Unless you're in Pittsburgh - or a Pittsburgh Steelers fan living elsewhere - today is the official start of the 2009 NFL season. (Steelers fans get the next couple months to watch the DVR'd game, buy championship merch and tell Super Bowl anecdotes.) Thirty-one fanbases will spend the next year hoping to experience the peachy-keen Monday morning exhilaration of the western Pennsylvania faithful.
The first questions the Bears organization must answer involve the status of the offensive line. Is Chris Williams a starting left tackle in the league? Is John St. Clair worth re-signing? Is John Tait incapable of handling a speed rusher on the edge? Is Josh Beekman's progress enough to take the "Help Wanted" sign off the guard position? How many years does Olin Kreutz - the guts of the Bears offense - have at center?
I don't have the answers to these questions which will ultimately define the 2009 Chicago Bears on the offensive side of the ball. This is left to Halas Hall with a stern warning: choose wrong, lose a lot of games. The Bears need a line that makes third-and-short a push. That gives the quarterback a few seconds to look down the field. That controls the pace and tempo of a ballgame. The Bears need to replace their whiney post-game excuses with vicious in-game toughness.
That starts up front.
#2 Tenacious D said . . .I just entered a question to RT about just this topic. Matt Forte might have easily gotten the Rookie of the Year honor had he lined up behind a more competent bunch. It's my belief that although Chris Williams is a big money investment on our line, it's not right to stop there. We need interior lineman that can create the 'up the gut' holes Matt Forte needs to develop his style as a starting NFL running back. This is the most important thing to me as a Bears fan: doing whatever is necessary to ensure future success of he who has very quickly become the face of the Bears franchise. He is the future of this team and he needs to be treated as such with decisive moves by the staff to build a new offense around him.
February 2, 2009
#3 Urlacher FTW said . . .With St. Clair a free agent now, Tait a free agent a year from now, and Chris Williams unproven, we will be forced to use another high pick on a tackle or get one in free agency. Its the biggest weakness of this team.
I think they like Beekman as Olin's eventual replacement, which means we will need a guard as well. So we should definitely go O-line early and often in the draft and in free agency.
I question our depth across the line as well. We were lucky this year that our starters stayed relatively healthy. Can you imagine what a disaster it would have been with a few injuries across the front? Quick...off the top of your head name our 2nd & 3rd string tackles and guards. Don't feel bad I can't either.
February 2, 2009
#4 CA BEAR FAN said . . .I agree. The only thing I think needs more help than the line is the WR group but the line effects the running game, which effects the types of formations we can run on 3rd down, which could take away the need for a big WR so yah the O-line needs fixed first but I really hope they address the lack of a #1 WR also. With all the work needed on the line , a #1 WR, and a decent spellback for Forte I am really concerned when people think about making the QB a no.1 priority, no it needs to be about #4 right now and thats just on Offense, KO has proven he can get us by another year at the very least, fix the rest of the O. If he doesn't perform in 09 with a good line and a legitimate #1; then in 2010 get a QB competition going.
February 2, 2009
#5 The Ghost of Halas said . . .Good Post Jeff! I honestly believe we should invest more in OFFENSE this offseason.....Line, Recievers, a #2 running back, and development of KO....70% offense and 30% defense this offseason...god i hope they dont waste our #1 draft pick on a Defensive End...I would go for a Tackle or Guard
February 2, 2009
#6 big ten speed said . . .Yes, it starts up front...on both sides of the ball. O-Line and D-Line.
It starts up front and it ENDS downfield. Wide Receivers and Defensive Backs, that is what is in the offering ladies and gentlmen.
I am feeling better and better about the Defensive Line as time passes. Rod Marinelli is desperately in need of a reputation-sized adrenaline needle (Pulp Fiction style) and the Bears D-Line will benefit because of it. Warren Sapp taking Tommie Harris under his wing can't be anything but tremendous.
The Offensive Line is much more questionable. Jeff raises tremendously brilliant points as usual about the aging knees of the O-Line and the twilight years of poor Kreutz's brilliant career. Personally, I think the 2008 Offensive Line has one more good season left in them, but just one. Kreutz and Tait will be gone very soon. Garza will begin to become a strain on the salary cap. I have no idea what Chris Williams is all about, but I'm not filled with a enthusiasm, welcoming into my heart, as a true Bear.
Then we'll get to the wide outs and DB's later.
February 3, 2009
#7 Rancid said . . .And on the other side of the ball, the Bears need a defensive line that gives the opposing QB a little less time to scan the field.
The problem with the offensive tackle position is that lots of teams are hurting for better OT production, so FAs will come at a premium, while rookies will be reached for. Even unspectacular guys like Vernon Carey are going to make a lot of money this off season. Which is not to say that the Bears shouldn't spend this money.
February 3, 2009
#8 Cbears said . . .Unless we can trade it for a Boldin/Braylon type, I want Max Unger or Alex Mack with the #1. They can both play guard now, and center later if we need them to. Why draft a guard when you can draft a guy who could excel at both? If you wait until the line is dead to replace it, shitty things happen. Get the replacements for Kreutz and Tait now, even if they ride pine for a year or two it's worth it. I think both these guys are awesome. If you were on here a few weeks ago you saw my research on Kreutz. He is at the top end age for centers, and theres no steady decline, just a sheer cliff.
I'd then go after a safety if I thought there was a value guy there. I have been pushing the need for a edge pass rusher, but I am beginning to agree with the sentiments of those who want to give Marinelli a shot with the present company.
February 3, 2009
#9 The Ghost of Halas said . . .People always speak of wanting depth at a position. There is no greater thing then a player who can play multiple positons. Alex Mack with the first pick. A center is just a guard who has an extra ball between his legs and likes to run his mouth off. Trust me, I played it.
February 3, 2009
#10 do said . . .Perhaps it is much to early to start thinking about this, but oh well. Here it is, players who were Bears in 2008 whom I believe will be off the team one way or another by 2009:
37 Jason McKie FB
8 Rex Grossman QB
86 Marty Booker WR (but I would not be surprised nor disappointed if he does return)
81 Rashied Davis WR
72 Dan Buenning G
60 Terrence Metcalf G
75 Matt Toeina DT (I'm 50/50 on this guy)
90 Joey La Rocque OLB
58 Darrell McClover OLB
69 Fred Miller OT
31 Nathan VasherFebruary 3, 2009
#11 Max said . . .Rancid I agree with you 100% about trying to use the #1 for Boldin or Edwards, however I disagree with you 100% about taking Mack or Unger. Yeah I would love to have one of these guys if Duke Robinson is gone by our pick, but I think he will be there and I think that should be our pick.
Mack and Unger are WAY too small to play guard in the NFL. People all season were talking about how Beek got pushed around because he was too small, well guess what Mack weighs 6 pounds more and Unger only weighs 300 pounds which is TINY for an nfl Olineman. Duke Robinson weighs in the 350 range, half a human bigger than these guys.
Oh and Cbears did you play center in the NFL? Because there is a big difference in blocking a HS or college Dtack as opposed to blocking that position in the nfl. BIG difference.
February 3, 2009
#12 shonbear said . . .i agree with most of the names on the list Ghost, but i think either Marty or Rashied will be back. We wont cut loose both of them.
I also believe McKie will return, just due to a lack of other options and Vasher because we burned through 800 cornerbacks this year.
Good points Jeff, I still have faith in Williams, but everyone else is OLD.
On a more positive note: Did anyone else see Mike Gandy get torched on just about every play in the Super Bowl? I know he was facing Harrison and all, but it reminded me why i cringed everytime he saw the field as a Bear
February 3, 2009
#13 Urlacher FTW said . . .Let Jerry pick a DE as usual because he is good at that, then make them an O-linemen because it will increase his odds of picking a good #1.
Seriously, pay whatever it takes to get a receiver and continue to use the draft to improve the line and get a viable #2 RB, then safety/DB's, better startl looking for a younger potential BU replacement too. Here's to hoping Brian was just on a down year and is fired up to come on strong this coming season.
How about contract out an actual offensive talent picker, because your general track record sucks JA, (The Forte discluded).
February 3, 2009
#14 BearDown1982 said . . .I would agree with most of your list Ghost but I dont see how they could ditch all the backup lineman in one swoop, so I think Buenning stays; I don't think there's anyway Vasher is going anywhere, multiple years on his contract left and either Manning or Tillman will be moving to FS either vacates a corner position; we can't be letting corners go; I also don't think Laroque is going anywhere, this team likes extra Linebackers and Taub was pretty big on him and Steltz as the speacial teams stand-outs.
February 3, 2009
#15 Rancid said . . .O-Line will be critical in the long run. Not getting any younger...and we have a stud at running back...don't want to waste what should be some monster years from Mr. Forte. Let's hope we find some ways to get younger and better up front...be it through the draft or free agency.
I admit feeling a bit better seeing Gandy with some critical holding calls during the Super Bowl. Of course, I think he had to block Harrison most of the game, so it is understandable to a degree.
Tillman as free safety has been thrown around quite a bit. I'm not sure what I think about that. He is a good tackler for a corner and his height and long arms would certainly help in pass coverage on the deep balls...but I just don't know if it would work. Plus, would that mean our corners would be Graham and Vash? That said, I have no faith in Daniel Manning back there, so we need to think of something and quick.
February 3, 2009
#16 AJ Patel said . . .do - Duke Robinson (335 lb.) is the best guard in the draft. I just feel like we need someone who can play center more than guard. I'm not sure drafting a guy who just plays guard is the wisest move given our situation. We will need a center and a RT soon, if not this year then next. I view those as more important than guard. We don't have standout guards right now but they did an adequate job. That's why I would go after Unger (300 lb.)/Mack (316 lb.). You're right, both of these guys must bulk a bit for the pro level. I'm not going to make all the arguments again because I did so extensively in a thread from a month or so ago, but I feel that we need a center replacement soon and I'm not sure we can be confident in Beekman to do it.
February 3, 2009
#17 AJ said . . .Guys... Great obvious points, but we are missing what really really is needed. We are forgetting why we lost all those close games ie BUCS and FALCONS...
THE DEFENSIVE SECONDARY...
Peanut and Vasher get beat every game at least 2 times BIG!!! Especially Peanut... he's just a liability now.. great tackler and ball stripper, but just horribble at covering. Vasher has proven now to be injury prone. I really like Corey Graham, but how long are we going to keep relying on late round picks to help us! We need a stud DB.. Either safety to line up with K. Payne... or a bonafide cover DB to help out immediately. D-line, O-line and WR are obvious.. but honestly... the DB's got burnt ALL the time in 08. Yes the Pass rush can and will help the DB's out.. but we just need more talent and speed back there.. dont u all agree???
February 3, 2009
#18 Murph said . . .Just look what a difference Antonio Rodgers- Cromartie made for the Cardinals this year. Yeah he sucked in the superbowl but... they probably wouldnt be there if it wasnt for him. He was and is the best corner on the Cardinals. He made a HUGE difference for them this year!!! He allowed Antrell Rolle to move to safety!!
February 3, 2009
#19 Duff Diggler said . . .If we can get some pressure on the QB I think our DB's will look a whole lot better. That said, I think WR and someone who can pressure the passer should be our number one priority.
February 3, 2009
#20 do said . . .Hey all....
...hey jeff, i posted the other day, but it never showed up. It said that it needed to be approved or whatever.... What's up with that?
....anyway, this is what i was writing about:
...I remember a couple years ago watching the college all-star competition, being amazed by Greg Olsen, and thus wanting the Bears to draft him. They did.
....I dont know if anybody else watched it this year, but i think i just found the next Marquis Colston. He's the huge, quick, sure handed receiver we've all been wanting, and to our advantage, i believe, he's greatly underrated. most mocks have him going as the 14th overall receiver in this draft (3rd-4th rd). His name/profile:
Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly, 6-6, 228
67 receptions, 1,257 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior.
at least 131 yards and a touchdown in every game this season.
...everyone seems to say his speed might be a weakness though... (4.5-4.6)some links:
http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2009WR.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oypUsE7dho8
February 3, 2009
#21 Urlacher FTW said . . .Rancid if we end up with any of those 3 guys I will be happy. I think oline is our biggest area of need. We got lucky this year in no one getting hurt, but if one person went down our season would have looked a lot worse (with the exception of LT because we coulda seen Williams).
Duff, I posted something a week ago about Barden, he looks like a stud and hopefully we will take a shot on this kid, as long as we dont reach for him.
Do any of you guys know about this Louis Delmas kid from Western Michigan? I was reading about senior bowl winners and losers and everyone was saying that he had a great week.
February 3, 2009
#22 Murph said . . .well this is total opinion but I guess that's what this site is all about :)
To me, the senior bowl is pretty worthless as far as evaluating players, especially offensive ones. I mean any game where you go in with no film to watch on a team, no definitive scheme for scheme predertimined defenses; the offense is going to have a great, great advantage. The offense already has a pretty good advantage as far as how calls are setup anyway, when you add that in both Offenses should look really good; so to me you have to look way more at a guys body of work over a season or if you are going to select out a game look at one where it's a team vs a team, not a game of pick up even if it's a pick up game of all stars.
February 3, 2009
#23 Nick in Ann Arbor said . . .None of these centers available needs to bulk up. The avg starting centers are between 290 and 310 the biggest is the Eagles at 330 one of the lighter and one of the oldest and one of the best is Kevin Mawae 38 yrs old and 289 ponds. I dont know where the idea of big centers got started on this blog but they just arent out there. Centers are traditionally the lightest linemen and that hasnt changed. So Rancid stick with your guys just the way they are.....no need to bulk up and slow down.
February 3, 2009
#24 Rancid said . . .I saw Louis Delmas play at Western before I went to graduate school. He is very athletic and a great kick returner. However, I think we already have a more polished Louis Delmas in Daniel Manning. Delmas took lots of chances and his pure athletic ability let him make up for some of his miscues. I would rather see someone a vetrean like Phillips get signed and use the draft pick on D-line.
February 3, 2009
#25 Urlacher FTW said . . .Murph - You're right on Mack. However, several of the draft reviews I've seen of Unger say his only weakness is against stronger DT and he might need to bulk up a bit. If either were to be used at Guard instead of tackle they could probably stand to add a little weight.
February 3, 2009
#26 jdawg said . . .Okay all our QB worries are over da Bears just signed Basanez!
WTF is that? I mean if we were going to bring someone in with no experience why not just let Hanie be the backup, or if we were going to bring someone in worse than KO but injury prone why not Sims, I don't get this one.
February 3, 2009
#27 Worm0922 said . . .maybe he has Sony guts?
February 3, 2009
#28 Urlacher FTW said . . .The Bears on Tuesday signed free agent quarterback Brett Basanez to a two-year contract. Excited!!!!!!!!!! I think not!
February 3, 2009
#29 Murph said . . .omfg that is hillarious jdawg!
February 3, 2009
#30 Al In WI said . . .Apparently they want Kyle to take a deep breath and relax, he wont have to pout and worry about his job. Maybe they will give him a big raise like Urlacher and Harris. We see how well that worked out.
February 3, 2009
#31 BearsTransplant said . . .Another bum quarterback that no one else wants..... Neat.
Sunday's Super Bowl was an example of everything that is wrong with the Bears. Two franchise quarterbacks dueling it out with 1st round draft picks at wide reciever everywhere. The only traditional Bears type of Qb I saw was Charlie Batch and he was in street clothes.
Is it 2010 yet??February 3, 2009
#32 Peoria Matt said . . .Duke Robinson: Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane. Damn good pass-blocker, physical specimen, but a less-than-aggressive run-blocker. What we need is a plays-through-the-whistle, nasty-ass guard on that line. I think Beekman is already our future center. Currently our guards can pass-block okay, but barely get in the defense's way on running downs; I want to see a real drive-blocker. I want to see some aggression, I want to see some violent collisions.
That's why I LOVE Alex Mack. Check his highlights on Y-tube. He consistently will not quit blocking until the defender is on his back, or they're both on the ground. I think he could play center OR guard.
Unger is pretty much a true center; I don't see him at guard. You don't draft a true center in the first round (See: Jeff Faine and the Cleveland Browns).
Needs: agressive guard, athletic (and smart) free safety, big possession wideout, pass-rusher. Not in that order. Assuming that Chris Williams isn't a bust. He hasn't show much so far. Just as long as he doesn't turn into Marc Columbo II.
February 3, 2009
#33 The Ghost of Halas said . . .Not defending the Basanez pick cause I don't know shit about him, but from what I read Carolina, Minny and the Giants all wanted to bring him in.
Now they can have Rex, I guess.
February 4, 2009
#34 Rancid said . . .I hate being a Bears fan on days like today. Brett Basanez? Who? What? Why? What purpose does it serve to sign this guy to a 2 year deal. A guy who has been an undrafted backup for three years. A guy who has less than 60 career passing yards.
February is proving to be the low point in the Bears' abilities to make decisions worth a shit. It was two years ago this time when the trading of the rising star and now Pro Bowler Thomas Jones took place.
You guys are right! Why on earth do they sign this jackass when veterans are ready and available? Veterans who might be able to challenge Kyle and maybe even teach him something. What on earth does 'Practice Squad Brett' bring to the team?
February 4, 2009
#35 Worm0922 said . . .Shit . . . Thomas Jones . . . will it never end?
February 4, 2009
#36 The Ghost of Halas said . . .Rancid, we live in the past when the future looks bleek. Thomas Jones was the good times. Its like the honeymoon of a new relationship, the beginning is great, but after 10 yrs, your mind wonders! Maybe JA will strike Thomas Jones gold and trade him to move up in the 3rd round. Sry, I meant well!!!
February 4, 2009
#37 B said . . .Rancid,
For Christ's sake...
I think we can all acknowledge that the trading of Thomas Jones was a horrible decision by management, can we not?I do not regret it now, because we have the great Matt Forte.
But my point was, trading Thomas Jones was a bad decision. As, I believe, the signing of this Basanez is also a bad decision.
February 4, 2009
#38 do said . . .It appears that the bears are going with the quantity over quality in their QB search, which is why they have gone through more QB's than anybody else in the last two decades. On the other hand would you really want to spend big money on a free agent QB Simms leftwich i think not. KO is good for now, but i would wait till next year. Bazanes is just another stop gap for the consistant bleeding we have had at that position. What will make KO better is an offensive guard, someone to open bigger holes for Forte. The more effective the run the better the pass. And that is all i have to say about that.
February 4, 2009
#39 Z said . . .Urlacher, take a look at some of the winners from last years senior bowl and look how they did in their rookie season;
Donnie Avery, Eddie Royal and MATT FORTE, Kellen Davis, Keith Rivers, Rodgers-Cromartie. Really the only person on the loser list that you have heard of is Limas Sweed and he had an AWFUL season. I actually think the senior bowl is a better predicter for how someone will turn out as opposed to the combine.Murph- Mack and Unger are both a great size to play center but to play guard on the other hand I think they need to be bigger especially considering our offensive game. If we ran an offense similar to the Eagles (which wouldnt be a bad idea) I could see have a smallish guard but not for the power game we like to run.
February 4, 2009
#40 Z said . . .With this team's history I have no problem with them carrying 4 QB's all year long just in the hopes that one might ever turn into a franchise player. Shit maybe even 5. Who the hell is this guy?
February 4, 2009
#41 Z said . . .And then I drunk check Da Site and see Brown retires and thought "Oh my god no" but it was Ruben Brown. Still sucks a little. I thought with his shoulder healed up he might be serviceable but maybe its time to dream big and hope for more than serviceable on our Offensive Line.
February 4, 2009
#42 Brett Basanez said . . .And yes we here in Tampa opened one extra strip club on the street leading to the Super Bowl just to have the same number on there as what Super Bowl it was. That's how we roll down here.
February 4, 2009
#43 shonbear said . . .The 2005 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year at Northwestern, Basanez broke 32 school records including career passing yards, total offense, completions and passing touchdowns and came up four rushing yards shy of becoming the first quarterback in NCAA Division I-A history to finish his career with 10,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards bitches.
February 4, 2009
#44 Rancid said . . .The Senior Bowl whatever...
"In the 1999 Senior Bowl, McNown earned MVP honors as he threw two touchdowns in helping to lead the South team to victory.
For his career, McNown also holds the distinction of being the only UCLA quarterback to go 4-0 against cross-town rival USC."
The new injury prone practice squad career guy, 6 for 11 with 56 yards and an interception to tout for his NFL career stats QB pick means nothing. He came cheap and will compete to make hanie better and Rex will be leaving soon. This new guy is definitely not their solution at making Kyle any better, I'm sure that is still coming.
At least it's nice to get some real news flowing though. It would be great to see a lot more of these kinds of moves in the coming days and weeks, but with some big names.
Here's a question:
Why would Ruben Brown announce his retirement after a season of not playing on any roster as if there were teams going to be knocking on his door? "oh didn't you hear I announced my retirement, sorry". If they weren't knocking last year, there not likely to come by this year dude. (Still, always liked the guy and wished he had been given another chance this year to block for MF) yea yea I know that they have to "declare" to the NFL, but whatever, nobody was asking for him to work anyways.
John Clayton quote:
"The Chicago Bears will play the league's easiest schedule (.414) in 2009, but the Vikings will play the second-easiest (.420), and they have a better team. If the Vikings come up with a better quarterback than Tarvaris Jackson, they could make a Super Bowl run next season. Several of their key players are getting older, so this is the season head coach Brad Childress must find that quarterback who can push them over the top."
So that's what I got, talk amongst yourselves.
February 4, 2009
#45 AJ said . . .Ghost - I do acknowledge that the TJ trade was bad. Everyone does. very often. Pretty much in every thread actually. It gets old.
February 4, 2009
#46 Murph said . . .I haven't heard anyone speak of Penn State's Center.. AQ Shipley is one of the best centers in College Football and the best in the BIG 10. I saw and heard a lot about him during the season in college, but now I'm hearing all these other names. AQ would be a great fit for us, and now I feel we can get him later than the first 2 rounds. We will have to see how he does at the combine i guess. And... The only reason I can see or justify why we just signed a no name QB Mr. Besanez.. is just to bring him to camp probably.. hopefully... !!!
February 4, 2009
#47 Rancid said . . .Transplant...he can turn into Marc Columbo....I know the bears wish they had him back, hes constantly kickin ass for the Dallas O line. As for Ruben Brown....he announced his retiremnt so he could start the proccess with the NFL that will allow him to collect his benefits, he can only do it after he officially retires. I disagree about TJ being a bad trade, after trashing Favre, I think the issue is he is not a good teammate, he is selfish and self centered. A good player is not always a good teammate, hence the trade of Thomas Jones.
February 4, 2009
#48 Derek said . . .Murph - it wasn't bad that we traded him, it was bad that we didn't get shit for him in return. Holy crap, now you've all got me talking about TJ again. I'm gonna go slit my wrists now.
February 4, 2009
#49 Urlacher FTW said . . .Seriously - most of our losses last season are due to not being successful in short yardage. I do place a lot of this blame on Ron Turner (no room for this now), but a big part of it is the lack of push we get up front from Kreutz. A huge part of his rep is from the days when he had Fred Miller's jaw wired shut, but those days are long gone - on top of it, I doubt any other center in the NFL comes close in the number of false start penalties he generates.
Our next glaring need is in the secondary - Tillman may have great skills on paper, but he is not a football player that helps a team win games. The Tampa Bay and Minnesota games alone should have cost him his job, but his consistent lack of understanding the coverage we are using is inexcusable. Combining this with our lack of playmakers at safety and the other side of the field made every QB we faced this year look like a pro-bowler.
If all our picks this year focused on O-Line and DBs, I am completely fine with that. Our WRs will be successful (assuming Rashied Davis is cut, quickly) and should get better as Earl Bennett develops. The only other glaring need on this team is a #3 LB, and if we can fill these holes by next season, a 12-4 record would not be out of reach. Considering the games we gave away to Tampa, Carolina, and Atlanta, it really wasn't this season either.
February 4, 2009
#50 Rancid said . . .Derek I guess I would be miffed if they use all the first day picks on fat guys and corners. I mean I think we need line upgrades but there are a ton of OLineman on the FA market plus how many good ones slip to day two. As far as DBs this year is pretty weak there as well after the first few playmakers are off the board the talent level falls way off. I wouldn't mind one bigtime playmaker in the secondary but Im more comfortable with Bowman, Graham, Vasher, and Tillman than I am with Bennett, Hester, Booker, and ... who goes here . So while I think we seriously need 1 quality DB and a quality OLineman, Id be seriously miffed if they don't address the WR problem on day 1 or in FA.
February 4, 2009
#51 Luke said . . .Derek - I am in agreement concerning Olin. I feared I was the only one. I love the guy. I love his attitude on the field. I still have fond memories of him calling Pat Williams a "fat slob". I'll always have a high opinion of him. Look at the abuse Fred Miller and Ruben Brown took at the end of their careers with us. Fred Miller was often referred to as the "turnstyle". I don't Olin to go down that road. He's a great Chicago Bear. But he's getting past the age of centers. We've seen a couple years now from Kreutz that show he's begun to slip. He's not horrible by any stretch, but he's not what he was either. There are only a handful of centers in the league older than him. I did the research a couple weeks ago and posted it here. He will only degenerate further. I don't expect a vicious angry competitor like him to be able to admit this. I wouldn't want him to. That's why we have management, because they can see that stuff objectively. I think he could be decent at Center this coming season. I don't want decent, I want a guy that will make big holes for Forte and that can grow with Forte and Orton. It's just time. Olin has done this for us honorably for 10 years. I want the next guy who will do it for another 10. That's why I want Unger or Mack this year in the first round unless we trade it for a WR#1. All positions are open to competition, right? (tongue in cheek) If Olin can hold them off, good, give him another year. If not, so be it.
February 4, 2009
#52 Urlacher FTW said . . .I always liked calling Fred Miller 'The Secretary'... "Third down appointment with Rex Grossman...Right this way, sir."
HAHA!
I think I heard that on the radio during the '07 season. Good stuff.
February 4, 2009
#53 do said . . .Maybe I was a bit harsh on Basanez; I just looked up his 1 game in 06. He took over for the last drive of the fourth quarter in a blowout game down 37-3 with like 4 min left. He marched Carolina down to the 4 yard line completing first downs pretty effectively (I know, probably a loose Steelers D with some 2nd stringers but still) then when Williams lost 3 yards on 1st and goal from the 4 he threw a jump ball to Steve Smith and Taylor came down with the pick.
I guess he shouldn't be judged to harshly for that low QB rating in his only shot at playing in the NFL. Still, I'd have like to seen a move that made more sense.do - I can't tell with half of those guys whose point you are proving, Davis never played and I've never heard of Kieth Rivers. Anyway I'm not arguing for the combine either my point is that you need to see a guy possess the intangibles required in a certain position and you simply can't tell that from one game, or one workout. Look at McNown vs Brady, McNown was the MVP of the senior bowl Brady didn't play; McNown had a great combine, Brady's was dreadful. Who is the better NFL QB? Now I know that's one situation and there are good players that do well in both arenas, I'm just saying you have to be careful how much stock you put in that thing; it could have been any one of those guys best day ever and they are never able to live up to that.
Yah Kreutz used to be one of my favorite Bears, back when he was mean and would knee people in the back for an uncalled penaly or always get the last shove in, but he seems to be way different nowadays. Though I don't think all season I saw him get steamrolled like Pitt's center in the superbowl did, he had to drag that guy down with him and cost em 2 points for doing so; that had to be embarrasing.
February 4, 2009
#54 Urlacher FTW said . . .Urlacher, Kellen Davis is that big tight end we drafted last year. I think the management of this team uses the senior bowl as the biggest tool when deciding who to draft, two out of the ten winners I saw on a site were chris williams and matt forte. I do agree with you 100% that they need to look at more than just a week of practice and a game but obviously as of late the management has not.
So I would take a look at a list of winners and get ready to welcome at least one of those players to our team next season. (I dont know this for sure just making an assumption)
The combine starts in a couple of weeks, we should know more then.
February 4, 2009
#55 CA BEAR FAN said . . .I haven't ever watched a draft before, I just check on websites for the Bear's picks but as I'v been posting on here a while now, I was wondering if anyone else on here wanted to like get together at a bar or something and watch the draft together. We could argue and discuss all the picks from day one in person over a couple of beers. :)
I'm from the Quad Cities in Iowa so Id prefer like central Illinois or so but I guess it could be in Chi town itself. I know a great lil bar in Sandwich Illinois called Rambos that is full of Bears fans :)
February 4, 2009
#56 CA BEAR FAN said . . .I wouldnt feel to depressed about Brett Basanez..this guy was a good QB in college Very Athletic and has strong arm...he has just never got the oppurtunity to start cause he was behind Jake Delhomme....I think this guy can beat Orton and Cause Orton has RETARD legs! haha seriously his is very imobile not at all athletic and has now arm....Id Rather have Brett Basanez starting!
February 4, 2009
#57 shonbear said . . .orton is very inmobile!
February 4, 2009
#58 Z said . . .As I always say Ron Turner depends on "the big play" to run his offense rather than consisitent play calling that gets first downs and let's "the big play" happen. So listenting to his blither on Da Site makes me throw up a little in my mouth.
http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=5572
RT is a jackass.
February 5, 2009
#59 Z said . . .I like that RT sounded excited about some advice that was given here.
Have you ever considered using Adrian Peterson as a fullback? He reminds me of Larry Centers with his blitz pickups and pass-catching skills. I think he could present some match-up problems.
That’s a great question and a great observation. It’s something that we have talked about, putting him and maybe Matt or somebody else on the field at the same time, especially since we only carried one fullback on the active roster. That’s something that Adrian definitely could adjust to and could do.Bulk AP up a bit and it really couls cause some match up problems. Running and passsing. Lead, pass blocking and blitz pick ups would improve and we would have an extra spot open on the team for say another WR, O-Lineman or DB. You know?
February 5, 2009
#60 Houshmandzadeh said . . .couls = could
lazy = spelling errors
February 5, 2009
#61 WTF are they thinking said . . .http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-090204-tj-houshmandzadeh-chicago-bears,0,6460842.story
February 5, 2009
#62 Urlacher FTW said . . .As long as Basanez can see over the line and take a snap without fumbling he's already better than what we had (Grossman)! So although it's not a blockbuster deal it leaves options open and hopefully fills a void. Not every team can have a Brady and then Cassel on the bench.
A #1 WR would be amazing. Could you imagine having a running and passing game in the same year? They could still pick up a good lineman in the second round.
Tell me if I'm wrong but I want them to fix not patch their problems. They need OL help and a #1 WR. Not a third round WR and a fourth round OT. After that if they can find some help on D great.
February 5, 2009
#63 O-Line wins games said . . .I read that Hous article and now I feel all icky inside. He wants to play with Rex... Grossman. OMG! I hope Minnahsodah people read that and hire em both, then what excuse would Rex supporters come up with for him sucking. Kind of makes me not want him around here anyway; I haven't read anymore about the Edwards rumors and I know the Bears won't do what it takes to get Boldin here so, I say grab a couple of FA Dlineman like suggs, a FA Safety like the kid from Cleveland and then go completely Offensive on day one ; 1. Bey , 2. best OLineman 3. best Olineman 4. Big RB.
I read some things that I thought sounded wrong but see what you guys think ; I read that St. Clair allowed the 3rd most sacks by any tackle in the NFL this season. That shocked me I thought if our line had a strength it was in pass blocking. Guess we need more help than I thought.
February 5, 2009
#64 Urlacher FTW said . . .Tait going on 40 and Chris Williams an unproved Angelo bust, we need a OT. Guess what Baseanazz? = local garbage midget who that sounds more like a sinus infection than a QB. Hey Angelo trade down and pick up QB FREEMAN and OT LOADHOLT in the late 1st and early second rd!! For those that don't know do some research... Freeman = truth Loadholt = monster But of course this won’t happen cause Kyle(I am unable to go through progressions, have no elusiveness, stare down one receiver the whole time, and have never connected on a deep ball in my life) Orton is the answer. Please let me know what you guys think.
February 5, 2009
#65 Rancid said . . .63- yah that makes sens lets go with a rookie QB who couldn't lead his team to even a winning record in the Big12 North which was a horrid conference. Let's go with someone whos career stats in college are under 60% with 44 tds and 34 ints. He played 2 real defenses all season and threw up 6 INTs against them. The only time he even looks above average is against Montana State or Who give a crap University.
Let's not stick with KO even though he put up better numbers than Delhomme and Rothlesberger, without Hines Ward or Steve Smith. Better yet why don't we sign some grocery boy who plays in arena, maybe we'll get real lucky and land the next Warner. Please if you want to talk about getting a new QB this season go post on the Vikings blog site, if they aren't blacked out from lack of interest. We have much more pressing needs than to get the next QB controversy started in Chicago.February 5, 2009
#66 Urlacher FTW said . . .While I think Freeman could end up successful with continued development( a ton of those INT that Urlacher mentioned came in a really shitty freshman season), he should have stayed for his senior season, and I definitely agree with Urlacher in that KO is our man. We should not waste an early pick on a shot inthe dark QB. Loadholt sounds like he could be a good potential replacement for Tait at RT, but there should be better guys at 18 and he'll be gone by our second so I don't see us taking either of those dudes. I'm actually ok with a move to trade down and have more picks though, in which case Loadholt would be a possibility in the second if we had a few more picks there.
February 5, 2009
#67 jdawg said . . .It is kind of funny what kind of impact the media and hype can have on a guy and what we all think of him. If I say Troy Aikman, what do you think, pretty good QB right, future Hall of Famer? Well..
Aikman threw more TDs than Orton just twice out of 12 seasons, once by one with 19 and once by 5 with 23. Troy Aikman never threw more than 23 TDs in a season! Not with some of those lines, Emmit Smith, Micheal Irvin, the best TE to ever live; Troy Aikman is considered one of the most accurate QBs, yet his percentage of 61% is a bit inflated because of a 2 year run where he was unbeleivably accurate and the rest of the time he was around the high 50s. So we have KO who has very comparable numbers to Aikman and for his first full season in the offense comparable to Brady and Brees, yet we are still ready to throw KO out with the bath water because he doesn't look good on camera or some writer says he's not accurate or some armchair coach says he looks in every target, we are such lemmings.February 5, 2009
#68 CA BEAR FAN said . . .I suggest checking out Ron Turner's Q&A on the official site,
February 5, 2009
#69 O-Line wins games said . . .URLACHER FTW- Nice Posts, Nice stats.....Orton is our guy and has been since 2005.....i just hope that Jerry Angelo can surround Orton and Forte with a #1 WR and a Good OLine.....We should mostly be focused on our offense this offseason....including the draft..
February 5, 2009
#70 O-Line wins games said . . .Yeah, you're right KO is better than Big Ben. That's hilarious. Funny how you didn't refute any of the criticisms I made of him.
February 5, 2009
#71 CA BEAR FAN said . . .64 -Loved how you manipulated Freeman's stats also. He has gotten better every year - most his ints and incompletions came his freshman year, last year he had a 136.5 QB rating threw for 20 tds with 8 ints and also ran for 14 tds , but you're right he is too tall (6-6), too athletic, and he actually has the potential to be a franchise QB, so the Bears don't need him.
February 5, 2009
#72 WTF are they thinking said . . .dude we have a QB in orton and we can build around that...Orton has the potential just needs the right improvement....We are not trying to go back and restart with a rookie QB and also if Orton doesnt pan out then Caleb Hanie will!
February 5, 2009
#73 do said . . .#63 Being the third ranked QB for a draft that is lacking QB's doesn't sound like #1 pick to me. Last season he averaged a 58.6 % completion. 52.2 % vs ranked ap, with a padded stats from a few blowouts. Plus if he tries running like he did in college he won't make a full season. He looks quick against a college DB but those slow jukes won't translate to the NFL. Josh Freeman may turnout to be worth the pick but why risk it when we have someone to fill that role and more important holes to fill?
Phil Loadholt does look like a monster though. Unfortunately he looks like St.claire. He could block the hell out of something if it holds still for him. He doesn't move well on run blocking and will probably get eaten alive by speed rushers.
February 6, 2009
#74 CA BEAR FAN said . . .Urlacher we agree again. Why are so many people trying to find a franchise qb when Orton had pretty good stats this year especially when you consider THIS IS HIS SECOND YEAR AS A STARTER!
Many people forget how highly rated Orton was going into his senior season at Purdue, until his injury. The guy was the concensus number one overall pick and we got him in what the 3rd round? Give him at least one more year before you try to fill his job.
KO threw 12 picks all season, 9 of which came in 4 games against teams with good defenses. That means the guy in 11 games had 10 tds to 3 ints, that really isnt that bad especially considering the type of offense we run.
February 6, 2009
#75 Bears fan 80 said . . .O-Line should stick to his name and show more interest in drafting a first round OlineMan.....QB? Give Kyle Orton Half the talent that Brady ,Peyton, Romo, Roethlisberger, etc...and he would up there with those guys....Like how many nice passes did he throw for like 15 plus yards but where dropped by the WR? He may not have a good deep ball but shit Philip Rivers doesnt, Pennington doesnt, and who else?? He just needs better effort from his WR and Better timing with them and he will do fine....shit he has to stare down WR cause his line is crashing and his WR dont get the seperation he needs....he probaly have alot less INT's if he had better WR....Idk Orton is our guy and probaly will be for the next couple of years give the guys a chance Dammit....
February 6, 2009
#76 Da bears 1977 said . . .Honestly, I would like the Bears to trade down, no one really excites me at 18. Loadholt looks like a beast, read that he has the longest arms in the draft. He played LT in college and think he can challenge Williams for that spot. Not a big Williams fan myself, he seems immature and thinks he is owed the blind side without proving anything.
Sorry but St. Clair does not compare to Loadholt, St. Clair was the last pick in the 3rd round and Loadholt has a lot more talent.February 6, 2009
#77 WTF are they thinking said . . .O-line, think Freeman and Loadholt would both be great picks for the price of 1 pick but Kiper has Freeman at #19 in his mock so he won't be there if the bears trade down. They will probably both move up after the combine, 6-8 tackles and 6-6 QBs do not come around that often.
February 6, 2009
#78 Da bears 1977 said . . .Loadholt is a large man no doubt, but since when does size equal good? They will probably need 6'-6' Freeman to see over him. Also he has bad leverage habits and is not agile at all. He is maybe the 6th or 7th best available OT and isn't projected until late second or the third round. So he would be a bad #1.
February 7, 2009
#79 Da bears 1977 said . . .Here is Loadholt's scouting report, Massive with a huge frame...Long arms...Very strong and powerful...Is tough and physical...Good athleticism and quickness...Is stout at the point of attack...Gets a great push in the run game...Plays with a wide base...Has strong hands...Decent range and mobility...Finisher who plays with a nasty disposition...Solid work ethic...Has a ton of upside.
Reminds me of Otah's report from last year, remember everyone saying Otah was a mauler in the run game with a mean streak and Williams struggled in the run game. Hello, I thought we got off the bus running the ball?February 7, 2009
#80 Da bears 1977 said . . .Look at Williams report from last year, I'll CAP the reasons the Bears will regret this pick. Makes you wonder what the hell they were thinking not drafting Otah.
Strengths: Chris Williams has the skills and the look of an NFL left tackle…plays with proper leverage and is excellent at using his hands in the proper manner…has a good wingspan…excels in the pass blocking game…measureables are what scouts look for in an NFL caliber offensive tackle…is NFL ready right now…played in the SEC, one of the more athletic conferences that college football has to offer so he is adapt to blocking speed rushers…Weaknesses: Chris Williams will need some work on his technique, ESPECIALLY IN THE RUN BLOCKING GAME…his footwork is adequate, but could use some improvement…has he reached his ceiling or does he still have room to progress?…at times he can play with a bit too much FINESSE…can play a bit too high and is susceptible to power pass rushing moves…his game is similar to that of Winston Justice, and Justice has struggled early in his career…IS HE WILLING TO PUT IN THE EFFORT NEEDED TO SUCCEED AT THE NFL LEVEL?
Overall: Chris Williams is a very solid Offensive Tackle prospect that several teams are considering for their 1st round selection. His pass blocking skills are impressive, HE WILL NEED A BIT OF WORK IN THE RUN DEPARTMENT. He has a solid frame, one in which he can continue to get stronger and become a more physical presence in all aspects of the game. Chris Williams has the skills to be a franchise left tackle, now the question will be - DOES HE HAVE THE DESIRE?
Wow, very telling... finesse(a word real OTs take as an insult), lacks run blocking, questions about effort and desire. Why did we draft this guy again, let's not make the same mistake this year. Let's get a bruiser, mauler, beast, mean SOB OT this year, not some finesse player who lacks effort and desire. I don't care what sport you play, your effort should never be questioned and if it is why would you want that guy on your team. Effort speaks to your character and to who your are as a person. Sorry but lack of effort is my pet peeve, guess I'm old school.
February 7, 2009
#81 WTF are they thinking said . . .For those who don't know who Jeff Otah is here are his scouting report strengths from last year, it pains me when I read this--- There may not be a more physical imposing prospect at any position than Jeff Otah in the 2008 NFL Draft…a massive offensive tackle prospect who can engulf defensive linemen…Otah is remarkably athletic and has suprisingly nimble feet for an athlete his size…many offensive tackle prospects play a finesse type of blocking game, but that is not the case with regard to Otah…a road grader who plays very physical at the point of attack and plays with a nastiness that is contagious…has as much potential, if not more than any other OF in the 2008 NFL Draft…all in all—you just can not teach the physical stature and natural dimensions in which Jeff Otah possesses, and this is why he is one of the more coveted prospects entering the 2008 NFL Draft…
February 7, 2009
#82 WTF are they thinking said . . .Here is another scouting report on Loadholt
Strengths
Huge, thick powerful lineman ideally suited for RT in the pros. Light on his feet with good movement skills for one so large. Bends at the knees and gets decent drops on his pass sets. Can adjust to secondary moves. Strong hand punch. Can absorb a bull rush. Runs OK, can execute short-area pulls, and can cut-block. Engulfs defenders straight ahead.
Weaknesses
Not quick or athletic enough for left tackle. Doesn't stick to run blocks and must obliterate his man initially to be successful. Occasionally plays too high and allows defenders underneath him, which negates his considerable size advantage. Can be beaten by elite speed.
Projection
Consummate RT prospect should be chosen in the third round. Needs some technique work, but has fine skills.
Also here's what you left out on yours
Struggles with speed off the edge.....Has heavy feet....Has some problems with false start penalties.....Avergage awareness....Doesn't always play with proper leverage...Get's caught off balance at times...Gets caught reaching....Only two years of Division I experience....Intelligence may be an issue....Ran into trouble off the feild and character is a concernFebruary 7, 2009
#83 do said . . .Obviously I can only guess with this. I think the reason they took Williams was they thought he was the guy who was ready day 1. He may not develop to the level of others but he could be a good(not great)pass blocker immediately. With no RB or WR to speak of heading into the draft it was important to find someone to step in and be dependable. We need to let him play this season before we throw away the pick.
February 7, 2009
#84 emBEARassed said . . .I was at the senior camp at Vanderbilt with Williams and I too was a LT and he did not impress me then. There were only a few of us and from what I remember he really wasnt that good.
Yeah, Loadholt would be good if we could pick him up in the 4th but anything before that would be a waste in my opinion. He is pretty big but I dont think he will be that great at the next level.
But I have a feeling that we will be taking that DE from NIU with our first pick.
February 7, 2009
#85 Da bears 1977 said . . .from what I stumbled upon on this blog,it reads like "lets redo the whole 53 man roster" i like that , lets start with urlacher (on downside),wale(overrated), harris(to many personal probs),alex brown(should be rush linebacker in 3-4),vasher(injury prone) get my point? FIRE ANGELO AND SMITH!!!!. im tired of told we are close.close to what???????
February 7, 2009
#86 do said . . .PLEASE don't draft English, he is a 3-4 linebacker not a 4-3 DE. He is undersized and struggles and will struggle even more in the NFL with bigger OTs. He also played in the MAC, not exactly elite competition. I hate how the Bears always want to draft local and pick up free agents who are from the area or were from the area. Since when did our scouting radius become less than 100 miles from Halas Hall, what are we high school scouts?
Draft Bey(Good size, great speed) Maclin(Smaller at 6-0, but his speed makes dreams come true, Youtube this kid), Nicks(great size, great YAC, comparable to Boldin), (no Harvin, he's fast but too small for the NFL, more of a scat back) or one of the top 4 OTs if they fall to 18(Smith, Monroe, Smith, Oher).
February 8, 2009
1977 couldn't agree with you more. I really do not want us to take that kid from NIU BUT all signs point to us taking him. We love to take people that do good in the senior bowl, he did, we love to have kids from the area on the team for some unknown reason, hes like 50 minutes from chicago, and we love having athletic DE, he is pretty athletic.
God I hope we dont draft him, ESPECIALLY in the first round, but I have a feeling that we might. Chalk another first round bust up to Mr. Angelo.
February 8, 2009
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