FREE MR. ROY
Listen - and I can't prove I was responsible - but I apologize to Roy over at sportsfansnetwork if I'm at all responsible for his videos being taken off YouTube. I know members of the Chicago press are aware of us and I was simply trying to get valuable material directly to the fans who crave it. However, Roy, if you contact me I'll put the videos up directly on this site and do battle with anyone who tries to take them down. (Literally everyone I know is a lawyer.)
As for the decision to shut down Roy's videos, it's disgraceful on the part of whomever might be responsible. God forbid the actual sports fan be rewarded for caring about the day-to-day camp life of his ball club. No, I say we cater the entire National Football League to fantasy football players.
DEPTH AT CORNERBACK?
My buddy David Haugh in the Trib has cornerback Corey Graham as one of the top performers at camp thus far. If that's true, the Bears can clearly cut ties with Ricky Manning Jr. and - with Tru McBride - should enter 2008 with terrific depth at the position. (Great Jerry Azumah mention at the tail end of that article.)
TWO THOUGHTS ON FAVRE
1. The Packers offering him 20 millions dollars to stay retired for the next 10 years is one of the most ridiculous things to ever happen in the world of sports. Who the fuck do the Packers think they are? Isn't this what the mafia does? They're from Wisconsin, for Christ sake. Relax.
2. Reports out of Green Bay are that the Pack will now consider trading Brett within the division as a last resort. Not going to lie. As this story has progressed I've somehow turned pro-Favre and the Packers have revealed themselves to be the shallow, classless, despicable organization I always believed them to be. I wouldn't like rooting for #4 but I'd love to see the faces in Lambeau when he ran out of the tunnel in navy and burnt. Vaughn in the Trib says Favre wouldn't mind that either.
WHY I LOVE MARTY BOOKER
"Knock on wood, but I haven't had any serious injuries or surgeries," [Booker] said. "When I do retire, I know I'm going to be a fat [guy] sitting on the couch."
Once again, homeboy Roy has come through over on YouTube with the sportsfansnetwork.
Opinions on another day from camp:
1. First off, Roy's video commentary looks like one of those videos they show of some nut in a wood shack who believes the government can hear his thoughts. I love him but it's somewhat bizarre.
2. I think the next development in Rex v. Kyle will come a week from Thursday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
3. Health. That's the story of the next 8 days.
Click here for sportsfansnetwork's video from day six of training camp.
1. From what this video shows and what I've read around the universe, it looks like the defense is starting to take over training camp. Not surprising, considering we don't know who is starting at any of our skill positions. Mark Anderson - according to the man who shot the above video - was playing with anger today.
2. Rex fumbled two snaps in this video. In this four and half minute video. Two snaps. Are you serious? If I have my choice between two sucky quarterbacks, I'll take the one who can execute the center-QB exchange. (I have a feeling this will be a story in tomorrow's papers).
Because I know you all love your jobs, I figured I'd make it easy on you today. Thanks to Ron C who sent me YouTubing, I found a fella named Roy's video from all five camp practices. They're extensive. They're detailed. They're tough to discover at 2:30 in the morning. Roy - I believe - runs a thing called the Sports Fans Network.
Day One 7/23: Video
Day Two 7/24: Video
Day Three 7/25: Video
Day Four 7/26: Video
Day Five 7/27: Video
A couple things are clear from watching these videos:
1. Matt Forte is going to be as big a threat catching the football as he is running it.
2. Devin Hester is going to be this team's premiere offensive weapon.
3. Kyle Orton is a liability every time he throws the ball towards the sideline.
4. Rex Grossman is going to be the starting quarterback if he just stops fumbling snaps. (See: the end of Day 4)
ADDENDUM 2:12 PM: Sports Illustrated has posted their Bears camp postcard by a fella named Adam "Don't Call Me Dave" Duerson. A couple things about this. (1) You can't write a column about the Hester holdout and post it two days after the fact. (2) I can't take a football journalist seriously who writes the sentence, "Come late August when I'm drafting my fantasy team, I'll have very few Bears players on my draftable list." For once and for all, can we separate the fantasy football shit from the actual football shit? (3) How did the local writers not cover this:
The Bears know what's coming in 2008: No one with any sense will punt or kick directly to Hester. (Note: the Broncos aren't on the schedule.) So when Hester lined up in pads to return live punts for the first time on Sunday, the crowd got a fistful of disappointment as Brad Maynard sent eight straight punts away from Hester. Maynard hung 'em high, he pinned 'em against the sideline -- but not a single one was returnable. You could see the frustration building in Hester's eyes. It could be a long season for the Windy City Flyer.Once again, Dave Toub and company are doing a nice job coaching the special teams, preparing Hester for a lot of frustration in the kick return game.
First off - thanks for the support on the Camp 2009 idea. Noah and I will begin that process so that da site will not have to rely on any other source to present you guys with the most up-to-date and honest information coming right from Bourbonnais - starting next summer.
Here's my read-between-the-lines approach to the camp coverage thus far:
UP
1. Kellen Davis - look for the rookie tight end to easily fill the John Gilmore-vacated third tight end spot, which is a go-to target inside the red zone.
2. Matt Forte - never go crazy when a team tells you a particular player is special but all signs are pointing to Matt Forte being the real deal. There's also been a pointed emphasis on his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. As opposed to Cedric Benson, who loved dropping the ball out of the backfield.
3. Rash Davis - the star of camp thus far. I continue to maintain that the receiver position is the true story of camp and Davis may just earn his way onto the starting eleven.
DOWN
1. Kyle Orton - you just don't get a good vibe right now. Kyle hasn't been terrible but he'll have to significantly out-perform Rex in the preseason to win this job.
2. Offensive Line - where are they? We still have no left guard. Olin Kreutz hasn't played yet. Chris Williams has a naggy back. The most glaring hole of the 2007 season has not gotten off to a very good 2008.
3. Mike Hass - he's actually performing brilliantly in camp again. But it's over once my boy David Haugh has dubbed you "Mr. Bourbonnais".
WAIT AND SEE...
1. Rex Grossman - reminding me of a political candidate with a huge lead in the polls. Not saying a lot to the press. Going about his business.
2. Marty Booker - could he not make the roster? You can't find a word about him anywhere.
3. Mike Brown - knock on wood, he's not out for the year yet.
Devin Hester reported to camp today without a new contract (but presumably with the promise of one). Everybody at once...whew.
Dan Pompeii continued his career of remarkably sub-par sports writing by calling for the Chicago Bears to trade Devin Hester in today's Tribune. Sometimes I think these guys are so eager to bring attention to their columns (understandable in the over-congested market of sports opinions) that they completely lose grasp of the fans that sit and read their work. Steve Rosenbloom - in the same newspaper - ponders the possibility of trading Hester for Favre. Rosey was my favorite Chicago writer last season but somebody needs to make him pee in a cup.
Or I have an idea. Maybe we could allow the most exciting player in the sport to continue to play for the Chicago Bears? Would that be alright with the Tribune? Maybe we allow this once-in-a-lifetime performer to play his entire career here and not approach football like we're buying Best Buy stock?
Assholes.
Sometimes we (me) here at DaBlog like to report on the reporting. Today's a good day for it as Devin Hester's holdout has drawn nearly unanimous opinion from a rabid fan base - some of which would chip in out of pocket to ensure The Skunk arrive at camp before the end of the week.
From the Tribune and Steve Rosenbloom:
"Can I get a show of hands of Bears fans who don't think it's worth it to show up for work at a measly $445,000 and would rather pay $15,000 a day for the right to pout at home?"
Hey Steve, can I get a law passed that stops failed athlete sports writers from comparing professionals to the guy laying tile in an Arlington Heights kitchen? This argument has become so tired and old, that it's starting to offer me a second bowl of soup before I finish my first. (Inside joke about my Aunt Nellie)
From the Tribune and David Haugh:
"It only means Hester has gone about arguing his position in the worst possible way. Holdouts ruin seasons, reputations and occasionally careers. And this one could affect Hester's if he's stubborn...If Hester wants to get paid like a No. 1 or No. 2 wide receiver, then every practice he misses makes it harder for him to develop into one."
(1) It is the Bears organization who have reiterated time and again that Hester can evolve into their top receiver - not Hester. (2) Didn't Emmitt Smith hold out once and then put the Cowboys on his back en route to a Super Bowl before mumbling incoherent jibberish on ESPN once a week? (3) Hester has not made his demands for a new contract PUBLIC (the right way) but he has made them known to the team. (4) Brian Urlacher cried to the press, sat out mini-camps and received an extension on an already insanely lucrative deal. What does this say about the Bears and Hester?
The voice of reason...ugh...
From the Sun-Times and Jay Mariotti:
"He floated it. But I didn’t really take it serious," Angelo acknowledged on the practice field after the first session of a downcast camp...Sounds like another dumb special-teams coach who kicks the ball to Hester, only to be burned."
Jay's just...right.
Every day they refuse to meet his contract demands is on the organization - not the player. Especially when I hear "I didn't really take it serious." Oh no, Jerry. You didn't take the contract demands and possible holdout of the best player on your team seriously? Wow. If this were any other profession, I believe someone would walk into your office with a cardboard box and ask you to fill it. However, since the Bears have no ownership, that won't happen.
I hereby plant myself firmly in Devin Hester's camp as he engages in a training camp holdout that has the distinction of being completely valid. Here's how Hester puts it:
"You should pay me like I'm one of a kind,'' Hester said. "It's like dating a girl. When you find somebody who is real special, you're going to do whatever it takes to keep her. You might cut back on what you're giving your mom to give to her. And that's how I feel they should treat me.''
Jerry Angelo didn't a brilliant job selecting Hester two years ago but with a great draft pick comes the great responsibility of paying them shitloads of money. Here's a fact: without Devin Hester on the roster this season, the Chicago Bears have no chance of making it into the postseason.
Pay him.
With rumors that Chris Williams is close to signing and every other contractual situation under control, Jerry Angelo must now turn his attention to wrapping up Devin Hester for the long term before the start of the 2008 season.
Two reasons:
1. Hester is the most important single entity in the organization and his happiness can only lead to good things.
2. If the Bears utilize Hester as intended (more receiver), his price tag will only increase week after week.
Do it now, Jerry.
Josie Woods bid farewell (for the time being) to Wayne Scott - true Bears fan and gentleman on Friday night. It was the end of an era and yet an oddly compelling beginning to the 2008 season. The jerseys went up on the wall. "Bear down" was uttered more than once. We talked life and we talked football.
A month from Thursday will be the third preseason game - game Dennis Green made famous in his "they are who we thought they were" postgame tirade. That's where the tinkering with lineups end. That's where you start preparing for a week one primetime showdown in Indianapolis.
And that's where I want an answer. I want no doubt in my mind as to who the quarterback of this ballclub should be. Either Rex Grossman or Kyle Orton has one month to take the reins and ride off into the sunset with his football team right behind. I don't ask for much. Just doubtlessness. And confidence. I want a landslide.
I'll be doing daily updates starting with camp opening on Wednesday. Hope you'll stick with us and bring your own views to the conversation. The season starts now.
There is no guarantee that his release will be granted by the Green Bay Packers, but this news essentially paves the way for Brett Favre to play for another club.
This begs the question: what club? Two criteria: (1) They have to need a quarterback and (2) they have to be a championship contender.
As far as I'm concerned, five teams might find themselves in the sweepstakes for this douchebag.
MINNESOTA
Tarvaris Jackson stinks and they are a solid quarterback away from making a trip to the Super Bowl. Favre in purple makes sense and would help my soaring hatred of the club reach new heights.
WASHINGTON
Why not? Give Jason Campbell a year to learn how to throw more interceptions.
NEW YORK JETS
They've been the most active team in football during the 2008 calendar year and they might see this as a means of tipping the scale against the Pats. They also think Damien Woody can still play professional football and that Calvin Pace is worth a bazillion dollars.
BALTIMORE
Sit Flacco a year and take one last shot with Ray Lewis on the roster?
and...
ugh.
I don't hide from the fact that I don't like Brett Favre. Not just in the I'm-a-Bears-fan-so-I-can't-like-Favre way. I don't like Favre the person. I don't like Favre the player. I don't like Favre in commercials. I don't like how the media treats a quarterback with as many Super Bowl victories as Jeff Hostetler like he's God's gift to the sport. I don't like that an athlete who has singlehandedly cost him team more big games than any other I know receives unabashed praise from anybody with a microphone.
More than anything, I think Favre is full of shit. I always have. He preaches team but will show up a receiver on the field at the drop of a hat, especially when the camera's on him. He cries on television and dominates the media for a week only to turn around a few months later and say, "Nah fuck that, I wanna play again."
Favre is about Favre and if he returns to the Green Bay Packers - who have done everything but denounce him in the press - he proves it. If he returns to a team other than the Packers - especially the Vikings - he proves it there to.
#4 will be on the field somewhere this season, don't think any different. He'll play again. Retire again. Play again. And John Madden will need the jaws of life to have his hand pulled out of his pants after each interception.
In our continuing series of columns meant to fill space until the start of training camp, it appears the Chicago Bears have reached the political spotlight. The following is by Art Brodsky (wonder where that name's from?) over at The Huffington Post.
COACHING UP OBAMA DA BEARS WAY
by Art Brodsky
This week, the Senate will vote on a new bill to authorize new intensive wiretapping on less rigorous legal grounds than we have now. For Sen. Barack Obama, the vote comes at a most dangerous part of his campaign. He's in the midst of what might be called the second transition. The first was when he broke out of the pack into his one-on-one with Sen. Hillary Clinton. Now, in a second major transition, he has to adjust to being the Democratic nominee with all of the attention on him.
There are lots of people who could give advice to the Obama team, and do. But for Obama, David Axelrod and the rest of his Chicagoland crew, perhaps the best voice of experience is Buddy Ryan. Ryan was the defensive coach who led the Chicago Bears' NFL team to greatness in the 1980s. He did exactly the opposite of what the Obama campaign is doing now.
Even coaching the defense, Ryan played aggressively to win. Obama and his advisers, by contrast, appear to be playing not to lose. It looks from the cold stands in Soldier Field that they think they have a lead and can sit on it as the clock runs out through November with enough margin to win by a couple of points at the end of the game.
It's the tactic far too many coaches follow, and it drives players and fans crazy. It even has a name -- the "prevent defense." The "prevent" defense trades time for yardage. Rather put pressure on the opposing quarterback, the defense rushes only a couple of players and tries to prevent long pass plays that tick down the amount of time left in the game. The strategy fails much of the time, in part because a good quarterback given enough time can pick apart any defense.
So it is with Obama, as he appears to have gone into a defensive crouch since became the survivor of the primaries. Rather than standing strong with the people who won him the nomination and try to persuade others of the strength of his arguments, Obama has continually appeared to yield ground to Sen. John McCain and the Republicans on issues ranging from the war to faith-based programs to the surveillance bill that would give telephone companies immunity from what they may or may not have done in illegally wiretapping American citizens to eliminating the most basic requirement for a warrant.
So, WWBD? What would Buddy do? Turns out, Buddy answered the question, in a September 20, 1992 broadcast when sportscaster Bob Costas remarked to Ryan, "You are not a fan of the prevent defense, but most coaches go to it."
This was Buddy's answer: "I don't know why... because, you're scared. If you've been beating them by blitzing them, blitz them. If you've been beating them by man to man, you've been beating them by zone, do whatever you did earlier to win the game. Don't change the philosophy."
What got Obama this far was a philosophy that asked people to join together to find the best in themselves and in their government, whether it was ending the war or protecting the country. It was a platform of progressive change and of hope for the future, coupled with tying McCain to the last eight years of economic distress, special-interest government and general incompetence. That worked well before against a conservative opponent as it wooed voters and helped to raise money across the country in unheard-of amounts from unheard-of numbers of donors.
By backing off and sitting back, Obama has given the press a ready-made story line the Republicans are all to eager to exploit. Just as Al Gore, once considered an Eagle Scout of rectitude, was morphed into a say-anything liar by reporters who carried the Republican line in 2000, now Obama will be allowed even less latitude to refine positions, much less change them, without being seen as a say-anything politician -- the role Sen. Hilary Clinton played in the recent primary.
Obama's answer to his supporters on the wiretapping bill is more Billy Flynn (see Chicago, the musical) than Buddy Ryan. It's a classic play-it-safe move, couched in justifications, trying to gain the "respectable" compromise rather than stick to what many of his supporters saw as a perfectly reasonable position that has been sufficiently savaged as "left wing" by conservative commentators and politicians to scare most of the Senate.
The Chicago crowd should follow Buddy's advice and get over the rough transitional patch. Now is not the time to lay back or to play scared. Now the time to make the case with all the strength and fervor Obama and his campaign can muster. And when the time comes, send the Fridge across the goal line with the ball to seal the deal.
According to Mort, Brett Favre is "itching" to return.
Now what did those tears mean to you, Packers fans?
Once again, the most selfish athlete of the last three decades rears his ugly head around douche bag corner. I'm sure Aaron Rodgers is thrilled.
Camp is only a couple weeks away so some actual opinion might resurface on this website but in the meantime I'm just reading everything I can and formulating mindless conjecture on said topics. You'll see through it because it's transparent as a McDonald's burger wrapper.
1. Don Pompeii (on the program formerly known as Cold Pizza) actually said that the consensus in-and-around Halas Hall is that Kyle Orton very well might be the starting quarterback in Indianapolis come the first week of the season. Say what you will about not having a quarterback, it sure is going to make the preseason something to watch. (Why can't HBO and NFL Network put the Bears on Hard Knocks this year?)
2. According to NFL.com, Kevin Jones held a private workout for a handful of teams. The Bears were not one of them. Note to the Bears: before you put all your eggs in the Matt Forte basket, you might want to sign him.
3. There are funny stories and then there's this story from Pro Football Talk. I wish the Bears could show this kind of spunk from the front office.