Not gonna lie, it's tough for me to keep my interest level up on this team from the end of the season until the combine. I just need a break and I bet some of you do too. So instead of putting together a full column, I'll just compile a bunch of things I've been thinking about.
1. The Bears need to be very careful with their Reward-Your-Own philosophy this offseason, especially with Izzy Idonije and Adewale Ogunleye (both Drew Rosenhaus clients). Idonije is a terrifically versatile player but has yet to prove he's an every down defensive tackle. Ogunleye was flat-out bad in 2008.
2. I think it is fundamentally foolish for the Bears to draft a wide receiver in the first round. This is one of the most difficult positions in the game for a young player to learn and the Bears need a player to step into the number one role immediately. If you need a guy to catch the ball and are willing to part with your top pick to attain him...trade for Anquan Boldin.
3. Can we all stop with this Rod Marinelli shit? Some of the other blogs are praising him like he's done something in the last year besides losing every game as a head coach and embarrassing himself in front of the media on a weekly basis. He's the defensive line coach. Nothing more than that. This season's defensive success will hinge on one thing: Lovie's ability to call a good game.
4. If Mike Shanahan doesn't take the job in Kansas City, it'll mean that four high-profile, Super Bowl-winning coaches will be available at the end of the 2009 season. (The other three are Holmgren, Gruden and Cowher.) If Lovie doesn't make the playoffs next season, these four names will be mentioned quite a bit.
5. Brad Biggs begins a piece in the Sun-Times with, "It figures the hottest offensive coach in the NFL used to be with the Bears." While we're relaxing on Rod Marinelli, let's also relax on Todd Haley. Haley oversees an offense that can't run the ball and has the best pair of wide receivers in the league. He's also the offensive coordinator for a head coach who is one of the most creative play-callers in the league.
6. Bob LeGere wants the Bears to draft an offensive tackle in the first round. If they do it, they should do it because they don't believe Chris Williams is capable of starting in the league. If he is capable - the Bears need only to decide between Johns St. Clair and Tait at right tackle - using the other for depth on both sides. Depth is nice but the Bears missed the playoffs by a single game. Depth doesn't win that game.
#2 Z said . . .I know our season just ended and hope springs eternal in our minds for a little while with Boldins and Peppers dancing through our heads but what do we think are some realistic FA and then draft moves that will fill these most important deficiencies?
I am off to find the FA list.
And I am First!
January 22, 2009
#3 Z said . . .And Matt Forte for rookie of the year
With what he did with this line and how this offense and defense played, he gets my vote or my 50 or how ever many times they will let me.
http://www.nfl.com/partner?partnerType=rookies
January 22, 2009
#4 jeremy34 said . . .And the FA list
http://gnb.scout.com/a.z?s=61&p=9&c=12&yr=2009&nid=83&lnid=83&rc=16&pid=10
January 22, 2009
#5 Albert in Tucson said . . .A stud wide receiver can separate a great team from a good team. Problem is...as mentioned...the bust ratio is high...and most of the time it seems to take three years before they play at a high level. But I think that trend and the position as whole is changing a bit over the last five years.
As we know, JA won't go for that high wide receiver pick...and of course Lovie Loves him some defensive lineman.
But the thing is...if you can land that great wide receiver (usually in the 1st) it makes your team a lot better. So why don't we risk it. I am tired of not having a pro bowl receiver on this team. Most of your superbowl teams have a great receiver.
I won't get my hopes up too much though because we have a coaching staff towards the end of their Chicago Bear tenure and the odds of them wanting to wait on a player to turn out......slim.
January 22, 2009
#6 CA BEAR FAN said . . .Couldn't agree more with the "careful with their Reward-Your-Own philosophy" caveat, Jeff. Hungry football players are BETTER football players.
January 22, 2009
#7 CA BEAR FAN said . . .GOOD! Time to Talk about the DRAFT! im tired of everyone talking about Bolding, Peppers, and Marinelli............I wanna Hear who we gonna draft !
January 22, 2009
#8 jdawg said . . .I think we should draft
1st round Olineman
2nd Linebacker....
3rd Safety
4th WRJanuary 22, 2009
#9 animal said . . .man -- who knows what this team is going to do in the draft. I'm getting some info on who they're looking at during the Senior Bowl, which is a pretty good indicator.
Crist is convinced Brownie is gone, which is a shame. We don't need a strong safety, we need a free safety.
January 22, 2009
#10 BRAD LABATT said . . .good call on posting the FAs .That banging big RB is out there: Rudi Johnson or Lamont Jordan anyone?
January 22, 2009
#11 CA BEAR FAN said . . .DRAFT AN OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
MAYBE A CENTER, FOR BETTER PASS PROTECTION AND RUN BLOCKING.
I BELIEVE SEAN JONES, THE SAFETY
FROM THE BROWNS IS A FREE AGENT.
I THINK THAT HE WOULD BE A GOOD
ADDITION
January 22, 2009
#12 CA BEAR FAN said . . .We dont need a center....we need a tackle or a guard.........I would like to see a big bruising running back like rudi johnson or lamont jordan.....Sean Jones would be great on our defense!
January 22, 2009
#13 Rancid said . . .There is alot of good FA's out there for every position...it will be a shame if Jerry Angelo doesnt go after a couple of them...Like Linemen, Safeties, and Wide Recievers!!!!!
January 22, 2009
#14 jeremy34 said . . .Assuming we don't pay out huge money for Housch or a trade, what are people's preferences for a FA WR? Someone accomplished and older like Toomer or Engram, or someone younger who may or may not ever be a number one. There's really not that much out there at WR.
January 22, 2009
#15 Bill from SATX said . . .Other than TJ on that list (scout.com), there is no receiver that is worth getting. AToomer is very old and not that good.
I am all up for trading a first rounder and some more for Bolden. Forget his latest antic....that guy is tough as nails and wants to win. I believe he has a quote somewhere about he doesn't care where he plays on the field, he just wants to play and win.
Hester on one side (Speed)...Bolden on the other (Possession). I could see him being a huge favorite of all Bear fans the way he runs after the catch. The guy is tough to take down. Oh and of course G Reg and Clark in the middle. Nothing wrong with that with Forte in the backfield.
I just started thinking about Mark Bradley, does that piss anyone else off how that whole thing turned out?!!! We never play him, he goes to Kansas City and catchings quite a few balls and scores a few touchdowns his first few games with them. I just don't get it.
January 22, 2009
#16 Willie from Chicago said . . .I agree with the WR coming from FA. I am weary about Boldin, with the me first appearance. I think the WR needs to be settled first. The line, though needs improvement, was not bad last year. They were better than I thought they would be. After WR, they need to get the secondary set, assuming Marinelli gan get the line in shape. Like Jeremy34 said, I was a little confused about Mark Bradley as well. We have sent off cast off WR's all the time and then see them as stars on other teams ( Bradley, Gage, Engram, and the list goes on). Why our coaches draft these kids and don't develop them, I will never know. Doesn't that go hand in hand with the draft? We have Earl Bennett and I haven't seen him play all year and now Mike Haas is leaving for Seattle. How many more will we lose before someone figures this out?
January 22, 2009
#17 Willie from Chicago said . . .I cant wait for the Cubs to start their season, only 3 months away!
But lets take a look at the Bears' schedule for this year. They play the NFC West (Cardinals, Rams at home and Seahawks, 49ers away), The AFC North (Pitt and Cleveland at home and the Ravens, Bengals on the road), and of course our divisional rivals (Puke and piss, kitty cats, and the queens). Thats not a very tough schedule. I think we can get at least 9 wins this year.
BEAR DOWN in 09!
go cubs!
January 22, 2009
#18 CA BEAR FAN said . . .Does anyone know what happened to homertv.net?
January 22, 2009
#19 WTF are they thinking said . . .JEREMY: FA WR Atonio Bryant and WR Bryant Johnson what about these guys??????...these guys are good WR that we could use and plus there big tall recievers that can take hits....and also there not big time so they wont ask for alot of money.....WHY would you wanna trade a first rounder and then some for BOLDIN????TOUGH AS NAILS??? Yea OK!!! but i would love to see him as a Bear but c'mon why trade that much for him....I honestly wish everyone would shut the fuck up about gettin BOLDIN!
January 23, 2009
#20 House said . . .I pray they don't hurt themselves capwise even further.
I would like to see a FS but a STUD WR sure sounds nice. Maybe it's because marty Booker was the last time I saw a probowl wideout in a Bears uniform. I think I drank the koolaid when I watched Percy Harvin highlights.
January 23, 2009
#21 Z said . . .I don't understand spending a high draft pick on a WR (via the draft or a trade)--the organization as a whole has done a terrible job of developing potential at that position, and RT's scheme treats WRs more as decoys than legitimate targets (for better or, more likely, for worse). Any price we pay for talent at the position will be wasted.
I think we have to build on our strengths on both sides of the ball. Our best player on offense is Forte--we need to get somebody to run block for him. That will force people to stack the box, which would do more for our passing attack than trading for a high-priced WR.
January 23, 2009
#22 Hey Willie said . . .I have to agreee with House on that. If we make the D respect our running prowess that will open things up a lot.
January 23, 2009
#23 Shady said . . .try same name minus .net and plus 3.weebly.com/
January 23, 2009
#24 Si.com first mock draft said . . .According to those 2009 FA links, neither Adewale or Izzy are free agents this year. Sure 'Wale didn't have his best year, but going into his contract year you can bet he'sgonna play his ass off for new money. Izzy isn't great, but he's good at everything: Defense, special teams, and I'd bet he'd make a bad ass fullback. Losing Ayanbadejo last year seemed to really limit the return game. The holes just didn't open up like they did in '06 and '07 and whether that's because of Brendon's departure or opponent's ST units just gearing up for the Bears. So in my mind, losing a guy like Idonije would really hurt the entire team, and it's not like he's gonna be asking for franchise type of money either.
Out of our players who are set to leave (Grossman, Brown, Lloyd, Miller and St. Clair) the only guy I see us bring back for sure (I hope (and I never thought I'd say this)) is John St. Clair. What an awesome surprise he was last year, playing his super-size ass off last for 16 games, holding his own against the best in the league. Lloyd would be the only other guy the Bears might consider bring back, but the way they didn't play him after he was supposedly healthy last year makes me thing they're done with that experiment. I'm afraid to say if they don't trade for or sign a #1 WR, they're going to have to draft one on day one of the draft.
January 23, 2009
#25 Max said . . .http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/01/22/mock1/index.html
Thoughts??January 23, 2009
#26 oaktown34 said . . .You draft O-line, Saftey or Corner.
If Vonte Davis is there, I like him. The kid Moore out of Mizzou was pretty well regarded but has been dropping as of late. If Rey Maualuga falls to us, I dont see how we pass on him. In terms of offensive line, I dont know who to be looking at yet.
NO WIDE RECEIVER IN THE DRAFT!!!!!!!!!!! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, NO FIRST ROUND WIDE RECEIVER.
Go for Boldin or T.J. Housh or Antonio Bryant. One of them needs to be in a Bear uniform. (oh and I say resign Brandon Lloyd)
Bear Down
January 23, 2009
#27 Z said . . .I agree we need an upgrade at WR, but a higher priority is regaining our intimidating reputation on D. We have the athletes on the DL, Lovie+Marinelli should provide strategy and motivation. IMO a stud SSafety is the missing link. Either thru FA, or draft, or maybe he’s already on the team, maybe we re-sign Brown (my preferred choice), but solid tackling at that position is a must. I never was really sold on Chris Harris, he bit on the play fake too often and got burned deep, because he wanted to clobber the RB so bad, but he quit doing that and I wish we had him now. We need someone in the secondary that can hit! Payne has the ‘pop’ we need good size and speed. But I'm not convinced about his durability yet. We need an option other than Seltz.
Funny thing, at the end of the season I almost hated lovie Smith, with his comatose nothing ass replies to the questions we all wanted answered. And I thought anything short of him getting fired would mean the Bears are doomed. But he’s still here and I’m optimistic about next season. I must be drinking too much beer.
January 23, 2009
#28 BearDown1982 said . . .Re-sign St. Clair, Lloyd and Brown. Until we have someone that has proven that they can outperform them, we need them. None of them should be expensive. Sign a vet inexpensive back up QB and start trying to upgrade at the other positions from there.
I guess Forte and Olsen should give me more faith that they can draft at least a little offense but even a broken clock is right twice a day. Unless something is a slam dunk, I have no problem with trading down if it is a good deal. They seem to have just as good of a chance of success drafting later as they do earlier. More picks spreads the risk around. More chances for one of them to pan out.
January 23, 2009
#29 Urlacher FTW said . . .Z - I generally agree with you. Plus, the three of them will come cheap. Although, I do think we need to add safety help so that we can use Mike Brown in more of a platoon style to keep him a bit more fresh.
Watching Reed and Polamalu this postseason has sure left me dreaming...
Draft wise, I'm still not entirely sure where I want the Bears to go with the first round pick. Might wait to see what happens at the combine before I start chiming in.
Although, I do think that if a blue chip receiver is available, you take him. Probably not going to happen though...Crabtree is the only sure thing in the draft.
Trading for Boldin? Seems too bold a move for this management team, but who knows.
January 23, 2009
#30 jeremy34 said . . .I think there are a couple good deals at UFA possible. I like Zak Keasy at FB, he played LB in college and is good on ST. I don't think SF uses the FB lead very much so he is pretty underrated IMO.
Bryant Johnson is the only intriguing WR to me, hes big, somewhat young, has good hands, and well let's face it he'd instantly be the best WR on the team. Man that's sad.
Jahri Evans wood be a great grab at guard to me but I really don't think they are gonna do much with the Oline, no coaching change was made and I don't think it's all that bad. They will most likely insert Williams and slide St. Clair to LG, I dunno their plans with Buenning but imo he's better than Garza. I just don't think they are gonna change much on the Oline. To me It'd be best to go:
Williams, St. Clair, Beekman, Evans, Tait
But I doubt they'll do it :)So that addresses a lot, they are planning on making Manning the FS atm, so I'm guessing they will be looking for a Corner in the first round. They are losing the nickel and we all know how deep into the well we went last year at corner. Personally I would leave Manning at nickel, move Peanut to FS but you'd still have a need for a Corner.
So I think theyll go
RD1: Pass Rush DE
RD2: WR
RD3: Corner
RD4: RB
January 23, 2009
#31 jeff said . . .I guess I would take B Johnson from the 49ers, all I ever hear about A Bryant...or use to hear...was how bad of an attitude he had. I guess we could sign B Johnson, and obtain a good big bruising running back to spell Forte and that should give us enough options on offense.
Stop talking about Boldin????
I will take a pro bowl receiver on my team....call me crazy but I wouldn't mind having a pro bowler at one of the most important positions on the team.
I wouldn't say there is a plenty of talent in FA at every position...remember there is a big difference between five star and three star players. There is a lot of three star players in the league, but not five star players.
January 23, 2009
#32 Rancid said . . .not talking about boldin would be foolish and let the organization off the hook. bolding IS going to be available. boldin is the kind of wide receiver who would thrive in chicago because he's not reliant on catching the ball deep down field in the midst of chicago winters.
boldin is brilliant on the end around. he's one of the best in the league at taking the bubble screen and breaking tackles with his strength and size. he's terribly hard to cover on a slant. a boldin/hester combination would be devastating.
so you can say, "stop with boldin" if you believe the organization won't go after him. you're probably right. but don't say it because it doesn't make sense. it makes more sense than any other off-season acquisition could.
January 23, 2009
#33 Rancid said . . .So Boldin was pissed because he wasn't on the field, right? So problem solved. We have no one to compete with him. He'll be out there every down.
January 23, 2009
#34 Urlacher FTW said . . .Hell, can he play corner? We'll give reps on Defense too. Just get him here. I know, I know, It won't happen.
January 23, 2009
#35 CA BEAR FAN said . . .How about this, we ship Tait and a draft pick to Arizona for Boldin, then sign Tauscher cheap.
Then we free up the cap room we'd need for Boldin and get a younger RT in the process.January 23, 2009
#36 CA BEAR FAN said . . .Well we are not gonna go after boldin..so why do we keep talking about it? any ways WR Jeremy Maclin will most likely be our first round pick, I been checking this guy out on youtube and this kid gots some speed and moves.....I want him as a BEAR....Hester and Maclin are two speeds that can spread the field and open up our running game!! ahahaha YEAH!
January 23, 2009
#37 mikebdot said . . .http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWaqPMpqIWQ
JEREMY MACLIN
January 23, 2009
#38 mikebdot said . . .The only receivers I was sad to lose were Engram and Conway. We DID develop them. They left for GREENer pastures. Just like Berrian.
I can't believe people are bitching about Bobby Wade and Mark Bradley. They are not high caliber receivers folks. Every time Mark Bradley caught a pass for KC they lost the frickin' game. He had a game with 9 catches for 81 yards. 9 catches is alright, but 81 yards on 9 catches isn't. He had a single good play as a Chicago Bear, against the NYJ. I know he didn't get much playing time and all, but it's not like he's a stud.
As for Justin Gage, please. It's pretty easy to catch footballs when everyone is geared up to stopped the running game. They run the hell out of the football. Opposing teams know this. He's had 4 100 yard receiving games his entire career. He drops passes a lot and runs crap routes. Bobby Wade still has not had 100 yards receiving in a game.
Boldin has done it 24 times in 5 seasons. He's had 10+ receptions in 11 games. When was the last time a Chicago Bear wide receiver had 10+ receptions? I seriously would like to know that...
January 23, 2009
#39 Z said . . .I really don't get this love affair with St. Clair. He played well against the pass, but was fucking putrid as a run blocker. Not a single player on our line held weight run blocking last season. They're all slow moving weak players. If you don't have strength, size, or quickness, how the hell are you supposed to open up holes for an offense that "gets off the bus running". Only Tait and St. Clair have any of those. And only "size" at that.
January 23, 2009
#40 Phil from SATX said . . .mikeb, for me it is more a fear that they will let him go and just hope for the best with the people we already have for the line with no upgrades. I have that little faith in JA.
January 23, 2009
#41 Phil from SATX said . . .I think if Maclin had another couple of inches, the Bears would consider him with a first rounder. I believe they really want a really tall receiver - Marcus Robinson style. Since their interest in drafting a receiver in the first round is dubious from the get-go, I don't think it's going to happen with the shortish Maclin.
There are apparently OTs who would be on the board yet justified with our 18th pick. But what I really think is this is a good year for the Bears to trade out of the first round - either giving up the pick entirely for a bona fide starter in a need position (like a Boldin) or trading down, because their biggest needs are not in first round pick-type positions - I think offensive guard/center is the biggest need, more than tackle, followed by WR - but they're really going to have to go FA for WR. They can't afford not to - they HAVE to have a no-brainer starter for next year, and no draftee save Michael Crabtree is a no-brainer starter. So take WR off the list.
With so much success with Forte in the second round, how about trading the first round pick for a whale WR, second round pick for one of the best guard/centers in the draft, third rounder for big bruising back who could also line up at fullback. That would be all high picks on O - but I think that's what they need, and I think that they've bought into the fact that better coaching will substitute for new players on D. Plus they're always good in the later rounds on D and they know it.
If you agree with any of this, next step is finding out who that OG/C and BBB (big bruising back) would be. No time yet, who can help a brother out?
January 23, 2009
#42 zisk said . . .Mikeb, I could be wrong and probably wrong, but in the pass protect/run block scale, of course you want great at both, but I think most tackles are picked more because of their pass blocking, at least the blind side guy for sure. It's the guards and center who are more critical for run blocking, and maybe throw in strong side tackle.
I am one of the ones who thought St. Clair did a fantastic, wholly unexpected job in pass blocking, Jared Allen aside. What if Chris Williams was a good run blocker - and then leaving, for now, St. Clair on the left side, moving Chris to right? Then go for your major upgrade on the interior of the line, where we need it.
I could be wrong.
January 23, 2009
#43 BearDown1982 said . . .The most intriging free agent to me is nnamdi asomugha. I don't know if he's any good as a zone corner but he's the best man corner in the league by far. Him and graham at corner tillman, brown at saftey, with manning and payne as backups. I could live with that.
January 23, 2009
#44 Urlacher FTW said . . .CA Bears fan...
As I've stated in the past, I've watched a ton of Mizzou games the last two years. This is what I know about Maclin:
1. He is blazing fast. I wouldn't be surprised if he ran a 40 in the 4.2 to 4.3 range in the combine. (if he does, don't expect him to stick around for the 18th pick)
2. He has pretty good hands. Made some tough catches in his years here.
3. Injury prone? I believe he tore his ACL his Freshman year and missed the whole season. Wasn't a problem afterward and he obviously regained his speed, but worth noting. Also, he is often a bit gimpy after a big hits.
4. Special Teams. Awesome return guy...not that we need another one. I guess you can never have too many though.
5. Reverse. Jeff mentioned Boldin's ability here. Maclin is just as explosive. He also received a good number of hand offs and bubble screens in Mizzou's spread offense.
6. Character. Good kid who never caused problems. Cried when Mizzou lost the Big 12 Title game in 2007 ( a win would have meant a trip to the BSC title game)...so you know he cares about winning.
7. Blocking. Hard to say. He is smallish, but in the spread, you have to do a decent amount of blocking with all of the short passes and screens all over the place. (doesn't mean he is good at it though)Overall, he has a high ceiling. Worth noting though that he is an underclassman who only played two seasons with the Tigers...and played both of them in the spread offense. (although, a growing number of college kids play in this offense these days it seems)
I admit that he wouldn't be the possession receiver opposite Hester that would make the most sense...but having him and Hester on the field at the same time would force many a corner and safety to play deep...opening up passing lanes to tight ends and Forte.
January 23, 2009
#45 Mel Kiper's Hair said . . .Maclin is one of the worst possible picks IMO. You don't want to draft something you already have... there are probably 4 teams in the league that wouldn't draft MAclin because they in essence already have him; we are one of those 4. Hester is Maclin (a speedy dangerous return man lacking in size and strength.) We have gaping holes in offense and he simply doesn't fill the big possesion receiver or bruising oversized RB role that we desperately need. I would rather see about anyone else in the draft other than Maclin.
January 23, 2009
#46 Max said . . .What about this kid?
http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=5547
January 23, 2009
#47 Windy City Packer Fan said . . .I agree Phil, St. Clair performed 20 times better than I thought he would. He got torched against Jared Allen, but look at some of the DE he faced this year: Dwight Freeney, Julius Peppers, Kevin Carter, Trenton Cole, John Abraham, Will Smith. And he did an admirable job in the first meeting vs Allen.
And I repeat: NO WIDE RECEIVER IN THE FIRST ROUND! ... please. Boldin or T.J. or Antonio Bryant.
Dont make me beg
January 24, 2009
#48 Z said . . .With all due respect, the Bears offensive issues won't be solved until Ron Turner is no longer running the show. I've said it since 2007, they fired the wrong Ron. As long as he is calling the shots, I have a hard time believing that the Bears offense will be anything but a liability.
I'm not trying to be a prick about this, just make an observation. It's been mentioned before...former Bears receivers are finding some game left in them with other teams. Not that they are pro bowl types, but they are productive as 2nd and 3rd receivers on other teams. Why weren't they able to find the same level of 'success' in Chicago?
Coaching ladies and gentlemen...coaching.
January 24, 2009
#49 Hey Willie said . . .Hard to disagree with WCPF there. Especially the ones we develop and then let go, sometimes with no compensation. I heard Mike Hass was going to Seattle. If he starts catching balls and we end up without a legit WR group next season I am going to break some shit.
Herm Edwards fired. How many head coaching changes have there been in the last 12 months? Tough racket. Oh if only we were to be so lucky. Since not, I will support these buffoons one more time. But it better be playoffs or off with the whole lot of them. JA too. He can be a special consultant for 4th rd or later Defensive draft picks. Then he can earn his salary and be good at his job and I am certain that will be much more rewarding for him.
Pittsburgh to cover. Their D is just too good right?
January 24, 2009
#50 Oh yeah said . . .Those sites are going down faster and faster. I assume you want to catch some Heat and Bulls games. There is another team that needs some major trades and a coaching change (Bulls).
I haven't found the new homer, the one I gave you is already changed but I have a couple of others that have all the games. If you give me your email I'll send you what I got and the new homer info when I find it and you can do the same to me if it ever goes down again and you find it first.
We need to keep it on the super duper DL. We should have other people just get the info from us through email too just to be safe.
Bear Down!!
January 24, 2009
#51 Nick in Ann Arbor said . . .And the Bulls SUCK. WTF? How pathetic would they be if they didn't hit a 1.7% chance and get D. Rose?
I read the draft is only 94 days or something like that away. Woohoo!
January 24, 2009
#52 Truth said . . .I can't believe no one has talked about moving Tillman over to safety and letting Grahm and Vasher play the corners. I know Vasher had a poor season but he was playing with an injured hand that didn't allow him to jam receivers at the line. I think this with the re-signing of Brown is a simple way to sure up the Bears secondary.
January 24, 2009
#53 jdawg said . . .I have to disagree. There have been MANY 1st round draft picks that have become major impacts to teams. The Bears havent drafted a WR in the 1st round since 2001 when they went with David Terrel. They couldve had Reggie Wayne!!! The problems is that the Bears do not know how to scout a WR in college or in the FA market. You say we just need defense or OT line, come on now, we have been doing that for years and it hasnt done us anything but a few playoff appearances and a loss in the Super Bowl. Why not try a different angle? If could pick up a Boldin, and then lock down Maclin in the first round, Forte will last longer than 3 years and then it will really show how good you claim Orton to be.
January 24, 2009
#54 jdawg said . . .picking up Boldin would solve a host of problems, least of all the risk of picking a WR high in the draft. it Seems like the ration of Troy Williamsons to Randy Moss' is about 10:1.
Would he be worth a #1? Yes.
Would he be worth some serious cash? Yes
Would he make Orton better? Yes
Would he make the OL better? Yes
Would he help keep the D off the field? Yes
Would he make Hester better? Yes
Would he make Olsen/Clark better? Yes
Would he take touches/mileage off Forte? Yes
Would he add some toughness to our team? YesJanuary 24, 2009
#55 animal said . . .meant ratio, not ration.
January 24, 2009
#56 Shoulda, coulda, woulda said . . .more pointless speculation
Kiper says we will take LSU DE Tyson JacksonProduction 2 Redshirted in 2004. Played in 12 of 13 games in 2005 as a reserve. Took over as a fulltime starter in 2006 (Sophomore), finishing with 37 total tackles, 10 TFL and 8.5 sacks in 13 games. He started all 14 games as a junior in 2007, finishing with 36 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, 10 PBUs and 15 QBHs.
Height-Weight-Speed 3 Excellent all-around size. Is tall and well-proportioned. Speed is adequate for such a massive DE prospect but below average for the position
Durability 1 Has played in 40 games during his three seasons (2005-'07), including 27 consecutive starts heading into his senior year (2008
Character 2 Needs to show a more consistent motor on the field. However, he does not have any off-the-field incidents to our knowledge and he is considered by the coaches to be one of the core leaders on LSU's football teamJanuary 24, 2009
#57 Can the Bulls beat the Timberwolves said . . .Ex-Bear Doug Plank to coach NY Jets defensive backs
January 25, 2009
#58 Barak Obama said said . . .Seriously has it come to this
January 25, 2009
#59 enderwiggin said . . .YES WE CAN!
January 25, 2009
#60 Mr. President said . . .Mr. Pres. If you have time to read this blog, surley you must have time to legalize it!
January 26, 2009
#61 shonbear said . . .How about that executive order for the college playoff? And can't you just fire or deport Paxson, Reinsdorf, Vinny DelNegro, JA, Lovie, RT and Babich. These guys are hurting the reputation and economy of one of our greatest cities. Isn't that a national security thing?
January 26, 2009
#62 Z said . . .NEW STRING? WHAT A LOUSY TIME DURING THE SEASON EXCEPT TWO YEARS AGO. ARGH!
January 26, 2009
#63 Urlacher FTW said . . .I am bored so here is a mock draft database in hopes of sparking a little discussion or maybe even controversy.
http://www.walterfootball.com/draftdata.php
and the Bulls are truly awful
January 26, 2009
#64 Urlacher FTW said . . .I read through a handful, noone agrees on what the Bears should grab. :)
I guess a lot depends on how they feel about Buenning and Williams and if they think MArinelli can do a lot with the current Dline talent. If they feel good about starters there and are just looking for depth I really like the WR/FS positions where you need instant starters and think you grab the best pick at those 2 positions in your first and second round.
I like the pick of the guy who has Bey in the first round, a 6'3" 200lb 4.3 speed receiver would be an instant starter, but I don't like the safety he picks in the second, we have 3 strong safetys on this D already we need a true FS who can erase pass coverage mistakes.January 26, 2009
#65 Urlacher FTW said . . .Food for thought: :)
I was reading an interview with Rivera the other day. In it he was recalling how the Cover 2 started to falter from overuse after 5 or so games of 06, most notably during the Arizona game. He said he decided at halftime to flip more plays toward a 46 (one deep safety) type of D and mix in some zone blitzes. Imagine that, we had a coach that could actually make adjustments at half, huh.
January 26, 2009
#66 facial cleanser said . . .More food for thought:
Okay so we have no big possesion receiver right?
And Olsen is fast for his size, has great hands, and showed ability at beating a pro bowl corner 1v1; only problem is in run blocking.
So.... have GO shave 12 pounds or so and split him out as our possesion receiver, then put in that Behemouth we got last year at TE. Is this just a stupid idea?January 26, 2009
Easy to understand,I like it!
December 26, 2010
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