Larry Mayer: Some people were surprised that John St. Clair left the Bears to sign with the Cleveland Browns. How much of a priority was retaining him, and did you view him as a starter or a swing tackle in 2009?
Jerry Angelo: We did view John as a starter and wanted him back. We felt very good about our chances of re-signing John, recognizing his value to our team. Unfortunately, it didn't work out. John did a fine job for us and we wish him well.
Jeff Hughes: Let's stop talking about what you viewed John St. Clair's role as within the organization and start discussing why he's not here. PFT reported that you offered a man - that you say in this article you expected to start at tackle - 4.5 million dollars for three years. He signed with the Browns for twice that. If you view a player as a starter, the best way to show him that is to pay him like one.
LM: With St. Clair now gone, the Bears are very thin at tackle. Do you intend to address the position in free agency, and does St. Clair's departure mean that you have to take a tackle in the first round of the draft?
JA: We have options and we'll continue to explore those options in free agency and obviously the draft. There will also be an after-draft marketplace of veteran players as well. All that we're going through is all part of the process and what most teams go through every offseason. Free agency impacts every team to some degree. We know what we need to do and we feel secure given our options that we will be able to accomplish the plan we laid out to make us a better football team in the '09 season.
JH: You know what would be even better than turning to the "after-draft marketplace of veteran players," Jerry? Signing the player you already had and fixing the team's other issues. By the way, is there a more terrifying phrase than "after-draft marketplace of veteran players." Why doesn't he just call it "the slag heap"?
LM: Which players or position groups are you most closely monitoring during this week's minicamp?
JA: Probably the quarterbacks, wide receivers and defensive backs, given the fact that I can see more in terms of their drill work and the way we have our practices structured in terms of things we're able to do with them on the field. This, like all minicamps, has more to do with player development than player evaluation. The real evaluation starts when we get to training camp and put the pads on. That's when the rubber hits the road.
JH: We only have one quarterback. We have one receiver. Our defensive backs stink.
#2 Vizzini said . . .In a surprise move today with the Bears
(add can laughter here)So much for Frank Omiyale lining up at left guard. The Bears new signee lined up at right tackle with the first unit during the second day of mini-camp Wednesday.
Omiyale was the second string left guard on Day 1. WithJohn St. Clair gone to Cleveland, it wasn't a surprised to see Omiyale moved.
``I am a tackle, but I knew the guard position was possibly open, too,'' Omiyale said. ``I was pitching the comfortability of playing tackle. But I also was pitching, `Whatever you need me to do, I'm here. I want to get on the field this year.'
``I felt more comfortable at left tackle because that's what I was used to. But, hey, new team, new day. I'm just trying to make it happen wherever.''
Bears coach Lovie Smith said he wanted to lock guys in on the offensive line, so we'll see if Omiyale's move to right tackle is permanentMarch 18, 2009
#3 Wayne said . . .Why do the interview JA. He isn't going to tip his hand. So every week will be the same vague nonsense?
Let me give a who you crapin to JA with the whole,"we wanted him as a starter" but offered him low back up money.
I'm hoping they're just throwing the dogs off the sent with Omiyale at RT. It sounds like a pleasant dream having him at LG with Loadholt at RT, and Forte running for 200 yards a game.March 18, 2009
#4 Shady said . . .Jeff, I just wish that they would sell the team to someone who cares about winning. All these debates come down to that. The Bears are cheap and their only motivation is to sell out games, not win those games. They are exploiting our loyalty for their pocketbook. Boldin, Cutler, Holt, Harrison, must I go on. We have made moves on none of them. Actions speak loader than words.
March 18, 2009
#5 The Knight of Ownage said . . .Jerry Angelo makes no fucking sense, every day it's something new, just more bullshit from the GM. I just wish for once he'd sit down and tll us what e's really thinking, we're not stupid, we know what's going on with this team. His answers don't add up to what is actually going on with these guys. Don't act like we're ignorant Jerry, stop treating us like we don't know anything about football. But hey, what else is new?
March 18, 2009
#6 Anonymous said . . .Looks like the Bears might be the Bitches of Ownage in '09.
March 19, 2009
#7 MattIsMyForte said . . .muh
March 19, 2009
#8 Z said . . .Lot of negative nancy talk floating around these parts. We need an answer at RT. We need a WR. Personally, and I know I'm in the minority, I feel that we are indeed close to0 being a competing team for the SB. I'm ok with ko. Everyone bitches about the deep ball, deep ball, deep ball. The truth is, that kid put the ball right on the nuts plenty of times last season in crucial situations. Our WRs were to blame many of the times. We all remember the handful of throws that were underthrown, even to Booker. Which were shitty, yes.
If our defense were in position on the last 11 sec in ATL we would all have another memory of that game. No, not Mike Brown just a step or two away from breaking up the pass and forcing them to 4th down. Instead we would remember KO putting the ball in the perfect position where no one other than Rashied Davis could possibly catch it. I won't go into detail on every game that the Bears most definitely should have won last year if it wasn't for the Defense buckling at the end of games. This was easily a 12-4 or even a 13-3 team. I believe that the coaching changes and changes in strategy on Defense WILL return this unit to form. I still like the players we have. I think they can and will dominate on that side of the ball. I think they simply lost faith in that bumbling bumpkin Bob Babich. They will be back. I think we will see an inspired D line and in result, we will see some amazing shit happen in the secondary.
I don't get you guys clamouring for St. Clair. Do you think he deserved 3M a year? Seriously? I like Frank moving over to Rt for now even if it is a smoke screen for what they really want in the draft. If not let the guy play.
One more thing, just because we don't know about shit doesn't mean it isn't happening. You see what happens when dildos can't keep their mouths shut in Denver about possible trade plans. Nuff said. Just because you don't know, doesn't mean it aint goin down.
I still like Da Bears.
March 19, 2009
#9 Z said . . .Don't starting punters make more than what we offered St. Clair? $1.5 mill is not starting O-lineman money and everyone knows it. It isn't that losing St. Clair as a starter is so bad if we draft a stud in the 1st or 2nd Rd, it is that even if that pick is able to start from day 1 we are so dangerously thin that one injury can possibly devastate the line and set the whole offense back. Besides Williams weren't we awfully fortunate to not have many injuries on the line last season? Do you really want to bet that will happen again? How many positions do we plan on gambling that there will be no injuries this season? We are so razor thin on the line and at WR and at S it is really, really, really, really, really scary. But a few more from the post draft scrap heap will win that Super Bowl for us. We believe you JA. Really we do.
March 19, 2009
#10 Foxtrot Tango Packers said . . .Even if we say that Orton's deep ball is ok, we don't have the WR's that are both fast enough and have good enough hands to make the opposing D respect that part of the Offense(#23 is improving but they don't even have what Berrian and Sexy had yet). That lets them stack the box on Forte all day and limits our O and subsequently tires out our D.
If our O-line ended up Williams, Omiyale, Beekman, Buenning and Rookie, that would be how many NFL starts at their respective positions total for our whole line? (Many people aren't too happy with Garza's performance and feel Kreutz is declining each year). Same with our S positions and who the hell are the WR's? Maybe we should make a trade to get Mark Bradley back?
Yes we still have talent on D but they are another year older and haven't played well for 2 seasons now. At what point do you think they will be limited in how much of that dominance they can get back, better coaching or not? Plus we will keep losing people to FA and IR inevitably. We need depth to prepare for that too. This stop gap gambling crap will blow up in our face eventually if you don't think that it has already. While we are rebuilding, the great organizations seem to always be reloading. I don't want to be maybe competing. I want to be a great organization. I want to be reloading.
March 19, 2009
#11 jdawg said . . .I sincerely wish that all of this ownership would stop with this smokescreen bullshit about "we're close" "we know we need a QB" blah blah blah....
we all are VERY aware of what the bears can and can't do, why do they lie and do all the politically correct things...
come out and say
"we arent going to spend the money on aging recievers, we probably won't go big in the draft, but seriously fans... will you stop coming" and -no is the resounding answer.the bears are much like gas prices, they would go down if everyone stopped getting it, but nobody will, just like the bears would have to get good players to bring back revenue, but we'll never stop watching.
it's a Catch 22March 19, 2009
#12 BearDown1982 said . . .I agree with #7, maybe without as much enthusiasm.
What's Angelo supposed to say?
"Yeah, St. Clair kind of sucks, but we wanted to offer him back up money as a safety net. We've been scouting RTs for the draft and feel that there are 6 of them available that are better than St. Clair from day one. Oh, and Cleveland -- you better get Quinn a RoboCop suit pronto."
I can see getting mad at what's going on in terms of player signings and games, but you guys have got to quit getting your panties in a knot when Angelo and Lovie talk like politicians. That's what they do.
March 19, 2009
#13 Urlacher FTW said . . .Ha. Good god we're fucked.
March 19, 2009
#14 jdawg said . . .Yah I agree with jdawg.
Plus even if he was worth more than we offered I don't think a 9 year backup guard/tackle who allowed more sacks than all but 2 tackles in the nfl and was a weak spot in a bottom 3rd ranked Oline, was worth 3 million a year - we would have lost him anyway. I think if we woud have paid 10 mill to keep him I would have been much more pissed. Omi is a younger John St. Clair, once we signed him I knew his days were numbered. Hopefully we sign Loadholt and none of this matters. :)
I just hope Pace goes unsigned til after the draft, thats a nice oh shit policy to have available. Big thing I wonder about and have asked Larry Mayer twice with no response is, why do we trade for a guy (Buenning) who is supposed to be a stout run blocking guard and is the biggest guard on our team, and never play him?
I did lol a bit when I read that Orton looks really sharp in prac and has been dropping passes just behind Urlacher and in front of Steltz. I'm like oh so he watched any of the videos of our 08 losses. No but seriously, fix that.
March 19, 2009
#15 Phil from SATX said . . .I think Buenning was coming off serious knee surgery last year.
March 19, 2009
#16 jdawg said . . .Hey, has the font changed on Da Blog? Or is it me? It's all bold now. I don't like it, personally.
What I hated about what JA said was that business about waiting to see who's available after draft day. He sure seems to be signalling us that he's done his work during FA already - next up the draft! Which is pure bulls...
And for those of you who want to assume that he's just playing his cards close to the vest - in a vacuum a perfectly reasonable assumption - we have to look to history. And history says he ain't lying, he means it, he's done. I wonder what Jerry does with his days - I assume it's not what WE do, posting on Bears blogs all day - maybe he's got a CL addiction or he loves Ebay or something. Whatever it is, it ain't doing his real job, SIGNING PLAYERS TO MAKE THE BEARS BETTER!!!!
I'm really getting sick of JA. Put a team together man!!
March 19, 2009
#17 MattIsMyForte said . . .Should he have paid $8 Mil per year to TJH?
Should he have paide $100M to Haynesworth, giving us a total of $140M invested in our D tackles?What FA OL are left? Pace? He'll make it through 1/4 season, tops.
Now, my one issue is not upgrading the free safety position. Unless our new DB coach is a Svengali I don't see Bullocks helping much.
Also, Crist over at the Bears' Scout page implies that there is no way Cutler is leaving Denver.
Boldin? That sounds good, but can someone give me his injury history besides the fractured face?
March 19, 2009
#18 Reality Check said . . .Again, a lot of guys here seem to speak as though JA is the ultimate decision maker on who we can persue and sign and how much we can throw at players. Quite the contrary. The strings are being pulled at a much higher level. That includes the cash strings. There will be an upgrade at WR. There will be an OLineman drafted in April.
To all of you bitching that JA is "done". Who is left to pick up other than Pace that is actually worth a damn. No QBs, is Byron still available? No WRs, did you really think TJ was worth the money? He's no #1. He has been playing next to Ocho Cinco. It would have been Moose all over again. I would have liked to have signed Coles or Holt. I still would like to see a move for Harrison but people disagree with that one.
You guys talk about building for the future in one breath but then you want them to sign big FA's now or trade for a guy like Cutler (in a trade you have to give shit up too, shit that is worth something) You build for the future in the draft not in FA. Shit, all those guys I mentioned above, old as fuck, not the future of the Bears. I would like to see Frank stay at the RT position, draft a WR at 18th, then an interior lineman then go from there.
St Clair was a buster. Just because he didn't get injured doesn't mean he didn't get owned.
I still like Da Bears.
March 19, 2009
#19 Urlacher FTW said . . .What Angelo really said in his head,
"Look, I wanted to keep St. Clair but the McCaskey's text me every 5 minutes telling me that I am not allowed to spend money. I wanted to keep him, but we can probably find some has-been veteran that hasnt started in 3 years after the draft and pay him the league minimum. Guys, I cant go after any big names because then we have to pay them. I really just plan on drafting another STAN THOMAS in the first round. We cant go after the big playmakers in the first round, because we will eventually have to PAY THEM. I know I am a spineless worm and cannot be completely open and honest. Thanks"
March 19, 2009
#20 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .Well it seems it wasn't all the coaches' fault that Bennett didn't see the field last year. I just read on the Tribune's sight that he admittedly had a lot of trouble learning the plays. He said that made him always have to think about each play and slowed him way down.
March 19, 2009
#21 Phil from SATX said . . .Wow Earl couldn't learn RT patent WR bubble screen,an the classic fade route(just kidding)
So I guess last season"Loviespeak"was Earl didn't have NFL speed.I guess that was meant to be mental not physical.
March 19, 2009
#22 Vizzini said . . .Sounds like we'd better check Earl's Wonderlic score. Sounds like the Bears might've wanted to do that to. (Tommie Harris got an 11, perhaps explaining some of the crazy ass things that have come out of his mouth in the past).
Jdawg, you know there were gettable wide receivers out there, you knew we needed a veteran wideout. We're back to picking among the Marty Bookers and Bobby Engrams of the world. I am okay that they didn't overpay for St. Clair's mediocrity (an overachiever, yes, but still middle of the road to lower as far as a starting tackle) AS LONG AS THEY HAVE A PLAN IN PLACE. Let's face it, we needed upgrades on the line last year and we needed receivers. We got one high draft pick (good but instantly (previously) injured) and one FA who couldn't work his way on the field displacing bad players. WE GOT NOTHING FOR RECEIVERS. We still got nothing.
We're headed down that same path this year. Is Torry Holt gone already?
March 19, 2009
#23 jdawg said . . .#16 Boldin had a hip injury 07. He has only played 2 full seasons out of 6.
I don't expect JA to rip on departing players. I'm just saying it's stupid to have a regularly scheduled interview with someone who isn't going to say anything. Why even have it?
March 19, 2009
#24 jdawg said . . .I wouldn't mind Holt at all. My point was, until he was released the pickin's were slim or crazy. Also, I suspect after the Moose signing (which was a big-money signing at the time) they're going to be a little more cautious.
Man -- how did NE get Moss for a 4th rounder?
March 19, 2009
#25 Tenacious D said . . .speaking or reveivers -- I read that Forte was split wide during mini-camp drills. He looked fluid and ran great routes.
It looks like we'll have great receivers at every position but the receiver!
March 19, 2009
#26 CA BEAR FAN said . . .Wow. I can't believe the St. Clair lovefest going on on this site. All you St. Clair lovers need to realize that he wouldn't start for any other team in the league, and the only reason he did for us was that Williams got hurt. Angelo offered him what he was worth, backup money. I'd rather give the $3 mill per year to a rookie with a great upside. Then bring in somebody off the scrap heap for $1.5 mill per year to back him up (who'll also be better than the Human Turnstyle we know as St. Clair).
March 19, 2009
#27 MattIsMyForte said . . .WAYNE post #3- I agree with 100% this team is ran by an old lady who doesnt give a shit about football...I wish someone would come in and take care of this team....but hey its CHICAGO and this is what we get from all of our teams! ENJOY!
March 19, 2009
#28 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .I wonder if there will be dancin' in da streets of Chi-City the day that old bag kicks the bucket? I know I'll be doing cart wheels out here in San Diego! Ding-Dong Da Bitch is Dead, Which ol Bitch? Da Cheap Ass Bitch! Ding Dong Da Cheap Ass Bitch is Dead!!!!
I Still Like Da Bears.
March 19, 2009
#29 Wayne said . . .I would be sad if Virgina died,The last of the bloodline to the great Halas would be silenced,An the Mike(trust fund) McKaskey Era would start.
I saw that picture before,wasn't great the 1st time.I doubt it being repackage in HD/Blu Ray make it better.
At least when she was precieved to be in charge,I saw 2 SB games with Bears players in it.
March 19, 2009
#30 Urlacher FTW said . . .Holt is now a Viking. This is bullshit!
March 19, 2009
#31 Tenacious D said . . .They signed Glenn Holt Wayne, not Tory.
March 19, 2009
#32 Urlacher FTW said . . .#29 Wasn't Torry. Different Holt.
March 19, 2009
#33 Murph said . . .I am thinkin about Matt Jones..
I mean he's no super star but in 108 attempts to him he only had 4 drops; that seems sure handed, and he's young, and he's 6'6". I don't really know much about him, just that he's more than likely a better wideout than anything we currently have and now we have to get a tackle out of the gate.March 19, 2009
#34 MattIsMyForte said . . .#27 Matt.........Come on man, thats plain wrong wishin death on someone, you may think somehow she is resposible for the shortcomings of the team, but its real wrong to hope someone dies.
March 19, 2009
#35 Murph said . . .Murph- Lighten up. I don't wish death upon the old bag. I wish for an end to the McKaskey Family's Reign over the organization. She dies, they sell. At least that's what I'm hoping for. I didn't say I hope she dies, it was a joke. Why are so many of you guys so Goddamn serious and whiney on this site? I enjoy coming here and rappin with you guys, but seriously, Lighten up. The regular season is 6 months away. Will you guys be bitchin and moanin all summer? Or can we have a little fun? If not, thank god Roy is back.
Jeff, love what you're doin man, please don't take my comments in a completely negative light. Just tryin to add some humor to these dreary threads.
Murph- I was just asking a question, and making a joke. So I got it, you won't be dancin in da streets. I'm still doin cartwheels homey. Anyone else?
I Still Like Da Bears.
March 19, 2009
#36 jeremy34 said . . .Matt, I take no offense...and I understand your frustration, but if by chance a member of that family read that, well I just figure if someone wrote they would cheer your Mothers or Grandmothers demise you prolly wouldnt take it too lightly. So I take about most everything pretty light....I'm just sayin I think it might be a little much....but my man you are entitled to your opinion.
March 19, 2009
#37 Albert in Tucson said . . .I would imagine any general manager would get a Boldin or a Cutler if they could right?........right???
March 19, 2009
#38 Anonymous said . . .Let's face it. The Marching Orders from the McCaskeys are PAINFULLY obvious: Recession + pending NFL labor unrest = Hang onto as much money as possible. The Bears should just put up a big sign that says: "Sorry fans, but we make as much, or more, money by being mediocre so deal with it. Oh, but thanks for filling the stadium (and our pockets) IN SPITE of the insulting "Mickey Mouse" philosophy of management that we regularly employ.
March 19, 2009
#39 Rancid said . . .Gents -
The problem with our team is not the players. It is the coaching. If you want to get pissed at Virginia, get pissed that she will not fire a coach with three years remaining on his contract. The same coach who parlayed his trip to the Super Bowl into a four year contract extension, by sending his agent into the media wildernesss chanting "lowest paid coach, lowest paid coach." Actually, I give Lovie to much credit. My guess is his agent drummed up that strategy, because strategy is not one of our Head Coaches skill sets.
We did make some moves with respect to the staff (Lovie basically demoted himself, Babich Patch was demoted, and the Marinelli addition). I believe in Marinelli's brand of leadership with the D-Line. We will have Monsters in the Midway in 09.
With that said, I still want Jay Cutler to ensure we play well into January. Get Some.
March 19, 2009
#40 jdawg said . . .Being a Bears fan is worth the pain during the season when I can actually watch games. Right now it just sucks with no positive returns
March 19, 2009
#41 MattIsMyForte said . . .yeah -- Lovie got us to a SB in his 3rd year. What an asshole.
March 19, 2009
#42 Anonymous said . . .Murph- Point taken. I'm just sayin, when the good lord decides that it is her time to fly. I hope the team is sold to someone who gives a shit about winning.
In one post someone bitches about JA not making any moves ( they won't let him) and in the next one they say they would be sad when the old lady is gone. My point is, its not all Jerry its the ownership. He's the monkey boy that has to take the heat, but can't give the REAL reasons why he makes the decisions he makes, or it will be his ass. He will continue to give vauge answers like it or not. We will address OT and WR and hopefully Safety.
Other than that, I still like Da Bears.
March 19, 2009
#43 Shady said . . .#jdawg -
Lovie was not entirely responsible for the success of that team. The catalyst was was the D, just like the previous year, and the DC was not resigned after the SB. Chico Rivera was as responsible for the trip to Miami as Lovie was. And JA was the guy bringing in Thomas Jones, John Tait, Des Clark, Fred Miller, Mushin, and the rest of a decent offense. Not to mention the wicked special teams players he signed/traded for or drafted that year (Devin, Robbie Gould and Brendan Ayenbadejo).
Lovie is a deer in the headlights, and I hope he has been doing everything he can to improve his decision making. He needs to learn and train his mind for this job. INMHO, he is routinely out-coached.
March 20, 2009
#44 Anonymous said . . .People need to stop being so damn PC about everything, JA about his Bears, Murph about old people...I'm joking... But seriously, you can only take so much "Bears babble" before you start demanding some honest answers...
Albert in AZ, I just got back from Cubs spring training and I can't tell you how much I'd love to become a snow bird one of these days. But, I think you're absolutely correct regarding the Bears reacting conservatively to the global economic meltdown. They've already frozen ticket prices and have stayed away from pricey free agents, I would almost bet money the Bears are going to trade out of the 18 spot in the draft to reduce the signing bonus. Such a move by the Bears would be just fine with me, especially if it involves improving the secondary and either the offensive or defensive line.
March 20, 2009
#45 Max said . . .Draft Josh Freeman.
If not we can see him become a franchise QB in Tampa, and soon we'll be wishing we drafted him.
March 20, 2009
#46 animal said . . .I concur Phil. I dont like the BOLD format.
I still say we should be making an effort for Holt...
I still think Angelo is a complete idiot. Say what you want about the McCaskeys (They do make life difficult) but some of Angelo's draft picks are enough to condemn him in my mind.
Bear Down. Still another month+ to go til draft day.
March 20, 2009
#47 enderwiggin said . . .I like all the negativity- it means we will be surprisingly good, right? I have been consumed with the Alaska 1A boys bball championships all week. Our boys went to the big game but came up short. Great seasons. Aside from being a ppal I moonlight as asst. coach.
March 20, 2009
#48 Matt said . . .I'm with Phil from satx, this font is not right.
March 20, 2009
#49 Anonymous said . . .Angelo is garbage
March 20, 2009
#50 Brokeback Bears Blog said . . .# 48
You are as wrong as two boys humping.
March 20, 2009
#51 jeremy34 said . . .Go Bears in spite of your GM and Coach
March 20, 2009
#52 FRESNO,CA BEAR FAN said . . .I think the Chicago Bears need a bailout so we can sign some players.
March 20, 2009
#53 Murph said . . .FUCK VIRGINIA! there i said it for everyone! hahaha
March 20, 2009
#54 Z said . . .In 05 and06 team payroll was around 23rd in the league, the last two years payroll was in the top ten in the league and we sucked...payroll and free agents dont get you to the promised land.......(see cubs and yankees and cowboys).....its all players and coaches....the right ones!! Ya gotta have the right ingrediants.
March 20, 2009
#55 Z said . . .Well the ingredients that JA seems to be getting are either old or of suspect quality. Like milk from China. What kinda cake you gonna bake with that? How's it taste bitches? Just kidding. I like you guys. And Nicole and Megan and that other Bears girl that was here for a minute from Minnesota.
March 20, 2009
#56 Shady McDraft Fan said . . .But seriously we need some WR's, Safeties and some O-linemen that are starters. NFL starters. Possibly even good ones if that isn't too much trouble.
March 20, 2009
#57 Z said . . .Z, HA haha that's funny...
I'm still tryin' to figure out what JA is going to do in the draft.... So many OPTIONS...So many possible combinations... Did anyone here take finite math? Statistics? The way JA has played his hand this off season has made me extremely anxious about the upcoming draft. I want to say that it's going to play out like this: OT, WR, DE - But it could just as easily look like this: WR, DE, S !
I think we can all agree that the Bears have several positions they need to 'upgrade' in order to win a Championship... Perhaps maybe 1 if you're talking about upgrading the QB position... I know the Bears say they're "close", but if they really mean it, they'll make a move to get that one guy (Oher, Crabtree, Haynesworth) to put 'em over the top... Just like Stallone. If not, move down Jerry and pick two guys who you know can start in the next year or two.
March 21, 2009
#58 jeremy34 said . . .What percentage of draft pics does JA hit on? As bad as I want that #18 pick, at this point I think maybe he should do his trade down thing since we have so many needs and maybe with more chances he will get a few good ones. He does good with the getting more picks part. That's half the battle. Maybe we can keep him for that. His title can be Vice President in charge of trading down and drafting Defense after the 3rd round.
March 21, 2009
#59 jeremy34 said . . .So many people talk about how many picks Jerry fails on....what about all the picks that have panned out in later rounds. He may not be the best...but he is cetainly not in the lower third....surely not the lower half.
If you follow other teams as close as the Bears you would see how many picks other managers fail to get right.....granted we have a history of bad first picks.....but that is not just JAngelo tenure....Williams is to be determined....and we have had some great 2nd 3rd and 4th rnd picks.
March 21, 2009
#60 Babootycall said . . .Right now it most certainly looks as if we will go offensive tackle in round 1....or if they are convinced we are good with omi at rt....and williams at lt.....then we go with a bad ass offensive guard....but thats hard to see.
Problem is...you have to think other teams know what we will do in the draft....given our financial status....we won't trade up.....and I doubt we trade next years picks for this years due to money reasons.
So hopefully teams don't move up right before us to get our tackle....
Then we need wr.....and of course that position has the steepest learning curve there is in the NFL outside qb. But yet we are so thin at wr that we you would think we have to draft one.
Last year we went in not knowing are wr's, lt, qb, and rb
this year at least it is just wr, and at most both tackles (granted that is crucial to success)...
my point being...if we sign a decent wr...a decent tackle and draft both of the same inthe first two rounds....we will look a lot better.....and it is likely we do both....
March 21, 2009
#61 Babootycall said . . .jeremy34.... r u fucking serious? Benson (1). Michael Haynes (1), David Terrell (1), Colombo (1), Grossman (1), Mark Bradley (2), Bazuin (2), Roosevelt Williams (3), Leon Joe (4). Roe Williams (3), Terrance Metcalf (3), Danielle Manning (2), Micheal Okwo (3), Earl Bennett ???(3) Thats the first 3 rounds, which most of the rookie salary pool is devoted to. Most GMs get at least some value out of later value picks because you have hungry players looking to prove they were overlooked. "surely not in the lower half"???? 5 first round picks failing for the Bears out of 7 drafts? Yeah you're right hes definitely above the curve. Not to mention his personnel decisions that cost us more of our draft picks that end up performing elsewhere. How about his big FA signing of Kordell Stewart and the other quarterbacks he has provided us with. Picking an injury prone tackle (Williams), in the first round nonetheless, instead of Otah and Baker. This guy is definitely a certifiable draft genius.
March 21, 2009
#62 Z said . . .Pardon my error with David Terrell on Angelo's draft record. I just figured he would have been a JA pick. And I forgot Tank as a 2nd rounder...
March 21, 2009
#63 Anonymous said . . .Any chance of our co-resident stat man Vizzini (mikeb is on hiatus) or someone researching how JA stacks up to the other GM's and teams. It can't be good. After 3rd rd defensive starters? Sure. Besides that I bet it's pretty bad. And thank goodness Olsen and Forte were winners or where would we be?
March 21, 2009
#64 Babootycall said . . .# 60
How much of those failures should rest with the coaching staff not getting the most from their players?
Mark Bradley was traded to KC last year and summarily put on a clinic. He even tossed a 50 yard option. Did you see him do that in a Bears uni?
Marc Columbo is starting in Dallas. He is an above average RT. They gave up too early on him after he sustained that brutal knee injury. You can't argue that that was not a good pick.
I'm not giving JA a pass, but the coaches are paid to get the most out of their players, and they routinely do not.
March 21, 2009
#65 zisk said . . .Anonymous
I agree with you in that of course some of the blame rests with the coaching staff (or lack thereof of one). But as you know, the GM selects the coach in most all cases and it was Angelo who got rid of Jauron and handpicked Smith to be his coach. Thus, the lack of development by the coaching staff also falls indirectly under Angelo's responsibilities. If he saw talent being wasted away by coaching inadequacy it his duty (and his alone) as GM to fire the coach and get someone that can develop the "talent" he drafts.
March 21, 2009
#66 Decatur Staleys #7 said . . .Does anyone know anything about this glenn earl guy they're thinking about signing. He's a free safety from the texans and he's been injured the last couple of years.
March 21, 2009
#67 Shady said . . .Here you go about Earl
March 21, 2009
#68 animal said . . .I think I remember that play where this kid Earl was run over by Benson... Yeah, back when Benson looked like he actually might contribute something meaningful to the team.
March 21, 2009
#69 Z said . . .JA has blown some picks like EVERY GM but has stocked us with enough talent (we DID go to the SB two years ago with his guys).
I have spent time and effort making the case that he does great in rounds 2-5 on past posts. Not going to go back and research it, but I won't condemn him. He has hit some home runs, Like Forte last year, or the Hester-Manning 2nd round, stealing Mark Anderson in the 5th and maybe the D lineman Harrison last year... I don't blame him for Ced being an alcoholic moron, and the jury is out on Williams.March 21, 2009
#70 Anonymous said . . .69 is mine.
I say bring in as many as we can and let em duke it out in camp.
Go Bears!!!
March 21, 2009
#71 Willie from Chicago said . . .Here is a list of guys Angelo has drafted that are still with the Bears (or playing elsewhere):
2002 (9 picks total) -
Marc Columbo, Alex Brown, Adrian Peterson2003 (12 picks total) -
Rex, Lance Briggs, Peanut, Todd Johnson, Ian Scott, Bobby Wade, Justin Gage2004 (8 picks total) -
Tommie Harris, Tank Johnson, Bernard Berrian, Nathan Vasher2005 (6 picks total) -
Cedric Benson, Mark Bradley, Kyle Orton, Chris Harris2006 (7 picks total) -
Daneil Manning, Devin Hester, Dusty D, Mark Anderson2007 (9 picks total) -
G. Olsen, Garrett Wolfe, Josh Beekman, Kevin Payne, Corey Graham, T. McBride2008 (12 picks total) -
Chris Williams, Forte, E. Bennett, M Harrison, Steltz, Z. Bowman, Kellen DavisHow about the Free Agents (or trades) that he has brought to this club:
Robbie Gould, Thomas Jones, Brendan Ayenbaydejo, John Tait, Fred Miller, Des Clark, Mushin Muhamed, Roberto GarzaMarch 21, 2009
#72 Max said . . .AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH, when is baseball season going to start? I cant take it anymore.
BEAR DOWN
GO CUBS!!!
March 21, 2009
#73 Max said . . .I hate Angelo... This is the guy Earl, he was the one that was hurt in preseason once when CEDRIC BENSON ran him over. Might as well just have kept Mike Brown, who has played in more games than this guy.
March 21, 2009
#74 Vizzini said . . .Clarification: Mike Brown has played in more games than this guy overall, but to be specific, has played in more games in the past two years than Glenn Earl has, which is saying something.
March 22, 2009
#75 Z said . . .#63 It's not that Mark Bradley sucked, it's that a blowing leaf hitting him in the parking lot put him on IR for 4 weeks. Also 380 yards isn't a breakout seasonhttp://www.nfl.com/players/markbradley/gamelogs?id=BRA220941 .
In 4 years Marc Columo started 7 games. He was judged expendible after Tait and Miller came to the Bears.#62 Z, the amount of time it would take me to get a comparison to the average GM would be after the draft lol. There are way too many things to consider in the calculations(control of drafting, systems on offense and defense, coaching and development, injuries, and player needs to team needs based on availability in the draft).
However, I did do a little research on JA. He was a scout for the Giants, so could be considered a helper in the making of the superbowl 21 Giants. Then he helped turn around the Bucs franchise in the 97-2000.When he came to the Bears in 2001 Jauron still had draft control. It wasn't until 2003 that Angelo assumed full GM control and fired Jauron. His first full control draft was the 2004 draft.
So lets take a look at the individual drafts.
2004 Tommie Harris wa sa solid #1, even though he was a give me at the first DT off the board, #2 Tank turned into a problem/bust, but was a part of the reason the Bears made it in 06, #3Berrian(one trick pony) was the top WR in the 06 run, #4 Vasher has shown skills and at a 4th round if returning to form was a great pick, #5(round 4)Leon Joe who?,
2005 #1 Cedric Benson was a bust , #2Mark Bradley had the skill but not the body/BUST, #4 Orton would be a good pick at a back up in the 4th round( so the starter has to be a good pick),#5 was Currie who never worked out, #6 Harris- was good but they let him go because of too many players at the position(my how quickly things change)
2006 no #1, 2nd round Manning and Hester were a reach for both( can't say Hester was worth it since they drafted him at DB, 3rd round was Dvoracek (he's always hurt), 4th Jamar Williams(special teams?), 5thMark Anderson who was great as a rookie, but is worthless since.
2007#1 Olsen was a give me as the first TE off the board, #2Bauzin is a bust having never recovered from IR, #3 Wolfe was a reach, but the jury is still out, 3rd round Okwo still a special teams player, 4th round was Beekman who played solid but not dominant last season, 5th Payne(not worth the Bears hype IMO, also 5th was Graham, who they say has the ability
2008#1 Williams- I will chaulk up to necessity in needing an immediate starter and not a developing LT, #2 Forte looks to be a great pick, #3 Bennett doesn't seem to be a stand out WRbut how many are in the third round, 3rd round Harrison is hyped to be a great DT but needs more playing time, followed by Stelz, Bowman, and Davis. The three needed more playing time for development so are undecided.To me a player needs to be more than a shooting star to be a worthy draft pick.
2004Harris ans Vasher were hurt, Tank and Berrian are gone = BUST
2005Benson, Bradley, Harris all gone=BUST
2006 Anderson had one good season, while Hester has shown development=BUST
2007Olsen was a good pick, but a backup LG and SS =Bust
2008 This season will tell but Forte excluded =BUSTTo me a GM needs to make at least three good selections every year(two starters and a back up). That keeps a rotation of healthy players in the game if you are averaging 10 years out of your starters.
March 22, 2009
#76 Z said . . .Thanks Vizzini and Anonymous. I didn't think anyone would get too crazy, just hoping to bait someone into throwing us some data. Thanks guys.
Sounds like some of us might be able to pull off what he has with that # of picks. Hmm. I'll try it for a lot less then they pay him. Here that old lady? More money for you. Call me.
March 22, 2009
#77 Shady said . . .Minicamp: Stuff from Da Site
http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=5667March 22, 2009
#78 Max said . . .The Bears really need Earl Bennett to 'figure it out" in '09, it would allow them to avoid selecting a WR in the 1st round. But what I don't understand, is that if Earl Bennett became the SEC’s all-time leader with 236 receptions in just three seasons at Vanderbilt, why is it that he didn't catch a SINGLE ball last year?
March 22, 2009
#79 FRESNO,CA BEAR FAN said . . .That is an easy one Z... He didnt catch a pass all season because he wasn't put on the field during a passing play all year. He didn't even get a chance.
Stupid Lovie.
March 22, 2009
#80 Vizzini said . . .Shady- Ron Turner said that Bennet didnt really understand the offense and also, he didnt really get good seperation from the Dbacks in practice...but this year i am sure he will have a break out season....I think we should be mostly focused on our OLINE, cause we are a running team and thats what makes us DABEARS!.......WR we should be fine with what we got...OLINE FIRST ROUND
March 22, 2009
#81 The Ghost of Halas said . . .Z, I don't know if Mariusz Pudzianowski is strong enough to open the old ladies coin purse.
#79 RT is a must, but it doesn't have to be first round. Those are more LT than RT. They should be able to get a stud in the second.
March 22, 2009
#82 do said . . .Hey, guys and gals.
A little off-topic, but...
...is anyone else greatly concerned that Rashied Davis is in a Bears uniform and Torry Holt is not?
March 22, 2009
#83 jdawg said . . .I hope that when JA has not picked one person to draft with the 18th pick yet. We have seen him reach (Hester, Wolfe) so it would seem that when he gets a player in his head he is determined to take them.
I am hoping that he waits to see who is there and picks accordingly. If Oher or Smith are on the board you take them, either of them would have been a top 5 pick last year in my opinion.
Also I really want to know from the people that want us to take Heyward-Bey with the 18th pick, why do you want us to draft him other than the fact that he is fast and tall?
The guy wasnt even in the TOP 125 in receiving yards and he only had 13 tds in HIS CAREER!! Hakeem Nicks had 2 times as many receiving yards and 12 TDS LAST YEAR.
(Im not saying that I want us to draft Nicks with the 18th pick either Im just saying if we are going to take a receiver at 18 Nicks will be the better pro out of the 2 in my opinion.)
March 23, 2009
#84 B said . . .Crist at the Scout site calls Bey this years Troy Williamson. I hope we don't pick him.
From what I've seen of Nicks -- me likey.
March 23, 2009
#85 Vizzini said . . .Ghost of Halas I have to agree with you. Rashied Davis couldn't catch a nerf football thrown by a middle schooler, and Holt would be a great pickup.
March 23, 2009
#86 Anonymous said . . .I think that's because Davis justed signed a 3 year contract extension in 08.
I don't care what his name is. The Bears desperately need a WR that can go deep, and maybe catch the ball that hits him in the hands.
March 23, 2009
#87 jdawg said . . .Honestly, Bey will be a bust, he's not as fast with pads and he is not as tall as everyone thinks at 6'1 5/8. He is not a polished receiver by any means.
Bey = Boom or bust pick... and if Jerry picks him which one do you think it will be?!
Make it easy, trade down! First three picks are WR, OT, WR
Nicks, Beatty/Britton/Loadholt, Britt/Robiskie/Barden
...and the rest of the picks for defense.
Yes, two receivers should be selected in the first 3 rounds... I mean how many do we have now? Lord knows no free agent receiver will come to the Bears.
March 23, 2009
#88 The Ghost of Halas said . . .you know, as much as some of us don't like Lovie (I don't include myself) he does have a good reputation with players around the league. Also, money talks. Is Holt's phone ringing off the hook? Harrisons? I have no idea. Maybe JA's waiting to see what the market is for these guys.
I would like the addition of Holt, so let's not jump to conclusions that A) we don't have any interest in him and; B) he has no interest in us.
March 23, 2009
#89 Murph said . . .Yes,
But my point was in reference to my uninterest in Rashied Davis continuing his career in Navy and Burnt. I would prefer Davis leaving the Bears than to Holt coming to them.
As far as Davis' three year contract extention last offseason, I think that is bad medicine. Football is a business and you throw money at players because you believe it will benefit the team and you'll win games with him. A three year contract with Davis was outrageous.
March 23, 2009
#90 The Ghost of Halas said . . .Does anybody find it odd, when Lovie talks about teaching the fundamentals? Damn, if your a pro football player, shouldnt you already have a grasp of the fundamentals?
March 23, 2009
#91 Urlacher FTW said . . .Haha. Football is a little different than algebra, Murph. But you're right.
March 23, 2009
#92 DTB said . . .Yes and no Murph,
I do see your point, but the reality is some people can make it to the Pro's simply by having great athletic ability. Hester is a great example here in Chitown. I mean if he tries out last year for WR he doesn't get rostered but simply off raw athleticism he is good enough to start while being taught the fundamentals.
The other thing is that people can get lazy and develop bad habits that don't really show when they have the strength and speed of youth to make up for it, but as they age, the bad habits are apparant and need to be broken. I think Urlacher fits in here, he has trouble with pursuit angles and getting off blocks, when younger he had enough speed and strength (and a healthy Harris) to make up for that, this year not so much.
So after watching the poor tackling and lack of swarming to the ball of the Defense in 08, and all the drops and poor blocks on Offense I think it was refreshing to hear they were going to break it down that far, not just assume they know because they are in the NFL.
March 23, 2009
#93 AbarmDamp said . . .Bears @ Pack
Sunday Night Football
Sept. 13 7:30March 23, 2009
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March 21, 2010
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