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.
#2 Shady said . . .First - Say it ain't so Jeff. Thank you for not saying it. Will this guy please go away. Ride off into the sunset with your wrangler jeans and white t-shirt.
July 11, 2008
#3 wowsers said . . .I know a certain team that meets the above criteria... It begins with Da and ends with Bears.
And in response to the last post... So IF the Bears DO win a Super Bowl with Favre (hypothetically), you guys wouldn't enjoy it because delusional Packers fans would talk trash? First of all, who the fuck cares what Packers fans say? The Bears would be world champions, and if you couldn't enjoy it because Favre was QB you need to be checked out. Second, I think most Packers fans heads would explode at the fact their golden boy helped win a championship for their arch rival, all because their precious organization wouldn't make room for him. It would be harder for cheeseheads to take than bears fans.
I'm disappointed in your lack of determination to stick to your guns, Phil. You just got bullied by the blog.
July 11, 2008
#4 AfroCelt said . . .the bears wont shell out for a FA left guard, what makes you think the brass is gonna come up with the dough to sign big bad brett.
If Lovie is "happy" with his running back situation, he must be "thrilled" with his QB situation anyway. Farve will not play here.
July 11, 2008
#5 Shady said . . .I sincerely doubt we will get a Farve here in Chicago. It just isn't our style. Maybe Washington or the Jets...not here.
July 11, 2008
#6 jonathan said . . ."I challenge you - tell me for real that if you had a shot at getting Favre on the Bears, and you didn't have to mortgage the future for it, that he wouldn't represent our best chance of getting to the Super Bowl this year over what we have currently."
Echoing Phils words here...
I never said the Bears would sign Favre, in fact there is no way in hell they do, but it's at least worth the consideration:
Who has broken your heart more, Favre or Grossman?
July 11, 2008
#7 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .i never thought about what it would take for me to kill myself, but a world with favre at QB for the bears might just do it... please please please don't come to chicago brett. play for some other team so we can keep beating your ass.
July 11, 2008
#8 Chi-Town said . . .I really didn't want give this douche a min thought on him unretiring,But here I am.
1st thing about Butt is he really committed to winning or does he miss just throwing the football around on Sunday's?2nd I sick of every report stating that the Bear or Vi-Queens are looking for his service.Are you telling me that every other team in the league is solid at QB except these 2 teams.
3 anybody arguing about getting Butt in Chicago (please stop)If Butt is serious about coming back,our Offense wouldn't make him come here.July 11, 2008
#9 KentuckyBearsFan said . . .
http://chicago.comcastsportsnet.com/team-bears.aspJuly 11, 2008
#10 animal said . . .Supposedly, Favre's family wants him to come back.
TRANSLATION:
1. They can't stand him around the house.
2. Painkiller addiction (like I said before)
3. His financial adviser put all his money in Bear Stearns or sub-prime loans or something else crappy.If 1&2 are true, he signs with Minnesota.
If 3 is true, he signs with Washington, the team that would give him his biggest payday.
JEFF WAS 100% CORRECT IN HIS LAST AWESOME POST: FAVRE IS FULL OF SHIT.
July 12, 2008
#11 Viva said . . .Hey, lets sign him- an older and cockier verison of Rex Grossman.
July 12, 2008
#12 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .Sign Favre, trade Orton, and Hanie is our # 3.
Make it happen Jerry.
July 12, 2008
#13 SOCALBEARFAN said . . .Brad Maynard is going to be pretty pissed about changing his number.
Remember how much fun Favre had playing in the cold and windy December games on the lakefront?
I say go '4' it Jerry!
July 12, 2008
#14 Go Eat Cheese #4. Mess the Pack Up! said . . .Wish the NFL shop would let me get a custom Bears jersey with the name on the back "douchebag" .
Just in case don'tcha know.July 12, 2008
#15 Anyone Have the Midway Bat Signal said . . .If the Bears signed him and won the SB and the Pack doesn't win it for a long time (hopefully forever), it would hurt the Packer fans more to know that they could have won another championship but the team fucked it up. The Packer fans are obssessive with their football and #4. Second to us but they are hardcore and it would hurt like hell to see him in another uniform much less ours and much much less to see him win it all. That would be as many SB wins with us as it was with them. We already have one besides. I think it would be more funny than tragic but whatever.
Besides our offense is more like Obama than Buddy. We are getting pretty words about hope and change we can believe in but is it all just words and a smoke screened house of cards soon to tumble into tragic reality. Hope not.
Go Obama: Don't tax and spend all the time and
Go Bears: Don't 3 and out all the time.
July 12, 2008
#16 Peoria Matt said . . .He would probably write the end all comment about this topic. I didn't want Kobe coming to the Bulls as sick a player as he is. Just didn't feel right to cheer for a douche. Maybe after winning enough it would be tolerable but maybe never.
July 12, 2008
#17 shonbear said . . .Would Favre want to come to a team with a rookie starting at left tackle?
July 12, 2008
#18 beardown1982 said . . .I don't know I alwasy said it was because of McMahon's tootalage that Favre won the Superbowl (probably it was really their Devin Hester, Desmond Howard oh strange same initials, wow)
Has anybody considered the idea that no matter where he goes he wil db in a different offense and even though he's a vet he will have a lot of adjustments to make, even if he goes to the vikings he won't necessarily do anything good because of all the teaching an old dog shit.
I think everbody thinks he will be good just because of last year, I don't think so. I don't want him on the Bears! I want Grossman to win the job and prove everybody wrong. I want a lot of other stuff too, like a dependable O line, a viable running game, a healthy defense and Mike Brown and receivers that make big plays and don't drop the ball. Maybe that's just me. Did I mention coaches and GM's that don't blow so much smoke and try to feed us so much bullshit so often, just in case I forgot.
July 12, 2008
#19 Max said . . .no ugh!
July 12, 2008
#20 Al In WI said . . .Well. . .
Ill say this, if Favre were to sign with the bears, he would no doubt be the best QB on the roster. No disrespect to Rex or KO but he would be plain and simple.
That said, if he signs with the Bears, I dont think we are winning it. Favre is past his prime. . .WAY past. He is a shell of who he used to be. If he keeps coming back season after season he is going to start resembling Jeff George. It wouldnt win us a Super Bowl. Does it put us in better position to make the playoffs and possible contend? Yes. But i still dont think that with Favre we are beating Payton and the Colts or Brady and the Pats or heck, even Homo Romo and the 'Boys. It isnt a smart decision.
If he goes anywhere it should be Minnesota. They have the running game to support him, Berrian to run deep patterns and a pretty solid Defense. Plus the Vikes are already used to 1000000 interceptions thrown a year so it shouldn be a big change in their mindset.
I dont want him on our team.
. . . And WHERE IS MIDWAY????????
July 12, 2008
#21 Megan said . . .The team that makes the most sense for Favre is the Tampa Bay Bucs. They have John Gruden who he played for in the early 90's and who runs a system Favre is familure with. I don't see Favre who claimed to tire of all the study work involved in playing football, wanting to go learn a new system. In Tampa he wouldn't have too, he could play for a playoff team, and get a chance to destroy GB in the regular season.
They also play in a southern climate that Favre probably prefers.
On a side note, McCarthy and Thompson have just signed their proffesional death warrents in Green Bay. The only way they'll ever be forgiven is is they win at least two Super Bowls with Rodgers and do it in the next 3 years. The pressure on Rodgers is going to be unreal, and at the first sign of trouble the fans will turn on him and the team. The expectations are too much for anyone to live up too. I think Favre has just detroyed the Packers here. Enjoy the show.July 12, 2008
#22 Al In WI said . . .If Brett Farve becomes a Bear, I will have seriously conflicting feelings about remaining a Bears Fan.
I never thought I would utter or type those words.
We survived Wanny, we survived some pretty shakey times, but Farve in blue and burnt orange? I just...can't... fathom.July 12, 2008
#23 Phillip L said . . .I don't think there is any chance of Favre ever coming to Chicago. For starters why would he want to come here? The offensive line is in flux, the running game is a big question mark, and our recieving corp is a big question mark. He'll have better options.
Secondly, why would the bears, a team clearly in a rebuilding mode on offense go after Favre at $10 mill a year? That wouldn't makes sense given the rest of the offseason moves or lack thereof.July 12, 2008
#24 Phillip L said . . .So, this is completely unrelated to the Favre post, but can I just say how incredibly angry and sad I am at the state of ticket sales with Bears games? Just how many ticket broker non-Bears fan motherfuckers wardialed in to ticketmaster at noon exactly, hoping to get regular-price seats and sell them back to ACTUAL fans for ten times the price? Honestly I love the Bears but what the FUCK, NFL. There ought to be a law or something. My fiancée and I were REALLY looking forward to making it out there for the Vikings game the day before our wedding, she even got a Bears garter, and we were going to go with some good friends of mine. But now, thanks to greedy assholes, it ain't gonna happen without me spending another grand, something I can't really afford to do right now. Is anyone else as pissed about this as I am? I mean really, WTF???
July 12, 2008
#25 Prefontaine said . . .On a lighter note,
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/07/12/thompson.favre.packers.ap/index.html?cnn=yes"The Green Bay Packers' general manager and coach say they don't plan to grant Brett Favre's request for his release.
GM Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy told The Associated Press on Saturday that the star quarterback was welcome to rejoin the team but would have to be a backup."
July 12, 2008
#26 Prefontaine said . . .Phillip - I hear you dude. I have started going to Minnesota to watch the Bears. I can get an upper deck corner for $32 and the same seat in Chicago would cost be $200. Frustrating. For the record, the Chicago - Minnesota game last year was easily the worst NFL game I have ever watched in person. I hate that marshmellow dome, but can't afford to go to Chicago twice a year.
July 12, 2008
#27 Phillip L said . . .HILARIOUS!!! The Pack says Farve can be a backup. OK Brett, can you swallow your pride and your ego and sit on the bench behind Rodgers. How long before the crowd starts to chant for #4 to come in. First game....second maybe. If he comes back, this will tear the team apart. I think this is exactly the way the Pack had to play this. They couldn't let him just walk. Thanks pack, this shit will extend into September and SportsCenter will suck with speculation.
July 12, 2008
#28 Decatur Staleys # 7 said . . .So apparently I'm overreacting... Having never been to Soldier field I thought that the best tickets are 106-112, or 141-133 (aka first level). Apparently I'm sadly mistaken... Looks like grandstand tix are a lot more fun, and much cheaper, and provide for a better view of the action. If anybody does have any vikings tickets they want to part with, let me know...
July 12, 2008
#29 Megan said . . .Prefontaine I agree ES(uck)PN is going to suck even more with around the clock coverage of Butt an his demands.
On a side note NFL network will run a close second on who can beat this horse to death story.
July 12, 2008
#30 Taylor said . . .Phillip-Another complaint I have about NFL costing so ding dang much.. I would LOVE to get the NFL Sunday Ticket, but good Lord that is the biggest ripoff.
July 12, 2008
#31 RandomName said . . .I'm in the same boat as you Phillip. They sold out instantly. It's very disappointing. Luckily some friends of my parents have season tickets (shitty seats) so I am gonna buy a game from them. Last year, I was able find some decent seats at a decent price on stubhub for a Dec. game about a month before the game. So it's gonna be more $ but there's ways to get tickets.
July 12, 2008
#32 johnny heredia said . . .Ok No more Favre talk please.
Devin Hester anyone?
July 12, 2008
#33 RandomName said . . .the bears should take there chances in signing mr quarterback bret favre. he will give the bears the best chance in reaching the superbowl and winning it.
July 12, 2008
#34 johnny heredia said . . .Johnny, man that would feel so wrong. especially if we ended up winning. spit spit spit.
July 12, 2008
#35 animal said . . .the only thing that counts in the nfl is winning games and favre will give us the best opportunity in doing so. i rather see him throw interceptions and win games than grossman and orton. favre knows how to win and with the bears defence and special teams, skies the limit.
July 13, 2008
#36 Shady said . . .Johnny H, you are an idiot. Favre gives us the best chance to lose games and waste money on an egotistical, me first aging qb with diminishing skills. we have that guy- big armed gunslinger who is prone to making big turnovers as well. except ours is younger and much cheaper.
July 13, 2008
#37 animal said . . .I agree Johnny, but...
BOTTOM LINE:
The Bears AREN'T going to sign Favre for a number of reasons.
But to say he wouldn't be an upgrade over KO and RG, Animal, is silly.
July 13, 2008
#38 Rancid said . . .Alright Shady, maybe I'm being stubborn. But is he really that big of an upgrade? Or would better stats and some big plays just set us up for the inevitable playoff failure, as he throws away a game we could have won?
Say what you want about Rex, but until he played Peyton in the rain, he had solid playoff games, making huge throws at huge times.July 13, 2008
#39 Shady said . . .johnny, shady, It's about a lot more than winning. Look at Dallas. They sign every druggie wife beating thug that gets cut for his offield shit to improve their chance of winning. Look at what Javon Walker is getting paid in Oakland, look at what Btwice is getting in Minny. Here's two teams that made asinine moves that financially hurt their organizations to get a glimmer of winning quick. So far it hasn't worked. It won't work. I am glad I'm not a fan of that type of team. Being a Bears fan is about more than winning. If you think it's just about winning, you must be a new fan cause there's no way you made it through the last 20 years as a Bears fan. It's about winning the right way and having a team you can forever be proud of. There was a team in 85 like that. There are some places you shouldn't go, some thoughts that shouldn't be dwelled on and some courses of action that should never even be considered. Bretty boy as a Bear is one of them. I hope this posts as my keypad is now completely covered in vomit at just the thought of it.
July 13, 2008
#40 Rancid said . . .Since when is Brett Favre a guy with character issues?
The Bears already have/had guys with drinking, smoking, weapon, driving, partying, and fatherhood issues anyway. I don't think a move to sign Favre would compromise any character issues this team has. If the Bears were really concerned about winning the right way, they wouldn't have played Tank in the Super Bowl.
The fact is, the biggest problem with a move like this would be from a public relations standpoint.
Tell me. If Bretty ended up playing his HOF career in Atlanta instead of GB, would you have a problem with the Bears potentially signing him?
I hate the fucking Packers as much as the next Bears fan, but if signing a former Packer means winning a world championship - I'll be the guy to go pick 'em up at Lambeau.
And Rancid, as a Bears fan for the past 20+ years... Aren't you starved for good QB play? Aren't you willing to put aside your hatred of cheddar for a shot at seeing a Bears offense run by someone who knows what the hell they're doing?
But hey, if we want to sit back and watch another year of an embarrassing offense then hey, JA and the Bears are doing just fine. I guess I'll continue to dream of a Bears team with a legitimate offense.
July 13, 2008
#41 Luke said . . .shady, I never said Brett had off field issues. I said it was about more than winning ( a response to johnny), and used that as an illustration.
An NO, I'm not putting aside my hatred of cheddar. I've already stated that in my mind a ring won with Brett would be tarnished. The reality anyway is that I and most others agree with jeffs article from a couple days ago concerning what type of player 4 is and I don't think that Bretty poo helps this team win a SB.
I also failed to respond to your comment above saying that Phil from SATX was bullied by the blog. Phils been on here a long time, longer than me, and he's held unpopular opinions (quite often right) before and he's a big boy and can hold his own. If he's saying he changed his mind, he did. I don't think he's the type to get bullied.
July 13, 2008
#42 Shady said . . .DUH!!! Brett Favre is cursed because of Madden 09, and the bears quarterback position is cursed because Luckman doesn't play anymore. Signing Brett would be about the worst decision since George Lucas changed Star Wars. Generally, I'm not a very superstitious guy, but that Madden curse creeps me out. Though I've always said it would be a bear who would break the curse, Brett as a bear doesn't fall under that category. That whole idea of him being a bear is so repulsive and disgusting I think I'm gonna have to clean myself with a power-washer and steel wool just for reading about it.
Sickening....truly sickening
July 13, 2008
#43 RandomName said . . .I think most people in this city would embrace a QB like Favre, believe it or not. Most of the polls I've seen support the fact Chicago wants a legit. QB, even if it IS Favre.
Maybe bullied was the wrong word with Phil. Peer pressured perhaps?
Anyway, the argument is pointless because the point is moot. The Bears aren't getting him.
So. Kyle Orton or Rex Grossman? Is this a true competition or is the BT feeding usmore Bears BS?
July 13, 2008
#44 AK said . . ...can't wait till a bears player makes the news soon. Bret *YAWN* Favre ain't who i'm rooting for.
If a Lamborghini crashes in the woods and nobody is around to hear it, does it make a sound?
July 13, 2008
#45 Megan said . . .http://blogs.jsonline.com/packers/archive/2008/07/12/favre-retirement-timeline.aspx
Fahverah been dicking around with the Packers for months.
July 13, 2008
#46 johnny el paso said . . .I miss Midway.... *sniff*
July 14, 2008
#47 johnny el paso said . . .rancid, I respect your opinion and the loyalty that you have for da bears. i am very loyal to my bears but i also want the best for da bears and with favre under center is the best will give us the best opportunity to winning the superbowl. Ive put my feelings of him being a cheese head and all the bad blood between the bears and packers. i hope the bears consider in trying to get him for a cheap price.
July 14, 2008
#48 Pet Peeve said . . .hey shady thanx for backing in up and as for me, I rather see da bears win than see them lose with grossman under center. my philosophy in this whole favre situation is winning is winning and lossing is lossing.
July 14, 2008
#49 KentuckyBearsFan said . . .Couldn't have said it better myself...
July 14, 2008
#50 Phil from SATX said . . .I got a great cheer for Packers fans if Favre plays for them again :
"Smack is back! Smack is back! Smack is back!"
...
My guess is that Green Bay won't grant Favre an unconditional release because they can barter for a draft pick or two. Hell, the Redskins offered the moon for Chad Johnson a few months ago and the Bungholes were stupid to turn it down.
July 14, 2008
#51 Pissed Off said . . .I'll say one thing - Favre sure knows how to make himself the center of attention. The whole thing is pretty fascinating - the way an Amtrak derailment is fascinating - and regardless of which way you swing on this, the one thing all Bear fans should be happy about is how BF is destroying his legacy, especially to Pack fans. What a boob.
Rancid, I appreciate the comments in support, although I didn't take offense to Shady's either. The truth for me is in the middle, I did start to think about an "asterisk" SuperBowl, but also my heart wasn't in the fight - I'll say it again, I was never pining for Favre, but I'll still maintain two things: 1) he would give us the best chance for a SB out of our current roster; and 2) if I woke up and he was a Bear I'd support him wholeheartedly, and likely get a bunch more excited about this upcoming season than I was already. But that's about it.
It ain't happening, and if Viqueen fans are getting excited, they better get ready for a letdown because there's no way Packers are doing anything but keeping him, or at most, trading him to an AFC team. They're certainly not going to participate in a potential public relations nightmare of epic proportions in trading Favre to a division opponent. Saying there's no upside to the Pack in such a move would be beyond understatement. My guess is Jon Gruden breaks the bank to get Favre, and Packers let that happen. That alone is not something we should wish for, just gives the Pack more draft picks.
I'm looking forward to seeing if Rex has what it takes, and watching the offense totally outplay to expectations. I'm looking forward to the start of training camp (two weeks away, right?). I'm looking forward to two FA pickups, in guard and RB (although fully expecting it not to happen too). I'm looking forward to learning about a Chris Williams signing this week. I'm looking forward to MIKE BROWN!
GO BEARS! GO AWAY FARVREH!
July 14, 2008
#52 JWilson said . . .This is a horrible thread. Favre is not leaving Green Bay this year, they wont cut him. I'm just bored with this news. So everyone please stop talking about Favre coming to the Bears, its not going to happen. Its like speculating that Walter will raise from the grave in his prime and rejoin the team. In fact I think theres a better chance of that happening than even the remote possibility of Brett coming here. This is all pointless banter. Your wasting your breath...er..typing time.
July 14, 2008
#53 AK said . . .For all f the Chicago land readers. Which airport is closest to Soldier Field??
July 14, 2008
#54 Phil from SATX said . . .JWilson: Midway Airport
July 14, 2008
#55 Shady said . . .Here's something new to talk about. There's actually an article on da site that's pretty interesting, receivers coach Darryl Drake talking about his receivers.
http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=4861
Here's what I got out of it, reading between the lines:
Most improved: Devin Hester and Rashied. Says Rash is stronger, quicker and faster. Not sure how you can do all that in an offseason, but whatever.
Great during practices but jury's out on real games: Brandon Lloyd
Having problems picking up the Bears' offense: Marty Booker. No he doesn't say this, but that's what it sounds like to me: "trying to grasp and learn [the new offense.]" Since there has been very little said about Booker to date, my guess is he's having a little more trouble than they expected.
Still not recovered from injury, nor does coaching staff expect him to: Mark Bradley. How can this guy not be healed yet? They don't sound too hopeful about him. That runs counter to my predictions for him in the upcoming season, may have to adjust.
Just because he's smart doesn't mean he'll play right away: Earl Bennett. In fact, from reading Drake's comments, I bet he wasn't even a supporter of Bennett. He basically said, it doesn't matter how smart a kid is, he's still a rookie and therefore CAN'T CONTRIBUTE. He said about rookies having an impact "it just doesn't happen." I sure didn't like that comment - first of all it does happen (see Colston), second, the Bears are going to be relying on lots of rookies to make an impact - why exempt receivers?. Maybe he's just trying to take some pressure off of Bennett, but I didn't like it.
Some interesting stuff though. I love hearing the stuff about Rash, even if I'm skeptical about it - did he get a spidey bite this summer? Prosthetic legs? Deal with the devil? ("No sir - he's white - as white as you folks - with empty eyes and a big hollow voice") What?
Time for Max to get excited.
July 14, 2008
#56 shonbear said . . .Don't believe the hype. If DH looks to be the best WR we're in trouble.
I heard on the radio this afternoon that the Bears were one of the teams interested in QB Chris Simms. Woo! Hoo! Do it Angelo!
July 14, 2008
#57 Shady said . . .Chris Simms is not an upgrade from what we already have.
July 15, 2008
#58 johnny el paso said . . .The argument is up for debate.
July 15, 2008
#59 Decatur Staleys # 7 said . . .come on guys, you guys rather have chris simms than bret favre. simms was not good at all at ut or the nfl. if this is the case, then we might as well throw away the season and money.
July 15, 2008
#60 enderwiggin said . . .The Bears contacted K Jones to come in an see what he can do Monday.
Hopefully he's healed an could come in an add something to the RB game.
July 15, 2008
#61 Pissed Off said . . .We seriously need football season to start...
July 15, 2008
#62 Taylor said . . .Hey Decatur is that true, did Angelo come to his senses and decide to at least take a look at Kevin Jones. Cant hurt!
Johnny el paso just stop, please. Favre is not coming here and the majority would not welcome him for good reason.
July 15, 2008
#63 mikebdot said . . .http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3487657
Peyton Manning had a procedure on his knee. I wouldn't mind him missing the Bears game.
July 15, 2008
#64 Phil from SATX said . . .3 of your last 4 posts have been about Brett Favre. That's freaking sad.
July 15, 2008
#65 Pissed Off said . . .Signing Kevin Jones would make me very happy - not because I think he's who we need, or that he'll solve our problems next year, but it will be an indication to me that Angelo is actually trying to win this year. He may have been just playing possum all along, not sure otherwise why we're looking at him now instead of before. This could be just smart negotiating - instead of looking for a new running back the day after Ced was cut, thus establishing the urgency of our need (and thereby hurting our relative bargaining position) he laid low and acted like we're okay with what we got, maybe because they weren't overly sold on any one guy and didn't want to drive the overall market up. So a month later, Jones and Alexander are still available and their price has had to come down.
If it happens, I'll be ecstatic and ready to hail Jerry as a negotiating genius. Maybe the same thing will happen with a guard.
As to Simms, I'm just not sure what I think about this. If he's dirt cheap, I'm thinking why not? But the reason why not lies more with our coaching staff - are they going to commit to anyone or are we going to have another year like last year? Having Simms on the roster could make our staff just schizy enough to ruin everything. On the other hand, I don't think you should ever not take a flyer on someone just because they might be better than what we have - that's self-limiting and self-defeating reasoning. I have never been a Simms fan after watching him at Texas, but aside from a missing spleen, he has great physicals and a very good arm. He's a smart kid but I've never seen him have any success at the pro level, although I hear he was okay last year before he got hurt. So while I'm on the fence somewhat about this, I'd say if he can be added cheaply, go ahead, he's probably worth more than the free agent rookies we picked up.
Go Jerry - sign KJ or someone!
July 15, 2008
#66 Taylor said . . .http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/15/kevin-jones-joining-steelers-or-bears/
READ IT!July 15, 2008
#67 MaddenFan said . . .I don't understand why the Steelers would want Jones. They have Parker and Mendenhall, so Jones probably wouldn't get much playing time. (I guess they could be worried about injuries). I have to think Jones would realize this and that would make him want to sign with Chicago instead. Anyway I like this a lot. The lack of urgency the Bears have seemed to have all offseason, with regards to free agency has been frustrating.
July 15, 2008
#68 HesterFan23 said . . .For all you Madden players here is a link to the latest ratings
http://www.maddenfans.com/showthread.php?t=1116
July 15, 2008
#69 Z said . . .Jones is expected to sign sometimes today after turning down bigger offers. He is expected to sign for the league minimum and a one-year deal.
From MLive.com:
"It appears the Detroit Lions are going to see Kevin Jones again.
Jones, the former Lions running back, flew to Chicago last night and is taking a physical today. According to a source close to the situation, he’s leaning very strongly toward signing with the Bears and a deal could be done as early as today."
July 15, 2008
#70 Rancid said . . .K. Jones had 8 TD's in 13 games. Ran for over 100 against us. The teams that watched him recently said he looked real good, quick, making hard cuts. Sounds like at least a decent back up to me. Are we talking to LeCharles Bentley too. Come on JA, make us look impatient and do your job. Usually when you don't get to the table in time, you don't eat. Bears need to eat. We need multiple options available on offense just in case. Plus the more competition, the better. And if Favre isn't going to be our 3rd string, why not Simms. That was fun to write. Ah #4 you bastard.
Do you think Baltimore's saying they aren't interested is the same as us with Jones and Alexander, not wanting to drive up the price for #4 in a trade? Is Favre going to be the Bonds of the NFL? Still plenty talented but no one takes them.
July 15, 2008
#71 Rancid said . . .WE signed him!
July 15, 2008
#72 Pissed Off said . . .Here's Da link to Da Story on Da site:
http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=4866
July 15, 2008
#73 Rancid said . . .Hell Yes, good news. Now who starts?
July 15, 2008
#74 Phil from SATX said . . .Provided that KJ can play from day one, I would think that this means AP will assume the special teams only spot that BA used to have.
July 15, 2008
#75 johnny el paso said . . .All I had to do was walk away from my desk for a little, and voila!
GREAT FREAKING NEWS!
Jerry, you're a negotiating genius! All is forgiven! You were just fucking with us anyway!
NOW I'M PSYCHED!
GO BEARS!
July 15, 2008
#76 Bears99 said . . .hey pissed off, why would the majority of bears fans not welcome favre to lead our offense. are the majority of fans used to losing or what. if that is the case then i feel disgusted. pissed off i will not mention favre again in this blog, but i just needed to get this off my chest. if there is a slim possibility of picking him up without wasting goggle dollars then lets do it. fans need to stop being selfish and see him as a great qb not a packer. we need an experience qb that can teach our young qb the ropes.
July 15, 2008
#77 Phil from SATX said . . .how time will forte see now that we have jones? We had success with one Jones, lets hope for the same with this one.
July 15, 2008
#78 jeff with apologies said . . .Even though I think it's not a very important issue since they'll both play, I would assume KJ starts as the veteran. Forte will not presumably have any ego involved, and would gladly take the 2nd role - he seems like that kind of kid (as in anti-Cedric) - and you give KJ the boost he needs to regain is Pro Bowl Alternate form (rookie year, yes he did). I think we're going to be looking at a great 1-2 punch this year - the exact opposite of last year! Offensive line's going to be working hard too to redeem themselves.
I think everyone on the Bears, offense and defense alike, just breathed a huge sigh of relief, just like we did here. We'll maybe never know why Angelo waited, but I presume it was to save some shekels, and whatever it was, I don't care - he got it done.
I'm thinking a cheap Simms signing is probably a good thing to do too - we really haven't replaced Griese yet - and if nothing else it keeps him away from other clubs who may benefit from a guy who should be at the point in his career where he takes off (if there's any wings on that plane, TBD). It would actually give us 3 guys in precisely that position, come to think of it. Not real balanced, but you have 3 real options.
My faith's restored, Jerry. In case you were waiting to hear that.
July 15, 2008
#79 HesterFan23 said . . .hey fellas - i should have been all over this today but was unfortunately on an amtrak train to harrisburg, pennsylvania to shoot a rite aid commercial.
all of that is true.
thanks for picking up the slack. i think it's a fine signing because it didn't cost much. should give them some support for forte to become the established starter by the time kj goes on IR.
mike brown or kj. ir first?
July 15, 2008
#80 Duff Diggler said . . .Now that that is done, I guess we'll have to focus more on QBs.
There are some rumors floating that the Bears have interest in Chirs Simms and that he'll be moved somewhere before camp begins...
July 15, 2008
#81 So.IllBears Fan said . . .I been in the shadows, patiently reading da blog. I don't really have anything to add to the kj talk but a raised glass and a hearty "bear down."
I'm so fuckin excited!
Lets go Bears!July 15, 2008
#82 So.IllBears Fan said . . .
BEARS SIGN KEVIN JONES!!
http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=4866LAKE FOREST, IL — The Chicago Bears signed running back Kevin Jones to a one-year contract today. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Originally drafted by Detroit in the first round (30th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft, Jones rushed for 3,067 yards and 24 touchdowns on 761 carries (4.0 ypc) in four seasons with the Lions. Jones also has 141 receptions for 1,006 yards and three touchdowns in 53 career games (49 starts). During his rookie year, Jones was named a NFC Pro Bowl alternate after he finished fifth in the NFC with 1,133 rushing yards on 241 carries (4.7 ypc) with five touchdowns. Last season the Virginia Tech product rushed for 581 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns on 153 carries (3.8 ypc) while hauling in 32 receptions for 197 yards for the Lions.
July 15, 2008
#83 How Ill are you? said . . .BEARS SIGN KEVIN JONES!!
http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=4866LAKE FOREST, IL — The Chicago Bears signed running back Kevin Jones to a one-year contract today. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Originally drafted by Detroit in the first round (30th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft, Jones rushed for 3,067 yards and 24 touchdowns on 761 carries (4.0 ypc) in four seasons with the Lions. Jones also has 141 receptions for 1,006 yards and three touchdowns in 53 career games (49 starts). During his rookie year, Jones was named a NFC Pro Bowl alternate after he finished fifth in the NFC with 1,133 rushing yards on 241 carries (4.7 ypc) with five touchdowns. Last season the Virginia Tech product rushed for 581 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns on 153 carries (3.8 ypc) while hauling in 32 receptions for 197 yards for the Lions.
July 15, 2008
#84 Z said . . .HA!
July 15, 2008
#85 Z said . . .Whewwwwwwwwwwwwww! Ok now a little line help and maybe a outcast receiver and I will be feeling pretty good or are we hoping this unproven squad plus an older Booker is going to get it done. We probably wouldn't get a decent cut receiver anyway. Who has a ton of receivers that may have to put 1 on a practice squad or cut 1?
Good bluff JA, you had me fooled.
Just having some back ups in case of whatever makes me feel a whole lot better. And it could be real nice. If the run game is off the bus hitting hard then the WR's will be better just by the D having to respect the run. This has the potential to be a pretty big pick up.
Go Bears!!
July 15, 2008
#86 Viva said . . .Wait for Simms to be cut, sign him and Bentley and R. Brown for the line and I'll be happy enough to say roll the dice with our receivers. Just get those 2 nasty TE's out there pretty much all the time.
July 15, 2008
#87 Shady said . . .How we can end the whole Favre fiasco:
Trade Kyle Orton and a 3rd round pick to the Pack for Aaron Rodgers.
I like it.
Bye the way, which rb will be cut after camp to make room on the roster? Lovie only carries 3, and AP is a stud Special Teamer...
July 16, 2008
#88 zisk said . . .It looks like Angelo finally put his money where his mouth is, for a guy who believes a successful team comes off the bus running. This was a move that everyone knew needed to be made, but you're right when you say JA wanted to keep the market prices down Phil.
The question: Is JA done?
I hope not. The Bears still need help at O-Line, WR and QB if you've lost faith in Grossman or Orton. Of course a solid lineman improves the overall offense and would calm my desire for another WR or QB. The thing with O-Lines, is that better lines work together as a unit communicating identifying the mike or where the blitz is coming from. The longer Angelo waits, the less opportunity a player has to get accustomed to the system without making waves.
One or two more moves in FA should do the trick.
July 16, 2008
#89 zisk said . . .First off I really like the Jones pickup. Secondly peyton manning might not play in the season opener. With our healthy defense their best defenders coming off injury and sorgi at the helm they look very beatable even with our new offense
July 16, 2008
#90 shonbear said . . .Also can we sign simms to a one year contract so people shut up about mr. offseason indecision
July 16, 2008
#91 Phil from SATX said . . .Hasn't anybody really looked at Simms' stats total games played experience and inury record. What is the awe with him. He doesn't show anything that would make me want him here.
Kevin Jones good signing, good strategy, opens the options, in case there is an injury, takes some pressure off Forte Matt for development etc...
Get that last rookie signed and pick up Bently or R.Brown, yea I'm ok with that. We do that and I think we are right where we need to be.
I think Lovie will keep four backs. he has good options with all their different styles, plus it's safe with all the injuries these guys seem to get. Let's hope above all that we lay low on the injuries. We get that first win against the Colts and keep our injuries down and were back.
7 days till training camp!!!
July 16, 2008
#92 Shady said . . .I agree that the four backs stick - as PO'd pointed out, it will be a BA for AP swap, one less linebacker and one more RB kept. Given our recent repeated injury experience at RB, it only makes sense to keep four, especially since one of our four can still only be considered a specialty kind of guy (until proven otherwise) - yet it's a guarantee they won't be cutting Hungry L.
I now firmly believe there will be a guard added, even if it's just Ruben Brown - Jerry's probably waiting to see if there's any upgrades to him available - although Shady makes a great point about the need to have your presumptive starters pulling together as soon as possible. So it's a good guess to say that move will be made within the next two weeks. A quarterback will be added too - at least for camp, to see whether either of the two new guys can beat out whoever's brought in - but the guess will be the veteran sticks and one of the two goes on practice squad. Who's out there besides Simms? (side point to Shonbear - no one is saying that Simms has ever shown he's the answer to anything, but Griese has never been replaced, and the two FA guys signed likely don't count - there will be a replacement signing before camp, and the thing about Simms is he could be worth a cheap contract because he at least has the possibility of upside, plus he could play this year if needed)
No FA WR signing, only because there's no one out there who represents more to us than what we have - the scary thing on our squad is not the dearth of talent, because there are talented guys there, it's the fact that EVERY SINGLE ONE has a question mark attached to him. That's a lot of question marks - 5 for 5. I'd say the only one arguably without one is Earl Bennett, only because as a 3rd round pick in a deep draft, there's no reason to think he shouldn't be good. But all of our others have that question mark. But there's no bona fide #1 receivers out there available, so any other guy coming in would just be another question mark. And as Z points out, amidst all the question marks there are two big exclamation points in Tea Time.
This was a big signing though. Time to bring in that guard!
July 16, 2008
#93 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .It sounds like this Simms deal could happen in the next few weeks and I for one would welcome it. Why? Because... why not? What's wrong with a little more competition? I know JA believes in that theory. Look at Kyle Orton, he was brought in specifically for competition, poor guy.
Kyle Orton is kind of like the Adrian Peterson of QBs. Hi entire career, Orton has been relegated to back-up duty, but when given the opportunity you can't ignore the results. You realize there is no star potential, but you know you have a quality back-up which could in fact be enough to get you to the 'big dance', or at least get out of the way of the defense.
Obviously Angelo isn't sold on KO as the QB of the future because the Bears are still trying to tap that potential out of Rex Grossman. But JA isn't sold on Grossman either because Angelo is hedging his bet by signing Grossman to only a 1 year contract. Rex has 2008 to prove what he's worth in the NFL for a few years... so the Bears wouldn't have him sit on the bench for that 1 year, would they? They would have to play him. They're going to play him.
So much for a competition, right? Which brings me back to Simms. Look at Chris Simms as Rex Grossman insurance. If everything goes right for the Bears (and Rex) they'll look to sign Grossman to a multi-year contract while Orton and Simms play backup. But if the offense doesn't operate like it should because we see bad rex, you can expect Grossman to be gone. That would leave would leave Simms, Orton and name your 1st or 2nd round QB. I hate to say it but next years QB class is supposed to be only average at best. We'll see. But the actual possibility of being stuck with Orton and rook in 2009 is enough of a risk to make me think the Bears are going to make a move to pick up a QB like Simms.
July 17, 2008
#94 shonbear said . . .Whew...came over here for a break from the Favre stuff...wait, what the F? THIS is a Favre thread too? I can't even watch Foxnews without listening to this sh*t.
Oh, hell, pass me a Blatz.
At least you guys are signing your people.
10 or so games until camp...when is the prediction thread going to start?
July 17, 2008
#95 Viva said . . .Today I was surprised to see Larry (propaganda) Mayers state Ron Turners Total Yardage rankings during his seven seasons with the Bears. Surprised because in my opinion it sheds some negative light onto Ron Turner's actual success or lack there-of.
Total offensive yardage ranking:
28th, 23rd, 9th, 21st, 29th, 15th and 27th.
Average ranking: 21st
Percentage of teams better than us in that stat category:
88%, 72%, 28%, 66%, 91%, 47% and 84%
Average percentage: 66%
Now looking at these numbers differently we see the following:
- 5 of 7 seasons as offensive coordinator he is ranked over the 21st or higher.
- 71% of the time in the bottom half of the NFL, actually you could even say the bottom third of the NFL.
- 43% or 3 of 7 of his seasons we were ranked in the bottom 5 in the NFL with that same stat.
Of course I understand that these are subjective and there are other factors etc...
But, just to pass time while we anxiously await training camp.
I ask all the bloggers. Why is Ron Turner here? Why is he back and when will JA put his foot down.
If a player had this kind of consistency (exempt Rex and Cedric because they were high draft picks and had injuries that likely extended their time and they had high hopes and demonstrated some potential) he would have released him long ago.
Here's another way to look at it. Ron Turner is less consistent than Rex Grossman. So maybe because 2 of seven times we had good seasons under him in regard to that stat he sees the potential?
This is it for Ron Turner, he's got to be as much on the hot seat as Rex Grossman. He really needs to be serious about which QB he picks in this so called competition. If they have another abysmal, lethargic or anemic offensive season he has got to be gone.
Thoughts?
July 17, 2008
#96 Z said . . .Any word on Williams' contract situation?
July 17, 2008
#97 Z- The Long Division Version said . . .Regardless of which QB Turner picks he needs to call the right plays for the weapons that are on the field. I still maintain he is too predictable and calls too many high risk/ med-high reward plays with low chances of consistent success. The offensive and defensive in-game adjustments to what is and isn't working against a particular opponent seems like one of our biggest problems week to week with these coaches.
July 17, 2008
#98 JWilson said . . .IMO this is not a team built to need so desperately to rely on the big play so much on Offense. We have big play strike ability everytime our ST w/ #23 goes on the field with low risk involved. This team can take winning the field position battles and FG contests and turn them into a W against most teams. So by even just getting some 1st downs and burning some clock to let our D rest a little and keep their D on the field we are playing to our strengths over most teams.
If we are even punting them deep into their territory and putting our rested and angry D out there in that position, it creates a lot of pressure on their O. We have the kind of D that can creat TO's and get to the QB. All of those things increase the possibilty of a score when you are deep on the other teams side of the field.
Every time they punt we are letting #23 do his thing and I think we all agree that we like when #23 does his thing. Lovie's W/L % is pretty sweet when we score like 18 a game or something right around there. 2 TD's and 2 FG's is 20. Shit #23 might be giving us that alone some games. My long winded point is that with the reliable hands of the TE's we have, we should be beating teams to death with that until they adjust. Runs and TE's, then when they are creaping in cause its working so well, BAM!, #23 deep or whoever else gets open down there. Doesn't matter to me who, just catch it. Put both TE's out there a ton.
Going big so often or so predictably with our Offensive play calling and 3 and outing so the D comes right back on the field and tiring them out, especially early in the game will increase the chance of injuries as well. We definitely don't need that.
Play to our strengths so teams are on the defensive against us instead of them having time to pick apart our weaknesses. Ball control, field position battles, nasty kickers and #23. The rested, appreciative D if healthy will dominate and the O's job will get nothing but easier. Than up 21-0 or maybe 24-0 only or some shit you can start heaving it Turner you chicken fucker. Bawgahh. Wow are you as tired reading that as I am writing it. I just want to beat everyone else so BAD. Football F'ng Rules. Especially when we crush the other team!! Lets get this season started finally!
July 17, 2008
#99 JWilson said . . .Kevin Jones could end up on the PUP list,which would make him not available until week 6!?? So we just signed a guy that we knew might not be available until week 6?? Not that he is injury prone, and might get hurt, but he's still injured and could most likely miss some games. I know he came cheap, but Jerry Angelo should have took this into consideration. As it looks now, maybe we should have signed Shaun, or waited for Lamont Jordan to be released.
Chris Simms? Chris Simms? Got to be someone else out there still available. Daunte Culpepper and Byron Leftwich are still available. COME ON!
July 17, 2008
#100 Phil from SATX said . . .Forgot this:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1056490,bear071508.stng
July 17, 2008
#101 AfroCelt said . . .To Z and Shonbear, I don't want to sound like the old wizened veteran around here but I seem to remember you guys are somewhat newer posters - were you around last year when we all but ran the Dread Pirate Ron Turner out of town on a rail? If you weren't here, you missed some brilliant Rancid rants (he should be Rant-cid).
There's just no doubt that RT has been woeful, and in my opinion put in his worst ever performance last year. The only reason I can figure why he wasn't dumped was due to some self-serving long term Angelo/Lovie planning. Follow me here - leaving him here gives Lovie one extra year and Angelo as many as two. If the defense rights itself this year but the offense still sucks, and its suckitude ruins our postseason plans, I think Lovie could save his job for one more year based on throwing all the blame on RT. He'd get one more shot at a hire (third time's the charm?) to try to get a REAL OC in here.
Angelo would be along for the ride next year, and if we fail again and management still has some vestige of faith left in Angelo, he would get to fire Lovie and hire a new coach.
It was absolutely confounding that RT escaped with his job after last year - and the only reason it could have happened was if management believed that enough blame was due to horrible line, horrible running back, QB carousel, poor receivers and an injured D which didn't make as many takeaways and freebie scores. Most of us here saw so many horrible decisions and such an incredible lack of rhythm to RT's playcalling that it seemed beyond obvious that he was a big source of our problems.
I think the only reason we've been silent lately on him is just the futility of the railing, knowing he is here for another year. There was really only one Turner proponent ever on here and he turned out to be a 15 year old posing as a 44 year old. He's long gone, but is still a shoe-in to be a first ballot DBB HofF'er.
As bad is RT was with all the moving parts (and let's face it, it would have taken a really good OC to make the silk purse out of the sow's ear last year), it makes me even more worried about how he will deal with all the complexity of new players this year. On the other hand, maybe good players play, so they may be able to simplify some things for him just by being good and having success in the little things. Like running for more than a yard and a half. Or catching a ball thrown to you. Little things like that.
July 17, 2008
#102 Z said . . .So the Packers are saying the Vikings had illegal contact with Favre...is this legit or is this a delay tactic meant to pull fire off of them?
July 17, 2008
#103 Phil from SATX said . . .Yeah Phil I could see that coaching politics of keeping a fall guy to buy yourself another year going on here with all involved. Maybe if Ron doesn't hang our D out to dry over and over with the 3 and outs, the rest of the team might be successful enough to make even his play calling look good. Let's seriously hope so.
And I remember Mike well, that is my name also but I would have never used it then. We are everywhere. Do you think he was really Jay Marriotti's illegitimate kid? You know, a pessimistic non-Chicago fan that gets a special joy form ripping on his hometown.
July 17, 2008
#104 Rancid said . . .Nowadays we know that a club is foolish not to pursue any tampering charges - it can benefit your club (it did us, right? by 5 places in a round if I remember) as well as potentially hurting your division opponent by costing them draft picks.
Which will help us as well, so go GB! Speaking of the unmentionable one, there was a great article in our local paper with the title "Favre's feud with Packers is ruining his heroic image" (itself a headline to cut out and put up on your wall) which included the following:
According to the AP, fewer than 200 people showed up to a Favre support rally on Sunday in Green Bay, and 30 fans attended one Monday in the Milwaukee suburbs.
He concludes, If Favre keeps this up, John Madden might even jump off his bandwagon.
Great stuff to find in a San Antonio paper! Keep digging your hole, Brett!
July 17, 2008
#105 AfroCelt said . . .I have pretty well exhausted myself concerning RT. I hate the bastard. I'm not going there now. The fact he's here is a miracle. One I do not appreciate. I just hope we can win in spite of him. Should he prove himself this year, I will eat crow. Should things get worse, my posts will become much more profanity ridden.
I am actually good if KJ is on the PUP list to start the year. I view him as a solid insurance policy. Hopefully Forte can start the year great and never look back. By the sixth game, we should have an idea. But if Forte struggles, we'll have a fresh RB to throw in.
July 17, 2008
#106 Too Much Cheese said . . .I drove by that rally on Sunday, not knowing what it was...i saw a fair amount of news crew, but very few actual protesters. Maybe the rest were out of my line of sight...
July 17, 2008
#107 animal said . . .Even my Packer friends are sick of hearing all this Favre crap. They can't believe this is happening. It is pretty funny. I think #4 playing for any other team and having any success would hang over the Pack this season like a big what if smelly rat. With every mistake Rodgers makes he will be crucified. Could take a little pressure off of Sexy. All the talk has been GB and Minn. I like that. Just let us quietly go about our business and win the divsion.
If Manning doesn't sit the 1st game (He has started like 160 reg. season games straight) maybe he'll rush the knee and we can help him get a little extra rest for it knocking him out early.
July 17, 2008
#108 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .I am so fucking sick of hearing about Favre. Selfish, self-centered ego fucking maniac. Every fucking time I turn on ESPN there he is... Im going to fucking explode.
Those of you actually wishing for him to be a Bear are fucking sick. And you call yourself fans... fuck me.July 17, 2008
#109 Shady said . . .Here's a article written by don banks SI calling Butt on his bullshit un-retirement.
With the Brett Favre un-retirement drama now entering its third fun-filled week, the topic has unquestionably risen to the status of deserving of its own separate edition of Snap Judgments, with all the accordant musings, observations and occasional insights that you've come to know and love (or at least tolerate) ...
• This is going to get the Favre apologists' undies in a bunch, but here goes: From my vantage point, Favre, the past two weeks, has come off as just another selfish superstar who wants what he wants, regardless of the consequences to his team or his ex-teammates. Favre's been great for the Packers. But the Packers have also been great to Favre, and he's seeing everything as a one-way street about now. Just the way so many of the great ones eventually do, after they've been built up and lionized and called legendary so often that it becomes part of their name.
I've got no problem with Favre wanting to play again. My problem with him is he put everyone through the charade of his retirement in March, with all its deserved fanfare. If he would have played it out in his head for even five minutes, the havoc he would wreak from un-retiring in early July, he would have realized it would be best for everyone not to make a hasty decision in March.
But that's what he was feeling then, so he went with it, even though it had huge consequences for the Packers, Aaron Rodgers and everyone in the Green Bay organization. And now he's feeling something different, so he's going with that, even though it has huge and potentially destructive consequences for the Packers, Rodgers and everyone in the Green Bay organization.
You can say he changed his mind and leave it at that. I say in doing so he has acted selfishly and ignored the reality his actions affect far more than just himself.
• So now, after all that has been said and done to tinge his relationship with the Packers forever, we find out through Favre's agent, Bus Cook, that No. 4 has "no definite plans for re-instatement.'' OK. But that has been exactly the problem with Favre for about three years now. He doesn't know exactly what he wants. At least not for long. And I think it's fair to say that has made things a little tricky for his employer at times. We now know he's not sure about retirement, or un-retirement. Until he makes up his mind with a little decisiveness, we're all in for more of the same rollercoaster ride.
• Sorry, but this has to be asked: Greta Van Susteren? What, was Nancy Grace already booked that night? For a minute there I thought Favre might have some new information on the Natalee Holloway disappearance.
• Just so we're clear on this, there's no way to put this genie back in the bottle when it comes to Favre, the Packers, and the 16-year love-fest that they've enjoyed. Yeah, I can still see Favre showing up at Lambeau to have his uniform number retired in a couple years (not this year), and he'll go into Canton wearing a yellow blazer that can almost pass for part of Green Bay's color scheme. And he'll say he was always a Packer at heart, no matter what transpired at the end.
But the warm fuzziness of his final glorious season in Green Bay, and his unique relationship with that town, that team and its special fan base has been altered. Perhaps only slightly, but perhaps significantly more than that. Time will ultimately tell, but my gut tells me nobody's going to come out of this one looking like a winner. Not Favre. Not the Packers. And not all those Cheeseheads who desperately wanted to believe Favre and Green Bay were one of those rare NFL marriages built to last.
• Saw the other day where Favre called the past couple weeks his "ordeal,'' and I'm sure it feels that way. But isn't it largely an ordeal of his making? No one forced him to vacillate on the issue of retirement for the past three years, and I also don't think it passes the sniff test that the Packers pressured him into making his tearful retirement announcement in early March.
It's his own state of indecision that has created the "ordeal.'' Nothing else.
• Let's leave aside for a moment any debate about whether Aaron Rodgers deserves a display of loyalty from the organization after waiting three years in the wings for a shot at Green Bay's starting job. Maybe he does. Maybe he doesn't. Rodgers might wind up being the next Jerry Tagee or Scott Hunter when it comes to his place among Packers quarterbacks.
But I'd like to ask Favre this: Do you think you'd be the kind of teammate you'd want to have if you walked in and yanked the rug out beneath Rodgers at this point, just days before the start of training camp? Isn't that the kind of me-first stunt that a respected team leader like Favre was never afraid to call out a teammate for? Isn't that right, Javon Walker?
• For that matter, I don't think Favre did any favors for his ex-teammate and current Packers offensive line coach James Campen either. I'm not sure Campen got thrown under the bus, but he didn't get treated by Favre the way Favre would have wanted to be treated. Like I said earlier, Favre wants what he wants, and it seems like nothing else really matters.
• All I know is that when ESPN starts running a crawl line at the bottom of the screen with a category that says just FAVRE, right there alongside the NL, AL, NBA, NHL and NFL, it would seem we reached some sort of new milestone in terms of the definition of saturation coverage.
• Then again, I'm guessing Roger Clemens is pretty darn happy the Favre saga continues to roll on, consuming so much of the oxygen in the room in terms of the sports media at mid-summer. And how 'bout that All-Star Game, Roger probably says to anyone who'll listen these days.
• To follow Favre's reasoning on the issue of retirement just this offseason, we're asked to accept he wasn't being truthful about really being done in early March, but we should trust he's definitely shooting straight now about wanting to keep playing. Get my point?
• I know the Packers have no intention of ever letting Favre suit up for either the Vikings or the Bears in the NFC North, but is it an absurd notion to ask whether after all those years in Green Bay's system that it might not be the easiest thing in the world for the 38-year-old Favre to learn another team's offense? I'm just saying he might not walk in the door of a new team playing the kind of football we saw out of him during his remarkable renaissance season of 2007.
• Let's remember something: Not only did the Packers spend most of the offseason getting Rodgers ready to start for them, they drafted not one but two quarterbacks in Brian Brohm (second round) and Matt Flynn (seventh round). That's an organization that sent every possible signal to No. 4 that it was fully committed to moving on.
• I'm not convinced he gives a rat's behind, but my sense is that popular opinion is starting to shift away from Favre's position in this stand-off, even as beloved and iconic a figure as he is. That movement to rally fan support for Favre in Wisconsin this week hasn't exactly generated overwhelming response. Less than 200 folks gathered in Green Bay on Sunday, and a Monday rally in the Milwaukee suburbs drew 30 people, according to media reports.
Of course, the fans who make the pilgrimage to Packers training camp starting next week might make a little noise on behalf of their favorite gunslinging QB.
• Somehow I can't help but think we have Sugar Ray Leonard and Michael Jordan to thank for all of this. Doesn't anybody retire and mean it any more? I'm starting to think that Barry Sanders and Robert Smith really did handle it the way it should be handled. Call it in, mail it in, fax it in, then just disappear.
• It still seems to me that the only way Favre plays in 2008 is via a trade to a non-division team that the Packers are okay with. So if you play it out, maybe Favre goes another couple of years and then hangs it up again at age 40. At that point, will there be another whole new round of retirement retrospectives and verbal or written bouquets tossed his way by everyone within and outside the NFL game? Of course there will.
We'll all be faced with putting a fresh perspective on all those memories and moments that have made up his unique place in the game, forgetting of course that we'll be doing it once again in another five years once he's enshrined in Canton.
Maybe by then, all this will seem long ago, far away, and much ado about nothing. But in mid-July 2008, a case of Favre Fatigue prevails.
July 17, 2008
#110 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .That's too much to read right now, I'd rather watch this Chicago Bears 2008 motivational video:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=d8_hc1-Z0wE
Ahhh *wipes drool* Bearssss...July 18, 2008
#111 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .Decater...we've got to get together to talk football sometime.
Walter never did this.
July 18, 2008
#112 RandomName said . . .Anytime WCPF
What did you mean by Walter never did this?
Did you mean Walter would never yo yo the team?
July 18, 2008
#113 Viva said . . .Jeff, can you change the topic please. Kevin Jones perhaps
July 18, 2008
#114 Phil from SATX said . . .1st Rounder Williams close to new deal :
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-080717-chris-williams-chicago-bears,0,1348977.story
July 18, 2008
#115 Z said . . .That will be good news, signing Williams. On a different topic, today's coverage in da site has a breakdown on the secondary.
http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=4871
Most interesting this about this is that McGowan is being talked about as the starter opposite Brown with Danieal Manning moving into the permanent nickel slot. That says a few things - Ricky Manning Jr. is a goner (not sure why he's not gone yet), you could argue that it means the 2nd round pick for D. Manning was an gross overshot, if not a pure bust, and there is absolutely no mention of Kevin Payne, who was all the coaches could talk about last year even as McGowan was quietly putting together a respectable season. The new guys were discussed and Corey Graham mentioned as a good backup, but no Payne. Interesting.
Speaking of second round busts, also picked up a comment on The Mysteriously Invisible Dan Bazuin - Mr. Bought and Paid For Mayer says "it's going to be hard for him to see playing time" with our 3 ends. What in hell was he drafted for? If it weren't for Devin Hester (and presumbly/hopefully Matt "Running's My" Forte, we'd begin to need to craft a new truism about Jerry in addition to the tried and true Can't Draft Offense, he's going to be Mr. Second Round Bust. Second rounders are too important to whiff on repeatedly.
July 18, 2008
#116 mikebdot said . . .I agree Phil, JA is looking shaky on the 2nd rounders. I am of the keep drafting the positions you are weakest in philosophy. There are so few trades in the NFL. Having a big surplus of one position rarely gets you equal value of the pick that you used on them if you trade a young guy away that hasn't proven much. Then you just end up cutting them. Wasted picks.
There are so many busts that if you only have a few weaknesses, draft a bunch of that position unless the quality of player is that drastically better at a position of less need.
I almost feel we should draft a QB almost every year that a decent one is high on our board, especially in the 1st round (but I agree, not this year). Out of the position players, I feel RB's and WR's are a better value in the second round. Keep 4 QB's if you have to till u find your franchise guy for sure. It is just such a more valuable position than any other in the game and we just seem so ho hum about finding a franchise one. Not that it is easy by any stretch but a little more effort and $$ BrainTrust. The BT does well in its areas of strength but what a drop off in their weak areas.
July 18, 2008
#117 Decatur Staleys # 7 said . . .We should have drafted a second round OFFENSIVE lineman last season. Bazuin was stupid. Fred Miller was not good in '06. The only reason he looked half-way decent is because Garza and Clark helped him out so much. As did Thomas Jones running out in the flat as an outlet for Grossman. Gaining those whopping 4.3 yards per reception...
In any event, our line was way overrated in '06. They got penalties all over the place. Same in '07. Harry Hiestand should have been fired along with Ron Turner. Yuck.
We are an undisciplined football team. It starts with the O-line. I think I looked at one point and in '06 all 5 of the starters had 5 or more false starts. Not sure where I was able to actually find the stat, but couldn't find it again in '07. I would guess we were pretty close to just as bad.
Our inability to overcome a penalty on offense has killed more drives than I care to count.
July 18, 2008
#118 Phil from SATX said . . .Yeah I kinda got the feeling Manning Jr was gone to,From the article.So what do you think we can get for him by trade?
draft pick or player?
July 18, 2008
#119 mikebdot said . . .You are dead on, MikeB. That was a excellent post, agree 100%. I know you remember Hiestand's inexcusable excuses last year. You know why that was allowed to happen? Lovie. I'm not writing off Lovie yet, but I do believe that last year was the first year he was tested to the downside - everything up to that point had been growth mode, which played very well to Lovie's upbeat, optimistic, "players' coach" style. When things went downhill last year, there was a real leadership void from him - it was like he didn't know how to act, and poor leadership followed.
I'm not ruling out that Lovie can learn from last year too - after all it was the first time he had encountered that in his career. But there has to be accountability this year, demanded from all the coordinators, all the players, everyone. We'll see if Lovie can provide that, or if he's only a good "fair weather" coach.
I believe that Angelo is made of sterner stuff, and I am hopeful that he was able to send the right messages to his coaching staff in the offseason. Comments like Hiestand made last year better not be tolerated this year, or else the whole bunch will have to be thrown out. (a bone gets thrown here to Babich - I always felt like he alone was always ready to take responsibility for his unit's errors - and a whole carcass gets thrown to Dave T, who can do almost nothing wrong - so really I'm talking about the offensive coaches and Lovie).
July 18, 2008
#120 Phil from SATX said . . .Honestly, I don't blame Babich one bit last year. Our injuries coupled with our inability to actually generate turnovers didn't have too much to do with the scheme. It's really incredible how many turnovers we generated in '06. We went from 44 TOs for to 33. We were still middle of the pack, but quite a few of those happened in the last few weeks. Only 24 in the first 13 games in fact.
Anyhow, if our offense doesn't just "gel" this season we're screwed unless we generate massive amounts of turnovers.
I'm putting us at about a 50/50 shot at actually making the playoffs, mostly because the NFC is pretty terrible (all the good QBs are in the AFC). That will obviously depend on how good our starting rookies turn out to be (Hester [I'll call him a "rookie" at receiver for now, Forte, Williams, Wolfe?, Manning at nickel, Bennent, Monk?), how much our veterans have improved or declined (Davis, Bradley, Booker, Garza, Tait, Kreutz, QB, ) and if key players can actually play a full healthy season (Vasher/Tillman/Brown/Urlacher/Briggs/Dusty/Harris).
Lots o' question marks. But I'll be optimistic today. Probably throughout camp...
July 18, 2008
#121 Shady said . . .I am really hoping for a repeat of early '06, and I actually think we'll see that - if you recall we had high expectations of our D but virtually none of our offense. Then our D went out and played to the hype, while the O was WAY better than we ever dreamed it could be. At least for a while there.
This year has a good chance of repeating that - I think the D is going to be monstrous out of the box, with everyone healthy - how could we think otherwise? A line of Alex Brown, Tommie Harris, Dusty Dvoracek and Wale, linebackers Brian, Lance and Hunter, Vash and Pnut, Mike Brown and (mcgowan) - I mean seriously, ARE YOU KIDDING ME? With backups including Mark Anderson and D Manning, maybe Craig Steltz in there and the new guy Harrison - that's some freaking world class D. How many Pro Bowlers or Should be Pro Bowlers on that squad?
So the O is going to look all bumbly in preseason, but when the D is unleashed, and Hester is uncaged, Rex is going to take the reins and start firing balls around, Forte's gonna run run run, and we're going to be beating teams up. Starting with the Colts! (kind of wish we weren't starting with the colts, I'll admit - hate to begin the year with a loss). But you know what, even if we do begin with a loss, I'm looking at that schedule, we can win EVERY OTHER GAME - I'm serious! There's not a team on that list that scares me. The best of the bunch is, what? the Panthers? the Jags? Are you scared of the Rams, Texans, Titans, Falcons for God's sake? We should slash through these teams on the strength of our D alone. And whatever we do, this year is the year to avenge 4 losses to the freaking Lions and Vikings. Even more important than beating the Cheese.
15-1. That's where my rambling just took me. 15 and freaking 1.
16-0 if Peyton ain't there.
I'm serious!
Go Bears!
July 18, 2008
#122 In case you missed it said . . .Anybody see the picture on the front page of the Trib's sports section?
...just saying
July 18, 2008
#123 Rancid said . . .http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-080717-brett-favre-chicago-bears-packers,0,5583580.column
July 18, 2008
#124 #4 Just Wants To Be Loved said . . .Phil Geib, whoever the hell you are, you have committed the impardonable sin. I wish you a slow painful death. You and Ron Turner. And David Haugh can now burn in hell too. Too bad, I kind of liked the guy. I will now go home and destroy all copies of photoshop I own, it is a dangerous weapon and should be outlawed.
July 18, 2008
#125 Z said . . .Looks pretty good on him
July 18, 2008
#126 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .Love the energy Phil. That D healthy and the man that could flee cheetahs on ST puts us in every game. And that is 4 major players on the Colts that could be out, rusty or not 100% for the opener. We win that game and the sky is the limit.
I should correct that my coaching criticism belongs squarely on RT and Lovie And Hiestand. I feel penalties are mostly lack of discipline and concentration. The coach needs to drill that till they are too exhausted to jump early. No excuses.
Babich didn't have much of a chance with all the injuries right out of the gate and the O and RT/Lovie (whoever was not getting it done, both, all) putting the D in horrible situation after horrible situation. Rookies, injuries, I don't care. As far RT and Hiestand are concerned, this is the season on the hot seat. No excuses. Make it happen or hit the help wanted section boys. Lovie should be safe this season but hopefully those discussions won't even come up this season
July 18, 2008
#127 animal said . . .My wife was the first to the paper this morning when she screamed in horror...I kind of threw up im my mouth a bit...you know...like when you've had 17 beers then decide that you could use that pinch of Kodiak between your cheek and gums....
Tell you what...you can have him.
And Decatur yes, Walter never did yo-yo the Bears like this. He was a class act.
I may trade my #4 for a #34.
July 19, 2008
#128 Rancid said . . .I cant fucking believe someone printed that picture.
my biggest problem with the Favre-as-a-Bear scenario? Everyone on earth seems to suck his dick EXCEPT US. We, the proud Chicago fans, mocked the doting Madden and ridiculed ridiculous praise from ESPN. We would never stoop to wishing he played for us....
except, now, some of us are. and they should be fucking ashamed and have Alex Brown use them for a tackling dummy. Motherfucker that picture is sick.July 19, 2008
#129 UB said . . .I don't think we can tell a lot about Babich yet, we can't really condemn him, but can't really defend him either.
One thing I liked was his ability to modify his behavior when it didn't work. I remember for the first few games he chose to stay on the sideline so he could be a presence with the players. After a few games he realized he needed to be up in the box and so he switched. I like that someone can see where they made a decision that's not working and change.
July 19, 2008
#130 UB said . . .Talk Bears football not Brett Favra-bean.
Who Cares! Cheeseheads are soaking it up.RG and KO isn't as great as the bean story.
This year is the year to propel ONE QB to what the Bears haven't had in a long long time, a solid Vet QB, or TWO, or none.Think about this! What if there is no #1 starting QB, maybe a first string on paper.
The Bears are playing a gun slinging not so great D team, trow in RG.
The Bears are playing a good D and not so good O team throw in KO.
There are many senerios. Bottem line, throw in who you feel and switch during the game if needed. TO is the #1 WR and he does always get the ball. There both good QBs the bears can use them both.
Hey it's just an idea! GO BEARS!July 19, 2008
#131 UB said . . .Talk Bears football not Brett Favra-bean.
Who Cares! Cheeseheads are soaking it up.RG and KO isn't as great as the bean story.
This year is the year to propel ONE QB to what the Bears haven't had in a long long time, a solid Vet QB, or TWO, or none.Think about this! What if there is no #1 starting QB, maybe a first string on paper.
The Bears are playing a gun slinging not so great D team, trow in RG.
The Bears are playing a good D and not so good O team throw in KO.
There are many senerios. Bottem line, throw in who you feel and switch during the game if needed. TO is the #1 WR and he does always get the ball. There both good QBs the bears can use them both.
Hey it's just an idea! GO BEARS!July 19, 2008
#132 UB said . . .Talk Bears football not Brett Favra-bean.
Who Cares! Cheeseheads are soaking it up.RG and KO isn't as great as the bean story.
This year is the year to propel ONE QB to what the Bears haven't had in a long long time, a solid Vet QB, or TWO, or none.Think about this! What if there is no #1 starting QB, maybe a first string on paper.
The Bears are playing a gun slinging not so great D team, trow in RG.
The Bears are playing a good D and not so good O team throw in KO.
There are many scenerios. Bottem line, throw in who you feel and switch during the game if needed. TO is the #1 WR and he does always get the ball. There both good QBs the bears can use them both.
Hey it's just an idea! GO BEARS!July 19, 2008
#133 UB said . . .Talk Bears football not Brett Favra-bean.
Who Cares! Cheeseheads are soaking it up.RG and KO isn't as great as the bean story.
This year is the year to propel ONE QB to what the Bears haven't had in a long long time, a solid Vet QB, or TWO, or none.Think about this! What if there is no #1 starting QB, maybe a first string on paper.
The Bears are playing a gun slinging not so great D team, trow in RG.
The Bears are playing a good D and not so good O team throw in KO.
There are many scenerios. Bottem line, throw in who you feel and switch during the game if needed. TO is the #1 WR and he does always get the ball. There both good QBs the bears can use them both.
Hey it's just an idea! GO BEARS!July 19, 2008
#134 Shady said . . .Sorry first time post.
Computer error!July 19, 2008
#135 Al In WI said . . .QB by committee?
Yeah, not gonna happen.
July 19, 2008
#136 Al In WI said . . .Phil, I like your analogy but I think this is closer to the 2005 team then it is to the 2006 team. We have a defense that can be great if it stays healthy, a rebuilt line, and questions at all the skill positions. Going into 2006 we knew about the D, had a solid line and very good running game established.
I actually think we would have been a better bowl team that year to beat pittsburgh if Rex had been healthy all year or at least the last half of the season.July 19, 2008
#137 UB said . . .Also, love the Jones signing I just wish we could follow it up with a gaurd signing or trade as well.
And I've always been on board with the Chris Simms move.July 19, 2008
#138 UB said . . .QB by committee?
Your right it might not happen.
But in the furture 1 coach will have
the guts and the opportunity to do it.This is an exciting year, Yes there are ?s on O but this D could be great minus injuries.
As far as Simms, I do like Simms but the bears don't need him. RG and KO is enough and the best undrafted QB. If thisd fails this year then QB in the draft next year or FA.
July 19, 2008
#139 Z said . . .QB by committee?
Your right it might not happen.
But in the furture 1 coach will have
the guts and the opportunity to do it.This is an exciting year, Yes there are ?s on O but this D could be great minus injuries.
As far as Simms, I do like Simms but the bears don't need him. RG and KO is enough and the best undrafted QB. If thisd fails this year then QB in the draft next year or FA.
July 19, 2008
#140 #mikee19[XXXXFXTQXFXX] said . . .At some point the QB needs to become somewhat of a leader and someone the team can count on to get it done with some consistency or at the very least they need to be someone the team feels won't throw it all away in the last minutes after busting their humps for the team all the time.
QB by committee is rarely even done in college much less the pros. The NFL is the best of the best with pretty massive egos almost everywhere. You want the most difficult and most important position to have an edge to them and some stones. At this level everyone was used to being dominant in college. Not sure either of our guys could handle the your our QB but your probably not good enough to beat this team so grab some bench but next week's team has a weak D so we'll give you a shot. I think they would be on eggshells even more scared to make mistakes. The benching people when they aren't getting it done I agree with last year, just not the timing. Let one go till your pretty damn sure you need to change it. If the new plan isnt working, change it again and again till you get it right or as right as can be. It's not like you have forever to test shit out during the season. 16 games. Usually less than that and you know if your making the playoffs or going fishing. God these coaches could screw up a wet dream sometimes. Here's hoping D and ST make everybody look real good. Come on O move the chains, field position, FG's, deep punts into their territory, just keep our D fresh and they will make you look good. We can win those games.
And yeah I was impressed when Babich went up top to see the game better for adjustments. Not scared to scrap the original plan when new information dictates something might work better. Big sign of intelligence there.
July 20, 2008
Hey - I am certainly happy to find this. great job!
June 18, 2011
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.