The New York Times called 4th and Long, the exciting and football thirst-quenching new show hosted by Michael Irvin on Spike TV, "disingenuous". Their rationale being that the program claims to offer a roster spot to one of the twelve budding professional ballplayers who, for reasons ranging from an agent screwjob to being from my New Jersey hometown, have not found their way into the NFL. It only offers a spot in camp.
Did you expect the television writer for the Times to know how football works? I'm not sure the sports writers for the Times know how football works.
These twelve guys are competing for a chance to go to Dallas Cowboys training camp and compete for a roster spot which, contrary to the opinion of the nation's top newspaper, is not an offer allotted to every athlete with a pulse. Will any of these twelve guys play a down in the NFL in 2009? No. Will any of the twelve make a practice squad? Possibly. And for a football player, that's a pretty damn big deal. Let it also be stated that the eleven remaining guys each have played football at a significant level (Big Ten college, Arena League, semi-pro...etc.) These guys ARE football players.
The first episode of the series revealed a few things. (1) Michael Irvin dresses like a designer superhero and can brilliantly deliver a cliche-ridden-yet-effective sports monologue about NOT GIVING UP. (2) Vomiting on television is captivating, especially when there's a lot of vomit. (3) Athletes - perhaps more than any other walk of life - hold to dreams despite a cavalcade of contrary circumstances. These guys are compelling not because of the challenge set before them but because of their own beliefs that they're capable of doing exactly what I've said they can't do: play in the NFL. They'll vomit and cry and be humiliated on television for a long-shot chance at the dream.
And all of these revelations make for a television show that is worth watching. Hard Knocks (this summer featuring the Cincinnati Bengals) has become must-see viewing for the desperate football fan, itching for the season to start. It's fan training camp. 4th and Long is fan OTAs. Hopefully these two shows will merge in the coming years, allowing us to have a vested interest in the Hard Knocks camp characters. For now, I'd just set my DVR for Spike tonight at 11 and let the smell of football enter the kitchen. Even if the meal isn't being served for another four months.
#2 The Ghost of Halas said . . .Firstest and the bestest.
May 19, 2009
#3 zisk said . . .I certainly would like to see a Hard Knocks on the Bears. If memory serves me correctly, they came to Halas Hall and asked to do last summer's series on Chicago. Coach Smith put an end to such aspirations, however, thinking it would be a distraction. I think it would be damn good television.
May 19, 2009
#4 Fresno, Ca BEAR FAN said . . .3rd
May 19, 2009
#5 FIFTHY McFITHERTON said . . .ok
May 19, 2009
#6 Foxtrot Tango Packers said . . .Dallas suck balls and so does the favre network.
May 19, 2009
#7 Foxtrot Tango Packers said . . .The Favre network has gone overboard.
Definitely downloading this via piratebay this evening.
you hear now, they are talking about moving the SB to Germany? isn't London and Germany cold places in the winter? but God forbid we have it in the states somewhere cold... absolutely horrible
May 19, 2009
#8 zisk said . . .Why don't we just let Canada run America!
No says I!May 19, 2009
#9 BDG said . . .no says i too
May 19, 2009
#10 Da Coach said . . .'4th and Long' Looks pretty interesting. Seems like a competitive advantage for the Cowboys. These kids aren't jokes. They are from legit college programs.They can possibly find a solid special teams guy from this group.
Jeff was the kid that got cut the one from your hometown? I saw he went to college in Jersey. Kinda saw that cut coming he was pretty weak.May 19, 2009
#11 Spawn of Ditka said . . .Thanks for the heads up on this new show, I will start to watch this one. I think its great they are doing the Hard Knocks on the Bengals this year, hopefully the crew cameras work after 1am when most of the team finds ways to get into trouble late at night.
May 19, 2009
#12 Al In WI said . . .Michael Irvin sucks dog.
May 19, 2009
#13 Matty Southside said . . .Michael Irvin is a drug dealer and a criminal who belongs in jail. When he was on espn's pregame show, he ruined it. I refused to watch while he was on there, and I'll refuse to watch this.
The only Irvin show I'm interested in is "Locked up: The Michael Irvin Story."May 19, 2009
#14 do said . . .Long-time reader first-time poster. Jeff, you're always spot-on with topics and info, and I'm excited to see the new site. I live in Dallas now, and Michael Irvin hosts the afternoon show here on ESPN Radio. Though I'm not a huge fan of his, he has a particular insight to the game that keeps you engaged at times, akin to what Deon brings to the table. Glad to hear '4th and Long' is worth a look, as I set up the DVR last night. As a Bear die-hard living in Indian country down here in Dallas, I'm looking for any football fix I can get.
Does anybody think Derrick Brooks would be a good addition? His familiarity with Lovie and Rod and his knowledge and experience I think are huge intangibles. I think he makes Brian and Lance better, provides veteran depth, and would be a great addition to the defense in the locker room.May 19, 2009
#15 Albert in Tucson said . . .I was really surprised by this show last night. I just happened to see it was coming on and decided to watch it, and I am really glad that I did.
That one WR from North Carolina with dreads looks like he could be good. After all of those sprints he still ran like a 4.6 or something in full pads at like 6'5''. That is pretty impressive.
May 19, 2009
#16 BDG said . . .I second the motion of my namesake in WI.
To paraphrase General William Tecumseh Sherman: "The only GOOD Michael Irvin is NO Michael Irvin. "
I will pass on "4th and Long".
May 19, 2009
#17 Dave said . . .I wouldn't let Irvin ruin it for you. He really wasn't all that involved in it last night. I agree morally Irvin is trash but the show is pretty interesting.
Matty Southside-I don't see a fit for Brooks with the Bears. I've always been a huge fan of his but not sure he would be a good strong side LB . He's slowed down and not sure he could cover TE's. Plus at this point we need to some youth at LB.May 19, 2009
#18 Anonymous said . . .Matty Southside-You're in Texas and your not getting enough football?
Dumbass, you're in football heaven.
Oh, I guess being a Bear fan, you probably don't recognize good football.
May 19, 2009
#19 Joseph said . . .Irvin is not a drug dealer he had been caught using you want to call a man trash for having an addiction. He also brought a very unique perspective to espn pregame. That show is boring without him nowdays
May 19, 2009
#20 ben in norcal said . . .Dave likes Michael Irvin's Purple Crayon
May 19, 2009
#21 BDG said . . .Dear Dave,
This is a site for fans of my beloved bears and of football in general. Jeff goes to lots of trouble to keep insightful and intelligent discussion flowing, as do all these posters here. I enjoy reading these posts everyday and wish the season started last week. Then there are your posts which are completely irrellevent and never add anything to the discussion. I know everyones always instructed to ignore you
but I just had to ask wtf your problem is? Who came down to where you work and slapped the dick outta your mouth?May 19, 2009
#22 Dave said . . .Dave,
How you gonna like your Steelers starting out 0-2 this year? They get run over by the ex-Bear Jeff Fisher led Titans then have Cutlers coming out party on your secondary in week 2. I can see it now, the famous Pittsburg blitz that we couldn't do anything about in the past will be picked apart by our new golden arm. 0-2 Dave start saying it now and get used to it. You should get by Cincy in week 3 though, I'll give you that. You ever find out if your boy will be back this year?May 19, 2009
#23 Dave said . . .BDG-Your analysis proves why parents should keep plastic bags away from children.
Next time I see your mama, i'll slap her for doing that to you.
As for Fisher? What can I say. The man sucked as player, and is an utter joke as a coach.
He had one of the the best teams last year, and they team choked.
He and the team flat out laid down when it came crunch time.
Of course being a former Bear that shouldn't be a surprise to anybody.
The Bears organization have a history of choking.
No reason the think things will be different this year.
May 19, 2009
#24 Anonymous said . . .ben in norcal-
Now go get your lollypops and cool aid ready. I think spongebob is coming on.
May 19, 2009
#25 MattIsMyForte said . . .ben in norcal-oh and calling Irvin a drug dealer and Favre a cry baby pussy are real intelligent and insightful.
You want an insightful comment? Whomever turned you on to the Bears should be jailed for causing you irreparable mental harm.
Here we go Steelers - here we go!
Count the rings.
O O O O O O
May 19, 2009
#26 Babootycall said . . .Seriously Dave, get a life you troll. What kind of numb nutz visits a fan site (DAILY) of a team he doesn't like? A fucking loser, that's what kind. What brought you here & what is your beef with Da Bears anyway? Did your uncle wear a bears jersey when he touched you your no-no as a kid or some shit? Fuck off D-Bag! Aren't there any Steelers blogs you can go to? I wouldn't know, because I'm a Bears Fan! Only a social reject would go out and blog on a fan site that wasn't their team's and talk shit. We're not even in your division!!! Beat it & then eat shit.
May 19, 2009
#27 Joseph said . . .Dave seems particularly anal today. I wonder if he woke up swimming in his sweat after having a recurring night terror that instead of trolling around on a Bears fans' blog he actually was spitting his sputum in a Bears fans' bar where he couldn't hide behind his silly little boy nickname. Something tells me that silly little "Dave" would be a lot more quiet and neighborly if that were the case. In fact, I bet he even wears a Bears jersey to better fit in.
May 19, 2009
#28 Dave said . . ."Did your uncle wear a bears jersey when he touched you your no-no as a kid or some shit?"
That's good stuff...
Dave please come back anytime!
May 19, 2009
#29 MattIsMyForte said . . .MattIsMyForte-Steeler fans don't need a blog.
Only you shut-in Bear fans do.
How funny is it that you call me a loser and you're on here all day long exchanging stupid one liners with people you've never met, and act like they're your cousin.
And stop acting like Bear fans don't go to other team sites and talk shit.
I'll bet you do yourself.
May 19, 2009
#30 MattIsMyForte said . . .Good call Babootycall! No doubt this ass clown would be singing a different tune in person.
D-bag, your arguement or holds no water. Me? I frequent this sight to read other BEARS FANS' thoughts and ideas about my beloved BEARS and RARELY comment. I don't act like anyone is my "cousin". You? You frequent this sight because you long for your childhood days that were filled with negative attention and verbal beatdowns. (Lets not forget those ever-so-creepy weekend drives with your petter-ass uncle from Canaryville)
Never been to another teams blog site and never will. Beacause I'M A BEARS FAN.
Get a life poop dick.
May 19, 2009
#31 MattIsMyForte said . . .What's a Petter-ass Walter?
May 19, 2009
#32 Foxtrot Tango Packers said . . .Donny...Please.
May 19, 2009
#33 BearsTransplant said . . .Lol... Donny, you're outta your element
May 19, 2009
#34 MattIsMyForte said . . .How we know that Dave/Anonymous is a moron/13-year-old:
Claims to be a Steelers fan...(Wasn't he a Packer fan originally?)
And yet he trolls around on the blog on an NFC NORTH teamI mean, I'm sure you troll on Browns/Ravens/Bengals blogs too, but really... we see you about once every 4 years. WFC?
I'm baffled.
In any case, the only position on our team I'm worried about is safety, and if we can get a decent pass-rush I'm not that worried about it. I think Steltz has the ball skills, just not the athleticism/strength. The FA signees, and probably Afalava are camp meat, and Kevin Payne is a big hitter, who doesn't wrap up very often. Broken record, and all that.
Our receivers aren't great, but who here had ever heard of Eddie Royal or Brandon Marshall prior to Mr. Cutler's arrival in Denver? Did he make the receivers, or did the receivers make him? Hard to say. We'll find out. In any case, I can't wait to see 50-yard bombs to Hester, and what Forte can do against 7 in the box. *Drools*
May 19, 2009
#35 The Ghost of Halas said . . .I'm with you on that, I have to say, the Safety position worries me too. However, I know Payne did not do a great job of securing the tackles last year but that can be taught. Something like that shows up on tape repeatedly. I feel confiedent that he will be drilled everyday on that aspect of his game.
I really don't want Burress. Everyone seems to be clamouring for this guy but just stop and think about it for a bit. Just a bit. The guy has been in the league for quite a while now with the Steelers and then the Giants. He's no spring chicken.
REC YDS TD AVG LONG
35 454 4 13.0 33Those don't blow me away. What does, is the fact that people are looking at what he did two years ago and failing to acknowledge that we do not know how he will even perform after shooting himself in the leg. Period. You just don't know. Plus, the jail time...
Just not worth the risk. I still think Ocho Cino would be a better gamble.
May 19, 2009
#36 MattIsMyForte said . . .Marvin Harrison, anyone? He's still out there.
May 19, 2009
#37 Foxtrot Tango Packers said . . .I Like it Ghost. Not many others seem to be into it. He might not have the speed or durability he once had, but THOSE HANDS!
May 19, 2009
#38 The Ghost of Halas said . . .Again... Matt Jones... big, quick... C H E A P
I don't have the reference, but i know i have read that, regarding Payne's lack to tackling had something to do with a nagging Injury, which gives me some hope, because man that kid can hit.
May 19, 2009
#39 Joseph said . . .Yeah, you're quite correct. He's a hard-hitter (early in the season). But, like I've said before, Payne is a player who sometimes sacrifices a tackle for a hard hit.
May 19, 2009
#40 Shady said . . .Holy crapola...
http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2009/05/strong-side_competition_pisa_t.html
May 20, 2009
#41 Foxtrot Tango Packers said . . .Looks like he's going to get to pick between Chi and Philly.
Chicago seems like the better fit considering his familiarity with the coaches (Lovie, Babich) and their scheme.
This would be great for the D, I really hope it happens. Nothing against Hunter or Roach... Well yeah. They're just not as good as Pisa.
Lemme lemme upgrade ya!
JA and Lovie, you've got the cap space so DO it.
This just seems inevitable now that he's gonna visit. Just chain 'Lando Pace to him and he won't be going anywhere outside of Halas Hall anytime soon!
May 20, 2009
#42 BDG said . . .I think this would be a pretty sweet deal.
I like Hunter Hillenmeyer, but apparently, looking back, he isn't as good as i originally thought
May 20, 2009
#43 Duff Diggler said . . .Sign Pisa up! He's small, but I didn't realize he played strong side in Lovie's D his first year, and also played it in his third year. He's only 27 so even if he needs to get bigger he is young enough to add weight to make us better for years. We have the cap room, he's a proven player that knows the system. What LB wouldn't want to play here? I think this one will happen too. JA will continue uncharacteristically strong off-season.
May 20, 2009
#44 Sarcastiholic said . . .Sign his ass!
God damn i'm excited for this fucking season!! AAAAAAAGGGHHHH!!!!!
Kick the fucking ball already!!!!
May 20, 2009
#45 Anonymous said . . .I think he would be a good addition on the strong side. He likes to get in and hit people. He might be a bit undersized for a LB (reports have him playing at 225lbs last year), but that should help his speed.
I would love to see the D flying to the football again. Crowds of Bears jerseys smothering whoever was unfortunate enough to get the ball.
May 20, 2009
#46 BearsTransplant said . . .Im sure well sign him, look at our FA signings outside of Cutler:
1.)signed a backup FS from a secondary worse than ours
2.)signed a backup TE from the worst team in NFL history
3.)signed our most important Oline position from the 2nd worst team in the NFL
4.)didn't sign starters at either position of greatest need (WR and FS) coming into the offseason
5.)signed the coach from the worst team in NFL history.. why wouldn't we go digging through the trash of an awful NFL team again to sign someone at a position where we have depth.. that's the recipe for success.
May 20, 2009
#47 Albert in Tucson said . . .Ha! Grossman again:
May 20, 2009
#48 Dave said . . .Apparently, there is no tread left on the once great tire known as Marvin Harrison as there seems to be no interest, league wide, in signing him. Last I heard he wasa headed for retirement.
May 20, 2009
#49 Fresno, Ca BEAR FAN said . . .MattIsMyForte-I'M A BEARS FAN!!!
Talk about getting negative attention as a kid. What sorry bastard turned you on to this faggy team?
Your dad must have hated you to subject you to this miserable team.
Starting with the old bag Virginia on down.
You can go as far back as you want. This organization continually chokes.
Exception the 85 team, which i'll say were probably the biggest chokers of all.
All that talent and they only won 1 SB.
I'll give you credit for one thing. You keep going back even though they kick you square in the nuts every year.
May 20, 2009
#50 Pd said . . .Lovie is trying Corey Graham out at FS
May 20, 2009
#51 Dave said . . .Sign Pisa. I think he'd be a nice addition to an already awesome LB core. Hunter, who i like, has been the weak link to that unit for the last 2 years. Nick Roach is OK, but Pisa is a sure thing. Even if he only plays 60% of the downs, I think it can only improve our whole cover 2 scheme... which will probably be more traditional now that Lovie is taking over (i.e. less of this MUG defense, which only worked for the first few games).
Also they are moving corey graham to FS. I think he has the right physical characteristics to play there. He has good size and speed, and tackles well. He can't be any worse than Bullocks. So Vasher and Moore compete for DB. If Vash can get back to his old ways, and Graham can actually learn FS, our secondary just got alot better.
I really think the key is going to be pass rush. And dispite what RM did in detroit as a head coach, he is THE best D-line coach for cover 2 that there is. We have alot of talent on the D-line, so if they can play up to expectations the secondary will look alot better.
So don't stress bears fans. The D will retrun to form. The Bears will win the NFC north.
May 20, 2009
#52 ben in norcal said . . .Pd said: Don't stress bears fans. The D will retrun to form. The Bears will win the NFC north.
Do you clowns actually believe that moving a couple of scubs to different positions will actually improve your D.
Ask yourself. Why did the Rams cut this guy. Answer: Because he gets hurt al the time. The guy has lost a step and can't contain.
The Rams hired one of the leagues best D coordinators. Don't your think if he worth the shit, they would have kept him?
I hope the Bears sign him. Then you can add him the list of oast failed FA signings.
Look, your D is washed up. Urlacher is at the end of his career, and the same chumps on the line that got steam rolled last year, are still there.
Same ole shit, different season.
May 20, 2009
#53 Dave said . . .Wow Dave, thanks for complimenting on our 85 team! Your right, with that much talent on one squad they should have won more superbowls that year... so insightful of you, but there was only one sb that year, so i'm still trying to figure out your math on that one. I'll just stop cuz your a fucking idiot. God forbid I say anything negative bout your almighty steelers. After all they did destroy the almighty 9-7 az cards this last time around didn't they? Oh, wait, actually they were almost beaten by those cards. Bet you probably had to change your shorts a few times during that one while old man warner torched your secondary. Fitzy made it look pretty easy too. Come back and talk all that shit, Dave. But I don't go on other blogs to cry and bitch at excitited fans. I just can't wait til your boys go to soldier field, I can't wait to hear what you've got to say then. You are a very small and miserable person. Go find a cards blog, I bet you can really get those guys, you must be so proud...
May 20, 2009
#54 Max said . . .I'm sorry I've been such a miserable bastard. I am a closet Bears fan but I am such a cockbag that I can't admit it. Does anyone know where I can get an AIDS test done? I love taking it in the rear and now am paying the price.
Sincerely,
Cock eating DaveMay 20, 2009
#55 BearsTransplant said . . .Sorry, it sounds compelling and all, but I have enough trouble keeping up with the blog, much less a random TV show. I dont even have HBO so Hard Knocks is out also...
Speaking of blogs, when is this new set up going to happen???
And what about the T-shirts?... ok now, I am just beating a dead horse.
May 20, 2009
#56 Fresno, Ca BEAR FAN said . . .Rod Hood to visit Bears, per PFT. We don't really need a corner... are Lovie/Angelo thinking free safety?
And Dave, I'm sorry to hear about your HIV status. That must be rough. Just head on down to good 'ol Stroger Memorial (I'm assuming you don't have insurance): 1900 West Polk Street
Chicago, IL 60612.It's a really great neighborhood. I recommend talking to everyone you see; particularly the people with burned lips, track marks, and missing limbs.
May 20, 2009
#57 Mike Phipps said . . .why is Dave so worried about the Bears? I mean why does he seriously care about what we say or what the bears do? Dave, honestly, grow up! nobody here cares what you say......I have a tattoo on the back of my neck that says "FUCK HATERS" ... this is why i got this tattoo for people like you.....HATER!
GO BEARS!
Other Note: Does anyone feel like Da Bears are Super Bowl bound next year?
Ive been thinking and doing some comparison in the NFC and I like what Da Bears have and what we can do....2009 is gonna be exciting I cant wait!
May 20, 2009
#58 BDG said . . .Fresno, I'm optimistic but SB is a bit of a reach until we see these guys play a game. Much has been made of the fact that it's largely the same personnel on the defensive side of the ball (though the Tinoisamoa possibility is intriguing) so we'll have to see if Marinelli and Lovie do make the difference that we all hope. We also need to see if they sign a WR or if Bennet or Iglesias are the real deal. If all of these things are somewhere around good to great then, yep, I'm with you. It's time to start thinking big things. But, from my standpoint, too many if's to handicap it in the Bears favor. Playoffs, though, are a shoe in.
May 20, 2009
#59 BDG said . . .This Graham thing kinda makes me sick! On one hand I think he is a true ball player and will end up being the best FS option we have if that's what we go to camp with, but I also think he is the best CB we have and he's so young.
Rod Hood is a good corner- I don't see him switching positions. I would gladly take another good CB especially now that they have moved Graham. We still have no clue what to expect from Vasher this year.May 20, 2009
#60 Babootycall said . . .0-2 Dave start saying it
May 20, 2009
#61 Fresno, Ca BEAR FAN said . . .Dumbass Dave... You once again confirmed what everyone here knew from the start...You not only do not know ANYTHING about football (how to spell it is included in "ANYTHING"), but you just spit random garbage out of your mouth without any basis (factual, theoretical, or otherwise). Tinoisamoa has lost a step??? Are you serious.... Considering how he led the Rams in tackles with 135 last year on a shitty ass defense, I would definitely agree with you...
Fuckin idiot.
Fresno, I completely agree with you. Superbowl or bust. I don't see why not. The underachievers on D from last year can only do better...
May 20, 2009
#62 Foxtrot Tango Packers said . . .I am hoping that we do sign Pisa....cause man that would be a great Linebacking core!..... Im not a big fan of Hunter "to SLOW" Hellenmeyer... and Nick Roach....
May 21, 2009
#63 Shady said . . .I agree... I'll jump on the Vote for Pisa bandwagon
May 21, 2009
#64 The Ghost of Halas said . . .Jake Peavy to the Chicago... White Sox?
You've got to be kidding.
May 21, 2009
#65 Perno said . . .OTA seems very intersesting. Corey Graham might be making a permanent trip to Free Safety. Zack Bowman filling in at Corner for an ailing Charles Tillman.
According to the Sun Times, yesterday's depth at safety was Steltz and Payne with the first team and Graham and Bullocks with the second.
May 21, 2009
#66 Kevin from WI said . . .I watched the first episode and enjoyed the hell out of it. Definitely suggest checking it out.
May 21, 2009
#67 Dave said . . .So I was browsing this football messageboard I frequent and found this post in the Chicago Bears forum:
"who are the lions . the team that beats youre pitiful team twice this year. cutler drops back and throws to who. oh thats right you dont have a number one receiver. Cutler wont do squat with youre pitiful offense. from a pit fan."
I think this may be Dave.
May 21, 2009
hahahahahahhaahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah.
Thats funny! You guy can't get enough of me.
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahh.
May 21, 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.