
#35 Bobby Douglas said . . .Al - I agree with you and have already stated that I am pulling for Rex for the very reason you mentioned; that he has shown he has the ability to be a star qulaity QB, but it's not as simple as you make it sound.
Your point was basically that Rex has shown on many occaisions that he has the ability to be far more than Orton ever can be. The problem is that while it is true that when he is playing well, he is a far better QB than KO, the inverse is also true. When he is playing poorly, he is a much worse QB than KO. For that reason, even though I believe the best thing for the team is for Rex to start in 08, I understand those who are "on the fence".
May 13, 2008
#36 Bobby Douglass said . . .I just don't want to disappoint anymore. I don't think.... I don't..... I don't think I could take it anymore......
May 13, 2008
#37 Phil from SATX said . . .Ummm, Rex. Rex to disappoint anymore. Yeah, that's it.
May 13, 2008
#38 mikebdot said . . .Who's #32? That was a good post.
PO'd, out of those names, and assuming we keep Ced (a good assumption unless he looks like dog crap or is injured in preseason - a real possibility, let's not forget) - the only name I am real interested in is Ruben Brown. Or some other guard on the list. But Ruben knows us, knows the scheme, knows the other linemen, so if he's healed and still retains some athleticism he's the go-to guy. Pittman is very interesting, though. At this point, although there are several good reasons for keeping Ced and riding him in his contract season, the combination of a veteran like Pittman coupled with the raw rookie Forte sounds like a great plan. Pittman is 32, granted, but he still averaged 4.2 yards last year (on relatively limited carries though - 68, which makes the average less meaningful).
Then there's Shaun Alexander. Another true veteran, he's another 4.3 ypc career guy with the last two years down at 3.5 and 3.6 (still better than Ced). And he's only 30! The question is whether he can come back fully from that injury. If they think he is healed, that seems like a no-brainer - and you could probably get him pretty cheaply.
Man, regarding Rex vs. Kyle, it seems very simple to me. Despite the crazy fact that Rex has been in the league for 5 years, we have to remember how many actual games the guy has played in - NOT THAT MANY. I am willing to put the blame for those first 3 poor games in 2007 on RT - or at least contributory negligence on his part - maybe 50-50.
Then he gets yanked (which I was in favor of at the time). He comes back and plays well, well enough that had he not gotten injured, he would have earned a longer contract. Many here hate the QB ratings, I know that, but Rex had two games in the 80's and one over 100 when he returned. That's why we were excited - and in 4 1/2 games of his return we never saw Bad Rex. We saw mistakes, but not Bad Rex.
For those who act like Rex fumbles every snap, remember that there are how many offensive snaps in a game - like 70-80? We remember high profile dropped snaps, but the guy doesn't have THAT many fumbles. Took probably over 500 live snaps in 2007 in half a season. THAT TALK'S OVERBLOWN.
The reason Rex has had much pressure placed for a still-young QB is because the rest of the team was so good - at least in 2006, and in 2007, before the defensive injuries.
2008 may be only his second full year of starting, IF he starts (he will) and IF he stays healthy (don't know). I'll say this about the injuries - while the jury's still out about Tommie Harris, Dusty Dvoracek and the jury has already delivered a verdict about Mike Brown with respect to being injury prone, I truly believe Rex isn't. He had a streak of injuries in the early part of his career, and then got knocked out last year, but in between that he put together nearly 30 games during which I saw him take some hellacious hits - some of the hardest hits I've ever seen a QB take. And he kept getting up.
I think this is a tough kid, a smart kid, and his throwing skills are obvious to all. I don't know yet how mentally tough he is (although I saw a lot to like in the second half of 2007) and I don't know how durable he is. But surely he's shown enough upside in his very strange career here to merit support right now.
The almost- SB win, the horrible and strange season last year, the re-piecing of the puzzle in 2008, I really think we're poised to see something magical and great in 2008. And Rex will be there, leading the troops to our final destination. The hero story of 2008.
I believe.
May 13, 2008
#39 JB said . . .I'm sick of this discussion. Must resist urge to feed trolls.
Did you know that in '05 Orton fumbled the ball 12 times losing 5 of them? Methinks many of those were fumbled snaps. Me(still)thinks the problem isn't the QB...
May 13, 2008
#40 Phil from SATX said . . .Megan, it's bane.
May 13, 2008
#41 Rancid said . . .JB, now you got me going
also existence, consistent, definitely
now that Megan has fixed her "loose" screw she can embark on extra credit work, throwing out all her a's for e's and maybe an i here and there
We'll fix you yet girl! Da Bears Blog as self-help study site! We love ya!
May 13, 2008
#42 Phil from SATX said . . .Oh goody, another grammar thread. Or is that "goodie"?
May 13, 2008
#43 Rancid said . . .sorry, couldn't help myself
May 13, 2008
#44 mikebdot said . . .I considered writing "grammer" to see if your head would explode.
May 13, 2008
#45 Phil from SATX said . . .The way I remember "definitely" is because the word "finite" is in there. This is how math comes in useful from time to time.
Speaking of which, it always bothered me when a teacher couldn't answer the fairly simple question "when am I ever going to use algebra in my life?" or "why are we doing this?" Some teachers have never really considered that question and that's just sad.
From time to time my dad will email me with a practical question like "Mike, if I need to figure out how high the roof is on the house so I know if a "40 foot" (I put that in quotes because it's really only a 36 foot ladder in the guise of a 40 foot ladder) is going to be tall enough to clean out the gutters, how can I do that without measuring?" So I tell him to measure the shadow on the ground and then multiply that by 1 yard and divide by the length of the shadow a yardstick makes on the ground. (that's actually geometry, but you get the idea).
Ok, academic rant over.
Watching in Orton play football in '05 was depressing. I would change the channel when we had the football and wait for us to stop the other team or cause a turnover that would yield a short field. Only then could I bare to watch.
I really don't like the "kid-glove" treatment of our QBs by Ron Turner. If he's dumbing down the play book, that's just stupid. How the hell are people supposed to learn without actually getting practical experience? Same with taking Benson out on passing plays. How is he supposed to learn to block in a game situation without playing in game situations? He missed a few passes early on in the season and that really hurt Turner's confidence in him, but he made some plays at times. Remember him juking the hell out of Merriman? Whatever though. I just get sick of the ragging on someone when one or two mistakes get them yanked by our retarded OC. Which is why I was on record saying I think Grossman should have been able to play against Detroit. Especially since it would have been a perfect game to regain confidence...
May 13, 2008
#46 mikebdot said . . .Speaking of heads exploding, that's when mine did - when Benson missed several of those catches in a row because he was turning his head. I still believe he has perfectly adequate hands - caught lots of balls at Texas and more with the Bears - but those mistakes were killing us in critical situations. But then again, mistakes were killing us all over the place, by many people.
I totally agree with you about the idiocy of pulling Benson on the obvious passing downs. Talk about telegraphing your plays. And you're right, the only way these guys can learn is to be forced to do it - whiffing on a blitz and getting reamed by your teammates is probably a more effective inducement to get better than anything else out there.
May 13, 2008
#47 mikebdot said . . .Phil: That's the thing, Phil, there were only a handful of plays he actually fucked up on, and the only reason you notice is because we're already hyper-critical of everything he does. This is the same thing with fumbled snaps. When the microscope is on x1000000 (which it is with every QB that sets foot in soldier field), it looks terrible. Same with RB, actually. Funny, our WRs are not blasted nearly as frequently when THEY fuck up. Nor the O-line. Heck, Olsen dropped a handful of passes too. I'm pretty sure, for awhile, we led the league in drops. I don't know how we finished up the season, mostly because they don't make THOSE stats readily available. Anyone know where to go to get a look at more obscure stats like pancakes by the O-line? Or false start penalties? Or number of times a player was on the field for a snap? Number of times a ball was thrown to them? You know, stats that might show how effective a player is when they're actually on the field?
Truth be told, every QB botches a QB/center exchange occasionally. Sometimes the center steps on the QBs foot. Shit like that happens. Same thing with RBs missing the ball when it's thrown to them really early in the game (especially when it's raining!). Yes, those are "excuses". No, I don't care.
May 13, 2008
#48 JB said . . .And I know WE are critical of wide receivers dropping balls, but the media didn't mention Moose's awful production, especially when compared to his production in Carolina. Honestly, I think that was a function of our use of him as well, and probably the chemistry factor, but, there is no question he looked older on our team. Which is understandable, since, you know, he WAS older, but still.
May 13, 2008
#49 mikebdot said . . .phil, i didn't correct the rest of it bc she didn't ask. if we corrected everyones spelling, i'd have to quit my day job.
May 13, 2008
#50 Pissed Off said . . .They ended up paying Gould like an elite kicker.
I obviously think that is premature, but apparently there are a bunch of incentives, so I would guess his cap hit each season (or in the later years) has a chance of being less if he underperforms. So, it's a win/win I guess.
Hooray.
May 13, 2008
#51 Phil from SATX said . . .Cant claim it, #32 was not me. Its pretty obvious on here that the vast, vast majority are pulling for Rex, and its the wise choice. People are going back too far thinking about Rex and then getting negative. You only need to go back to how Rex performed after his benching when he played that stretch between the Oakland game up until he got hurt in the Washington game. Use that as your guage only. If you really watched those games closely, as I do every game and dissect Rex's play, and not just read the stat lines, you know that this guy is going to be terrific with a little O-line help. He is a changed player, no doubt in my mind and you will witness a pro-bowl caliber QB this year barring injury.
Phil your post #37 is going to be like my motto for the year. Great post. Im not even going to listen to the fumbled snap BS, I want to say that craps for FWFs but man, cmon already, all QB fumble, all QBs fumbled on this team, Rex just gets blown up.
May 13, 2008
#52 animal said . . .I think it's great that they signed Gould. They obviously paid top dollar so from a negotiation standpoint, it doesn't look like they did great, but we never know how much incentives color the deal - if he makes all the incentives, it would stand to reason he'd be worth the money. He may not be a brilliant HoF-lock kicker, but he's super competent (see the 99 out of 100 extra points?) and that's the most important thing to be as a kicker. Hit the ones you're supposed to hit - make them automatics. He does that. I think that's what we're going to get out of our receivers this year - not brilliant, not otherworldly, just super competent - at least that's what I'm hoping for. Catch the balls you should be catching. Hoping for a little bit of brilliant out of our new running back, I admit.
The Gould signing is movement forward, need to start hearing about draftees signing and maybe some Tommie news. Is he really a free agent after this year? If so, it sounds like they're already late. Hope they can come to an accord.
May 13, 2008
#53 OWNED said . . .Im watching one of the greatest Bears games of our lifetime on NFL network right now... vs Saints NFC Championship.
Man I miss that team. What a fucking Defense....May 13, 2008
#54 animal said . . .Urlacher says he is siting out of training camp unless the Bears renegotiate his contract and pay him more money. Who cares, let him sit out, he will be there when it matters. It will give his back and neck a little more time to heal to. As far as Rex vs Orton, I think Kyle should get a shot. I'm sick of the Rex Lovefest. He is too slow, short, and immobile. Even with an improved line, he has to take too many steps to drop back and throw because he cannot see over the O and D lines. He has tiny hands that cause him to fumble and not be able to grasp the ball. Yes, he had a great first half of the season in 06, but we saw how dramatically his game declined soon after. He has a bit better arm than Orton, but who cares. We are not throwing 50 yards bombs all the time, that's not our O scheme. Rex also seems to crumble when the pressure is on and shuts down when things are not going well. I would like to see what Orton can do with an improved first team for an extended period of time. He is more mobile, taller, quicker to drop back and release, and does not tend to lock in on one TE or WR the way Rex does. Unfortunately, Brandon Lloyd's comments prove that there will be no open QB competition and that the stubborn Bears organization will hand the ball to Rex from day 1. Under Rex, we go 8-8 with a relatively easy schedule this year. I hope I'm proven wrong.
May 13, 2008
#55 animal said . . .WOW>
OK I just watched the drive where TJ ran like 10 times for 70 yards and punched it in the endzone.
When was the last time you heard an announcer say "the Bears are running it right down their throats"?
Chances are, it was the NFC Championship game, cause Troy Aikman just said it.
Fuck I miss TJ. Fuck it was stupid for us to trade him.
I officially hate Dan Bazuin. Im irrationally blaming this all on him.May 13, 2008
#56 OWNED said . . .Hey, Owned, did you see the commercial Rex starred in? I think it was burger king. He couldnt eat the big burger because of his tiny hands, so his friend offers to hold it for him...
May 13, 2008
#57 Pissed Off said . . .Animal, I have not seen it but that is hilarious. I can imagine the tomato and lettuce slipping out of the bun. I can see the pickles ending up on his lap. The dude probably could not even hold onto a slider.
May 13, 2008
#58 OWNED said . . .Does anyone read anyone elses posts besides me or do people just come here and spew whats on their mind? Theres not anything wrong with just I'd just appreciate if those people would notate their posts up front that they havent read any other posts so I dont have to read it. This far into it I want to read posts that have legitimate responses to things we've already discussed.
May 13, 2008
#59 said . . .Pissed Off, Sorry guy. I forgot that you run this blog and that everyone should base their responses and ideas on whatever you post. The topic was Orton v. Grossman and I discussed that buddy. Grossman is a schlomo who will not be a pro-bowl caliber type QB. Keep living the dream.
May 13, 2008
#60 Pissed Off said . . .mmm, sliders
May 13, 2008
#61 animal said . . .Not just me pal. Read some others comments. Do you not believe in anything anyone else says because you're so firm in your beliefs or you just dont care to listen to reason because your stubborn? I'm fine with your opinions but you need to open to the fact that he could very well be the franchise QB for this team and be a pro-bowler, just like I need to be open to the fact that he could bust this year and never QB for the Bears again. Whats your response then to those who say look at Rex's performance during the stretch between the Oakland game and Wash game as a guage to what he'll be this year with an improved team around him? Lets debate then smart guy. Though we'll have to pick up tomorrow cuz I'm leaving work for the day and between housework and taking care of my kid I dont get on the computer at home in the evenings.
May 13, 2008
#62 OWNED said . . .I read the posts.
and I spew what's on my mind.
Its a blog, dumbass. That's what people do.May 13, 2008
#63 said . . .Pissed Off, During the Oakland through Washington games, the Bears went 2-3 with Rex at the helm and he had 3 TDs and 1 INT. That is not Pro bowl caliber, that is not even pee-wee league pro-bowl caliber. If your such a big fan and "dissect" Rex's play so much then you should know that. There you go guy, I responded to your incorrect and unintelligent comment.
May 13, 2008
#64 Rancid said . . .uh oh, Pissed Off is going to be Pissed Off when he reads that!
May 13, 2008
#65 Max said . . .WooHoo, a fight. Pop some popcorn and settle in because this one will be fun tomorrow.
May 14, 2008
#66 mikebdot said . . .I officially dont care . . . Rex or KO, as long as they play good.
May 14, 2008
#67 Pissed Off said . . .Max: I agree. I just don't want to see flashes of greatness followed by flashes of absolute suck. I will take "slightly greater than competent" most games.
May 14, 2008
#68 Pissed Off said . . .Animal, you can go back to your igloo pal, your the dumbass who's favorite show is deadliest catch. Tool. I wasnt talking to your dumb ass but since you called me one I can retaliate. You started it.
Owned, I'm not going to get all riled up over your idiocy but again you fail to read the posts and I'm starting to lean with FWF. Again I respect your opinion and I never said his numbers were probowl caliber during that stretch but if you watched those games and not just read the stat line you'd know he's going to be good IF, I said, IF he gets some O-line help. He was hurried cuz our O-line sucked, and our running game sucked so it never opened up the pass for him but if some of those areas see improvement which apparently it should with the addition of Williams and Forte I think your going to see a great year out of Rex. Peyton Manning wouldnt have had better numbers given our O-line and running game during that stretch.
May 14, 2008
#69 shonbear said . . .And your credibility just goes south when you dont have evidence to backup your comments. You called my post incorrect and unintelligent. What exactly about it was incorrect, or unintelligent. Opinions can be proved incorrect but currently my take on Rex has not been proven incorrect because the season hasnt starter. Use 3rd grade logic dude.
May 14, 2008
#70 Rancid said . . .What do we have 85 days left till the first preseason game? What's this Urlacker rumor that he'll sit out the preseason that someone logged? Is it true?
Someone mentioned Ruben Brown, I'm thinking he's healthy and he'll back on our squad. That scenario would make me feel really comfortable with our offensive line woes.
I remember when Moose first came to the Bears he was working with Rex this time of year, getting some rythem with each other. It seemed to work out. Why aren't we hearing about our new crop of receivers (and old crop if you include Marty Booker) working with Orton and Grossman. Shouldn't this lloyd guy be spending some personal time with our QB's. Hester too. These guys need to show how serious they are about making it happen. They are just going to wait till camp or what?
Competition is the way to go with Rex and Kyle, but on that thought, how will our receivers ever settle in and get into a groove if we don't stick with one guy early. How would the vote go if it was receivers voting on which QB they would want to run the offense. For that matter, what would the rest of the offenses vote be? I wonder, sure they alwasy give the media answer about supporting whoever is there, but I think they would naturally go with the guy they think is a better leader adn makes plays. Which guy is it for them?
May 14, 2008
#71 Phil from SATX said . . .shonbear - urlacHer
Urlacher already sat out voluntary workouts and now is saying he may sit out mandatory workouts too. The article I'll link to below says he's getting fined 8 grand. That's just silly. It says he hasn't said anything about training camp yet. I actually was agreeing with him until I got to the "chair-builder" part. These guys have so much cash it's like they have no grasp on reality. Could he not think of a common job that actually exists to use as an example? Is there a chair-builders union? Has anyone ever met a professional chair-builder? Damn I wish I was a football player. Stupid short unathletic genes.
here's the link:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3394788
May 14, 2008
#72 Phil from SATX said . . .Hey, I'm a chair builder from way back. Got my card an' everything. That's pretty awesome to get recognized, FINALLY! Think I'll just put down this spindle and shut down my lathe for a bit, and bask in the glory...
I honestly think that Brian may be one of the less intelligent Bears. Great football player, just not the brightest bulb.
May 14, 2008
#73 Pissed Off said . . ."they can break their contract, so can I"
uh, no Brian, they can't break their contract now, can they? What they CAN do is exercise terms in their contract that you signed.
You too have freedom - you can sit out and NOT GET PAID. Prolly wouldn't like that much though, whouldja?
I'm beginning to understand why he's always been a man of so few words - because the ones that come out don't make that much sense. I recognize that I'm bagging on my favorite (current) Bear, but he's the one talking about sitting out, so...
May 14, 2008
#74 Rancid said . . .Lets not get too harsh on Brian. When it all comes down to it he's always been there. He's there when it counts being the best LB in football for the best franchise in the NFL. He's like the brett favre of training camp, will he or wont he show up. This happens every year. Its kinda like Strahan too, he's been around a long time and he doesnt need all the training camp in addition to preseason and workouts etc. He probably prefers to keep himself in shape in the offseason and prefers to skip some training camp so he's fresher for the season.
May 14, 2008
#75 Phil from SATX said . . .PO - I like BU, and even feel that he's probably legit in some of his points. The cap has almost doubled since he signed the deal. He just lost me with the chair builder thing, that's why I'm giving him a hard time.
May 14, 2008
#76 Taylor said . . .And I'm okay with everything as long as he shows up for preseason. If he doesn't, what do you think then? We never actually know the difference between the gamesmanship and the real emotions, which can make people do stupid things (like sit out because you're not being paid enough).
May 14, 2008
#77 Taylor said . . .''They're killing me in Chicago,'' Urlacher said. ''I think I should just go ahead and retire.''
Hell yeah we're killing him, because he keeps saying dumb shit like this!
He has been treated like a god in this town and has made ridiculous money off endorsements by being the good guy and the team leader. This type of crap makes me like him less. I respect his right to make all the money he can but, I hate these kind of tactics and I can't help but like him a little less.May 14, 2008
#78 Rancid said . . .Of course, I still want him starting at middle line backer for us, I'll just be wearing another jersey.
May 14, 2008
#79 Phil from SATX said . . .The Urlacher quotes Taylor mentioned are from a Yahoo interview and at the point he said that stuff he was joking around according to the piece. Let's not get totally crazy on BU, he's about as much a Bear as you can be. He just doesn't interview very well apparently.
link
May 14, 2008
#80 jdawg said . . .Thanks for posting that Rancid, I can see we're definitely making too much of this. I'm also glad to see that Brian is cognizant of the fans' perspective on this - I'm sure that means nothing bad will happen with him. He certainly has enjoyed fan adoration throughout his career the likes of which very few NFL players get. He almost sounds like he's trying to lobby us, and maybe as fans we should let him - and apply our own pressure to get Jerry to give him some more money. We all know he's worth it. I did love his comments about his back and neck, even if I think he meant to say "my worst day is 20 times better than my best day in 2007" - would have made more sense and seemed to be what he was trying to convey.
May 14, 2008
#81 OWNED said . . .on another forum someone made the point that in 2003 54 was the highest paid player in the NFL, due to his huge (at that time) signing bonus. In order to make that bonus doable from the Bear's side, the contract needed to spread the pain over many years. He knew what this meant when he signed that contract. Certainly, the way he's performed, he deserves a little extra, especially given the current and future caps, but he needs to stop grabbing with both hands.
The Bears did right by him in 2003 and he needs to remember that.
Didn't Brady take less money than he was worth to ensure the Pats had enough cash to keep signing players?
May 14, 2008
#82 Z said . . .Pissed Off, I did use logic you dumb ass. You made a point that Rex was great during the Oakland through Washington run last year. I simply laid the stats down for you showing that he was not great and maybe OK to par at best. Even with an improved O-line this guy will not become a pro-bowler. He is too slow, short, and has baby hands that cause him to fumble. But, maybe I'm not dissecting his play as deeply as you are buddy. Keep breaking down the tape champ for glimmers of hope that will not become reality. Your post was unintelligent and incorrect because Rex was not even good during those games, maybe he was Rex good, which makes him ok in the context of the nfl. Peyton Manning would have still had a good year with our o-line last year, it would not have been as good as his numbers with the Colts, but he is still Peyton Manning. I'm done with the nasty comments, but do not try to run the blog and tell me what to write and who to direct it at.
May 14, 2008
#83 said . . .I would say it is definitely Rex's job to lose. So much potential, just put it together for a whole season c'mon.
Sign Caulpepper, Pittman, Reuben Brown and another backup lineman (is there no hope of Shaun Alexander having a comeback). We had some extra people taking up space last year. Shit have 5 running backs till 1 of them shows us something. Fine with me because with no solid running game Rex's job and the rest of the O's job and therefore the D's job gets a whole lot harder.
GO BEARS!! and come on Forte end these RB ?'s for a long time!
May 15, 2008
#84 Floopy said . . ."end these running backs for a long time"???
May 15, 2008
#85 said . . .What do you think is the biggest key to the season? I've thought about this and I came up with two conclusions: 1) the Bears might have as many X-factors as any team in the league, and 2) the biggest X-factor has to be Chris Williams because if he doesn't play like a pro-bowler, the O-line is right back to sucky town and there's no backup plan for the offense. Here's what I mean by an X-Factor: a position that could be GREAT or could stink like Rancid's socks. X-Factors: Good Rex or Bad Rex?, Ron Turner: offensive genuis or unimaginative dolt?, Hester: best special teamer ever but could he be special at WR also?, Mike Brown: the defense dominates when he's healthy but who's holding their breath this season?, Urlacher: just playing games or is a real holdout looming?, Forte: the next Edgerrin James or the next JA skill position bust?, Tait: on the downside or just needs a switch of sides?, the entire WR corps: a bunch of busts or a group that will bust out with the right opporutnity? All those question marks and then there's still this one: WHO THE HECK IS PLAYING LEFT GUARD? Of all these question marks I still think Chris Williams is the most absolutely critical, again because there's no Plan B. But what do you think is the biggest key to the season???
May 15, 2008
#86 mikebdot said . . .Said,
If your going to smack on Z for his wording you need to use the correct quote. The quote was "end these RB ?'s for a long time!". His actual quote made sense to me, your mis-quote did not.
Floopy,
Great thoughts on most every point. Although I don't think there are too many people that refer to Ron Turner as an offensive genius. I think that the talent on the team making big plays provides success despite Ron Turner.
In the NFL because of key injuries, team chemistry, depth, execution, good game planning, eye of the tiger type hunger and other factors of that sort. You could say every year is like an X factor year. There are only like two to four teams that seem like they are going to be in the mix every year no matter what problems they face because those teams are possibly run like well oiled machines. Even those teams can't last like that forever, they will get old, change coaches, face injuries or other teams will pour it on and get inspired and new superstars will emerge. New young superstar QB's, RB's, WR's, DB's, LB's etc...
There wil likely be a power shift at some point from AFC to NFC.
We just can hope for this every year and look with great anticipation that this is the year we do it. This is the year we show everybody were great. I mean wen went to the Superbowl only just over a year ago. The pundits and league act like it was lucky, maybe it was, but to us Bear fans who have watched for years, we've felt like we were that close at least four or five times since the 85 Bears. When we finally made it back, we let it slip through our fingers. It cost us that game and it ran right into the following season. Even with our downfall we were not that far off from making the playoffs. Three last half of the season critical games played into that. The Minnesota game, we barely lost and Minnesota looked like they were headed to the playoffs, they missed it. The Redskins game, following the whole Taylor thing, we dropped it, it was in our grasp. They made the playoffs. Then the Giants game, we contributed to their away game streak run right into their Superbowl win. That could have been us the previous year.
So all that to say this. Every year is different, last years problem, offensive line, running game, quarterback carousel and execution. On execution, first for the defense not completing several games when we had the lead going into the fourth quarter, second for our receivers ball drops and our offensive line and running back issues.
Key issues:Play calling that accounts for our strengths as an offense regardless of the a weak running game or offensive line. Make the most of the talent we have.
Execution from our players.
No injuries to key personnel.
One QB for the whole season.
May 15, 2008
#87 Pissed off said . . ."No injuries to key personnel" is not necessary to take us to a Super Bowl. What is necessary however, is that when key personnel does go down (how many "Key personnel" do we have? I would say Vasher/Tillman, Mike Brown, Urlacher, Harris, Briggs, Hester, QB, O-line vets...that's a LOT of players), the replacements for said personnel step up, or, don't get hurt themselves (like last year). We had reserves getting hurt last season. That is never a good thing. Unless it allows you to realize the guys you brought in to pick up slack in these scenarios did nothing of the sort.
Also, one QB for the whole season is not necessary either, especially if Grossman gets hurt (rather than just loses the starting job). If KO can come in and step up his game it won't matter. But if Grossman loses the job it will obviously be because of poor play and our record will not be good and then KO is already behind the 8 ball. Either scenario sucks and obviously we'd rather have one QB for the whole season, but I don't believe it's necessary. I think the first two points are dead on though. But those go for every team.
May 15, 2008
#88 Phil from SATX said . . .Owned, your #81 was the worst, weakest response post I have seen in a long time. I too am done with this debate cuz its not going anywhere "champ." It doesnt deserve a response but thank for the chuckle.
Z in response to your post I like the idea but I really dont want Culpepper, at all. I think he's as done in the NFL as Tim Couch. Brown for sure. And regarding Alexander someone posted earlier that he's only 30? Wow I thought he had way more mileage on him than that and Pittman is 32, that was weird to learn as well, I thought he was a younger guy.
And it is true that if things can come together will all or most of the positions, etc. we can go deep into the playoffs, conversely, if it goes the other way like it did last year we will end up having a record like, well, last year. I think we have the staff, etc, we just need it to come together.
May 15, 2008
#89 mikebdot said . . .As crazy as everything went last year, you could say it was a few defensive injuries (and a big-time safety bust) that kept us from being a playoff team, and while we weren't going to go to the SB, we were playing well enough at the end of the season to potentially win a game.
So I still say the most important x-factor is injury - not to any one person, but more like the mass carnage that occurred last year. And since I find it very hard to imagine that such devastation could occur two years in a row, I'm not too worried about that.
So next I go to the oline, which means I agree with Floopy's post. Since I am convinced the D will be great again, improvement in the Oline will make the biggest difference in how we perform. HOWEVER, I also see no way that the Oline won't be better, barring injury, so...
I go to third on my list, and in my opinion the REAL x-factor - the WR corps. Because here we have no idea whether the new group will be better than the old group, and the one thing we do know is we lost a guy who is likely better than anyone we have replaced him with. Can Booker, Bradley, Hester and Bennett work together to represent an improvement over last year? THAT is the true X-factor for next year.
May 15, 2008
#90 Phil from SATX said . . .My thoughts on the receiving corps:
Ok, as a whole, what'd we have last year?
1. Berrian
2. Moose
3. Hester/Davis?
4. Davis/Hester?
5. Bradley
6. HassSo, I know we have potentially taken a step back at the #1, but I think there is little question we haven't improved everywhere else. We obviously have competition at the QB position, but now we have real competition at the WR position as well. I think that is a GOOD thing. Last offseason nobody had anything to prove, this year, all of the players we brought it do, especially with young blood knowing they actually have a chance to make a difference.
1. Booker
2. Hester
3. Davis/Bennet
4. Bennett/Davis
5. Bradley/Lloyd/Monk
6. Monk/Bradley/LloydThe depth chart has Hester listed as PR/KR. Hmmm.
That's my guess how it shakes out. I don't think Lloyd makes the team. Hass might make a surprise, but I doubt it. Too bad. I've always wanted a Steve Tasker/Wes Welker/Tim Dwight type guy, but just don't think he's fast enough (well, I KNOW he's not fast enough). That's the only thing that can make up for WHITE-ness...speed.
May 15, 2008
#91 Pissed Off said . . .Waddle wasn't too fast, I remember - of course times have changed since then...
But I agree with your overall concept. Here's how I see the depth chart truly playing out
1. Booker
2. Bradley
3. Hester/Bennett
4. Bennett/Hester
5. Davis/Lloyd/MonkI think the BT is going to quickly see that Bradley is a better every-down option than Hester, he'll just be catching way more balls and running way better routes in preseason and camp - he's a real receiver, and not a receiver in training. And Hester may become even less relevant if Bennett shows a lot, which I'm certainly hoping for.
In fact, the less our offense relies on Hester, the better our chances are, even if that sounds counter-intuitive given Hester's other-worldly talents. We've got seasoned pros and young talent and talented semi-seasoned guys who are looking to break out from previous underachieving pasts. That's a combination that I think will work without needing to rely on the very difficult task of creating an elite receiver out of a cornerback. I know others disagree, which is okay by me.
May 15, 2008
#92 mikebdot said . . .Phil I agree with most of that, I think, wait, I hope that Booker and Bradley are #1 and #2. Then it will be a combo of Davis/Hester/Bennett thereafter. I dont know how things will shake up but I hope one of those last three really steps up as our 3rd guy. We really only need to be good at the WR position 3 deep, the rest are fill in guys anyway.
May 15, 2008
#93 jeff said . . .I hope Phil's is how things will shape up, but I suspect it will shape up differently. I'm concerned about forcing the issue with Hester, just because they can. Of course, just like like the advice I received when I started growing facial hair, just because you CAN, doesn't mean you SHOULD. That advice, via my father, was quite astute, just like the only sex talk I ever got: "If it rains, wear a raincoat".
My desire for a solid decision one way or the other for the QB is quite similar here. Last year was way too much of a hodge-podge. We had no identity or continuity week to week on offense. If there were injuries that would be understandable, but there were not. We need an assigned role for each WR. I don't particularly care where Hester ends up, as long as it isn't in the same role as last season. I'd just asoon have him be the #1 all the time than have him come in for 20 catches again. With 7 rushes, or whatever it was.
May 15, 2008
#94 Pissed Off said . . .phil, send me an email at jeff@dabearsblog.com.
thanks pal.
May 15, 2008
#95 Pissed Off said . . .This would be better on the "Guys like Broads" thread but here it is:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/951610,CST-NWS-briggs15.article
Briggs needs some fucking will power....PULL OUT MAN! Its not that hard. If you thought Urlacher had problems with fathering children, jeez.
May 15, 2008
#96 Phil from SATX said . . .Next news quick hitter:
Something tells me things would have been a lot WORSE with Ricky in that boat like for example, Possession of Pot charges against everyone on the boat. Then Ced wouldnt be getting any sympathy. Even though Earl Campbell isnt giving him any anyway.
May 15, 2008
#97 Phil from SATX said . . .I totally hear you, Mike, it's the same thing I am scared about with RT. Could he keep it a little bit simpler while still mixing up the individual play calls enough to keep the D guessing? And when something's working, stay with it until it doesn't work anymore?
Agree too about the QB situation, but here I have a much better feeling that this year will not and cannot be a repeat of last year. Last year they were uncertain yet hopeful about 3 different guys. And because of initial and lasting suckitude of the first two QBs, respectively, they ended up working through all 3 (and actually had 4 different starting QB changes since Rex had 2 himself).
You had one guy that was a complete unknown (BG) and one guy who hadn't played since his rookie year and therefore was also unknown (Kyle), but what they knew they weren't very confident in (don't believe me? it's the only explanation for why they didn't go straight to him after BG was injured [yanked]). Then you had the main guy who came off of a very strange season which included great highs and lows, and the last taste from '06 was a low. This combination is what led to the twitchiness of the coaching staff - they were nervous about Rex to begin with and he came out of the box misfiring. Plus they had high hopes in BG, which also propelled an earlier-than-normal yanking of Rex.
This year, and despite their protestations to the contrary, they have a bona fide #1 and a bona fide backup. They had to say that shit to Kyle in order to get him to sign the short term deal. Then when Rex beats him out in camp (to the surprise of no one) they'll have the season to convince him that he's more of a backup than credible starter and sign him to a long term deal for backup money.
Bottom line is, there's very little unknowns to deal with - and that's the way the BT wanted it, which is why they didn't sign the Brian Brohm or Chad Henne. Otherwise there would be the exact same uncertainty. And these undrafted guys don't count - although I do think one of them will be our 3rd QB - no veteran signings likely. Why? Because we already have a starter and a solid backup. The third slot is for development. Have no idea which one will stick, either - maybe Hanie?
May 15, 2008
#98 mikebdot said . . .I guess Earl Campbell hates Ced too. I'm really starting to feel sorry for the guy - what the hell is wrong with being on your boat with your mother in the offseason? He's not underage, and alcohol is legal on the lake. WTF? And Ced, I hope that's the last invite you ever extend to Earl Campbell, who apparently is a direct descendant of Jesus, having obviously committed nary a sin in his great life.
I never thought I'd say this about Ced, but
Can the piling on please stop?
May 15, 2008
#99 mikebdot said . . .http://www.chicagobears.com/news/ChalkTalkStory.asp?story_id=4696
It's very heartening to read this:
How do the two undrafted free agent quarterbacks the Bears have on their roster, Caleb Hanie and Nick Hill, compare to Chris Leak, who was with the Bears last summer?
Larry P.
Wheeling, IllinoisFrom what I’ve seen and been told, there’s no comparison at all. Caleb Hanie and Nick Hill are much better pro prospects than Chris Leak. They both have much stronger arms, better size and can make all the throws required in the NFL, something that cannot be said for Leak.
Also, we did the best we could with Grossman in '03 and there have not been better options since then. Fuck the media.
May 15, 2008
#100 Max said . . .By the way, that last sentence was me, not the Chalk Talk guy.
May 15, 2008
100!!!! it amazes me sometimes how useless my posts are on here
May 15, 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.