Jerry Angelo watched the same Chicago Bears play sixteen games that we all did. And from the tenor of the newspaper coverage and the sound of Jerry's own voice, his motives seem clear. "We have to get the quarterback position stabilized. And we're fixated on that."
Great. Now that you're fixated on that, do me a favor. Stop being fixated on that.
Your defense is terrible, Jerry. Not underachieving. Not inconsistent. They are terrible. And it's everywhere. How many receivers have to outrun the coverage before we look for a play-making safety? How many eight-yard slant routes on first down have to be easily completed before we look for a shutdown corner with a bit of toughness? How many quarterbacks have to spend an hour in the pocket, surveying the field before we find an elite pass rusher? How many tight ends need to make big catches on third down before we find a linebacker who can play in space?
And it isn't just on the field, Jerry. It's in the booth too. It's in the head coach's brain. Kyle Orton isn't going to win a bunch of football games with his arm but - as you can see - he isn't going to lose many either. Orton lost games this season where he led to the offense to 17, 20 and 24 (twice) points. In three of those four, he gave the Bears a double-digit lead. In the fourth, he threw a go-ahead touchdown pass with eleven seconds to play. You want to fixate yourself on something, try the fellas who are being paid an awful lot of money to protect those leads.
This season was not about Kyle Orton. It was about blown coverages and bad tackling. It was about the lack of a pass rush for four straight months. It was about a defensive head coach who is more concerned with protecting the nobility of his inane scheme than winning football games. You looking for fixation? Start there, Jerry.
#2 Ram inS.A. said . . .First! freaking first!
December 31, 2008
#3 Ram in S.A. said . . .First! freaking first!
December 31, 2008
#4 Rancid said . . .This idiot gets off way to easy! If this had been any one of us we would of been fired. Like I said before, is all starts at the top.
December 31, 2008
#5 craig said . . .Either Babs or RT, hopefully both, should be the price Lovie pays to stay another year.
December 31, 2008
#6 BRIANsong said . . .QB may not be the problem, but it is a problem. Kyle, like Rex, simply wilted under pressure and proved that he doesn't have what it takes to lead this team consistently. He may look good compared to much of the trash we've fielded in recent memory, but that doesn't make him a legitimate long-term answer IMO.
December 31, 2008
#7 Rancid said . . .These are the same criticisms that were heaved at Eli Manning. I think a quarterback deserves three seasons before he can fully be judged. And if Kyle can gain some precision on the deep ball, we're looking at a quality player.
December 31, 2008
#8 HesterFan23 said . . .KO hasn't done enough to be deemed the QB long term, but he did enough to be deemed the QB of 09, and hopefully will continue to improve, especially on the deep ball and telegraphing his passes.
December 31, 2008
#9 HesterFan23 said . . .Well, I can't say much. I think you covered it all.
Jerry, you ditched the corners' coach, now go a little further, because that isn't enough.
December 31, 2008
#10 jdawg said . . .I should add that I'm happy he said QB wasn't set. I won't be terribly upset if come training camp '09 Kyle is the main guy, but I'm glad to hear that if a chance comes along to upgrade they'll take a look.
That is better than saying "we have Kyle" and passing on everybody.
Oh, and it looks like if Babich is out, Marineli is in...
December 31, 2008
#11 mikebdot said . . .OK, I think we need to keep in mind that JA is probably shell-shocked by the whole Grossman debacle and the mantra of "Rex is our quarterback" rinse, repeat line. We will not hear a blanket endorsement of Orton until next season. I'm sure Angelo's head was completely screwed by Rex's 2006 split personallity performance that he's wearing those goggles when he looks at Orton.
Our O was not great at sustaining drives. We need better blockers and better WRs.
My D solution?
Move Tillman to WS and re-sign Brown at SS with Payne and McGowan as BUs. Put Graham and Bowman at CBs unless Vasher re-dedicates himself this off-season. Cut Dusty and Ogun. Rob a bank and sign Haynesworth.And get ready to be introduced to Marinelli: d-line and assistant head coach.
December 31, 2008
#12 jeff said . . .We might have the worst run blocking offensive line in all of football. If you want a real treat, watch a 2nd and six at some point in the first quarter and watch Olin Kreutz pull towards the left, get hit as he tries to go around the defender Beekman is trying to block. He gets pushed out of position by about 5 or 6 yards with nothing more than a forearm shimmy. He proceeds to stop moving and watch Forte get tackled by 4 people, one of which was not even touched by the lead blocking John St. Clair.
It is a microcosm of that offensive line. Originally I thought I saw promise on the left as well, but that entire line sucks. The fact that Chris Williams didn't see more than a few series the entire season is a disgusting actuality.
Depending on the draft, I might not watch a single game next season.
Jeff, do you know how many offenses would love to have a defense that generates this many turnovers? We had 4.8 yards per play. 26th in the league. 16.5 first downs per game. It's a goddamn disgrace. The fact that Ron Turner's job and our offensive line's reputation are anywhere near acceptable is beyond my comprehension. That's a disgrace, Jeff. Our offense is in the same category as St. Louis, Cincinnati (sans Palmer), Detroit, Cleveland and Oakland. Yikes. 36% on third downs, Jeff. That's terrible. I've been harping on that one statistic since I've started commenting here. This whole team was the same in '06, the only difference was an actual pass rush that created even MORE turnovers that got us some victories, as well as a Devin Hester that brought shit to the house.
Other than that, this is the same fucking story. Ever since Turner came back. We can't gain first downs. It's not new with Turner or anything, but this is a huge problem for any defense. You can't rush the quarterback when you're tired. You can't cover the middle of the field consistently when you're tired. It's pretty simple.
'04, 32nd in the league - 25%
'05, 31st in the league - 29% (Turner's first season back with the Bears)
'06, 22nd in the league - 37%
'07, 29th in the league - 34%
'08, 25th in the league - 36%You guys wonder why the defense gets hurt? They're always on the fucking field! It's a percentage game, folks. Nothing Rusty can do about it.
Yes, we need press corners. I agree that allowing 8 yard slants, ESPECIALLY TO BEGIN THE GAME, is a huge mistake. It allows opposing QBs to get into a groove, right off the bat. That, too, is a disgrace. Our safeties are a disgrace (not including Mike Brown). There's a lot of disgraces on this team. All of them start with Lovie Smith. I hate him. I can't watch him anymore. I can't do it.
December 31, 2008
#13 johnnyelpaso said . . .mike, that "always on the field" shit is just a pure myth. a myth. they weren't always on the field against carolina or tampa. they were on the field for eleven seconds against atlanta and couldn't hold it.
there's a way to get off the field...it's called stopping other teams. you think baltimore or pittsburgh's offenses are juggernauts? they're not.
December 31, 2008
#14 jdawg said . . .theirs 2 solutions to having a winning season next season and thats getting rid of stupid ass RON TURNER AND BABICH.....its that simple. these two dummys did some of the worst play calling that i have seen.......i do not give a shit who they hire to replace these two idiots.....i just hope this organization does fire these guys....i like LOVIE but if he doesnt do it then get rid of him to......these 2 guys are the bad apples on this team...
December 31, 2008
#15 Phil from SATX said . . .Babbich will go and Turner will stay.
Jeff, I think it would help to stress that, from the top, this team has been all about the D, both draft-wise and money-wise -- that's why its getting the attention for underperforming from outside instead of the O. Everyone thought the O would suck before the season started. That fact that it was a few notches above suck has jammed everyone's frequencies.
Also, why is the TOP a myth?
December 31, 2008
#16 johnnyelpaso said . . .Johnny EP is right. Mike is right. Jeff is right.
Both coordinators BLOW. In my opinion, the head coach BLOWS too.
So we can argue back and forth about which is worse, the offense or the defense. The fact is that they're both terrible this year. If it weren't for history, I would be completely shocked that we didn't get a whole new coaching, and perhaps GMing, regime this year.
The one thing I really agree with Jeff on vs. some others right now is Orton. Give Orton a reasonable line (Mikeb is right, ours has to be at least bottom 5 of worse run blocking lines in the league), give him at least one really good other receiver, and he will deliver for us. He showed that, in many ways, this year. Most important, GIVE HIM SOME F'ING PLAY CALLING!
But the defense has turned into an abomination, and the offense remains mired in crap. So we have a lot of work to do, and my fear is, if we don't get new coordinators, all the offseason work we do can only result in marginally better performance than last year, and whiffing on playoffs for the THIRD year in a row.
Let me ask, for those who wish to protect Coach Smith repeatedly with the "in 2006 he took us to the Super Bowl" - will three straight years of roughly .500 ball cause you to call for his head?
I'm already there. He was signed as our head coach because of his defensive chops. We all know the defense is broken. So why doesn't that cost him his job? You can't point to the other things he's brought to the table, because he's brought NOTHING. Can't coach up players, can't select the right coordinators, can't put the right personnel on the field, gets rid of promising kids because of God-knows-why, ALWAYS gets out-coached in the game, freezes in the clutch, apparently doesn't inspire players to play their guts out for us, feels okay with losing and not making the playoffs, let's see, what am I forgetting?
He's a nice guy. Other than that, what is there to like about Coach Lovie as a head coach?
Bupkes.
December 31, 2008
#17 animal said . . .phill i totally agree with you......everyone finds the faults in players and on how we should get rid of them......in my opinion, we should just get rid BABICH AND TURNER......the offense is now moving the ball and scoring pts.......the defense is not as bad how fans make it seem...the defense is playing what the cordinator is calling....this defense needs to start blitzing every down....thats what were lacking......the turnovers are still there.....but the offensive calls just blow.........lets pick up 2 new cordinators with balls and start aiming for that superbowl championship...
December 31, 2008
#18 jdawg said . . .is babich gone yet?
bring back Rivera- as HC.
December 31, 2008
#19 Anonymous said . . .I think the difference between Babich and Turner is Turner was given a patchwork O-line, shitty WRs, 2 good TEs (but one that couldn't block his way out of a wet paper bag), a green unproven QB and a really good RB. Babich was given the keys to a D that was top-five two years ago.
January 1, 2009
#20 Sdwat51 said . . .Jeff -
I don't know if you missed it, but JA assured us in the PC that no job was safe, and to suggest that he does not get it, would miss the only action that has taken place at Halas Hall since the end of the fucking season: the firing of our DB coach.
I want him and the remainder of our BT fixated on making this team better at every position, especially QB. Our current QB has been found out. He has flaws, and those flaws have been exploited.
Our D sucks for all the reasons you suggest and then some. The DB coach is the first victim. Nate Vashar and DD are probably being shopped right now. And it would not surprise me one bit to see Babich demoted to make room for Marinelli.
January 1, 2009
#21 Tom... said . . .#9 and #10....
I have to ask this, even if it costs me my posting abilities....
How much respect would Marinelli get in the locker room, after his abysmal record with Detroit?
Regardless of how much he's liked, and what percentage of it is his fault, I'm not sure bringing in a DC with his track record is going to exactly lift morale......
January 1, 2009
#22 Willie from Chicago said . . .A lot of common theme above but I must admit I'm mostly in Jeff's camp. The Defense needs help most - not that I love our O. Setting aside talent for a moment (yes I know that HAS to be considered but humor me as "just supposin') My beefs would be play calling that baffles me and clock management. How can you have a drive executed well with a fairly diverse set of plays and then just seem to forget any of that worked. First drive:
Forte run - 4. Quick slant to Hester...on the money. Another run then pass to Olsen on the money.Mix of passes and runs. Houston looked quite worried as they should. Couple of running plays - yeah including the required into-the-line-for-nothing. TD to Lloyd. 80 yds 10 plays and about 6 minutes. Super - well enough of that.
And then???? Well then they returned to the shit where you knew every play coming and with every sequence the plays seemed to reflect them pulling back into some kind of hermit crab pose where "Lord, we are ahead -don't run anything that could possibly fuck up". With that came confidence within Houston.....game, set, match. They returned to some more aggressive plays once they were in deep shit but it was too late.
I'm not sold completely on KO - feel much like others BUT I had a problem with Jerry's "It ALL starts with the QB. WE have to get that RIGHT. Well yes but the QB can't throw....transport himself through time/space....hand it gently to a closely covered receiver....make sure he holds on and magically return to his follow through pose. They have to get open and catch the fucking ball Jerry whether you have Montana, Manning, Namath or Sid Luckman. I DID NOT HEAR JERRY SHOW THE CONCERN FOR WR's we need.
More later...I'm slow at this Anyway i feel better now.
January 1, 2009
#23 Willie from Chicago said . . .Is Jerry drunk? You can’t expect any QB to perform well with this team. I think Kyle has done well this year with what he had to work with. Having No WRs no O line and No defense to protect leads doesnt help a young quarterback.
This team doesnt need a change of coach but a change of culture. We need someone to come in here and completely change this team (much like Bill Parcells did with the Dolphins). That’s what this team needs. If we go out and spend a lot of money on a Qb then we will be set back another couple years. Get a clue Jerry.
January 1, 2009
#24 Al In WI said . . .Id like to wish a happy and safe New Year to everyone here at dabearsblog!
January 1, 2009
#25 Phil from SATX said . . .Kyle Orton is a 9-7 type of quarterback. He is thourghly mediocre as a starter. As a backup he'd be a fine player. Someone who could lead the offense for a few weeks or even come in and finish out a game. But he's not an NFL starter. He's had 33 starts now to prove it. He is what he is.
For all the talk about how shitty Turner and the recievers are consider this; they were just as shitty in October during Orton's hot streak. And they were basically still as bad in 2007 when Griese and Grossman were run out of town. In fact here is a fun little fact; Orton's career rating is 70, same as Rex Grossman's.
The fact that with Devin Hester on your team it takes until the final game of the regular season the Bears were the only team in football not to complete a pass over 30 yards in the air speaks volumes about Orton. Even weak armed passers like Griese and Pennington have managed that feat.
And lets also not forget that Orton was at his worst during the biggest games of the season. He melted down in the vikings game, and did all he could to throw away season on the line home games versus the Saints and Packers two non-playoff teams.
As Craig put it best Orton may not be THE problem on the team but he is A problem on this team, and a serious one.
Personally I think this team needs drastic changes in both scheme and personel to avoid a total disent into the NFL abyss. This team is not "close."January 1, 2009
#26 Two Words said . . .Willie, #22 may have been your best ever post. Good job young man!
Al, I don't think it was coincidence that the early success Kyle had included some very hot chemistry with Brandon Lloyd. He looked like the real deal out there. When Brandon Lloyd went down, we never really found his replacement - even he himself never became his replacement.
Kyle helped win some very big games this year. He was never the same after his injury. If he can heal up 100%, there is no reason to think he wouldn't be as good as he was in the beginning of this season, and he was pretty damn good then. If Kyle hadn't been injured yet had his game go down the tank, it would be a different story - he would be Rex. But he had a very good reason for not being the same guy.
Would agree that Angelo's over-emphasis on the QB spot is strange - what I actually believe is that he is simply reminding us that someone may come along that he thinks is worthy of signing, and of another QB competition. I just think he's preparing us for that. And I know we're all okay with that, so Jerry, time to show us you understand that there are other things in need of emphasis as well.
January 1, 2009
#27 jeremy34 said . . .Matt Castle.
January 1, 2009
#28 Prefontaine said . . .I think he knows Orton isn't a problem. I think Angelo knows we need a pass rush first...I dont know why it was so bad compared to two years ago but it of course was bad this year.
For offense...as long as Chris Williams can come along...lets try to get a good, tall, posession receiver to play opposite Hester.
I know they are not easy to come by, but that is what this offense needs first...if you can get one.
January 1, 2009
#29 jeremy34 said . . .#20 Sdwat51
EXACTLY!!! Continue to Post.
January 1, 2009
#30 HesterFan23 said . . .Jerry is not going to get a new qb. When have the Bears ever spent big money on free agents?...never.
Lovie is still the best coach we have had in awhile and Orton is the best qb we have had in awhile. That doesn't mean their job is theres and no one can take it but lets be realistic and improve on what we can and what we need most.
Like a safety and a big time wide receiver.
And sell the team soon McCaskies!! Please!!!
January 1, 2009
#31 The Ghost of Halas said . . .I'm not saying Marineli is the right move, I just think that is what will happen based on comments made thus far.
January 1, 2009
#32 Rancid said . . .Here's some interesting number crunching from the 2008 Chicago Bears season. Breaking scoring down by quarters and halves I found intersting numbers on both offense and defense.
The Bears offense scored 109 points in the first quarter this season, 101 in the second, 88 in the third, and 71 in the fourth. 109, 101, 88, 71. That's 210 points in the first half and 159 in the second.
An average of 6.8 points per first quarter. 6.3 points in the second quarter. 5.5 in the third quarter. And 4.4 in the fourth quarter.
A steady decline as each game progressed. I attribute this largely to Ron Turner's play-calling becoming painfully predictable, as many of us have professed amazment to here on Da Bears Blog.
The Defensive statistics are even more astonishing:
They allowed 47 points in the first quarter this season (pretty good), then gave up 128 in the second quarter, 72 in the third, and 100 in the fourth. I attribute this at least somewhat to the coaching staff not preparing some of the players for the physical demands of 60 minutes of NFL football. Here's all the numbers, I hope they turn out okay on this. Enjoy, kids!Offense Points Scored (excluding OT):
Week 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
1W 7 8 7 7
2L 7 3 7 0
3L 6 3 8 7
4W 7 14 0 3
5W 3 14 14 3
6L 0 3 7 10
7W 14 13 14 3
9W 10 3 7 7
10L 7 0 0 7
11L 0 3 0 0
12W 14 10 3 0
13L 7 0 7 0
14W 10 10 0 3
15W 7 14 0 3
16W 0 3 7 7
17L 10 0 7 7Defensive Points Allowed:
Week 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
1W 3 3 7 0
2L 0 3 10 7
3L 7 7 0 10
4W 7 7 3 3
5W 0 0 7 0
6L 6 3 3 10
7W 14 10 7 10
9W 0 23 0 0
10L 0 7 7 7
11L 7 10 7 13
12W 0 3 0 0
13L 0 17 7 10
14W 3 0 0 7
15W 0 7 7 10
16W 0 14 0 3
17L 0 14 7 10January 1, 2009
#33 johnnyelpaso said . . .I think the concept of "always on the field" has limited credibility. It happens sometimes in some games. I think it happened in the Superbowl. But it doesn't hold water as an overall excuse for the season, not this year anyway.
As I stated above, I think KO earned another season as the presumed starter, nothing more. Like Phil, I also think that if healthy he will regain form. We need to get a veteran backup in case he doesn't or goes down injured though. Any large money or high draft picks would be better spent on the O line and a WR. However, we need to get a wideout in FA, not the draft. When we draft a WR they may or may not ever see the field. We suck at training WRs. We need someone established already.
Maybe its too convenient but I just keep thinking that the main problem with the D is the scheme and the main problem with the O is the play-calling. Both have definite player issues in a few areas but I have to think leadership is still the main problem. RT and Babs need to go. I didn't really like Ron Rivera but I am man enough to admit that it appears he deserved more credit for our former dominant D than I was willing to give him.
Here's to a good offseason on the blog. I'll put out to passionate plea for people to stay here year round. Sometimes I think it may be more fun around here during the offseason. Regardless, stick around everyone.
January 1, 2009
#34 Willie from Chicago said . . .these are the FA that will be available for the 2009 season
Matt Birk, UFA, Minnesota Vikings
Birk is a Pro Bowl center who has gotten the job done for the Vikings for the last decade. He’s fairly athletic for a lineman and is playing alongside another great lineman, guard Steve Hutchinson, making Birk’s life even easier on the field. He’s grounded in Minnesota, so the chances of him choosing to leave seem slim at the moment. However, Minnesota is grooming John Sullivan in hopes that he will eventually replace Birk.Mike Goff, UFA, San Diego Chargers
While the Chargers would probably prefer to keep Goff, the franchise has been effective in drafting and developing linemen and might look for Goff’s replacement at a better price. Goff has been a leader who simply goes about his business and players like running back Ladainian Tomlinson have benefited from his level of play. Goff has played for a quality line for some time and he’s a big part of the equation when it comes to success.Jordan Gross, UFA, Carolina Panthers
A first round pick in 2003, Gross earned a starting role in his rookie season and held that role as a tackle for the entire season. His ability to step in and play well right away paid off for the Panthers, as the team put together a run to an NFC Championship. He’s continued being a starter since that rookie season and is a solid player. Carolina slapped the franchise tag on him for this season, and chances are he will be another team come ’09.Mark Tauscher, UFA, Green Bay Packers
Tauscher is a seventh round pick that became a success story. In his first season in the NFL, he was forced into a starting role because of an injury to another player. Tauscher isn’t an elite player, but he is solid in his role as a starter and hasn’t missed a game since 2002. Tauscher could be at the top of many team’s lists because he could come cheaper than some of the other free agent lineman, but could be nearly or equally effective.Other Offensive Lineman
Stacy Andrews, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
Khalif Barnes, UFA, Jacksonville Jaguars
Jordan Black, UFA, Houston Texans
Jason Brown, UFA, Baltimore Ravens
Vernon Carey, UFA, Miami Dolphins
Jahri Evans, UFA, New Orleans Saints
George Foster, UFA, Detroit Lions
Chris Gray, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Pete Kendall, UFA, Washington Redskins
Seth McKinney, UFA, Cleveland Browns
Jon Runyan, UFA, Philadelphia Eagles
Jeff Saturday, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
Marvel Smith, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
Tra Thomas, UFA, Philadelphia Eagles
Fred Weary, UFA, Houston Texans
John Welbourn, UFA, Kansas City Chiethese are defensive linemen
Julius Peppers, UFA, Carolina Panthers
A freakish athlete, Peppers struggled in ’07, but has come back strong in ’08. Teams will be lining up to try and lure him away from Carolina with a huge contract offer. The 6’7” end has nine sacks and five forced fumbles through ten games. He could be the top free agent player as teams look to add an end that has had double-digit sack totals four times in six seasons, including 13 in ’06. He also has four career interceptions and has been making quarterback’s lives miserable since he entered the league. Peppers probably shouldn’t be able to do some of the things that he can and many teams would prefer to have those things happening for them rather than against them.Albert Haynesworth, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Haynesworth has had his share of controversy surrounding him, but lately he’s turned things around and has focused on simply playing the game. He has improved upon his ’07 season when he made six sacks and 40 tackles in 13 games. Through week eleven he has 39 tackles, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles. The Titans look like a different team on defense depending on whether or not Haynesworth is on the field; with him on the field they are one of the best defenses in the league because of the pressure he took off of others. Expect Tennessee to work hard to keep him in hopes that he continues to bolster their defensive play as a whole.Terrell Suggs, UFA, Baltimore Ravens
Being a converted linebacker has helped Suggs become a defensive end that can track the ball above average. In his first five seasons, Suggs had 299 tackles and 45 sacks to his credit. Through eleven weeks of the current season he is putting together another strong showing with 47 tackles, five sacks, and two interceptions. Suggs may not be as rewarded as Peppers or Haynesworth will be in free agency, but he will certainly be pursued by a number of teams who want to save a little money and still come away with a quality defensive end. Baltimore is constantly pumping out quality defensive players, so they may not be willing to match a big offer if one comes along, but they will miss Suggs if they lose him.Bertrand Berry, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Berry has four sacks and two forced fumbles for the Cardinals in eight games of action. He may not be the most coveted potential free agent at his position, but he’s definitely effective when he’s healthy and playing his best. He’ll be looked at as a role player on the market and there’s a decent chance that the Cardinals will move on.Other Defensive Linemen
Jonathan Babineaux, UFA, Atlanta Falcons
Rocky Bernard, Seattle Seahawks
Kevin Carter, UFA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chris Canty, UFA, Dallas Cowboys
Shaun Cody, UFA, Detroit Lions
Jovan Haye, UFA, Tampa Bay Bucs
Tank Johnson, UFA, Dallas Cowboys
John Thornton, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
Marcus Tubbs, UFA, Seattle Seahawkswide recievers available
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
A Pro Bowl player, Houshmandzadeh is one of the league’s top receivers and arguably the best number two receiver in the entire league. A seventh round selection, Houshmandzadeh now has more than 5,600 career receiving yards. Amazingly, he has increased his reception and touchdowns totals in each of his six seasons and is coming off of a league-leading 112 receptions with 12 touchdowns. Also, he has been able to put up strong numbers this season even without Carson Palmer throwing to him for most of this season. He may once again reach a triple-digit total for receptions and might also break the 1,000-yard plateau for the third straight season. Losing Houshmandzadeh would be a major setback for Cincinnati. Look for the Bengals to make every effort to retain and possibly promote Houshmanzadeh.Bobby Engram, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Engram likely won’t be the most desired receiver on the market this offseason, but he will provide a veteran option for team’s looking to add experience with their youth and others. Engram has an injury history that has caused him to miss a fair amount of time, but he’s been a solid receiver when healthy. His 2007 campaign was the best of his career. His 94 receptions helped him rack up 1,147 yards and six touchdowns without a strong running game supporting the offense. In six games this season, he has 22 receptions for 222 yards, but no trips to the endzone. With his history of injury and a struggling offensive unit not helping his numbers, he’ll likely wind up back in Seattle with his career closer to the end than the beginning.Devery Henderson, UFA, New Orleans Saints
Henderson’s career high in receptions may be 32, but he’s a deep threat and seems to make big plays almost on a weekly basis when things are clicking. He’s had at least three scores in each season of his four-year career and is currently on pace to surpass his career high of 745 yards receiving that he posted in ’06. If the Saints let Henderson go, someone may give him a shot at a bigger role.Shaun McDonald, UFA, Detroit Lions
McDonald has had to play behind the likes of Torry Holt, Roy Williams, and Calvin Johnson during his six seasons. He hasn’t been spectacular, but he has shown that he can be a quality receiver. He had a career-high with 79 receptions last season with the Lions and converted six of them into touchdowns. His numbers have dropped this season as the entire team has struggled, but considering his situation, 35 catches for 332 yards isn’t a poor showing. McDonald has the ability to be a solid number two, and chances are he’ll look to play for a more competitive team.Other Wide Receivers
Hank Baskett, RFA, Philadelphia Eagles
Jabar Gaffney, UFA, New England Patriots
Dante' Hall, UFA, St. Louis Rams
Sam Hurd, UFA, Dallas Cowboys
Brandon Jones, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Ashley Lelie, UFA, San Francisco 49ers
Koren Robinson, UFA, Green Bay Packers
Amani Toomer, UFA, New York Giants
Roydell Williams, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Cedrick Wilson, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
Other Tight Ends
Owen Daniels, UFA, Houston Texans
Will Heller, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Eric Johnson, UFA, New Orleans Saints
Jeff King, RFA, Carolina Panthers
Jim Kleinsasser, UFA, Minnesota Vikings
Leonard Pope, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Daniel Wilcox, UFA, Baltimore Ravens
L.J. Smith, UFA, Philadelphia
Bo Scaife, UFA, TennesseeJanuary 1, 2009
#35 Willie from Chicago said . . .Id like to see TJ or Robinson in Chicago next year.
January 1, 2009
#36 Nick said . . .Nice post Johnny.
January 1, 2009
#37 Willie from Chicago said . . .Jeff is 100% correct. Kyle Orton shold be the quarterback of our squad. Not only that but he should feel comfortable there as well. How many quarterbacks have done well during a season knowing their job depends on their performance game by game? None. Peyton Manning wouldn't be a successful quarterback if he thought his job were up for grabs week by week. Plus the kid has nobody to throw to. Like I said in other posts Orton's receiving core wouldn't start for OU or even the Florida Gators. GIve him some fucking weapons and our passing game will be good enough, not great, not outstanding-yet, but it will improve our running game which is what we claim to "come off the bus" doing.
Our defense is the problem. We need one shut down corner with great leadership ability. The leadership ability is what the Bears lose when Mike Brown gets injured. We don't miss a lot of speed we miss the leadership. The fact that Jerry even mentions getting a quarterback makes me think that he is the cause of our problems. Either that our he just listen to the Bears ever week on the radio instead of watches them.
Here is my advice, Jerry get a WR in free agency, draft a shut down corner #1, then add depth else where (hopefully O and D lines) then see where the season goes. But don't write off Orton just yet. He will be a good quarterback if he gets the backing he needs.
January 1, 2009
#38 shonbear said . . .@ 25
Thanks Phil, I try.January 1, 2009
#39 Mike Brown has a Posse said . . .The D failed miserably this season, but the offense contributed to that with all their three and outs and not capitalizing on TO's with TD's.
After an analysis of the TOP situation, the first half of the season wasn't the problem, you could look at those three games (CAR,TB and ATL), TOP wasn't the problem there, but D, stupid penalties, a couple very badly timed turn overs and bad offensive play calling showing an incapability of getting a first down were the problems in those losses. Not to mention drive killing dropped passes.
TOP in the second half of the season was VERY bad against our favor, it so happens that we also had a quarterback playing hurt and playing hurt which changed his decision making process. Thus the lack of stepping up in the pocket, throwing the ball away or running up the field sometimes. I would venture to say that when Kyle came back he didn't try to run up the field once as he had done to keep drives alive prior to that. Not his fault, the injury spoke to that.
If we don't get O line improvement to give him more time it won't fair well for Kyle or Forte, so getting a good FA WR won't matter either, if we do get those things it will make a world of difference.
Jeff, I'm down with the Defense being the primary problem, but only if it's coupled with the failure of the offense. The D had the talent, but use of that talent is in the hands of the coaches. In years to come it might be nice to know what Urlacher and company have to say about the difference between the 05/06 seasons and the 07/08 seasons and maybe they would have a different answer than the party line one they are giving right now. I would like to know for sure if it's Babitch, Rivera, Lovie, the players "execution/gap control" failures or just our team was simply overated in a bad division for those two seasons and we have since had a higher opinion of them than we should have because of it we have high expectations.
When you hear that Minnesota has the 6th ranked D in the league and we had like mid 20 something, things just aren't right in this topsy turvy world. Things need to happen to put the world's allignment back in a corrective orbit.
Fire Babs
increase OTA's with accountability
FA O line and WR, shop DD get a DB.
January 1, 2009
#40 Murph said . . .I don't know if Jerry skipped the first half of the season, but Kyle absolutely shined when the Bears went no-huddle. Why in the world the Bears didn't run no-huddle against the big fat Vikes defensive line in the second matchup, I will never know.
It is not a coincidence that Orton looked at his best off script.
That said, Jeff is absolutely right. This D needs to get right and that starts with the DC, their staff, and eventually Lovie. The team is supposedly built around it's D and special teams and yet they blew a lead in nearly every loss this year. Not cool.
Please bring Mike B back as a position coach/player and throw him in on running downs when he can run blitz.January 1, 2009
#41 Jokey said . . .Agreed Craig. Brian.....Tell me, did you lobby for Rex to have 3 seasons? Orton started a full year his first year and now another full year. Grossman started one year, went to the big game, and was starter for half the following year.....so actually he has been given more opportunity than Rex. Rancid, if he cant throw deep now he never will, its not something that can be coached. Al in Wi...you and me,on the samepage!!!
January 1, 2009
#42 Phil from SATX said . . .While I agree that the defense has needs, an offense which is near the bottom of the league in sustained drives and in passes over 20 yards, and is among the leaders in dropped passes, definitely needs addressing.
Orton though is not the problem. WR and o-line are.
January 1, 2009
#43 jeff said . . .Happy New Year Bears Bloggers!
Great posts to catch up on this morning. Thanks to Ghost and Johnny EP for the great informational posts, always appreciate that.
In looking at Johnny's list of FAs, I don't know enough about other teams' players to have much of an opinion on them (except for the top guys on the list) -
But I will predict one thing right now. Last year the theme was "sign your own" and then "wait for the scraps" in FA.
Since that didn't work out so well, this year's theme will be "MOVE QUICKLY" on pre-established needs. I predict we will see at least two pretty big FA signings, maybe three. I hope one of them will be an offensive lineman, and because of Rancid's very valid comment, one NEEDS to be a WR - no more expecting WR rookies to help. A FA safety would be my third FA - and if they do even the first two signings look for them to select high in the draft on a pass rushing monster. And maybe linebacker.
I think they like their up and coming corners, and the one thing they seem to do a great job on is picking these guys up late, so they'll probably continue that.
Does FA start right after the SB? Let's get ready to watch things happen quickly after that.
Just to say it, I am rooting for the Eagles to win it all, they're my new second favorite team after their Get-Me-Off-Suicide-Watch performance against the Cowboys. Plus they will be the ones to knock the snot out of the Queens and remind them that they're only there because they won the Least Suckiest NFC North Title. Go see what that's worth in a couple of days.
January 1, 2009
#44 shonbear said . . .what puzzles me is that some of your are analyzing this team as if all the financial resources haven't ben spent on defense. we have highly paid corners, linebackers and defensive linemen. very highly paid. who makes a lot of money on offense? john tait? that's it. hester is paid okay, i guess...
this team is built financially and talent-wise to be great on defense and okay on offense. they were better than okay on offense and i judge that by the fact that outside of two games this season, they put the club in a position to win.
the defense...where all the money and resources are...where we're supposed to be dominant....sucked. all year. they sucked. they turned the ball over a bunch, yay! do you know who used to always lead the league in turnovers? the bengals. it's great to turn other teams over when you allow 250 yards passing a game and never sack the quarterback.
January 1, 2009
#45 Tom...Jeff said . . .My question is to responsibility, who's responsible for the D's failure, was it simply the players lack of "execution" on the field, or was it the coaches lack execution of putting the players in position for success, from training camp to not making adjustments to bad game planning to choosing the wrong players as starters or not benching players for lack of production?
etc...
A few things come to mind in this regard, Dusty, Nate and Tommie, probably both should have rode some pine while younger hungrier up and coming guys were given a chance, seemed clear to us, why not the coaches?
January 1, 2009
#46 BillyBear said . . .I focused on the Offense in post 21 but I do love watching BOTH sides of the ball. I just spent nearly an hour going back through the game day posts - and a couple day after - for Sept/Oct/Nov.....
You can't miss the frustration on the D side in those posts. Yes, certainly O too - but more with the D. I'll get back to the D but to hit my primary beefs again on O are....
Play calling when leading - they stop doing what was working
Clock management at crucial times - often just before the half
Wr's must get more than 6 inches separation AND catch the fucking ball.
OL blocking for the run - worse than pass protection I believe.Baffling non use of players such as Bennett, Rideau, The TE Davis (not Rashied), K Jones at times to allow 22 a breather.
Need KO back at earlier season form - injury hurt development and timing but on the list of issues I feel QB is about 4 or 5.The D.....
Way too much reliance on the cover who(?)
Worse yet playing a soft cover 2 with the game on the line and expecting the front 4 to do it all when it was obvious game after game they could not.
Fire, passion urgency, anger, swagger...etc where was it?
It appeared to me that many times they looked as if they didn't believe in what they were being asked to do
Cover 2 requires precise coordination and knowing/believing what others hav covered. With an injury that changes. You can't say "Hey Daniel, we need you to play Mike's spot this next game.
Tackle play and #93 was weak much of the time.
Linebackers don't make a lot of tackles on running plays back peddling from the line
The corner blitz with Tillman and manning worked well so they stopped doing that. Hillenmeyer doesn't seem to do it anymore and as for 54 when I looked at his face it seemed he would rather be somewhere else - did he believe in the scheme?
Did any of the D really believe in the scheme.
"We have to play better is a non-answer. You can ALWAYS say that.Just some for now...more on players and needs later.
January 1, 2009
#47 Tom... said . . .There is one thing I haven't heard anyone mention. Orton came back too soon from his injury and played the rest of the season hurt. For this alone Lovie should be fired. This is not about Kyle vs. Rex (I didn't like Rex) but about the choice most other NFL head coached would have made under the same set of circumstances. Give Kyle more time to recover and maybe he makes it back to 100%. Instead Lovie brought him back too fast and not only risked his career but doomed the season. This is not acting in the best interests of this team or its players.
There are legitimate reasons to have all of the coaches (and GM's) jobs filled by new people next season, but Lovie is the leader of the team and real change starts from the top down. Eat his contract and fire him now.
January 1, 2009
#48 mikebdot said . . .#44.....
I see it as both but if you don't put players in a position to succeed great execution won't get you very far - the scheme and players assigned to each spot week in and week out without adjustments was fundamentally poor IMHO.
January 1, 2009
#49 Big H said . . .Jeff: All I'm saying is that I don't agree with the statement "it's the defense, stupid". No, it's a two-way street with this team. Pittsburgh and Baltimore have a strong defense, but, even though that's the popular mantra about the bears, that's not been true since the 80s. We'd all like it to be true every year, but we've only had one or two dominant seasons with since Urlacher started playing middle linebacker. Don't kid yourselves, folks. '06 wasn't a dominant defensive performance like you all want to believe. The large number of turnovers saved our asses in game after game, then, when playing the Colts, we didn't get them or didn't capitalize when we did. It's a pretty simple formula. I'm sick of it though. I don't want to have to rely on 30+ turnovers and returns for TDs. It's lame.
The offense needs to be able to move the football consistently, even gaining a few first downs to move the field position, and yes, regardless of your declaration, to give the defense more time to rest. I won't agree with you because you claim things are myths. You have to provide more evidence than Baltimore, who has a dominant player at every position or Pittsburgh who has a decent offense, regardless of what you claim. The stats exist for a reason, dude. As much as I hate Rothlisberger, they are in another league offensively than us. But, yes, Pittsburgh's defense has been 1st in 2 of the last five years in terms of points scored and 3 of the last 5 in terms of yards. Baltimore is in the same defensive category.
We had a dominant defense in three seasons the past 8. That happens to coincide with the last three playoff appearances. So, yes, it's hard to argue that a dominant defense doesn't lead to the playoffs, but when your offense can't gain yards, which has been the case for the past 20 years. We have broken the top 10 4 times in 20 years. That's not a recipe for success unless you have an absolutely DOMINANT defense. Well, fuck it then, let's remain mediocre and retool for a DOMINANT defense with a shit offense to hope that that's enough. Let's do that.
No, I want a solid football team that doesn't embarrass itself when they need a big drive to win a football game when it matters. I'm sick of being disappointed most of the time when that is the case.
That Atlanta game is a poor example with a third string corner in there new to the team. I didn't get to watch Carolina, so I can't speak to that last data point.
January 1, 2009
#50 Nick said . . .Here is why i think grossman is better beside his arm strength last year his recievers droped ball 2 Benson couldn't block,run, or catch a ball so i think with forte he would have done better that Orton did this year
January 1, 2009
#51 johnnyelpaso said . . .Big H, did you watch the Titans game where Grossman started?
January 1, 2009
#52 Anonymous said . . .in my opinion to the FA market........i think that the Bears should only fork out some money on a reciever and draft some young offensive linemen.......OL in the FA market are over priced and have some miles on their bodies......in drafting a reciever, you dont really know what you are getting......scouting a player can only go so far.........we need a proven reciever from the FA market and the only one that I like is Jabar Gafney from New England....hes proved that he is not afraid to catch balls on the crossing patterns.....and Orton is good at throwing the short cross down the middle....Ive watched him play and he plays with a lot of heart.......
I also like these players in FA market but Jabar would be my first choice....
Amani Toomer, UFA, New York Giants
Hank Baskett, RFA, Philadelphia EaglesJanuary 2, 2009
#53 craig said . . .Are any of those dudes under 60?
January 2, 2009
#54 Murph said . . .A few thoughts:
1. I think it's silly to argue over what the problem is with this team as if there's only one. With the exception of Matt Forte and maybe one or two others, I thought pretty much everyone was disappointing. So for me it's not so much a question of where the problems are but what to fix first and how.
2. My opinion: defense has to get fixed first. Not necessarily because it's our only problem or our biggest problem, but because that's our identity, and because I believe defense wins championships. As far as how we fix it, I think item #1 is firing Bob Babich. Unless that happens, I'm not sure it gets fixed at all.
3. I'm not really concerned with whether Kyle Orton was a problem this year. I care if he's going to be a problem. If the defense doesn't return to top five form, I'm betting he will be.
January 2, 2009
#55 Ronaldo said . . .Nick......Titans had #1 defense I believe, when they played the bears. Grossman shouldnt have been at his best, its the titans job to play defense. They made a lot of QB's have bad games this year.
Grossman had one week of prep with receivers he hadnt played with the year before. I agree with you H....Rex has a bigger upside, but with the fans on him from the coin toss, he cant succeed in Chicago.January 2, 2009
#56 Rancid said . . .Correction Murph...he HASN'T succeeded in Chicago. I resolve that this silly Rex debate will end in '09. Move on.
January 2, 2009
#57 Urlacher FTW said . . .Ronaldo - good luck with any debate ever ending, especially a QB debate. I'm still waiting for people to shut up and let the TJ thing go.
January 2, 2009
#58 Urlacher FTW said . . .Murph: you couldn't be much more wrong about Kyle and Rex.
1.)Rex was brought in to be the franchise QB, Kyle was brought in to be an emergency backup and because he was a decent pick at the time.
2.)Kyle was forced to start after grossman was injured and noone in the clown car seemed to be working out but still had a limited playbook, zero confidence from the coaches, and even Grossman looking over his shoulder by seasons end, couldn't have been much more set up to fail - Grossman was hand picked, groomed, coddled and given ample time to learn all the plays and prove himself. All he ever did consistently was get hurt.
3.) Even this season Kyle had to take the job away from Grossman's sorry ass. Grossman also had the only full season and a half where the Bears actually had actual receivers (Muhammed and Berrian). Grossman also had an Oline built from 2 tackles, 2 guards, and a center. Orton has had noone to throw the ball to, noone that can catch or get seperation. And he had a rag-tag Oline of 1 tackle, 3 guards, and a center.If you ever get a chance to go to a Bears game and watch them live , in warm ups and everything. There is no comparison, Orton has a stronger arm and throws a much better ball; in the game Orton makes
January 2, 2009
#59 zisk said . . .in the game Orton makes better decisions and has much better pocket presence, Grossman has him on touch on the deep ball but you are wrong, that can be taught; the poise and decision making if anything can't.
Mikebdot, jeff isn't saying the D is the only thing to blame. Re-read the post or his response. He is saying this is the Chicago Bears, we play Defense here. Because of that we pay like 3/4 of our salary to the defense. We all full expected a below average performance from our offense comin in with a thrown up line, a rookie RB, no WRs, and an unknown at QB; they did better than expected and put us in position to win games. The D is loaded with perrinial pro bowlers, it has a history and a legacy of greatness to uphold and they plain stunk.
If you rebuild an old car and you put $10k into the engine and put 100 bucks into the transmission; you should expect some tranny problems, but if your only generating stock horsepower for your $10k, I think you should look under the hood first.
January 2, 2009
#60 Nick said . . .great analogy
January 2, 2009
#61 Urlacher FTW said . . .Good Point. Murph, I agree with you in that Grossman only had a short time to work with his receivers and went up against a number #1 defense but he still made dumb-ass choices. Choices that will cost him a good career in the NFL, especially with the Bears.
January 2, 2009
#62 shonbear said . . .Murph/Nick he did suck, he had an entire weeks worth of reps in with first team. Hester and Booker are receivers has has plenty of prior exp with especially Booker. He had to know that was his shot, and he still blew it; it was sad and definitely showed why KO was the starter from game 1.
January 2, 2009
#63 Murph said . . .whatever
January 2, 2009
#64 shonbear said . . .Urlacher, Orton doesnt have the stronger arm, thats common knowledge spoken by every analyst Ive ever heard. You are the only one Ive ever heard say that. Time will tell and the future will prove whos the better QB in the NFL. That said, QB is not why we arent winning these games, we all pretty much agree the D lets us down way too much. The coaching seems to be lacking, and our high round draft choices are not panning out. An now #54 is crying to the press he is being picked on and he is sick of it!!!!!
January 2, 2009
#65 Exposed said . . .any links to that #54 crying stuff, is he trying to get traded to Arizona?
January 2, 2009
#66 BearsTransplant said . . .2 words....Michael Vick.
January 2, 2009
#67 Bill from SATX said . . .Lord. Ok, here's my only long post for the off-season. Promise. Where to start. Our D-ends can't really rush the edge anymore, our middle linebacker can't cover the deep middle anymore, we have one cover-2 cornerback (Tillman), one good safety who can't stay healthy... and we refuse to change up our scheme. I don't think I've seen Urlacher put on the outside to rush the QB since Lovie got there. Teams know what's coming, and there aren't really any wrinkles to prepare for. The "mug up" look was ferocious for about two weeks. To be fair, we also have a pro bowl LB, a top 5 D-tackle (when he's healthy), a promising young D-tackle (Harrison) and a thumper of a safety who will be solid if he can learn to get into position (Payne). I think the D is a playmaking safety and a decent pass-rusher away from at least looking competitive, but an upgrade at corner wouldn't hurt. I was actually impressed by Corey Graham's play late in the season, but our nickel situation is not good. Ron Rivera is looking like more and more like a missed head coach candidate; he really turned the San Diego defense around this year. Babich is like many of the Bear's coach staff; he belongs in the college ranks. NFL experience apparently isn't important to Lovie (maybe because he never played in the NFL?).
We had injuries to countless players on special teams this year, and lost our best player to free agency (Ayanbadejo), but as always, Toub delivered one of the top units in the NFL. Can't say enough. A+.
On offense, I wouldn't grade anyone on our O-line any better than a B-, and except for Beekman and Williams, there's not much room for improvement (J. St. Clair enters his 10th season this year). Heads will roll if C. Williams doesn't turn into a starter at some point.... We've got an outstanding rookie running back, but essentially no one behind him (w/the exception of AP as a 3rd down back). Our fullbacks aren't really run-blockers... which is strange since we "get off the bus running the ball." Keep Hester and the rookies/young players, but otherwise WR is a position of embarrassment. Maybe keep Rideau and Bennet, but dump Booker, Davis, and Lloyd. The 2-tight end offense never really materialized, because as good of a pass-catcher as he is, Greg Olsen is a god-awful blocker. Shows about zero knee-bend. We ran the ball well at times, but it bears noting that among the 15 top rushers in the NFL yardage-wise, Forte is one of only 4 to average less than 4 yards/carry. He's also #4 in total touches, but #7 in yardage. Teams had to prepare for Forte, but didn't really have to keep 8 in the box against us all game either.
And ah, the QB. To me, Orton is probably the best QB the Bears have had since Eric Kramer. That's not saying much. There's quite a few young signal callers in the draft this year, and I think even if they have to take a chance and trade up, you have to do it. You're not going to find QB help in free agency (unless you want to go after Matt Cassel; which will likely cost 2 1st day draft picks and probably $10 million a year, or maybe Leftwich or Derek Anderson. If Mcnabb does well in the playoffs this year there's no way Philly lets him walk). I'm scared by the fact that Orton still hasn't been able to find Hester on the deep ball. For better or for worse, he's going to be the starter next year. Turner can script his first 20 plays, but it tends to get pretty ugly after that. A double-digit lead in the first half should have absolutely nothing to do with how the offensive plays are called, and we clearly start running the ball (and snapping right into the cover-2 shell, for that matter), as soon as we had a lead. It all starts with the line though, and tell me if I'm crazy, but while I'm normally a stickler for running the ball on 3rd and one, and I had no confidence in that call this year; our line just got no push. We definitely need another receiver, maybe two, O-lineman in general, a backup speedster-type running back, some kind of new talent at QB (unless Caleb Hanie is looking like the answer). Unfortunately, since he's still a big improvement over recent horrors of the Shoop offense, Turner still isn't going anywhere.
The beauty is, it's the NFL, and if you can stay healthy, you can get there. It's going to be a long off-season, and the Bears could spend a lot of money going after top-flight free agents and better coaches; but we all know they won't because they're cheap. They may pay some players, but they never pay the coaches, or go after the best front-office people. During games this year, I saw a lot of players looking confused and other signs of miscommunication on their faces, which to me signifies coaching problems. But we're pretty much stuck, so no use crying about it. Bear down; only 7 months until training camp! (And only four months till spring training). Now, all I need is for Ohio State to get mashed by Texas, and my typical season of futile football fandom will come to a close. See ya next year.
January 3, 2009
I agree with the theme that the Defense was terrible this year. We could not stop anyone. In the Tampa game, I was worried for that whole two minute drive by Tampa because of what he did for us last year in Philly, doing that very thing. The offense needs to be tweaked, but if we are a running team, keep Kyle in there because he doesn't turn the ball over much. Forte needs a better fullback and we need to see Bennett and get some better play calling. But the D, the most of the money makers, are terrible from the Coordinator down. I don't think it was the same scheme as 06 because since Rivera left, we have gone down and San Diego has gone up. I like Payne and his hitting, but he does need some developing. Graham played very well and would like to see him continue. They need to fix up the D so we can get to seeing Bears football. You know, the type we were told we would be able to see!
January 5, 2009
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