Editor's Note: I have no idea why I call these things "rodeos" but I certainly like it.
Corey Graham to Free Safety
Moving CG to safety is a sound move if Nathan Vasher plays like he did a few years ago and not like he did during his miserable 2008 campaign and either Tru McBride, Zack Bowman or a possibly-signed Rod Hood emerge as a viable nickel option. I'm assuming that the Bears (and the rest of the league) believe Mike Brown is no longer capable of being a professional football player or it would make very little sense for him to still be a free agent. His leadership alone would be worth a one-year deal.
The Best* Thing About Jay Cutler...
...is perfectly described by Ron Turner in Dan Pompei's Trib column: "We'll definitely move the pocket more with him," Turner says. "He is good at it when it's called to move the pocket, and he also is good at creating a play, extending a play when nothing is there. That's something I'm really excited about. If everything is not perfect -- protection, you don't get the coverage you want -- he can create something by moving around." The knock on Kyle Orton was his inability to improvise beyond the first or second read and thus it limited how creative the play-calling could be. We were vanilla and predictable in the passing game. Those dogs no longer hunt.
*besides the multiple Super Bowls he's going to win here.
Our Message to the city of Chicago: Go to Hell
It seems every time municipalities get into trouble, working people end up making up the difference. In New York, during every economic cash crunch, I end up paying more money to ride the goddamn subway. Now the city of Chicago would like to retroactively amusement tax season ticket holders for their personal seat licenses - a ludicrous hat on top of a ludicrous hat. The Chicago Bears should do everything in their organizational power to put a halt to this. Think of it as a business transaction and ask yourself: do you want fans entering Soldier Field with or without that five hundred bucks at their disposal? Or think of it from a human standpoint: how far do you think you can push fans before they stop coming to the park?
#2 Peoria Matt said . . .1st in da division
May 21, 2009
#3 Peoria Matt said . . .Second.....DAMNIT!!!!!
O.K., I just got done reading a story on PFT and Carson Palmer has basically thrown Ocho under the bus.
Is it time for Da Beloved to make an offer for Cinco?
I'll hang up and listen for my answer.
May 21, 2009
#4 MikeBrownhadaPosse said . . .Also, I'm a Cubs fan and I could give two shits about the season right now. I'm ready for the Bears opener right now. The Cubs are soooooo painful to watch.
May 21, 2009
#5 Sarcastiholic said . . .There is no way the PSL "amusement" taxes will hold up IF it gets to court (which I don't think it will). No way. You heard it here first.
Ocho? I think he wore his @ss out with the post-TD celebrations a couple of years ago.
Seriously, something's physically wrong with the guy...probably permanently. Is he worth a crack? Sure, but not for the $$$ he's looking for. Give him a couple of months to appreciate what his real market value is.As for point #1...yes. It is worth a one-year deal, even if it is to have him on the bench yelling at guys.
May 21, 2009
#6 Sarcastiholic said . . .I'll take the fifth
May 21, 2009
#7 MaddBearFan said . . .Don't mind the move of Graham over to FS. Would like to see some competition at that spot since everyone seems kind of shaky.
May 21, 2009
#8 jeff said . . .I also got a kick out of the comment from Turner about not rewriting the play book for JCut and "picking Mike Shanahan's" brain as to how to utilize his talents. WHY don't you just hire him to tudor you on how to write pass plays Ron!! I'm sure he could use a few bucks. He's got some jewelry that proves his references. You got any Ron??? And DUUHHHH, your gonna have to write some plays for him Ron!!! I don't think JCut likes to play the "da deer in da headlights game", Ron, no sireeee, he don't . OK, I'll shutup now!!!
May 21, 2009
#9 MaddBearFan said . . .the only upside to a losing 2009 season would be mike shanahan's 2010 season in chicago.
May 21, 2009
#10 ben in norcal said . . .I wasn't gonna go that far Jeff, Buuutttt...if the shoe fits..You know!
May 21, 2009
#11 Sarcastiholic said . . .Jeff-
I've always assumed your use of the term 'rodeo' was to signify that it was a ROUND-UP of sorts(yee-haa!!!). Anyway I love it- keep it comin.
Ocho's best is behind him especially when considering what he would cost us. Futhermore, he doesn't seem to me like the 'mentor'-type like your Holts or harrisons may have been. My vote is wait and see what shakes out 'round the league aroud training camp time- maybe boldin gets into a holdout situation or something(I can dream). If not, I'm ok with what we have now and eager to see what Jesus Chri...I mean Jay Cutler can do with it. In your prayers remember da dears, Amen.May 21, 2009
#12 The Dude said . . .Shanahan in Chicago would be interesting but I would rather have Cowher. Guess it would depend on the DC Shanahan would brimg in.
May 21, 2009
#13 Mike Shanahan said . . .1. Hey Ron, "those dogs no longer hunt"? Really?
2. I believe Nate will be back to being great this year. He stunk when the scheme stunk.
3. Free safety will not be the weak link of this team. I love Corey Graham at safety. I think that when football is your full-time job we shouldn't make excuses about how hard it is to switch and learn new positions. Be a football player. Troy Brown up.
4. Jeff, you don't believe in Danaiel Manning as the nickel back? I also like what I'm hearing about the little guy, D.J. Moore.
5. Bears fans will NEVER stop coming to the park.May 21, 2009
#14 Virginia said . . .Chicago? Why would I come to Chicago? Don't you know I have a secret deal to be the next San Diego coach when Norv falters this year?
May 21, 2009
#15 Lovie said . . .Um, you don't know me very well, do you? Mike Shannahan is too expensive.
May 21, 2009
#16 jeff said . . .What do I have to do to get some "love" around here? Do you realize that the Bears are second only to the Giants in wins over the past four years?
May 21, 2009
#17 do said . . .i'm not a fan of danieal manning on defense doing much else that providing a burst corner rush on the outside.
May 21, 2009
#18 do said . . .Personally I do not want Shannahan in Chicago, I really hate the guy.
My offensive coordinator in high school was a guy named Marcus Nash. He was drafted by Denver and played there for a couple of seasons and won a ring. He did not have a good thing to say about Mike S. so it kind of rubbed off on me. If we are looking for a coach next off season I hope we do not hire the guy.
May 22, 2009
#19 Shady said . . .Personally I do not want Shannahan in Chicago, I really hate the guy.
My offensive coordinator in high school was a guy named Marcus Nash. He was drafted by Denver and played there for a couple of seasons and won a ring. He did not have a good thing to say about Mike S. so it kind of rubbed off on me. If we are looking for a coach next off season I hope we do not hire the guy.
May 22, 2009
#20 Shady said . . .I think I just saw a double do.
ChicagoNow seems a lot more like ChicagoLater. What gives jefe?
Most improved in 2009? Devin Hester. I wish I could look at that coaches tape and find all the plays where Devin was open in space, but either because of the line or the QB, we couldn't get him the ball. Hester and Olsen are on top of my 'most improved' list.
For the most part, I don't like all this switching of personnel in the secondary. It makes it more difficult for the players to excel at their position because they might not feel confident or comfortable in what they're doing. That being said, I really like the Graham Cracka at free Safety. Needless to say, the FS position is the last line of defense and they NEED to be able to make the big tackle to prevent the long backing-breaking play. If Graham did anything last year it was tackle. Sure you could say it was because coordinators and QBs were testing him, but the guy can clearly wrap up. Steltz and Payne? Not so much. If Graham can figure out how to diagnose plays and put himself in the right positions to make plays on the ball, he can succeed. Hopefully Lovie pushes the right buttons and the Bears will be able to find some sort of consistency and stability in that secondary, something that was certainly lacking this year.
Bear the fuck down people.
May 22, 2009
#21 jeff said . . .And yes, that would be BACK breaking and LAST year.
May 22, 2009
#22 Shady said . . .some chinks in the chicagonow armor right now that are being worked out. one day you'll wake up and end up there.
May 22, 2009
#23 jeff said . . .Wait. Are we talking about the new site, my ex's bed or jail?
May 22, 2009
#24 BDG said . . .shady...my favorite comment left in three years.
May 22, 2009
#25 Fresno, Ca BEAR FAN said . . .Laughing my fucking ass off there Shady! That was one to be remembered. haha great
May 22, 2009
#26 zisk said . . .SIGN PISA!!!! GET THAT MOFO!
May 22, 2009
#27 Max said . . .awhile back some one asked larry mayer if so many tackles was a good thing. i was trying to find it but the search function on da site is almost worthless. anyway larry observed that a significant percent of his tackles were running backs carrying the ball and things like that. if anyone can find it id love to know what the exact number is.
May 22, 2009
#28 zisk said . . .Nice Shady.... I like Graham at FS. If he makes the move and is effective, then all we need is a Wide receiver to step up... or to go get one. ::HINT::
Cowher over Mike S.
Bear Down
May 22, 2009
#29 BDG said . . .I think Graham has the skills to be a stud safety and I liked Payne as a strong safety, Tillman is solid and Manning was a playmaker at nickleback. That leaves the other corner position as our biggest defensive weakness. The candidates look like Vasher, Mcbride, Bowman and the rookie Moore. Personally I'm praying that Bowman recovers from his injury and can stay healthy. In that game against minnesota he was a difference maker and even after he got hurt he played through the pain to grab the final interception. He reminds me of a former bears safety who was known to have a posse
May 22, 2009
#30 enderwiggin said . . .I agree with Jeff on danieal manning on defense. Other than his blitzing that he showed late last year he has been pretty bad no matter where he has lined up in the secondary. He's still young and a great athlete so hopefully he takes a step this year. I would think this would be his last shot at playing D for us, plus I think he's a FA after the season.
Absolutely Cower over Shannahan.
I don't like our depth at cb at all since they are moving Graham. I hope they sign someone, preferably Hood because he's good and younger (27). A lot will hinge on Vasher. If he can return to form AND stay healthy we will be good. Just seems like we've had too many injuries to Vash and Peanut to move such a good young corner like Graham but I guess i'll just keep my fingers crossed.May 22, 2009
#31 Babootycall said . . .I think we sould give Lovie a chance 'till 2012. Mike Singletary will be available then. That would be about right, wouldn't it? 2012, Mike Singletary head coach, next thing you know the bears are 14-0, its Dec 22. and the end of the world prevents our first SuperBowl of the millenia.
May 22, 2009
#32 BearDown1982 said . . .According to the War Room, the Bears drafted 4 of the top 100 NFL prospects in the draft. On second look they actually have 3 in the top 50! Not bad considering they didnt draft until middle of 3rd round.
Gilbert: 37
Moore:40
Iglesias:48
Freeman:98http://warroomreport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=359&Itemid=93
May 22, 2009
#33 BearDown1982 said . . .Should be interesting to see what Graham can do at free. It is worth a shot considering we don't seem to have an answer at that position. Plus, Payne is capable of being a decent strong safety if he doesn't always try and go for the big hit resulting in some big whiffs, but we'll see.
I'm excited about DJ Moore big time right now. I'm hearing that he is a feisty, physical corner...exactly what Vasher isn't. I'm thinking with a strong camp, he might give Vash a run for his money.
May 22, 2009
#34 johnny chicago said . . .By the way...I will be running in a 10 mile race tomorrow in Chicago.
Why am I running? Because the race finishes on Soldier Field. How cool is that? I never thought I would be excited to run 10 miles at 7:30am on a weekend, but I can't wait.
Maybe I'll wear a shirt that says 'Re-sign Mike Brown' in protest. (because that will make a difference)
May 22, 2009
#35 animal said . . .Graham to FS is a decent move but I'm still convinced that a Mike Brown who is NOT coming off of a rehab stint of a career threatening injury was a must sign player. He is healthy and the team that finally realizes it will get a great player that will be able to compete at levels we have seen in the past. We are willing to sign Glen Earl coming off of a Lisfranc injury (just like Brown) but are unwilling to sign Brown...a healthy Mike Brown mind you, for even a one year incentive laden contract?
Pisa would be a sick addition to an already capable linebacking core even though i kind of want to see Lance in the middle and Urlacher on the side.
I agree with Shady that Hester will be most improved and he will make us cheer a whole lot this year...unless Turner keeps running the Shoop WR screen that yields an average of 1 yard and exposes our tiny receivers to crushing hits by outside linebackers.
Turner had better bring his A game or else fire him. I wish i could suck at my job and make 7 figures.
I can't even watch baseball because i am so confident that we will be in at least the 2nd round of the playoffs this year. BEAR DOWN!!!
May 22, 2009
#36 Worm0922 said . . ."Troy Brown up."
Shady I tried out the Hester-Cutler deep ball on Madden 09. Had a 2,000 yard recieving season with Hester. threw for 5000 yards and 55 TDs with Jay.
May 22, 2009
#37 Worm0922 said . . .Don’t be so down on Manning! He’s from a division II school, but he has been changed back and forth position wise. Plus, I think they will could them resigning him, because they would have done the same with Hester if he only returned kicks. I’m not saying they are on the same level, but still. It’s hard to find great kick returners. Stop the dreaming about a new coach, Lovie has done a good job! And when, we get in the playoffs with a chance to win it all, we should just say “Thank you!”
Second point: Ron Turner gets a pass this off-season from me. We got to see good play-calling until Orton goes down and Davis had too much Movie Theatre popcorn.
Today is a sad day with Jake Peavy rejecting the trade! That would have until held me until the August meltdown!!!!!
BEAR DOWN
May 22, 2009
#38 Urlacher FTW said . . .Sry, I'm all over the place!
May 22, 2009
#39 sixth mcsixster said . . .#34 - Glenn Earl has had 2 complete seasons off in 07 and 08 and still only has 4 less starts than Brown since 2004. I loved Brown, great Bear, but was becoming a liability to the team and hasn't been very good since 2003. His stats in 08 were very pedestrian and they were his 2nd or 3rd best all around numbers in 10 seasons. Also Brownie is 31 and Earl is 26, yes they have similar injury issues but they aren't paying earl much either and maybe they feel that they are getting a young Mike Brown-like player for a steal and if he doesn't pan out they don't have all the commitment overhead.
I don't really like Pisa either, he just doesn't have the size to play the Strong Side, I guess if he could stay in the 240-250s I would say hell yah but I don't want a 220lb LB trying to stop AP 2x a year. I would rather see what the kid out of Kansas can do, he is a monster.
I do agree with you that Hester should be greatly improved and I am hopeful that Iglesias will make a big splash this season. And RT better pull his head out because there won't be many excuses after this season.
May 22, 2009
#40 the dude said . . .We should get into the Josh Cribbs sweepstakes. Having Hester AND Cribbs would be insane.
May 22, 2009
#41 Matty Southside said . . .#30 cracked me up ... damn end of the world, ruins our perfect season every time. I'm a Lovie fan, but I can't tell you how much Coach Singletary BELONGS on the Bears. Who didn't watch him, his eyes, his leadership in the 80s and think: someday this guy will be our Coach!
May 23, 2009
#42 MikeBrownhadaPosse said . . .It's been hard for me watching Singletary spend his coaching career outside the Bear's organization. He's the most instinctive football player I've ever seen. I wore #50 in high school because of him, and can't imagine there being a better motivator in all of sports. Lovie's done a fine job, but my one knock on him is his perceived lack of fire. Singletary coaches like he played, with more passion and football intuition than anyone else. He's the ultimate Bear Coach, period. Plus, he's probably the only man alive that understands the 46 well enough to consider bringing it back with the right personnel. If he came to Chicago and resurrected the greatest defensive strategy ever conceived, I could die happy.
May 23, 2009
#43 SC Dave said . . .From Biggs in the Sun-Times
"If we didn't mention it Wednesday, looks like the Zack Bowman to safety movement has ended. He was back at left cornerback filling in for Charles Tillman (shoulder). With Graham going to safety it's fair to assume Bowman will remain at cornerback."Is Tillman still recuperating from last year's shoulder problems or is this new? Dude has some jacked up scapulas; I like Bowman, but lord help us if Tillman isn't healthy this year.
May 23, 2009
#44 BearsTransplant said . . .I likewise consider Singletary a fabulous choice. Maybe get Mike Brown (or Fencik?!) to help with the DBs; keep Toub and Marinelli.
Ron Turner has not impressed me in any way at all, especially developing QBs - it is hard to imagine an OC doing much worse of a job than he did with Grossman*. And how many times did that stupid bubble screen to Hester work?!? Gracious, Ron!
(* Well then again, maybe Ditka and Tomczak (ducks tomatoes thrown by the faithful of the Church of Da Coach). Ditka was not OC of course, but he ruined Tomczak nonetheless.)
May 23, 2009
#45 BearsTransplant said . . .Anybody catch Lebron's shot last night? If that was a series ender, I'd say it beats Jordan over Ehlo.
I think all the talk about our D-backs depends completely on the pass-rush; teams literally got 4-6 seconds to thrown on us last year, and we were fantastic about blitzing to the side where the extra protection was. Barely anyone got off of a pass-block to go after the QB. Let's hope Marinelli/Gilbert/Moore have some impace.
Also: OTA highlights are up on the Bears official site. Watching the receivers actually catching the pass in-stride; not having to stop their movement to come back to a poorly thrown ball. I'm lovin' it. 10 TDs for Hester this year, on offense alone. You heard it here first.
May 23, 2009
#46 Max said . . .I meant Melton, not Moore. And throw, not thrown. Gah. It's too early. Moving all my GF's stuff into my place today, after I just broke a fever last night. All my friends are bailing on us too. Wish me luck. *Groan*
May 23, 2009
#47 Max said . . .To be fair though Urlacher FTW, Earl and Browns numbers might be similar and Earl might be younger, but Brown had more heart than any bear out there and was a leader in the locker room.
Glenn Earl will not be that type of player.
Josh Cribbs would be an interesting story. We would have arguably the three best returners in the NFL. Or at least the two best (Manning hasnt gotten the respect yet)
OTA's are good and all but talk to me when you we get to preseason. Mike Haas looked great in training camp and never made the field (although you could make a case he should have). It just doesn't excite me as much. At least not unless 670 the score starts broadcasting from Bourbonnais.
Bears Down
May 23, 2009
#48 Joseph said . . .BearsTransplant... Good Luck
May 23, 2009
#49 Joseph said . . .Good news fellas....
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-nflstarcaps052309&prov=yhoo&type=lgnsMay 23, 2009
#50 Joseph said . . .I have a feeling Fucktard DAVE won't be on here for a while!
May 23, 2009
#51 MaddBearFan said . . .Wait, never mind...Dave is a band wagon jumping Steelers fan.
May 23, 2009
#52 zisk said . . .Auwwww, poor Vikes. I mean the GIANTS basically LET you win the last regular season game so you could win the division!! Paybacks a bitch, ain't it! Why don't you teach your players to read what's on the labels of shit they put in their bodies! And it's the players responsibility not to take the wrong shit anyway. Oh well...TFB
May 23, 2009
#53 zisk said . . .too bad the bears dont face the queens until week 11, id love to see what kind of game forte could have without the williams sisters.
May 24, 2009
#54 do said . . .i just went on the vikings website and looked at their first 4 games. at browns at lions vs 49ers vs packers. unfortunately only the niners are a good running team. so this didn't help us out as much as i would have liked. incidently if you get really bored, go to the site and look at picture for "putt for the pink" under events. the two most homoerotic colors plus the unfortunate name will make them the unwitting target of fifth graders every where.
May 24, 2009
#55 Fresno, CA BEAR FAN said . . .With the Williams sisters out for the first four games I really could see them starting the season 1-3.
AND in the second week of the season the Detroit Lions get their first win in over a year.
May 25, 2009
#56 Duff Diggler said . . .Yup, the Queens can definately loose three of those games......I would look out for the lions, new management, new coach, and you know they are hungry for a win, and ready to prove people wrong......
May 25, 2009
#57 zisk said . . .The NFL said that they will allow the queens to stagger the suspensions....
...i.e. they wont both be out at the same time. stupid....
May 25, 2009
#58 Foxtro Tango Packers said . . .only three comments since i was on yesterday, jerry needs to sign pisa so we can have something to talk about. oh i know! lets bring grossman back to compete as a backup, that should be good for 50 or so angry comments.
May 25, 2009
#59 MaddBearFan said . . .No Grossman!!!
May 25, 2009
#60 Joseph said . . .Agree about NOT bringing Rex back, in fact I'm still pissed at Lovie for NOT putting in Calib when Rex was getting boo'd off the field, and Orton was out there (to his credit) hobbling around trying to play. I sometimes wonder what the hell Lovie is thinking when he is a little too conservative.
May 25, 2009
#61 Fresno, CA BEAR FAN said . . .Jeff, you need some more followers on Twitter buddy...
May 25, 2009
#62 jeff said . . .so when are these changes to the blg supposely gonna happen?
May 26, 2009
#63 Joseph said . . .i'm not on twitter.
May 26, 2009
#64 MaddBearFan said . . .Well someones posting your columns on Twitter under DABEARSBLOG....and Im following
May 26, 2009
#65 Shawn Butler said . . .Gotta love it, Chilldress is telling Fart-ve to shit or get off the pot asshole. And Farve still ain't gotten his arm fixed yet. The Vi-Queens must be getting desperate. Oh REX.....
May 26, 2009
Saw that Gale Sayers and Mike Ditka are playing in an event called the Sports Legends Challenge. Evidently it is a fan experience event and you can compete with them v. other fans and sports legends.
May 26, 2009
Here at DaBearsBlog, you are free to kill us or the Bears as you so wish. You are not free, however, to be an asshole. So if you spew racism or ill-meaning foul language (cursing about football is just fine) or anything of that ilk, your comments ain't gonna last long, jerk.