I’m heading down the Jersey Shore Saturday morning and will be there till Tuesday night. Not going near a computer during that time and – quite frankly – I need some hours away from the Chicago Bears before they completely take over my existence. We start our regular season work on Wednesday and I’ll have new posts every day leading up to Sunday night in Indianapolis.
If you’re in the New York area, I hope you’ll be at Josie Woods on the 7th. Football’s opening day is my my favorite holiday of the year.
As for final thoughts on the preseason…
Despite David Haugh's insistence, I'm just not overly concerned with the defense. Judging the running de without both starting defensive tackles and Mike Brown seems silly.
I’ve seen enough to keep six receivers on the roster. Skunk is God. Brandon Lloyd has out-performed the field all summer. Booker is reliable. Mark Bradley’s speed and big-play ability is undeniable. Duke of Earl isn’t going anywhere. Rash Davis has been a major third down target his entire career.
The future of the Chicago Bears at quarterback may very well be Caleb Hanie and they can do nothing to jeopardize that future. This kid has Tony Romo ability and needs two or three years to develop. That means he’s on the sideline, holding the clipboard every Sunday. Not on the practice squad.
If having both of those things means Dan Bazuin and Tru McBride or Zack Bowman don’t make the active roster, I’m fine what that.
The Bears treatment of Rex Grossman last night tells you what they think about him. One great drive and out of the game. This team knows that a confident Rex makes the club better. Mark my words. There's one more great run of starts in #8's future with the Chicago Bears. I saw a professionalism in him last night that impressed me.
But have no fear, children. All our major concerns - run defense, left tackle, quarterback...etc. - will be answered on the 7th of September. The boogie man isn't going to hide in the closet. He's going to sit at the kitchen table and drink tea with ma. The national television primetime attention does not allow you to hide your flaws and if they're significant, Dwight Freeney, Joseph Addai and Bob Sanders will be exploit them. Then there's always that Manning guy...
Enjoy the last real weekend of the summer. I'm looking forward to another great season with all you guys.
They start counting in ten days.
#2 AfroCelt said . . .I couldn't agree more about Hanie. I sat there watching the game thinking this guy has so much potential to be the player we have been looking for. #3 this year, #2 next year, and then we see.
August 29, 2008
#3 Z said . . .I'm already tired of listening to the Pack fans dis the Bears D...
August 29, 2008
#4 Shady said . . .Yeah, we start grading the D next Sunday. Nothing before that means jack. If we can come out of the gate and take one off the Colts and maybe the Panthers, this season could be looking real promising real fast.
Screw the Pack and the Brewers and the Bucks, etc., etc.
Are we ready for some football?
August 29, 2008
#5 RandomName said . . .Didn't Brandon Riddeau do enough to warrant a spot on the roster?
August 29, 2008
#6 Phil from SATX said . . .First off i'm an optimist. Bears 16-0 and superbowl is fine fore me.
Hanie is pro and will be a household name for some city eventually.
wolfe is still great, just doesnt have a ice cube's chance in hell of breaking any tackle or making a block, so give him the ball and some room. let him run back punts too if hester becomes an beat at wr.Grossman looked good and we'll definitely see him play a game in the regular season.
i have enough faith in orton though. nothing doing for Jones that night but I think his knee is rehabbed well enough. Our Adrian Peterson ran well , and I think he's underrated in the league.GO Bears.
August 29, 2008
#7 Anytime said . . .Shady, I would think he did. He seems to catch most balls, and he doesn't have the size/speed limitations of a Mike Hass.
I have to say I'm really disturbed about the constantly changing status of the secondary. Danieal Manning is being moved up, back, inside outside lost a job gets a job, all from game to game. McGowan loses a job as strong safety, maybe wins a job as nickel corner, where you just dumped a seasoned veteran. I'm starting to really wonder about the coaching over here. Agree that I'm not going to go head-exploding over preseason D failures, but we'll know soon enough, won't we?
The thing about it is, (and you know I don't like to be or mean to be a downer, not before the season has even started) if the D sucks this year all coaches are gone at the end of the year. Maybe Jerry too, but certainly the entire coaching staff. Then it's (Cowher time?)... Just sayin...
Didn't get to watch the game, this is only reaction from the papers, us NFL Network people have to wait until Sunday.
August 29, 2008
#8 Phillip from NYC said . . .Cowher would be s god sent.
August 29, 2008
#9 Brad said . . .Did Rash Davis play last night? How'd he do?
August 29, 2008
#10 BearDown1982 said . . .Brandon Riddeau did enough, but there are just too many middle of the road receivers on the team to take a chance on a guy like him.
I would like to think that after next Sunday we will know more about the D. However, I don't think that the Colts are a good measuring stick for this team. We are completely over matched and Manning can make great defenses look bad. We should find out about this offense week 1. That I am looking forward to.August 29, 2008
#11 JWilson said . . .I've been a concern troll all preseason...especially in regard to the defense if only because this team has no chance to compete if the D is not a top ten unit this season...still, it is nice to open against the Colts because it will give us a good idea of what we have this year. I can't wait for the season to start...next Sunday can't come soon enough!
Hanie has looked very, very impressive. I agree with Jeff's assesment. It was nice to see Grossman's TD drive yesterday. Anyone who saw how terrible the o-line played in the first two series may realize that there is not a great chance Orton plays every game this season. Forte made some nice plays...I hope he gets enough blocking to showcase his abilities but I like what I see from him so far.
August 29, 2008
#12 Can'tweatleastgetTrentDilfer said . . .Keep Hanie on the roster!
August 29, 2008
#13 Luke said . . .I really hope we don't see another "great run" for Grossman. If in 2006 the Bears and Colts has traded Manning for Grossman straight up, the Bears would easily have gone 16-0 with that defense and the Colts would have turned into the Dolts. Lovie and Jerry's undoing will be the fact that they play favorites at times and refuse to admit mistakes(they don't have to do that publicly, just by their actions we will know) because I don't think any other organization would have kept this QB carousel going for this many years, I mean Parcells gave Romo a chance over Bledsoe who I think is a little bit better than Rex and that has worked out OK.
August 29, 2008
#14 Brian in Sec 430 Row 25 said . . .Yep. Let's give Hanie a four year deal right this second. His poise and determination and confidence are something I know we've all been waiting for from a bear QB. I would say something about giving him time to learn the system but like most bears fans I'm hoping there's gonna be a brand new system next year. Phil said something about cowher. I've been thinking.... Marty!!! Sure the guy hasn't been that good in the playoffs, but that doesn't mean he never will be. he's a great coach and like cowher he loves running the football and every time I hear one of his speeches he gives to his team, it almost gets me ready to get my ass kicked by a 350 pound lineman. Either one of those coaches would be a great asset to this team. The more I see lovie and this organization, the more I hope for more. Though Lovie himself might be a good coach, he just seems too content with the mediocre. He lets the good coach go and keeps the stale, piss-poor excuse for a coach.
Concerning the D: I'm not really worried about it right now, but with that said I think I might be in the future. If this babich character can't find a way to have great defense with the players we have in place then he doesn't deserve to coach defenses in the NFL. He came into a team with everything he needed to make a name for himself and if he can't make sure tacklers remember how to tackle a mofo, then fuck him and the horse he rode in on(Lovie).
August 29, 2008
#15 BearsTransplant said . . .I was unable to watch the game last night as I was in the 12th row for Aramis Ramierz' grand slam in the bottom of the 8th to give the Cubs their 6th straight W. From what I am reading and hearing it sounds like I made the right choice.
Anyway, the one thing I cannot stand is when the defense is excused from their poor performace because it is the pre-season. The fact of the matter is, this defense has not been great since week #1 of 2007. When we finish 28th in overall defense last year and play 4 consecutive games in the preseason this year like dogs it is more than just a bad spell. Unfortunantly, I am starting to believe that I am not waiting to see the REAL Bears defense....rather, this has been the REAL Bears defense all along.
August 29, 2008
#16 Idonije said . . .Um....hey CWALGTD: Grossman for Manning, straight up? That's not really saying much. Why not Rashied Davis for Tom Brady? Or Dusty D. for the ghost of Bronco Nagurski while we're at it? Manning was the #1 pick for a reason.
My predictions based on what I've seen so far: O-line will struggle (if you though F. Miller was bad, wait until you see St. Clair in real game action), Kyle will get hurt by week 7, Rex will get hurt by week 10, and we'll see Hanie finish out the year. If the Bears don't find a roster spot for Hanie, some other team WILL pick him up. Period. (See Derrick Anderson on the Raven's P-squad).
D-line will lose Tommie "jelly-legs" Harris by week 8, M. Brown by week 6, and defense will disintegrate from there. I don't know if anyone else noticed this during the pre-season, but Urlacher sure spends a lot of time on his back/belly as of late. He doesn't seem to be able to keep his legs and cut back to chase the runner anymore. Not good for a linebacker who relies on athleticism more than instincts/game-smarts.
It's going to be a rough year, particularly the O-line. I doubt we'll see C. Williams, and if we do, he won't make an impact. And where does that leave us next year? REBUILDING: New QB (Hanie), new O-line (who-ever), new receivers (anyone), young safeties (Steltz, Payne). I like our special teams, RBs, LBS, and TEs, DEs, and that's about it.
August 29, 2008
#17 Idonije said . . .Some people look at the glass as half-full or half-empty, but I'm pretty sure there isn't even a glass for transplant. You really think every single thing that could possibly go wrong will?
August 29, 2008
#18 Al In WI said . . .By the way, I am reading a book called next man up which followed the ravens throughout the 2004 season. Its a good read if anyone wants to check it out, but last night I read that Billick was really hoping to hire Ron Turner as his new O-C for the next year(2005). All I could think was how different could our offense possibly be right now, if somehow some way he wasn't calling the plays. It also talks about the Ravens trying to move up and select Vasher, but they couldn't pull it off and the Bears drafted him...interesting stuff.
August 29, 2008
#19 BearsTransplant said . . .Well I think I rest my case about the offensive line. That makes two of the preseason games where they were downright horrid. This is the weakness of the team, or at least the offense.
But if the D doesn't turn it around soon it'll all be moot.
Any talk of a trade or pick up on the eve of the season?August 29, 2008
#20 Phillip from NYC said . . .I calls 'em like I sees them. I'll be as happy as the rest of you if I'm wrong. Bet on that. I called the SB choke job of '06 in week 4, though I was wrong about them last year (I figured 10-6; didn't see all the injuries coming, didn't see Ron Rivera as the real brains behind the defense). That's why they play the games! Bear down. I'm excited, just apprehensive.
OT: Best new acronym of the day: GILF: for GOP VP choice. Hubba-hubba.
August 29, 2008
#21 Pissed Off said . . .Hate to break it to you BearsTransplant but "GILF" has been around forever, as has MILF. The new ones I've heard this year are
FLILF for Michele Obama
and
VPCILF for the salmon lady
August 29, 2008
#22 jdawg said . . .SEMI-BREAKING NEWS:
Cody Balogh, Ryan Poles, Mike Hass, Lousaka Polite and Dan Bazuin will all be released. From SunTimes.
August 29, 2008
#23 NittyGritty34 said . . .There's an article on the Bears' site on Rideau. I can't imagine they would post this if he's getting ready to be cut.
Could Bradley be the odd man out?
August 29, 2008
#24 Idonije said . . .Marty for head coach next year? Uh, no! Cowher for head coach next year? I'd be okay with that. But I'm thinking Mike Singletary. Can I have an Amen?
August 29, 2008
#25 BearsTranslplant said . . .If Bradley and Bazuin go, which seems likely, I will be so frustrated in Jerry Angelo. 2 absolute busts in the 2nd round, a bust at 4 overall, and our current 1st rounder is sitting on the sideline injured. It is injuries I know, but that is horrible. If, and I hope this is not the case(nor do I like to write of a season before it started), but if the bears go 6-10 and worse...it's time to clean house.
August 29, 2008
#26 Phil from SATX said . . .From Sun Times Blog: Bears first round of cuts: Defensive End Dan Bazuin, fullback Lousaka Polite, receiver Mike Hass, defensive end Nick Osborn, running back P.J. Pope and offensive linemen Cody Balogh, Tyler Reed and Ryan Poles.
Bazuin is the only pick of Angelo's that has ever really made me mad...absolutely didn't need a D-end in the 2nd round...especially a fat one with (drum roll) pre-existing knee issues. Benson, lazy but talented, C. Williams, best lineman at that spot, Grossman, potential...but Bazuin was a truly idiotic pic. Everyone in the media said he had already plateaued; that he needed more muscle on his frame, but had no more room for it. Dun-da-dun! Angle-lose!
August 29, 2008
#27 Shady said . . .On the other hand, keeping lost causes because you drafted them is just asinine and selfish, so I am happy that Jerry was willing to call a spade a spade merely one year out. I applaud him for that. And that pick was designed to provide backup for Ogunleye/Anderson, since Alex was supposed to be gone.
Michael Okwo is not mentioned - might he be the next from the 2007 draft class to go? I like those cuts. I couldn't tell if Polite was better than McKie, probably wasn't.
Who else is still on the bubble? Can we get a list of the remainders and how many still need to go?
August 29, 2008
#28 Michael Okwo said . . .http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2008/08/safety_peters_to_be_released.html
Leonard Peters was #45 the dude with the long hair, you know the Troy Polamalu type of hair.
Who else is out there?
Kirk Barton OT
Baldwin, Ervin DE
Bowman, Zackary CB
Clermond, Joe DE
Zacrey Atterberry K
Brown, Trey CB
Gafford, Thomas Long Snapper
Graham, Corey CB
Hanie, Caleb QB ?? mmnooo
LaRocque, Joey LB (Sean Connery voice) "welcome to LaRocque"
McBride, Trumaine CB
McClover, Darrell CB
Mines, Fontel TE
Rideau, Brandon WR - hmm...
Roach, Nick LB
Rex Grossman QB - Kidding...sort of.I'm not sure how many they still have to cut.
Have you heard about Mr. Ocho Cinco?
August 29, 2008
#29 Idonije said . . .What about me?
August 29, 2008
#30 jdawg said . . .McKinnie suspended for 4 games today...officially. Meaning he will miss games vs. the Packers and Colts to start the year at least. This is nothing but good news.
August 29, 2008
#31 Rancid said . . .wow -- Peanut's daughter had a heart transplant.
kind of puts things in perspective
http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=5064
August 30, 2008
#32 Brad Biggs said . . .I took the current roster listed on DaSite, and took away the guys being reported as cut. Then I got rid of guys that I don't like who could possibly get cut. I can get it down to 56 0r 57, but those last 3-4 guys are a real bitch. It ain't gonna be pretty.
August 30, 2008
#33 Albert In Tucson said . . .http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2008/08/a_look_at_the_final_53man_rost.html
August 30, 2008
#34 Phil from SATX said . . .I've been a Bears fan for 45 years and I don't understand the hail of boos that the Soldier Field "faithful" seem to enjoy raining on Rex. Like the Bears have some LONG HISTORY of Super Bowl QB's? Or even a some long history of QB's who've thrown for 20 or more TDs in a season! I lay the Super Bowl loss squarely at the feet of Ron "Let's keep throwing deep into a driving rain" Turner. As for last season, Johnny Unitas in his prime would have fared only slightly better behind an offensive line that got old overnight. Witness what happened to Mssrs. Peyton Manning and Tom Brady when THEIR protection broke down late last season. Rather than attack the problem aggressively, Jerry Angelo has DOOMED the Bears by passing on more than 50 free agent offensive linemen this off season, opting instead to assume he could fix things with a SINGLE draft pick. How's that plan workin' for you, Jerry? By the way, doesn't that little "We didn't lie" tirade last week smack of Shakespeare? As in "Methinks he doth protest too much". Throw in Lovie Smith's apparent prediliction for cronyism in his personnel & staffing decisions such as, Mark Anderson starting over Alex Brown, Bob Babich over Ron Rivera, Adam Archuleta over ANYBODY and now the discarding of a bona-fide, playmaking nickel back in Ricky Manning, Jr. The 2008 defense is already sentenced to spend too much time on the field and be worn to a nub by December. Bill Cowher!? You make my mouth water but, dream on! The salary he will command is NOT in the Bear ownership's mind set. They continue run a cornerstone franchise of the NFL in the League's #2 market as if it were a candy store and it was the 1960s. Yo, Mark Cuban, please drop a billion on the McCaskeys and bring the franchise into the 21st century. I suggest we invest in mouth guards, fellow Bear fans, becuase we'll be grinding our teeth most of the year.
August 30, 2008
#35 Albert In Tucson said . . .Very well written, Albert! Nice job! Even though I joined in in writing about the possible negative outcome of this year, we're still writing stuff that should probably wait to be used as an epitaph, not a prediction. But I didn't disagree with anything you wrote - EXCEPT - I could see a high profile coach signing if Lovie bombs out. The millions spent on a coach are now pretty much chump change compared with the overall payroll. The candy store comment was a nice line but no longer true. Cowher should be a possibility. Of course Singletary would come a bunch cheaper - but who's to say he's actually a good coach yet? When the time comes, I want an UPGRADE.
I had posted something that didn't take about Peanut's daughter - that's incredibly scary stuff - my prayers go out to him, his daughter and his family. Yes, football is meaningless to him right now, and it should be.
Looking at the 53 man roster article, I didn't have a problem with any of the projected cuts - only Rideau maybe, but chances are he'll be available for the practice squad, and we know that giving RT too many WR options just means he'll become more confused than ever and we don't need that. I agree with keeping Hanie on the roster rather than a release. In fact now that I think about it, that comment from Lovie about keeping two QBs had to be crap, because the over/under on QB injuries this year is AT LEAST 2. He sticks. Michael Okwo's a goner. Good thing Jerry did well in the late rounds of 2007, otherwise it would be up there for worst draft ever (we did get Greg O, and I'm glad to see him turning it up after a slow start to the preseason). Jury's still out on Wolfe and Beekman, we'll know a lot more about them after this year. Wolfe has got to turn into Dennis Gentry - 3rd down draw guy, screen man, dump off man - I agree 100% with whoever posted that he cannot be given the ball with anyone on D within several yards of him - and the problem is I rather use Hester for that role anyway. Unfortunately I predict that Garrett Wolfe will not be on our team next year.
August 30, 2008
#36 jdawg said . . .Thanks for the cogent response, Phil.
I must stand by my "Candy Store" comment until I see evidence to the contrary. The last time they hired a head coach with an NFL head coaching resume was...never! Unless, of course, you count one of Papa Bear's returns to the sideline. But that was George Halas re-hiring himself. The last time they hired a quality GM was the late, great Jim Finks, architect of the '85 team, but whoops, Papa Bear made THAT hire too. (Note to Al Davis: Even the man who INVENTED the NFL knew there was a time to step aside, Al.) Finks fled to New Orleans after George Halas passed away rather than work for Michael McCaskey, a decision which history shows was further evidence of Finks' brilliance. Taking their cue from the odious Bill Wirtz' Blackhawks' model, the McCaskey regime has always operated like they were "small market". The Bears followed the Finks hiring coup by operating WITHOUT a true GM (can you say "Save a salary"?) for the remainder of the 20th Century, ala the Cardinals and Bengals. The results of THOSE decisions have been damning and disastrous for all 3 of those organizations. Tho' I would love to see him thrive, I just cannot share the enthusiasm for Wolfe who only looks quick when matched up against 2nd & 3rd stringers. Lovie sounded like Pollyanna again Friday when speaking about the defense. Hopefully, he's right and they WILL show up in Indianapolis. If so, I will happily be here to stand in line for my portion of crow to eat. The Bears have already gotten some good breaks this year. Peyton Manning will have to start the season playing hurt and, more importantly, without All-Pro Center, Jeff Saturday. Also, Bear DBs will not have to concern themselves with Steve "suspended for incedible stupidity" Smith in week 2 vs. Carolina. Whether the Bears can take advantage of this apparent good fortune remains to be seen and will speak volumes about 2008.August 30, 2008
#37 zisk said . . .methinks the D will look a little different with Tommie playing like it means something, Dusty in there and Peanut not having the spectre of his daughter's heart condition hanging over his head. It must be a huge relief. Having two children I can't even imagine what he must have been going through.
Wolfe stays because all of the sudden he's an asset on special teams. I believe that weighs heavily with this coaching staff when it comes to cuts.
August 30, 2008
#38 said . . .chad johnson legaly changed his name to "chad ocho cinco" now would be a good time for them to trade him to a team that already has a number 85.
August 30, 2008
#39 Idonije said . . .http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/08/30/steelers-shopping-linemen/
August 30, 2008
#40 Rancid said . . .The steelers o-line has been very sub-par this offseason. I hope we don't give up to much to for one of those guys if we go after them.
August 30, 2008
#41 Idonije said . . .I wouldn't mind bringing in Max Starks. He's a guy I wanted us to look at in FA before he got the transition tag.
August 30, 2008
#42 Idonije said . . .Rudi Johnson was just cut by the Bengals, its amazing to me how fast running backs fade in this league.
August 30, 2008
#43 Idonije said . . .Rideau, Larocque, and fontel mines were all waived.
August 30, 2008
#44 Phil from SATX said . . .Biggs says that Hanie wins job on the final roster.
August 30, 2008
#45 jdawg said . . .Stolen from Brad Biggs:
A clear picture of the 53-man roster
By Brad Biggson August 30, 2008 4:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)With the final cuts known (rookie Chester Adams is likely to receive an injury settlement) here is a look at what the 53-man roster looks like:
QUARTERBACK (3)--Orton, Grossman, Hanie.
RUNNING BACK (4)--Forte, Jones, Wolfe, Peterson.
FULLBACK (1)--McKie.
WIDE RECEIVER (6)--Hester, Lloyd, Bennett, Booker, Bradley, Davis.
TIGHT END (3)--Clark, Olsen, Davis.
OFFENSIVE LINE (8)--Kreutz, Beekman, Metcalf, Garza, Tait, St. Clair, Williams, Barton.
TOTAL OFFENSE: 25
DEFENSIVE LINE (9)--Harris, Adams, Dvoracek, Idonije, Harrison, Brown, Ogunleye, Anderson, Toeaina.
LINEBACKER (6)--Urlacher, Briggs, Hillenmeyer, Williams, McClover, Roach.
SAFETY (5)--Brown, McGowan, D. Manning, Payne, Steltz.
CORNERBACK (5)--Tillman, Vasher, Graham, Bowman, McBride.
TOTAL DEFENSE: 25
SPECIALISTS (3)--Gould, Maynard, Mannelly.
I say congrats to Jerry and Lovie for getting this all correct - notables kept: Hanie, Bradley, Toeaina, Wolfe/Peterson, Bowman. Seriously, no mistakes whatsoever, and good to give up on Bazuin and Okwo. I wouldn't have kept Rideau over any of the other WRs either.
The roster looks pretty dang good when you look at it, doesn't it? Maybe not O-line, but everything else, pretty solid! I'm starting to get excited!
GO BEARS! Beat the Browns on Sunday!
(oh yeah they already did, that's just when I get to watch it)
August 30, 2008
#46 Shady said . . .you know, I get frustrated with Lovie, but you've got to agree with him here:
"I told Charles if he felt like coming to practice, come to practice, but take care of his family and go from there," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "We're just glad that it seems like it's going to have a happy ending.
from the Herald.
I think the phrase "go from there" is just a verbal tick with him.
August 30, 2008
#47 HesterFan23 said . . .Thank you for noticing that jdawg!
That phrase "and we'll go from there" is so weak, and Lovie uses it all the time, ALL the time.
August 30, 2008
#48 Shady said . . .Simms was let go by the Bucs and since he is a veteran (service time) he is a free agent rather than the waiver process. Any interest as a backup?
August 30, 2008
#49 HesterFan23 said . . .A few weeks ago I would have said 'why not?' to Simms, but now, I take a loook at the QBs on this team and think who would we drop? I like this Hanie kid like a lot of you, so I wouldn't want Chris Simms if it means we had to release Hanie. Would we cut Grossman for Simms? Maybe, but I don't know if that would be an improvement or not. Obviously this move would impact the next couple years, adding competition to the QB position which is always a good thing, but if Simms can't beat out Griese on Tampa Bay, it kinda makes me wonder. Ultimately I don't think it's a move the Bears NEED to make, but it's a move I wouldn't mind either. Right now though, I'd like to see the Bears try and come up with a plan "B" to this offensive line debacle.
August 31, 2008
#50 Al In WI said . . .Has anybody seen a list of the big name offensive line guys that got let go? I know I read something at the Sun-Times about the Bears likely taking a look to see what is out there.
August 31, 2008
#51 RandomName said . . .Willy Anderson, from the Bengals looks like a good pick up possibility. I also think they should grab Simms. Put Hanie on the practice squad. I doubt seriously there is any real interest in him out there other then putting him on another team's practice squad. Simms has taken a team to the playoffs and won games against NFL competition. Hanie has looked good against some 4th stringers and is undrafted. To me it's an easy choice. Especially considering with Grossman likely gone in the offseason and a decision likely made about Orton's future based on this season, there may be a need for another option at the position heading into '09.
August 31, 2008
#52 JWilson said . . .Caleb Hanie made the roster. I'm happy. No need for any other team grabbing him and winning with him and making the bears organization look dumb, again.
August 31, 2008
#53 JWilson said . . .Hanie made the roster! Hanie made the roster!
Now lets sign Andre Woodson to the practice squad.August 31, 2008
#54 zmac said . . .We should also look at Willie Anderson. The more protection for Caleb...uh Kyle the better!
August 31, 2008
#55 animal said . . .Can'tweatleastgetTrentDilfer: You better not be talking about Eli Manning...
August 31, 2008
#56 Z said . . .Funny:
Chris Simms would be our best QB.
Willie Anderson our best LT.
Rudi Johnson likely our best RB.
Ashlie Lelie could be our top WR.We could re-do our whole starting O with cut guys and be better.
What does that say about this offense?
August 31, 2008
#57 HesterFan23 said . . .Have to agree with the cuts. Good job JA. Not cool that another 2nd and 3rd rounder bites the dust but at least you didn't let your ego supercede what was best for the team.
Willie Anderson? Any other linemen jump out at anyone for an upgrade?
August 31, 2008
#58 Bears Fan in Colorado Springs said . . .I don't agree that Lelie would be our best WR. I think Hester, Loyd, Bradley and most of the others are better. He has really bounced around the past few years.
I'm not sure that Johnson would be our top back either. I think Jones and Forte are better.
I'd really like to get Anderson, I think he could be a big upgrade to the O-Line, and it'd be great when Williams returns.
Finally, I say no Simms if it means Hanie goes. Simms would likely be here for just a season unless he does some big things. Hanie might have some potential, so it's not worth giving up for Simms unless you know he'll havea big impact.
August 31, 2008
There's still a chance to salvage the season if we could go out and get LeCharles Bentley and Willie Anderson. Two veteran dudes would have a lot to prove and instantly shore up our line.
August 31, 2008
Here at DaBearsBlog, you are free to kill us or the Bears as you so wish. You are not free, however, to be an asshole. So if you spew racism or ill-meaning foul language (cursing about football is just fine) or anything of that ilk, your comments ain't gonna last long, jerk.